At 60, Dandenong's Greek community is as young as ever

The Greek Orthodox Community of Dandenong and Districts went all out over the weekend for its annual Greek Festival, but this year was particularly special, marking the parish-community’s 60 year anniversary.

The foundations of the close-knit Community were first laid back in 1959 by a group of passionate migrants from the village of Siana on the island of Rhodes. They were driven by the love they had for the homeland they left behind, their families, and of course their faith.

Now 60 years on and the Community is thriving, with the younger generations stepping up to take the reigns, and preserve their heritage led by President Steven Karamoschos.

The two-day event was hosted at the site of St Panteleimon Greek Orthodox Church, where people turned out in droves to enjoy the traditional panigiri where they enjoyed the sounds and smells of Greece, with an abundance of food, music and dancing.

The emphasis was on the Community’s youngest, with students of the parish Greek school showcasing their dancing skills.

Joining in the celebration were a number of official guests, among them Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis.