The Greek-Australian Cultural League (GACL) celebrated literary excellence on Sunday, by announcing the winners of its 2024 Literary Competition and Book Awards at the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne and Victoria “O Kolokotronis” in North Melbourne.

The event showcased the works of participating writers, with book sales introducing their creations to the wider community. Guests enjoyed what was described as a collegial atmosphere and the opportunity to engage with fellow literature enthusiasts.

GACL President Cathy Alexopoulos congratulated the winners and all participants, urging them to continue their literary pursuits.

“I want to congratulate all the winners and everyone who participated in this competition. Continue your dedication to the written word and expand your horizons in every way possible,” she said.

“The satisfaction lies in producing a final product you’re happy with, not just in winning a prize.”

Alexopoulos also expressed gratitude to the judging panels, sponsors, the media and the GACL Administrative Committee and audience for their ongoing support.

2024 Literary Competition Winners

  • Poetry (Greek)

1st Prize: Εσύ – Christina Iatrou-Soitaridis (Sponsored by Papathomas & Co. P/L Chartered Accountant)

2nd Prize: Έξι η ώρα – Despina Lykopandis

  • Prose (Greek)

1st Prize: Το αγνό ιδανικό – Christina Iatrou-Soitaridis (Sponsored by Papathomas & Co. P/L Chartered Accountant)

2nd Prize: Η αιώνια γυναίκα – Vasilios Mallikourtis

  • Poetry (English)

1st Prize: Neroli Blossoms – Ero Coroneos (Sponsored by Connie Gregory)

2nd Prize: Fog – Despina Lykopandis

3rd Prize: The Agony and the Esky – Ray Cafici

Commendation: Deafening Silence – Dr Chrisoula Papadopoulos Papas

  • Short Story (English)

1st Prize: Verdant Hues – Dr Chrisoula Papadopoulos Papas (Sponsored by Papathomas & Co. P/L Chartered Accountant)

2nd Prize: Sunday Afternoon in the Cretan Club – Emmanuel Heretakis

3rd Prize: A Father’s Legacy – Marie Therese Bolden

2024 Book Awards Winners

  • Poetry (Greek)

1st Prize: Από τους Δελφούς και το Ουλουρού – Christos Fifis (Sponsored by Kostas and Viki Dimaras)

  • Prose (Greek)

1st Prize: Συνηθισμένοι Άνθρωποι – Dionysia Mousoura  (Sponsored by Papathomas & Co. P/L Chartered Accountant)

Commendation: Ερμιόνη – Argyroula Zifou-Chomatopoulou

  • Poetry (English)

1st Prize: Kairos – Fotoula Reynolds (Sponsored by Papathomas & Co. P/L Chartered Accountant)

  • Prose (English)

1st Prize: Unpacking for Greece – Sally Jane Smith (Sponsored by the Equivocation Book Club, Melbourne)

Highly Commended: The Invisible – Peter Papathanasiou

  • Prose in Translation

1st Prize: Poor Things (Χαμένα Κορμιά) – Dimitris Vardoulakis (Sponsored by the Philanthropic and Cultural Association of Kozani “O Lassanis”)

  • History/Study

1st Prize: From Imbros Over the Sea – Imbros & Gallipoli Revealed – Jim Claven (Sponsored by Papathomas & Co. P/L Chartered Accountant)

Highly Commended: Forty Photographs a Year at a Time – Effy Alexakis

Highly Commended: The Heart of Giving: Father Nektarios’ Soup Kitchen – Effy Alexakis