I must confess – since the first day I arrived in this, otherwise very hospitable, country, I anxiously seek and applaud with overwhelming pride (as if it’s my own achievement) any initiative with reference to my homeland, my language, my culture and in general, my ‘Greekness’. And yours.
Perhaps deep down I am desperately seeking valid justification of my decision to move to another homeland, and maybe I find comfort in knowing I may be in a country where many other hearts beat to the rhythm of Greece. Just like mine.
I admit that – generally – events held by the Greek populace in South Australia sometimes disappoint me due to the poor attendance, while at other times pleasantly surprise me. Don’t get me wrong. We are not always at fault. It could simply be a matter of numbers. Only a few thousand Greeks live in our small state. South Australia cannot and should not be compared to the large Greek populations of Melbourne and Sydney.
Despite this, last Friday 23 October, having just arrived from sun-drenched Melbourne – whose large Greek community I envy – something magical happened.
And, to quote friends, acquaintances, people of my age and other invited dignitaries: “This event was by far the most successful Greek community event held in South Australia in the last decade.”
The South Australian Foundation of Hellenic Studies hosted the much-anticipated event/debate, Battle of the Codes, held in one of the rooms at the new sport complex at Adelaide Oval.
In a simply ‘Greek’, casual and humorous discussion, four prominent Australian Greeks, connected by their heritage, clashed in the ‘ring’ and presented the reasons why their chosen sport was superior to the others.
Wearing their ‘gloves’ for the night’s event were head coach of the Socceroos Ange Postecoglou, the veteran AFL legend Anthony Koutoufides, NRL administrator Nick Pappas and finally, rugby union referee and talented garden designer Costa Georgiadis.
For the record, the derby was a draw between soccer and Australian ‘footy’. Significantly more important were the humour and sharp quotes by the four speakers, making the evening a great success for the approximately 500 guests who were reminded of the importance of the Greek parea, humour and of course, entertainment.
Taking on the role of MC were two significant media personalities, journalists Angela Pippos and David Penberthy.
The response from the crowd, in particular from the younger set, was without precedent.
Closing the night’s presentation, as was anticipated, was one of the founding members of Hellenic Studies, businessman Theo Maras, who highlighted the large attendance for the event, emphasising that we should all be proud of the Greek community in South Australia and its response.
Surprising many, Mr Maras expressed his personal gratitude to the treasurer of South Australia, Tom Koutsantonis, for his ongoing support to the Greek community in recent years, despite their ideological differences, and also thanked Costa Georgiadis who has actively supported the event for the last three years.
Special mention was extended to Harry Patsouris, also a member of the board of the organisation and the man behind the scenes. Harry also gave a very moving speech and wholeheartedly thanked everyone who has supported Hellenic Studies, while confirming the rendezvous for next year, which is anticipated to have a gastronomical aspect to it, according to Mr Maras.
There are a number of factors that can be attributed to the event’s success, including the excellent organisation, the highly-informative video screened – a campaign for the return of the Parthenon Marbles – and (as a self-declared hopeless romantic), the accompaniment of the bouzouki sounds and Pontian dancing that flooded the room, making us long and remember the homeland.
But if you were to ask me for the one reason this night was marked with so much success, I would tell you this:
Because, for the first time after living in this city for so many years, I saw so many second and third generation Greeks collectively honour and support an excellent event. Because, for the first time, young people turned their gaze timidly towards our community and maybe they liked what they saw.
At last, second and third generation Greeks were displaying a willingness to tightly embrace their ‘Greekness’ and disseminate that which we all are – Greeks, regardless of origin, profession, religion and social status.
For all those who attended, the Battle of the Codes was not merely another event. It was a sign that the best is still come.
It is only fitting to conclude with the statement by president of the executive committee of the Foundation of Hellenic Studies Greg Crafter, who said we should all be so proud to be Greek. Did I mention that he is not even Greek?