Tammy Iliou has worked in public affairs, government and finance roles. A member of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Board since 2010, she is now Vice President of the GCM and balances her career, community interests with family life. A mother of two young children, she spent lockdown working, teaching and hankering for a trip to Athens.

We caught up with her and asked her what life has been like.

What have you been reading?
Grade 2 and 3 primary school readers. Our school, Alphington Grammar, did a fantastic job with remote learning. But, it was a really long and intense period and like most families in Melbourne, we faced challenging moments. I also enjoyed reading public policy articles and with the US election there were a lot of insightful pieces – when I had any brain space left.

What are you watching?
New Greek film features and documentaries for the Delphi Bank Greek Film Festival – which unfortunately, has now been postponed. I really hope we can deliver this program as soon as possible with live audiences, because I know how much it means to so many in our community.

What music are you listening to?
Melodia FM for my daily “alternative” Greek music fix.

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What are you cooking?
I used my oven more than ever but I am now done with home-made pizza and bread. I look forward to eating out and supporting hospitality.

What is keeping you sane at the moment?
Taking day by day. Group chats and crazy memes between family and friends. (See photo)

What is work like for you now?
Like many, balancing work, home life and community involvement has been difficult. I was sceptical at first about everything being online, but I have been converted. I am sure I will sit in face-to-face meetings in the future and wonder if online would have
been more efficient. I hope workplaces become more flexible and inclusive as a result.

What’s something positive you’ve witnessed or experienced since COVID-19 entered our lives?
Musicians, theatre groups, authors and poets, galleries and museums from around the world opened up for events, virtual tours and lectures. I loved how we turned to artists and creativity to get us through. I read somewhere that when you pull everything back, the arts remain. I think this became clear during lockdown, and we need to remember that when life gets busy again.

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What have you learned about yourself during COVID-19?
That I am an extroverted introvert. I did not mind the slower pace and having a clean diary, but at the same time, I need social interaction, spontaneity and freedom of movement to be mentally healthy.

Where’s the first place you’d like to visit in Greece once travel is allowed?
Athens. I have lived in Athens every time I return it feels like home. I’ll sit in the front seat with the cab driver and ask what’s going on with the government. That will be enough to get the driver going until we reach Koukaki. Within a couple of hours, I’ll be walking towards the Acropolis. Maybe, I have played out this scene in my head too many times during lockdown!!