2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of «3XY Radio Hellas», the first 24-hour Greek radio station in Australia. It was on 28 October 1994, when 3XY first broadcast, symbolically choosing the national anniversary of 28 October to identify with Greek history and the patriotism it stands for.
3XY Radio Hellas: Celebrating three decades today! Today, three decades later, «3XY» continues to be the core of Greek information and entertainment in Melbourne, offering valuable services to the community on a daily basis.
The station, with programmes covering news, music, cultural and national issues, has become inextricably linked to the Greek community. It is not just a voice on the radio, but a connection to the homeland, roots and traditions. From its first day of operation, the station has set itself the goal of keeping the Greek language alive in the expatriate community and acting as a bridge between generations of Greeks in Melbourne.
The history of 3XY
3XY Radio Hellas began as a vision of Spyros Stamoulis, a prominent businessman and benefactor of the community. Spyros Stamoulis, born of Northern Epirotic parents, emigrated to Australia in 1951. From a young age he worked hard to help his family and succeed in business. Initially, he worked in factories, like many immigrants at that time. Soon, however, he turned to the business sector, where he developed his entrepreneurial spirit.
In 1966 he established his first business, producing Greek-style yoghurt under the name Silhouette Yoghurt, which was then an unknown product in Australia. Although the market was not yet ready for this product, Stamoulis was not disappointed. In 1968 he established the GOLD MEDAL SOFT DRINKS company, which he maintained until 2004, and expanded by setting up a similar industry in Sydney in partnership with his brother, Nikephoros.
At the same time, Spyros Stamoulis also entered the car tyre industry with a new business in 1985. In addition, he expanded into other areas such as buying and selling Mexican products. His business activities were not limited to products only. With his wife Eleni, his son Harry and daughter Melina he moved into real estate investments, creating the Stamoulis Property Group, one of Melbourne’s largest real estate companies, with a significant presence both in central Melbourne and in the suburbs, while also growing in the investment sector. With a particular zeal for preserving the Greek heritage, he envisioned the creation of a radio station that would serve the needs of the community, keeping the language and culture alive.
Thus, in 1994, his dream became a reality when the station broadcast for the first time. From the beginning, 3XY has been a unique link between the expatriate community and the motherland, offering news, music, cultural shows and national issues, while always supporting charitable activities through radio broadcasts for charities. On March 25, 1995, the day of the Greek Revolution (he always chose historical dates for the opening of the media), he started the newspaper «TA NEA». On February 28, 2000, he launched TV HELLAS on a trial basis with Greek-language television programmes through channel 31. Its official launch took place on 25 March 2000.
Spyros Stamoulis was deeply committed to the national issues of Hellenism, such as issues relating to North Epirus, Cyprus and Macedonia. Through «3XY» and his general activities, he fought for the rights of the North Epirotes, while he organised events and gatherings to support the refugees from Cyprus after the Turkish invasion in 1974.
His contribution to Hellenism was recognised not only in Australia, but also in Greece. His family, by continuing his work, ensures that «3XY» and «TA NEA» remain at the forefront of information and entertainment for the community, providing a stable and reliable source of information.
The vision of Spyros Stamoulis
Spyros Stamoulis was not just a businessman. He was a man with a vision and a passion for Hellenism. In addition to founding «3XY», he founded the Hellenic Business Forum, the Athena football team and the Nafsika Stamoulis Foundation, in memory of his daughter, Nafsika Stamoulis. His daughter was a source of inspiration for him, and her love for Greece motivated him to further strengthen his activities for the promotion of Greek cultural heritage. The establishment of the «Nafsika Stamoulis Art Gallery and Hellenic Museum» in the heart of Melbourne is another example of the legacy he left behind.
Spyros Stamoulis’ devotion to Greece was evident in every aspect of his life. He travelled frequently to Greece, where he spent unforgettable moments with his family. He was a proud Greek and had passed on his love for his homeland to his children. He often said: “The whole world is Greek”, proving his belief that Greek values and cultural heritage are of global importance.
The present and future of 3XY Radio Hellas
Today, 3XY Radio Hellas remains a constant ally of the Greek community. Under the guidance of the Stamoulis family, the station continues to provide information, entertainment and support to every corner of Melbourne. The shows cover a wide range of topics, from Greek and world news to local issues affecting the community. Music and cultural shows keep Greek traditions alive, while radio fundraisers in support of charities demonstrate the station’s ongoing social contribution.
The success of the station is mainly due to the faith and dedication of its listeners. For three decades, “3XY” has become the friend, the companion, the neighbour that everyone trusts and supports. The station has managed to enter homes, factories, offices and cars, providing information, companionship and solutions to the problems faced by the community.
Over the years, 3XY has continually evolved to meet the needs of its listeners. The Stamoulis family and the station’s staff work tirelessly to maintain the level and quality of programming. The Greek community in Melbourne can rely on “3XY” to keep informed, entertained and in touch with Greek culture.
A future full of promise
As 3XY Radio Hellas enters today its fourth decade of life, its future looks brighter than ever. The values and principles set by Spyros Stamoulis remain alive and well and are leading the station to new successes. His contribution to the Greek community is invaluable and “3XY” will continue to be the core of Greek media and the Greek voice of Melbourne.
Finally, 3XY’s 30th anniversary is an opportunity to acknowledge the work of all those who have contributed to its success. From founder Spyros Stamoulis to his family and the station’s staff, all have worked to keep the flame of Hellenism alive.
“3XY Radio Hellas” is more than just a radio station. 3XY is all of you, its loyal listeners, and for 30 years it has been speaking to your hearts… and will continue to do so for decades to come.
