Arguably one of the biggest annual Greek events in Melbourne, the 2025 NUGAS Ball welcomed 755 guests to Crown Palladium on Sunday, September 7.
Despite coinciding with Father’s Day – and being held on a Sunday evening – the ballroom was filled with Greek youth dressed to the nines in sparkly dresses and black suits.
The 2025/26 NUGAS (National Union of Greek-Australian Students) committee, made up of 25 members, created a space where traditional Greek culture, music and community were celebrated. Whether they knew how to dance the kotsari or not, everyone was up dancing.
Live music was provided by Next Generation Events & Elite Band, and Omados Band. Traditional music and dances from different regions in Greece added to the kefi of the night, as did the ever-popular photobooth where guests took home a physical memento of the night.
The major sponsors of the event were Entertainment GR, Melrose Events, Pronia, Moray & Agnew Lawyers, and the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM). This support from the GCM comes from their newly formed youth sub-committee with NUGAS in August. Pronia CEO Sylvia Hadjiantoniou attended the event, supporting and celebrating the committee’s efforts.
Ball attendee Christina Damigos described the evening as “absolutely incredible. We danced, we sung and we remembered how our Greek culture is such an important part of our everyday lives. The glitz and glamour of the event never cease to amaze me. I can’t wait for 2026.”
NUGAS Co-Presidents Jamie Gallos and Demi Bourdopoulos were beaming with pride at the success of the ball.
During their welcome speech on the night, Jamie said: “Tonight is about more than celebration. It’s about honouring the legacy passed down by our ancestors who carried Greek culture across oceans with faith and determination. We are the proof of their sacrifices, and now it’s our turn to not only remember our heritage but to keep it alive for future generations.”
Reflecting on the event, Demi told The Greek Herald, “The annual NUGAS Ball… is a testament to our heritage and the strength of our community… we carry our language, traditions, and culture forward for the generations to come.”
Part of their speech was delivered in Greek. The choice to incorporate Greek language at what is considered a ‘party’ event for Greek youth only emphasises the value NUGAS places on using Greek in all settings.
Attending the NUGAS Ball for the second year in a row, Lachie Lappas told The Greek Herald how much he enjoyed this year’s ball.
“The committee’s tremendous effort was evident. The event was well-organised and ran smoothly… As always, Crown’s service was exceptional, ensuring all guests could fully enjoy the evening,” he said.
Lachie particularly appreciated the “ample dancing opportunities that created a vibrant celebration of Greek culture.”
Some guests were overheard wishing the night had lasted longer. With doors opening at 7pm and the final dance at 11pm, the room was still buzzing as the lights came on. NUGAS had anticipated this and had organised an official afterparty at Crown’s Therapy Nightclub for guests to continue partying.
Lachie agreed with this, saying “The event felt slightly shorter than in previous years, but the afterparty more than made up for it”. The afterparty played modern Greek hits which nicely contrasted the traditional Greek music and dances guests enjoyed at the ball.
A ticket to the NUGAS Ball offers more than just the advertised three-course meal and evening at Crown Palladium. It’s a chance to connect with the Greek youth community and celebrate heritage through traditional dance and music.
For decades, Greek youth in Melbourne have always come together for nights like this. Judging by the passion displayed this year by the organisers and attendees, the NUGAS Ball tradition seems set to continue for decades to come.
*All photos by Tongue and Groove Entertainment.
