Mitata

Kytherian Arts/Craft

Art student gets Subsumed

By HELEN GREGORY

Newcastle Herald

February 10th, 2015.

Reproduced with permission of The Newcastle Herald ©Copyright 2015

[[picture:"Alexia Psaltis 1.jpg" ID:22808]]

Alexia is the daughter of Peter and Sheri Psaltis, who live in Newcastle, and granddaughter of the late George Psaltis and Alexandra Psaltis (nee, Feros), of Gilgandra, and later Earlwood.

ALEXIA Psaltis’ hair-raising expeditions squeezing through fences to photograph abandoned industrial sites have paid off, culminating in an eye-catching piece selected to hang in the Art Gallery of NSW.

[[picture:"Alexia Psaltis' Art work on display at the Art Gallery of NSW.jpg" ID:22833]]

Alexia Psaltis' Art work on display at the Art Gallery of NSW

The 2014 dux of Hunter School of the Performing Arts is the woman behind Subsumed, which has been selected for Artexpress, a showcase of the best works of art completed by NSW students as part of last year’s Higher School Certificate.

Of the 219 works selected for exhibitions in galleries across the state, only 37 have been selected for inclusion in the exclusive Art Gallery of NSW exhibit.

‘‘When I heard, I was jumping around in excitement, it was the best feeling,’’ Ms Psaltis said.

‘‘Out of all of my HSC achievements, that’s the one that really stood out to me.’’

[[picture:"Alexia Psaltis 2A.jpg" ID:22809]]

Ms Psaltis’ work explores the paradox of Newcastle’s heavy industry sitting alongside its pristine coast.

It comprises six surrealistic portraits of female figures, representing Mother Nature, being consumed by industrial structures, objects and landscapes that convey destruction and invasion.

[[picture:"Alexia Psaltis 4A.jpg" ID:22810]]

Each portrait includes layers of hundreds of photos she captured from both active and abandoned industrial sites including Kooragang Island, Cockatoo Island and around Hexham and Maitland.

‘‘I visited quite a few deserted and unused machinery yards where there was equipment that had rusted and been left to rot,’’ she said.

‘‘It was a bit scary going into the abandoned sites, but I just squeezed through holes in fences.

[[picture:"Alexia Psaltis 3A.jpg" ID:22811]]

‘‘The portraits represent how physical, spiritual and psychological identity is threatened by industrialisation, which removes individual human inspiration and imagination.

‘‘We now face a future of surreal, stunted landscapes.’’

Ms Psaltis also completed major works in English Extension II, Music and Society and Culture and was named on the All-round Achievers list for receiving marks in the highest band possible for 10 or more units.

She began her combined law and arts degree at the University of Newcastle in February 2015.

Artexpress at the Art Gallery of NSW will open to the public from Thursday.

The remaining works selected for Artexpress will be on display in venues across the state throughout the remainder of the year.

The exhibition will come to Maitland Regional Art Gallery between September 11 and November 1.

[[picture:"Alexia Psaltis 5A.jpg" ID:22812]]

Rationale of the artwork

Alexia Psaltis
Hunter School of the Performing Arts

SUBSUMED

Photomedia
Prints to Breathing Colour Velvet paper

Subsumed is a series of portraits representing the threat to physical, spiritual and psychological identity from rampant industrialisation. The portraits identify how the dominance of industry removes individual human inspiration and imagination. We face a future of surreal, stunted landscapes populated by impaired humanity, symbolised by the replacement of human physicality with machinery. I photographed all the images of industrial structures, objects and landscapes that convey destruction and invasion. I layered these eclectic images with the human portraits to represent the unchecked, pervasive presence of industrial processes in our lives. We are consumed by industry and its detritus.

[[picture:"Subsumed The rationale.jpg" ID:22831]]

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22/3/2015

Culture, Kytherian Arts/Craft

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Emanuel Aroney (left) with customers in the 1920s.

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12/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Treasures from the Roxy Cafes past

....return to complete restoration project.

Bingara Advocate. Tuesday March 2, 2010.

Photograph: Bob Kirk pictured with a table from the Roxy cafe.

In 1936 upon entering the Roxy Café, the regular patron would have been met with quite a sight. Strolling across the stunning terrazzo floor before selecting a booth, patrons would find themselves surrounded by beautiful maple panelling with mirror in-lays which lined the walls. Above the panelling, customers could gaze upon a series of tapestries depicting lavish scenes from the Italian Renaissance.

The Gwydir Shire Council has recently acquired a number of items that came out of the original Roxy Café from Bob and Elva Kirk. The pieces had been in storage in the Kirk’s shed for over twenty years. They will be restored and reinstated in the Café.

Bob and Elva Kirk purchased The Roxy Café in 1965. The building comprised the original Café on the ground floor and a residence on the first floor. The Kirks lived upstairs and housed a collection of memorabilia on the ground floor.

The collection comprised items that were sourced locally and included two brass serviette rings brought back from Egypt by a local soldier serving in WW1, among many others.

Mr and Mrs Kirk purchased the freehold title of the Café from the Fader Estate. The café had been in operation until several months prior to the change of ownership. A series of Greeks, including Harry Vanges, Jim Loulias, and a young man nicknamed “Mosquito’, had operated the café.

Mr and Mrs Kirk sold the premises to Mr Peter Yeum in 1989, who operated a Chinese restaurant on the site until it was purchased by the Gwydir Shire Council in 2007.

The collection of pieces stored in the Kirk’s shed included wood panelling, section of booths or cubicles including the original table tops, marble shelving, a glass window panel and decorative etched glass panes.

A remarkable piece to be reinstated includes the original neon sign that hung under the awning at the entrance to the Café.

Another piece of note is a wooden menu stand complete with ‘historical’ graffiti. Several patrons took it upon themselves to leave their mark by signing their names and including the dates, 1927 and 1928.

Mr and Mrs Kirk are to be congratulated on having the foresight to retain these significant pieces that will form a vital component of the restoration of the Roxy Café.

In particular, the Kirks are to be commended for “gifting” the pieces for a very reasonable sum. The Gwydir Shire Council appreciates the co-operative spirit the Kirks have demonstrated, and thanks them for this invaluable contribution.

Greek Cafes changed the course of Australia’s cultural history and left a significant legacy on our culinary and cultural landscape.
The Roxy Café will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural associations between people and place. It will provide opportunities for the celebration of Greek traditions that became embedded in Australia.

The work carried out in the restoration will be undertaken to best protect the significant fabric of the place with minimal disturbance to ensure the culturally significant aspects of the place are respected, retained and preserved.

A PHD thesis was undertaken by Kevin Cork entitled Parthenons Down Under. Greek Motion Picture Exhibitors in NSW 1915 - 1960, a topic never before explored in Australian history.

In his thesis Kevin Cork advised us that:
“If we are to remember these Greeks for their contributions to Australia’s social, architectural and technological advancement, then it is imperative that there be Greek landmarks which are acknowledged at local and state level - ones that point to the achievements of the Greek-Australian cinema exhibitors who are the subject of this thesis. We cannot allow their histories to be forgotten, not when they provided services that positively af¬fected millions of people, firstly, through their refreshment rooms and, secondly, through their picture theatres.”

Mr and Mrs Kirk’s generous contribution to the café, embodies these sentiments. They are to be complimented for their example of committed community members, dedicated to preserving the history, culture and social fabric of our Shire.

The Shire is grateful for their support which will greatly add to the success of returning the Roxy Café to its original splendour to live on for generations to come.

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22/4/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Kytherian Australians from the surrounding district

visit the Roxy, Bingara.

A number of Greek-Australians (and Kytherian-Australians) attended a "tour" of the Roxy Theatre, and a luncheon, on the weekend of 13th & 14th March.

They included, photo from left - right:

George Kallitsis, John Calokerinos, Judy Gianneas, Peter Gianneas, Dorothy Fardouly, Con Fardouly, Paul Calokerinos.

Peter Gianneas owned the Black and Green Bar, and then Pete's Place, Inverell.

George Kallitsis, owns Universal Commercial and Catering Equipment - Newtown and Barraba.

Paul Calokerinos owns the Canberra Cafe, Manilla.

They were all stunned by the monetary investment expended on the Roxy Theatre, by the beauty of the building, by the "reverence" that many residents of the town have for the Theatre, and the Greek-Australian heritage preserved there. They were also deeply appreciative of Sandy McNaughtons hospitality.

Con Fardouly was moved to write a letter of appreciation

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22/4/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Miscellaneous

Earthquake of 8.1.2006 – ruins of a house in Mitata

The ruins of an old house or of outbuildings at the SW end of the village, just where the Viaradika road begins.

Kythera airport was unusually crowded this morning, with a couple of helicopters including a large Chinook on the tarmac, as well as a four-engined army transport plane which had flown in extra firemen and civil defence personnel. Mitata was also crawling with television crews and their satellite broadcast equipment; the Kythera earthquake, despite the merciful absence of victims, has had a starring role in the Greek media today.

The region’s civil engineers have been hard at work, checking buildings and marking those deemed at risk with a red cross in a circle; almost all the latter were in Mitata, except for a few isolated cases in Goudianika, Potamos and Kapsali. All the affected buildings were unoccupied, most of them for years – a good thing, as the night of Sunday to Monday was bitterly cold; widespread damage leading to the evacuation of homes would have resulted in serious problems.

The most visible damage has been to Mitata church; completely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1903 and recently extensively renovated, it is unfortunately a complete write-off and will have to be demolished. The village priest was allowed in briefly today to recuperate the church vessels, but otherwise the building is strictly off limits. There is already talk locally of rebuilding on a different site, this time well away from the treacherously unstable cliff edge.

The priority now will be on repairs and reconstruction, with the hazardous demolition of the precariously standing church high on the list of priorities. With one eye on forthcoming municipal elections, the regional and central governments have been making positive noises about providing emergency funding. It seems Kythera is fated to live through at least one natural emergency every winter; two years ago it was flooding, last year it was landslides, and now a major earthquake. Thankfully, in all three cases the only victim has been the island’s infrastructure.

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9/1/2006

Photos, Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

Earthquake of 8.1.2006 – Mitata church, north-west bell tower

The whole tower could come down at any moment, with the upper part essentially supported on a single crumbling pier. The rubble-and-mortar construction, largely responsible for the collapse of the building, is clearly visible.

Kythera airport was unusually crowded this morning, with a couple of helicopters including a large Chinook on the tarmac, as well as a four-engined army transport plane which had flown in extra firemen and civil defence personnel. Mitata was also crawling with television crews and their satellite broadcast equipment; the Kythera earthquake, despite the merciful absence of victims, has had a starring role in the Greek media today.

The region’s civil engineers have been hard at work, checking buildings and marking those deemed at risk with a red cross in a circle; almost all the latter were in Mitata, except for a few isolated cases in Goudianika, Potamos and Kapsali. All the affected buildings were unoccupied, most of them for years – a good thing, as the night of Sunday to Monday was bitterly cold; widespread damage leading to the evacuation of homes would have resulted in serious problems.

The most visible damage has been to Mitata church; completely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1903 and recently extensively renovated, it is unfortunately a complete write-off and will have to be demolished. The village priest was allowed in briefly today to recuperate the church vessels, but otherwise the building is strictly off limits. There is already talk locally of rebuilding on a different site, this time well away from the treacherously unstable cliff edge.

The priority now will be on repairs and reconstruction, with the hazardous demolition of the precariously standing church high on the list of priorities. With one eye on forthcoming municipal elections, the regional and central governments have been making positive noises about providing emergency funding. It seems Kythera is fated to live through at least one natural emergency every winter; two years ago it was flooding, last year it was landslides, and now a major earthquake. Thankfully, in all three cases the only victim has been the island’s infrastructure.

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9/1/2006

Photos, Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

Earthquake of 8.1.2006 – Mitata church, southern facade

Large rents are evident in the bell tower, and damage to the central section can also be seen; most of the windows have collapsed.

Kythera airport was unusually crowded this morning, with a couple of helicopters including a large Chinook on the tarmac, as well as a four-engined army transport plane which had flown in extra firemen and civil defence personnel. Mitata was also crawling with television crews and their satellite broadcast equipment; the Kythera earthquake, despite the merciful absence of victims, has had a starring role in the Greek media today.

The region’s civil engineers have been hard at work, checking buildings and marking those deemed at risk with a red cross in a circle; almost all the latter were in Mitata, except for a few isolated cases in Goudianika, Potamos and Kapsali. All the affected buildings were unoccupied, most of them for years – a good thing, as the night of Sunday to Monday was bitterly cold; widespread damage leading to the evacuation of homes would have resulted in serious problems.

The most visible damage has been to Mitata church; completely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1903 and recently extensively renovated, it is unfortunately a complete write-off and will have to be demolished. The village priest was allowed in briefly today to recuperate the church vessels, but otherwise the building is strictly off limits. There is already talk locally of rebuilding on a different site, this time well away from the treacherously unstable cliff edge.

The priority now will be on repairs and reconstruction, with the hazardous demolition of the precariously standing church high on the list of priorities. With one eye on forthcoming municipal elections, the regional and central governments have been making positive noises about providing emergency funding. It seems Kythera is fated to live through at least one natural emergency every winter; two years ago it was flooding, last year it was landslides, and now a major earthquake. Thankfully, in all three cases the only victim has been the island’s infrastructure.

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9/1/2006

Photos, Miscellaneous

James Miller - Dimitris Miliotis - Homecoming - Poem - Return to Kythera after many years in Australia

The Longing of My Return
James Miller

At the age of ten, with very few possessions and little knowledge of life, my mother escorted me to Agia Pelagia, where the first stage of my travels started: my long journey to Australia, to a new and unknown life.

Never will I forget the sorrowful face of my mother, standing at the shore, wiping tears from her eyes with one hand, and with the other waving her handkerchief.

When the boat began to leave, slowly the sad and beloved image of my mother became more and more distant, until my tear-filled eyes saw her no more. It was our fate that we never saw each other again.

But before I left, I went to the village church and rang the bells. I kneeled in fervent prayer to ask God to one day grant me my wish to return, to ring the bells again and hear their sweet sound. It was fifty years later that I was granted that wish.

Below in verse I have put down my feelings as to how I felt when I returned to my beloved Kythera.

Homecoming

Half a century has passed
since I went to a foreign land
when I left, golden Island
very far from you.

Before I left I knelt in prayer
and fervently prayed to God for a favour
to grant me a wish to one day return
to kneel in prayer once more.

Gone was my youth
my hair had gone grey
but I never forgot
the yearning of my heart.

Then came the hour
the moment I had always hoped for
returning to the homeland
I had always yearned for.

Like an astronaut I stepped out
with my right foot
and felt such happiness
as though I had stepped on the moon.

I found my father
and sister, the family
I had been deprived of
for nearly all my life.

Warmly we embraced
and exchanged kisses
and tears welled in our eyes
from sheer happiness

But we all felt
a sadness in our heart,
we had lost our mother,
she was no longer with us.

Angels had escorted
her pure and simple soul
to be with the Holy Virgin
to reside beside her throne.

With flowers and perfume,
Nature adorned you, Island,
and your arms opened
to welcome me back.

Happiness enveloped me
from the very first day,
with peace and relaxation,
and clean sweet air.

I found the places
that I knew and loved so much
and ran with joy and gladness
like a wild boy to see them.

The nightingales sang
in the meadows green
there where the waters run
in cool and crystal rivers.

They sang so sweetly, so beautifully
and just for a moment
I thought they sang
a welcome song for me.

Yet I found many things
that saddened and upset me,
things that my eyes
had never expected to see.

I found friends I knew
and played with, in childhood days,
now with withered faces
and hair of snow.

I was much saddened
by the sight of villages -
how much they had deteriorated
those that were your beauty.

Houses that were solid and charming
and well cared for
many were now deserted
many I found in ruins.

I felt, dear Island
the pain in your heart
where slowly, slowly your children
had left for distant lands.

No one wanted to disown you.
We all loved you dearly.
It was our poverty and need
that made us leave.

I owe a great debt to my adopted country
Australia, and a great many thanks
It gave me all I asked for
a golden-hearted mate for my wife,
my beloved and good children.

Once again the time has come
to return to my adopted home.
Dear Island, I wish that you live forever
and soon will prosper and be happy again

10/6/2004

Tarzan

My siesta was well underway when I heard flat, anxious footsteps outside and a rough voice whispering as loudly as it could. The other members of our holiday troop were in their respective bedrooms and I stumbled out to quiet the visitor. It was Tarzan. Although every inch of his five-foot stature could be described as stocky, he had been given his nickname as a miniature child more than half a century ago as an unkind reminder of how little he shared in common with his athletic namesake. For years the most notorious and well-loved taxi driver on the island, George “Tarzan” Kastrisios is one of the more memorable physical landscapes the island of Kythera has to offer.

Tarzan shuffled from one foot to the other, hoped that he wasn’t disturbing, and said he wanted to talk to me about my sister, who was visiting with me that year.

“My sister?” I was suddenly wide awake. I suppose brothers rarely think of their sisters as objects of desire, especially when their admirers are retired dwarf taxi drivers whose most passionate moments appear to come when blasting tiny birds out of the sky or while winning a game of backgammon in the village cafe.

