submitted by James Victor Prineas on 07.03.2018
Kytherian Association of Australia. Rockdale Post Shop P O Box 183 Rockdale NSW 2216 Australia Physical Address: Level 1 / 24 King Street Rockdale 2216. NSW Join the KAA now. Download your Application Form, here KAA-new_membership_application_form.pdf Renew your KAA membership now. Download your 2011 renewal form here. KAA_membership_renewal_form.pdf Visit the superb KAA website at: www.kytherianassociation.com.au You can contact KAA, Sydney via: KAA Main Address President and George Poulos Committee, 2014 [[picture:"0002 KAA Committee 2.jpg" ID:22406]] Front Row, Left to Right:Angelo Notaras, Kathy Samios,Victor Kepreotis, Kalie Zervos, Esther Kalligeros, John Fardoulis. Back Row, Left to Right: George Giaouris, Michael Mallos, George Poulos,George Vardas, Theo Poulos, Angelo Andrew, Dimitri Kepreotes. Victor Kepreotis President Ball Committee Aged Care Trust 0408 216 108 Kathy Samios Vice-President Ball Committee George Giaouris Treasurer Technology Officer Aged Care Trust George C Poulos Secretary Public Relations Officer Librarian Technology Officer Kytherian World Heritage Fund Email George, here 02 93888320 Kalie Zervos Assistant Secretary, Memberships, Genealogy Club George Vardas Cultural Officer Librarian 0403 053 900 Esther Calligeros Ball Committee Micheal Mallos Property Committee Angelo Notaras Constitution Committee, Property Committee Kytherian World Heritage Fund Theo Poulos Aged Care Trust Angelo Andrew KAWK Dimitri Kepreotes Religion Committee Committee, 2011-2013 [[picture:"Committee 3R.jpg" ID:19897]] Front Row, Left to Right: Michael Mallos, Kalie Zervos, Victor Kepreotis, Kathy Samios, John Fardoulis. Back Row, Left to Right: George Giaouris, George Vardas, Esther Kalligeros, Theo Poulos, Angelo Andrew, George Poulos, Angelo Notaras. Victor Kepreotis President Ball Committee 0408 216 108 Kathy Samios Vice-President Ball Committee George Giaouris Treasurer Technology Officer George C Poulos Secretary Public Relations Officer Librarian Technology Officer Email George, here 02 93888320 Kalie Zervos Assistant Secretary, Memberships George Vardas Cultural Officer Librarian 0403 053 900 John Fardoulis Youth, Special Projects, Technology Officer Esther Calligeros Ball Committee Micheal Mallos Angelo Notaras Consitution Committee Theo Poulos Angelo Andrew Committee, 2009-2011 Victor Kepreotis President Ball Committee 0408 216 108 Kathy Samios Vice-President Ball Committee George Giaouris Treasurer Technology Officer Spiro Coolentianos Secretary. Technology Officer George C Poulos Public Relations Officer Librarian Technology Officer Email George, here 02 93888320 George Vardas Cultural Officer Librarian 0403 053 900 Esther Calligeros Ball Committee Micheal Mallos Angelo Notaras Consitution Committee Theo Poulos Committee, 2006-2008 [[picture:"KAA Committee" ID:13943]] Victor Kepreotis President Kathy Samios Vice-President John Kepreotes Treasurer George C Poulos Secretary Technology Officer Librarian Email George, here Spiro Coolentianos Assistant Secretary. Technology Officer George Giaouris Technology Officer Emmanuel Varipatis Technology Officer Esther Calligeros Micheal Mallos Angelo Notaras Theo Poulos George Caponas The Editor, of the Kytherian Newsletter, Sydney is Kathy Kepreotis You can contact the editor of the Kytherian Newsletter, Sydney here Download back issues of the Kytherian Newsletter, here: [[picture:"Greek PM with Kytherian Committee 2007 2.jpg" ID:14078]] Members of the Excecutive with the Prime Minister of Greece, May 23rd, 2007 Committee 2004-2005 [[picture:"KAA Committee.jpg" ID:7162]] Left to Right: Front Row: Esther Calligeros, Micheal Mallos, Victor Kepreotis, Kathy Samios. Standing: Catherine Economos, George C Poulos, Eleni Malanos. President Victor Kepreotis Vice-President Micheal Mallos Treasurer Esther Calligeros Head Librarian George C Poulos Functions Co-ordinator Kathy Samios The Kytherian Association of Australia - then called the Kytherian Brotherhood - held its inaugural meeting at the Marathon Café in Sydney in 1922. Since then it has worked tirelessly to promote Kytherian culture and has successfully inspired generations of Kytherian-Australians to appreciate the heritage of their parents and grandparents. Detailed History, The Kytherian Association of Australia, Sydney Cosmas Cassimatis and the founding of the Kytherian Brotherhood of Australia, 1922 On 12 May 1921, Cosmas Jacob Cassimatis floated the idea of a Kytherian brotherhood with his friend Theo Crithary at Theo’s Marathon Cafe in Darlinghurst. Exactly one year later, on 12 May, 1922, at Cosmas’ Canberra Cafe at Central, they drew up a letter of intent, encapsulating Cosmas’ basic idea. With that document, the Kytherian Brotherhood came into existence, and it formed the first page of the first Minute Book of the Brotherhood. In August, 1922, all Kytherians were invited and the first Committee was formed as follows, Cosmas J. Cassimatis.........President Peter Minoukos..................Vice President Bill Feros.............................Secretary Nick Marcello.....................Treasurer Cosmas Andronicus Theo Crithary Bretos Margetis John Psaltis The Constitution was further developed, and incorporated Cosmas’ ideas. In 1936 the Brotherhood was formed into a company, and the original Constitution formed part of the Articles of Association. To this day, very little of this Constitution has been altered. From the beginning, Cosmas felt that the Brotherhood should honour the two Patron Saints of Kythera, Theodore and Panagia Myrtidiotissa, and the Martyr, Saint Elesa. This forms a major part of our Constitution. Throughout his life, Cosmas, the son of a priest, and someone who had wanted also to study Theology, was a major influence on the Greek Orthodox Community, then centred on Agia Triada in Surry Hills. He served for a short time as President of the Greek Community, and this, combined with his position as President of the Kytherian Brotherhood of Australia, meant that he was seen as a father figure by many of the young arrivals, even to the extent of them asking for his permission to marry. His business judgement was highly respected. Cosmas was born in Kato Livadi, Kythera, in 1889, and first came to Australia in 1908. He returned to Greece briefly, served in the Balkan Wars, and returned in 1914. After several business ventures he purchased a cafe, the Canberra Cafe in Oxford Street, Taylor Square, with cousin Nick Cassimatis and four other partners - Nick Travasaros, Stamati Marcello, Stratis Tzannes and John Megaloconomos. Cousin Nick was to later sell out and open a store in Park Street, but the descendants of all the others continue to hold the property in partnership to this day, making it one of the longest partnerships in Australian Greek history. [[picture:"Canberra Cafe, with Cosmas Cassimatis.jpg" ID:6262]] Canberra Cafe. Cosmas Cassimatis is standing on the right. This Canberra Cafe in Oxford Street became the meeting place for the newly formed Kytherian Brotherhood of Australia. It was decided that a meeting would be held once a year, and Kytherians would travel from all the country towns to meet in Sydney on the proposed date. Although picnic days were also held, it was not until larger numbers of women arrived from Kythera that more social functions were organised. Cosmas, who was naturalised in 1925 (although he had originally intended to stay in Australia for only a few years) returned to Kythera only once more, and this time it was to marry. In 1929, on the advice of his father, he married Marica Lazerreti, of Lazerretianiki (JKiato Livadi). This marriage, which was an extremely happy one, produced three children, Katina, Jack and Emmanuel. Marica, born in 1904, had served as the Secretary of the Kytherian Community. In this role, being a literate woman, having completed her schooling which was unusual for her time, she was often called upon to read letters arriving from Australia or other countries to which Kytherians had emigrated, and also to write lefters for those on the island. Marica returned to Kythera for a visit with son Jack in 1969 and was met at the docks with banners saying ‘Welcome back Marica’. It took about 4 hours to walk 100 metres, such was the excitement from the people who remembered her with much deep affection. In Australia, Marica, a very devout woman, proved to be a mother figure for many of the young women, cut off from their mothers and grandmothers whom they had left behind in Greece. She gave advice on cooking, on how to get on in Australia, and on many other matters. Their house, in Kensington, hosted many wedding receptions for Kytherians. Marica supported Cosmas in his role as a leader amongst his fellow Greeks; a role which meant being called upon to accompany Prince Phillip, then a prince of Greece, on his tour of Australia. In the early days, Greeks believed that Australians had much to teach them, and they aimed to assimilate, while at the same time holding on to what they felt was worthwhile in their own culture. According to son, Emmanuel, these early Kytherians "had a very high moral code, their principles were second to none., and their good name was of paramount importance." These ideas, that we are guests and should not forget it, and that we should never give anyone reason to say anything bad about us, have influenced all the subsequent generations of Kytherians born in Australia (although we are no longer ‘guests’). Eighty years on, the Kytherian Association of Australia (formerly the Brotherhood) can rightly feel proud of its roots, and the man, Cosmas Jacob Cassimatis, who was the force behind the Association’s formation. By Ann Coward, from information supplied by Emmanuel Cassimatis First published in Programme, 80th Anniversary Debutante Ball, 2002, Kytherian Association of Australia, pp. 36-37. 