Greek Women’s Association, ‘Anemones,’ celebrated 23 years of community engagement and cultural enrichment on Sunday, November 12, at a festive gathering in Preston.
The event drew over 70 attendees, including esteemed guests such as the Consul General of Greece, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, local Members of Parliament, and past and present members, friends, and supporters of the Association.
The anniversary celebration showcased the rich history and contributions of the group through displays of photos, newspaper articles, and certificates spanning the past two decades.
Guests had the opportunity to reflect on the Association’s journey, marked by many events and activities that left a deep mark on the community.
The longest-serving president of ‘Anemones’ Nola Radiotis, extending a warm welcome to the attendees, highlighted the pivotal role the Association has played in fostering a sense of community among women, primarily of Greek background.
She stressed the group’s commitment to providing “a space for socialisation, Greek dance lessons, and engaging excursions, including visits to museums, art galleries, and theatres.
“These outings not only enhance members’ well-being but also alleviate isolation, particularly for those living alone,” she said.
Radiotis further illuminated the Association’s outreach efforts, describing visits to Aged Care Facilities where members entertain residents with traditional Greek dances and music, bringing joy and companionship to older people.
Sharing insights into the early days of ‘Anemones,’ founding member Maro Kalifatidis recounted significant milestones, including the group’s performance at the 2004 Olympic Games event organised by the City of Melbourne.
Soula Vrettos, a member for 18 years, spoke about the benefits she gained from the group, emphasising the enduring friendships formed and the crucial support provided during challenging times.
The celebration also featured performances by the Niruththa Fine Arts and Shanti Traditional Indian Dance groups, who delighted the audience with beautiful Indian dances as part of their Diwali Festival.
Poems specially crafted for the occasion by Betty Fousias and Angela Vogdani were recited, adding an extra cultural layer to the event. The festivities concluded with afternoon tea for all.