[[picture:"Tarzan.jpg" ID:23]]

“It’s her boots,” he said. My sister Eleni had come to the island after visiting England, where she had bought some smart black walking boots of a brand fashionable in the early 1990’s. I had noticed the men in the village taking special note of her gait and Tarzan’s visit now explained a great deal. We seated ourselves out of the sun on the veranda.

“They’d be perfect hunting boots. You can’t get boots like those in Greece,” he said.

“She bought them in England,” I said. He asked how much and I told him the sum in drachmas. He rubbed his stubbled chin and at that moment caught sight of the very boots for which he had wandered through the screaming heat to wake me. He pounced on them, snapping one up greedily, and while caressing it in his palms in a manner that would have made his wife jealous, he showed me the workmanship, the springy soles, the double stitching. I had seen the same handling technique applied to ancient whiskies, handmade shooting weapons, and precious jewels, but never to a rubber-soled boot. His furrowed forehead glowed with desire.

After Tarzan’s initial ecstasy had subsided, he asked me if I was going to England soon. I wasn’t. I said that I’d ask Eleni to send him some on her way back to Australia, but that I didn’t know if she’d have time.

“I’ll tell you what we can do, my Dimitri,” he leaned forward to me and his black eyes shone intensely, his hands never letting go of the smooth boot. “On her way back to Australia she goes to England and buys the boots for me and I’ll pay for them. I’ll send it to her – in cash!” He slapped his right hand onto his thigh as if it were a wad of crisp new ten-thousand drachma notes.

“We can figure out the money later,” I said. “I really don’t know if she has time, Tarzan. We’ll have to ask her. And there’s the problem with the size – we can’t be sure of the size.” Tarzan ripped off his old shoe and plugged his foot into Eleni’s boot before even a yelp of protest could pass my now widely parted lips. The smoothness of the whole movement recalls a well choreographed modern dance scene or, perhaps more appropriately, a deck of cards being dealt and palmed by a seasoned professional.

The fright I felt at the time, the danger of my older sister coming out and finding Tarzan’s unique foot pressing fleshily inside her beloved Doc Martens, was one of those apocalyptic human experiences our memories mercifully suppress. As generous and understanding as my sister can be, I believed my life to be in grave danger at that moment. It was only due to the grace of the gods that I had survived her teenage years, and although we had become very dear to each other since I had moved away to another continent a decade previously, I feared her wrath should she discover me fitting her shoes on rustic Grecian feet.

“They’re exactly my size,” he exclaimed with glee, wagging his booted foot in my direction. It jiggled slightly indicating that his foot was even smaller than Eleni’s. “And they’re so light and soft and comfortable!” I looked into the living room window for any movement and moved closer to Tarzan to block the view from inside.

“Please take it off, Tarzan, so that we can check the size,” I begged. He was deep in thought. He leaned forward to me again without letting the prized boot even brush the floor. “I’ll tell you what we can do, Dimitri-mou. When your sister leaves the island I’ll buy these boots from her! They’re so heavy for her to carry anyway, and then she doesn’t have to send them from England. Just look at how heavy they are!” He could barely keep his foot off the ground, such was the terrific weight of those terrible boots. I was now worried that he would decide to take them with him right then and there, and expect me to put his old shoes in a paper carry bag for him, or worse, offer to leave them for my sister to wear until she got to London.

I admitted enthusiastically that his idea was brilliant, but that since they were the only shoes my sister had with her, we would arrange for her to send a new pair from England. He agreed reluctantly and took the boot off to check the size (36). I hastily returned it and its mirrored twin to the doorstep where Eleni had left them.

A few days later, when my heartbeat had resumed its normal irregular percussion, while out for our morning wander around the village frontiers, I mentioned to Eleni in passing that the men in the village were spellbound by her boots. This she said she could well understand, and skipped a step or two in those famous boots to confirm the villager’s high opinion of them. I added that Tarzan had even requested that we arrange to have a pair sent to him from England. She promptly offered to send the shoes herself. When she asked about the size, I said we couldn’t be sure, but that Tarzan had estimated his foot to be about the same size as hers, and that he would risk the possible difference.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” she told me. “Just get him to come by and try mine on!”

26/5/2003

Modern Landscapes

Mitata from the air

April 2025

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30/4/2025

Photos, Modern Landscapes

Diaspora Weddings and Proxenia

Wedding from about 1930, probably in Sydney.

This photo must have been taken in about 1930. My grandparents - Dimitri and Eleni Prineas (Haniotis) are in the centre behind the best man, my grandfather holding my Aunty Mary. Can anyone recognise anyone else? Aunty Sophia Coumbi next to the bride? Aunty Tasia to the left of the groom?

 

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14/10/2020

Photos, Diaspora Weddings and Proxenia

Island Social Life

dance the night away !

big crowd at this years popular wine festival dance at mitata as usaul big night , big crowd , plenty of dancing with a few wines , and a head ache the next  day , but its worth it !

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31/10/2016

Photos, Island Social Life

Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

Brettes Haniotis and two sons

Here's my great grandfather Brettos Haniotis with two of his three sons: Panayoti (Peter) and Theodorakis (Akis). Taken sometime around 1920.

 

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5/7/2016

Photos, Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

Island Social Life

Family and Friends in Mitata

From the collection of Fofo and Brettos Sklavos, Mitata

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21/4/2016

Photos, Island Social Life

Vintage Portraits/ People

Donkey Riding Mitata

From the collection of Fofo and Brettos Sklavos, Mitata

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21/4/2016

Photos, Vintage Portraits/ People

Island Social Life

Group Mitata 1920s?

From the collection of Fofo and Brettos Sklavos, Mitata

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21/4/2016

Photos, Island Social Life

Island Social Life

Traditional dress Mitata

From the collection of Fofo and Brettos Sklavos, Mitata

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21/4/2016

Photos, Island Social Life

Vintage Portraits/ People

Group from Mitata?

From the collection of Fofo and Brettos Sklavos, Mitata

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21/4/2016

Photos, Vintage Portraits/ People

Island Social Life

Group Mitata

From the collection of Fofo and Brettos Sklavos, Mitata

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21/4/2016

Photos, Island Social Life

School Photos

School Parade Mitata 1970s

From the collection of Fofo and Brettos Sklavos, Mitata

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21/4/2016

Photos, School Photos

Current Affairs

Mad Max director George Miller gives a cheery thumbs up as he arrives at the Oscars with wife Margaret Sixel after his film is nominated for ten gongs

By DANIELLE GUSMAROLI FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

 

29 February 2016 

 

Legendary director George Miller was in an ebullient mood as he arrived at the Oscars with his film editor wife Margaret Sixel.

The 70-year-old, who has been put forward for Best Director, as well as his film Mad Max: Fury Road landing ten nominations, arrived at the prestigious event, with a very confident thumbs up.

 

Looking dapper in a tuxedo and white bow tie, George beamed for the cameras as he stopped on the red carpet on the way to the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

 

Cheers! Legendary director George Miller, who has been put forward for Best Director, as well as his film Mad Max: Fury Road landing ten nominations, arrived at the Oscars with his wife Margaret Sixel in LA on Monday

 

Hopeful: George said he was doing jigs at home in Sydney when he heard how many gongs his film had netted

Telling of the moment they were told the project, which was filmed in Namibia and counts Tom Hardy, Megan Gale and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley among its stars, George said: 'Needless to say we're doing little happy jigs and it's really nice to be invited to the party.'

 

The movie has been nominated in ten categories, placing it just behind The Revenant starring Leonardo DiCaprio which was nominated for 12 Oscars.

George, who netted his first Oscar for Happy Feet, insisted he never expected his post-apocalypse film to be honored at the Academy Awards.

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7/3/2016

Culture, Current Affairs

Current Affairs

Mad Max receives four awards at BAFTAs

Sky News

Monday, 15 February 2016

[[picture:"skynews.img.1200.745.jpeg" ID:23332]]

Australian director George Miller's film Mad Max: Fury Road has won four awards at the Baftas.

Cate Blanchett has missed out on a best actress award at the British Academy Film Awards in London but fellow Australian George Miller's Mad Max film has picked up four.

Blanchett was up for best actress on Sunday night for her role in the lesbian love story Carol but the award went to American Brie Larson for her role in Room as a young mother held hostage with her son.

Leonardo DiCaprio won best actor for his role in The Revenant at the ceremony at the Royal Opera House.

Mad Max: Fury Road picked up Bafta awards for best editing, best costume design, best production design and best make-up and hair.

Mad Max was nominated for seven awards in total but not for best film or best director.

The British Academy Film Awards ceremony was held at the Royal Opera House and was hosted by Stephen Fry, with Blanchett and Australian comedian Rebel Wilson both presenting awards.

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15/2/2016

Culture, Current Affairs

Diaspora Social Life

The original Mad max ... Mel Gibson with George Miller at the 2015 AACTA Awards held at The Star in Pyrmont, Sydney. Picture Richard Dobson Source News Corp Australia

held at The Star in Pyrmont, Sydney. Picture Richard Dobson Source: News Corp Australia

George Miller named best director and Max Mad: Fury Road best film at the 2015 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards (AACTA Awards)

December 9 2015 9, 2015

George Miller’s epic film Mad Max: Fury Road has been crowned the best film of the Australian industry’s biggest year at the box office since the 1990s.
The action-packed revival of Miller’s 1970s franchise took out the AACTA Award for Best Film at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts’ star-studded ceremony on Wednesday night at The Star Event Centre in Sydney.
Having already scooped awards for Cinematography, Sound, Music Score, Editing, Production Design and Visual Effects at last week’s craft awards, Mad Max: Fury Road, which starred Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, took its total tally to eight AACTAs when Miller was awarded Best Director.
The 70-year-old Miller had fought for years to get another Mad Max movie off the ground — Fury Road eventually had to be shot in Namibia after drought-breaking rains turned Australia’s red desert sands green.
But while the post-apocalyptic blockbuster was largely shot overseas and backed by Hollywood studio Warner Bros, it qualified as an Australian film thanks to its director and funding from local bodies.
The original Mad max ... Mel Gibson with George Miller at the 2015 AACTA Awards held at The Star in Pyrmont, Sydney. Picture: Richard Dobson
Miller was given his best director gong by his original Mad Max, Mel Gibson, who is back in town to make his film Hacksaw Ridge.
He seemed genuinely thrilled to present the award to his old colleague.
“Oh hey, it’s George,” he said as he opened up the envelope. Miller praised his Mad Max: Fury Road crew saying “this wasn’t an easy film to make”.

Held the dream for 36 years ... Director George Miller poses with the AACTA Award for Best Film for Mad Max: Fury Road Picture: Mark Metcalfe / Getty Images for AFI Source:Getty Images

Smaller films shined in the AACTA Awards’ acting categories, with The Dressmakerstar Kate Winslet named Best Lead Actress and castmates Judy Davis and Hugo Weaving claiming the Supporting Actor gongs.
Englishwoman Winslet winning over Charlize Theron’s Mad Max performance may come as a surprise to some, with the South African-born star currently featuring prominently in Oscars predictions over in the US.
Winslet recorded her very funny thank you speech for Best Lead Actress in a feature film from overseas.
“They said I ought to put something together on the off-chance I might win this award. But I’m sure I haven’t because it should go to a local and I am indeed an outsider.
I did put on lipstick just in case. I loved being a part of The Dressmaker. Thank you.”
Unsurprisingly, The Dressmaker stitched up the People’s Choice Award for Favourite Australian Film — Aussies have delivered the Victorian-shot film over $16 million in ticket sales so far.
Meanwhile, Aussie stalwart Michael Caton was recognised for a performance that spanned comedy and moments of heavy drama, winning Best Actor for his role as a taxi driver diagnosed with only months to live in Last Cab to Darwin. It was his first AACTA award.
Cate Blanchett called for more of the country’s actors on screen as she tearfully accepted one of the highest honours in the Australian film industry.
As had been announced, Blanchett was given the Longford Lyell Award for an outstanding contribution to Australian screen by actors Richard Roxburgh and Hugo Weaving.
“Oh I’ve become one of those ridiculous people who cries it’s just a f!@#ing award,” a teary Blanchett said as she accepted the gong.
A cavalcade of Hollywood directors, including Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard and Robert Redford, delivered video messages congratulating Blanchett.
Blanchett said that more Australian actors should be cast.
“It’s not a quota ... it needs to be fought for,” Blanchett said.
She also acknowledged how happy she was the award she received had had a name change to include Australian 19th century actress and film producer, Lottie Lyell.
“Thank you for recognising Lottie Lyell,” she said.
“I think it’s fantastic AACTAs is coming into the 21st century,” she said in a nod towards gender equality, as the film industry works towards having 50/50 gender equity in upcoming Australian projects.
Backstage, Blanchett said the Australian industry needed to be celebrated for being small and unique, and it should stop trying to emulate other industries around the world.
“I love this industry so deeply and am so very proud to be a part of it that it always pains me so much that we talk ourselves down,” she said.
“We are a small industry and that’s a virtue, I think it makes us unique.”
Directors Ridley Scott and Martin Scorsese both lamented the fact they’d only had the chance to work with Blanchett once and would love to do it again. Robert Redford also paid Blanchett a great tribute.
“You are brilliant and you do honour to your craft,” Ron Howard said.
The director of her upcoming film Carol, Todd Haynes, called the actress “a beacon, a galaxy and a mensch.”
The AACTA Awards’ TV categories were dazzled by Channel 7’s Peter Allen — Not the Boy Next Door, which sang and danced its way to seven statuettes.
That haul included Best Actor awards for the two Peters: Jackson for his Lead role as the grown up Allen and teenager Ky Baldwin for his Supporting work as the young Allen.
Sigrid Thornton’s transformation into the legendary Judy Garland was rewarded with the Best Supporting Actress AACTA.
Not the Boy Next Door was also named Best Telemovie or Miniseries.
Ten’s repackaged MasterChef Australia won in a crowded Best Reality Series category, while the ABC’s new series Glitchwon Best Drama ahead of more experienced and fancied rivals Wentworth, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries and Love Child.
Pamela Rabe’s consistently terrifying character The Freak in Foxtel drama Wentworth won her Best Actress.

Mad Max: Fury Road grossed $21.7 million at the Australian box office and $520 million internationally.

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11/12/2015

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Current Affairs

George Miller named best director and Max Mad: Fury Road best film

at Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards (AACTA Awards)

December 9 2015 9, 2015

George Miller’s epic film Mad Max: Fury Road has been crowned the best film of the Australian industry’s biggest year at the box office since the 1990s.
The action-packed revival of Miller’s 1970s franchise took out the AACTA Award for Best Film at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts’ star-studded ceremony on Wednesday night at The Star Event Centre in Sydney.
Having already scooped awards for Cinematography, Sound, Music Score, Editing, Production Design and Visual Effects at last week’s craft awards, Mad Max: Fury Road, which starred Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, took its total tally to eight AACTAs when Miller was awarded Best Director.
The 70-year-old Miller had fought for years to get another Mad Max movie off the ground — Fury Road eventually had to be shot in Namibia after drought-breaking rains turned Australia’s red desert sands green.
But while the post-apocalyptic blockbuster was largely shot overseas and backed by Hollywood studio Warner Bros, it qualified as an Australian film thanks to its director and funding from local bodies.

[[picture:"The original Mad max ... Mel Gibson with George Miller at the 2015 AACTA Awards held at The Star in Pyrmont, Sydney. Picture Richard DobsonSource News Corp Australia.jpg" ID:23270]]

The original Mad max ... Mel Gibson with George Miller at the 2015 AACTA Awards held at The Star in Pyrmont, Sydney. Picture: Richard Dobson

Miller was given his best director gong by his original Mad Max, Mel Gibson, who is back in town to make his film Hacksaw Ridge.
He seemed genuinely thrilled to present the award to his old colleague.
“Oh hey, it’s George,” he said as he opened up the envelope. Miller praised his Mad Max: Fury Road crew saying “this wasn’t an easy film to make”.

