Tag: Greek Australian

What’s On in 2026: Lefkadian Brotherhood Highlights

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Welcome to 2026

We are pleased to share an exciting and varied calendar of events for the year ahead, designed to appeal to members of all ages and interests.

Celebrating Lafcadio Hearn – October 2026

A major highlight for the year will be a significant celebration of the life and works of Lafcadio Hearn, delivered through a series of educational and cultural events in October 2026. These events will be presented in collaboration with the Consulate General of Japan, and we are honoured to be hosting Lafcadio Hearn’s grandson, who will travel to Melbourne specifically to attend these functions. Further details will be announced in due course.

Who Is Lafcadio Hearn — and Why Does He Matter?

Born in Lefkada, Lafcadio Hearn went on to become one of the most famous writers in the world by the time of his death in 1904, the author of twenty‑nine books spanning folklore, travel, journalism and literature. His own life story was as remarkable as his writing — shaped by migration, hardship and reinvention — taking him from Lefkada to Europe, the United States, the Caribbean and finally Japan, where he became known as Koizumi Yakumo and is honoured to this day. For Lefkadians, Hearn’s life reflects our own story of resilience, curiosity and connection to the wider world. This October, the Lefkadian Brotherhood will honour his legacy through a special series of events celebrating a Lefkadian whose influence reached far beyond our shores.

Launch of the Lefkadian Youth Organisation

One of the most exciting developments entering 2026 is the official establishment of the Lefkadian Youth Organisation. This initiative is driven by a dynamic group of young Lefkadians eager to connect with their heritage through social, cultural, and community‑focused events tailored to those aged 18–35.

We encourage all members to support this initiative and to follow the Lefkadian Youth Instagram page @lefkadianyouth for regular updates.

Supporting Greek Youth & Education

As part of our commitment to youth engagement, the Lefkadian Brotherhood is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the Melbourne University Greek Association Ball, taking place on 17 April 2026.
The Melbourne University Greek Association was the first Greek university association established in Australia, founded in the early 1960s. Today, three proud Lefkadians serve on its committee, including two Co‑Presidents.

International Women’s Day Fundraiser

Our International Women’s Day Luncheon was also held as a fundraising event, with proceeds supporting essential upgrade works at the Monastery of Saint Nicholas in Athani. We thank all those who attended and contributed to this important cause.

Calendar of Events – 2026

Monthly Family Lunch

When: First Sunday of every month
Cost: $30 per person
Bookings:
Due to overwhelming demand, bookings are available to members only and must be confirmed by the Wednesday prior to each event.
📞 Alex: 0409 531 089

28 March – Tavern Night (SOLD OUT)

Live music by Rythmos Band at Lefkada House
Cost: $75 adults | $50 children under 12
Includes food, beer, wine and soft drinks
📞 Tina: 0400 178 884

3 May – Mother’s Day Lunch

Venue: Lefkada House
Bookings essential – please contact a committee member.

17 May – Private Screening of Kapodistrias

Venue: Palace Cinemas Coburg
An advance screening of Kapodistrias – The Governor.
🎟️ Bookings are online only.

23 May – Eptanesian Function

Details to be advised.

1 June – Doxologia for Panagia Faneromeni

Location: Parish of the Presentation of Our Lord
23–29 Victoria Street, Coburg
Followed by light refreshments at Lefkada House.
Free entry

20 June – Lefkadian Comedy Night

Venue: Lefkada House
Cost: $50 per person (includes finger food)
Drinks available at bar prices.

October – Lafcadio Hearn Commemorative Events

A series of events honouring the life and legacy of Lafcadio Hearn.
Details to be announced.

Memberships

Annual membership fees of $20 are now due.

Payment options:

  • Direct Debit (EFT)
  • Credit Card
  • In person at any Brotherhood function

EFT Details:
BSB: 013 381
Account Number: 301 244 121

Please email EFT payment details to the Secretary:
📧 George Konidaris – george.konidaris.lb@gmail.com
(include your name and payment amount)

For credit card payments, please follow this link

New membership forms are available online or at any event.

Volunteers

We warmly welcome volunteers for our events and activities. If you are able to assist or contribute a particular skill or service, please contact a committee member.

Hall Hire

Available to members only.
If you are looking for a modern and well‑equipped function venue, please contact us. Full details are available on our website.

Stay Connected

Follow us on social media to stay up to date with all announcements and events:

We thank all our volunteers, patrons, and supporters. With your continued involvement, the Lefkadian Brotherhood will continue to grow and flourish.

We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.

Lefkadian Brotherhood Committee

Congratulations Philia Angela Polites OAM!

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Among the Greek Australians awarded the title Order of Australia Medal (OAM) at the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2020, is Lefkadian Philia Angela Polites.

Philia is the daughter of the late Spiros Polites, a former president of the Lefcadian Brotherhood and Helen Polites, and granddaughter of Theodoros Polites, the first president (1942) of the Lefcadian Brotherhood.

Philia now resides in Murrumba Downs, Queensland, and was recognised for service to people with a disability and to the community. She is a prominent member of the Queenslanders with Disability Network as a Director (2015-2018), Former Deputy Chair and Former Chair, Audit and Compliance Committee. For the Women’s Centre for Health Matters (ACT), she was a Convenor of the Management Committee (1999-2000), a Manager (1998-1999) and a facilitator (1996-1997). She was also a prominent member of the Ethnic Communities Councils of Australia as a Vice President (1990), a Former Special Consultant and a Former Member of Access and Equity Committee. To see the extensive list of Philia’s achievements, please click here.

Philia was also the first editor of Monday’s English edition of NEOS KOSMOS Greek Newspaper and served as an active member of the Lefkadian Cultural Association Inc. 

The Brotherhood Committee and the Lefkadian Cultural Association Committee wishes her well.

Συγχαρητήρια στη Φιλίτσα Πολίτη ΟΑΜ

Η πρώτη που επιμελήθηκε την Αγγλική σελίδα του Νέου Κόσμου της Δευτέρας

Ανάμεσα στους ομογενείς που τους απονεμήθηκε ο τίτλος Order of Australia Metal (ΟΑΜ) είναι και η συμπατριώτισσά μας Φιλίτσα Πολίτη.

Η Φιλίτσα, είναι θυγατέρα των αείμνηστων Σπύρου, εκ των προέδρων της Λευκαδιακής Αδελφότητας και της Ελένης Πολίτη, και, εγγονή του Θεόδωρου,

του πρώτου προέδρου (1942) της Λευκαδιακής Αδελφότητας, και, της Φιλίας Πολίτη.

Η Φιλίτσα είναι η πρώτη που επιμελήθηκε την Αγγλική σελίδα του Νέου Κόσμου της Δευτέρας.

Μεταξύ άλλων, κατά την παραμονή της στη Βικτώρια, διετέλεσε πρόεδρος του FECCA και ενεργό μέλος του Πολιτιστικού Συλλόγου Λευκάδας.

Η διάκριση, που είναι μια μικρή ηθική ικανοποίηση στην πολύχρονη και πολυποίκιλτη προσφορά της στην αυστραλιανή κοινωνία και στα άτομα με ειδικές ανάγκες, τιμά και την Λευκαδιακή πατριά.

Της ευχόμαστε καλή υγεία και μακροημέρευση.