The hall was brimming with warmth, laughter, dance, and the aroma of homemade food; unmistakable signs you’d stepped into an Anemones celebration. Helen Hatzis offered visitors a taste of Eva Karpeti’s mandarin liqueur, while Georgia Sahinis served her specialty loukoumia.
It’s always cosy at an Anemones event, but Sunday, October 19 at the Darebin Northwest Uniting Church in Preston marked a special milestone: a quarter of a century of dance, friendship, and service for the Greek Women of the Northern Suburbs.
“Sometimes we forget how much we’ve offered over the years,” said President Nola Radiotis, her voice trembling with emotion after 14 years at the helm of the organisation.
“When we visit nursing homes and see older people light up at the sound of Greek music, even those who can no longer dance, we realise how much joy we bring. We don’t just offer; we receive so much in return.”
For 25 years, Anemones have danced their way into the hearts of Melbourne’s multicultural community. From festivals to aged care visits, their mission has been to preserve Greek culture through music and movement, and to nurture one another along the way.
Vice President Fotini Michalopoulos said, “I see how hard the Committee, led by Nola, seek out events that get the ladies out and about, keep them informed on topics relevant to them as mature women, see them participating in and enjoying festivals and importantly offering an alternative to an isolated life.”
The group’s performances in nursing homes remain their proudest achievement. “It’s very moving,” Nola said, pausing to compose herself. “We see people’s memories return. Their eyes shine. And for us, that’s priceless.”
Darebin Mayor Kristine Olaris praised the group for stepping “far beyond membership,” while Deputy Mayor Emily Dimitriadis, Nola’s former student, called Nola a “wonderful leader” who helps make Darebin “a special place.”
Their contribution has been recognised with city and statewide awards. Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan sent a message congratulating Anemones on “25 years of serving the community,” acknowledging their role in “fostering social cohesion and that vital sense of belonging.” It was laminated and proudly pinned on the wall.
Federal MP Ged Kearney praised the women’s resilience: “You left your homes, came to a strange country, worked so hard and raised your children. And what’s more, what’s really important is that you built your village here, for your families, because it does take a village to raise children and that’s what you’ve done.”
She paid tribute to the late Sofia Mastoris OAM, founding member of the Hellenic Women’s Federation of Victoria and member of Anemones since the early days. “You could feel how much this community misses Sofia,” Kearney said. “But her legacy of empowering women lives on in every smile and every dance step.”
Kearney dashed to her son’s 30th birthday carrying plastic tubs of keftedakia, spanakopitakia and other homemade treats, because Anemones are old school when it comes to food.
Walls were lined with photos, clippings, and traditional costumes, meticulously arranged by Faye Petroulakis and Nicki Sarimichailidis, with thumbs up from Nola. “You can tell she’s been a teacher,” joked her daughter, Peggy Radiotis, on photo duty for the day.
They weren’t the only mother-daughter pair, an emerging trend in the group. Michalopoulos recalled, “My early engagement with Anemones was as my mother’s chauffeur to weekly dance lessons and events. Fast forward a handful of years and the group has transitioned to one where multiple generations and family groups are engaged.”
Fotini Triantafyllou joined for similar reasons. “At first, I joined to encourage mum to attend, but now I love it. It’s fun, social, and meaningful,” she said.
Maria Mandilas dances alongside her mother, Konstantina Dimou, one of the first members of the group. Maria’s son, Tim Mandilas of the Florina Aristotelis Dance Group, serves as their dance teacher – recruited by his grandmother, of course.
True to form, Anemones took to the floor for sympethera, karagouna, balos, kalamatiano, and hasaposerviko. The live band – George Kiriakidis, Tim and Dean Mandilas – kept the music flowing as Zoe Radimisis sang, laughter echoing through the hall.
“Our feet aren’t always right, but that doesn’t matter, as long as we stand up, give it a go, and smile. That’s what counts,” Nola chuckled.
Behind the dainty sandwiches and poppy seed cake lies a group that’s also digitally savvy. During COVID, they mastered Messenger, and the chat remains a daily lifeline for sharing news and celebrations.
Anemones continue to bloom 25 years on, a living, breathing testament to the beauty of Greek heritage, the strength of women, and the enduring power of community.
Those who want to join in the fun for the next 25 years, can email anemonesgroup@gmail.com
