The long-standing contribution by The Hellenic Women’s Cultural Association – Estia, was celebrated by an exhibition entitled Hellenic Women of Australia – Over a Century of Contribution this week. Over 70 people attended the event at the Queens Hall, Parliament House of Victoria, on Tuesday night and enjoyed the exhibition until Thursday when it closed.
The exhibition was officially launched by Craig Ondachi Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, who represented Nicholas Kotsiras, Minister for Multiculturalism and Citizenship who was ill on the evening. Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Eleini Lianidou was there and made a speech honouring the women in our community and the extensive work they have done for all Greek Australians. Angela Velos, President of The Hellenic Women’s Cultural Association – Estia, also made a speech about the long-standing contribution of the organisation and the women involved.
Patricia Drivas, who developed the exhibition after being inspired by her mother’s journey through Bonegilla migrant camp, with a few photos in an old box – now eleven years on – continues to grow.
“That’s one great thing about this exhibition – it just keeps growing,” Ms Drivas tells Neos Kosmos, saying that since Tuesday’s launch, she has received some images from members of the Greek Australian community to add to the collection.
Another important aspect of such an exhibition is the dialogue it creates within the community and reminds you of a time that was, and also connects you to your family in more ways than one. People move past the images, recognise themselves, their family, past teachers, friends, and colleagues.
“One lady recognised her mother and she didn’t even know that that photo of her mother existed,” says Ms Drivas who made her a copy of a photo of her mother as a child – a rare and beautiful image – circa 1921.
“It’s opened a lot of dialogue between the Greek community such as the Greek school photos, or images of Bonegilla – people talk about their experiences through this exhibition,” she says.
The feedback that Ms Drivas has received following the exhibition has been very positive, with many quite taken aback by the progress that’s been made since the initial exhibition in 2002, with the promise of many more exhibitions to come.