1972 - commemorating the Kytherian Association of Australia's 50th year [[picture:"50th Kytherian Brotherhood 1972 50th Anniversary celebrations (2).jpg" ID:20104]] With the help of former President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, John Prineas, and and Vassi Uhrweiss (nee, Margetis) – we can now determine that the photo attached was taken in 1972 – on the occasion of the 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE Kytherian Association of Australia. It was taken on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary Kytherian Ball. The photograph features committee members / wives / descendants of the original committee - the founding fathers of the Kytherian Association of Australia - including one founding father - still alive at the time - Mr Bill Feros. A sophisticated booklet was produced to commemorate the 50th Anniversary / all – copies of which can be found in the KAA Library. From Left to Right: Manolis G Casimatis (Past president) Manolis Sklavos (Later became president) Bill Feros (Angela Comino's Father and the only founding member, and Original Secretary.) Manolis Cassimatis and his mother. (His father was the founding president. He later became Vice-President) Evridiki Psaltis (Wife of John, who was a foundation member) Mrs Betty Stamel. (Her father Nick Psaltis was also foundation member) Mrs Theodora Margetis. (Husband Bretos was a founding member.) Aspacia Sophios (Her husband was on a later Kytherian Association Committee’s. Alec Sophios’ mother, and sister to Theodora Margetis, (nee Lianos)). Peter Aroney (President for many years) Angela Alfred (Alfieris) The Committee of 1979: [[picture:"KAA 1.jpg" ID:21000]] Back Row: Spiros Frilingos, Nick S. Samios, Arthur Sklavos, George Cassimatis, Nick Samios. Front Row: Petros Coroneos, Violet Sandeman, Eleftherios Fatseas, President, Con Andronicos, Treasurer, Peter Kalligeros. Absent: Nick Sandeman, Vice President, Con Gavrilis. Detailed History 2. From, Peter Vanges. Kythera. A History. 1993. Chapter 52 Kytherian Brotherhood of Australia (NSW) History to 1993. Seventy years ago, the Kytherian pioneers in Australia saw the need to unite the Kytherian community within a formal association which had as its objectives, fellowship, social and cultural activities and also in helping the underprivileged, by contributing to various charities both in Australia and in Greece. It was on 14th May 1922, that the inaugural meeting of the Kytherian Brotherhood took place at the Marathon Cafe situated then at 72 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney. On that evening, the late Cosmas Cassimatis and Theodore Kritharis called for a constitution to be drawn up and a date was set for a general meeting and the election of a managing committee. The election was held on 20th August 1922, and the Foundation Committee was installed to serve for a term of two years. This Committee comprised the following: Cosmas Cassimatis................................ President Peter Minoukos..................................... Vice President Bill Feros................................................ Secretary Nick Marcello........................................ Treasurer Theo Kritharis........................................ Member Charles Andronicos................................ Member John Psaltis............................................ Member The activity and progress of the Kytherian Brotherhood has been outstanding. The far-sighted founders of the Brotherhood could not possibly have foreseen that the little social group they founded would grow into one of the largest associations of its type. Over the years, donations of large sums of money have been made to various charitable institutions. The Brotherhood’s benevolence has been directed to alleviating many of the needs of the island of Kythera. Numerous contributions have been made to public works, hospitals, schools and general relief to the underprivileged. During World War II, the Kytherian Brotherhood was instrumental in the organisation of a war-relief fund and a large sum of money was eventually remitted to Greece for this purpose. Such activities together with the great attainment of the Kytherians of subsequent generations have brought a high degree of esteem to the Kytherian Brotherhood. “Reflecting back over the years, it becomes very clear that the Kytherians in Australia have been among the most progressive migrants, assimilating well into the Australian community, without neglecting to carry on some of the fine traditions of the old country.” (Quotation from 50th Anniversary Message byJ. Prineas.) Many honest, hard-working and trustworthy Kytherians have served on the Brotherhood Committees since 1922. In recognition of their service, a list of members who served for a period of one year or more is presented. 