Victoria’s Hellenic Women’s Network HELIADES dressed up and gathered on Sunday, 30 October, to celebrate Australian culture at a luncheon dedicated to the Melbourne Cup.
The ladies, were brought together in the company of family and friends to feast at Generations Cafe Grill & Bar at the Port Melbourne Pier.
The venue was specifically chosen due to its emotional connection to the first Greek generation of migrants that settled in the area.
The group enjoyed the seaside views of Port Phillip Bay, in the harbour that in the 1960s was teeming with Greek youth arriving on the Patris, Hellinis, Frederiki and other transoceanic ships.
The members of the HELIADES Network enjoying a luncheon by the sea on Melbourne Cup Day. All photos: Supplied
The members of the HELIADES Network enjoying a luncheon by the sea on Melbourne Cup Day. All photos: Supplied
The members of the HELIADES Network enjoying a luncheon by the sea on Melbourne Cup Day. All photos: Supplied
The members of the HELIADES Network enjoying a luncheon by the sea on Melbourne Cup Day. All photos: Supplied
The members of the HELIADES Network enjoying a luncheon by the sea on Melbourne Cup Day. All photos: Supplied
The members of the HELIADES Network enjoying a luncheon by the sea on Melbourne Cup Day. All photos: Supplied
The members of the HELIADES Network enjoying a luncheon by the sea on Melbourne Cup Day. All photos: Supplied
“Young men and women full of dreams, hopes, with new goals but also bitterness for the homeland and the loved ones they left behind,” said Niki Matziaris – Garay, President of the Hellenic Women’s Network Vic. HELIADES Inc.
“The atmosphere was happy but also emotionally charged with mixed memories pleasant and unpleasant. The ladies all dressed beautifully and of course observing the hat custom, happy, bright as befits the Heliades enjoyed the day by meeting old friends and establishing new friendships.”
The members also discussed issues of women’s health and tackling them through recreational activities, women’s empowerment through information, socialisation, participation and raising awareness towards female isolation.
The event was organised by committee member Sylvia Kourkouvelis and was only attended by one male, Konstantine Saristavros, one of the first sponsors of the HELIADES Network.
The members of the HELIADES Network enjoying a luncheon by the sea on Melbourne Cup Day. All photos: Supplied
The members of the HELIADES Network enjoying a luncheon by the sea on Melbourne Cup Day. All photos: Supplied
The members of the HELIADES Network enjoying a luncheon by the sea on Melbourne Cup Day. All photos: Supplied
