Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand’s Successful 43rd National Convention
Darwin Welcomes Cretan Community: 43rd National Convention a Triumph
Darwin, Australia – The Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand (CFANZ)
successfully held its 43rd National Convention in Darwin from January 2-5, 2025. This
highly anticipated four-day event drew hundreds of attendees of Greek and Cretan heritage
from across Australia, New Zealand, and internationally.
Organised by the Cretan Association of Northern Territory and supported by the Greek
Orthodox Community of Northern Australia, the convention was a spectacular celebration of
Cretan culture and traditions. Renowned Cretan musicians Nikos Vezyrakis, Giorgios
Katsoulieris, and Alexandros Kazakis travelled from Crete to entertain attendees.
“The 43rd National Cretan Federation Convention in Darwin was a resounding success.
We’re thrilled to have shared this unforgettable experience,” said Mr. Emmanuel Mountakis,
President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand.
The convention program included the following events:
▪ Wreath-Laying Ceremony:
▪ Welcome Dinner for interstate delegates
▪ Youth Night
▪ Cretan Youth of Australia and New Zealand AGM
▪ Official Opening Cocktail Party
▪ Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand AGM
▪ Traditional Strata/Kantada
▪ 43rd Annual Cretan Convention Dinner Dance
▪ Youth Sports Day
▪ Farewell Dinner
“It was truly heartwarming to witness the Cretan community from across Australia and New
Zealand unite in celebration of our rich heritage. The infectious energy and enthusiasm of our
youth, delegates and attendees created an electric atmosphere that pulsed throughout the
convention.”
The convention was attended by guests from across Australia as well as from Greece and the
USA. These include: His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide representing His Eminence,
Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Professor Yiannis Chrysoulakis, Former Secretary
General for Greeks Aboard and Current Chairman of the AHEPA International Committee,
Mr Nikos Kastrinakis, President of the World Council of Cretans, The Honourable Robyn
Cahill MLA, Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations representing the Honourable
Lia Finocchiaro, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, The Hon. Marie-Clare Boothby
MLA, Attorney-General, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Minister for Major Events,
Minister for Parks and Wildlife, and Minister for Racing, The Honourable Luke Gosling
OAM, MP Federal Member for Solomon and Mr Michael Koulianos, President of the Greek
Orthodox Community of North Australia.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the Cretan Association of
Northern Territory, the executive team of Cretan Federation of Australia and New, our
member associations and generous sponsors. Your selfless dedication, tireless efforts, and
unwavering commitment to our community made this convention an unforgettable success.
As we celebrate this achievement, we also look forward to the 2026 Convention.”
The Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand is pleased to announce that the 44th
National Convention in 2026 will be held in Sydney.
SUMMARY OF CONVENTION EVENTS BY EMMANUEL MOUNTAKIS
As delegates begin to return home, we look back at another great and successful Convention
that was filled with many happy memories.
Many delegates arrived in late December, eager to see each other and experience the best that
Darwin has to offer. Greeted by their local Cretan brothers and sisters they embraced the
ethos and purpose of these Conventions and “got out there” and explored together, this
wonderful city and its unique sights and attractions.
Those yet to arrive, watched on social media, the great time these early arrivers were having.
As New Year’s Eve rolled closer, more and more delegates arrived building the numbers and
filling the pre-booked accommodations.
The hotel foyer and restaurant started to buzz every morning, hellos and hugs were
exchanged and the pool began to fill with kids.
Over 80 overseas and interstate visitors joined the local Greek Community for New Year’s
Eve celebrations which definitely acquired a Cretan “flavour” at various points during the
festivities. Our international Cretan musicians “guest-starred” and gave us all a preview of
what was to come later in the week.
More people arrived on New Year’s Day, whilst some people enjoyed the hospitality of our
hosts George and Sophia at a family BBQ that went on well into the night. Others took the
opportunity to cruise the Katherine Gorge.
Official Opening Day on the 2nd of January, saw Darwin Airport inundated with Cretans
arriving in numbers. Hire cars, Ubers and taxis shuttled people continuously to our hotels.
The entry foyer and elevators were busy all day. By now we had over 160 people from NZ,
QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS, SA, WA as well as Greece and the USA. There was so much
positive energy evident in everyone as they arrived.
Meanwhile, about 30 delegates braved the heat at the Darwin Cenotaph and paid tribute to
our Battle of Crete heroes and the victims of Cyclone Tracy.
The wonderful and supportive Greek Orthodox Community of Northern Australia graciously
hosted the Cretan Presidents and designated State representatives for a tasty lunch and
exchange of ideas.
After a swim and some relaxation, the evening festivities began with the adults and youngest
kids enjoying a Welcome Dinner in the Darwin suburbs whilst the excited youth partied in
the Darwin CBD. Social media was overloaded with photos and videos from the youth
function. The talk of the adult function was how much fun the kids were having at their
function!!!
