Attendees at the revived ‘inaugaral’ Grecian Ball were wowed by a surprise performance by Melina Aslanidou before her return to Greece.
Her concert at the Grecian Ball on Friday night was the surprise of the night and it brought back a warm feeling of nostalgia to all those who attended.
It was the main act of an event no short of highlights.
Organised by the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) along with the Greek National Day Council of Victoria and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, the inaugural Grecian Ball was dedicated to the Bicentenary of Greece’s War of Independence, an anniversary event postponed from last year due to the pandemic.
But those 500 people gathered at the Grand Hyatt were also celebrating a story more recent and closer to home: the establishment of a community Down Under whose input to Australia’s multicultural fabric is matched by few.
While dubbed the ‘inaugural’ Grecian Ball it is actually a re-imagining of the enormously popular annual Grecian Ball from the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
The annual ‘Χορός της Κοινότητας‘ was the most cherished event of the year for Victorian Greeks.
Australian leaders, would always attend including Prime Ministers Whitlam and Fraser, a testament to the acknowledgement of the importance of the event by the broader Australian community.
Some may also remember the event as a “debutante ball”, so that young Greek women would be formally ‘introduced to society’.
It was also held on Mondays, to ensure that those in regional Victoria with businesses requiring them to work during weekends were able to attend.
Many things have changed since. But the atmosphere of unity fostered by a shared story and shared values has remained unchanged in the revival of the prestigious ball.
Dignatories at the hosts table pose for a photo.
Same but different – two young women enjoying the night.
MP Maria Vamvakinou with husband Dr Michalis S. Michael and guests.
State Opposition Leader Matthew Guy with one of the dance performers.
This event due to take place last year but delayed due to covid restrictions, coincided with the celebrations for Greek Independence Day.
In his address, Greek Community President Bill Papastergiadis highlighted the pivotal role of the diaspora in the Greek Revolution and the birth of the Greek nation while drawing links to the current concept of multiculturalism.
“With multiculturalism forming the backbone of our society we have a unique capacity in Australia to develop a strong connection with our cultural heritage as well as forging wider bonds with the history and culture of other nations.”
By all accounts the night was a huge success.
Opposition Leader Matthew Guy (R) taking a selfie with former minister Nick Kotsiras.
The 'Grecian Ball' revival was deemed a huge 'sold out' success.
“Whilst celebrating Greece’s Independence Day, we should also celebrate our contribution to the success and vibrancy of Australia,” GCM President Bill Papastergiadis pointed out.
“Greek Australians have contributed significantly to the fabric of our society here. The values we hold here in Australia, are in fact values shared between our two countries Greece and Australia.”
Speeches were also delivered by Senator David Van, representing the Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Richard Marles attending on behalf of Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese, Victorian Labor MP Frank Maguire, Leader of the Victorian Opposition Mathew Guy, Federal MP Maria Vamvakinou, Bishop Evmenios, and Tony Tsourdalakis, head of the Organising Committee for the Celebration of the National Anniversary.
