Page 3598 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 18 August 2010
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The Kytherian Brotherhood of Canberra and District celebrated its 25th anniversary in style on 19 June at the Hellenic Club of Canberra with a successful dinner dance for 330 members and friends. Those attending all enjoyed a sumptuous three-course meal and enjoyed themselves on the dance floor as well as appreciating the skills of the talented Hellenic dancers group.
The Ambassador of Greece, His Excellency Mr Alexios Christopoulos, spoke about Kythera’s rich history from preclassical times until modern day. He recognised Kythera’s cultural and historical significance in laudatory terms and demonstrated his considerable learning. His Excellency made an indelible impression on the audience.
The other distinguished guests included Father George Carpis, who spoke of his own respect for the Kytherians of Canberra and the district since he arrived as a parish priest for the Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas in Kingston in the 1960s. I was also joined by Senator Gary Humphries and retiring MP Annette Ellis.
Mr Chris Lourandos, the founder and long-serving past present of the brotherhood, spoke movingly about the history of Kytherians in Canberra and the district and their early struggles and sacrifices. Chris spoke about why it was important to found the brotherhood and to maintain it. On the night, the brotherhood formally recognised the outstanding contributions made by Chris by awarding him a life membership plaque. Chris was also kind enough to share some of his iconic photographs of Kythera, which were on display throughout the evening for all to view.
It was a wonderful night, and I would also like to pay tribute to John Kalokerinos who organised much of the night and emceed the night. I will give him credit—he gave me most of the notes that I just read from, and he did not mention himself. So I pay tribute to John Kalokerinos, who is one of the most active people in our community. You see him at virtually every function, certainly anything to do with the Greek community, the Kytherian community and far broader than that. So, well done, John; well done to the Kytherian Brotherhood. On my own behalf and on behalf of my wife, Ros, I express my thanks for the wonderful hospitality we received on the night.
Greek community
Canberra Hospital—staff
MR HARGREAVES (Brindabella) (9.04): I echo Mr Seselja’s comments around John Kalokerinos. I have known John since the day I came into this chamber, and I have always found him to be the perfect connection between the work that we do and the Greek and, for that matter, Cypriot communities. It is interesting that these notions of service to community is in the genes. His mother, for example—the Lady of the Lake—was probably the most magic lady the Greek community has ever produced. Her role in providing succour, humour and damn fine hamburgers out at Curtin is to be commended.
I would also like to indicate that it was with a little bit of sadness that we ended that debate on the health thing. I wanted to get a little bit involved in it, because I have actually had a fair amount of experience in the field of relationships within the
hospital. I spent 20 years in the health system in the ACT prior to and after
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