Day 2 began early, with the Cretan Youth Federation’s AGM, where our youth highlighted
their respective activities during 2024 and exchanged ideas and hopes for the future. After
lunch, the youth attended a musical workshop with our international musicians.
Later, in the evening, we were all officially welcomed to Darwin at the Welcome Cocktail
Party, by our local Cretan Association host President, Mr George Mamounis, in the presence
of His Grace, Bishop Silouan of Sinope who had travelled from Adelaide and delivered our
Archbishop Makarios’ message to his Cretan brothers and sisters. Also present were the
President of the World Council of Cretans Mr Nikos Kastrinakis from the USA and the
former Secretary-General of the Greeks Abroad, Mr Yiannis Chrysoulakis. We were all
entertained by the junior and intermediate dancing groups from the Cretan Association of
Sydney and NSW and the Pancretan Association of Melbourne, performing traditional dances
in their traditional costumes, with live music from our overseas musicians. The venue was
filled with smiling faces and lively discussions and laughter as well as vibrant dancing by our
youth well into the night.
Day 3 began early again with the 43rd Annual General Meeting of the Cretan Federation of
Australia and New Zealand. Not since before COVID, did we have representatives from
every single state and territory of Australia plus New Zealand. The meeting began with a
blessing from His Grace Bishop Silouan.
The delegates then began their discussions and exchanges in earnest, reflecting on a busy
2024 and planning the Federation’s activities in 2025. Successfully finishing a few hours
later with the traditional exchanging of gifts between the Members Organisations as well as a
Commemorative photo.
Not much time to rest before congregating outside the hotel, in the early evening for the
beginning of the first ever Cretan Traditional “Strata/Kantada” at a Convention in Australia.
Over 60 dancers, dressed in traditional costumes from Darwin, Sydney, Brisbane and Hobart
were joined by over 150 exited people who were treated to Cretan music in the Hotel
foreground by our local Australian talent from Adelaide, Sydney and Darwin, together with
our overseas musicians. Everyone shared in the traditional offerings of Cretan products like
raki, cheese, biscuits and honey, before we all walked together to our Convention Dinner as a
group, behind our Federation’s Banner and the musicians singing, cheering and clapping the
whole way there. On arrival at our destination, we were treated to an impromptu dance by all
the dancers at the entry to the venue before we all entered and found relief from the heat in
the wonderful decorated hall of the Greek Orthodox Community.
Once again, we had the honour of being joined by many distinguished VIP’s, led by His
Grace as well as Northern Territorian Ministers and Federal Members of Parliament. The
evening’s formalities began with some speeches, then some incredible dance performances
by the our youth from the Cretan Associations of Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart, Perth, Adelaide
and Darwin, culminating in a combined “Sousta” by all the dancers that filled the dance floor.
Two very distinguished “1st Generation” Cretans from Darwin were also honoured for their
pioneering efforts in the early years of the Cretan Association of Northern Territory, which
celebrates its 40th Anniversary this year! Once everyone had eaten, the music started and the
dance floor did not empty until the early hours of the morning.
Those that rose early enough on Day 4, went to Church to celebrate the “Epiphany” service
followed by the traditional throwing of the cross in the water ritual, which by the way, was
won by a visiting young Cretan boy from Sydney. Many spent the day either
resting/recovering from the previous night or exploring Darwin.
Meanwhile, our youth participated in the traditional soccer tournament held every
Convention under very hot conditions indoor and out of direct sunlight, with the Pancretan
Association of Melbourne winning the trophy in a thriller final in extra time!
The Cretan Association of the Northern Territory hosted the Farewell “Souvla Night” for all
the visitors and delegates to enjoy. Great food and music was on offer with the international
musicians kindly allowing our young talent from Melbourne, Sydney and Darwin to take the
spotlight for a while. The official “closing ceremony” included the symbolic handover the
Federation’s Banner from the President in this host city Darwin, to the President of the next
host city -Sydney.
As the night went on,
many people present, who had packed, left for the airport direct from the farewell dinner,
leaving those behind to enjoy the final hours of the function. The festive mood changing from
joy to sadness as we all realised the 43rd Annual Convention was coming to a close and
people leaving early the next morning, saying their goodbyes to everyone else.
The mood on Day 5 in the hotel was not as lively as previous days as people departed over
the course of the day and into the night. Smiles, hugs, tears and well -wishes were exchanged
by those leaving. Those who had some time left, squeezed in last minute activities before
leaving late in the evening. A few remaining delegates enjoyed a last meal together with our
NT hosts as well.
Thank you to all that attended and contributed to the success of this 43rd Annual Convention.
The Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand invites all the Cretans of Oceania and
friends of Crete, to attend our 44th Annual Cretan Convention in January 2026 in Sydney.
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