1922 -1924 Foundation members Cosmas J. Cassimatis, President Theodore E. Kritharis John Psaltis Cosmas Andronicos Bill Feros, Secretary Nick Marcello, Treasurer Peter Minoukos, Vice President Vretos Margetis 1924-1926 Bill Feros, President George Marcello, Vice President Anastasios Samios George Cominos Emmanuel Cassimatis, Secretary E. Mavromatis, Treasurer Peter Mylonopoulos Theodore Prineas Anastasios Caponas 1926 - 1928 Cosma Cassimatis, President Cosma Andronicos, Treasurer Peter A. Aroney Polihronis Calopedis George Cominos, Vice President Peter Calopedis Vretos Margetis, Secretary 1928-1936 George Calligeros, President S. Marcelos, Secretary George Cavallinis Emmanuel Mavromatis, Treasurer Gregory Samios Nick Bailos Peter Psaltis Nicholas Gianniotis, Vice President 1936-1938 George Cominos George Calligeros, Vice President Emmanuel Mavromatis, Treasurer George Lianos Peter Zantiotis Nick Sofios, President Angelo Melitas, Secretary Anargiros Fatseas, Secretary 1938-1940 George Calligeros George Lianos George Vamvakaris, Treasurer Nick Sofios, President! Secretary Peter Critharis, President Emmanuel Mavromatis Peter Zantiotis George Mavromatis, Secretary 1940- 1944 George Calligeros George Lianos Nick Sofios, President Emmanuel Mavromatis, Treasurer Peter Zantiotis George Mavromatis, Secretary Andrew Semitecolos Peter Minoukos Fotios Aroney Peter T. Aroney 1944-1950 Con Aroneys, President Peter T. Aroney Nick Aroneys, Treasurer Peter Haniotis Angelo Mallos, S’ecretary Cosma Castrisos John Cassimatis Angelo Zantey 1951 - 1955 Nick D. Psaltis, President John Tambakis, Vice President Angelo Mallos, Secretary Peter Critharis Arthur Castrissos Nick A. Aroney Stamatios Marcellos 1956-1958 Peter E. Aroney, President Cosmas Caravoussanos, Vice President Spiro Vlandis, Secretary Peter Mavromatis, Treasurer Arthur Geraketeys George Cavalinis Andreas Semitecolos John A. Psaltis Theo Panaretos Jim Mavromatis Eleftherios Fatseas George Zantiotis 1958-1960 Peter E. Aroney, President Cosmas Caravousanos, Vice President Spiro Vlandis, Vice President! Secretary John A. Psaltis, Treasurer George Cavalinis Peter Mavromatis Jim Mavromatis, Secretary Paul Callopedis Andreas Semitekolos Anthony Prineas John Tzannes Peter Samios Denis Aroney George Calligeros 1960 - 1962 Peter E. Aroney, President Spiros Vlandis, Vice President Jim A. Psaltis Miss Mary Coroneos, Secretary Miss Olga Coroneos, Assistant Treasurer Theo Gavrily Emmanuel G. Cassimatis George Calligeros Angelo Mallos Anthony Prineas Peter Samios John Tzannes, Assistant Secretary 1963 Peter E. Aroney, President Miss Kathy Comino, Secretary John Psaltis, Treasurer Theo Gavrily Eleftherios Fatseas, Assistant Treasurer John Tzannes, Assistant Secretary Andrew G. Balos Emmanuel G. Cassimatis Peter Samios Haralambos Mavros Angelo Mallos George Calligeris 1964- 1966 Peter E. Aroney, President Spiro Vlandis, Vice President Miss Kathy Comino, Secretary Jim Psaltis, Treasurer Andrew Balos George Calligeris John Tzannes Emmanuel G. Cassimatis Mrs. Emilia Alfred Peter Samios Theo Gavrily Angelo Mallos 1967 Chris Castrission, President Stefanos Carydis, Vice President Emmanuel Sklavos, Secretary Charles T. Comino, Treasurer Petro Coroneos Paul Panaretos John Psaltis Peter Vlandis Spiro Venardos Jim Smiles Jim Raissis Charles G. Comino, Assistant Secretary 1968 - 1969 Emmanuel Sklavos, President Eleftherios Fatseas, Vice President Stefanos Carydis, Secretary John Kallinikos, Assistant Secretary A. Diacopoulos, Treasurer Petro Coroneos Charles G. Cominos Andrew G. Balos John Tzannes Theo Zantiotis Harry Mavros Jim Raissis 1970-1971 Emmanuel Sklavos, President Harry Mavros, Vice President Stefanos Carydis, Secretary Nick Economos, Assistant Secretary. Andrew G. Balos, Treasurer Charles Cominos, Assistant Treasurer Emmanuel Cretan John Kallinikos John Tzannes John G. Prineas George V. Psaltis Con Simos 1972-1973 John G. Prineas, President Andrew Coroneos, Vice President Nick Economos, Secretary Andrew G. Balos, Treasurer Mrs. EniiliaAlfred, AssistantSecretary