October 28, 1994, saw the first broadcast of Australia’s free-to-air 24-hour Greek radio station, 3XY Radio Hellas. October 28 is also Greece’s Ohi Day, or No Day, when the Greek people said ‘No’ to Mussolini’s invading armies and in fact pushed them back into Albania, marking the first Allied victory in WWII.

Last night, 3XY celebrated its 30th anniversary at a grand gala event at Cathies Lane Receptions in Wantirna South, attended by Greek community leaders, media representatives, and Victorian government officials.

Dignitaries included Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, Nick Staikos representing the Victorian premier, David Davis, Shadow Minister for the Arts and Creative Industries, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, Greek Consul General for Victoria, Bill Papastergiadis, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, and Theo Theophanous, President of the Cyprus Community.

L-R David Davis Opposition representative, cleric representing the Archdiocese, Nick Staikos Parliamentary Sec to Premier, Consul General Emmanuel Kakavalakis, Bill Papastergiadis, President of the GCM, Theo Theophanous President of the Cypriiot Community of Melbourne, and Harry Stamoulis, owner of 3XY. Photo: Con Deves

The evening was emceed by Yannis Paganis, a pivotal voice at 3XY, who introduced long-serving announcers who each shared reflections on their time at the station. General Manager Spiros Alatsas also honoured past and present staff members, acknowledging their contributions to 3XY’s legacy, including well-known voices such as Rena Fragioudakis, and Nikos Loupos.

Some of the future listeners of 3XY performing. Photo: Con Deves

Reflecting on 3XY’s origins, Harry Stamoulis, scion of the station’s founder Spyros Stamoulis, spoke about his father’s vision: “As a patriot, he chose October 28 as the launch date, and 3XY has since become a testament to his dream.”

He thanked the station’s staff and listeners for their unwavering support.

3XY’s 30th anniversary was celebrated at a grand gala event attended by Greek Australian community leaders, media representatives, and Victorian government officials. Photo: Supplied

The station’s manager, Spiros Alatsas became emotional as he described 3XY as a “unique companion” for older Greek Australians who rely on it for connection and information. Sharing a touching story, he recounted how a 14-year-old post-war immigrant, decades later, was able to reconnect with a family who first supported him upon his arrival to Australia, through the radio station.

The Pontian dancers gave a rousing performance of traditional war dances. Photo: Supplied

Alatsas told Neos Kosmos that 3XY “makes people feel that they don’t feel disconnected”. “3XY makes people feel that they belong to a community, they belong to a big family– the numerous phone calls we get from people that are isolated, and lonely, who have lost partners – find a connection and companionship through 3XY.”

The evening’s entertainment included live music from the “Annunciation” orchestra and traditional dances by groups Pegasus, Manasi, and the Pancretian Brotherhood.

Neos Kosmos congratulates 3XY Radio Hellas’s management and staff on three decades of service.