‘It’s nostalgic’: 100 years of memories at the Kytherian Association of Australia’s family day

·

“Look that’s me!” one elderly woman exclaimed at the Kytherian Association of Australia’s (KAA) 100 Year Nostalgia Family Day on Sunday.

The woman had just spotted herself in a row of photographs depicting over 32 Debutante Balls from the KAA’s history and she couldn’t wipe the smile off her face.

This sentiment of nostalgia echoed off the walls of the Panarcadian Federation Club in the Sydney suburb of Ashbury, as members of the KAA walked through an exhibition showcasing photos from the association’s inception in 1922 right up until its present day.

The exhibition of photos for the KAA’s Nostalgia Day. All photos: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

Amongst the photos and artefacts on display were some from the Kytherian Football group, the Kytherian Dancing Groups over the years, as well as Kytherian youth taking cooking classes.

On the day, there were also a number of speeches by the KAA’s newly elected and first-ever female President, Barbara Zantiotis, as well as Andrew Malanos from the KAA’s Centenary Committee.

Attendees could even enjoy Greek dancing performances, a cooking demonstration by the Kytherian Kitchen, and could also register to get their name on a special Kytherian panel which will be on display at the National Museum of Australia’s Monument to Migration.

Past and current Presidents of the KAA, with their families, cut the cake.
BBQ outside.
Dancers from the young dancing group.

“Today is an amazing day. We have so many people in attendance today and it just shows how much the association means to the Kytherian community,” Ms Zantiotis told The Greek Herald.

READ MORE: Barbara Zantiotis becomes first female President of the Kytherian Association of Australia.

Past President, Emmanuel Alfieris (left), with current President, Barbara Zantiotis (right).

Esther Calligeros, who is on the KAA’s Ball Committee and was in charge of the Debutante Ball display, told The Greek Herald that a lot of work went into the exhibition but she was incredibly proud of it.

“I realised when I was going through ball programs that we did not have colour photos from ten years ago, they were black-and-white in the programs. So I approached matron of honors from balls to send us colour photos… and this is the result,” Esther said as she pointed to the display proudly.

“I’m actually thrilled that I was able to do that because we haven’t seen these photos before.”

READ MORE: Young debutantes dazzle at the Kytherian Association of Australia’s Centenary Ball.

Esther Calligeros (centre) with her dad (left) and Victor (right).

94-year-old Stephen Zantiotis was also amazed at the photo exhibition.

“My dad was one of the early members of the association and now look at the Kytherians!” he told The Greek Herald with a smile.

READ MORE: Kytherian Association of Australia successfully launches its centenary celebrations.

Stephen Zantiotis with his wife.

These words by one of the association’s oldest members were also echoed by some of the younger people in attendance at the family day.

Alexis Arbolino came to the event with her two young children and Italian husband, Adam. He told The Greek Herald he wanted to bring his family along because “it’s important that we make an effort to keep the traditions and the culture going for our kids.”

READ MORE: ‘The future is here’: Kytherian Association of Australia holds annual Aroney Awards Night.

Alexis and Adam Arbolino with their two young children.

“It’s nostagic in a way,” Alexis added.

“I grew up in the Kytherian Association so this kind of brings back memories which for me makes it more important that I get my kids involved in this so they sort of have those same memories and same connection to Kythera that I had growing up.”

An important purpose which the KAA’s Nostalgia Day definitely fulfilled.

READ MORE: Kytherian Association of Australia President Emmanuel Alfieris: ‘We do all this for our youth’.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Blessing of the Waters held for the first time at Wallaroo in SA

For the first time in its history, the fishing village of Wallaroo in South Australia held a Blessing of the Waters ceremony.

Greece and Saudi Arabia strengthen bilateral relations at landmark meeting

Greek Prime Minister and Saudi Crown Prince co-chaired the inaugural Greece-Saudi Arabia High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.

Snow and storms cause chaos across Greece

Greece is grappling with severe weather, bringing heavy snow, rain and storms that have disrupted daily life across the country.

Kokkinakis triumphs as Kyrgios makes early exit at Australian Open 2025

The Australian Open 2025 has commenced with contrasting outcomes for local favourites Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios.

Epiphany celebrations: Communities dive into tradition across Australia

Greek communities turned out in huge numbers over the weekend to attend traditional Blessing of the Waters events across Australia.

You May Also Like

Let’s Go Greek Festival returns to Parramatta with a bang

With the scent of kontosouvli and Greek music, everyone in Parramatta knew the Let's Go Greek Festival had returned with a bang.

Marina Satti’s Eurovision entry climbs Spotify’s Global ‘Viral 50’ list

Marina Satti’s 2024 Eurovision entry “Zari” has become the first song with Greek lyrics to make it into Spotify’s global "Viral Top 50” list.

80th anniversary of the Battle of Crete commemorated around Australia and Greece

A number of ceremonies were held over the weekend in Australia and Greece to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Crete.