In the 2024 September school holidays, 18 young members of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) set off on the inaugural Greek Youth Camp to Athens, Greece to immerse ourselves in the Greek culture and improve our connection to the area and our heritage.
In Greece, we were welcomed as guests of the Governor of Attiki to the Army Summer Resort Agios Andreas Attica, our base for our time there. Every day was jam-packed with trips to bucket list destinations like Delphi and Poros, amazing food like the lunches overlooking the Acropolis at Dionysos Zonar’s, and free time to explore with our friends.
Photos by Amelia Tsilfidis.Photo by Amelia Tsilfidis.
My favourite memories were streaming and singing along to music from my friend’s speaker at the back of the bus on the way to whichever amazing destination was planned for the day, surrounded by the beautiful scenery and our friends.
Visiting Nafpoli, with the glittering blue waters and quaint pastel buildings, and the cruise of the Greek islands where we tasted the pistachios of Aegina and met the donkeys and horses in Hydra, were definitely my highlights. It wouldn’t be possible without our amazing guides Meg, Tass, Andreas and Kelly, who allowed us a rich view of the region while keeping it fun and exciting.
Photos by Amelia Tsilfidis.Photo by Amelia Tsilfidis.
I’d personally never been to Greece before, so I was so lucky to have the support of the GCM for this trip – an opportunity to experience Greece both as a tourist, but also for the education and culture as part of a group with friends and as guests of the Governor. It gave us access to some once-in-a-lifetime adventures like staying at the Army Summer resort with the most incredible facilities.
Even though I didn’t speak any Greek, my friends did and they helped me learn words as I went, introduced me to Greek music and translated anything I didn’t understand – it enriched my time there and made us all closer as a group.
Everything about this trip was amazing:
Incredible food – moussaka, pastitsio, souvlaki, pita, tzatziki, Greek salad every day
Immersion in true Greek culture, dancing and language
My only hardship was that I didn’t know Greece served soft drinks without carbonation, so I accidentally ordered a Fanta with no bubbles!
Photos by Amelia Tsilfidis.
It was incredible to visit and experience the thrill of Greece, especially with a group our own age. It allowed us to build lifetime friendships and connections, and I’m so honoured and excited to be an ambassador for Attiki with my friends.
To anyone offered this opportunity in the future, I would urge you to absolutely apply and attend – you won’t regret it!
Greek community hubs have been at the heart of the migrant Hellenic experience since the post-WWII era. These hubs have offered a strong sense of cultural solidarity for our people, who, after making the long voyage to an unknown land, felt the pangs of homesickness at a deep, spiritual level.
As many of us know, Greeks from various regions settled in Australia and quickly established connections with their homeland – specifically with their local cities, small towns, and even villages.
One of these connections is the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne & Victoria – ‘O Kolokotronis,’ which, from its inception, catered to migrants from the Arcadia region in the Peloponnese. The association infused its festivals, gatherings, and dances with traditional flavours unique to their community.
This month, on October 12, the Panarcadian Association is celebrating its 65th anniversary, while also commemorating the Liberation of Tripolitsa on September 23, 1821.
The Greek Herald caught up with the President of the association, George Kotsirilos, to learn more about this historic club.
Brief history of the Panarcadian Association
The Panarcadian Association of Melbourne was officially established on September 13, 1959.
“It was formed as a philanthropic hub for Arcadians to get together, support one another, and raise money to assist in the shared goals of their community,” George said.
“Back then, various regional Greek groups were forming to solidify community ties in this new country; the Cretans, Macedonians, Spartans, Messenians etc. People from Arcadia wanted to maintain that sense of family in this new, unfamiliar land.
“Over time, Greeks from different parts of Greece began interacting with one another. This is how a unified Greek Australian identity began, but it all started with the local clubs, such as ours.”
Key milestones and achievements
George explained how this year marks the association’s 65th anniversary. He has been involved for 12 consecutive years, with the last two serving as President.
“I personally believe that one of our biggest milestones was the purchasing of our community building – our Panarcadian hall (known as ‘The Arcadian’), located on 570 Victoria Street North Melbourne – on September 1986,” he said.
“We did run into some difficult times in the late 80s due to the financial crisis and high interest rates; but thanks to Andreas Andrianopoulos, who generously donated a significant sum of money to rescue the building from the bank, we have been able to keep hold of an asset of $15 million, debt free.
“It is one of the most beautiful historic buildings of any Greek organisation in Melbourne. I would have to say, the property itself is a massive achievement for our community.”
Differentiating the Panarcadian Association
George was quick to note that, in many ways, all Greek clubs in Melbourne share a common story.
“We all have similar traditions—dances, music, values. We’re all Greeks. What makes us different is the unique local flavour we bring from Arcadia, but ultimately, we all support each other,” he said.
George added though that one of the biggest challenges has been fostering support among the second and third generations of Arcadians.
“The first generation of immigrants was highly involved, but it’s become difficult to maintain that same level of commitment over time. People marry into different ethnicities, cultures, and this is of course, what is beautiful about Australia.
“People of Arcadian descent know about their heritage, but are less willing to stay involved with their community. This is natural, but looking to the future, one of our primary goals is to figure out the best methods to keep our second and third generations engaged with the association so it continues to thrive for many years.”
Engaging the next generation
When asked how he would encourage younger Greek Australians to remain involved, George pointed to the work done by groups like NUGAS as a great example.
“The younger generation is proud to be Greek, and that pride will help keep our traditions alive. It’s almost as if the younger generation is prouder to be Greek than my generation! Which is fantastic,” he said.
“Hosting events like dances, charity events, or film festivals at spaces like ‘The Arcadian’ is key to bringing people together and celebrating our shared heritage. This is the best path forward, I believe.”
George added that as President, his primary goal is to ensure the continuation of the association’s legacy.
“Who will be the heartbeat of the organisation in the future? Who will we pass the torch to? Embracing and engaging the youth is the key to ensuring that the third and fourth generations can carry on our Arcadian ethos,” he said.
The 65th Anniversary Ball
When asked about the association’s upcoming 65th Anniversary Ball, George chuckled.
“We’re going to have plenty of dancing and beautiful, loud music!” he said.
“We’ll have 25 traditional dancers in the foustanella and amalia dress, courtesy of the Greek Community of Melbourne. We’ll also cut a cake to celebrate our 65th birthday, alongside our first-ever president, Leonidas Argyropoulos, who is now 93 years old.
“It promises to be a night of dancing, music, speeches, and mingling – a truly fantastic occasion. We invite all Greek Australians to come down and celebrate with us.”
After three years, Patricia Karvelas has announced her departure from her hosting position at ABC Radio National’s flagship Breakfast program.
Having succeeded longtime presenter Fran Kelly at the start of 2022, Karvelas is set to transition to a new position as an anchor on ABC’s news channel in 2025, where she will focus on national political coverage.
“After a decade, it’s time to change it up, and I’m ready to lean into a new cross-platform role,” Karvelas said.
“I want to thank the ABC for the opportunities it has provided me through my decade here. It continues to be the most important public institution in the country, in my view, and I want to help build its connections with voters across the country.
“I’ll miss the Radio National audience enormously. There’s something magical about waking up when the country is asleep to bring the big news and conversations to the country.”
Each year since 2007, optometrist Leonidas Vlahakis has spent countless hours watching Greek feature films and documentaries. Even more hours have been spent with his peers at the Cultural Committee of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) discussing the films before a final selection is chosen.
“Up until two years ago we were at the Astor only for opening and closing nights, and at the Como for the rest of it. Now, we have a packed program at four cinemas, including Balwyn and Pentridge,” Leonidas says, adding that this is no small accomplishment.
“Teaming up with Palace Cinemas, following the suggestion of Palace Cinema’s National Program Manager Kim Patelas, has been a game changer for our festival,” Leonidas says, adding that he attends screenings practically every night.
Palace Cinemas source films for the Italian, French, German, Spanish and other international film festivals.
“We handpick our own films from a selection sent by the Greek Film Centre,” Leonidas says.
“The real challenge are the ones that don’t go through the Greek Film Centre. In those cases, we contact the producer but because we are not Montreal or LA, we are not seen as a commercial festival and we need to work harder to source our material.”
To offer a festival that is on par with the other international festivals is a challenge.
“Let’s not forget that Italy produces around 120 new films per year, whereas Greece produces around 20,” Leonidas points out, adding that money is tight.
“It’s not easy being part of the Greek film scene. You can’t have the production values, but you can get very creative in terms of the plot line and how people express themselves.”
He talks about cinematography and Greek films as though he were Bill Collins, Mr Movies.
“Before getting involved in the Greek Film Festival, I’d say I was left of the bell curve as far as movie-making knowledge is concerned,” Leonidas says.
He remembers going with his family to the Greek cinema under the bridge at Warrigal Road, Oakleigh, to watch films featuring movie greats like Aliki Vouyiouklaki, Alekos Alexandrakis, Lambros Konstantaras and the like.
“During the Golden Years of Greek cinema, we were the Bollywood of the Balkans with more films per capita than any country in the world,” Leonidas says.
“We pay homage to this period by including ‘Gorgones kai Manges’, a comedy musical that enjoyed great success in the day.”
Opening night is always a challenge and following discussions, the committee decided to offer a comedy via the film Hear Who’s Talking? about a life coach with voices in his head.
Hear Who’s Talking.
“The Murderess (Fonisa) is a masterpiece, and possibly the most artistic film of the festival, but we wanted people to leave opening night feeling happy,” Leonidas says.
“The subcommittee choose a selection of films to appeal to a wide variety of people.
“Let’s understand that we are cultural ambassadors for our motherland and there are certainly movies this year that I’ll invite my non-Greek friends to see. Films like Ekseliksi (The Promotion), a real father-son tear-jerker.”
Ekseliksi (The Promotion).
Brando with a Glass Eye, a Greek film made in Athens with the support of the Greek Film Centre and EKOME, was post-produced in Australia with the team at Bronte Pictures and The Post Lounge. The film depicts a method actor in a heist that goes wrong.
Leonidas says, “Brando with a Glass Eye is definitely a film I’d watch again. I like how characters in European films cannot be classified as good or bad but are both in many ways.”
Brando with a Glass Eye.
The Greek Film Festival gives viewers a deeper understanding of Greece today.
“Many of the films feature or in some way allude to the Greek debt crisis,” Leonidas says, but adds that they also show the ‘variety’ that is Greece.
“We talk about the land mass that’s Greece but there are different types of Greece. There is Santorini, Mykonos and the party islands, but if you want seclusion go to my village with a population of 250. You can visit bustling cities like Athens and Thessaloniki or go to Kalamata for something niche and still have an amazing time. Greece caters to different types of people and so do the movies of our festival.”
Unlike other festivals that have a more mainstream appeal, the Greek film festivals draw community clubs and associations. The Panarcadian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, O Kolokotronis, is making an event of the film Arcadia Champagne D’Orient.
Arcadia Champagne D’Orient.
Panarcadian Association President George Kotsirilos tells The Greek Herald he saw an opportunity to “give back” to its older members.
“By paying for their tickets to the screening of this film, with an Arcadian theme, we can bring together our older members who can no longer travel at night and support the Greek film festival in the process,” he says.
Leonidas says, “When I go to other film festivals there are a mix of multicultural audiences. For instance, most who go to the French film festival are not French. But our festival is different, and there’s a real sense of ownership.”
He feels this ownership in his skin every time the phone buzzes with feedback, especially in cases where the community don’t agree with the selection.
And then there is the Student Night on October 27, when students from community schools submit their own feature.
“That’s the future of our community and such a pleasure to see,” he says.
As the Greek Film Festival continues to grow and evolve, it remains a vital platform for showcasing the rich and diverse tapestry of Greek cinema. It’s a testament to the passion and dedication of individuals like Leonidas and the Cultural Committee of the GCM, who work tirelessly to bring authentic and thought-provoking films to audiences.
For more information and to book tickets, please visit the official website of the Greek Film Festival.
Prominent Greek Australian tennis player Andriana Petrakis secured her second singles title at the Australian Tennis Championships, triumphing over top-ranked Kelly Wren with a score of 6-3, 6-4.
Earlier this year, the athlete reached the No. 1 ranking, although Wren eventually reclaimed the top spot. With this recent win against the experienced player, Petrakis is poised to reclaim her position at the summit.
Last month, she represented Australia at the World Tennis Championships held in Annecy, France where she won two silver medals, for the teams’ event and another in doubles. She also took home a bronze medal for mixed doubles.
During his visit to Sydney, Greece’s Deputy Minister for Culture Iason Fotilas held a number of high-level meetings with politicians and educational leaders.
On Tuesday, October 8, Mr Fotilas met with New South Wales Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper. He was accompanied by the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis.
Mr Fotilas and Minister Kamper engaged in discussions about potential cooperation in cultural exchanges, emphasising the significant contributions made by the Greek Australian community in NSW. The dialogue highlighted the rich cultural heritage that the Greek community brings to the region.
Last week, Mr Fotilas also had the opportunity to learn about the extensive work being done in Greek Studies at the University of Sydney (USYD).
The Minister was informed by Professor Vrasidas Karalis, head of the Department for Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies at USYD, about the department’s multidimensional efforts in promoting Greek learning in NSW.
Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network (Justice Health NSW) staff have been recognised at the annual awards ceremony in Sydney.
The 2024 Awards were presented across 24 categories which recognise the hard work and outstanding commitment of health professionals working for Justice Health NSW right across the state.
Among the recipients are three Australians of Greek heritage. Peter George won ‘New to Practice Nurse of the Year,’ Katerina Lagios won ‘Medical Leader of the Year,’ and Larry Kofiotis won ‘AH Assistant/Technician/Support Person of the Year.’
Here is the full list of the 2024 Justice Health NSW Award recipients:
Peak Awards
Employee of the Year – Claire Lang, Health Centre Clerk, Macquarie Correctional Centre
Team of the Year – Metabolic Clinic Team, The Forensic Hospital
Leader of the Year – Chloe Prior, Acting Nurse Manager, Dillwynia Area 2
Nursing Awards
Aboriginal Nurse of the Year – Emily Blinoff, Nursing Unit Manager, Long Bay Hospital Mental Health.
Healing Heart Award for Exceptional Care – Michelle Reid, Registered Nurse, CCP transitions, Statewide Community and Court Liaison Service.
New to Practice Nurse of the Year – Peter George, Enrolled Nurse, Austinmer Women’s.
Nurse Leadership Award – Chloe Prior, Acting Nurse Manager, Dillwynia Area 2.
Nurse Lifetime Achievement Award – Michelle Reid, Registered Nurse, CCP transitions, Statewide Community and Court Liaison Service.
Nurse of the Year – Colette Teirney, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Public and Sexual Health.
Nurse Team of the Year – HepCare statewide Population Health.
Administration and Support Awards clinical facing and non-clinical facing
Non-clinical facing Administration/Support Employee of the Year – Jennifer Ahearn, A/Data Coordinator.
Clinical Facing Administration/Support Employee of the Year – Claire Lang, Health Centre Clerk, Macquarie Correctional Centre.
Non-clinical facing Administration/Support Leader of the Year – Alison Smith, Forensic Hospital, Administration Manager.
Clinical Facing Administration/Support Leader of the Year – Carolynn Dixon, Operations Manager, Statewide Community & Court Liaison Service.
Non-clinical facing Administration/Support Team of the Year – Communications Team.
Clinical Facing Administration/Support Team of the Year – Mid North Coast Correctional Centre, Administration Team.
Medical Awards
Medical Employee of the Year – Mica Spasojevic, Senior Career Medical Officer.
Medical New to Practice Employee of the Year – Shelley Xia, Staff Specialist Psychiatrist.
Medical Leader of the Year – Katerina Lagios, Senior Staff Specialist.
Medical Team of the Year – Primary Care Medical lead Team.
Allied Health Awards
AH Assistant/Technician/Support Person of the Year – Larry Kofiotis, Allied Health Assistant Forensic Hospital.
AH Leader of the Year – Trisha Lloyd, Service Director, Adolescent Mental Health.
AH Professional of the Year – Law Edwards, Senior Exercise Physiologist, Forensic Hospital.
Early Career AH Professional of the Year – Emma Papin, Social Worker, Forensic Hospital.
Multidisciplinary Team of the Year – Metabolic Clinic Team, Forensic Hospital.
The NSW Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson, said, “Justice Health NSW delivers care to some of the most vulnerable members of the community across the entire state and I’m pleased to see so many of staff members being recognised for their exceptional work.”
“While our Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health staff face challenges unlike any other in our healthcare system, they continue to rise to meet the unique needs of their patients so that they are healthy and well when they return to the community. They are doing an incredible job,” Ms Jackson added.
Chief Executive at Justice Health NSW, Wendy Hoey, said “the awards are an opportunity for Justice Health NSW to acknowledge the fantastic work of staff right across the organisation.”
“This year we received 190 nominations over 25 award categories, which was a 25 per cent increase on last year’s nominations and goes to show the fantastic work taking place across Justice Health NSW,” Ms Hoey added.
“All our staff do a fantastic job in supporting our patients to transform their lives. While much of this work goes unseen, this annual award ceremony enables us to shine a light on some of this exceptional work and to celebrate our amazing people.”
The University of Notre Dame Australia has awarded an Honorary Doctorate to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in recognition of his inspiring work to unify contemporary society.
His All-Holiness is the spiritual leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians across the globe, and a voice of hope and unity who travels around the world encouraging inter-faith dialogue.
The Honorary Doctorate was conferred on His All-Holiness during a special ceremony at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney on Monday, October 7.
Notre Dame’s Chancellor, The Hon. Christopher Ellison, said it was an honour to recognise the role played by His All-Holiness in promoting unity during his historic visit to Australia.
“His All-Holiness’s religious leadership in fostering and deepening dialogue among believers serves as a beacon of hope,” he said.
“He plays a unique role in promoting unity among all Christians, and between humanity and nature. Through his actions, he demonstrates that living out one’s faith involves a deep commitment to ecology and to honouring creation in all its forms.”
His All-Holiness praised Notre Dame for its commitment to bridge-building, integrating and embracing differences and offering its students both global and local experiences to facilitate outreach to the most marginalised members of society.
Photo: Giovanni Portelli.
“We are always in closer proximity to each other in more ways than we are distant from or different to one another,” His All-Holiness said.
“There is incomparably more than we share with each other and resemble one another than what may separate us if only we begin to see the other with new eyes.”
His All-Holiness’ leadership is marked by his commitment to visiting Orthodox communities, while also building meaningful relationships with other Christian churches and communities, and leaders from other faiths.
He played an important role in building Catholic-Orthodox relations when he attended the inauguration of His Holiness Pope Francis in March 2013.
The following year, Pope Francis and His All Holiness jointly declared their resolution to promote the “full unity of all Christians.”
The visit by His All Holiness coincides with the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia – a milestone for more than 400,000 Australians.
He has visited Australia twice as Ecumenical Patriarch and spent time at Notre Dame’s Fremantle Campus during his first visit in 1996.
In a statement shared on her social media, Sakkari declared her commitment to recovery: “Over the past few weeks, my main goal has been to recover from my shoulder injury. Unfortunately, due to that, I have to end my season earlier than planned. I will be back soon and pain-free.”
Sakkari then expressed her gratitude for her supporters, writing, “Thank you for your support. It has been a year full of challenges, but it has also taught me a lot. See you soon in Australia.”
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited Taronga Zoo in Sydney on Tuesday, October 8.
Zookeepers provided a walking tour for the Ecumenical Patriarch and gave him information on Australian wildlife as they wandered through areas dedicated to educational programs for school students.
Alongside his entourage, which included His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, the Ecumenical Patriarch interacted with numerous animals including kangaroos and koalas.
Photo: Nikos Papachristou.
Ecumenical Patriarch speaks about impact of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Welfare Centre
After his zoo visit, the Ecumenical Patriarch blessed a luncheon held in his honour by the Welfare Centre of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
During the event, he conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the Centre’s administration, staff and volunteers for their unwavering commitment to helping those in need through their various initiatives.
“The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and the Greek Welfare Centre do not limit themselves to providing financial assistance alone. They embrace nearly every aspect of contemporary life,” His All-Holiness said.
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew speaking at the luncheon. Photo: Nikos Papachristou.
The Centre offers services ranging from psychological and social support to specialised programs for families, the elderly, youth, and the sick, and facilitates connections with government services, as well as many other specialised and pioneering services.
“For the overall contribution and testimony of the Welfare Centre, we extend our warmest congratulations and prayers from the Holy Great Church of Christ and from myself personally to His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, under whose blessing and guidance this work continues,” the Ecumenical Patriarch added.
“Of course, nothing in the Church is the work of a single individual, as our Holy Church is a community and communion of persons… At the Greek Welfare Centre, 287 individuals work with exemplary dedication and commitment, with divine zeal and devotion, while many others offer their services voluntarily, either on a permanent or occasional basis. To them, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude.”
