Story, song and legacy unite at Food for Thought Network AGM

The Food for Thought Network (FFTN) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, December 10, drawing an eclectic global audience who joined us via Zoom to connect and celebrate another successful year, marked by four online and four in-person events. 

FFTN was honoured to host an unforgettable evening with Anna Bithikotsi, daughter of the legendary Grigoris Bithikotsis, and renowned performer Sotiris Doganis. 

This special virtual gathering brought together story, song and heritage in a heartfelt tribute to two giants of Greek music – Grigoris Bithikotsis and Mikis Theodorakis. 

Anna, an accomplished author, poet, lyricist and producer, invited attendees into the intimate world behind her latest book, Both Father and Legend – Grigoris Bithikotsis 1922–2005. With depth and warmth, she shared personal reflections on her father’s extraordinary life, along with her profound relationship with her spiritual father, Mikis Theodorakis. 

Her storytelling created moments that felt suspended in time – where memory became music, and music became a bridge across generations. 

She was joined by Sotiris Doganis, whose long-standing collaboration with Anna includes more than 800 performances across Greece and abroad. Sotiris graced us with moving musical selections that honoured these towering figures of Hellenic culture. His performances filled the air with nostalgia, pride and a sense of collective gratitude. 

Together, Anna and Sotiris guided us through Greece’s cultural heartbeat – a tapestry woven with history, resilience and the timeless power of song. Each note, each story, reminded us of the legacies that shaped our identity and continue to inspire Greek communities around the world. 

FFTN Founder Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou AM delivered the Annual Report, highlighting both achievements and challenges. Kalli Taifalos, Treasurer, presented the Financial Statement. Vicky Alikakos chaired the meeting, while Christine Pallikaris managed the chat room. Maria Kampyli interviewed Anna Bithikotsis. 

New FFTN Committee for the 25th Anniversary Year: Vicky Alikakos, Dr Despin Anastasiou, Maria Kampyli, Christine Pallikaris, Anthoula Paraskeva, Kalli Taifalos, and Founder Ms Athanasiou-Ioannou AM 

FFTN founder called for additional volunteers and sponsors to support the organisation’s important work. The new Committee will convene in January to begin planning for FFTN’s milestone 25th year. 

Events like this reflect the very spirit of the FFTN: creating spaces where women and communities come together to celebrate culture, uplift one another and honour the stories that connect us. It was more than an event. It was a celebration of heritage, memory and the enduring strength of our shared voice. 

Watch this space for 2026.  www.fftn.org.au