The Hellenic Women’s Cultural Association (Estia) put on a wonderful showcase of Greek music last Sunday 26 October, in a bid to raise funds for the new Centre for Contemporary Culture on Lonsdale Street.
Founded in 1978, the largest and oldest Greek women’s association in Melbourne felt the need for an updated community space to accommodate for its larger numbers.
“It’s something that has been missing from our community. We’re very proud indeed that at last we have somewhere we can actually go and feel proud of and comfortable in,” Ms Patricia Drivas, vice president of the association, told Neos Kosmos.
Commencing in the early afternoon at the Manningham Function Centre, 300 people attended the event, with a program jam-packed with Greek musical entertainment. A full orchestra comprising the bouzouki, baglama and violin assisted music performances ranging from the ’50s, rembetika and laika.
“Everyone was very, very happy. There was a standing ovation, people didn’t want to leave,” Ms Drivas said.
“It was a beautiful afternoon and a very successful event.”
The women’s association aims to promote the Greek language, culture and heritage, making it an invaluable part of the community.