Castellorizian Association of NSW Celebrates 100 Years with Centenary Gala

The Castellorizian Association of NSW recently celebrated a significant milestone, marking its 100th year with a grand Centenary Gala held at Doltone House in Hyde Park, Sydney on Saturday, January 27, 2024. The event, attended by approximately 400 people, including guests who travelled from interstate, aimed to commemorate a century of rich history while also looking towards the future to preserve the legacies of the past for generations to come.

Historical Journey: From Castellorizo to Australia

Established in January 1924 during a wave of emigration from Castellorizo to Australia, the Castellorizian Brotherhood, later renamed the Castellorizian Association of NSW, played a pivotal role in supporting the Castellorizian community as they settled in Sydney. Initially focused on sponsoring new arrivals and fostering a sense of collective identity, the Association evolved over the years, becoming a vital hub for social and philanthropic activities.

Evening Highlights

A glittering event, the Centenary Gala was hosted by siblings Rebecca Mangos, aged 28, and Jack Mangos, aged 25. Jack, who currently serves as the president of Cazzie Youth, the Association’s sub-committee for 18-35 year olds, shared the stage with Rebecca, who was honoured as the recent recipient of the inaugural national Kastellorizian Young Achiever Award for her dedicated service to the Association over the years.

The evening was attended by distinguished guests, including Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley, Governor of New South Wales; Councillor Philipa Veitch, Mayor of Randwick City Council; Mr Ioannis Malikourtis, Consul-General of Greece; and The Honourable Matthew Thistlethwaite, Assistant Minister for Defence and Member for Kingsford Smith, among others.

Children from third and fourth-generation Castellorizian families showcased their heritage through dance performances, followed by captivating acts by the Aristotelian Academy of Greek Traditional Dance.

The celebration was further enriched by addresses from notable figures such as Her Excellency Margaret Beazley, MP Matt Thistlethwaite, Mayor Phillipa Veitch, and His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Charioupolis, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios.

The Gala concluded with lively dancing and live music, creating a memorable evening that honoured the Association's remarkable journey while inspiring hope and enthusiasm for the future.

Looking Forward

As the Association enters its second century, plans are underway for a series of events throughout 2024 to celebrate its centenary year. To stay updated on upcoming events, the Association encourages individuals to follow their social media channels.

- Facebook: [The Castellorizian Association NSW](https://www.facebook.com/TheCastellorizianAssociationNSW)

- Website: [Castellorizian Association NSW](https://www.castelloriziansnsw.com.au)

- Instagram: [@the_cazzie](https://www.instagram.com/the_cazzie)

- Youth Instagram (18 – 35 year olds): [@cazzieyouth](https://www.instagram.com/cazzieyouth)

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