“This year’s excursion exceeded every expectation and ambition we had,” stated the president of the Federation of Greek Elderly Citizens’ Clubs of Melbourne and Victoria, Ioannis Kostoulias, to Neos Kosmos.
With the presence of thousands of expatriates, the annual excursion of the Federation of Greek Elderly Citizens’ Clubs of Melbourne and Victoria took place in Rye, Melbourne, on Sunday, January 21, celebrating its 40th anniversary.
The festive atmosphere was filled with the Greek spirit, thanks to the dance groups of the Dance Academy ‘Pegasus’ and the Manasis School of Greek Dance and Culture.
Over 150 dancers presented traditional dances from every region of Greece.
In the spirit of multiculturalism, for the first time this year, an event was organised featuring multinational dance and music groups, showcasing traditions and songs from both Italy and the Philippines.
“This year, we thought it appropriate to celebrate this event together,” added Mr Kostoulias.
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In his speech commemorating the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Federation in 1984, Mr Kostoulias mentioned that the establishment of the Federation was based on the realisation of a vision that included two main goals.
“The first goal was the gathering of all member associations under the ‘umbrella’ of a common Federation,” said the Federation’s president, explaining that this was sought through the organisation of common events—whether cultural, national, or religious—with the aim of unity and coexistence among the elderly.
“The second goal of the Federation was to function as a ‘connecting link,'” he continued, as one of the main responsibilities of the Federation is to transfer the problems of the elderly—whether they are health or economic issues—to state services and government agencies.
Moreover he stressed the importance of the role played by the Federation as an organisation seeking to develop relationships with organisations of different nationalities, emphasising that advocating for the rights of retirees does not only concern Greek Australians but all the elderly, regardless of nationality, “because that’s how we’ll have good and effective results.”
The president of the Federation of Greek Elderly Citizens’ Clubs of Melbourne and Victoria also highlighted the federation’s demands to the higher government authorities, expressing the federation’s desire to ensure full coverage of the healthcare needs of the elderly by Medicare, the free provision of medications for those in need, as was the case in the 1980s, and the reinstatement of state control over electricity and gas companies.
He also mentioned the need for the re-establishment of the State Bank and State Insurance, aiming to address the economic exploitation experienced by the elderly from private companies, according to Mr Kostoulias.
Additionally, he recognised the importance of the participation of multinational dance groups, specifically the Dance Academy ‘Pegasus’ and the School of Greek Dances and Culture Manasis, as well as the dance group of Filipino Elderly UFEA, and the Italian group “The Rustica Project,” which, according to him, “embellished the event with traditional costumes and stunning choreography.”
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Finally, he thanked the officials, the General Secretary for Hellenes Abroad and Public Diplomacy, Ioannis Chrysoulakis, for his message, and all those who contributed to the success of this important event for the Federation.
The event featured addresses from the Managing Director of “PRONIA,” Tina Douvos-Stathopoulos, State MP for Mornington, Chris Crewther, and Mayor of Mornington, Simon Brooks.
In her address, Mrs Douvos-Stathopoulos referred to the immense contribution of elderly immigrants and the sacrifices they made to build a better life for themselves and their families.
She stated, “PRONIA has maintained a close working relationship with the Federation, as we share a common goal in providing opportunities for our elderly citizens to maintain their independence and relationships with their local communities.”
Moreover, on behalf of the Board of Directors, she extended “warm congratulations on the 40th anniversary of the Federation, representing over a hundred clubs and numbering over 22,000 members,” and concluded by adding that “PRONIA will continue to strengthen cooperation with the organisation to ensure that social connection and participation remain a priority for community members, aiming for their continuous well-being.”