[[picture:"Held the dream for 36 years ... Director George Miller poses with the AACTA Award for Best Film for Mad Max Fury Road.jpg" ID:23271]]

Held the dream for 36 years ... Director George Miller poses with the AACTA Award for Best Film for Mad Max: Fury Road. Picture: Mark Metcalfe / Getty Images for AFISource:Getty Images

Smaller films shined in the AACTA Awards’ acting categories, with The Dressmakerstar Kate Winslet named Best Lead Actress and castmates Judy Davis and Hugo Weaving claiming the Supporting Actor gongs.
Englishwoman Winslet winning over Charlize Theron’s Mad Max performance may come as a surprise to some, with the South African-born star currently featuring prominently in Oscars predictions over in the US.
Winslet recorded her very funny thank you speech for Best Lead Actress in a feature film from overseas.
“They said I ought to put something together on the off-chance I might win this award. But I’m sure I haven’t because it should go to a local and I am indeed an outsider.
I did put on lipstick just in case. I loved being a part of The Dressmaker. Thank you.”
Unsurprisingly, The Dressmaker stitched up the People’s Choice Award for Favourite Australian Film — Aussies have delivered the Victorian-shot film over $16 million in ticket sales so far.
Meanwhile, Aussie stalwart Michael Caton was recognised for a performance that spanned comedy and moments of heavy drama, winning Best Actor for his role as a taxi driver diagnosed with only months to live in Last Cab to Darwin. It was his first AACTA award.
Cate Blanchett called for more of the country’s actors on screen as she tearfully accepted one of the highest honours in the Australian film industry.
As had been announced, Blanchett was given the Longford Lyell Award for an outstanding contribution to Australian screen by actors Richard Roxburgh and Hugo Weaving.
“Oh I’ve become one of those ridiculous people who cries it’s just a f!@#ing award,” a teary Blanchett said as she accepted the gong.
A cavalcade of Hollywood directors, including Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard and Robert Redford, delivered video messages congratulating Blanchett.
Blanchett said that more Australian actors should be cast.
“It’s not a quota ... it needs to be fought for,” Blanchett said.
She also acknowledged how happy she was the award she received had had a name change to include Australian 19th century actress and film producer, Lottie Lyell.
“Thank you for recognising Lottie Lyell,” she said.
“I think it’s fantastic AACTAs is coming into the 21st century,” she said in a nod towards gender equality, as the film industry works towards having 50/50 gender equity in upcoming Australian projects.
Backstage, Blanchett said the Australian industry needed to be celebrated for being small and unique, and it should stop trying to emulate other industries around the world.
“I love this industry so deeply and am so very proud to be a part of it that it always pains me so much that we talk ourselves down,” she said.
“We are a small industry and that’s a virtue, I think it makes us unique.”
Directors Ridley Scott and Martin Scorsese both lamented the fact they’d only had the chance to work with Blanchett once and would love to do it again. Robert Redford also paid Blanchett a great tribute.
“You are brilliant and you do honour to your craft,” Ron Howard said.
The director of her upcoming film Carol, Todd Haynes, called the actress “a beacon, a galaxy and a mensch.”
The AACTA Awards’ TV categories were dazzled by Channel 7’s Peter Allen — Not the Boy Next Door, which sang and danced its way to seven statuettes.
That haul included Best Actor awards for the two Peters: Jackson for his Lead role as the grown up Allen and teenager Ky Baldwin for his Supporting work as the young Allen.
Sigrid Thornton’s transformation into the legendary Judy Garland was rewarded with the Best Supporting Actress AACTA.
Not the Boy Next Door was also named Best Telemovie or Miniseries.
Ten’s repackaged MasterChef Australia won in a crowded Best Reality Series category, while the ABC’s new series Glitchwon Best Drama ahead of more experienced and fancied rivals Wentworth, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries and Love Child.
Pamela Rabe’s consistently terrifying character The Freak in Foxtel drama Wentworth won her Best Actress.

Mad Max: Fury Road grossed $21.7 million at the Australian box office and $520 million internationally.

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11/12/2015

Culture, Current Affairs

Diaspora Working Life

Spectacular visual effects ... Mad Max: Fury Road

After winning the year's best film by the National Board of Review, Mad Max: Fury Road is lining up for Oscar nominations

December 1, 2015

Garry Maddox
Writer

Fury Road revisits Oscar-winning filmmaker George Miller's post-apocalyptic Mad Max trilogy.

As a new poll suggested it could receive a swag of Oscar nominations, Max Max: Fury Road has been named the year's best film by the National Board of Review in the US.

The New York organisation, which celebrates international cinema, gave its top award to director George Miller's action blockbuster with Ridley Scott winning best director for the sci-fi hit The Martian, Matt Damon best actor for the same film and Brie Larson best actress for the drama Room.

While the Board of Review, which draws on votes from 120 film fans, is not considered a predictor of Academy Awards results, Fury Road's win backs up the support it is receiving for six, seven or even eight Oscar nominations next month.

While Cate Blanchett is a virtual certainty for another nod next month, the latest predictions of Oscar pundits on the well-regarded Gold Derby web site suggest Fury Road could continue its success at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Industry Awards this week.

While it is still almost a month before voting opens for the nominations and Hollywood's Oscar experts are yet to see some films, including Star Wars; The Force Awakens, there is surprisingly strong support for Fury Road in the behind-the-scenes categories.

To no-one's surprise pundits from such publications as Variety, Vanity Fair, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly and Rolling Stone.are almost unanimous - predicted by 20 out of 21 - that Blanchett will receive her sixth Oscar nomination for the lesbian romance Carol. She has previous wins for Aviator and Blue Jasmine.

But there is just as much support - 20 experts out of 21 - for Fury Road's John Seale being nominated for best cinematography. A previous winner for The English Patient, he has also been nominated for Witness, Rain Man and Cold Mountain.

Almost as many experts - 19 out of 20 - believe Fury Road's Colin Gibson will get an Oscar nomination for best production design.

George Miller's fourth Mad Max film also has a chance of receiving a nomination for best costumes.

An overwhelming majority - 18 out of 20 - also believe Margaret Sixel will be nominated for best editing.

And while it was beaten at the AACTAs for best costume design by The Dressmaker, a fair number of experts - nine out of 20 - believe Fury Road's Jenny Beavan will get a nomination too.

But there seems to be no doubt when it comes to the two sound categories- sound editing and best sound mixing.

Contender: production designer Colin Gibson atop the War Rig from Mad Max: Fury Road.
Contender: production designer Colin Gibson atop the War Rig from Mad Max: Fury Road. Photo: Peter Rae
Every single expert - 16 out of 16 - believes Fury Road will be nominated in both categories.

And an overwhelming number believe Mad Max will also get nods for best visual effects (15 out of 18) and best make-up and hairstyling (18 out of 19).

The glowingly reviewed action film won six awards at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts industry awards on Monday, including best cinematography, production design, editing, sound, original music score and visual effects.

It is an excellent chance of adding best film and director at the main ceremony on December 9.

While Oscar voting does not open until the end of the month, the poll suggests Fury Road will be surprisingly prominent for a film released seven months ago when the nominations are announced on January 14.

In an entertaining twist, Tom Hardy, who took over as Mad Max from Mel Gibson, is considered a strong chance of an Oscar nomination as well - as predicted by 11 experts out of 21 - but for his supporting role in Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's western epic The Revenant.

One of Australia's greatest directors, Miller's record at the Oscars includes a best animated feature win for Happy Feet and three other nominations - best screenplay (with Nick Enright) for Lorenzo's Oil and, for Babe, best picture (with Doug Mitchell and Bill Miller and best adapted screenplay (with Chris Noonan).

He has just scattered support for a best direction nomination for Fury Road (three experts out of 22), as there is for a best picture nod (four out of 21).

But that won't dampen the enthusiasm of a crew that took 12 years - overcoming countless setbacks - to bring Mad Max back to cinemas.

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2/12/2015

Photos, Diaspora Working Life

Island Social Life

'' little ol wine drinking me ''

another big mitata wine festival dance in 2015, and on the left are the barrels of wine to keep the large crowd in a happy mood !

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16/11/2015

Photos, Island Social Life

Island Churches & Icons

in need of urgent repair !!

can it be repaired ? the beautiful church at mitata ruined during the large earthquake that hit mitata some years ago , note the bell tower to the left of the church that was removed in case it crashed to the ground .. what a same it will be if it has to be demolished ... by the way in the eighties the mitita wine festival was held in this platia , it was moved to the present location to cater for the large crowds that attend the dance every august ...

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29/10/2015

Photos, Island Churches & Icons

Signs & Statues

great sense of humour !!

very clever name of a house in the village of mitata , either the owner of the house lives in Parramatta or is a Parramatta rugby league fan ...

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15/10/2015

Photos, Signs & Statues

Island Churches & Icons

down on the corner !

lovely old church just outside mitata on the way to viarathika.. wonder how many churches are there in kythera ....?

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5/10/2015

Photos, Island Churches & Icons

Modern Landscapes

in its full glory !!

the mitatia platia when the dance is on .. a far different story

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23/9/2015

Photos, Modern Landscapes

Modern Landscapes

the ballroom !!

had to imagine this is the venue for the annual mitata wine festival dance in august ..thousands of feet have danced on this platia in years gone by and some huge hang overs the next day !!!

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22/9/2015

Photos, Modern Landscapes

Modern Landscapes

its like a pub with no beer !!

the platia at mitata where the mitata dance is held in august

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22/9/2015

Photos, Modern Landscapes

Island Social Life

i feel like dancing !

the dances in the villages in august are always packed with great atmosphere, plenty of dancing till the early hours of the morning, its enjoyable just to watch the ''mungas'' that are magnificent dancers ...

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16/9/2015

Photos, Island Social Life

Island Social Life

what crisis ?

no economy crisis at this years mitata wine festival , the big crowd danced the night away with out a worry.....

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31/8/2015

Photos, Island Social Life

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Roxy wins Museums Australia award

The museum was created in a 1930s cinema and café established by Kytherian migrants.

Neos Kosmos, Melbourne 28 May 2015

View / download a .pdf version of the article:

Roxy wins Museums Australia Award Sat 23 May 2015 self-contained.pdf

MICHAEL SWEET

The Roxy Museum at Bingara in northern NSW has won a Museums and Galleries National Award - one of the most prestigious awards offered by Museums Australia.

The museum, which opened its doors last year, was created in a 1930s cinema and café established by Kytherian migrants.

Curated by author and historian Peter Prineas, grandson of Peter Feros - one of the Roxy Cinema's pre-war founders - the museum tells the story of Greek migrants who established cafés and cinemas across regional Australia from the 1920s to the 1970s, almost all of which are now long gone.

Melbourne museum consultants Convergence were responsible for the winning design - a delicate task that involved installing the latest museum technologies at the precious heritage site.

The company's director Jenni Klempfner said she was thrilled for the project to receive such recognition.

"Convergence Associates is delighted to hear that Museums Australia has chosen to recognise the Roxy Greek Museum with this award.

"It shows the foresight of the Gwydir Shire Council in purchasing and restoring the Roxy complex, and illustrates the power of community-instigated and community-run museum projects, no matter their size."

The council and museum will receive a MAGNA winner's award in the 'Permanent Exhibition or Gallery Fitout' category, for projects with a budget of between $20k and $150k.

Museum Australia's judging panel said that the museum was "stunning project well executed" and that the remoteness and lack of resources of the community had made the project all the more exceptional.

The judges added that the project was an "excellent revival of a heritage site to tell an important local story".

The museum - with fully-restored 1930s-style cafe - is owned and managed by Gwydir Shire Council.

A spokesperson for the council told Neos Kosmos: "We're very proud to have a facility of this calibre in our small town, and for it to be recognised.

"Winning this award is testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers, the Roxy Greek Museum Committee and curator Peter Prineas."

The Roxy Museum's donors include the Nicholas Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, AHEPA and Sydney businessman Nick Politis.

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29/5/2015

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Current Affairs

Roxy wins Museums Australia award

The museum was created in a 1930s cinema and café established by Kytherian migrants.

Neos Kosmos, Melbourne 28 May 2015

[[picture:"Roxy wins Museums Australia Award Sat 23 May 2015.jpg" ID:23057]]

View / download a .pdf version of the article:

Roxy wins Museums Australia Award Sat 23 May 2015 self-contained.pdf

MICHAEL SWEET

The Roxy Museum at Bingara in northern NSW has won a Museums and Galleries National Award - one of the most prestigious awards offered by Museums Australia.

The museum, which opened its doors last year, was created in a 1930s cinema and café established by Kytherian migrants.

Curated by author and historian Peter Prineas, grandson of Peter Feros - one of the Roxy Cinema's pre-war founders - the museum tells the story of Greek migrants who established cafés and cinemas across regional Australia from the 1920s to the 1970s, almost all of which are now long gone.

Melbourne museum consultants Convergence were responsible for the winning design - a delicate task that involved installing the latest museum technologies at the precious heritage site.

The company's director Jenni Klempfner said she was thrilled for the project to receive such recognition.

"Convergence Associates is delighted to hear that Museums Australia has chosen to recognise the Roxy Greek Museum with this award.

"It shows the foresight of the Gwydir Shire Council in purchasing and restoring the Roxy complex, and illustrates the power of community-instigated and community-run museum projects, no matter their size."

The council and museum will receive a MAGNA winner's award in the 'Permanent Exhibition or Gallery Fitout' category, for projects with a budget of between $20k and $150k.

Museum Australia's judging panel said that the museum was "stunning project well executed" and that the remoteness and lack of resources of the community had made the project all the more exceptional.

The judges added that the project was an "excellent revival of a heritage site to tell an important local story".

The museum - with fully-restored 1930s-style cafe - is owned and managed by Gwydir Shire Council.

A spokesperson for the council told Neos Kosmos: "We're very proud to have a facility of this calibre in our small town, and for it to be recognised.

"Winning this award is testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers, the Roxy Greek Museum Committee and curator Peter Prineas."

The Roxy Museum's donors include the Nicholas Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, AHEPA and Sydney businessman Nick Politis.

Open full entry

29/5/2015

Culture, Current Affairs

Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

George Miller with his family, who migrated from Greece.

On the left is Thanasis and Toula Sklavos.

Οικογενειακή σύναξη στην Αυστραλία, μαζί με τους συγγενείς που έφτασαν από την Ελλάδα.
Στα δεξιά διακρίνονται ο Θανάσης και η Τούλα Σκλάβου.

ΕΘΝΟΣ «E» 17/5/2015

ΤΖΟΡΤΖ ΜΙΛΕΡ ΑΠΟΘΕΩΣΗ ΑΠΟ ΤΟΥΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΕΣ ΤΗΣ ΑΥΣΤΡΑΛΙΑΣ

Μιλάει Ελληνικά και στηρίζει τις δράσεις της ομογένειας
Ο Τζορτζ Μίλερ γεννήθηκε στην πόλη Τσιντσίλα του Κουίνσλαντ, 3 Μαρτίου του 1945 με τον δίδυμο αδελφό του Γιάννη, ενώ η οικογένεια απέκτησε και άλλα δύο αγόρια, τον Χρήστο και τον Βασίλη.

Σε εκείνη την άκρη της Γης έπαιζε ινδιάνους και καουμπόηδες με τους φίλους του και παρακολουθούσε μερικά φιλμ της εποχής που εξάπτουν τη φαντασία των παιδιών. Αργότερα η οικογένεια έφτασε στο Σίδνεϊ, ενώ ο Τζορτζ μεταξύ άλλων υπήρξε και παπαδοπαίδι στον ναό του Αγίου Γεωργίου.
Ο σκηνοθέτης του «Mad Max» σπούδασε Ιατρική μαζί με τον δίδυμο αδελφό του, εργάστηκε σε νοσοκομείο και κέρδισε βραβείο σε διαγωνισμό μονόλεπτου φιλμ. Για χρόνια υπηρέτησε την Ιατρική πριν τον κερδίσει ο κινηματογράφος και σταδιακά γύρισε επαγγελματική σελίδα. Τα επείγοντα περιστατικά του δημόσιου νοσοκομείου όπου βίωσε δύσκολες καταστάσεις, τραυματισμούς και θανάτους, και η εξάσκηση του ιατρικού επαγγέλματος για χρόνια ήταν η αναγκαία προϋπόθεση για να υποστηρίξει την καριέρα του σκηνοθέτη.
Η πρώτη ταινία του είχε τίτλο «Βία στο σινεμά μέρος πρώτον», αν και δεν υπήρξε ποτέ η συνέχεια. Σημείο-σταθμό βεβαίως αποτέλεσε ο «Mad Max». Ηταν το 1979 όταν ο Μίλερ παρουσίασε τον ήρωά του, έναν αστυνομικό που μεταμορφώνεται σε εκδικητή για τον χαμό της οικογένειάς του. Πρωταγωνιστής ο άσημος τότε Μελ Γκίμπσον, ο οποίος τότε έγινε γνωστός στο ευρύ κοινό.



Με τη σύζυγο και τον πρώτο τους γιο στα Κύθηρα.
Την ταινία, η οποία έγινε παγκόσμια επιτυχία, απέφερε τεράστια κέρδη και απέσπασε βραβεία δημιούργησε ο Τ. Μίλερ σε συνεργασία με τον Β. Κένεντι. Ακολούθησε το δεύτερο μέρος το 1981 με πεδίο πάλι την Αυστραλία, ενώ το 1989 η τρίτη πράξη βρίσκει τον ήρωα Μαξ στη μέση της ερήμου σε ένα δυστοπικό μέλλον. Εκτός από τον «Mad Max» ο Τζορτζ Μίλερ έχει υπογράψει σημαντικά έργα και έχει διακριθεί πολλές φορές. Κέρδισε το Οσκαρ κινουμένων σχεδίων με την ταινία «Happy Feet», ενώ είχε και τρεις υποψηφιότητες για Οσκαρ για το σενάριο της ταινίας «Lorenzo's Oil» και την ταινία «Babe» στις κατηγορίες Καλύτερης Ταινίας και Σεναρίου. Μάλιστα έχει συνεργαστεί με πολλούς πρωταγωνιστές του Χόλιγουντ, όπως οι Τζακ Νίκολσον, Μισέλ Φάιφερ, Σερ, Νικόλ Κίντμαν κ.ά.




