The Food For Thought Network (FFTN) proudly hosted The Evolution of Hellenism: Family and Identity in the Diaspora, a powerful inaugural event titled From Yiayia to Gen Z, held on Sunday, November 16, at The Greek Centre on Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.
Moderated by lawyer Helen Karagiozakis, the event brought together an intergenerational panel of distinguished speakers: World War II panelists, Katina Rerakis and Tasos Kolokotronis (97), Baby Boomers Kali Koulouri, Sotiris Hatzimanolis, Gen X filmmaker Stella Grammenos-Dimadis, Millenial scholar Dr. Melina Mallos, and Gen Z leaders Jamie Gallos and Demi Bourdopoulou, Co-Presidents of NUGAS.
The afternoon was enriched by artistic contributions from vocalist Anthea Sidiropoulou and poet Maria Kampyli.
In a fully packed Mezzanine, Ms Sidiropoulos set a vibrant, uplifting tone for the afternoon with her stirring performance of “I am a Woman,” uniting both longstanding and new supporters of FFTN.
FFTN Founder Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou AM warmly thanked and greeted the community for its steadfast support over the past 24 years and offered a heartfelt reflection on the evolution of Hellenism in the diaspora.
Her address traced the shifting expressions of Greek identity across generations, emphasising the enduring values and cultural pride that continue to unite and inspire.
Bill Papastergiadis OAM, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne and a long-time supporter of FFTN, also greeted the audience.
He added his personal touch to the celebration of Hellenism, highlighting the recent revival of the Greek Community Cup as a vibrant and inclusive way to engage younger generations and strengthen cultural continuity.
Ms Karagiozaki skilfully moderated the discussion with clarity and poise, guiding the conversation through complex themes of identity, heritage, and generational experience.
Her thoughtful questions and attentive engagement drew out profound insights from each panellist, fostering a dynamic exchange that captivated the audience and elevated the event’s impact.
Ms Kampyli’s original poem, about the Gen X written especially for the FFTN event, was a deeply moving tribute to memory, identity, and the flow of Hellenism across generations.
With tenderness and wisdom, her words bridged past and future, touching every heart in the room and becoming the soul of the evening.
The event sparked a vibrant and timely conversation on the evolving nature of Greek identity in Australia, bridging generations, honouring heritage, and embracing the future with confidence and pride.
Yiayia and Pappou: The first generation, shaped by war and migration, focused on preserving traditions and language. Mr Kolokotronis, aged 97, captivated the audience with his clarity and passion, recounting his wartime experiences, community involvement, and literary contributions.
Ms Rerakis, in her 80’s, shared how she insisted on her children speaking Greek at the family table and at home, “because she had Greek ears” and how she even attempted to help her daughter with Ancient Greek as she found it was similar to her Cretan dialect.
Baby Boomers: Raised in Greek-speaking households, many took on the role of interpreters from a young age, bridging not only their families but entire communities.
Ms Koulouri from Traralgon reflected on this responsibility, while Mr Hatzimanolis recalled strong, equal women in his Chios upbringing, challenging stereotypes. Though he never insisted on Greek, annual family trips have sparked renewed interest. His grandson’s remark – “Pappou, the ancient Greeks had six gods and six goddesses” – captured the essence of cultural continuity.
Generation X: Ms Grammenos-Dimadis described her experience negotiating across all generations from Yiayia to Gen A. For her, Hellenism is embodied by the timeless values of filotimo, paideia, and xenia, principles that continue to offer guidance with wisdom and grace.
Dr Mallos highlighted how digital platforms both connect and challenge young Greek migrants. Her “Survival Guide” initiative supports youth in reconnecting with Greek language schools and community networks, fostering belonging while navigating dual identities in an already established diaspora.
Gen Z Leadership: Ms Bourdopoulou emphasised the responsibility her generation carries to keep Greek tradition and culture alive in Australia. Mr Gallos echoed this sentiment, noting that leadership within NUGAS is about carrying this responsibility which is both a privilege and a commitment to the future of Hellenism.
The conversations continued well beyond the panel discussions, with attendees engaging in thoughtful reflections, new introductions, and lively exchanges of ideas.
Many praised the event for its heartfelt delivery, respectful tone, and the warmth and humour that made the evening both meaningful and memorable.
FFTN dedicated this event to the pioneers and the youth of the Polytechnic uprising, honouring their courage and vision and hope that the dialogue opened in the Greek Centre will continue well beyond this room into your homes, around your tables, and throughout your communities.
There is no single definition of Hellenism or of what it means to be Greek in today’s global world. Hellenism evolves; it is renewed, reimagined, and celebrated by every generation.
The 4th generation may not speak much Greek, but they have a strong sense of Greek identity and consciousness. With young leaders like Jamie and Demi bringing together more than 1,000 students at a recent gala ball, the future looks bright.
In 2026, the Food for Thought Network proudly marks 25 years of empowering women – run entirely by devoted volunteers. Their next highlight is the AGM on December 10, featuring Anna Bithikotsis and Sotiris Doganis speaking and performing the iconic songs of Mikis and Grigoris Bithikotsis.
For details refer to their website www.fftn.org.au
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