ZacharyaSouris, AssistantTreasurer Nick Poulos, George V. Psaltis Charles G. Comino Alexander Malacos John A. Psaltis Nick Souris 1974-75 Andrew Balos, President Petro Coroneos, Vice President Andrew Coroneos, Secretary Nick Economos, Treasurer Mrs Saphira Caravousanos, Asstistant Secretary Zaharias Souris, Assistant Treasurer George A. Balos Charles G. Comino Haritos Sophios George C. Psaltis George V. Psaltis Con Simos 1976 Eleftherios Fatseas, President Peter Mageros, Secretary Nick Economos, Treasurer John Mallos Con Simos George V. Psaltis George C. Psaltis George Cassimatis Miss Betty Panaretos Charles Comino Anthony Calligeros Petro Coroneos 1977 Eleftherios Fatseas, President John Mallos Nick Sandeman Petro Coroneos Spiros Frilingos Con Raissis George C. Psaltis George V. Psaltis Athanasios Kalligeros Nick Economos, Treasurer George Cassimatis Con Simos 1978 Eleftherios Fatseas, President Nick Sandeman, Vice President Mrs Violet Sandeman, Secretary Con Andronicos, Treasurer George Cassimatis Con Gavrilis Spiros Frilingos Anthony Kalligeros George V. Psaltis Nick Samios 1979 Eleftherios Fatseas, President Nick Sandeman, Vice President Con Andronicos, Treasurer Petros Coroneos Con Gavrilis Peter Kalligeros George Cassimatis Spiros Frilingos Nick Samios Nick S. Samios Arthur Sklavos 1980-1981 Emmanuel Cassimatis, President John Tzannes, Vice President Peter Calligeros, Secretary Nick Economos, Treasurer Petro Coroneos Con Andronicus Con Mavromatis Emmanuel Cordatos Con Gavrilis Nick Sandeman Nick S. Samios John Calligeros Con Simos Nick Samios 1982-1983 George Vardas, President Mrs Chrissa Vlandis, Vice President Victor Kepreotis John Tzannes, Secretary Theodore Simos George Cassimatis, Treasurer Spiro Tzannes Peter Andrew Raymond Calligeros Nick Cominos Peter Calligeros Peter Vanges 1984-1985 Peter Vanges, President Victor Kepreotis, Vice President John Tzannes, Treasurer Mrs Tina Andrew, Secretary Raymond Calligeros Miss Matina Cassimatis, Assistant Secretary George Cassim Jim Coroneos Arthur Gerakiteys Mrs Violet Sandeman Theodore Simos George Vardas Petro Coroneos 1986 Peter Vanges, President Peter Tzannes John Mallos John Notaras Spiro Cavalinis Jim Coroneos, Vice President Miss Matina Cassimatis Miss Patricia Sofios Mrs Violet Sandeman, Treasurer Miss Christine Sophios Mrs Tina Andrew, Secretary Petro Coroneos 1987 Jim Coroneos, President Mrs Robyn Cassimatis, Secretary Miss Christine Sophios Miss Patricia Sofios Peter Tzannes Mrs Tina Andrew Petro Coroneos Mrs Violet Sandeman, Treasurer Paul Dracakis Spiro Cavalines John Mallos Peter Vanges 1988-1989 Jim Coroneos, President Emmanuel Cassimatis, Vice President Mrs Robyn Cassimatis, Secretary Minas Raissis, Treasurer George Giaouris Con Raissis Peter Cassimatis Charles Comino Mrs Violet Sandeman Miss Christine Sophios Miss Patricia Sofios Peter Comino 1990 Peter Vanges, President Peter Comino Miss Marina Cassimatis Con Mavromatis Jim Samios Miss Christine Sophios, Secretary Peter Tzannes John Mallos Mrs Violet Sandeman, Treasurer John Sophios, Vice President Paul Dracakis Jim Coolentianos 1991-1992 Peter Vanges, President John Sophios, Vice President Mrs Violet Sandeman, Treasurer Mrs Mary Kindis Con Mavromatis Peter Comino Jim Samios Miss Christine Sophios Peter Tzannes Paul Dracakis Jim Coolentianos Con Karedis 1992-1993 PAUL DRACAKIS, President C. KAREDIS C. SOPHIOS C. MAVROMATIS P. TZANNES J. COULENDIANOS V. SANDEMAN P. VANGES M. KINDIS P. COMINO 1993-1994 JOHN SOPHIOS, President JIM COMINOS PETER TZANNES GEORGE GIAOURIS CON KAREDIS JIM COOLENTIANOS ANNA DELAGRAMMATIS THEO CASSIMATY JOHN SOPHIOS PETER COMINO SIMON DELAGRAMMATIS MATINA COMINO 1994-1995 PETER COMINO, President POPPY CARDOMATIS THEO CASSIMATY ANGELO ANDREW ANNA DELAGRAMMATIS CHRIS CARDOMATIS PATRICIA SOFIOS PETER J. COMINO VIOLET SANDEMAN CON KAREDIS MATINA CASSIMATIS PETER THOMAS PETER GERAKITEYS ANTHONY COMINOS SIMON DELAGRAMMATIS VIOLET SANDEMAN CON KAREDJS POPPY CARDOMATIS THEO CASSIMATY 1995-1996 PETER J. COMINO, President PATRICIA SOPHIOS, Secretary VIOLET SANDEMAN, Treasurer ANGELO ANDREW POPPY CARDOMATIS THEO CASSIMATY ANTHONY COMINOS SIMON DELAGRAMMATIS PETER GERAKITEYS CON KAREDIS PETER THOMAS 1996-1997 PETER COMINO, President MICHAEL MALLOS ANGELO ANDREW PETER THOMAS PETER GERAKITEYS CON KAREDIS VIOLET SANDEMAN SIMON DELAGRAMMATIS POPPY CARDOMATIS CON KAREDIS THEO CASSIMATY 1997-1999 GEORGE VARDAS, President THEODORE SIMOS, Vice President PETER THOMAS, Treasurer VICTOR KEPREOTIS, Secretary MICHAEL MALLOS EMMANUEL VARIPATIS ANGELO ANDREW ANTHONY KANARIS JIM CONOMOS GEORGE GIAOURIS BILL VAKAS SPIRO TZANNES 1999-2000 GEORGE VARDAS, President GEORGE GIAOURIS, Vice President SPIRO