Οι γονείς Μίλερ (κέντρο) και ο αδελφός του Γιάννης (αριστερά).
Δεν ξεχνά τις ελληνικές ρίζες του
Παράλληλα με την καλλιτεχνική καταξίωση όμως δεν ξεχνά ποτέ τις ελληνικές ρίζες. Στην Αυστραλία η πολυπληθής παροικία των Κυθηρίων με 50-60.000 μέλη αναπτύσσει έντονη κοινωνική δράση και ο Τζορτζ Μίλερ δίνει συχνά το «παρών» λέει ο Γιώργος Πούλος γραμματέας στον Σύνδεσμο Κυθηρίων και εκπρόσωπος του Kythira family net όπου υπάρχει εκτενής αναφορά και φωτογραφίες απο την πορεία της οικογένειας.



Κοντά στην Ομογένεια της Αυστραλίας. Με τον πρόεδρο του Συνδέσμου Κυθηρίων Βίκτωρα Κυπριώτη και την αντιπρόεδρο Κατερίνα Σαμίου.

http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=22768&subid=2&pubid=64187974

Open full entry

19/5/2015

Photos, Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

Life Stories

ΤΖΟΡΤΖ ΜΙΛΕΡ ΑΠΟΘΕΩΣΗ ΑΠΟ ΤΟΥΣ ΕΛΛΗΝΕΣ ΤΗΣ ΑΥΣΤΡΑΛΙΑΣ

ΕΘΝΟΣ «E» 17/5/2015

Μιλάει Ελληνικά και στηρίζει τις δράσεις της ομογένειας
Ο Τζορτζ Μίλερ γεννήθηκε στην πόλη Τσιντσίλα του Κουίνσλαντ, 3 Μαρτίου του 1945 με τον δίδυμο αδελφό του Γιάννη, ενώ η οικογένεια απέκτησε και άλλα δύο αγόρια, τον Χρήστο και τον Βασίλη.

[[picture:"Ethnos Image 1.jpg" ID:23026]]

Οικογενειακή σύναξη στην Αυστραλία, μαζί με τους συγγενείς που έφτασαν από την Ελλάδα.
Στα δεξιά διακρίνονται ο Θανάσης και η Τούλα Σκλάβου.

Σε εκείνη την άκρη της Γης έπαιζε ινδιάνους και καουμπόηδες με τους φίλους του και παρακολουθούσε μερικά φιλμ της εποχής που εξάπτουν τη φαντασία των παιδιών. Αργότερα η οικογένεια έφτασε στο Σίδνεϊ, ενώ ο Τζορτζ μεταξύ άλλων υπήρξε και παπαδοπαίδι στον ναό του Αγίου Γεωργίου.
Ο σκηνοθέτης του «Mad Max» σπούδασε Ιατρική μαζί με τον δίδυμο αδελφό του, εργάστηκε σε νοσοκομείο και κέρδισε βραβείο σε διαγωνισμό μονόλεπτου φιλμ. Για χρόνια υπηρέτησε την Ιατρική πριν τον κερδίσει ο κινηματογράφος και σταδιακά γύρισε επαγγελματική σελίδα. Τα επείγοντα περιστατικά του δημόσιου νοσοκομείου όπου βίωσε δύσκολες καταστάσεις, τραυματισμούς και θανάτους, και η εξάσκηση του ιατρικού επαγγέλματος για χρόνια ήταν η αναγκαία προϋπόθεση για να υποστηρίξει την καριέρα του σκηνοθέτη.
Η πρώτη ταινία του είχε τίτλο «Βία στο σινεμά μέρος πρώτον», αν και δεν υπήρξε ποτέ η συνέχεια. Σημείο-σταθμό βεβαίως αποτέλεσε ο «Mad Max». Ηταν το 1979 όταν ο Μίλερ παρουσίασε τον ήρωά του, έναν αστυνομικό που μεταμορφώνεται σε εκδικητή για τον χαμό της οικογένειάς του. Πρωταγωνιστής ο άσημος τότε Μελ Γκίμπσον, ο οποίος τότε έγινε γνωστός στο ευρύ κοινό.



Με τη σύζυγο και τον πρώτο τους γιο στα Κύθηρα.
Την ταινία, η οποία έγινε παγκόσμια επιτυχία, απέφερε τεράστια κέρδη και απέσπασε βραβεία δημιούργησε ο Τ. Μίλερ σε συνεργασία με τον Β. Κένεντι. Ακολούθησε το δεύτερο μέρος το 1981 με πεδίο πάλι την Αυστραλία, ενώ το 1989 η τρίτη πράξη βρίσκει τον ήρωα Μαξ στη μέση της ερήμου σε ένα δυστοπικό μέλλον. Εκτός από τον «Mad Max» ο Τζορτζ Μίλερ έχει υπογράψει σημαντικά έργα και έχει διακριθεί πολλές φορές. Κέρδισε το Οσκαρ κινουμένων σχεδίων με την ταινία «Happy Feet», ενώ είχε και τρεις υποψηφιότητες για Οσκαρ για το σενάριο της ταινίας «Lorenzo's Oil» και την ταινία «Babe» στις κατηγορίες Καλύτερης Ταινίας και Σεναρίου. Μάλιστα έχει συνεργαστεί με πολλούς πρωταγωνιστές του Χόλιγουντ, όπως οι Τζακ Νίκολσον, Μισέλ Φάιφερ, Σερ, Νικόλ Κίντμαν κ.ά.




Οι γονείς Μίλερ (κέντρο) και ο αδελφός του Γιάννης (αριστερά).
Δεν ξεχνά τις ελληνικές ρίζες του
Παράλληλα με την καλλιτεχνική καταξίωση όμως δεν ξεχνά ποτέ τις ελληνικές ρίζες. Στην Αυστραλία η πολυπληθής παροικία των Κυθηρίων με 50-60.000 μέλη αναπτύσσει έντονη κοινωνική δράση και ο Τζορτζ Μίλερ δίνει συχνά το «παρών» λέει ο Γιώργος Πούλος γραμματέας στον Σύνδεσμο Κυθηρίων και εκπρόσωπος του Kythira family net όπου υπάρχει εκτενής αναφορά και φωτογραφίες απο την πορεία της οικογένειας.



Κοντά στην Ομογένεια της Αυστραλίας. Με τον πρόεδρο του Συνδέσμου Κυθηρίων Βίκτωρα Κυπριώτη και την αντιπρόεδρο Κατερίνα Σαμίου.

http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=22768&subid=2&pubid=64187974

Open full entry

19/5/2015

People, Life Stories

Kytherian Art

Alexia Psaltis' artwork Subsumed, on display at the Art Gallery of NSW

By HELEN GREGORY

Newcastle Herald

February 10th, 2015.

Reproduced with permission of The Newcastle Herald ©Copyright 2015

Alexia is the daughter of Peter and Sheri Psaltis, who live in Newcastle, and granddaughter of the late George Psaltis and Alexandra Psaltis (nee, Feros), of Gilgandra, and later Earlwood.

ALEXIA Psaltis’ hair-raising expeditions squeezing through fences to photograph abandoned industrial sites have paid off, culminating in an eye-catching piece selected to hang in the Art Gallery of NSW.

The 2014 dux of Hunter School of the Performing Arts is the woman behind Subsumed, which has been selected for Artexpress, a showcase of the best works of art completed by NSW students as part of last year’s Higher School Certificate.

Of the 219 works selected for exhibitions in galleries across the state, only 37 have been selected for inclusion in the exclusive Art Gallery of NSW exhibit.

‘‘When I heard, I was jumping around in excitement, it was the best feeling,’’ Ms Psaltis said.

‘‘Out of all of my HSC achievements, that’s the one that really stood out to me.’’

Ms Psaltis’ work explores the paradox of Newcastle’s heavy industry sitting alongside its pristine coast.

It comprises six surrealistic portraits of female figures, representing Mother Nature, being consumed by industrial structures, objects and landscapes that convey destruction and invasion.

Each portrait includes layers of hundreds of photos she captured from both active and abandoned industrial sites including Kooragang Island, Cockatoo Island and around Hexham and Maitland.

‘‘I visited quite a few deserted and unused machinery yards where there was equipment that had rusted and been left to rot,’’ she said.

‘‘It was a bit scary going into the abandoned sites, but I just squeezed through holes in fences.

‘‘The portraits represent how physical, spiritual and psychological identity is threatened by industrialisation, which removes individual human inspiration and imagination.

‘‘We now face a future of surreal, stunted landscapes.’’

Ms Psaltis also completed major works in English Extension II, Music and Society and Culture and was named on the All-round Achievers list for receiving marks in the highest band possible for 10 or more units.

She began her combined law and arts degree at the University of Newcastle in February 2015.

Artexpress at the Art Gallery of NSW will open to the public from Thursday.

The remaining works selected for Artexpress will be on display in venues across the state throughout the remainder of the year.

The exhibition will come to Maitland Regional Art Gallery between September 11 and November 1.

Rationale of the artwork

Alexia Psaltis
Hunter School of the Performing Arts

SUBSUMED

Photomeita
Prints to Breathing Colour Velvet paper

Subsumed is a series of portraits representing the threat to physical, spiritual and psychological identity from rampant industrialisation. The portraits identify how the dominance of industry removes individual human inspiration and imagination. We face a future of surreal, stunted landscapes populated by impaired humanity, symbolised by the replacement of human physicality with machinery. I photographed all the images of industrial structures, objects and landscapes that convey destruction and invasion. I layered these eclectic images with the human portraits to represent the unchecked, pervasive presence of industrial processes in our lives. We are consumed by industry and its detritus.

What is ArtExpress?

ARTEXPRESS is an annual exhibition of artworks created by students from government and non-government schools for the Higher School Certificate Examination in Visual Arts. The works demonstrate exceptional quality across a broad range of subject matter, approaches, styles and media including painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, documented forms, textiles and fibre, ceramics, digital animation, film and video, and collections of works.

ARTEXPRESS represents the high standards and diversity achieved by Year 12 Visual Arts students in New South Wales schools.

The continued excellence of the annual ARTEXPRESS exhibition is the outcome of a rigorous Visual Arts curriculum that builds on study from Kindergarten through to Year 12.

Visual Arts is part of the core curriculum in primary school and junior high school and a popular elective for the Higher School Certificate examination.

Student assessment in Visual Arts for the Higher School Certificate is based on submission of a Body of Work plus a written examination. Each students develops their submission through a process, recorded in a Visual Arts Process Diary, which reflects the problem-solving approach of the practising artist.

Equally important especially at senior level, is critical study and art history which plays a crucial role in informing the artworks produced by students.

The works chosen for ARTEXPRESS are a representative selection from over 12,000 examination submissions and reflect not only the talent of the individual students, but also the strength of the curriculum and excellence of Visual Arts teaching in New South Wales schools.

ARTEXPRESS is shown at 9 metropolitan and regional venues in NSW.

Open full entry

18/4/2015

Photos, Kytherian Art

Kytherian Art

Subsumed. By Alexis Psaltis. The Rationale of the art work

By HELEN GREGORY

Newcastle Herald

February 10th, 2015.

Reproduced with permission of The Newcastle Herald ©Copyright 2015

Alexia is the daughter of Peter and Sheri Psaltis, who live in Newcastle, and granddaughter of the late George Psaltis and Alexandra Psaltis (nee, Feros), of Gilgandra, and later Earlwood.

ALEXIA Psaltis’ hair-raising expeditions squeezing through fences to photograph abandoned industrial sites have paid off, culminating in an eye-catching piece selected to hang in the Art Gallery of NSW.

The 2014 dux of Hunter School of the Performing Arts is the woman behind Subsumed, which has been selected for Artexpress, a showcase of the best works of art completed by NSW students as part of last year’s Higher School Certificate.

Of the 219 works selected for exhibitions in galleries across the state, only 37 have been selected for inclusion in the exclusive Art Gallery of NSW exhibit.

‘‘When I heard, I was jumping around in excitement, it was the best feeling,’’ Ms Psaltis said.

‘‘Out of all of my HSC achievements, that’s the one that really stood out to me.’’

Ms Psaltis’ work explores the paradox of Newcastle’s heavy industry sitting alongside its pristine coast.

It comprises six surrealistic portraits of female figures, representing Mother Nature, being consumed by industrial structures, objects and landscapes that convey destruction and invasion.

Each portrait includes layers of hundreds of photos she captured from both active and abandoned industrial sites including Kooragang Island, Cockatoo Island and around Hexham and Maitland.

‘‘I visited quite a few deserted and unused machinery yards where there was equipment that had rusted and been left to rot,’’ she said.

‘‘It was a bit scary going into the abandoned sites, but I just squeezed through holes in fences.

‘‘The portraits represent how physical, spiritual and psychological identity is threatened by industrialisation, which removes individual human inspiration and imagination.

‘‘We now face a future of surreal, stunted landscapes.’’

Ms Psaltis also completed major works in English Extension II, Music and Society and Culture and was named on the All-round Achievers list for receiving marks in the highest band possible for 10 or more units.

She began her combined law and arts degree at the University of Newcastle in February 2015.

Artexpress at the Art Gallery of NSW will open to the public from Thursday.

The remaining works selected for Artexpress will be on display in venues across the state throughout the remainder of the year.

The exhibition will come to Maitland Regional Art Gallery between September 11 and November 1.

Rationale of the artwork

Alexia Psaltis
Hunter School of the Performing Arts

SUBSUMED

Photomeita
Prints to Breathing Colour Velvet paper

Subsumed is a series of portraits representing the threat to physical, spiritual and psychological identity from rampant industrialisation. The portraits identify how the dominance of industry removes individual human inspiration and imagination. We face a future of surreal, stunted landscapes populated by impaired humanity, symbolised by the replacement of human physicality with machinery. I photographed all the images of industrial structures, objects and landscapes that convey destruction and invasion. I layered these eclectic images with the human portraits to represent the unchecked, pervasive presence of industrial processes in our lives. We are consumed by industry and its detritus.

What is ArtExpress?

ARTEXPRESS is an annual exhibition of artworks created by students from government and non-government schools for the Higher School Certificate Examination in Visual Arts. The works demonstrate exceptional quality across a broad range of subject matter, approaches, styles and media including painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, documented forms, textiles and fibre, ceramics, digital animation, film and video, and collections of works.

ARTEXPRESS represents the high standards and diversity achieved by Year 12 Visual Arts students in New South Wales schools.

The continued excellence of the annual ARTEXPRESS exhibition is the outcome of a rigorous Visual Arts curriculum that builds on study from Kindergarten through to Year 12.

Visual Arts is part of the core curriculum in primary school and junior high school and a popular elective for the Higher School Certificate examination.

Student assessment in Visual Arts for the Higher School Certificate is based on submission of a Body of Work plus a written examination. Each students develops their submission through a process, recorded in a Visual Arts Process Diary, which reflects the problem-solving approach of the practising artist.

Equally important especially at senior level, is critical study and art history which plays a crucial role in informing the artworks produced by students.

The works chosen for ARTEXPRESS are a representative selection from over 12,000 examination submissions and reflect not only the talent of the individual students, but also the strength of the curriculum and excellence of Visual Arts teaching in New South Wales schools.

ARTEXPRESS is shown at 9 metropolitan and regional venues in NSW.

Open full entry

18/4/2015

Photos, Kytherian Art

Diaspora Social Life

Alexia Psaltis. Young artist thrilled to win inclusion in gallery display

Art student gets subsumed

By HELEN GREGORY

Newcastle Herald

February 11th, 2015

Reproduced with permission of The Newcastle Herald ©Copyright 2015

Alexia is the daughter of Peter and Sheri Psaltis, who live in Newcastle, and granddaughter of the late George Psaltis and Alexandra Psaltis (nee, Feros), of Gilgandra, and later Earlwood.

ALEXIA Psaltis’ hair-raising expeditions squeezing through fences to photograph abandoned industrial sites have paid off, culminating in an eye-catching piece selected to hang in the Art Gallery of NSW.

The 2014 dux of Hunter School of the Performing Arts is the woman behind Subsumed, which has been selected for Artexpress, a showcase of the best works of art completed by NSW students as part of last year’s Higher School Certificate.

Of the 219 works selected for exhibitions in galleries across the state, only 37 have been selected for inclusion in the exclusive Art Gallery of NSW exhibit.

‘‘When I heard, I was jumping around in excitement, it was the best feeling,’’ Ms Psaltis said.

‘‘Out of all of my HSC achievements, that’s the one that really stood out to me.’’

Ms Psaltis’ work explores the paradox of Newcastle’s heavy industry sitting alongside its pristine coast.

It comprises six surrealistic portraits of female figures, representing Mother Nature, being consumed by industrial structures, objects and landscapes that convey destruction and invasion.

Each portrait includes layers of hundreds of photos she captured from both active and abandoned industrial sites including Kooragang Island, Cockatoo Island and around Hexham and Maitland.

‘‘I visited quite a few deserted and unused machinery yards where there was equipment that had rusted and been left to rot,’’ she said.

