On Friday, July 21, Footscray’s Yewers Street burst to life when GYG organised an event, inviting the public to meet the people behind Footscray’s Hellenism project, and bear witness to the creation of a 250 square meter mural, that pays homage to the region’s rich Greek heritage.
The event took place amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Twilight StrEAts, which is supported by the Maribyrnong council, right in the heart of the laneway, where the mural is set to come alive in August.
The lively music set the scene, as attendees gathered at The Line to exchange ideas, make new connections, outdoors and under the cover of the warehouse space.
A copy of Neos Kosmos, featuring Footscray’s Hidden Hellenism project. Photo: Phillip Gao
Adding to the festive vibe, food trucks tempted taste buds, with aromas of souvlaki, meat on the grill, burgers, sweet crepes, waffles, and an assortment of beverages.
Back from left to right: Stefan, Dean Kotsianis, George Melios/ Front from left to right: Paul Orfanos from Community Engagement of Bendigo Bank, Fred Maddern, former mayor of Footscray, Litsa Athanasiadis from Pointiaki Estia. Photo: Phillip Gao
Dean Kotsianis, a key organiser driving the project, took the stage, and stressed the importance of preserving the stories of iconic Greek-Australian figures, that have significantly shaped Footscray’s Hellenic heritage.
Dean Kotsianis holding a scented candle, made in collaboration with Thematikos, that celebrate Footscray’s mural stories. Photo: Phillip Gao
“What we’ve done is dug into history, met a lot of people, and added to the social record of these stories. Over two years, we’ve met with a lot of first generation Greek migrants in the area, their families, and we’ve listened to their stories, that have defined Footscrays’ Greek happenings from the 60s, until today.”
Kotsianis expressed concern about the “fading” of the area’s “Greek chapter” and urged everyone to witness the creative process of the mural being painted “throughout August.”
A food truck offering sweet treats. Photo: Phillip Gao
He also placed emphasis on the project’s “broader multicultural and intercultural relevance,” encouraging attendees to share their own stories that resonate with the local “Greek presence.”
The event showcased GYG’s collaborations with scented candles linked to references in the mural, to create a sensory experience for visitors. A documentary screening also shared the stories of the individuals depicted in the mural, establishing a personal connection between the audience and the subjects of the artwork.
Julia Ponte, President of Footscray’s Trader’s Association being served at food truck. Photo: Phillip Gao
Speaking to Neos Kosmos, Kotsianis highlighted how initiatives like the mural serve as a “stimulus,” evoking memories and inspiring conversations, that end up becoming a point of engagement for anyone who shares a connection with the suburb’s narrative.
“Our onlookers are projecting different internal worlds and experiences on the mural project. In turn they’re creating their own extra, significances feelings and connections out of it,”he added.
On the left Paul Orfanos from Community engagement Bendigo bank playfully holding with Dean Kotsianis in a Greek-dancing manner, standing in front of the Greek food truck. Photo: Phillip Gao
During his speech, Kotsianis also acknowledged and thanked “the elders for their generosity and hospitality” in sharing their story, without whom the project “would not have been made possible.”
The event took place amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Yewers’ Street Twilight StrEAts. Photo: Phillip Gao
The event truly celebrated Footscray’s multicultural spirit, leaving everyone eager for the mural’s completion and the fascinating narratives it will reveal for generations to come.
With the essence of Greek hospitality at its core, the project extends an “open-door policy” invitation, welcoming all to enjoy and become part of this tribute to the area’s cultural tapestry.
The project’s “broader multicultural and intercultural relevance,” was also emphasised, encouraging attendees to ask questions and share their own stories that resonate with the local Greek presence. Photo: Phillip GaoAttendees lined up at the food trucks, enticed by the delightful aromas filling the air. Photo: Phillip GaoThe lively music set the scene for a lively and a joyful atmosphere. Photo: Phillip GaoAttendees gathered, immersed themselves in conversations, exchanged ideas, forged connections, and shared delightful moments. Photo: Phillip GaoDuring his speech, Dean Kotsianis, a key figure leading the project, stressed the importance of preserving the stories of iconic Greek-Australian figures, who have significantly shaped Footscray’s vibrant Hellenic heritage. Photo: Phillip GaoOlympia Koziaris and Stefan Tsagaris with their hands against the wall where the mural will be painted. Photo: Phillip GaoThe event unfolded amidst the lively atmosphere of Yewers Street Twilight StrEAts, right in the heart of the laneway where the mural will come alive in August. Photo: Phillip GaoKotsianis highlighted that initiatives like the mural serve as a “stimulus,” evoking memories, inspiring conversations, and becoming a point of engagement for anyone who shares a connection with the suburb’s rich narrative. Photo: Phillip GaoAttendees lining up in front of food trucks. Photo: Phillip GaoOn Friday, July 21, Footscray’s Yewers Street burst to life as GYG hosted an event inviting the public to meet the people behind Footscray’s Hellenism project and witness the creation of a 250 square metre mural, that pays homage to the region’s rich Greek heritage. Photo: Phillip GaoFrom left to right: Olympia Koziaris, author of Yassou Yarraville, Stefan Tsagaris, Dean Kotsianis and Fred Madder, former mayor of Footscray pointing to the mural’s artwork. Photo: Philip GaoArgentinian barbeque food truck vendor grilling meat. Photo: Phillip GaoMeat grilling on barbecue. Photo: Phillip GaoThe lively music set the scene for an exciting atmosphere as attendees gathered at “The Line,” engaging in conversations, exchanging ideas, fostering connections, and sharing delightful moments, both outdoors and undercover in the warehouse space. Photos: Phillip GaoGreek food truck stationed in Yewers’ Street laneway. Photo: Phillip GaoGreek food truck vendors. Photo: Phillip GaoBurgers were also served at the event by food truck vendors. Photo: Phillip GaoGyro on the spit. Photo: Phillip Gao