TZANNES, Treasurer VICTOR KEPREOTIS, Secretary MICHAEL MALLOS PETER THOMAS THEO POULOS JIM CONOMOS THEODORE SIMOS ANTHONY KANARIS EMMANUEL VARIPATIS ARTHUR VELLISS 2000-2001 VICTOR KEPREOTIS, President MICHAEL MALLOS, Vice President ARTHUR VELLISS, Vice President PETER THOMAS, Treasurer ANASTASIA PROTEY, Secretary GEORGE POULOS CATHERINE ECONOMOS ESTHER CALLIGEROS 2002-2003 VICTOR KEPREOTIS, President MICHAEL MALLOS, Vice President ARTHUR VELLISS, Vice President PETER THOMAS, Treasurer GEORGE POULOS, Secretary CATHERINE ECONOMOS ESTHER CALLIGEROS KATHY SAMIOS 2004-2005 VICTOR KEPREOTIS, President MICHAEL MALLOS, Vice President GEORGE POULOS Secretary IRENE FAROS ELENI MALANOS CATHERINE ECONOMOS ESTHER CALLIGEROS PETER CALLIGEROS KATHY SAMIOS GEORGE VARDAS EMMANUEL CASSIMATIS MARIA MALLOS 2004-2005 VICTOR KEPREOTIS, President MICHAEL MALLOS, Vice President GEORGE POULOS Secretary CATHERINE ECONOMOS ESTHER CALLIGEROS KATHY SAMIOS ELENI MALANOS 2006-2008 VICTOR KEPREOTIS, President KATHY SAMIOS Vice President JOHN KEPREOTES Treasurer GEORGE POULOS Public Relations Officer GEORGE VARDAS Cultural Officer THEO POULOS ESTHER CALLIGEROS MICHAEL MALLOS, GEORGE CAPONAS ANGELO NOTARAS SPIRO COOLENTIANOS GEORGE GIAOURIS 2009-2010 VICTOR KEPREOTIS, President MICHAEL MALLOS, Vice President SPIRO COOLENTIANOS Secretary GEORGE GIAOURIS Treasurer GEORGE POULOS Public Relations Officer GEORGE VARDAS Cultural Officer THEO POULOS ESTHER CALLIGEROS KATHY SAMIOS GEORGE CAPONAS WILLIAM SUMMERS ANGELO NOTARAS 2010-2012 VICTOR KEPREOTIS, President KATHY SAMIOS, Vice President SPIRO COOLENTIANOS Secretary GEORGE GIAOURIS Treasurer GEORGE POULOS Public Relations Officer GEORGE VARDAS Cultural Officer THEO POULOS ESTHER CALLIGEROS ANGELO NOTARAS JOHN FARDOULIS MICHAEL MALLOS KALIE ZERVOS The attention of the committee of the Kytherian Brotherhood of Australia was for many years focused on giving assistance to the needy, both in Australia and on the island, as well as providing opportunities for Kytherians to meet and socialise. The feast of Myrtidiotissa received special attention with a dinner and a dance organised every year on the first Sunday after 24th September. The desperate needs of those left on the island after World War I and II absorbed all available funds for many years. Meetings of the committee of the Kytherian Brotherhood were held in private homes, shops and later in the offices of the Hellenic Club in Sydney. In 1955, personal conflicts divided the Kytherian community and two different organisations existed in NSW for a short period. Commonsense and pressure from influential Kytherians convinced both parties that the Kytherian community could not survive divided. To everyone’s satisfaction, both parties united their efforts and one Kytherian Brotherhood again prevailed. Realising the long-term needs of the Brotherhood, committees were wise enough to purchase two adjoining properties on Anzac Parade, Kensington, for later use as a headquarters and functions centre. To become more financially secure, later committees purchased seven shops in the West Fairfield shopping complex. The general feeling was that the Brotherhood had secured its future. The location of the properties at Kensington was perfect for the needs of the Brotherhood. Everything seemed to be progressing well, and on the cover of the 1971 Kytherian Ball Programme, the plans for a Kytherian House were revealed. The committee published in the same Ball Programme detailed plans of the project with this message from the President Emmanuel Sklavos: "We draw your attention to the picture on this programme. The picture is the architect’s preliminary plans of the proposed building to be called Kytherian House and erected on a block of land at Anzac Parade, Kensington. This block of land has on it two large houses which have been purchased by the Kytherian Brotherhood of Australia. You have to look at it very carefully and believe with all your soul’s vigour that this plan, which today is just a dream may be in the near future a reality. You have also to believe that what looks rather impossible for one person can be possible for many people. The starting point was the purchase of the suitable piece of land on Anzac Parade, a surface of 11,478 sq.ft., for the value of $104,000. When you will be invited to contribute or to lend to the Brotherhood for the realisation of the dream, don’t hesitate. In the beginning we are going to build the first two floors. By doing this we will secure a hall for our balls and recreation rooms for our children in a clean Greek Australian environment. The newcomers will be taught English and their assimilation to this hospitable country will become