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.
