What began as a group of Greek and Cypriot Australians catching up for dinner has evolved into a powerful force for good, with the Happy Friday Supper Club (HFSC) hoping to raise $50,000 for the Steve Waugh Foundation ahead of its 16th Annual Awards Night on Friday, 6 February, at the Establishment Boardroom.
Founded in 2009 by a close-knit group of lifelong friends of mostly Greek and Cypriot heritage, the HFSC was never intended to be anything more than a standing monthly dinner.
The rule was simple: the first Friday of every month, no excuses. Sixteen years on, those dinners have grown into 184 shared meals, friendships strengthened, and tens of thousands of dollars raised for some of Australia’s most deserving charities.
Established as an informal, member-led social group, the Happy Friday Supper Club operates without formal hierarchy. Members take turns hosting dinners and selecting venues, prioritising friendship, consistency and community connection over structure or recognition.
“This was never about building an organisation or chasing recognition,” HFSC member Pete Antoniou said.
“We’re literally just a group of mates who didn’t want life to get in the way of friendship, but along the way we realised we could do some real good for people who need it.”
Each month, one member hosts the dinner, choosing the venue and inviting fellow members and guests. The evening is then playfully “reviewed” and scored, with the results culminating in the club’s annual black-tie Awards Night, where the highly sought-after Golden Pepper Shaker is awarded.
While the concept may have started tongue-in-cheek, the Awards Night has since grown into a major fundraising event. Over the years, the HFSC has supported charities including Starlight, Giant Steps, Raising Ryan, The Breast Cancer Foundation, Cure Brain Cancer and Bear Cottage. This year’s beneficiary is the Steve Waugh Foundation, which supports children and families living with rare diseases.
“To know that we are on track to raise $50,000 is incredibly humbling,” Antoniou said.
“This money is coming from people within our Greek-Cypriot-Australian community. These are very likely people you know who just want to do a good thing.
“Every dollar raised comes from goodwill, generosity and a shared belief that if you’re lucky enough to be in a position to help, you should.”
This year’s event will welcome more than 160 guests, bringing together business leaders, friends, family and supporters from across the Greek and wider Australian community.
“HFSC has become something much deeper and more meaningful than we ever imagined,” Antoniou said. “It’s a modern-day parea. Members often describe it as an unofficial ‘men’s shed’, a safe and supportive space where mates look out for each other through the highs and lows of life.
“We’re proud of the money we’ve raised, but we’re just as proud of the culture we’ve built.
“Friendship, generosity and community – that’s what this is really about.”
Event Details
Event: Happy Friday Supper Club – 16th Annual Awards Night
Date: Friday, 6 February 2026
Venue: Establishment Boardroom
Purpose: Fundraising in support of the Steve Waugh Foundation
Tickets available here.
