From Yiayia to Gen Z: FFTN’s landmark event explores the evolving identity of Greek Austra
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
The Food For Thought Network (FFTN) marked a milestone on Sunday 16 November, hosting its inaugural event, The Evolution of Hellenism: Family and Identity in the Diaspora, at The Greek Centre on Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. Aptly titled “From Yiayia to Gen Z,” the gathering drew a full Mezzanine audience and sparked one of the most vibrant intergenerational conversations seen in the community in years.
Moderated by lawyer Eleni Karagiozaki, the event brought together a panel spanning eight decades: WWII panelists Katina Rerakis and Tasos Kolokotronis (97); Baby Boomers Kali Koulouri and Sotiris Hatzimanolis (Editor, Neos Kosmos); Gen X filmmaker Stella Grammenos-Dimadis; Millennial scholar Dr Melina Mallos; and Gen Z NUGAS Co-Presidents Jamie Gallos and Demi Bourdopoulou. The afternoon also featured artistic contributions from vocalist Anthea Sidiropoulou and poet Maria Kampyli.
Setting the tone, Anthea Sidiropoulos opened the afternoon with a moving performance of I Am a Woman, uniting long-time FFTN supporters with first-time attendees.
FFTN Founder Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou AM welcomed the crowd, offering heartfelt thanks for 24 years of community backing. She reflected on the shifting expressions of Greek identity across generations and highlighted the enduring values—cultural pride, resilience, and shared memory—that continue to bind the diaspora.
Greek Community of Melbourne President Bill Papastergiadis OAM, a long-time supporter of FFTN, also addressed the audience, pointing to the revival of the Greek Community Cup as an example of how inclusive initiatives can engage younger generations and keep Hellenism vibrant.
An intergenerational conversation that moved the room
Karagiozaki guided the panel with clarity and nuance, drawing rich insights on identity, heritage, gender roles, language, and the evolution of belonging.
Maria Kampyli delivered an original work written especially for the event, a poignant tribute to Gen X that became the emotional heart of the afternoon, bridging the wisdom of elders with the imagination of youth.
From Yiayia and Pappou to Gen Z
Shaped by war and migration, the first generation prioritised cultural survival.
At 97, Tasos Kolokotronis captivated the crowd with vivid recollections of wartime resistance, community activism, and decades of literary work.
Katina Rerakis, now in her 80s, recounted her insistence that her children speak Greek at home—”because I had Greek ears”—and her attempts to guide her daughter through Ancient Greek due to similarities with the Cretan dialect.
Raised in Greek-speaking households, many became unofficial interpreters for family and community.
From Traralgon, Kali Koulouri spoke of bridging cultures from childhood.
Neos Kosmos editor Sotiris Hatzimanolis reflected on growing up in a Chios household led by strong, grounded women. While he never insisted on Greek for his children, annual family trips have reignited cultural interest. His grandson’s remark: “Pappou, the ancient Greeks had six gods and six goddesses”, charmed the room and encapsulated the continuity of cultural curiosity.
Filmmaker Stella Grammenos-Dimadis shared her experience navigating identity from Yiayia to Gen Alpha. For her, Hellenism lives through filotimo, paideia and xenia—values that guide with “wisdom and grace.”
Scholar Dr Melina Mallos highlighted the opportunities and challenges digital platforms bring for young migrants. Her “Survival Guide” initiative reconnects youth with Greek schools and networks, fostering belonging in an established diaspora.
NUGAS co-presidents Demi Bourdopoulou and Jamie Gallos stressed the responsibility their generation feels in safeguarding Greek culture.
Leadership, they said, is both privilege and duty, with NUGAS now drawing over 1,000 students to major events.
Conversations flowed well beyond the formal program. Attendees shared reflections, bonded across generations, and praised the event’s depth, humour, warmth, and respectful tone. Many described it as one of FFTN’s most meaningful gatherings to date.
FFTN emphasised that there is no single definition of Hellenism in today’s global world, that Hellenism evolves renewed and reimagined by each generation.
Even the fourth generation, though often less Greek-speaking, possesses a strong sense of Greek consciousness and identity.
Next year, FFTN proudly celebrates 25 years of empowering women, run entirely by dedicated volunteers.
Their next major event, the AGM on 10 December, will feature Anna Bithikotsis and Sotiris Doganis performing iconic works by Mikis and Grigoris Bithikotsis.
Details can be found at www.fftn.org.au
The original article: belongs to NEOS KOSMOS .