‘‘It was a bit scary going into the abandoned sites, but I just squeezed through holes in fences.

‘‘The portraits represent how physical, spiritual and psychological identity is threatened by industrialisation, which removes individual human inspiration and imagination.

‘‘We now face a future of surreal, stunted landscapes.’’

Ms Psaltis also completed major works in English Extension II, Music and Society and Culture and was named on the All-round Achievers list for receiving marks in the highest band possible for 10 or more units.

She began her combined law and arts degree at the University of Newcastle in February 2015.

Artexpress at the Art Gallery of NSW will open to the public from Thursday.

The remaining works selected for Artexpress will be on display in venues across the state throughout the remainder of the year.

The exhibition will come to Maitland Regional Art Gallery between September 11 and November 1.

Rationale of the artwork

Alexia Psaltis
Hunter School of the Performing Arts

SUBSUMED

Photomeita
Prints to Breathing Colour Velvet paper

Subsumed is a series of portraits representing the threat to physical, spiritual and psychological identity from rampant industrialisation. The portraits identify how the dominance of industry removes individual human inspiration and imagination. We face a future of surreal, stunted landscapes populated by impaired humanity, symbolised by the replacement of human physicality with machinery. I photographed all the images of industrial structures, objects and landscapes that convey destruction and invasion. I layered these eclectic images with the human portraits to represent the unchecked, pervasive presence of industrial processes in our lives. We are consumed by industry and its detritus.

What is ArtExpress?

ARTEXPRESS is an annual exhibition of artworks created by students from government and non-government schools for the Higher School Certificate Examination in Visual Arts. The works demonstrate exceptional quality across a broad range of subject matter, approaches, styles and media including painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, documented forms, textiles and fibre, ceramics, digital animation, film and video, and collections of works.

ARTEXPRESS represents the high standards and diversity achieved by Year 12 Visual Arts students in New South Wales schools.

The continued excellence of the annual ARTEXPRESS exhibition is the outcome of a rigorous Visual Arts curriculum that builds on study from Kindergarten through to Year 12.

Visual Arts is part of the core curriculum in primary school and junior high school and a popular elective for the Higher School Certificate examination.

Student assessment in Visual Arts for the Higher School Certificate is based on submission of a Body of Work plus a written examination. Each students develops their submission through a process, recorded in a Visual Arts Process Diary, which reflects the problem-solving approach of the practising artist.

Equally important especially at senior level, is critical study and art history which plays a crucial role in informing the artworks produced by students.

The works chosen for ARTEXPRESS are a representative selection from over 12,000 examination submissions and reflect not only the talent of the individual students, but also the strength of the curriculum and excellence of Visual Arts teaching in New South Wales schools.

ARTEXPRESS is shown at 9 metropolitan and regional venues in NSW.

Open full entry

27/3/2015

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Kytherian Art

Art work by Alexia Psaltis

Art student gets subsumed

By HELEN GREGORY

Newcastle Herald

February 10th, 2015

Reproduced with permission of The Newcastle Herald©Copyright 2015

Alexia is the daughter of Peter and Sheri Psaltis, who live in Newcastle, and granddaughter of the late George Psaltis and Alexandra Psaltis (nee, Feros), of Gilgandra, and later Earlwood.

ALEXIA Psaltis’ hair-raising expeditions squeezing through fences to photograph abandoned industrial sites have paid off, culminating in an eye-catching piece selected to hang in the Art Gallery of NSW.

The 2014 dux of Hunter School of the Performing Arts is the woman behind Subsumed, which has been selected for Artexpress, a showcase of the best works of art completed by NSW students as part of last year’s Higher School Certificate.

Of the 219 works selected for exhibitions in galleries across the state, only 37 have been selected for inclusion in the exclusive Art Gallery of NSW exhibit.

‘‘When I heard, I was jumping around in excitement, it was the best feeling,’’ Ms Psaltis said.

‘‘Out of all of my HSC achievements, that’s the one that really stood out to me.’’

Ms Psaltis’ work explores the paradox of Newcastle’s heavy industry sitting alongside its pristine coast.

It comprises six surrealistic portraits of female figures, representing Mother Nature, being consumed by industrial structures, objects and landscapes that convey destruction and invasion.

Each portrait includes layers of hundreds of photos she captured from both active and abandoned industrial sites including Kooragang Island, Cockatoo Island and around Hexham and Maitland.

‘‘I visited quite a few deserted and unused machinery yards where there was equipment that had rusted and been left to rot,’’ she said.

‘‘It was a bit scary going into the abandoned sites, but I just squeezed through holes in fences.

‘‘The portraits represent how physical, spiritual and psychological identity is threatened by industrialisation, which removes individual human inspiration and imagination.

‘‘We now face a future of surreal, stunted landscapes.’’

Ms Psaltis also completed major works in English Extension II, Music and Society and Culture and was named on the All-round Achievers list for receiving marks in the highest band possible for 10 or more units.

She began her combined law and arts degree at the University of Newcastle in February 2015.

Artexpress at the Art Gallery of NSW will open to the public from Thursday.

The remaining works selected for Artexpress will be on display in venues across the state throughout the remainder of the year.

The exhibition will come to Maitland Regional Art Gallery between September 11 and November 1.

Rationale of the artwork

Alexia Psaltis
Hunter School of the Performing Arts

SUBSUMED

Photomeita
Prints to Breathing Colour Velvet paper

Subsumed is a series of portraits representing the threat to physical, spiritual and psychological identity from rampant industrialisation. The portraits identify how the dominance of industry removes individual human inspiration and imagination. We face a future of surreal, stunted landscapes populated by impaired humanity, symbolised by the replacement of human physicality with machinery. I photographed all the images of industrial structures, objects and landscapes that convey destruction and invasion. I layered these eclectic images with the human portraits to represent the unchecked, pervasive presence of industrial processes in our lives. We are consumed by industry and its detritus.

What is ArtExpress?

ARTEXPRESS is an annual exhibition of artworks created by students from government and non-government schools for the Higher School Certificate Examination in Visual Arts. The works demonstrate exceptional quality across a broad range of subject matter, approaches, styles and media including painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, documented forms, textiles and fibre, ceramics, digital animation, film and video, and collections of works.

ARTEXPRESS represents the high standards and diversity achieved by Year 12 Visual Arts students in New South Wales schools.

The continued excellence of the annual ARTEXPRESS exhibition is the outcome of a rigorous Visual Arts curriculum that builds on study from Kindergarten through to Year 12.

Visual Arts is part of the core curriculum in primary school and junior high school and a popular elective for the Higher School Certificate examination.

Student assessment in Visual Arts for the Higher School Certificate is based on submission of a Body of Work plus a written examination. Each students develops their submission through a process, recorded in a Visual Arts Process Diary, which reflects the problem-solving approach of the practising artist.

Equally important especially at senior level, is critical study and art history which plays a crucial role in informing the artworks produced by students.

The works chosen for ARTEXPRESS are a representative selection from over 12,000 examination submissions and reflect not only the talent of the individual students, but also the strength of the curriculum and excellence of Visual Arts teaching in New South Wales schools.

ARTEXPRESS is shown at 9 metropolitan and regional venues in NSW.

Open full entry

23/3/2015

Photos, Kytherian Art

Kytherian Art

Art work by Alexia Psaltis

Art student gets subsumed

By HELEN GREGORY

Newcastle Herald

February 10th, 2015

- Reproduced with permission of The Newcastle Herald©Copyright 2015.

Alexia is the daughter of Peter and Sheri Psaltis, who live in Newcastle, and granddaughter of the late George Psaltis and Alexandra Psaltis (nee, Feros), of Gilgandra, and later Earlwood.

ALEXIA Psaltis’ hair-raising expeditions squeezing through fences to photograph abandoned industrial sites have paid off, culminating in an eye-catching piece selected to hang in the Art Gallery of NSW.

The 2014 dux of Hunter School of the Performing Arts is the woman behind Subsumed, which has been selected for Artexpress, a showcase of the best works of art completed by NSW students as part of last year’s Higher School Certificate.

Of the 219 works selected for exhibitions in galleries across the state, only 37 have been selected for inclusion in the exclusive Art Gallery of NSW exhibit.

‘‘When I heard, I was jumping around in excitement, it was the best feeling,’’ Ms Psaltis said.

‘‘Out of all of my HSC achievements, that’s the one that really stood out to me.’’

Ms Psaltis’ work explores the paradox of Newcastle’s heavy industry sitting alongside its pristine coast.

It comprises six surrealistic portraits of female figures, representing Mother Nature, being consumed by industrial structures, objects and landscapes that convey destruction and invasion.

Each portrait includes layers of hundreds of photos she captured from both active and abandoned industrial sites including Kooragang Island, Cockatoo Island and around Hexham and Maitland.

‘‘I visited quite a few deserted and unused machinery yards where there was equipment that had rusted and been left to rot,’’ she said.

‘‘It was a bit scary going into the abandoned sites, but I just squeezed through holes in fences.

‘‘The portraits represent how physical, spiritual and psychological identity is threatened by industrialisation, which removes individual human inspiration and imagination.

‘‘We now face a future of surreal, stunted landscapes.’’

Ms Psaltis also completed major works in English Extension II, Music and Society and Culture and was named on the All-round Achievers list for receiving marks in the highest band possible for 10 or more units.

She began her combined law and arts degree at the University of Newcastle in February 2015.

Artexpress at the Art Gallery of NSW will open to the public from Thursday.

The remaining works selected for Artexpress will be on display in venues across the state throughout the remainder of the year.

The exhibition will come to Maitland Regional Art Gallery between September 11 and November 1.

Rationale of the artwork

Alexia Psaltis
Hunter School of the Performing Arts

SUBSUMED

Photomeita
Prints to Breathing Colour Velvet paper

Subsumed is a series of portraits representing the threat to physical, spiritual and psychological identity from rampant industrialisation. The portraits identify how the dominance of industry removes individual human inspiration and imagination. We face a future of surreal, stunted landscapes populated by impaired humanity, symbolised by the replacement of human physicality with machinery. I photographed all the images of industrial structures, objects and landscapes that convey destruction and invasion. I layered these eclectic images with the human portraits to represent the unchecked, pervasive presence of industrial processes in our lives. We are consumed by industry and its detritus.

What is ArtExpress?

ARTEXPRESS is an annual exhibition of artworks created by students from government and non-government schools for the Higher School Certificate Examination in Visual Arts. The works demonstrate exceptional quality across a broad range of subject matter, approaches, styles and media including painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, documented forms, textiles and fibre, ceramics, digital animation, film and video, and collections of works.

ARTEXPRESS represents the high standards and diversity achieved by Year 12 Visual Arts students in New South Wales schools.

The continued excellence of the annual ARTEXPRESS exhibition is the outcome of a rigorous Visual Arts curriculum that builds on study from Kindergarten through to Year 12.

Visual Arts is part of the core curriculum in primary school and junior high school and a popular elective for the Higher School Certificate examination.

Student assessment in Visual Arts for the Higher School Certificate is based on submission of a Body of Work plus a written examination. Each students develops their submission through a process, recorded in a Visual Arts Process Diary, which reflects the problem-solving approach of the practising artist.

Equally important especially at senior level, is critical study and art history which plays a crucial role in informing the artworks produced by students.

The works chosen for ARTEXPRESS are a representative selection from over 12,000 examination submissions and reflect not only the talent of the individual students, but also the strength of the curriculum and excellence of Visual Arts teaching in New South Wales schools.

ARTEXPRESS is shown at 9 metropolitan and regional venues in NSW.

Open full entry

23/3/2015

Photos, Kytherian Art

Kytherian Art

Artwork by Alexia Psaltis

Art student gets Subsumed

By HELEN GREGORY

Newcastle Herald

February 10th, 2015.

Reproduced with permission of The Newcastle Herald ©Copyright 2015

Alexia is the daughter of Peter and Sheri Psaltis, who live in Newcastle, and granddaughter of the late George Psaltis and Alexandra Psaltis (nee, Feros), of Gilgandra, and later Earlwood.

ALEXIA Psaltis’ hair-raising expeditions squeezing through fences to photograph abandoned industrial sites have paid off, culminating in an eye-catching piece selected to hang in the Art Gallery of NSW.

The 2014 dux of Hunter School of the Performing Arts is the woman behind Subsumed, which has been selected for Artexpress, a showcase of the best works of art completed by NSW students as part of last year’s Higher School Certificate.

Of the 219 works selected for exhibitions in galleries across the state, only 37 have been selected for inclusion in the exclusive Art Gallery of NSW exhibit.

‘‘When I heard, I was jumping around in excitement, it was the best feeling,’’ Ms Psaltis said.

‘‘Out of all of my HSC achievements, that’s the one that really stood out to me.’’

Ms Psaltis’ work explores the paradox of Newcastle’s heavy industry sitting alongside its pristine coast.

It comprises six surrealistic portraits of female figures, representing Mother Nature, being consumed by industrial structures, objects and landscapes that convey destruction and invasion.

Each portrait includes layers of hundreds of photos she captured from both active and abandoned industrial sites including Kooragang Island, Cockatoo Island and around Hexham and Maitland.

‘‘I visited quite a few deserted and unused machinery yards where there was equipment that had rusted and been left to rot,’’ she said.

‘‘It was a bit scary going into the abandoned sites, but I just squeezed through holes in fences.

‘‘The portraits represent how physical, spiritual and psychological identity is threatened by industrialisation, which removes individual human inspiration and imagination.

‘‘We now face a future of surreal, stunted landscapes.’’

Ms Psaltis also completed major works in English Extension II, Music and Society and Culture and was named on the All-round Achievers list for receiving marks in the highest band possible for 10 or more units.

She began her combined law and arts degree at the University of Newcastle in February 2015.

Artexpress at the Art Gallery of NSW will open to the public from Thursday.

The remaining works selected for Artexpress will be on display in venues across the state throughout the remainder of the year.

The exhibition will come to Maitland Regional Art Gallery between September 11 and November 1.

Rationale of the artwork

Alexia Psaltis
Hunter School of the Performing Arts

SUBSUMED

Photomedia
Prints to Breathing Colour Velvet paper

Subsumed is a series of portraits representing the threat to physical, spiritual and psychological identity from rampant industrialisation. The portraits identify how the dominance of industry removes individual human inspiration and imagination. We face a future of surreal, stunted landscapes populated by impaired humanity, symbolised by the replacement of human physicality with machinery. I photographed all the images of industrial structures, objects and landscapes that convey destruction and invasion. I layered these eclectic images with the human portraits to represent the unchecked, pervasive presence of industrial processes in our lives. We are consumed by industry and its detritus.

What is ArtExpress?

ARTEXPRESS is an annual exhibition of artworks created by students from government and non-government schools for the Higher School Certificate Examination in Visual Arts. The works demonstrate exceptional quality across a broad range of subject matter, approaches, styles and media including painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, documented forms, textiles and fibre, ceramics, digital animation, film and video, and collections of works.

ARTEXPRESS represents the high standards and diversity achieved by Year 12 Visual Arts students in New South Wales schools.

The continued excellence of the annual ARTEXPRESS exhibition is the outcome of a rigorous Visual Arts curriculum that builds on study from Kindergarten through to Year 12.

Visual Arts is part of the core curriculum in primary school and junior high school and a popular elective for the Higher School Certificate examination.

Student assessment in Visual Arts for the Higher School Certificate is based on submission of a Body of Work plus a written examination. Each students develops their submission through a process, recorded in a Visual Arts Process Diary, which reflects the problem-solving approach of the practising artist.

Equally important especially at senior level, is critical study and art history which plays a crucial role in informing the artworks produced by students.

The works chosen for ARTEXPRESS are a representative selection from over 12,000 examination submissions and reflect not only the talent of the individual students, but also the strength of the curriculum and excellence of Visual Arts teaching in New South Wales schools.

ARTEXPRESS is shown at 9 metropolitan and regional venues in NSW.

Open full entry

23/3/2015

Photos, Kytherian Art

Kytherian Art

Art work by Alexia Psaltis

Art student gets Subsumed

By HELEN GREGORY

Newcastle Herald

February 10th, 2015.

Reproduced with permission of The Newcastle Herald ©Copyright 2015

[[picture:"Alexia Psaltis 1.jpg" ID:22808]]

Alexia is the daughter of Peter and Sheri Psaltis, who live in Newcastle, and granddaughter of the late George Psaltis and Alexandra Psaltis (nee, Feros), of Gilgandra, and later Earlwood.

ALEXIA Psaltis’ hair-raising expeditions squeezing through fences to photograph abandoned industrial sites have paid off, culminating in an eye-catching piece selected to hang in the Art Gallery of NSW.

The 2014 dux of Hunter School of the Performing Arts is the woman behind Subsumed, which has been selected for Artexpress, a showcase of the best works of art completed by NSW students as part of last year’s Higher School Certificate.

Of the 219 works selected for exhibitions in galleries across the state, only 37 have been selected for inclusion in the exclusive Art Gallery of NSW exhibit.

‘‘When I heard, I was jumping around in excitement, it was the best feeling,’’ Ms Psaltis said.

‘‘Out of all of my HSC achievements, that’s the one that really stood out to me.’’

