In September 2024, the Karpathian Progressive Association of Australia (KPA) marked a major milestone by turning 65.
To celebrate, The Greek Herald decided to dive deep into the association’s rich history and what it has achieved throughout the years.
How it all began
The KPA was established on September 20, 1959 in Canberra, the Australian Capital Territory, and has since evolved from its original founding committee of six members.
It was started by Con Mantinaos (Vice President), George Leon (Secretary), George Economidis (Treasurer), Mihalis Vassiliotis senior (Councillor), Emmanuel Xirakis (Councillor) and Frank (Frangios) Diakovasilis (councillor).
Mr Economidis is now 90 years old and resides in Sydney. He is the oldest and only living original member who contributed to the formation of the association.
Today, the association features more than 400 Greek Australian members, as well as eight current committee members. They include Frank (Frangiskos) Kochinos (President), Dora Vassiliotis (Vice President), George Constantine (Secretary), Maria Theoharidis (Treasurer), and Miltiadis Vassiliotis, Antonis Vassiliotis, John Mantinaos and Fina Vassiliotis, who are all committee members.
The KPA has become a widely respected association that is very well supported by the Greek community, especially in Canberra.
When the first settlers from Greece arrived in Australia in 1959, most of them came from Karpathos. Today, 90 per cent of Karpathians in Australia come from the villages of Othos and Pyles. The other 10 per cent from villages including Olympos, Volatha, Menetes, Mesohori, Pehadia and Aperi.
The reason the Association was originally started was to revitalise the island of Karpathos both in an economic and social sense, as well as keep the community together here in Australia.
Why members join
Current KPA President Mr Kochinos told The Greek Herald he joined the Association five years ago because he wanted to contribute to keeping his Karpathian roots alive in Canberra.
“I just really wanted to keep Greek traditions alive and keep the Karpathian flame going,” he said.
“For me, it’s really about the people. I love the team that I’ve got behind me as well. They’re amazing and we all think the same, we feel the same and we give off the same energy.”
Fina, a long-standing committee member who has previously held the title of President and Vice President, said she joined the committee to follow in the footsteps of her father, Mr Leon who was part of the initial committee.
“Karpathos has always been a second home to me, and being in the committee means I get to surround myself with others in Canberra who have that shared love for the island like me,” Fina said.
The youngest member and Secretary of the Association, Mr Constantine said he initially joined KPA in 2020 as he wanted to keep the connection to Karpathos alive, especially amongst younger generations in Canberra.
“It wasn’t until we were on the cusp of COVID-19 that I decided to attend the Annual General Meeting and put my name down to join the committee,” Mr Constantine said.
“I understood that we were missing that kind of cultural connection and that feeling of meeting people of the same background, and at that point I felt like I was finally old enough to be able to give back and become more involved.
“I just think it’s important to try and not let associations like this one die out. Even though I am very busy, and I’ve got a lot of work and not enough time, I still try and contribute however I can.”
The 35-year-old said one of the things he loved most about being a part of the Association is the “sense of unity” it provides.
“It feels so rewarding to be surrounded by people who share the same dreams of going on a vacation back to the island that you’re from,” Mr Constantine said.
“I just love the feeling of giving back, the feeling of celebrating various life events together and the inclusivity.”
Keeping up the KPA legacy
KPA President Mr Kochinos said he hopes to see more people get involved with the Association in the future to keep the Karpathian legacy alive.
“I feel as though I am torn between two beautiful countries, Greece and Australia, and I don’t want to see the Greek traditions ever fade away here in Canberra,” he said.
“If I could pass on the emotions and the feelings that I have for our country, I would, and I’d love to be able to inject them into somebody else and encourage them to continue keeping the Association alive. I hope to see future generations have that same drive and love.”
Over the years, the KPA has been known for holding three key annual events which bring together Canberrans from all parts of Greece to a love for food, fishing and fun with family and friends.
They include the Karpathian Turros Classic fishing competition – which is a three-day event held on the last weekend of February every year; the Karpathian Christmas party – which takes place at the end of the year; and the annual BBQ, put on at the beginning of each year.
“The fishing competition is the biggest event on our calendar, and for those three days we see men, young and old, come together, mingle, and spend quality time together. It’s just beautiful,” Mr Kochinos said.
Reaching the 65-year milestone
The KPA committee members shared how it feels to see the Association turn 65 this year, and what they hope to see from the Karpathians in Canberra in the future.
Mr Kochinos said he thinks “it is amazing” the Association has stayed strong for more than 60 years.
“I am very happy to see that it’s still alive and still hosts events that people attend. However, I hope that for the next 65 years, more of the younger members in the second, third and even fourth generations start coming in to replace the older people who are involved,” Mr Kochinos said.
Fina added, “The Association has had its ups and downs, but at the moment we’re doing very well, and it makes me very proud.”
“Over the years we’ve united a lot of people through our annual events and it’s great to see so many Karpathians in Canberra who love their island come together all these years and attend the fishing comp, the BBQ and the Christmas party,” she said.
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