By Andriana Simos and Vicky Drivas
Tears, laughter and music filled the Cyprus Community of NSW’s Stanmore club on Saturday, August 23, as more than 400 people gathered to bid farewell to a venue that has been home to generations of Cypriots for over four decades.
Organised by the Community’s Dancing School, the ‘End of an Era’ party was both a farewell and a celebration of everything the Stanmore club has meant since opening its doors in 1989.
Families, alumni, and friends reunited, with food trucks serving Cypriot favourites, children dancing alongside their teachers, and older members reminiscing about countless milestones that had been shared within those walls. The night was filled with live entertainment from musicians who donated their time.
Dance teacher and organiser Nelly Klavdiou set the tone of the evening with a heartfelt address.
“A very emotional and powerful night of love, support and community,” she said.
“While this is a moment of sadness it’s also filled with nostalgia for the memories we’ve made together. Whether you’re a dancer, teacher, parent, or supporter—thank you for being here. Each of you plays an essential role in making this community what it is: passionate, creative, and united.”
A community above all
The closure of the Stanmore club comes after a fire order by the Inner West Council and the pending sale of the property for $55 million (dependent on whether a recent Supreme Court judgment will be appealed or not).
The Community will temporarily relocate, with the Greek School and Dancing School continuing their classes and traditions at new venues like The Lakemba Club and the NSW School of Languages in Petersham.
While many expressed sadness at leaving behind a space that hosted weddings, christenings, youth dances, bus trips and taverna nights, the mood of the evening also looked to the future.
“Communities like ours are not built overnight,” Nelly reminded attendees. “They’re built by the everyday actions of people who care – people who show up, who lend a hand, who support each other not just in moments of celebration, but also in times of need.”
She stressed that the Cyprus Community is larger than any building: “It’s not just the dance school, it’s the Greek school, soccer community, the kafenio, the ladies’ auxiliary, and most importantly the members. We are a community above all, coming together and rejoicing being Cypriot.”
Memories and Legacy
Generations of Cypriot Australians grew up at Stanmore – sharing first dances, first loves, and first tastes of sheftalia and koupepia. On Saturday night, those memories were relived one last time inside the familiar walls.
“It’s a very emotional day for me. I spent over 25 years in this place, volunteering, supporting and helping our community. It’s just so sad we have to leave,” Roula Christodoulides told The Greek Herald.
Musician Michael Naxakis said the club was his “second home.”
“It’s bittersweet to see it come to an end,” he added. “It’s the end of era and it’s a shame to see a club that had so much potential close its doors after so many years. I’m grateful for the experiences, the lessons learnt and the incredible people I was privileged to work alongside.”
The ‘End of an Era’ party marked not just the closure of a building, but the renewal of a promise: that the Cyprus Community of NSW will continue to grow, thrive, and honour its heritage – wherever it calls home.