Ms Psaltis’ work explores the paradox of Newcastle’s heavy industry sitting alongside its pristine coast.

It comprises six surrealistic portraits of female figures, representing Mother Nature, being consumed by industrial structures, objects and landscapes that convey destruction and invasion.

Each portrait includes layers of hundreds of photos she captured from both active and abandoned industrial sites including Kooragang Island, Cockatoo Island and around Hexham and Maitland.

‘‘I visited quite a few deserted and unused machinery yards where there was equipment that had rusted and been left to rot,’’ she said.

‘‘It was a bit scary going into the abandoned sites, but I just squeezed through holes in fences.

‘‘The portraits represent how physical, spiritual and psychological identity is threatened by industrialisation, which removes individual human inspiration and imagination.

‘‘We now face a future of surreal, stunted landscapes.’’

Ms Psaltis also completed major works in English Extension II, Music and Society and Culture and was named on the All-round Achievers list for receiving marks in the highest band possible for 10 or more units.

She began her combined law and arts degree at the University of Newcastle in February 2015.

Artexpress at the Art Gallery of NSW will open to the public from Thursday.

The remaining works selected for Artexpress will be on display in venues across the state throughout the remainder of the year.

The exhibition will come to Maitland Regional Art Gallery between September 11 and November 1.

Rationale of the artwork

Alexia Psaltis
Hunter School of the Performing Arts

SUBSUMED

Photomedia
Prints to Breathing Colour Velvet paper

Subsumed is a series of portraits representing the threat to physical, spiritual and psychological identity from rampant industrialisation. The portraits identify how the dominance of industry removes individual human inspiration and imagination. We face a future of surreal, stunted landscapes populated by impaired humanity, symbolised by the replacement of human physicality with machinery. I photographed all the images of industrial structures, objects and landscapes that convey destruction and invasion. I layered these eclectic images with the human portraits to represent the unchecked, pervasive presence of industrial processes in our lives. We are consumed by industry and its detritus.

What is ArtExpress?

ARTEXPRESS is an annual exhibition of artworks created by students from government and non-government schools for the Higher School Certificate Examination in Visual Arts. The works demonstrate exceptional quality across a broad range of subject matter, approaches, styles and media including painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, documented forms, textiles and fibre, ceramics, digital animation, film and video, and collections of works.

ARTEXPRESS represents the high standards and diversity achieved by Year 12 Visual Arts students in New South Wales schools.

The continued excellence of the annual ARTEXPRESS exhibition is the outcome of a rigorous Visual Arts curriculum that builds on study from Kindergarten through to Year 12.

Visual Arts is part of the core curriculum in primary school and junior high school and a popular elective for the Higher School Certificate examination.

Student assessment in Visual Arts for the Higher School Certificate is based on submission of a Body of Work plus a written examination. Each students develops their submission through a process, recorded in a Visual Arts Process Diary, which reflects the problem-solving approach of the practising artist.

Equally important especially at senior level, is critical study and art history which plays a crucial role in informing the artworks produced by students.

The works chosen for ARTEXPRESS are a representative selection from over 12,000 examination submissions and reflect not only the talent of the individual students, but also the strength of the curriculum and excellence of Visual Arts teaching in New South Wales schools.

ARTEXPRESS is shown at 9 metropolitan and regional venues in NSW.

Open full entry

22/3/2015

Photos, Kytherian Art

Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

Alexia Psaltis

Art Student gets subsumed

By HELEN GREGORY

Newcastle Herald

February 10th, 2015

Reproduced with permission of The Newcastle Herald ©Copyright 2015.

Alexia is the daughter of Peter and Sheri Psaltis, who live in Newcastle, and granddaughter of the late George Psaltis and Alexandra Psaltis (nee, Feros), of Gilgandra, and later Earlwood.

ALEXIA Psaltis’ hair-raising expeditions squeezing through fences to photograph abandoned industrial sites have paid off, culminating in an eye-catching piece selected to hang in the Art Gallery of NSW.

The 2014 dux of Hunter School of the Performing Arts is the woman behind Subsumed, which has been selected for Artexpress, a showcase of the best works of art completed by NSW students as part of last year’s Higher School Certificate.

Of the 219 works selected for exhibitions in galleries across the state, only 37 have been selected for inclusion in the exclusive Art Gallery of NSW exhibit.

‘‘When I heard, I was jumping around in excitement, it was the best feeling,’’ Ms Psaltis said.

‘‘Out of all of my HSC achievements, that’s the one that really stood out to me.’’

Ms Psaltis’ work explores the paradox of Newcastle’s heavy industry sitting alongside its pristine coast.

It comprises six surrealistic portraits of female figures, representing Mother Nature, being consumed by industrial structures, objects and landscapes that convey destruction and invasion.

Each portrait includes layers of hundreds of photos she captured from both active and abandoned industrial sites including Kooragang Island, Cockatoo Island and around Hexham and Maitland.

‘‘I visited quite a few deserted and unused machinery yards where there was equipment that had rusted and been left to rot,’’ she said.

‘‘It was a bit scary going into the abandoned sites, but I just squeezed through holes in fences.

‘‘The portraits represent how physical, spiritual and psychological identity is threatened by industrialisation, which removes individual human inspiration and imagination.

‘‘We now face a future of surreal, stunted landscapes.’’

Ms Psaltis also completed major works in English Extension II, Music and Society and Culture and was named on the All-round Achievers list for receiving marks in the highest band possible for 10 or more units.

She began her combined law and arts degree at the University of Newcastle in February 2015.

Artexpress at the Art Gallery of NSW will open to the public from Thursday.

The remaining works selected for Artexpress will be on display in venues across the state throughout the remainder of the year.

The exhibition will come to Maitland Regional Art Gallery between September 11 and November 1.

Rationale of the artwork

Alexia Psaltis
Hunter School of the Performing Arts

SUBSUMED

Photomeita
Prints to Breathing Colour Velvet paper

Subsumed is a series of portraits representing the threat to physical, spiritual and psychological identity from rampant industrialisation. The portraits identify how the dominance of industry removes individual human inspiration and imagination. We face a future of surreal, stunted landscapes populated by impaired humanity, symbolised by the replacement of human physicality with machinery. I photographed all the images of industrial structures, objects and landscapes that convey destruction and invasion. I layered these eclectic images with the human portraits to represent the unchecked, pervasive presence of industrial processes in our lives. We are consumed by industry and its detritus.

What is ArtExpress?

ARTEXPRESS is an annual exhibition of artworks created by students from government and non-government schools for the Higher School Certificate Examination in Visual Arts. The works demonstrate exceptional quality across a broad range of subject matter, approaches, styles and media including painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, documented forms, textiles and fibre, ceramics, digital animation, film and video, and collections of works.

ARTEXPRESS represents the high standards and diversity achieved by Year 12 Visual Arts students in New South Wales schools.

The continued excellence of the annual ARTEXPRESS exhibition is the outcome of a rigorous Visual Arts curriculum that builds on study from Kindergarten through to Year 12.

Visual Arts is part of the core curriculum in primary school and junior high school and a popular elective for the Higher School Certificate examination.

Student assessment in Visual Arts for the Higher School Certificate is based on submission of a Body of Work plus a written examination. Each students develops their submission through a process, recorded in a Visual Arts Process Diary, which reflects the problem-solving approach of the practising artist.

Equally important especially at senior level, is critical study and art history which plays a crucial role in informing the artworks produced by students.

The works chosen for ARTEXPRESS are a representative selection from over 12,000 examination submissions and reflect not only the talent of the individual students, but also the strength of the curriculum and excellence of Visual Arts teaching in New South Wales schools.

ARTEXPRESS is shown at 9 metropolitan and regional venues in NSW.

Open full entry

22/3/2015

Photos, Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

Archive/Research

When Greek meets Greek - They marry

When Greek meets Greek-1948

When Greek meets Greek – They Marry
Lismore, Thursday – Two men and two women who had not seen each other since they were tiny children in Greece were married in Lismore last night (Wed 3 March) in the first* Greek double wedding for the district.
They were married in the Church of England with the Greek ceremony, by the Very Rev Metrofanis of Sydney.
The families of both couples have been life-long friends on the tiny island of Cirigo, but , but the two bridegrooms, George Psaltis and Gregory Londis came to Australia more than twenty years ago as boys.
The girls, Hariklia Feros and Katina Psaltis (Sister of one of the bridegrooms) arrived only a few weeks ago.
Neither bride speaks English, but a friend said they would soon be taught by their husbands.
Some of about 250 guests travelled more than 700miles. They came from all parts of New South Wales and Queensland.
Published in The Courier-Mail Brisbane, 5 March 1948.

George Psaltis – George Protopsaltis, arrived on the steamer Osterley at Sydney July 1928.
Gregory Londis – Gregory Leondarakis, sponsored by his brother George Leondarakis 1927

* Correction - The first double Greek Wedding in the district was first held on 5 June 1929 also at St Andrews Church of England Lismore when the Very Rev.Theofylactos of the Greek Orthodox Church conducted the marriages of Harry Fardouly (Inverell) to Artemis Crethar (Lismore) and George Poulos (Lismore) to Zafiro Crethar (Lismore).

“When Greek meets Greek” – Why we say this.
This often misquoted saying is a English saying rather than of a Greek saying and originates from an play written by Nathaniel Lee in the late 17thCentury.This expression has been used to headline reports of conflicts by opposing parties in law disputes, wars, civil matters, anecdotes, satire and cartoons in the Australian press from earliest times. On occasions Greeks themselves have been the protagonists.
On this occasion certainly a misquoted misquote with out question!

Written and researched
Peter Makarthis (McCarthy)
Inverell NSW
8 March 2015

Open full entry

8/3/2015

History, Archive/Research

Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

Two of Us. Kristina Oldson & Peter Preneas

Good Weekend

February 28, 2015

Photograph: Kristina Olsson with her brother, Peter Preneas, in Sydney.
Photo: Janie Barrett

By SUSAN WYNDHAM

Website designer Peter Preneas, 66, was a baby when he was snatched by his father as his pregnant mother boarded a train in Cairns in 1950; they were finally reunited in Brisbane in 1985, when he was 35. His half-sister, author Kristina Olsson, 58, tells their story in the 2013 memoir Boy, Lost.

Kristina:
The day Peter arrived in Brisbane, my mother called us all and said, "Can you come over? There's someone I'd like you to meet." We all turned up and none of us was surprised about who it was.

We were all protective of our mother that night. Peter's then-wife, Kim, was with him and their little girl, Tamara. The whole family was there: [my half-sister] Sharon and her son John, me and my then husband and two children, my two younger brothers, and my father and my mother. So it was easy to diffuse some of the emotion.

We didn't know the story, we just knew he had been taken from her. Seeing Peter and Sharon sitting together, it was indisputable that they were siblings. I liked him straight off. I recognised my mother in him - her eyes and her smile - and it was safe.

Around 2006, six years after mum died, he applied for his records from DOCS. He was shocked. He called and said, "Krissy, you're the writer in the family, why don't you write about this?" He thought it'd be interesting to put something together about the polio he suffered as a boy and all those people who thought they had recovered but were now getting post-polio syndrome. Later I rang him and said, "Polio is a big part of your life but I don't think it's what affected you most; it was being stolen from your mother's arms." He didn't want to do that, but finally he came back and said okay.

We'd been casual friends until then but we had to spend a lot of time together. It was incredibly emotional. When I'm in Sydney I stay with him in Newtown; he's turned over one of his rooms to me. He says all the time, "Don't do that Krissy, you don't want to do that." He would have been a wonderful big brother to have. We're all much bigger human beings because he's the person he is.

Peter is incorrigible in many ways, but he has an extraordinarily big heart; he's incredibly generous. There's a survival mechanism in him. Polio does that to you but living on the streets, the terrible abuse at the hands of his father and as a ward of the state; he's still the little boy who had to get off at the right station, had to sleep under the right bush, had to pick the right people and sometimes didn't. I think he trusts me now, and the rest of his family, but there's still that wariness about parts of the world.

The first thing people ask me is, "How's Peter now?" I say he's wonderful, and the thing that amazes me is that he's come through as this decent human being.

Peter:
I first started looking for my mother and her family when I was six. I started running away from my father's home; he would catch me, I'd run away the next day. I can remember being at Central Station asking people if they knew how I could find my mother. If I hadn't found Mum, I'd be bitter, I'd be a different person. I probably felt sorry for myself for not having had that nurturing but I have no resentment towards my mother's later children, because all they have ever given me is love.

I like having little brothers and sisters. They naturally love me and accept me 100 per cent for all the stupid things I've done along the way that should have put them off. All I told them was the fun stuff.

I told them I used to renovate massage parlours and did a bit of travelling; the stuff you could brag about. I didn't tell about the dark stuff because I was ashamed of it.

When I was eight or nine, I was molested by some guy opposite Maitland Public School. And when I was 11, I was picked up in North Sydney and a man had five charges laid against him of sexual molesting. I didn't tell Krissy about this for the book. I was hungry on the streets; I didn't know what was going on.

I'd have liked to be around when Krissy was younger and going out with boys so I could belt 'em up. I missed out on all that. She mightn't have got married quite so quickly; I'd have warned her about 'em.

But she's got two beautiful children, so she would never regret her marriage.

Krissy is eccentric. Ring her and her message says: "I don't normally take calls so ring me back." She has a passion for writing - and can't she write! I said to her one day, "You don't make any money out of this writing. I can give you some stories." But she's not interested. I could give her a series on [Sydney brothel] A Touch of Class or the underworld.

I think the book took its toll on her. She'd come down to Sydney and we'd walk around Sydney Hospital, where I spent a couple of years. We walked around the Rocks, and I showed her where I used to sleep and a tree I slept inside under a Harbour Bridge pylon. When she was doing the final editing, she rang me up and started bawling her eyes out: "What happened to you Peter, it's all coming to me now." I was having a little cry, too, but she was beside herself because it all came crashing down.

Krissy brought us all closer together by writing the book. We all now know what Mum went through, what I went through, what we all missed out on. I just did a website for the family photos. I'm the custodian of 18 or 20 photo albums, so I'm scanning them and putting them on DVDs and I'll give a copy to all the kids. I'm catching up with what I missed out on.

Open full entry

6/3/2015

Photos, Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

Life Stories

Two of us: Kristina Olsson and Peter Preneas

Good Weekend

February 28, 2015

[[picture:"image.jpg" ID:22789]]

Photograph: Kristina Olsson with her brother, Peter Preneas, in Sydney.
Photo: Janie Barrettc

By SUSAN WYNDHAM

Website designer Peter Preneas, 66, was a baby when he was snatched by his father as his pregnant mother boarded a train in Cairns in 1950; they were finally reunited in Brisbane in 1985, when he was 35. His half-sister, author Kristina Olsson, 58, tells their story in the 2013 memoir Boy, Lost.

Kristina:
The day Peter arrived in Brisbane, my mother called us all and said, "Can you come over? There's someone I'd like you to meet." We all turned up and none of us was surprised about who it was.

We were all protective of our mother that night. Peter's then-wife, Kim, was with him and their little girl, Tamara. The whole family was there: [my half-sister] Sharon and her son John, me and my then husband and two children, my two younger brothers, and my father and my mother. So it was easy to diffuse some of the emotion.

We didn't know the story, we just knew he had been taken from her. Seeing Peter and Sharon sitting together, it was indisputable that they were siblings. I liked him straight off. I recognised my mother in him - her eyes and her smile - and it was safe.

Around 2006, six years after mum died, he applied for his records from DOCS. He was shocked. He called and said, "Krissy, you're the writer in the family, why don't you write about this?" He thought it'd be interesting to put something together about the polio he suffered as a boy and all those people who thought they had recovered but were now getting post-polio syndrome. Later I rang him and said, "Polio is a big part of your life but I don't think it's what affected you most; it was being stolen from your mother's arms." He didn't want to do that, but finally he came back and said okay.

We'd been casual friends until then but we had to spend a lot of time together. It was incredibly emotional. When I'm in Sydney I stay with him in Newtown; he's turned over one of his rooms to me. He says all the time, "Don't do that Krissy, you don't want to do that." He would have been a wonderful big brother to have. We're all much bigger human beings because he's the person he is.

Peter is incorrigible in many ways, but he has an extraordinarily big heart; he's incredibly generous. There's a survival mechanism in him. Polio does that to you but living on the streets, the terrible abuse at the hands of his father and as a ward of the state; he's still the little boy who had to get off at the right station, had to sleep under the right bush, had to pick the right people and sometimes didn't. I think he trusts me now, and the rest of his family, but there's still that wariness about parts of the world.

The first thing people ask me is, "How's Peter now?" I say he's wonderful, and the thing that amazes me is that he's come through as this decent human being.

Peter:
I first started looking for my mother and her family when I was six. I started running away from my father's home; he would catch me, I'd run away the next day. I can remember being at Central Station asking people if they knew how I could find my mother. If I hadn't found Mum, I'd be bitter, I'd be a different person. I probably felt sorry for myself for not having had that nurturing but I have no resentment towards my mother's later children, because all they have ever given me is love.

