The 43rd Greek Festival of Sydney was officially launched in grand style at The Grand Roxy, Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney, on Thursday, February 20. The evening was a vibrant celebration of Greek culture, community, and the tireless work of those who make the festival possible.
A night of excitement and acknowledgment
Emcee Dimitri Kallos set the tone for the evening, welcoming distinguished guests and highlighting the incredible prizes available through the festival’s highly anticipated raffle.
“Only 1,500 tickets have been printed, and our lucky winner for 2025 will be announced at our final major event on May 11,” he said.
Attendees were thrilled to learn about the exciting prizes on offer, including travel packages to Greece courtesy of Dennis Travel and Sky Express, as well as prizes from Sydney Prestige Auto Body and Sydney Harbour Bespoke Events.
Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) President Harry Danalis followed, underscoring the festival’s cultural significance and its role in preserving Greek heritage in Australia.
“It is a festival dedicated to everything Greek – music, food, exhibitions – but also to the Greek Australian experience,” he stated.
Mr Danalis praised the volunteers, sponsors, and artists, without whom, he noted, the festival could not succeed.
Assistant Minister for Immigration, Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP, also addressed the crowd, acknowledging the festival’s enduring success.
“After 43 years, the Greek Festival is still going strong, getting better and better every year,” he said.
Mr Thistlethwaite emphasised the integral role of Greek Australians in shaping the nation, adding, “Australia would not be the wonderful country it is today without the contribution of Greek Australians.”
The launch event brought together an array of prominent figures from government, business and the arts, reinforcing the festival’s status as a major cultural event. Among those in attendance were Chrysa Prokopaki, Trade Commissioner of Greece in Sydney, representing Ioannis Mallikourtis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney; Anastasia Christofilopoulou, First Secretary for Public Diplomacy of Greece in Australia at the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney; Mr Thistlethwaite; Mr Danalis; and Nia Karteris, Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney.
Also in attendance were local government representatives, including Councillors Fiona Douskou and Vicky Poulos from Bayside Council, Councillor Paula Masselos from Waverley Council, Councillor Alexandra Luxford from Randwick City Council, and Councillor Harry Stavrinos from the City of Canterbury-Bankstown Council. Their presence highlighted the festival’s deep-rooted connection with the wider community.
Artists, performers, and representatives from numerous Greek Australian organisations were also present, showing their ongoing dedication to promoting Greek culture and heritage in Australia. The night served as a testament to the collective effort that makes the festival a success year after year.
Comedy and artistic expression take the stage
Comedian Anthony Locascio, representing the festival’s artists, shared his personal journey and the vital role the Greek Festival of Sydney played in his career.
“Without the festival’s support, I wouldn’t have been able to live my dream,” he said.
He also announced his role as host of this Sunday’s Darling Harbour Greek Festival and the upcoming Greek Youth Comedy Gala on March 15, a showcase of emerging Greek Australian comedians.
The driving force behind the festival: Nia Karteris
The night’s most heartfelt moment came from Ms Karteris whose unwavering dedication has been the backbone of the festival’s success. She passionately acknowledged the hardworking team behind the scenes, the organising committee, and the GOCNSW board.
“Behind me, there’s a wonderful group of staff who work tirelessly to bring this festival to life,” Ms Karteris said.
She highlighted the crucial financial support from sponsors, particularly the Bank of Sydney, and emphasised the increasing costs of staging large cultural events.
“If it weren’t for our sponsors and the NSW Government’s support, we simply couldn’t deliver this incredible program,” she stated.
Karteris also raised concerns about the sustainability of free public events, noting that venue hire and artist costs have become more corporate and expensive. However, she reassured attendees that the festival remains committed to providing high-quality, accessible cultural experiences for the community.
“Even during financial struggles, people still deserve to enjoy an artist they may not otherwise afford to see,” she affirmed.
Looking ahead to an exciting festival program
With over 40 stalls, music, dance, and entertainment, the festival’s major weekend at Darling Harbour promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Ms Karteris encouraged the community to support young Greek Australian artists through the second Greek Youth Creative Arts Competition, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of cultural talent.
As the night concluded with dinner, drinks, and honorary awards to sponsors and supporters, the atmosphere remained electric with excitement for the months ahead.
The Greek Festival of Sydney continues to be a beacon of culture, unity, and resilience – thanks to the tireless efforts of Ms Karteris, the festival committee, and the unwavering support of the Greek Australian community.
The festival’s full program is available online, with highlights including three international acts and a variety of cultural events showcasing the richness of Greek heritage in Australia.
