The Lord Mayor shares his thoughts on the importance of multicultural festivals in shaping the identity of our city, embracing and preserving culture, and bringing communities together through food, music, dance, and tradition. He also speaks about his own family’s immigrant story, the value of cultural connection, and why events like Paniyiri continue to play such an important role in Brisbane’s community spirit.

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From supporting cultural preservation and community initiatives to working behind the scenes at one of Queensland’s biggest festivals, they reflect on the pride, purpose, and dedication that continues to drive AHEPA today. 

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From preserving culture and strengthening community connections to their long-standing involvement in Paniyiri, Evi and George share stories of pride, passion and the importance of passing Hellenic traditions on to future generations.

As Paniyiri celebrates 50 years, this conversation highlights the people and organisations who continue to keep Greek culture thriving in Queensland through food, dance, friendship and community spirit. 

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They discuss what it means to be long-standing partners of the festival, how these collaborations help Paniyiri grow, and why backing culture, tradition, and community matters for future generations.

A conversation about partnership, purpose, and community impact.

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From music, dance, and tradition to the hard work behind the scenes, they reflect on what it means to represent Crete at one of Queensland’s most iconic cultural festivals.

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With decades of service as Accountant and Administrator for the Greek Community, they reflect on what it takes to deliver one of Brisbane’s most iconic cultural events year after year.

A powerful insight into dedication, planning, and the quiet commitment behind 50 years of Paniyiri.

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They reflect on the Association’s role in preserving Kastellorizian culture in Brisbane, the evolution of the festival, and the strong sense of community behind it all.

From lifelong friendships to Stathi’s unwavering dedication to the iconic Beer Tent, this episode is a celebration of tradition, hard work, and the people who keep Paniyiri thriving year after year.

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From friendly rivalry and behind-the-scenes teamwork to decades of leadership and family involvement, they share stories that highlight the passion and pride behind this iconic festival feature. Emmanuel also reflects on his connection through The Coffee Club and its long-standing support of Paniyiri.

A fun, behind-the-scenes look at competition, community, and plenty of laughs.

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From traditions and community spirit to the dedication behind the scenes, this episode highlights the passion that continues to keep Paniyiri thriving year after year.

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In this episode of The Voices of Paniyiri, Irene Cayas shares her connection to the Southside Parish, their experiences with Paniyiri, and the important role their community has played in supporting the festival over the years.

A story of unity, service, and community spirit across generations.

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As the voices that have welcomed crowds, introduced performers, and helped shape the festival’s atmosphere, they reflect on unforgettable moments, behind-the-scenes experiences, and the energy that makes Paniyiri so special.

A fun, heartfelt look at the sound, spirit, and laughter of the Main Stage.

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In this episode of The Voices of Paniyiri, Jack Conias and Luke Fotinos share the story behind the Chios Association’s long-standing involvement in the festival, spanning generations over the past 50 years.

A conversation about tradition, community, and one of Paniyiri’s most beloved symbols.

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Tom shares insights from the original organising committee and his ongoing work with the Cultural Committee, while both Tom and Leo recall their time as early main stage MCs—welcoming crowds and bringing the festival’s energy to life.

A look back at the evolution of Paniyiri, from behind the scenes to centre stage.

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They reflect on the association’s long-standing involvement in Paniyiri, from volunteering to sharing cultural heritage, and the importance of keeping regional Greek stories alive far from home.

A conversation about culture, pride, and community connection.

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They discuss the Association’s role in bringing a vibrant cultural presence to the festival each year, along with the importance of community and tradition. Emmanuel also reflects on his connection through The Coffee Club and the value of long-term festival sponsorship.

A conversation about culture, connection, and community spirit.

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They reflect on the importance of preserving the Greek language, the evolution of traditional dance in Brisbane, and how Paniyiri continues to inspire younger generations to stay connected to their heritage.

A conversation about learning, tradition, and cultural identity.

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They reflect on the Association’s role in celebrating Greek culture, heritage, and community through the festival, and the stories behind their ongoing commitment over many years.

A behind-the-scenes look at tradition, dedication, and cultural pride.

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From marketing and storytelling to operations and behind-the-scenes planning, they share how their work helped shape the festival’s growth from 2000 onwards.

A conversation about vision, teamwork, and becoming part of the “big Greek family.”

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For years, the Ladies Auxiliary have played a vital behind-the-scenes role—preparing traditional Greek food, preserving family recipes, and embodying the spirit of filoxenia.

A conversation about community, friendship, tradition, and the generations of women who keep it all alive.

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They share behind-the-scenes stories, leadership insights, and how the festival has grown into one of Brisbane’s most iconic cultural celebrations.

A conversation about legacy, community, and the spirit of filoxenia.

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They share the history of the association, the importance of preserving Cypriot culture within the wider Hellenic community, and their involvement in Paniyiri over the years.

A celebration of culture, connection, and keeping traditions alive across generations.

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Together, they share their insights on the growth of Paniyiri, the leadership and vision behind its success, and how the festival has evolved into one of Brisbane’s most iconic cultural celebrations.

A behind-the-scenes look at community, tradition, and the spirit of filoxenia.

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From their early days as participants to becoming leaders, they share how GOYA has shaped their connection to culture, community and Paniyiri Greek Festival.

We explore their experiences, the role of youth in keeping traditions alive, and the lasting impact of friendship, volunteering and dance at Paniyiri.

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In this episode of The Voices of Paniyiri, we’re joined by Kon Penklis and Helen Vafias from the Hellenic Dancers. They share the group’s history, the role dance plays in preserving Greek culture, and their memories of performing at Paniyiri over the years.

A celebration of tradition, passion, and the next generation of dancers.

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They share the history of Philoptochos, their ongoing work supporting those in need, their involvement in Paniyiri, and the spirit of filoxenia that guides everything they do.

A heartfelt conversation about service, tradition, and community.

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In this episode of The Voices of Paniyiri, we’re joined by Litsa Stilianos and Lauren Charalambous, who have played a key role in bringing these demonstrations to the festival. They share how it all began, memorable guest moments, and why sharing Greek food with the community is so special.

A celebration of food, culture, and connection.

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In this episode of The Voices of Paniyiri, we speak with members of the Hellenic Lions about their vital role in greeting festivalgoers, their long-standing support of the community, and what it means to be part of the team that helps bring Paniyiri to life each year.

A heartfelt look at the volunteers who set the tone for the festival from the very first moment.

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Hosts Laki and Benetta introduce a series dedicated to the volunteers, leaders, performers, and community members who have shaped Paniyiri over the years.

In this episode, they sit down with long-time leaders Chris Kazonis and Kos Kastrissios, whose decades of dedication have helped guide the festival’s growth and success. Together, they reflect on Paniyiri’s evolution, the power of community, and the legacy behind this milestone year.

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This podcast brings you closer to the people, passion, and traditions that make Paniyiri so special. Through candid conversations with community leaders, volunteers, performers, sponsors, and generations of families, each episode uncovers the stories that live beyond the festival gates.

From the preparation and dedication behind every stall, to the rich history and evolving culture of the Greek community, The Voices of Paniyiri captures the spirit, energy, and heart of the festival like never before.

Whether you’re a longtime attendee or discovering Paniyiri for the first time, this is your invitation to hear the voices that keep the tradition alive.

The Voices of Paniyiri — where the festival speaks.

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