The 44th National Cretan Federation Convention was officially launched in Sydney on Friday, January 2, with a four-hour harbour cruise bringing together Cretan community representatives from across Australia and New Zealand.
Held aboard the vessel Constellation and departing from Huntley’s Point Ferry Wharf, the launch event welcomed approximately 370 guests representing Cretan associations from all Australian states and territories, as well as the Cretans Association of NZ.
Attendees enjoyed panoramic views of Sydney Harbour accompanied by live Cretan music performed by visiting musicians from Crete – Michalis Harkiolakis, Georgios Koudomogiannakis and Vaggelis Bagourakis.
Guests were formally welcomed by Terry Saviolakis, President of the Cretan Association of Sydney and New South Wales, followed by Emmanuel Mountakis, President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and NZ, who highlighted the significance of the national convention for the Cretan diaspora.
Among those in attendance was the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, George Skemperis, who was acknowledged for his ongoing support of both the local Cretan association and the national federation.
The 44th National Cretan Federation Convention is being hosted by the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW from Friday, 2 January to Tuesday, 6 January 2026.
Held under the auspices of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand, the convention has attracted hundreds of participants of Greek and Cretan descent from across Australia and NZ.
*All photos by Location Shots Media
