The Cyprus Community of New South Wales Ltd has announced the launch of its 2026 School Holiday Camp Program from July 13 – July 17, 2026, marking the first initiative of its kind, aimed at fostering Hellenic identity, strengthening community connection, and promoting cultural education among young people.
At a time when younger generations are increasingly distanced from language, tradition and cultural identity, the program represents a deliberate and strategic response. It offers not a classroom-based model, but a lived cultural experience where identity is strengthened through participation, connection and shared experience. It is, in essence, an environment where culture is not simply taught, but experienced.
The program forms part of the Community’s broader renewal agenda, with a clear focus on youth engagement, education, and the continuation of culture, language, and identity across generations. It also reflects a broader transition in the role of the Community itself, moving toward a contemporary cultural and educational institution centred on the needs and aspirations of younger Australians of Cypriot descent.
Designed for children and teenagers aged 8 to 16, the camp will run as a non-residential school holiday program at the Community’s Lakemba location. It combines on-site cultural activities with excursions, including a visit to the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, providing participants with a unique opportunity to engage with archaeology, history and heritage beyond the classroom.
The camps are designed to create a setting where being Greek and Cypriot is natural, confident and joyful — a true home away from home. Through this environment, participants are immersed in the core elements of Hellenic identity, including language, history, values and tradition, while embracing the enduring principles of family, respect and filoxenia. Central to the experience is the spirit of kefi — the energy, joy and vitality that defines Hellenic culture.
Participants will take part in a wide range of activities that bring culture to life. These include traditional cooking and culinary workshops, where children learn to prepare and share Cypriot and Greek dishes passed down through generations. Music, dance and the arts form a central part of the program, alongside cultural arts and crafts, storytelling and drama workshops.
Language is introduced naturally through interaction, song and play, while heritage seminars and ancestry activities deepen participants’ understanding of their roots. Outdoor games, team challenges and excursions further support collaboration, resilience and friendship.
Head of the Holiday School Programme and Director of Archives and Heritage at the Community, Dr Panayiotis Diamadis, said the camp has been designed around informal and experiential learning.
“Holiday camps emphasise education through experience, participation, and discussion rather than traditional classroom instruction,” Dr Diamadis said. “It is more than a holiday — it is an engaging and culturally enriching environment.”
He said the program extends beyond heritage education to personal development.
“It is not solely about Cypriot and Greek identity and heritage,” he said. “It is equally about developing leadership capabilities, engaging with cultural traditions, fostering teamwork and respect, and building the confidence, resilience, and lifelong connections that underpin strong communities.”
Community Honorary President Michael Kyriacou said the initiative reflects the core purpose of the Cyprus Community of NSW.
“At its core, our mission is centred on identity and culture,” Mr Kyriacou said. “This initiative brings these elements together in a unified experience. It is a significant milestone for our Community and a unique opportunity to connect young people with the values, traditions, cuisine, history, and arts of Cyprus and Hellenism, while strengthening their connection to the global Greek community.”
Honorary Assistant Secretary Andreas Paschalis emphasised the importance of investing in younger generations.
“If we do not actively build and maintain strong Hellenic connections and partnerships, we risk losing what it means to be descendants of the Greeks of Cyprus,” he said. “All Greeks have a right to learn about their identity, and these programs are designed to be inclusive, affordable and welcoming, including for participants with additional needs.”
Mr Paschalis added that the initiative reflects a broader evolution within the Community.
“We are transitioning from a migrant-based organisation into a contemporary cultural and educational institution, focused on serving the next generation of Australians of Cypriot descent, who now comprise more than 65 per cent of our community yet have historically been underrepresented and less actively engaged in community life,” he said.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that young people are meaningfully connected to their heritage, while being equipped with the confidence, skills, and sense of identity required to contribute both to society and to their community. As the fastest-growing segment of our community, they represent not only our immediate priority, but the foundation of our future.”
Dr Diamadis encouraged families to actively support the initiative.
“This is an opportunity for young people to learn about their heritage, our values, and our culture of hospitality in a fun, engaging and welcoming environment,” he said. “We encourage parents, grandparents and families to get involved and be part of this experience.”
For many families, particularly those outside strong cultural networks, the program offers something increasingly rare — a space where young people can confidently embrace and express their identity. It reinforces the understanding that culture is not something abstract, but something that is lived through shared experience, community participation and intergenerational connection.
Places are limited, and parents are encouraged to register online early to secure a place. Fees are $80 per child for members and $160 per child for non-members.
Registrations are now open. Further information and online registration are available at: https://thecyprusclub.org.au/school-holiday-camp/
