Opa: Greek festival a big hit in Campbelltown

Darcy Lound, the newly elected mayor of Campbelltown praised Sunday’s Oxi (Greek for no) as a wonderful addition to the multicultural fabric of the area.

“Campbelltown is developing a great multi cultural tradition and the Macarthur Greeks holding this annual event adds something new to our community,’’ Mayor Lound told those in attendance at Campbelltown Showground.

An inaugural event that was free to attend and enjoy the entertainment, it was estimated that around 300 people came through the gate of the Campbelltown Harlequins home ground.

Most were from Macarthur, Liverpool and South Western Sydney, but also plenty from further afield.

Also in attendances were representatives from two other Sydney Greek organisations, George Mpliokas, the co-founder of the Greek-Australian Society, and the current president of the Pan-Rhodian Benevolent Society of NSW Colossus, Mr Michael Stavris.

The member for Macquarie Fields, Anoulack Chanthivong, himself a representative of the multicultural make up of Campbelltown, also praised Macarthur Greeks for holding the event.

“We are so fortunate here in Campbelltown to have so many cultures living together in harmony, and hopefully the Macarthur Greeks and this event will continue to be part of that in the years ahead.’’

Duffy Law Group principal Patrick Duffy, a proud born and bred Campbelltown boy, delivered the keynote address in his role as patron of the Macarthur Greeks.

He explained how in 1940 the then Greek Prime Minister sent a one word response to an ultimatum from the Italians: Oxi, which is the Greek word for no.

The heroic efforts of the Greek soldiers in pushing back the Italian divisions in Albania slowed down the Axis powers of Germany and Italy and had a profound effect on the final outcome of World War II.

Since then, Oxi Day is celebrated as a public holiday in Greece on October 28, as it is by Greeks living overseas in countries like Australia.

Macarthur Greeks president and long time Campbelltown resident Eric Kontos said organising the Oxi Day event had been an incredible experience.

“I already knew how generous our community is, but it was still heart warming to see that generosity in action,’’ he said.

“Anyone I approached for support said “yes’’ straight away after I told them what Oxi Day was about.

“I didn’t have to ask anyone twice to support us; most just said, how much support do you need?

“That is really humbling,’’ Eric said.

He also paid tribute to bouzouki player extraordinaire Tommy Tsonis, Nelly and her Greek dancing troupe Sydney Sizmos from Liverpool, and Ingleburn Pipe and drums band, who were brilliant, as always for providing the free entertainment.

“They all said, what do you wants us to do and for how long – how good is that,’’ he said.

“I want to make special mention of our volunteers who put in a huge effort, especially in the kitchen – John and Antonia Tsekas, Jim Gatsos and Ruth Kontos. They were tremendous, thank you.

“Vice president Paul Blyton and treasurer Dallas Constantine also worked non stop during the event.

“And also deserving of mention is the entire Siambis family, Bernadette, Andrew and daughter Raphaela, and our two young allrounders Ryan Kontos (DJ) and Riley Munro (everywhere).

“We also are grateful to former committee member Maria Poulos at Elysian Designs for her beautiful designs, as well as her patience with our constant changes to the promotional poster’’.

The supporters of the inaugural 2024 Oxi Day were Wests Group Macarthur, Michael Brown Planning Strategies, Duffy Law Group, Terry Bassal from Saxon Developments, MPs Greg Warren, Anoulack Chanthivong, Nathan Hagarty, Charishma Kaliyanda, Sally Quinnell, Judy Hannan, Dr Mike Freelander, Minto Fruit Orchard, Souvlaki Warehouse Panania and Campbelltown Harlequins Rugby Club (Andrew Choice).