The streets of Earlwood came alive on Saturday, September 20, as thousands gathered for the inaugural Love Earlwood – Meet You at the Plateia Festival, transforming Clarke Street and Earlwood Avenue into a vibrant hub of food, music and family fun.
The free event was backed by the Minns Labor Government’s $14.65 million Open Streets 2025–28 Program, with Canterbury-Bankstown Council securing $350,000 to deliver the festival over the next three years. Proud sponsors included Pepper Choice and Mortgage Navigators, alongside the NSW Government’s Open Streets initiative led by Transport for NSW.
More than 30 stallholders showcased dishes inspired by Greek, Italian, Turkish and Lebanese cuisines, celebrating Earlwood’s rich Mediterranean heritage. Families also enjoyed free rides, a glamour day spa and children’s activities, making the day a true community celebration.
Culture on show
Festival MC George Kapiniaris, star of Acropolis Now and Housos, brought his trademark humour to the stage, describing Earlwood as a second home.
“I fell in love with an Earlwood girl who I married, and her mum still lives in Earlwood so it’s like a second home to me,” Kapiniaris said.
“Even if I wasn’t asked to be the MC, I would have brought the family down to be a part of it.”
The diverse program featured Balkan Boogie, Dusha Balkana, Pepa Molina’s Flamenco Ensemble “Las Flamenkas”, an all-female Lebanese drumming group, Latin singer Lily Guerrero, the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW Dance Group, the George Nikolopoulos and Friends Band, students from Earlwood Public School and All Saints Grammar, and the Sousaphonics Brass Band.
Leaders praise festival success
NSW Minister for Transport John Graham said the event embodied the Open Streets vision.
“Too often our main streets are something we drive through, rather than drive to. This program demonstrates how we can use our streets to bring communities together and drive revenue for local businesses,” Mr Graham said.
Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis said the funding would secure the festival’s future.
“This ensures the festival continues to grow as a much-loved annual event that brings people together and celebrates everything that makes Earlwood special,” Ms Cotsis said. She also acknowledged community advocates including Councillor Clare Raffan and Earlwood Business Chamber President George Massouridis.
Mayor Bilal El-Hayek highlighted the festival’s broad appeal.
“Whether you like to don your dancing shoes, sing along to great tunes or tempt your tastebuds with Mediterranean flavours, there was something for everyone,” he said.
Backing community life
The Open Streets Program will see 240 events staged across 46 councils from 2025–28, creating inclusive, cost-friendly celebrations while boosting local businesses and jobs.
For more information visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/openstreets
