80 Years of the Cyprus Community
The organization of Cypriots in Australia started to become a necessity around the late 1920s, mainly when Cypriots began leaving the rural areas in search of work and a better lifestyle in the urban centers of Australia. This shifting of population prompted the creation of permanent action centres which were reinforced by a series of other events and circumstances, in their homeland of Cyprus
The forerunner of the Cyprus Community in Melbourne was “Zinon” which was founded in 1932. The organization of Cypriots into Brotherhoods were one of the first forms of organization of Greeks in Australia.
The foundation of the Cypriot Brotherhood “Zinon” in Melbourne was the result of the call for cooperation and coordination of the Cypriot community forces in Australia for a better social life among the 60 or so Greek Cypriots who were then living in Melbourne, Bendigo and Williamstown. An interesting comparison to the estimated 44,000 Cypriots and 350,00 Greeks of today in Melbourne and Victoria. The first meeting took place in the house of Miltiadis, Floros Dimitriadis’s father, where it was decided that a dinner dance be organized.
A Community for the future
The purpose of the Brotherhood was philanthropic and national, aiming at the assistance and tightening of relations of Cypriots in Australia.
Despite the fact that another established community centre, “Troodos”, followed a different line from the Brotherhood, the idea of the amalgamation of the two organizations was never given up by members, especially those immigrants who arrived in Australia after 1947. From 1953 we already had a common course of action, such as the collection that took place for the earthquake victims in Cyprus.
The union of the two organizations in 1961 and the creation of the Cyprus Community of Melbourne & Victoria
The union of the two Brotherhoods “Zinon” and “Troodos” and the creation of the Cyprus Community of Melbourne & Victoria was the result of many efforts by many members of both organisations. A General Meeting that took place on 19 March 1961 saw the two clubs united. This General Meeting approved and supported the Constitution of the new club with its banner, “one Community for the future”.
Sensitivity
In its 80 years’ existence, the Cyprus Community wrote its own history in various ways.
The untiring founders and its leaders later on, have been active in all facets of community life. Our community was the first organization who sent representatives in Cyprus in August 1974 in order to get a close assessment of the destruction that ensued the Turkish invasion in Cyprus and its the refugee problem.
Capable leaders
During its 80 year existence, our Community was led by capable leaders such as Panagiotis Michaelidis, Floros Dimitriadis, Yiannis Kosmas, Michalis Eleftheriou, Neofitos Gregoriadis, Antonis Toumbourou, Takis Komodromos, Savvas Anastasi, Petros Yiallouris , Panagiotis Yiannoudis, Yiannis Pitsilos, Jim Wood and others.
The Community also consists of its folklore group, the dancing group, the Elderly Group, Ladies and Youth club. During the last 18 years the Community celebrates a 3-day event, the wine festival, in February/March. This is a cultural event, which is supported by the whole Greek Cypriot and Greek community of Melbourne.
Today the Committee, led by its President Mr Jim Wood, recalled again by the members after serving the Community as President from 1998-2001, invites you to participate in a united community, for a strong foundation for the future, with new ides, innovation and a strong foundation for financial independence. We appreciate your support.