The Kalymnian Association of NSW
The Kalymnian Association of NSW is doing its best to get back to old ways, pre lockdowns and restrictions. Activity is ramping up with friends, families, members, and guests in mind.
Founded in Sydney in 1951
Founded in Sydney in 1951 for the purposes of promoting and maintaining cultural, traditional, ethical, and future interests of their beloved island of Kalymnos, they have filled their calendar for the remainder of the year with functions and events and want everyone to know, that despite their origin in Greece or Australia for that matter, everybody is welcome to join the fun.
“It is important not only to the Kalymnians here is NSW, our beautiful island in the Dodecanese in Greece, but to Hellenism at large.” Said President of the Association, Mr Michael Melas. “Re-introducing our friends to our mission statement which is all about history, culture, tradition and future, is what we are setting out to do.”
Pre the restrictions, The Kalymnian Association of NSW donated $10,000 to the Greek Red Cross, $7,000 to a school in Kalymnos and to a centre for people with special needs, among other charities. “None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for our members and friends.” Said Mr Melas.
Major Sponsors of The Evzones Collection by Nick Bourdaniotis photographic exhibition
As major national sponsors of "The Evzones Collection by Nick Bourdaniotis" (photographic exhibition under the auspices of The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia), the Kalymnian Association of NSW have helped aid over $40,000 in donations to various charities across Australia.
Recently, the Association hosted a gorgeously Greek dinner at the majestic new venue, Beta Grand to showcase the wonderful photographic exhibition which they so proudly sponsor.
The room was warm with Hellenic love, laughter, friendship, food, drinks and 'kefi'. Secretary of the Association Mr George Karantonis compered the evening, and the President Mr Melas gave all those in attendance a taste of what's to come in his heartfelt address around culture, tradition, history and future.
Members from the Kalymnian Association’s dance troupe lit up the room with their flair for dance. The pride on their faces as they danced with fluidity and gusto was a sight to behold.
What's next?
The next event The Kalymnian Association of NSW will partake in is this Sunday at St Basil’s Greek Summer Festival – yet another event that had been postponed due to the restrictions. The Association will be paying homage to their roots by selling natural sea sponges, Kalymnian Diver Keyrings, T-shirts with funny ‘Kalymnianisms’ printed on the back and the all-important National Geographic book on Kalymnos, as well as memberships to the Association.
Following from there, The Kalymnian Association of NSW will be holding their annual St Panteleimon Dinner Dance on Saturday 23 July at St Spyridon Church Hall. One week later, you will be able to travel via coach to St Panteleimon Church at Goulbourn on Sunday 31 July 2022, for a church service and fete. Later in the year the long missed Kalymnian Christmas Party will be held in December – details to follow.
Interested in joining the committee or to find out how you can help or participate? Please email [email protected]
Photos copyright Studio 519 - Athena Michailou
Photo gallery of the evening.
