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.

greek film festival melbourne

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

The man for all jobs: How a Greek migrant turned setbacks into 7-figure success

When Christof Mantzanas stepped off the plane in Melbourne on 10 March 2015, he had just $1,000 in his pocket.

Jimmy’s Kitchen brings authentic Greek hospitality to The Rocks

Sydney diners can now experience the warmth, flavour, and soul of a traditional Greek taverna without the flight to Greece.

Greek Community of Melbourne enhances safety with defibrillator training seminar

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) took a notable step towards enhancing community safety by organising a defibrillator training seminar.

Wills without the Trojan War

After nearly 15 years in the legal industry, I’ve lost track of how many matters I’ve worked on involving family disputes over estates.

From tech to health: Greek Australians driving innovation in 2025

Australia’s Top 100 Innovators celebrate those who turn setbacks into breakthroughs. This year, three Greek Australians are among them.

You May Also Like

“To make a difference you need to make a start,” says Fronditha Care CEO, Faye Spiteri

Fronditha CEO, Faye Spiteri, on her vision for the organisation and her will to maintain it as an exemplary centered aged care provider.

Maria Sakkari advances to second round at Libema Open

Maria Sakkari defeated Dutch wildcard Anouk Koevermans 6-3, 6-4 on Wednesday at the ’s-Hertogenbosch Open, held at Autotron Rosmalen.

Bail relaxed for Sam Karagiozis to attend wedding and manage souvlaki stores

Sam Karagiozis faces charges of trafficking cocaine, ice and other drugs, but he has now been granted bail to attend his brother's wedding.