easier. By helping the Brotherhood you are helping yourself, you are helping your children, and you are helping Australia to acquire good citizens. Finally you will feel proud seeing the Kytherian House standing majestically and don’t forget where there is unity there is strength". It was unfortunate that, due to obstacles put forward by the local council to the development of the Kensington properties, the idea was abandoned and alternatives were sought. The 1973 committee decided to appoint a building committee that was authorised to search for properties suitable to accommodate the needs of the Brotherhood. In 1974 the committee’s attention was directed towards rendering assistance to the establishment of a retirement village on Kythera. On 1st August 1976, an extraordinary meeting was called and members were asked to consider the purchase of a property at 61-65 Regent Street, Chippendale (in the inner Sydney area). The motion was put and after lengthy discussion, it was carried. Although this motion appeared on the record as unanimous, it was to trigger a bitter division in the Kytherian community of Sydney. On 17th August 1976, at a general meeting, the motion was put to dispose of all the Brotherhood’s assets in order that the purchase of the Regent Street property be financed. The motion was carried. The result of this decision was open conflict and constant disagreements amongst the members and the alienation of a large number of loyal Brotherhood supporters. A legal dispute over constitutional matters between members of the Brotherhood contributed to the further deterioration of both support and morale. Despite all of the above, the committee had reached the point of no return, and on 17th September 1976, the amount of $29,000 was paid as deposit on the property at Chippendale. The money was lent to the Brotherhood by the late Nicholas Lourantus. With the legal dispute still in progress, the difficulties in the purchase of the new building and the lack of interest by many of the Brotherhood’s members, the first meeting was held at Kythera House in Chippendale on 20th March 1977. At that meeting members agreed that they had to carry on regardless, hoping that the situation would soon change for the better. In order to generate the necessary income to repay the $150,000 loan, to make interest payments and to carry out the needed repairs, the committee decided to establish the Kytherian Social Club on 9th July 1978. This naturally demanded further expenditure in order to secure a liquor licence. At a general meeting on 24th June 1979, it was reported that although the alterations to the third floor had been completed, the liquor licence had yet to be issued. The President spoke at length on all the problems facing the Brotherhood. After hgated and lengthy discussion, it was decided to appoint a fundraising committee to secure desperately needed cash to ease the difficult financial predicament that the Brotherhood faced. By 17th February 1980, the committee was forced to consider the leasing of available space in Kythera House in order to pay the ever-increasing amount of interest due. At an extraordinary meeting on 30th April 1980, members were told of the serious financial problems and rumours of foreclosure were circulating. The committee was forced to consider the sale of the first floor. It was thought at the time that this would provide some financial relief. Unfortunately, many Kytherians had made up their minds not to support the newly established social club and ignored many of the activities organised at Kythera House. The eventual sale of the first floor served only to postpone what everyone considered as the only solution, that is, the sale of Kythera House. The committee of 1982-83 consisting of young, energetic and well-educated Kytherians made every effort to overcome the problems besetting the Kytherian community. After lengthy and careful consideration, the committee of 1982-83 had no alternative but to suspend the activities of the social club. It can be argued that although this was the only correct decision under the circumstances, it alienated loyal members who supported the social club and its activities. With the closure of the social club, the entire building was now vacant and no income was forthcoming other than that generated by a few functions held outside Kythera House. Pressure from the bank was mounting as the increasing bank interest had brought the total amount owing to over $100,000. The committee called yet another extraordinary meeting and the sale of Kythera House was discussed. The involvement in the discussion of persons never before involved in the affairs of the Brotherhood