The Lemnian Brotherhood of Victoria, as it was originally known, was formed back in 1939 by Dimitrios Katakouzinos Blablanis, who was born in Rossopouli, Lemnos in 1886.

As a young man, he originally migrated to America, but returned back to Lemnos after a few years,  where he served in the Greek Army. Upon his discharge, he unsuccessfully attempted to return to America.

The rejection of his entrance lead him to seek a new life in Australia, where he created a family and also founded The Lemnian Brotherhood of Victoria.

He arrived in 1927, without any trade or qualification, and without knowledge of the English language. He travelled between Western Australia and NSW working on the land and on farms. Not content with this life, he moved to Melbourne where he worked as a travelling salesman selling and sharpening knives for different cafes. He worked hard to gather some money, and managed to bring his beloved wife Ourania, and two daughters Athina and Eleni, over from Lemnos in 1933.

He was a fiery patriot who was respected and loved by everyone who knew him. And his ongoing passion for his homeland is what inspired him to create the Lemnian Brotherhood of Victoria in 1939.

READ MORE: Lemnos and Gallipoli remembered at Lemnos Square, Albert Park

The Lemnian Brotherhood was formed so that men like himself, who left their island for new beginnings in Australia, could meet up regularly and keep the legacy of their fathers and forefathers alive for their kids and for future generations. Little did he know that, 80 years onward, this legacy would still be alive and strong.

Forming this close-knit group of Lemnians was a way of creating a form of security for these men and their families who were in a foreign country at a time when migrants were not openly welcome. Although this small committee consisted only of men, they would all gather together with their families to celebrate and keep alive Lemnian traditions. Together they enjoyed cuisine from their homeland, and celebrated with Lemnian song and dance. They also supported each other in times of trial and pain.

Dimitri and his family lived in a two-storey house located at Filbert street, Caulfield, and that is where the initial committee meetings were held. He remained the brotherhood’s founding President until 1951.

He died in 1958, aged 72, leaving behind his wife, daughters and five grandchildren.

READ MORE: Victoria’s Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee honours the role of Lemnos in Australia’s Anzac story

Although Dimitri Blablanis planted the first Lemnian seed and spirit here in Victoria, he was followed by other presidents who have taken the Lemnian Community of Victoria, as it is known today, to greater heights. Past presidents include the late Theo Marmaras, the late Alecos Angelides, Lakis Kayalikos, the late Stratos Sarantis, Peter Skapetis, Terry Tzivakis, Bill Georgantis, Marlene Varvaras, Phillip Diamataris and the current president George Giannaros.

The success of the Lemnian Community of Victoria can be attributed to the past and present presidents and committees that have tirelessly worked to promote and keep our Lemnian heritage and traditions alive, creating a strong footprint to inspire the generations to come.

The Lemnian Community of Victoria will be formally honouring all the past presidents at its 80th Anniversary Gala Ball on 23 November at San Remo Ballroom.