The Hellenic Youth Club (HYC) of Canberra has provided a dedicated space for Greek youth to connect since it was formally incorporated in 1973. Despite undergoing several name changes over the years, the essence of HYC has remained the same: a place for young people in Canberra to meet others with shared life experiences.
Initially known as the Greek Youth Club of Canberra, the group dissolved before being re-established by The Hellenic Club as the Hellenic Youth Association in 1988. Since then, HYC has been grateful for the continued support of The Hellenic Club and its strong connection with Canberra’s broader community.
Today, HYC aims to be a pillar for Greek youth in Canberra by promoting culture and faith, while providing opportunities for young people to connect through events. Past events have included an RnB night, Don’t Stop The Music, a ski trip in collaboration with The Hellenic Society of UNSW, and its popular Bouzouki Night, which attracted 320 Greek youth this year. HYC also organised an interstate trip to Melbourne, where 30 members spent a weekend bonding at a Greek concert, a SIGMA night, the NUGAS Ball, and a winery day trip with the Lemnian Youth of Victoria.
The Greek Herald spoke with current HYC President Olivia Kambouris about her seven years with the club and the joy and passion she continues to find in being part of the youth community. Olivia joined as a general committee member at the age of 19 and has since served as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-President and, for the past two years, President. She was introduced to the club by her cousins during a HYC trip to Melbourne. Reflecting on that experience, she recalled, “I was a pretty reserved and shy kid, but the club was just so welcoming, and it was a great weekend.”
Most HYC committee members are students or young professionals, and Olivia says she is fortunate to have met “so many good people on the committee… who have been equally passionate about Greek youth.” Her time as President has been enjoyable, and she has loved “seeing new members come in – and not just Greek members, anyone who is interested. That’s been the biggest reward, seeing the growth and engagement… As long as we’ve got people coming and we’re hosting good events, we’re setting up something good to pass on to the next generation.”
Olivia also acknowledged concerns about the long-term future of Canberra’s Greek community and the possibility that it may one day diminish. “I feel like it’s probably a big driver behind why I’m on the committee,” she said. “But looking at the Canberra community, I can’t see that happening with the senior leadership we have, the initiatives they run, and the passion behind the people I see turning up to events.”
She noted that Canberra’s Greek community remains active and collaborative, despite having a relatively small number of major organisations. “Everyone seems to work harmoniously to create space for the Greek community,” Olivia said. “We all work together and we’re not segregated… so I think we’re sitting on a gold mine of good and active youth.”
HYC will elect a new committee this December and hopes to expand its interstate collaborations in 2026 with youth groups in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Darwin. Olivia emphasised the importance of uniting Greek clubs across Australia.
“We need to have a clear channel between all the states. Being able to connect with different Greek people has always been a positive experience,” she said. “Next year, we’ll keep building on those connections with larger youth groups and see where that takes us.” She added that promoting the Greek language would also be a focus in the year ahead.
HYC expressed its appreciation to everyone who has volunteered and supported the club, with Olivia saying she hopes to see the organisation “grow bigger and better.” The drive and passion behind HYC suggest that young Greek-Australians in Canberra can look forward to an event-filled 2026.
