The presentation of the 37th edition of the literary magazine O LOGOS and the awards ceremony for the 2nd Literary Competition, themed “From Greece to the World,” took place with great success on Sunday, November 10, 2024. The event, organized by the Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia, was held at the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria’s building, where the public gathered to honor the outstanding achievements of the distinguished authors and poets—highlighting a work that connects Greek heritage with the global cultural landscape.
This year’s special edition of O LOGOS is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and to the memory of the unforgettable Cypriot composer Stelios Tsiolas. Dr. Stavroula Nikoloudi offered an in-depth presentation of the magazine, impressing attendees with her precision and respect for history and art, while Dr. Athanasios Spilias delivered a remarkable speech dedicated to the history and culture of Cyprus.
The event was graced by the presence of our Distinguished Guests
- Ms. Kat Theophanous, Member of the Victorian Parliament with the Labor Party and Parliamentary Secretary for Women’s Health.
- Mr. Emmanouil Kakavelakis, Consul General of Greece in Melbourne.
- Mr. Nikolaos Varellas, Deputy High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Canberra.
- Mr. Nick Dallas, Board Member of the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria.
- Mr. Pavlos Andronikos, President of SEKA Victoria.
- Ms. Vasiliki Laiou, Vice President of the Pan-Macedonian Association of Melbourne and Victoria.
- Ms. Andria Garivaldis, Vice President of the Greek-Australian Cultural League.
- Mr. Arthur Gialamas, member of AHEPA Victoria.
- Ms. Symela Eleftheriadou Stamatopoulou, Representative of the Pontian Brotherhood.
- Ms. Aikaterini Pantopoli, Director of the National Bank of Greece in Melbourne.
Ms. Gianna Triantafylli, Director of The Voice of Greece, also sent a message, recognizing the significant contribution of Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia in promoting Greek literature and cultural identity within the Greek diaspora.
The event was complemented by a musical program featuring artists Evangelia Baxa and George Sevastakis, who provided an unforgettable experience for attendees with a program that harmoniously combined music and literature. Their performance evoked strong emotions, bridging the gap between the arts and history.
During the event, President of Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia Ms. Roma Siachou awarded poet-author, past president Mr. Gerasimos Klonis and Ms. Soula Kolokytha in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the Association’s mission.
Literary Competition Awards
The 2nd Literary Competition Awards celebrated talented creators who contributed to the ongoing dialogue surrounding Greek heritage and its impact on the world, while encouraging literary expression and connecting Greek culture with global civilization. Entries were received from students and adults alike, from Australia, Greece, and Cyprus, affirming the broad interest in developing literary art and connecting with Greek identity.
The judging committee, composed of distinguished educators from the Greek community, Ms. Vicky Petala, Ms. Anthi Tzani, and Mr. Odysseas Krypotos, conducted a rigorous and impartial evaluation of the submissions. Their criteria included language proficiency, writing skill, originality of plot and ideas, as well as the authors’ ability to evoke emotions and deep reflections.
Competition Winners:
Middle School Category:
- A Story about Laskarina Bouboulina by Chrysanthi Volakaki, 9th-grade student, Greek Community School of Melbourne – Bentleigh Campus.
- Reflecting Differently by Michalia Iakovou, 9th-grade student, Makedonitissa, Cyprus.
High School Category:
- Nostos by Nikos–Iasonas Mikelakis, 11th-grade student, Ionian School of Athens.
Adult Category – Prose:
- Sleep, Sleep Sweetly… by Irini Prokopiou from Thermi, Thessaloniki.
Adult Category – Poetry:
- The Root by Art Kidonakis.
The Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia extends its warmest thanks to all participants and supporters of the event for their presence and support. The success of this year’s event highlights the power of literature and art to bridge generations and reinforce the cultural bonds of Melbourne’s Greek community with global culture. The Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia looks forward to continuing this tradition and fostering creativity and inspiration among the younger generation and the wider community.
