South Australia is no stranger to Hellenism, with multiple generations of Greek-background individuals keeping it alive via community associations.
The state has in many ways been influenced by its Greek population with numerous families and individuals cementing a place in its society, whether it be through politics, medicine, business etc.
The appreciation for its citizens’ origins is what many of its community associations are keenly promoting and eager to preserve with the younger generations.
Castellorizian Association of SA
A particular group that has left a massive legacy on the state is the Castellorizian Association of SA, which stands as a symbol for what the migrants from the island (and the subsequent generations) have managed to achieve.
Stephen Finos, Secretary of the association, explained that they have continued to promote their heritage since its foundation in 1927, holding events on significant dates, lunches, taverna nights, cooking classes, jewellery exhibitions and more.
Finos, who has been involved in the executive committee for roughly 25 years, stated that they have begun work on an oral history project which focuses on the early migrants to South Australia.
“That is something we are currently working on to showcase the history of the Castellorizians when they first came to Adelaide e.g. where they settled, where they grew up,” he told Neos Kosmos.
“Like in other parts of the nation, we are entrenched in the Australian way of life and have established ourselves in numerous areas like politics, business, medical and professional fields etc.”
The association’s Secretary also mentioned that Adelaide’s history with Castellorizians extends to those from other cities as they played host to the inaugural conference of the Kastellorizian Council of Australia (of which Finos is a delegate).
Finos, also a Ward Councillor for the City of Unley, noted that the organisation holds a special place for himself and numerous others given his parents were founding members.
“All my life I have been associated with the club in some form. My father was a President, Secretary, and Treasurer,” the 64-year-old said.
He noted that a big concern of theirs is engaging the youth, with the association looking to educate them further on their island’s history and culture through its initiatives while also finding a way to bring them into the committee.
“It is a challenge for us moving forward as to what we do but we are up for the fight…we want to retain what we have got,” Finos said.
“Kastellorizo is where our roots are and I think it is important to retain that heritage because that is part of our life.”
Cyprus Community of SA
Like the Castellorizians, the Greek Cypriots have left a great impression in South Australia with the Cyprus Community of SA (CCSA) working tremendously to foster a sense of belonging.
Professor Andreas Evdokiou, CCSA President since 2015/16, spoke on the numerous ways they have catered to their community since they were founded on 1 February 1948.
They have established multiple groups like the Adelaide Omonia Soccer Club (1972), the Cyprian Youth movement (1975), the women’s auxiliary (1975), traditional dancing group and cultural group (1976), the aged and pensioner group (1993) and more.
A notable activity of the association is the Cyprus Community of SA Festival, an annual two-day event filled with entertainment, food, events, which attracts thousands of guests.
Professor Evdokiou, a medical researcher who recently retired after 40 years at the University of Adelaide, explained that he chose to get involved as he felt he had “much to contribute to the endeavours of the community”.
“I am a proud Cypriot, and my aim is to preserve and promote our culture, our heritage, our morals, customs and traditions. My aim is to pass these on to our children and grandchildren who will form the next generation,” the CCSA President told Neos Kosmos.
Professor Evdokiou, who came to Australia with his family in 1975, stressed that they have actively aimed to involve youth in various ways, including having them in leadership roles.
“I like to think that the Cyprus Community has built strong foundations, that will ensure the longevity of the association,” said the CCSA President, who is also a senior board member of the Australian Hellenic Medical Charity.
“If we continue to have youth in leadership positions with a purpose to contribute, and the trust bestowed upon them then this can be achieved.”
Pan Macedonian Federation of SA
Unique from other associations, the Pan Macedonian Federation of SA represents a successful amalgamation of various groups with roots to Greece’s Macedonian region.
The Federation is currently comprised of the following groups: Brotherhood of Alexander the Great, Halkidikeon Society ‘Aristotle’, Kastorian Society of SA, Brotherhood of Pavlos Melas, the Pierikos Society of SA and the Vergina – Greek Women’s Cultural Society.
Konnie Agalianos, the Federation’s President, stated that they collectively hold an average of 22 events a year such as lunches, dances, afternoon teas, Greek movie nights, charity events, and most notably an annual Dimitria Festival.
“The groups have been together for almost twenty years and they continue to work together to have community functions,” Agalianos told Neos Kosmos.
The Federation President shared that she too is an example of someone who got involved from a young age through their parents, with her father being a founding member of Pavlos Melas (of which Agalianos is also President).
Her personal connection to her family as well as her passion for Greece (where she was born) is what prompted her to get involved and is pleased to see youngsters also embracing their culture to the youth.
The Federation’s President is optimistic for its future, believing their combined forces help ensure strong support for each association under its umbrella.
Like Professor Evdokiou, Agalianos is of the opinion that “if you can involve youth, then they will be able to continue the traditions and keep it going”.
