Most readers of The News weekly, and listeners of Hellenic Drive on 3xy Radio Hellas, will recognise me as ‘Raph’, one of the hosts of Wednesday afternoon’s Hellenic drive program.
My full name is Raphael Tsakirellis, I am 22 years old and was born and raised in Launceston, Tasmania.
Being raised in Launceston I never had the opportunity of being involved in a Greek youth community, nor was Greek school an option. I think this experience resulted in me really exploring what it meant to be a young Greek, born in Australia.
I am fortunate to have beautiful parents and grandparents who taught me about Greek food, culture and language.Without them I would not be the person I am today.
Since moving to Melbourne and living away from home I have formed a true passion for cooking Greek food and dancing.
I am part of a local Cretan dancing group organised at the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne, I invite anyone to come and try, not only is it just a pure joy to dance but this group has quickly become a second family to me and I would love every young Greek to have a chance to participate in this experience.
I am blessed that I have had the opportunity to visit Greece several times in my life, much of my family still lives in Mytilene on the Island of Lesvos, a place that has stolen my heart. All of these experiences and influences have led me to where I am today.
My aspirations come from a place of wanting to help others, I want other young Greeks to have the opportunities to explore Greek culture, opportunities that I wish I had in my teenage years.
While there are many opportunities to explore Greek culture in Melbourne I understand that young people sometimes need a ‘push’ to get where they want to go.
Emily Kazakos and General Manager Mr Spiros Alatsas have given Alexandra, Fotios and myself the opportunity on 3XY radio to create this push to help and inspire young Greeks all around Australia.
My main inspiration is my parents, they truly embody the concepts of Philotimo and Philoxenia, I strive everyday to become half the person that they both are.
Participating in radio is truly exciting! You have the opportunity to meet some amazing people and the opportunity to influence many people.
We have now formed a team of some truly inspiring young minds and I cannot wait to see what we can achieve together in the future.
