42nd Cretan Federation Convention unites Cretans from around Australia and NZ

·

The 42nd Annual Convention by the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand (CFANZ) took place in Brisbane, Queensland from January 3 to January 8 this year.

Hosted by the Cretan Association of Queensland, the week was filled with plenty of food, music and of course, lots of traditional Greek dancing performances.

Cretan Convention
Photo: Facebook.
Cretan Convention
Photo: Facebook.

On day one of the Convention, Cretan delegates from across Australia and NZ arrived in Brisbane. Later, Socrates Tsourdalakis launched his book, The Cretan Pioneers of Australia from 1829, at Olympic FC Hall. In the evening, a welcome dinner took place.

On Thursday, the Cretan Youth of Australia and NZ held their Annual General Meeting (AGM). This was followed by a gin tasting event and a cocktail party.

CFANZ cocktail party
The cocktail party. Photo: Facebook.
Cretan Convention
Photo: Facebook.
Cretan Convention
Photo: Facebook.
Cretan Convention
Photo: Facebook.

On Friday, the CFANZ held its own AGM. During the meeting, Tony Tsourdalakis stood down as President of the Federation and Emmanouel Mountakis was elected as his replacement. A new Executive Council was also elected.

Cretan Convention
Annual General Meeting was held for the CFANZ. Photo: Facebook.

Later that day, people were invited to join in on a River Citycat Ride, and the evening ended with a dinner dance.

The dance saw music performances by Cretan musicians, as well as dancing performances by Cretan dancing groups from across Australia and NZ.

On Saturday, the Cretan Youth Sports Carnival was held at Olympic FC oval, then there was a dinner held for the senior delegates at a Lebanese restaurant, Baba Ganou. For the youth, the Cretans held a C.Y.A.N.Z Kouzoulasa Youth Night.

On Sunday, a church service took place at St Anna Greek Orthodox Church in Bundall. This was followed by a Blessing of the Waters ceremony at Evandale Park in Surfers Paradise and a luncheon at St Anna’s community hall. A farewell glendi for interstate and international delegates marked the end of the Convention.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Arsenal close in on Greek wonderkid Konstantinos Karetsas

Arsenal are reportedly in advanced talks to sign 17-year-old Greek attacking midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas from Belgian side Genk.

Historic Greek orphanage on Prinkipos to be revived as hotel

The Ecumenical Patriarchate has approved plans to transform the former Greek orphanage on Prinkipos, off the coast of Istanbul, into a hotel.

Greek hospitality meets harbour views at Sydney’s newest spot, Akti

Sydney’s Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf has received a vibrant Greek twist with the recent opening of Akti, a contemporary Greek restaurant.

Crash survivor Paris Cockinos urges Aussies to donate blood

Paris Cockinos was left fighting for his life after a motorcycle accident in 2020 that resulted in severe internal injuries and fractures.

Fishermen see hope return amid Greece’s trawler ban

Greece’s remote Fournoi archipelago, rich in coral reefs and marine biodiversity, is set to benefit from a government ban on bottom trawling.

You May Also Like

Greek grandmother speaks out after being charged with drug trafficking offences in SA

82-year-old Evdocia 'Effie' Phelivanidis has denied she knew of any cocaine at her home in Adelaide, South Australia.

Theodore Skalkos: Remembering the Greek magnate of Australia’s ethnic media

Exploring the dynamic life and enduring legacy of Theodore Skalkos, the influential figure behind Australia's ethnic media. Read more here.

Jessica Mauboy and husband Themeli Magriplis welcome first baby

Jessica Mauboy and her husband, Themeli Magriplis, have stepped into a new chapter, welcoming their first child, a baby girl named Mia.