I like having little brothers and sisters. They naturally love me and accept me 100 per cent for all the stupid things I've done along the way that should have put them off. All I told them was the fun stuff.

I told them I used to renovate massage parlours and did a bit of travelling; the stuff you could brag about. I didn't tell about the dark stuff because I was ashamed of it.

When I was eight or nine, I was molested by some guy opposite Maitland Public School. And when I was 11, I was picked up in North Sydney and a man had five charges laid against him of sexual molesting. I didn't tell Krissy about this for the book. I was hungry on the streets; I didn't know what was going on.

I'd have liked to be around when Krissy was younger and going out with boys so I could belt 'em up. I missed out on all that. She mightn't have got married quite so quickly; I'd have warned her about 'em.

But she's got two beautiful children, so she would never regret her marriage.

Krissy is eccentric. Ring her and her message says: "I don't normally take calls so ring me back." She has a passion for writing - and can't she write! I said to her one day, "You don't make any money out of this writing. I can give you some stories." But she's not interested. I could give her a series on [Sydney brothel] A Touch of Class or the underworld.

I think the book took its toll on her. She'd come down to Sydney and we'd walk around Sydney Hospital, where I spent a couple of years. We walked around the Rocks, and I showed her where I used to sleep and a tree I slept inside under a Harbour Bridge pylon. When she was doing the final editing, she rang me up and started bawling her eyes out: "What happened to you Peter, it's all coming to me now." I was having a little cry, too, but she was beside herself because it all came crashing down.

Krissy brought us all closer together by writing the book. We all now know what Mum went through, what I went through, what we all missed out on. I just did a website for the family photos. I'm the custodian of 18 or 20 photo albums, so I'm scanning them and putting them on DVDs and I'll give a copy to all the kids. I'm catching up with what I missed out on.

Open full entry

6/3/2015

People, Life Stories

Island Churches & Icons

the church of rock !

a church just below the village of mitata which is carved into a rock ,

Open full entry

10/1/2015

Photos, Island Churches & Icons

Island Churches & Icons

away in mitata !

after the Christmas church service at mitata , the children of the village in a cave next to the church created the nativity scene

Open full entry

10/1/2015

Photos, Island Churches & Icons

Island Churches & Icons

christmas blessings !

a Christmas church service which was held at mitata, with the bishop in attendance ....

Open full entry

10/1/2015

Photos, Island Churches & Icons

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The presence of a donkey is mandatory at grand Roxy functions

This Bingara local will soon star in a movie about Simpson's donkey, set in Gallipoli.

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Program, History & Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

View/download .pdf of the Invitation, here:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Roxy Invitation.pdf

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

ROXY HISTORY.pdf

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Bingara Advocte Weds April 9th 2014 Kytherian Celebrations.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister, April 16th, 20114, page 4

Ellinon_Logos_Greek_Article_on_Roxy_Museum Sat_May_3rd_2014_p28.pdf

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

19/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

One of the antique cars that made the journey to Bingara

to be part of the Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Program, History & Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

View/download .pdf of the Invitation, here:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Roxy Invitation.pdf

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

ROXY HISTORY.pdf

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Bingara Advocte Weds April 9th 2014 Kytherian Celebrations.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister, April 16th, 20114, page 4

Ellinon_Logos_Greek_Article_on_Roxy_Museum Sat_May_3rd_2014_p28.pdf

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

19/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Some of the beautiful antique cars that made the journey to Bingara

to be part of the Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Program, History & Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

View/download .pdf of the Invitation, here:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Roxy Invitation.pdf

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

ROXY HISTORY.pdf

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Bingara Advocte Weds April 9th 2014 Kytherian Celebrations.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister, April 16th, 20114, page 4

Ellinon_Logos_Greek_Article_on_Roxy_Museum Sat_May_3rd_2014_p28.pdf

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

19/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Leeah Daley (right) with Max Eastcott and his wife Lisa (centre)

at the grand opening ceremony of the Roxy Museum

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Program, History & Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

View/download .pdf of the Invitation, here:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Roxy Invitation.pdf

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

ROXY HISTORY.pdf

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Bingara Advocte Weds April 9th 2014 Kytherian Celebrations.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister, April 16th, 20114, page 4

Ellinon_Logos_Greek_Article_on_Roxy_Museum Sat_May_3rd_2014_p28.pdf

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

19/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Max Eastcott with wife Lisa at the Roxy Greek Museum opening

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Program, History & Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

View/download .pdf of the Invitation, here:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Roxy Invitation.pdf

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

ROXY HISTORY.pdf

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Bingara Advocte Weds April 9th 2014 Kytherian Celebrations.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister, April 16th, 20114, page 4

Ellinon_Logos_Greek_Article_on_Roxy_Museum Sat_May_3rd_2014_p28.pdf

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

13/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Diaspora Social Life

Children dancing, and celebrating their heritage

at the Kytherian Association November Family Dance, Westside Reception Lounge, Marrickville on 23 November 2013. kythera-family.net was wished a very happy tenth birthday on the night.

kythera-family.net turns ten. Χρόνια Πολλά. Να τα εκατοστήσεις

"I found Vikki Vrettos Fraioli on Kythera-Family.net and mailed her regarding her Hlentzos connection, and since the first email a couple of days ago, I have had many many emails from her with a huge amount of information regarding my relatives. If this website was not available to us, all this information would never have been shared."
Heather de Marco, April 2013

James Prineas:

It is now ten years since we first launched kythera-family.net (kfn). If you don't already know how it came to be, here's a short recap of the story:
The seed was actually sown back in 1996 when I put on a photographic exhibition called "A Village on Kythera" in the Bondi Pavilion. There I met so many lovely Kytherians (and others – like a group of Sicilian grand¬mothers who cried when they saw my pictures because it reminded them of home...). Many of the Kytherians told me of their collections of vintage pictures from Kythera. I would have loved to help them collate and scan and publish their pictures but it wasn't until about 2001 that I found an affordable and practical solution: to use the internet.

Back then, "community sites" were almost unheard of and the founder of Facebook was probably just out of nappies. So I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised that my idea to create an online heritage repository, to which members of the Kytherian community could upload their family material to the site for the rest of the world to share and enjoy, fell on deaf ears in the beginning.

Then a man, who, up until that time, had never used the internet himself, saved the day: Angelo Notaras. Ann Coward suggested I get in touch with him and it didn't take long for Angelo to recognise the potential benefits to the Kytherian community and he put his conside-rable reputation behind the project. He and his equally generous brothers, John and the late Mitch Notaras, put their money where their vision was and helped convince others to financially support the endeavour.

Next came the ebullient George C. Poulos to the party and, when he wasn't fervently preaching to the less internet-savvy members of the Kytherian Association of Australia (KAA) that the internet wasn't just a fad, he was motivating community members to entrust copies of their heritage material to him to upload to the young site. He and Angelo managed to persuade the KAA Board to embrace the concept, and the latter have been loyal supporters ever since, as evidenced by this article.

The initial problem was that the people with the most knowledge and material on Kythera were of a generation who were still fazed by mobile telephones, never mind by "websites", "uploading" and "urls". Ten years on, even if that generation doesn't use the internet or emails regularly themselves, they generally know what it is about and allow their children and grandchildren to upload their family stories and picture to our site.

Over the past ten years the 3,000 registered users have submitted over 19 000 entries to KFN: life stories, maps, recipes, and other documents to the site, which are viewed by around 20 000 visitors each month!

The extensive Message Board on the site gives evidence of the hundreds of connections made by the site between Kytherians separated by thousands of kilometres, or far less. Two of our most avid contributors live only a few kilometres from each other in California, but discovered their family link through our site.

The possible significance of one group photo from Kythera from 1920 with a dozen people in it is exponential: a fifty-year-old in that picture might have had five children and twenty grandchildren and forty great-grandchildren. That makes sixty-five descendents per person in the picture and a total of 780 for all the subjects. Now, how many of those 780 will have ever seen that picture? Not many if it is stored under someone's bed. But online all of them have access if they care to look.

And the nice thing about a website as opposed to a publication is that there is virtually no limit to the amount which can be presented on it. So it's not too late to post your grandmother's Greek passport or your great-great-grandfather's birth certificate. It's the best way to make sure that your own great-grandchildren will be able to find it one day.

The ten-year anniversary of kythera-family was celebrated with a well-attended party held at the Mill Resort, Mitata, Kythera, in July 2013.

In Australia it was celebrated at the Kytherian Association November Family Dance, Westside Reception Lounge, Marrickville on 23 November 2013.

George Poulos:

I agree with James that the key driver of kfn has been Angelo Notaras OAM. I also agree that the success of the web-site can be attributed to a number of superior features inherent in the site: The web-site is generative. One photograph or one story can elicit a great deal of additional inter-related information.

The web-site is connective. Individuals, families, and organisations have been connected, and re-connected. At every level, the spirit of kytheraismos has been greatly enhanced.

The web-site is revelatory. New information is being uncovered all the time, which most of the world’s Kytherians had previously been unaware of.

The number of Kytherians and Philokytherians who, like Heather der Marco, quoted earlier, who have derived immense pleasure from kythera-family.net? Unknowable! What we do know is that an economic and architectonic infrastructure has been put in place to ensure that www.kythera-family.net will be maintained indefinitely. Hence it will always remain a key force in the preservation, maintenance, and enhancement of Kytherian history, culture, artefacts, ethos and heritage.

By its very existence kythera-family.net has helped energise its principals and supporters to create new and exciting projects – many of which most Kytherians around the world would not guess have derived from kfn. These include the publishing accomplishments of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund – as of mid 2014 thirty-one books with a Kytherian theme available for sale in Australia and in Greece.

kfn has also forged powerful links with the Society of Kytherian Studies in Athens, who have also published 25 books with a Kytherian theme in the Greek language, and the Departments of History and Philosophy at Athens University through Professor’s George and Athanassia Leontsinis. Strong links with KIPA and the Kytheriasmos Institute have also been created. The website has already inspired a Masters Thesis in Germany by Angeliki Pentsi, and Alexander Riedmuller will soon publish his Ph.D thesis on the the kfn website in Bamberg, Germany.

kfn aids people in research, sometimes on a daily basis. For example, on the 7th of April 2014, I received an email from a person thanking kfn and me for providing information on the site which helped him with a paper he delivered the previous week to the 10th Panionian Conference. The topic being "Kythira-Smyrna: The steamboat connection between two places during the 19th century and their unknown perspective." Rosa Cassimatis's name found its way into all.

After research I have concluded that Rosa is NOT buried, as most believe, in the Angelo Cavallini tomb in the Saint Spyridon of Kapsali cemetery but was, most likely, buried in Corfu where she died. If she had been buried in Kythera she should have been mentioned on the gravestone, as her (second) husband died much later than her. No such thing. The Corfu Mental Hospital Archives do not report any final resting place, but as she died in 1882 even if she had been buried in the city of Corfu cemetery her grave is probably lost. Again I'd like to thank all contributors to the site who helped me with my research”. This is a tangential Kytherian interest. But the communication indicates into how many different areas kfn managed to penetrate.

kfn inspiration also led to the preservation and archiving of the Fatseas collection of plate glass negative photographs. This in turn led to the publication of the books, A Kytherian Century and Panayotis Fatseas: Kytherian Faces, 1920-1938, and an Exhibition in the prestigious Benaki Museum, Athens.

Other Special Projects included the importation into Kythera of medical and aged care equipment to benefit residents and patients at the Aged Care facility and Hospital at Potamos. The importation into Kythera of Library shelving from the USA, and later the organisation and funding to completion of both the interior and exterior of the Kytherian Municipal Library, the first Lending Library established on Kythera in 3,000 years. Principals of kfn also aided in creating the first Greek Australian Museum of migration in Australia – the Roxy Museum, located within the Roxy Museum ‘complex’ in Bingara.

James Russell Lowell (1819-1891) asserted that "creativity is not the finding of a thing, but the making something out of it after it is found." By that criterion www.kythera-family.net is a very creative entity indeed. Να τα εκατοστήσεις.

You are the authors! Kythera-Family.net - the online cultural archive for Kythera - aims to preserve and reflect the rich heritage of a wonderful island. Members of the community are actively invited to submit their family collection of Kytherian stories, photographs, recipes, oral histories, and home remedies etc. to the site. Uploading directly to the site is easy and free. Thus we can help make available valuable and interesting material for current and future generations, and inspire young Kytherians to learn more about their fascinating heritage.

Open full entry

11/5/2014

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Documents

The logo of kythera-family.net

has become a ubiquitous and powerful image throughout the Kytherian world" over the past 10 years.

kythera-family.net turns ten. Χρόνια Πολλά. Να τα εκατοστήσεις

I found Vikki Vrettos Fraioli on Kythera-Family.net and mailed her regarding her Hlentzos connection, and since the first email a couple of days ago, I have had many many emails from her with a huge amount of information regarding my relatives. If this website was not available to us, all this information would never have been shared."
Heather de Marco, April 2013

James Prineas:

It is now ten years since we first launched kythera-family.net (kfn). If you don't already know how it came to be, here's a short recap of the story:
The seed was actually sown back in 1996 when I put on a photographic exhibition called "A Village on Kythera" in the Bondi Pavilion. There I met so many lovely Kytherians (and others – like a group of Sicilian grand¬mothers who cried when they saw my pictures because it reminded them of home...). Many of the Kytherians told me of their collections of vintage pictures from Kythera. I would have loved to help them collate and scan and publish their pictures but it wasn't until about 2001 that I found an affordable and practical solution: to use the internet.

Back then, "community sites" were almost unheard of and the founder of Facebook was probably just out of nappies. So I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised that my idea to create an online heritage repository, to which members of the Kytherian community could upload their family material to the site for the rest of the world to share and enjoy, fell on deaf ears in the beginning.

Then a man, who, up until that time, had never used the internet himself, saved the day: Angelo Notaras. Ann Coward suggested I get in touch with him and it didn't take long for Angelo to recognise the potential benefits to the Kytherian community and he put his conside-rable reputation behind the project. He and his equally generous brothers, John and the late Mitch Notaras, put their money where their vision was and helped convince others to financially support the endeavour.

Next came the ebullient George C. Poulos to the party and, when he wasn't fervently preaching to the less internet-savvy members of the Kytherian Association of Australia (KAA) that the internet wasn't just a fad, he was motivating community members to entrust copies of their heritage material to him to upload to the young site. He and Angelo managed to persuade the KAA Board to embrace the concept, and the latter have been loyal supporters ever since, as evidenced by this article.

The initial problem was that the people with the most knowledge and material on Kythera were of a generation who were still fazed by mobile telephones, never mind by "websites", "uploading" and "urls". Ten years on, even if that generation doesn't use the internet or emails regularly themselves, they generally know what it is about and allow their children and grandchildren to upload their family stories and picture to our site.

Over the past ten years the 3,000 registered users have submitted over 19 000 entries to KFN: life stories, maps, recipes, and other documents to the site, which are viewed by around 20 000 visitors each month!

The extensive Message Board on the site gives evidence of the hundreds of connections made by the site between Kytherians separated by thousands of kilometres, or far less. Two of our most avid contributors live only a few kilometres from each other in California, but discovered their family link through our site.

The possible significance of one group photo from Kythera from 1920 with a dozen people in it is exponential: a fifty-year-old in that picture might have had five children and twenty grandchildren and forty great-grandchildren. That makes sixty-five descendents per person in the picture and a total of 780 for all the subjects. Now, how many of those 780 will have ever seen that picture? Not many if it is stored under someone's bed. But online all of them have access if they care to look.

And the nice thing about a website as opposed to a publication is that there is virtually no limit to the amount which can be presented on it. So it's not too late to post your grandmother's Greek passport or your great-great-grandfather's birth certificate. It's the best way to make sure that your own great-grandchildren will be able to find it one day.

The ten-year anniversary of kythera-family was celebrated with a well-attended party held at the Mill Resort, Mitata, Kythera, in July 2013.

In Australia it was celebrated at the Kytherian Association November Family Dance, Westside Reception Lounge, Marrickville on 23 November 2013.

[[picture:"Familydance-0790ts.tif" ID:22315]]

George Poulos:

I agree with James that the key driver of kfn has been Angelo Notaras OAM. I also agree that the success of the web-site can be attributed to a number of superior features inherent in the site: The web-site is generative. One photograph or one story can elicit a great deal of additional inter-related information.

The web-site is connective. Individuals, families, and organisations have been connected, and re-connected. At every level, the spirit of kytheraismos has been greatly enhanced.

The web-site is revelatory. New information is being uncovered all the time, which most of the world’s Kytherians had previously been unaware of.

The number of Kytherians and Philokytherians who, like Heather der Marco, quoted earlier, who have derived immense pleasure from kythera-family.net? Unknowable! What we do know is that an economic and architectonic infrastructure has been put in place to ensure that www.kythera-family.net will be maintained indefinitely. Hence it will always remain a key force in the preservation, maintenance, and enhancement of Kytherian history, culture, artefacts, ethos and heritage.

