The Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand (CFANZ) successfully held its 43rd National Convention in Darwin from January 2-5, 2025.
Organised by the Cretan Association of Northern Territory and supported by the Greek Orthodox Community of Northern Australia, the convention was a spectacular celebration of Cretan culture and traditions.
The highly anticipated four-day event drew hundreds of attendees of Greek and Cretan heritage from across Australia, New Zealand and internationally, as well as state and federal politicians.
Guests included His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia; Professor Yiannis Chrysoulakis, Former Secretary General for Greeks Aboard and Current Chairman of the AHEPA International Committee; Nikos Kastrinakis, President of the World Council of Cretans; The Honourable Robyn Cahill MLA, NT Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations representing the Honourable Lia Finocchiaro, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory; The Hon. Marie-Clare Boothby MLA, Attorney-General, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Major Events, Parks and Wildlife, Racing; The Hon. Luke Gosling OAM, Federal Member for Solomon; and Michael Koulianos, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of North Australia.
Renowned Cretan musicians Nikos Vezyrakis, Giorgios Katsoulieris and Alexandros Kazakis also travelled from Crete to entertain attendees.
Many delegates arrived for the Darwin convention in late December, eager to see each other and experience what the city had to offer. Greeted by their local Cretan brothers and sisters, they embraced the ethos and purpose of the convention and came together to explore Darwin’s unique sights and attractions.
With New Year’s Eve rolling closer, more and more delegates arrived for the convention, building numbers and filling pre-booked accommodations. The hotel foyer and restaurant started to buzz every morning, hellos and hugs were exchanged, and the pool began to fill with kids.
More than 80 overseas and interstate visitors joined the local Greek community for New Year’s Eve celebrations, which definitely acquired a Cretan “flavour” at various points during the festivities. The international Cretan musicians “guest-starred” and gave everyone a preview of what was to come later in the week.
More people arrived on New Year’s Day, whilst some people enjoyed the hospitality of hosts George Mamounis and Sophia at a family BBQ that went on well into the night. Others took the opportunity to cruise the Katherine Gorge.
The convention’s Official Opening Day on January 2 saw Darwin Airport inundated with Cretans arriving in large numbers. Hire cars, Ubers and taxis shuttled people continuously to their hotels. By that stage, there was more than 160 people from NZ, Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia, as well as Greece and the USA. There was so much positive energy evident in everyone as they arrived.
Meanwhile, about 30 delegates braved the heat at the Darwin Cenotaph and paid tribute to Battle of Crete heroes and the victims of Cyclone Tracy.
The wonderful and supportive Greek Orthodox Community of Northern Australia graciously hosted the Cretan Presidents and designated State representatives for a tasty lunch and exchange of ideas.
After a swim and some relaxation, the evening festivities began with the adults and youngest kids enjoying a Welcome Dinner in the Darwin suburbs, whilst the excited youth partied in the Darwin CBD. Social media was overloaded with photos and videos from the youth function. The talk of the adult function was how much fun the kids were having at their function.
Day 2 began early with the Cretan Youth Federation’s Annual General Meeting, where youth highlighted their respective activities during 2024 and exchanged ideas and hopes for the future. After lunch, the youth attended a musical workshop with the international musicians.
Later in the evening, there was a Welcome Cocktail Party hosted by the President of the Cretan Association of Northern Territory, Mr Mamounis, in the presence Bishop Silouan who had travelled from Adelaide and delivered His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia’s message to his Cretan brothers and sisters. Also present were Mr Kastrinakis from the USA and Mr Chrysoulakis.
On the night, everyone was entertained by the junior and intermediate dancing groups from the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW and the Pancretan Association of Melbourne, performing dances in their traditional costumes, with live music from the overseas musicians. The venue was filled with smiling faces and lively discussions and laughter, as well as vibrant dancing by youth well into the night.
Day 3 began early again with the 43rd Annual General Meeting of the CFANZ. Not since before COVID-19, did the CFANZ have representatives from every single state and territory of Australia, as well as from NZ. The meeting began with a blessing from Bishop Silouan.
