The much-loved Oakleigh Glendi Festival returns to Warrawee Park on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November 2025, marking ten years of Glendi magic – a decade of food, music, culture, and community spirit.
Since its inception, Oakleigh Glendi has grown into one of Melbourne’s most vibrant and inclusive cultural festivals, celebrating Greek heritage while embracing the diversity of the wider community.
This year’s event will be the biggest yet, featuring an expanded festival site, a Saturday night international headliner Christina Salti and fireworks display, and an exciting weekend program of entertainment, food and family fun.
Festival Highlights
International headline act Christina Salti performing live on Saturday night on the Zaparas Lawyers Main Stage.
George Calombaris appearing on the Cooking Stage (Sunday) with live demonstrations and crowd favourites.
A huge selection of Greek food, sweets and multicultural cuisines including Melvourni’s Kafeneio and Honey Dee Loukoumades eating competition on the main stage each day.
Cultural performances, traditional dancing and live music all weekend.
Carnival rides and kids’ entertainment for all ages in the MCA Insurance Brokers Kids Area.
Market stalls, community groups and new activations.
Fireworks spectacular on Saturday night presented by Bank of Sydney.
Glendi raffle – Win a $6,000 travel voucher
Festival-goers will have the chance to win a $6,000 travel voucher, which can be used towards flights for two to Greece or their dream destination. Raffle tickets are available now at rafflelink.com.au/oakleighglendi.
*Must be 18+ and located in Victoria to be a valid entrant
A decade of Glendi magic
“The Oakleigh Glendi has become a cornerstone of the local cultural calendar,” said organisers. “We’re thrilled to celebrate ten years of bringing people together to enjoy the food, music and traditions that make this event so unique.”
Event Details
When: Saturday 1 November (12pm – 10pm) & Sunday 2 November (12pm – 7pm), 2025
The Oakleigh Glendi is an annual community festival celebrating the vibrant Greek heritage of Oakleigh and its surrounding suburbs. Proudly organised by the Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh and District, the festival attracts thousands of visitors each year with its diverse program of cultural entertainment, food, and family-friendly activities.
The Hellenic Initiative Australia (THI Australia) has announced a major leadership change, marking the end of an era as Nicholas Pappas AM steps down from his position as President after 12 years of dedicated service.
In a statement, Mr Pappas expressed deep confidence in the organisation’s continued success, reflecting on its strong position within the Australian philanthropic landscape.
“I do this with great confidence about the future of THI Australia which is now very well-positioned on the Hellenic philanthropic landscape in Australia. I leave the chair, but remain on the Board, content in the knowledge that THI Australia, like other THI chapters across the globe, is making a real difference to the people of Greece,” he said.
Mr Pappas’ leadership has been instrumental in establishing THI Australia as a cornerstone of diaspora-led philanthropy, strengthening the connection between Australia and Greece through humanitarian and economic initiatives.
At a Board meeting held in Melbourne on 22 October 2025, George Kailis was unanimously elected President of THI Australia. He will be supported by newly appointed office bearers George Giovas (Deputy President), Kathy Karabatsas (Treasurer), and Paul Zaparas (Secretary).
The organisation extended its congratulations to the incoming leadership team, expressing confidence that they will continue to uphold THI Australia’s mission of empowering Greece through targeted, transparent, and effective programs.
In recognition of his exceptional service, the Board has also conferred upon Mr Pappas the honorary title of “President Emeritus.”
A meeting with Pharos Alliance representatives was top of mind for Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Greeks Abroad Ioannis Loverdos on Friday, October 17, before his press briefing in Melbourne.
Pharos Vice President Yiota Stavridou and Secretary Denise Diakodimitriou met with Loverdos and the Greek delegation at the Greek Consulate in Melbourne, during his official visit to Australia.
Also in attendance were Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, the Secretaries-General of the Ministry of the Interior, Athanasios Balermpas and Dimitrios Karnavos, the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Dimitra Georgantzoglou, as well as the Director General for Citizenship, Katerina Ouli.
