A new generation of Vrinians in Adelaide is stepping behind the camera to capture life as they see it.
The Vrinian community of Adelaide has invited twelve young people – from as young as eight to their early twenties – to take part in a photographic exhibition titled Through Their Eyes.
Armed with cameras and complete creative freedom, these third-generation Greek Australians have produced a collection of 60 images that will be launched on Sunday 5 October at the Cowandilla Community Gallery.
The exhibition reflects their passions and perspectives — from nature to architecture and Greek life. In doing so, they carry forward the legacy of their great-grandparents who migrated from Vrina, a small town in Elias, Peloponnese, after the war.
“They keep the spirit of Vrina alive, whether their lens is turned to Adelaide or Greece,” said Harry Tsekouras, President of the Vrinians in Adelaide.
Tsekouras said the association wanted to “create something that captured this generation’s vision of the world – their world as third generation Vrinian Greek Australians in Adelaide.”
“Our community is unique. Almost all the post-war Vrinians who migrated to Australia settled in Adelaide, mainly thanks to the work of two pioneering couples John Lambropoulos and Anastasios Asimakopoulos and his wife, who were leaders and welfare activists.
“Their legacy is embedded in the very psyche of our community,” Tsekouras told Neos Kosmos.
A long-time community worker and leader, Tsekouras began in the 1980s with the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia and now serves on the committee of the Greek Orthodox Community and Parish of St George Thebarton and Western Suburbs. He has taken on the role of president of the Vrinian community in Adelaide in recent years.
“I’ve been especially focused on ensuring that the Vrinian community has a future through its youth – the third and even fourth generation,” he told Neos Kosmos.
“Too often, I hear Greek regional community associations lament the absence of young people. Yes, many Australian Hellenes are proud of who they are, but they are also, now, firmly part of the mainstream. Too often we simply wait for the next generation to ‘reawaken the Hellene in them’ at 30 or 40. So I said, ‘Let’s not wait – let’s open the doors to young people now’.”
To encourage youth participation, the community provided cameras and encouraged them to express themselves.
Stories behind the lens
Several of the young photographers spoke of about their inspirations.
Nikita Fotopoulos, a keen golfer and traveller, said some of his most meaningful shots came during his recent journeys.
“Whether I’m wandering through the streets or having a hit at the driving range, these moments give me rich photographic material. My photos capture the most interesting things I see.”
For Harry Trebilcock, photography is a way of connecting with his roots. He visited Greece in 2023 with his family and spent time in their village Vrina with his yiayia Angelique.
“We walked the same streets where my great-grandparents Anastasios and Maria Asimakopoulos lived. That was special,” he said.
Outside photography, Harry plays guitar, drums, and baseball with the Glenelg Tigers, as well as volleyball at school. “I believe my photos will show my creativity and some of my adventures.”
Electra Panos, 13, said the project has been a chance to celebrate her heritage. Her yiayia’s family is from Florina, and her papou’s from Vrina.
“I attend Greek school once a week and I’m very proud of my Greek heritage. I love learning about the history, culture, and traditions — and especially the food,” she said with a smile, naming bougatsa and mango gelato as favourites.
Electra also enjoys basketball, fantasy novels, and the occasional weekend sleep-in. “Being part of this photographic group is a wonderful opportunity for the younger generation of Vrina to express our creativity and perspectives.”
For Anastasia Nikolettos, 11, the project is also about honouring family. The youngest of triplet sisters, she is the granddaughter of Koula Fotopoulos, a former president of the Vrinian committee.
“My papou was from Vrina, but he passed away,” she said. Anastasia has another creative passion — crochet. “I taught myself and I’m very proud of the skills I’ve learned. I enjoy making small toys and beanies and giving them to family and friends.”
Keeping heritage alive
The exhibition highlights the way Greek Australian youth are finding their own voices while staying connected to their roots. Through photography, they honour the traditions of Vrina while expressing their individuality in Australia today. Tsekouras said, he wants young people “to know they belong”.
“More than belonging, I want young Vrinians know that they are the future leaders, the stewards of the Vrinian community in Adelaide.”
Through Their Eyes will open on Sunday 5 October at the Cowandilla Community Gallery at 3pm. The Vrinian community of Adelaide invites the wider public to see the world through the next generation’s lens.
