Greek-Australian writers are working hard to express themselves.
The Greek-Australian Cultural League (GACL) rewarded their efforts on Sunday, 1 December, with the announcement of the winners of the Book Prize 2019, an award that is intended to become a biannual event aimed at recognising and promoting the works of Greek-Australian writers.
Cathy Alexopoulos, the GACL President, said that this was possible thanks to the support of the event by members of the community.
“We were very fortunate to have generous sponsors supporting us in this undertaking and to whom we sincerely thank for their contributions,” she said. “Everyone left with a book in hand for a gift or to appreciate for themselves. Sincere congratulations to all prize winners and encourage others to participate in the future.”
The event celebrated the efforts made to express the written word in poetry, prose and history/research in works written in Greek, English or bilingually.
Judges were Mr John Milides, Dr Thanasis Spilias and Dr George Vassilacopoulos.
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AWARDS
Poetry in Greek:
Yota Krili for her book Πεφταστέρια (Sponsor: Velos and Velos Lawyers, John and Angela Velos)
Prose in Greek:
Yota Krili for her book Κυκλάμινο (Sponsor: Velos and Velos Lawyers, John and Angela Velos)
Commendation – Soula Mousoura for her book Ταξίδια που δεν τελείωσαν (Sponsor: thείο Thέo Greek Restaurant, Theo and Stella Poulakidas)
History/Research in Greek:
Christos Ν. Fifis for his book Ελληνο-Αυστραλιανές Αναφορές (Sponsor: thείο Thέo Greek Restaurant, Theo and Stella Poulakidas)
Commendation: George Zangalis for his book Oδή στη Μάνα (Sponsor: thείο Thέo Greek Restaurant, Theo and Stella Poulakidas)
Poetry in English:
No award because no such book was submitted.
READ MORE: GACL celebrates literary works across the Greek Australian community
Prose in English:
Award: Michalia Arathimos for her book Aukati (Sponsor: Owl Publishing, Helen Nickas)
Commendation: Effie Carr for her book Stamatia X (Sponsor: thείο Thέo Greek Restaurant, Theo and Stella Poulakidas)
History in English:
No award because no such book was submitted.
There was a Special Commendation awarded to Plutarch Delyiannis for his book, Our Presence in Australia. This book was translated by Plutarch before his death from the Greek version – Η παρουσία μας στην Αυστραλία, and published posthumously, in his memory, by his wife Frederiki Delyiannis.