Ms Diakodimitriou told The Greek Herald the delegation was “attentive and open.”
“We presented who we are, our goals, and our strategic plan,” she said. “We discussed teacher and student trips to Greece, and the importance of data to guide Greek language education.”
It was a cordial discussion, with the Deputy Minister acknowledging the challenges facing Greek language in Melbourne are also shared with other diaspora communities. He listened carefully to Pharos’ overview of current projects and initiatives and invited ongoing communication with his Ministry, expressing hope that tangible, measurable objectives could emerge for future collaboration.
Among the topics discussed were:
The Pharos Alliance Strategic Plan for Greek, which we provided a copy of and explained that it is based on Professor Joseph Lo Bianco’s research;
The recent invitation extended to our President, Professor Lo Bianco, to address conferences at Aristotle University (Thessaloniki) and the National and Kapodistrian University (Athens) and the potential for further collaboration in future;
Concerns for the current state of Greek in schools, including in government schools;
The advocacy undertaken by Pharos to support Greek programs which are facing challenges;
The need to increase the number of qualified teachers of Greek in Victoria;
Initiatives to help parents raise bilingual children;
The need to maintain and grow numbers of students studying VCE Greek;
The need for students to have access to affordable school trips to Greece; and
How the Pharos Alliance engages with local policy makers.
“Saving the Greek language is a priority, but there are no magic solutions,” Loverdos admitted. “It’s extremely difficult. This concerns me greatly because I love the Greek language and want it to survive.”
Barlempas noted that a new department in Western Macedonia, led by educator Eleni Grivas, focused on teaching Greek as a second language could play a key role in this research.
The delegation further announced expanded scholarships for Greek Studies abroad and additional English-language programs in Greece. “Even if youth don’t know Greek, spending a month there and socialising with other Greeks will help them connect.”
Greek youth camps were also discussed during a private meeting with Loverdos and community leaders prior to a function at the Greek centre on Thursday, October 16.
The Pharos delegation welcomed the constructive engagement and expressed gratitude to Deputy Minister Loverdos, his delegation and Georgantzoglou for the opportunity to meet. The organisation looks forward to maintaining an open and productive dialogue.
Pharos Alliance is a broad coalition of educators, academics, and community stakeholders dedicated to revitalising the teaching and use of Modern Greek in Australia – from pre-school to university, in homes and in the community. Its work is guided by a Strategic Plan based on Professor Joseph Lo Bianco’s research, outlined in his book ‘Pharos: The vitality and presence of Modern Greek in contemporary Australia’.
Greece’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Greeks Abroad, Ioannis Loverdos, has concluded his official tour of Australia and New Zealand with a visit to Perth, Western Australia.
He was warmly received by government, community and church representatives, as well as local students celebrating Greek culture and heritage.
He also held meetings with Dr Tony Buti MLA, Attorney General; Minister for Commerce; Tertiary and International Education; and Multicultural Interests. The Deputy Minister thanked Dr Buti for his steadfast support of the Greek community, noting that despite its small size, it has made a significant contribution to Western Australia’s social, cultural, and economic life.
In addition, Loverdos met with Leader of the Opposition Basil Zempilas MLA, to discuss the Greek government’s initiatives designed to strengthen links and exchanges between Greece and the Greek diaspora in Australia.
Loverdos was accompanied by Ambassador of Greece to Australia Stavros Venizelos and Consul of Greece in Perth Eleni Georgopoulou throughout his visit.
Celebrating Hellenic heritage and education
During his stay, Loverdos visited the WA Museum Boola Bardip, where Director Alex Coles provided a guided tour, including an introduction to the museum’s reconstructed replica of the Antikythera Mechanism, one of ancient Greece’s most significant technological achievements.
He also met with His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth, who extended a warm welcome to the Deputy Minister.
Later, he was received by members of The Castellorizian Association of WA, the city’s oldest Greek organisation, with a 130-year history. President Kevin Kannis and member Stan Palassis shared the Association’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Greek language and culture – efforts that Loverdos praised as a testament to their enduring devotion to Greece.
The Deputy Minister’s itinerary also included a visit to St Andrew’s Grammar, a school under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and a cornerstone of Greek language education in WA. Students and teachers welcomed Loverdos with traditional dancing performances by the Year 4–6 group.
Commemorating ‘OXI Day’ and the ANZAC-Greece connection
Loverdos’ visit concluded amidst a “sea of Greek and Australian flags” at Saints Constantine and Helene Greek Orthodox Church, where he attended a Doxology for OXI Day, officiated by Bishop Elpidios.
The service was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony attended by Governor Dawson, Greek officials, and members of the local community.
The commemoration served as a poignant reminder of the historic bonds between Greece, Australia, and New Zealand – ties forged through shared sacrifices in times of war, from the early Greek migrants of the 19th century to the ANZACs’ Greek campaign and the Battle of Crete during World War II.
In his address, Governor Dawson reflected on the courage embodied by the Greek “OXI” of 1940: “Those actions inspired perhaps our greatest generation into further acts of courage and sacrifice.”
“Our leaders and forces of today, should they seek inspiration in uncertain times – those nations who still cherish freedom, liberty and democratic principles – should also look to what Greece did in 1940,” the Governor added.
A visit of symbolism and shared values
With his Perth visit, Loverdos brought to a close a significant tour that highlighted the deep historical, educational, and cultural ties uniting Greece and Australia.
His engagements with community leaders, educators, and government officials underscored the continued vitality of the Hellenic spirit in WA – a spirit that remains a living bridge between the homeland and the diaspora.
A 41-year-old man, accused of attempting to abduct two children in Coburg, has been placed in protective custody amid concerns for his safety, a court has heard.
Timothy Callister appeared before Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday for an administrative hearing after being charged with stalking, grooming a child for sexual conduct, loitering near children, and attempting to commit an indictable offence following two alleged incidents on October 6.
Police allege Callister followed a woman and child into a pharmacy on Victoria Street about 8.20pm, later attempting to follow them into their vehicle. The child reportedly fled back inside while the woman intervened. Staff locked the accused out of the store.
Soon after, he allegedly climbed a fence and entered the Greek Orthodox Church of the Presentation of the Lord, where he approached another child, asking them to leave with him before adults intervened.
Callister was detained by members of the church until police arrived and was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
In court, his lawyer sought a suppression order, arguing his client was a “protected prisoner” who had been “locked down for most of the day” due to threats following media coverage. However, the magistrate dismissed the request, citing the principle of open justice.
Callister has been remanded in custody and will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court next week, where prosecutors are expected to move the case to the indictable stream.
Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and the Heads of the Churches of the Holy Land received US Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Thursday.
His Beatitude personally led the couple through the sacred sites, describing their importance as the place of Christ’s Crucifixion and Resurrection.
During the visit, he extended his greetings to President Donald J. Trump and expressed gratitude for US efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and ease the suffering of civilians.
Quoting Scripture – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” – Patriarch Theophilos reaffirmed the Church’s enduring prayer for peace in the Holy Land, guided by wisdom, compassion and divine grace.
South Australia’s Attorney-General Kyam Maher has detailed the reasons behind his decision to appeal the Parole Board’s release of Snowtown killer James Vlassakis, suggesting that the board “erred” in granting parole.
Mr Maher confirmed earlier this week that he had lodged a formal application for a review of the Parole Board’s August decision, which allowed Vlassakis to be freed after serving 26 years of a life sentence.
In a statement issued on Thursday, he outlined that the board “failed to give proper weight” to several key factors, including the safety of the community, the seriousness of the offences, and the likelihood of Vlassakis complying with parole conditions.
“I made an application for a review… on the grounds that the Parole Board had ‘erred in granting the prisoner’s release on parole,’” Mr Maher told ABC News.
A directions hearing is scheduled for late October.
Due to confidentiality rules under the Correctional Services Act, the Attorney-General said he was unable to comment further but confirmed his statement had been authorised by the Parole Administrative Review Commissioner.
Vlassakis, now in his mid-40s, was the youngest of four men behind the “bodies-in-the-barrels” serial killings between 1992 and 1999. He pleaded guilty to four murders and later testified against ringleaders John Bunting and Robert Wagner, both of whom remain in prison for multiple murders.
The Hellenic Museum has announced that internationally acclaimed Greek musician Konstantinos Argiros has raised $150,000 to support the creation of its forthcoming Children’s Gallery, opening in 2026.
The funds have been raised through proceeds from Argiros’ sold-out Melbourne show on Saturday 25 October. This weekend, his fans will come together at Margaret Court Arena not only to celebrate music, but to contribute to a legacy project for future generations.
The Hellenic Museum Children’s Gallery will be the first of its kind in Australia – a dedicated space where young visitors can explore ancient and modern Greek culture through immersive, play-based learning.
Designed to inspire creativity, curiosity and connection, the Gallery will help ensure that today’s children become tomorrow’s cultural custodians.
Photos by Stu Headlam via Hellenic Museum.
“We are deeply grateful to Konstantinos for his incredible generosity and vision, and to everyone who has supported us by attending this concert,” Sarah Craig, Director of the Hellenic Museum, said.
“This invaluable gift will help us create a space that empowers children to engage with art, history and culture in meaningful and joyful ways.”
Argiros said, “It’s an honour to support the Hellenic Museum and its mission to connect young people with our shared heritage. Music brings people together – and with this project, we can build something lasting for the next generation.”
The Hellenic Museum looks forward to sharing more about the Children’s Gallery in coming months, and extends heartfelt thanks to Argiros, his management, Juggernaut Entertainment, and the concertgoers who have made this remarkable contribution possible.
As the Back to Greece series draws to a close, what remains is more than a collection of travel diaries – it’s a mosaic of memory, identity, and emotion.
Created to give young Greek Australians the chance to rediscover the motherland through their own lens, the series invited four participants – Julia Pritchard, Malena Mavrakis, Chris Spyrou, and Dimitra Kofidou – to document their journeys across Greece. Each brought their own story, style, and sense of self, yet all found the same thread connecting them back to their roots.
Launched by Neoléa and The Greek Herald as a short-form social series, Back to Greece encouraged its storytellers to explore what it means to belong – to feel at home in a country that is both familiar and foreign, both ancestral and alive in the present.
Through their footage, reflections, and creative expression, the project revealed the deep emotional ties that continue to bind the diaspora to the homeland.
More than a holiday
For Julia, the meaning of the trip unfolded in life’s quietest moments.
“Honestly, my favourite part was the relaxed morning coffees and the late-night chats with relatives, some familiar, others I was meeting for the first time,” she shared. “We did plenty of fun activities, but it was those simple moments with the people I love that really made the trip special.”
Her time in Lefkada became a meditation on family, gratitude, and perspective.
“It gave me the chance to really pause and appreciate how lucky I am to have family on the other side of the world who share so many of the same experiences and traits as me. I left with an even deeper sense of gratitude for my heritage and a real appreciation for the sacrifices my grandparents made.”
Capturing connection
From the cobblestones of Athytos, Malena approached her Back to Greece journey as both an emotional and creative challenge.
“My fondest memory from my trip was getting to see my family friends in my pappous village,” she recalled. “It was so special to be with people from back home in a place I hold very close to my heart.”
Sharing her experience online pushed her beyond her comfort zone – and gave her a platform to honour what she loves most.
“Athytos is really special to me so being able to show it to the world was truly special. It also let me tap into my creative side which I don’t get to do often! I really enjoyed the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and show my authentic self on social media, which was definitely challenging but extremely rewarding,” Malena said.
Rediscovering home
Chris, who spent weeks exploring mainland Greece and little-known islands like Syros, found himself unexpectedly transformed during his time offline.
“Very off-brand for me, but [my favourite memory] was spending a week in my dad’s village in Epirus with zero reception,” he admitted. “As someone whose phone is basically glued to his hand, I thought I’d struggle… but the quiet of the mountains, where the main sound I could hear was the clinking of goat bells, is something I’ll never forget.”
But beyond the digital detox, Chris used the series to challenge how people see Greece.
“Every time I go, my non-Greek friends or coworkers say, ‘Greece… again?’ and I’m like, ‘Yes. Again.’ Because there’s so much more to the motherland than the crystal-blue water, beaches, and clubs,” he says.
“It’s about that connection to our roots – the one you feel the moment you land at Athens airport, and it only gets stronger the closer you get to the villages and towns our families once called home.”
Finding meaning in stillness
For Dimitra, who travelled through places like Thessaloniki and Santorini, the experience was deeply personal.
“My fondest memory of the trip was the sunset in Santorini,” she said. “Even though I had seen it before from videos and photos, the feeling, the colours and the views were unbelievable.”
Her participation in the series became a way to reflect on what migration means to the next generation.
“I wanted to show other people how the immigration changes the way you feel about home,” she explained. “It was a great opportunity for me to film my days and have something to look back as a diary – and the results were amazing thanks to you guys!”
Neoléa: empowering the next generation
Behind Back to Greece stands Neoléa, an youth initiative of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA), which aims to activate and encourage young Greek Australians to connect with each other, explore their rich cultural heritage, and shape a vibrant future that honours the legacy of their ancestors. The youth-led platform designs creative projects, promotes intergenerational dialogue, and fosters language retention and cultural pride.
Neoléa Chair Anastasia Mavrides said the collaboration with The Greek Herald for Back to Greece was a natural fit.
“For us, taking the Back to Greece series to a national level was an incredible opportunity to platform the voices of young Greek Australians and share their stories more widely,” she said. “The project encourages young people to connect with their heritage and the history of their ancestors, while also reflecting on their own identity and how their culture has shaped them.”
The Greek Herald’s Digital Editor, Andriana Simos, added that the project was born from a shared vision to amplify the voices of young people in the diaspora.
“At The Greek Herald, we’re committed to championing youth voices and giving them a platform to tell their stories,” she said.
“That’s why Back to Greece lets young Greek Australians share what Greece means to them, in their own words, through their own eyes. Their perspectives are vital to keeping our community dynamic and connected.”
The story that never really ends
Through every lens and caption, Back to Greece revealed something simple yet profound – that the idea of “home” for the diaspora isn’t bound to geography. It lives in memory, language, and shared experience.
Whether it’s a sunrise over the Aegean or a late-night laugh with cousins you’ve just met, these moments become proof that the ties to Greece endure – reshaped by distance but never broken.
And though this chapter of Back to Greece may have ended (for now), its spirit continues. Each participant returns with new stories, new gratitude, and the quiet knowing that, in some way, we all keep going back.
The Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney and NSW will honour the 113th anniversary of the Liberation of Lesvos with a series of commemorative events next month, beginning with a memorial service on Sunday, November 9, at St Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Greek Orthodox Church in Liverpool, Sydney.
The service will include a wreath-laying ceremony to remember the fallen heroes and a procession of the icon of Taxiarchis, paying tribute to the island’s enduring faith and resilience.
There will be a memorial service on Sunday, November 9, at St Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Greek Orthodox Church in Liverpool, Sydney.
Festivities will continue the following weekend with the annual Liberation Ball on Saturday, November 15, at Mytilenian House in Canterbury.
The evening promises live music by Paradise Band, traditional Greek dancing, and authentic island cuisine, a “true Lesvian glendi” celebrating pride and community spirit.
Both events are set to honour the 1912 liberation of Lesvos from Ottoman rule, a milestone in Greek history marked with deep pride by the Lesvian community in Australia.
