Greeks in Dandenong marked OXI Day despite rain, holding the annual event organised by the Greek Orthodox Community of Dandenong and Surrounding Areas. Bad weather moved the wreath-laying ceremony inside the Church of Saint Panteleimon, but the emotional tone remained strong as people honoured those who resisted fascism. Students from the community's Greek School took part, with poems and traditional dances. Community president Stefanos Karamoschos and school principal Niki Farfara Paschou spoke about freedom, dignity and the value of preserving the Greek language.
The Greek Community of Geelong has marked 70 years since it was founded in April 1956 by a small group of Greek immigrants. Those first members met on Swanston Street to elect a board, and the community later built a church and a Greek school. Today it has around 300 to 400 families. President Andrew Alexander says the community is now focused on engaging young people and planning its next 25 years. He credits the sacrifices of the first immigrants for the community's achievements.
A special ERT3 programme linked two Cretan brothers living on different continents, moving viewers to tears during their reunion on screen. Antonis Tsourdalakis, a long-time member of Melbourne's Greek community, appeared from Istanbul. His brother Sifis, a lyre player, joined from San Francisco. The show also previewed a twenty-day tour of Australia by the Kourites Cultural Heritage Centre, running from 30 October to 18 November, with dance seminars and training for teachers. The Kourites last visited Melbourne in 2016.
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Charikleia Kaldis, wife of the late journalist and New South Wales Senator Jim Kaldis, has died. A former colleague at the state radio station 2EA, who first met her in 1970, has paid tribute to her. He describes her as a strong woman who fought for social justice, the rights of immigrants and an end to the war in Vietnam. He also recalls her opposition to the colonels' junta and her devotion to her son Antonis. He remembers her for her dynamism and her love of Greece.
Australia's Ambassador to Greece, Alison Duncan, has visited the Greek Presidential Guard in Athens ahead of its trip to Australia. The Evzones will take part in Ohi Day commemorations from 22 to 29 October in Sydney and Canberra. Duncan was briefed on the Guard's history and toured the workshops where its traditional uniforms are made. The program includes public ceremonies, a centenary event for the Hellenic Club of Sydney and wreath-laying at the Australian War Memorial.
Melbourne's Greek community marked the anniversary of Ohi Day at the Holy Monastery of Axion Esti on Sunday, 18 October 2026. The Panhellenic Association of Retired Reservists in Australia held the ceremony, which included a memorial service, wreath-laying and a luncheon. Greek officials and parliamentarians attended, along with students and community members. Christina Karvela received an honorary plaque for years of voluntary service, and the late Konstantinos Kolokythas was also honoured. The event stressed passing history and traditions to younger generations.
More than 100 women attended a high tea fundraiser in Melbourne to help digitise the historical archives of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria. Held on Friday, 9 October, at the Hotel Windsor, the event aimed to fund the first five of 30 bound volumes. Historian and archivist Dr Juliana Charpantidou said some of the fragile books are in very poor condition. Among the records are the community's first minute book, dating from 1898. Donations remain open, and funds are managed by the Antipodes Centre Trust.
Oakleigh's 9th Oakleigh Hellenic Scout Group is the only Greek scout group still operating in Melbourne. It meets every Monday at Jack Edwards Reserve and has about 35 children of Greek origin taking part. Leader Manos Avtzis, along with volunteers Lambros Moschogiannis and Maria Christofilopoulou, received awards for their service at Gilwell Park. The group also marches in the 25 March and 28 October parades, helping pass Greek history and traditions to younger generations.
Former South Melbourne figures known as The Hellas Crew met at the Orlo restaurant in Melbourne, sharing memories of the club and their years of service to the Greek community. The group met one day before the grand final against Melbourne Victory. The next day, Hellas won the Australia Cup against Melbourne Victory on penalties. The club is described as part of the collective memory and identity of Melbourne's Greek community.
Rena Frangioudaki, born in Chania, Crete, arrived in Melbourne in 1966 to help her sister and stayed for more than 50 years. She began working on Greek-language radio programs in the city, later helping launch SBS multilingual radio, where Greek was the first language heard on air in 1975. Listeners across Melbourne's Greek community tuned in to her voice for news, culture and children's programs. In 2010 she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to Victoria's Greek community. The writer pays tribute to her long career and lasting contribution.
Alan Davidson credits Melbourne’s Greek community for saving him from childhood bullying and giving him a football career. His son, Jason, will captain Melbourne Victory against Davidson’s former club, South Melbourne, in the Australia Cup final. Davidson, who played for South Melbourne and the Socceroos, says he owes his life to the Greek community. Jason Davidson says his father will support both teams in the final.
