The Kytherian Association of Canberra and Districts marked a major milestone on Saturday, July 19, celebrating its 40th anniversary with a sold-out dinner dance at the Hellenic Club of Canberra.
More than 140 guests gathered to honour the community’s rich history and the enduring contributions of Kytherians to cultural life in the nation’s capital.
The evening featured formal speeches, traditional dancing, live music, and the presentation of commemorative plaques to honour attending past Presidents, Michael Pentes, John Kalokerinos and Anthea Matis.
The night began with a blessing from Reverend Archimandrite Kosmas Damianides of Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Queanbeyan.
In his keynote address, the Association’s President Fotios Samios reflected on the Association’s legacy and the spirit of its founding members.
“Australia has given us the opportunity to build better lives, just as our ancestors dreamed. And yet, we remain deeply connected to Kythera – to our customs, our faith, and our sense of belonging. We are proud to be Kytherian. We are proud to be Hellenic. And we are proud to be Australian,” Mr Samios said.
Speaking of the original founding committee and early members, he noted: “What they lacked in resources, they made up for in heart.”
Mr Samios also spoke to the importance of preserving traditions across generations.
“It’s not just the big events that define us. It’s the quiet traditions – the weekly church visits, Greek spoken at the family table, children learning Kytherian dances, joining youth groups, performing proudly with the Canberra Hellenic Dancers. These quiet traditions keep our community connected across generations,” Mr Samios said.
The event welcomed dignitaries from across the Greek and Cypriot Australian community, including Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos, Defence Attaché of the Embassy of Greece; Nicholas Varellas, Deputy High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia; Barbara Zantiotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia; Steve Kartsonas, President of the Hellenic Club of Canberra; and leaders from the Pontian, Karpathian, Palaconian, and AHEPA associations.
The current committee – many of whom are second- and third-generation Kytherians – includes:
- Vice President: George Vlandis
- Secretary/Public Officer: Maria Pittas
- Treasurer: James Vlandis
- Committee Members: Nicole Swirtlich and Paul Levantis
Together, the Committee cut the celebratory cake to conclude the formalities, following a traditional performance by the Canberra Hellenic Dancers.
“Many of our current committee members are children, grandchildren or relatives of those early founders,” Mr Samios said. “That continuity speaks volumes about the strength of our community.”
The evening also paid tribute to the many members, families, and supporters whose dedication and generosity have sustained the Association over the past four decades.
The Kytherian Association of Canberra and Districts remains one of the most active Kytherian organisations in Australia – hosting cultural events, fundraisers, and religious celebrations throughout the year, and continuing to foster strong ties with the broader Greek diaspora.
