They came from Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, and even as far as Athens to celebrate 100 years since the founding of the Kastellorizian Association of Victoria (KAV).

The Park Hyatt ballroom shimmered with sequins, laughter, Greek dancing, and pride as generations of Kazzies gathered to mark the milestone in a night of celebration, reflection, and vision for the future.

Then came the biggest announcement of all. KAV President Nik Spartels took to the stage to loud cheers: “We’ve just signed a 21-year lease with the Ministry of Wine, bringing more than $3 million in revenue to secure our future. After a planned extensive fit-out into the building, we’ll have a full license and a vibrant new life for our club.”

The crowd erupted, raising glasses “to the next 100 years of friendship, family, and filotimo.”

Speaking later to The Greek Herald, Spartels explained: “Last month we signed the papers. Our new tenant, Ministry of Wine, is led by young entrepreneur Kieren East, who also runs another two restaurants. He’ll transform our space into a Mediterranean-style wine bar and restaurant. It’s an iconic spot, a restaurant in a church, and the name ‘ministry’ suits that. Work will start soon.”

With a smile, he hinted that a few Kastellorizian delicacies might make the menu.

Younger members Stasi Agdemis and Kristin Vrahnas welcomed the news.

“What a surprise we all received tonight!” Agdemis said. “Knowing the financial security of our club is well and truly looked after is something we’ve all been desiring. Let’s take a moment to congratulate Nik Spartels.”

Vrahnas added: “This marks a new and exciting chapter for the Kazzie Club. We’ll enjoy a fresh and vibrant space while maintaining our traditional home. It’s the perfect blend of old and new, a future that honours our heritage while securing our place for future generations.”

They reflected on two decades of renewal, from the revival of social events and the “Kazzie of the Year” Award to Kazzie Connect during COVID, the launch of the Seniors Club, and cultural exhibitions.

“Our Kazzie dancing on Sundays brings together children of all ages,” Vrahnas said. “The annual Christmas party has become one of our biggest family traditions. Last year, over 100 people came along. It’s about connection, belonging, and keeping the story alive.”

Looking ahead, both saw opportunities for business networking and intergenerational mentoring.

There were no dignitaries in attendance, but none were needed. In his video message, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese captured the mood perfectly, calling the celebration one for “the people whose hard work, aspiration, and devotion to family, faith, and community shaped modern Australia.”

No one knows that hard work better than former president Michael Spartels, Nik’s father. He cast the spotlight on the first Kastellorizian gathering in 1925 at Melbourne’s Amonia Café on Lonsdale Street, when only 150 Kazzies lived in Victoria, many escaping hardship, famine, and war.

“Those men had foresight,” he said. “They left their families behind to build a new life. If they could see us tonight, they’d be proud. To me, it’s more than a brotherhood, it’s an institution. We were raised with filotimo, helping others without expecting anything in return.”

Through picnics, dances, and fundraisers for the homeland, the association flourished and, in 1967, purchased its now-iconic home at 250 Dorcas Street, South Melbourne.

“We put in so much work on that building,” Michael grinned. “Some people thought we’d bought the Taj Mahal.”

While Melbourne’s mood was triumphant, Sydney’s story offered a cautionary tale. Sydney President George Pizanis related to the challenges. Once a hub of nightlife, the Kingsford Kazzie Club introduced him to his “disco years,” but “ego,” he said, “killed all the great work,” leading to the sale of its iconic building.

Both Pizanis and Spartels, professionals in the building industry, became presidents during difficult times, inspired by the passion of their parents and united by a desire to rebuild. They first met a decade ago to draft the constitution for the National Kastellorizian Council of Australia, bringing Kazzies nationwide together.

“We were the youngest in our clubs,” Pizanis said. “Now we’ve got people in their 30s and 40s stepping up. The youth are coming through.”

That next generation includes siblings Lavinia and Jack Mangos, who lead the NSW Cazzie Youth group.

“Whenever we come together, we feel that connection,” Lavinia said. “You may lose the language, but you never lose your cultural identity. Everyone knows someone on the island.”

Jack agreed, “Kastellorizo has always faced struggles, different rulers, wars, yet it’s held onto its identity. That’s something special.”

Joined by their Melbourne cousins and another who’d flown in from Athens, the family embodied that enduring diaspora bond.

“This might sound a little weird,” Spartels joked, “but I think we’re all related somehow. Young people, I appreciate you being here. I know you’d rather be on TikTok or whatever you do, but you’re in this position because of your forefathers, those who worked hard so you could now walk around with an iPhone.”

Truth be told, the youth were too busy dancing to hold up phones, however older Kazzies, Gina Gekas and Yvette Salvaris, lit up social media with their Titanic-style staircase videos.

“We just wanted to make people smile,” Gina laughed. “We didn’t even plan it. We both turned up in feathers today and leopard print yesterday!”

Their antics went viral among the Kazzie crowd. “Who knows,” Yvette joked, “maybe our influencer era starts now!”

Beneath the laughter and playful posts ran a deeper current: pride and continuity, the spirit that’s defined the Kazzie story for over a century.

Sydney-based lawyer Angelo Hatsatouris summed it up best: “The first Kazzie, Arthur Auguste (Athanasios Avgoustis), became an Australian citizen in 1896, before Federation. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are even sixth-generation Kazzies around. My grandfather came in 1911 with French papers, followed by my grandmother with Italian because Kastellorizo didn’t join Greece until 1948. But ethnically and culturally, we were always Greek. The island preserved its culture and faith through Ottoman, French, and Italian rule. They kept their identity even in hostile environments. That tenacity still lives in us today.”

And as laughter filled the ballroom, a final message from Andrew Liveris, one of the world’s most successful Kastellorizians, echoed through the room: “I’m proud to be a Kastellorizian, proud of all of you. Never forget where you came from.”

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis