Authors of “Greek Cafes And Milk Bars of Australia” to speak at NSW Seniors Festival

·

Documentary photographer Effy Alexakis and writer Leonard Janiszewski will be hosting two talks titled “Greek Cafes & Milk Bars of Australia” at the NSW seniors festival in Sydney during February.

Alexakis and Janiszewski will be discussing their book “Greek Cafes & Milk Bars of Australia,” as well as answering questions and discussing Australia’s rich history of Greek cafes and milk bars.

Taking Readers Through Memory Lane

Alexakis and Janiszewski’s book was first published on 30 March 2016 and captures the rich history of Greek cafes and milk bars that were once scattered across the country, acting as a staple in peoples lives at the time.

The book combines Effy Alexakis stunning photography and ability to re-ignite the past with historic images from family albums, combined with Leonard Janiszewski’s ability to interview and tell the stories of the workers and owners of these memorable stores.

The national publication brings together over 30 years of research culled from travels within four continents, selected from over 1,800 interviews and innumerable contemporary and historical photographs. Hundreds of Australia’s Greek cafés and milk bars are referenced within the book’s 256 pages.

The publication is also a companion to the highly-popular and critically applauded touring exhibition Selling an American Dream: Australia’s Greek Café.

Below is a short description of the novel:

Nostalgic trip to the days when the Greek Cafe was the gathering place for every town and suburb. Effy Alexakis’s evocative photos are paired with marvellous images from family albums. The cafes and the people behind them, showing decor, milkshakes, sundaes and innovative sweets were combined in a unique and special Australian experience. The authors have travelled Australia, Greece, Egypt and the USA, tracking down cafes, milk bars and their forerunners overseas.

Event Details

WHAT: Author Talk – Greek Cafes and Milk Bars of Australia by Effy Alexakis and Leonard Janiszewski.

WHEN:

Thursday 13 February – Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre

Friday 21 February – Campsie Library and Knowledge Centre

TIME: 10-11.30am

More information on the event can be found HERE

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Latest News

‘I don’t need medals’: The unassuming life of Neophytos Stavrou

As a finalist in the Australia Cyprus Achievement Awards, Neophytos Stavrou represents a generation whose contributions were built quietly.

Vikki and Helena Moursellas reflect on twin bond and life after reality TV

Identical twins Vikki and Helena Moursellas, 37, who became household names as finalists on My Kitchen Rules in 2014.

Krama Brass Band to perform in Canberra, Sydney for Cyprus EU Presidency Cultural Program

The acclaimed Krama Brass Band from Cyprus will tour Australia in early February, with performances confirmed in Canberra and Sydney.

Women’s Greek Community Cup opens with strong performances and community support

The 2026 Women’s Greek Community Cup is underway following a successful opening weekend at John Cain Memorial Park.

Stability, unity and growth on display at South Melbourne FC AGM

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of South Melbourne FC was conducted in a calm and a collegiate environment.

You May Also Like

Meteora: The UNESCO heritage listed monasteries of Greece

"Meteora" monasteries are built on the top of stoned pillars, and their name is translated as "suspended in the air."

Nick Kyrgios withdraws from US Open

Tennis star Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from the US Open, just two weeks out from the start of the tournament on August 29.

Greece stun Lithuania to reach first EuroBasket semi-final in over 15 years

Greece secured a place in the EuroBasket semi-finals for the first time in more than 15 years after defeating Lithuania 87–76 on Tuesday.