The delegates then began their discussions and exchanges in earnest, reflecting on a busy 2024 and planning the Federation’s activities in 2025. The AGM successfully finished a few hours later with the traditional exchanging of gifts between the Members Organisations, as well as a commemorative photo.
There was not much time to rest before people had to congregate outside the hotel in the early evening for the beginning of the first-ever Cretan Traditional “Strata/Kantada” at a convention in Australia. More than 60 dancers from Darwin, Sydney, Brisbane and Hobart dressed in traditional costumes were joined by more than 150 excited people in the hotel foyer, and were treated to Cretan music by the Federation’s local Australian talent from Adelaide, Sydney and Darwin, together with the overseas musicians.
Everyone shared in the traditional offerings of Cretan products like raki, cheese, biscuits and honey, before everyone walked together to the Convention Dinner behind the Federation’s Banner and the musicians singing, cheering and clapping the whole way there. On arrival at the hall of the Greek Orthodox Community of Northern Australia, everyone was treated to an impromptu dance by all the dancers at the entry to the venue before they entered and found relief from the heat.
Once again, the Federation had the honour of being joined by many distinguished VIP’s, led by Bishop Silouan, as well as Northern Territorian Ministers and Federal Members of Parliament.
The evening’s formalities began with some speeches, then some incredible dance performances by youth from the Cretan Associations of Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart, Perth, Adelaide and Darwin, culminating in a combined “Sousta” by all the dancers that filled the dance floor.
Two very distinguished first generation Cretans from Darwin were also honoured for their pioneering efforts in the early years of the Cretan Association of Northern Territory, which celebrates its 40th Anniversary this year. Once everyone had eaten, the music started and the dance floor did not empty until the early hours of the morning.
Those that rose early enough on Day 4 went to Church to celebrate the Epiphany service followed by the traditional Blessing of the Waters service, where Chris Townsend from the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW retrieved the Holy Cross. Many spent the day either resting from the previous night or exploring Darwin.
Meanwhile, Cretan youth participated in the annual soccer tournament under very hot conditions, moving indoors and out of direct sunlight. The Pancretan Association of Melbourne won the trophy in a thriller final in extra time.
The Cretan Association of Northern Territory hosted the Farewell “Souvla Night” for all the visitors and delegates to enjoy. Great food and music was on offer with the international musicians kindly allowing young talent from Melbourne, Sydney and Darwin to take the spotlight for a while. The official “closing ceremony” included the symbolic handover of the Federation’s banner from the NT President to the President of the next host city – Sydney in 2026.
As the night went on, many people present, who had packed, left for the airport direct from the farewell dinner, leaving those behind to enjoy the final hours of the function. The festive mood changed from joy to sadness as everyone realised the 43rd Annual Convention was coming to a close.
The mood on Day 5 in the hotel was not as lively as previous days as people departed over the course of the day and into the night. Smiles, hugs, tears and well-wishes were exchanged by those leaving. Those who had some time left, squeezed in last minute activities before leaving late in the evening. A few remaining delegates enjoyed a last meal together with the NT hosts as well.
Emmanuel Mountakis, President of the CFANZ, said, “The 43rd National Cretan Federation Convention in Darwin was a resounding success. We’re thrilled to have shared this unforgettable experience.”
“It was truly heartwarming to witness the Cretan community from across Australia and New Zealand unite in celebration of our rich heritage. The infectious energy and enthusiasm of our youth, delegates and attendees created an electric atmosphere that pulsed throughout the convention,” Mr Mountakis added.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the Cretan Association of Northern Territory, the executive team of Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand, our member associations and generous sponsors. Your selfless dedication, tireless efforts, and unwavering commitment to our community made this convention an unforgettable success. As we celebrate this achievement, we also look forward to the 2026 Convention.”
The CFANZ invites all the Cretans of Oceania and friends of Crete to attend its 44th Annual Cretan Convention in January 2026 in Sydney.
 successfully held its 43rd National Convention in Darwin from January 2-5, 2025.){kind=link}