More than 150 people gathered at Adelaide Olympic House last Friday for the launch of the Greek Odyssey Festival, one of the largest events organized by the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) dedicated to culture and to the Greek tradition.
The opening evening included an exhibition of artworks made by students from the Community’s Greek language schools, an impressive traditional dance performance by the senior group of the GOCSA Dance Academy and an art exhibition showcasing the works of local visual artists who participated in this year’s Art Odyssey. prize competition.
Addressing the participants, GOCSA President Peter Gardiakos said that “this festival reminds us that no matter where we are, our Greek heritage will forever be a source of inspiration and strength” and invited the members of other multicultural communities to “participate in this festival”. Cultural Odyssey.”
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas and Minister of Tourism and Multicultural Affairs Zoe Bettison were in attendance at the event, while the President delivered a heartfelt speech to the Hon. Irene Pnevmatikos MLC, who recently announced her retirement from Parliament due to health problems.
“Irene, on the occasion of your retirement from Parliament, we would like to recognize your exceptional contribution to our Greek community and the multicultural communities that you have supported for many years,” said Mr. Gardiakos.
“Your tireless efforts to advocate for our concerns, defend diversity and promote cultural understanding have left an indelible mark on all of us. Your work has helped bridge the gap between different communities and strengthen the bonds and unity of our communities.”
In her speech, Ms Pnevmatikos expressed her gratitude to GOCSA and said the organisation’s “initiatives, large and small, have helped keep Greek culture thriving in South Australia and have created a lasting legacy for the next generation.” Ahead of the October 14 referendum, Ms Pnevmatikos outlined how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as this country’s first people, have faced similar challenges with migrants.
Speaking at the event, Adelaide Federal MP Steve Georganas paid tribute to the state’s early Greek immigrants, the work of GOCSA over the years and said: “Festivals like this help connect us to our roots and showcase the contribution of Greeks to the state of South Australia.”
Additionally, Georganas commended the GOCSA for being an ethnic group that sets the standard in supporting the process of reconciliation with First Nations people and recognizing historical exclusion and prejudice.
At the end of the celebration, guests enjoyed Greek cuisine and regional wines.
