Harry Danalis
President, Greek Orthodox Community of NSW

As we look back over the years since 1980, when the first Greek Festival was presented, it is timely to reflect on what we have achieved and our aims for the future direction of the Greek Festival. The Festival has been established as the most important multicultural festival in Australia and the most significant festival in the Greek Community. It has encouraged and fostered local talent and has presented it to the Greek Community and to all the other Communities which make up Multicultural Australia.

In order to continue this work in the future we need the commitment of a wide representation of members of the Greek Community. The Festival cannot survive unless we can make it financially viable so that The Greek Orthodox Community does not have to incur significant financial losses.

Until now we have survived with such support from The Greek Orthodox Community, our sponsors and thousands of members of the community. Governments which so freely espouse multiculturalism seem unable to provide financial assistance to foster such multiculturalism. The State Government of NSW provides a small amount through the Community Relations Commission towards the Festival. On the other hand we receive no assistance from the Federal Government notwithstanding that we have had for many years a “Multicultural Policy”.

As always such a Festival could not be realised without the hundreds of volunteers who work tirelessly devoting many hours to make the Festival a success. The events this year have something for all tastes and I commend all of the events for your enjoyment.

Nia Karteris
Chair, Greek Festival of Sydney

The Greek Festival of Sydney is both a dynamic and evolving festival which showcases Greek culture and in doing so provides an opportunity for all Australians to share in celebration. The Greek Festival of Sydney has become a significant feature of Sydney’s events calendar and contributes to Sydney’s reputation as a city strong in the spirit of Multiculturalism.

The festival showcases local artists enriched by their heritage and representing the best of contemporary Australian culture. By seeking to promote the values of cultural respect and exchange, the festival stands as proof of our achievements in building an inclusive society. This year’s program, as always, is vibrant, diverse and inclusive. It provides living testament to the opportunities inherent in Australia’s cultural diversity.

The renowned Greek Fest, Darling Harbour, where each year more than 180,000 people witness the official launch of the festival, is the beginning of 33 amazing cultural events through the months of April and May.

On behalf of the Greek Festival Committee I would like to thank the Hellenic Government, NSW Government, Local Councils, Sydney Opera House, Sponsors, Media, Artists, Staff and Volunteers whose efforts enable us to ensure that we bring you this most vibrant and exciting Festival program to be enjoyed by all.

The Hon, Kevin Rudd, MP
Prime Minister of Australia

The 27th Greek Festival of Sydney provides an excellent opportunity for the wider community to join the celebrations through Greek food, musical performances, displays of Greek dancing and other cultural activities. Showcasing the best of Greek culture, this event reflects the many significant contributions that the Greek Australian community has made to Australia.

I congratulate the organisers and wish all those attending the very best for what I am sure will be a memorable series of events.

Nathan Rees
Premier and Minister for the Arts

It is with great pleasure that I extend best wishes to the Greek
Community of NSW for organising the 27th Greek Festival of Sydney.
The Festival is a celebration of Greek-Australian lifestyle, culture and heritage.
It has broad appeal and reflects the rich and culturally diverse nature of NSW and has become a significant Greek-Australian community event.

On behalf of the New South Wales Government I wish all the organisers and participants every success for the 27th Greek Festival of Sydney.