Honouring a longstanding tradition, a group of accomplished Greeks, including entrepreneurs, who convene annually at Christmas, gathered again this year to reflect on their commitment to the Greek-Australian Community.
The gathering, organised by Kostas Saristavros (Con Saris), Gregory Kaias and Dimitris Karalakis, serves as a platform for individuals from diverse fields such as business, science, literature, and journalism to engage in meaningful discussions.
The primary objective is to create a conducive and relaxed environment, allowing participants to step away from their daily routines and share perspectives on pressing community issues.
Beyond the brunch and dialogue, the attendees also deliberated on matters concerning the expatriate community, proposing solutions and consider ways to contribute positively.
This year’s breakfast meeting, held at Nikos Cakes in Fairfield, brought together nearly 50 participants who engaged congenially in discussions, humour, the odd photo, and well-wishing for the festive season.
A few speeches were made with each participant expressing their commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at benefiting the Greek community.
Kostas Saristavros, further elucidating the purpose of the initiative, said, “We are not an organisation; we do not solicit funds, nor do we hold positions.”
Despite the absence of a formal structure, the speakers highlighted needs within the community, prompting Saristavros to encourage everyone to become members of the Greek Community of Melbourne.
All photos: Con Deves
All photos: Con Deves
All photos: Con Deves
All photos: Con Deves
All photos: Con Deves
Through this membership, he urged individuals “to actively promote Greek language proficiency, culture, and address various pertinent issues”.
Gregory Kaias also conveyed his gratitude to attendees and extended warm holiday wishes, maintaining a tone of appreciation for the shared commitment to community well-being.
Addressing the gathering, Bill Papastergiadis OAM, the president of the Greek Community of Melbourne, underscored the positive aspects of the community.
Acknowledging the “occasional disagreements”, he highlighted the community’s “commendable activity across various domains, envied by other ethnic groups”. Festivals, schools, the church, soccer clubs, and the community’s maturity contributing to unity were specifically mentioned.
In a call to action, Papastergiadis invited fellow Greeks to join the Greek Community, highlighting “the collective strength” that such unity brings.
Notably, Kostas Saristavros intervened during the speeches, urging support for Antonis Tsourdalakis, a well-known community figure facing what he described as a “coordinated and unfair attack.”
