Authors of “Greek Cafes And Milk Bars of Australia” to speak at NSW Seniors Festival

·

Documentary photographer Effy Alexakis and writer Leonard Janiszewski will be hosting two talks titled “Greek Cafes & Milk Bars of Australia” at the NSW seniors festival in Sydney during February.

Alexakis and Janiszewski will be discussing their book “Greek Cafes & Milk Bars of Australia,” as well as answering questions and discussing Australia’s rich history of Greek cafes and milk bars.

Taking Readers Through Memory Lane

Alexakis and Janiszewski’s book was first published on 30 March 2016 and captures the rich history of Greek cafes and milk bars that were once scattered across the country, acting as a staple in peoples lives at the time.

The book combines Effy Alexakis stunning photography and ability to re-ignite the past with historic images from family albums, combined with Leonard Janiszewski’s ability to interview and tell the stories of the workers and owners of these memorable stores.

The national publication brings together over 30 years of research culled from travels within four continents, selected from over 1,800 interviews and innumerable contemporary and historical photographs. Hundreds of Australia’s Greek cafés and milk bars are referenced within the book’s 256 pages.

The publication is also a companion to the highly-popular and critically applauded touring exhibition Selling an American Dream: Australia’s Greek Café.

Below is a short description of the novel:

Nostalgic trip to the days when the Greek Cafe was the gathering place for every town and suburb. Effy Alexakis’s evocative photos are paired with marvellous images from family albums. The cafes and the people behind them, showing decor, milkshakes, sundaes and innovative sweets were combined in a unique and special Australian experience. The authors have travelled Australia, Greece, Egypt and the USA, tracking down cafes, milk bars and their forerunners overseas.

Event Details

WHAT: Author Talk – Greek Cafes and Milk Bars of Australia by Effy Alexakis and Leonard Janiszewski.

WHEN:

Thursday 13 February – Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre

Friday 21 February – Campsie Library and Knowledge Centre

TIME: 10-11.30am

More information on the event can be found HERE

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Latest News

Archbishop Makarios hosts Queensland’s Honorary Consul-General of Greece

The Honorary Consul-General of Greece in Queensland and his wife Ying were hosted for morning tea by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios.

Greek artist creates historic live artwork inside Australian Parliament House

Acclaimed Greek visual artist Caroline Rovithi has begun a landmark live artwork inside Mural Hall, one of the most distinguished spaces.

NSW MPs honour The Greek Herald in Parliament for 100 years of publication

NSW MPs have recognised The Greek Herald’s centenary, praising its contribution to Greek Australian and multicultural communities.

Hellenic Initiative Australia hosts cultural evening for Greek artist Caroline Rovithi in Sydney

A special exhibition and reception honouring visiting Greek artist and designer Caroline Rovithi was held in Sydney on Friday evening.

Laconian Federation of NSW honours HSC graduates and inspires future leaders

The Laconian Federation of NSW celebrated the achievements of four outstanding young members of the community at its 2025 HSC Awards Event.

You May Also Like

Federal government funds digital literacy program empowering migrant and refugee women

Migrant and refugee women will be empowered with digital literacy training through a 12-month pilot funded by a $700,000 grant.

Three-year-old girl pulled alive from rubble days after deadly Aegean earthquake

A wounded three-year-old girl was rescued on Monday, days after a powerful magnitude 6.7 earthquake hit Turkey’s Aegean coast.

Greek Film Festival wraps 30th year with a triumphant Sydney finale

The curtain fell on the 30th Greek Film Festival in Sydney on Sunday night with a sold-out screening of Athens Midnight Radio.