resulted in the appointment of a fundraising committee with the task of securing the entire outstanding amount ($130,000) within six months. The appointed committee of 1984-1986, working closely together with the fundraising committee, succeeded in raising the required amount and repaid the total amount owed to the bank, the interest and all the outstanding unpaid accounts. With the morale of members now on the increase and with the outstanding success of family nights organised at Kythera House, the Brotherhood once again had the opportunity to feel secure and optimistic about the future. The leasing of all of the remaining areas except the third floor generated enough income to carry out badly needed repairs to the building. By the end of 1986, not only had the committee met all of its obligations but it had saved the amount of $95,000 so that members could be reimbursed for amounts loaned to the Brotherhood. At a dinner held at Kythera House in 1988, members were appropriately thanked for their generous assistance towards the association. In 1989, an unfortunate legal dispute with a major tenant of Kythera House cut off regular income, and signs of new disputes and dissatisfaction reappeared. An offer to sell Kythera House for the amount of $3.5 million was not disclosed to the members at the time. The committee appointed for 1990-1991 on taking over, turned its attention to the ongoing legal proceedings that had cost the Brotherhood well over $40,000. With one floor leased, the court case successfully defended, and the recoupment of monies owing to the Brotherhood, the situation once again was promising. The need for definite planning and re-orientation of the Brotherhood’s goals was obviously very urgent. Attempts were ma,de to jolt the interest of the members without any success. Financially, by the end of 1991, the Brotherhood was in the position to consider relocating to new premises better equipped to handle the needs of the association. This motion was put to the Annual General Meeting with the intention of steering the Brotherhood in the direction of a definite programme by which future committees should be guided. At that meeting the President attempted to direct the attention of the Kytherian community to the uncertainty of the years to follow, as the ideas, needs and beliefs of the new generation of Australian Kytherians appeared to be divergent from the goals, values and purposes of the Kytherian Brotherhood of Australia as defined in its constitution. Despite the troubled history of Kythera House, it is a fact that the Brotherhood has the unencumbered possession of a substantial building in a good location in Sydney. This should provide a financial basis for further development of Brotherhood aspirations in the years ahead. As well, the Brotherhood has been most successful in organising and promoting, over many years, social functions which range from small cultural meetings to truly grand balls and dances at which numbers from four hundred to more than one thousand people attend. Particularly important are such occasions which have resulted from the efforts of the Brotherhood’s “Younger Set” and the Ladies Committee. These assisting committees of the Brotherhood have been extremely successful and this augurs well for the future of the Kytherian community in Sydney. There is no doubting that the life and personal achievement of the Kytherians in Australia is a story full of success and accomplishments that is a sound guarantee of the future of the Kytherian Brotherhood of Australia as it undergoes a period of transformation. It should not be long before a rejuvenated Brotherhood emerges to continue to serve Australians of Kytherian descent.
Hi Maria, the message board wasn't really conceived to be for photos - although perhaps we should...
Looks like I need help on how to upload the image. In the meantime, if you recognise...
Am seeking the help of the wider Kytherian network to investigate their old family photo albums over...
Hi Harold (distant cousin!) Vikki is correct. Velio married Angelo Chlentzos 'Bylos' on 30 Aug 1923 in...
About 5 minutes into the program Ada Margariti, who is an Attorney at Law, speaks about how she came to...
Interviewed during his visit to Australia, 2013.
August 17, 2010 103.2 HOPE - radio station You’ve heard of PhDs in science, medicine and education but have you...
Brisbane kytherians at paliochora excursion ..exploring the wonderful site and seeing all the churches .. this one is called ' e...
Gorgeous Ruby! Ruby's father was Evangelo Megaloconomos born 7 September 1891, died 29 January 1983 Ruby was born 16 September...
04.12.2023 (Message Board)
26.11.2023 (Message Board)