By its very existence kythera-family.net has helped energise its principals and supporters to create new and exciting projects – many of which most Kytherians around the world would not guess have derived from kfn. These include the publishing accomplishments of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund – as of mid 2014 thirty-one books with a Kytherian theme available for sale in Australia and in Greece.

kfn has also forged powerful links with the Society of Kytherian Studies in Athens, who have also published 25 books with a Kytherian theme in the Greek language, and the Departments of History and Philosophy at Athens University through Professor’s George and Athanassia Leontsinis. Strong links with KIPA and the Kytheriasmos Institute have also been created. The website has already inspired a Masters Thesis in Germany by Angeliki Pentsi, and Alexander Riedmuller will soon publish his Ph.D thesis on the the kfn website in Bamberg, Germany.

kfn aids people in research, sometimes on a daily basis. For example, on the 7th of April 2014, I received an email from a person thanking kfn and me for providing information on the site which helped him with a paper he delivered the previous week to the 10th Panionian Conference. The topic being "Kythira-Smyrna: The steamboat connection between two places during the 19th century and their unknown perspective." Rosa Cassimatis's name found its way into all.

After research I have concluded that Rosa is NOT buried, as most believe, in the Angelo Cavallini tomb in the Saint Spyridon of Kapsali cemetery but was, most likely, buried in Corfu where she died. If she had been buried in Kythera she should have been mentioned on the gravestone, as her (second) husband died much later than her. No such thing. The Corfu Mental Hospital Archives do not report any final resting place, but as she died in 1882 even if she had been buried in the city of Corfu cemetery her grave is probably lost. Again I'd like to thank all contributors to the site who helped me with my research”. This is a tangential Kytherian interest. But the communication indicates into how many different areas kfn managed to penetrate.

kfn inspiration also led to the preservation and archiving of the Fatseas collection of plate glass negative photographs. This in turn led to the publication of the books, A Kytherian Century and Panayotis Fatseas: Kytherian Faces, 1920-1938, and an Exhibition in the prestigious Benaki Museum, Athens.

Other Special Projects included the importation into Kythera of medical and aged care equipment to benefit residents and patients at the Aged Care facility and Hospital at Potamos. The importation into Kythera of Library shelving from the USA, and later the organisation and funding to completion of both the interior and exterior of the Kytherian Municipal Library, the first Lending Library established on Kythera in 3,000 years. Principals of kfn also aided in creating the first Greek Australian Museum of migration in Australia – the Roxy Museum, located within the Roxy Museum ‘complex’ in Bingara.

James Russell Lowell (1819-1891) asserted that "creativity is not the finding of a thing, but the making something out of it after it is found." By that criterion www.kythera-family.net is a very creative entity indeed. Να τα εκατοστήσεις.

You are the authors! Kythera-Family.net - the online cultural archive for Kythera - aims to preserve and reflect the rich heritage of a wonderful island. Members of the community are actively invited to submit their family collection of Kytherian stories, photographs, recipes, oral histories, and home remedies etc. to the site. Uploading directly to the site is easy and free. Thus we can help make available valuable and interesting material for current and future generations, and inspire young Kytherians to learn more about their fascinating heritage.

Open full entry

11/5/2014

History, Documents

Architecture

Guests gathered at the Mill Resort at Mitata in July 2013

to celebrate the 10th Birthday Party of kythera-family.net.

kythera-family.net turns ten. Χρόνια Πολλά. Να τα εκατοστήσεις

"I found Vikki Vrettos Fraioli on Kythera-Family.net and mailed her regarding her Hlentzos connection, and since the first email a couple of days ago, I have had many many emails from her with a huge amount of information regarding my relatives. If this website was not available to us, all this information would never have been shared."
Heather de Marco, April 2013

James Prineas:

It is now ten years since we first launched kythera-family.net (kfn). If you don't already know how it came to be, here's a short recap of the story:
The seed was actually sown back in 1996 when I put on a photographic exhibition called "A Village on Kythera" in the Bondi Pavilion. There I met so many lovely Kytherians (and others – like a group of Sicilian grand¬mothers who cried when they saw my pictures because it reminded them of home...). Many of the Kytherians told me of their collections of vintage pictures from Kythera. I would have loved to help them collate and scan and publish their pictures but it wasn't until about 2001 that I found an affordable and practical solution: to use the internet.

Back then, "community sites" were almost unheard of and the founder of Facebook was probably just out of nappies. So I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised that my idea to create an online heritage repository, to which members of the Kytherian community could upload their family material to the site for the rest of the world to share and enjoy, fell on deaf ears in the beginning.

Then a man, who, up until that time, had never used the internet himself, saved the day: Angelo Notaras. Ann Coward suggested I get in touch with him and it didn't take long for Angelo to recognise the potential benefits to the Kytherian community and he put his conside-rable reputation behind the project. He and his equally generous brothers, John and the late Mitch Notaras, put their money where their vision was and helped convince others to financially support the endeavour.

Next came the ebullient George C. Poulos to the party and, when he wasn't fervently preaching to the less internet-savvy members of the Kytherian Association of Australia (KAA) that the internet wasn't just a fad, he was motivating community members to entrust copies of their heritage material to him to upload to the young site. He and Angelo managed to persuade the KAA Board to embrace the concept, and the latter have been loyal supporters ever since, as evidenced by this article.

The initial problem was that the people with the most knowledge and material on Kythera were of a generation who were still fazed by mobile telephones, never mind by "websites", "uploading" and "urls". Ten years on, even if that generation doesn't use the internet or emails regularly themselves, they generally know what it is about and allow their children and grandchildren to upload their family stories and picture to our site.

Over the past ten years the 3,000 registered users have submitted over 19 000 entries to KFN: life stories, maps, recipes, and other documents to the site, which are viewed by around 20 000 visitors each month!

The extensive Message Board on the site gives evidence of the hundreds of connections made by the site between Kytherians separated by thousands of kilometres, or far less. Two of our most avid contributors live only a few kilometres from each other in California, but discovered their family link through our site.

The possible significance of one group photo from Kythera from 1920 with a dozen people in it is exponential: a fifty-year-old in that picture might have had five children and twenty grandchildren and forty great-grandchildren. That makes sixty-five descendents per person in the picture and a total of 780 for all the subjects. Now, how many of those 780 will have ever seen that picture? Not many if it is stored under someone's bed. But online all of them have access if they care to look.

And the nice thing about a website as opposed to a publication is that there is virtually no limit to the amount which can be presented on it. So it's not too late to post your grandmother's Greek passport or your great-great-grandfather's birth certificate. It's the best way to make sure that your own great-grandchildren will be able to find it one day.

The ten-year anniversary of kythera-family was celebrated with a well-attended party held at the Mill Resort, Mitata, Kythera, in July 2013.

In Australia it was celebrated at the Kytherian Association November Family Dance, Westside Reception Lounge, Marrickville on 23 November 2013.

[[picture:"Familydance-0790ts.tif" ID:22315]]

George Poulos:

I agree with James that the key driver of kfn has been Angelo Notaras OAM. I also agree that the success of the web-site can be attributed to a number of superior features inherent in the site: The web-site is generative. One photograph or one story can elicit a great deal of additional inter-related information.

The web-site is connective. Individuals, families, and organisations have been connected, and re-connected. At every level, the spirit of kytheraismos has been greatly enhanced.

The web-site is revelatory. New information is being uncovered all the time, which most of the world’s Kytherians had previously been unaware of.

The number of Kytherians and Philokytherians who, like Heather der Marco, quoted earlier, who have derived immense pleasure from kythera-family.net? Unknowable! What we do know is that an economic and architectonic infrastructure has been put in place to ensure that www.kythera-family.net will be maintained indefinitely. Hence it will always remain a key force in the preservation, maintenance, and enhancement of Kytherian history, culture, artefacts, ethos and heritage.

By its very existence kythera-family.net has helped energise its principals and supporters to create new and exciting projects – many of which most Kytherians around the world would not guess have derived from kfn. These include the publishing accomplishments of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund – as of mid 2014 thirty-one books with a Kytherian theme available for sale in Australia and in Greece.

kfn has also forged powerful links with the Society of Kytherian Studies in Athens, who have also published 25 books with a Kytherian theme in the Greek language, and the Departments of History and Philosophy at Athens University through Professor’s George and Athanassia Leontsinis. Strong links with KIPA and the Kytheriasmos Institute have also been created. The website has already inspired a Masters Thesis in Germany by Angeliki Pentsi, and Alexander Riedmuller will soon publish his Ph.D thesis on the the kfn website in Bamberg, Germany.

kfn aids people in research, sometimes on a daily basis. For example, on the 7th of April 2014, I received an email from a person thanking kfn and me for providing information on the site which helped him with a paper he delivered the previous week to the 10th Panionian Conference. The topic being "Kythira-Smyrna: The steamboat connection between two places during the 19th century and their unknown perspective." Rosa Cassimatis's name found its way into all.

After research I have concluded that Rosa is NOT buried, as most believe, in the Angelo Cavallini tomb in the Saint Spyridon of Kapsali cemetery but was, most likely, buried in Corfu where she died. If she had been buried in Kythera she should have been mentioned on the gravestone, as her (second) husband died much later than her. No such thing. The Corfu Mental Hospital Archives do not report any final resting place, but as she died in 1882 even if she had been buried in the city of Corfu cemetery her grave is probably lost. Again I'd like to thank all contributors to the site who helped me with my research”. This is a tangential Kytherian interest. But the communication indicates into how many different areas kfn managed to penetrate.

kfn inspiration also led to the preservation and archiving of the Fatseas collection of plate glass negative photographs. This in turn led to the publication of the books, A Kytherian Century and Panayotis Fatseas: Kytherian Faces, 1920-1938, and an Exhibition in the prestigious Benaki Museum, Athens.

Other Special Projects included the importation into Kythera of medical and aged care equipment to benefit residents and patients at the Aged Care facility and Hospital at Potamos. The importation into Kythera of Library shelving from the USA, and later the organisation and funding to completion of both the interior and exterior of the Kytherian Municipal Library, the first Lending Library established on Kythera in 3,000 years. Principals of kfn also aided in creating the first Greek Australian Museum of migration in Australia – the Roxy Museum, located within the Roxy Museum ‘complex’ in Bingara.

James Russell Lowell (1819-1891) asserted that "creativity is not the finding of a thing, but the making something out of it after it is found." By that criterion www.kythera-family.net is a very creative entity indeed. Να τα εκατοστήσεις.

You are the authors! Kythera-Family.net - the online cultural archive for Kythera - aims to preserve and reflect the rich heritage of a wonderful island. Members of the community are actively invited to submit their family collection of Kytherian stories, photographs, recipes, oral histories, and home remedies etc. to the site. Uploading directly to the site is easy and free. Thus we can help make available valuable and interesting material for current and future generations, and inspire young Kytherians to learn more about their fascinating heritage.

Open full entry

11/5/2014

Photos, Architecture

Diaspora Social Life

Guests gathered at the Mill Resort at Mitata in July 2013

to clebrate the 10th Birthday Party of kythera-family.net.

kythera-family.net turns ten. Χρόνια Πολλά. Να τα εκατοστήσεις

"I found Vikki Vrettos Fraioli on Kythera-Family.net and mailed her regarding her Hlentzos connection, and since the first email a couple of days ago, I have had many many emails from her with a huge amount of information regarding my relatives. If this website was not available to us, all this information would never have been shared."
Heather de Marco, April 2013

James Prineas:

It is now ten years since we first launched kythera-family.net (kfn). If you don't already know how it came to be, here's a short recap of the story:
The seed was actually sown back in 1996 when I put on a photographic exhibition called "A Village on Kythera" in the Bondi Pavilion. There I met so many lovely Kytherians (and others – like a group of Sicilian grand¬mothers who cried when they saw my pictures because it reminded them of home...). Many of the Kytherians told me of their collections of vintage pictures from Kythera. I would have loved to help them collate and scan and publish their pictures but it wasn't until about 2001 that I found an affordable and practical solution: to use the internet.

Back then, "community sites" were almost unheard of and the founder of Facebook was probably just out of nappies. So I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised that my idea to create an online heritage repository, to which members of the Kytherian community could upload their family material to the site for the rest of the world to share and enjoy, fell on deaf ears in the beginning.

Then a man, who, up until that time, had never used the internet himself, saved the day: Angelo Notaras. Ann Coward suggested I get in touch with him and it didn't take long for Angelo to recognise the potential benefits to the Kytherian community and he put his conside-rable reputation behind the project. He and his equally generous brothers, John and the late Mitch Notaras, put their money where their vision was and helped convince others to financially support the endeavour.

Next came the ebullient George C. Poulos to the party and, when he wasn't fervently preaching to the less internet-savvy members of the Kytherian Association of Australia (KAA) that the internet wasn't just a fad, he was motivating community members to entrust copies of their heritage material to him to upload to the young site. He and Angelo managed to persuade the KAA Board to embrace the concept, and the latter have been loyal supporters ever since, as evidenced by this article.

The initial problem was that the people with the most knowledge and material on Kythera were of a generation who were still fazed by mobile telephones, never mind by "websites", "uploading" and "urls". Ten years on, even if that generation doesn't use the internet or emails regularly themselves, they generally know what it is about and allow their children and grandchildren to upload their family stories and picture to our site.

Over the past ten years the 3,000 registered users have submitted over 19 000 entries to KFN: life stories, maps, recipes, and other documents to the site, which are viewed by around 20 000 visitors each month!

The extensive Message Board on the site gives evidence of the hundreds of connections made by the site between Kytherians separated by thousands of kilometres, or far less. Two of our most avid contributors live only a few kilometres from each other in California, but discovered their family link through our site.

The possible significance of one group photo from Kythera from 1920 with a dozen people in it is exponential: a fifty-year-old in that picture might have had five children and twenty grandchildren and forty great-grandchildren. That makes sixty-five descendents per person in the picture and a total of 780 for all the subjects. Now, how many of those 780 will have ever seen that picture? Not many if it is stored under someone's bed. But online all of them have access if they care to look.

And the nice thing about a website as opposed to a publication is that there is virtually no limit to the amount which can be presented on it. So it's not too late to post your grandmother's Greek passport or your great-great-grandfather's birth certificate. It's the best way to make sure that your own great-grandchildren will be able to find it one day.

The ten-year anniversary of kythera-family was celebrated with a well-attended party held at the Mill Resort, Mitata, Kythera, in July 2013.

In Australia it was celebrated at the Kytherian Association November Family Dance, Westside Reception Lounge, Marrickville on 23 November 2013.

George Poulos:

I agree with James that the key driver of kfn has been Angelo Notaras OAM. I also agree that the success of the web-site can be attributed to a number of superior features inherent in the site: The web-site is generative. One photograph or one story can elicit a great deal of additional inter-related information.

The web-site is connective. Individuals, families, and organisations have been connected, and re-connected. At every level, the spirit of kytheraismos has been greatly enhanced.

The web-site is revelatory. New information is being uncovered all the time, which most of the world’s Kytherians had previously been unaware of.

The number of Kytherians and Philokytherians who, like Heather der Marco, quoted earlier, who have derived immense pleasure from kythera-family.net? Unknowable! What we do know is that an economic and architectonic infrastructure has been put in place to ensure that www.kythera-family.net will be maintained indefinitely. Hence it will always remain a key force in the preservation, maintenance, and enhancement of Kytherian history, culture, artefacts, ethos and heritage.

By its very existence kythera-family.net has helped energise its principals and supporters to create new and exciting projects – many of which most Kytherians around the world would not guess have derived from kfn. These include the publishing accomplishments of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund – as of mid 2014 thirty-one books with a Kytherian theme available for sale in Australia and in Greece.

kfn has also forged powerful links with the Society of Kytherian Studies in Athens, who have also published 25 books with a Kytherian theme in the Greek language, and the Departments of History and Philosophy at Athens University through Professor’s George and Athanassia Leontsinis. Strong links with KIPA and the Kytheriasmos Institute have also been created. The website has already inspired a Masters Thesis in Germany by Angeliki Pentsi, and Alexander Riedmuller will soon publish his Ph.D thesis on the the kfn website in Bamberg, Germany.

kfn aids people in research, sometimes on a daily basis. For example, on the 7th of April 2014, I received an email from a person thanking kfn and me for providing information on the site which helped him with a paper he delivered the previous week to the 10th Panionian Conference. The topic being "Kythira-Smyrna: The steamboat connection between two places during the 19th century and their unknown perspective." Rosa Cassimatis's name found its way into all.

After research I have concluded that Rosa is NOT buried, as most believe, in the Angelo Cavallini tomb in the Saint Spyridon of Kapsali cemetery but was, most likely, buried in Corfu where she died. If she had been buried in Kythera she should have been mentioned on the gravestone, as her (second) husband died much later than her. No such thing. The Corfu Mental Hospital Archives do not report any final resting place, but as she died in 1882 even if she had been buried in the city of Corfu cemetery her grave is probably lost. Again I'd like to thank all contributors to the site who helped me with my research”. This is a tangential Kytherian interest. But the communication indicates into how many different areas kfn managed to penetrate.

kfn inspiration also led to the preservation and archiving of the Fatseas collection of plate glass negative photographs. This in turn led to the publication of the books, A Kytherian Century and Panayotis Fatseas: Kytherian Faces, 1920-1938, and an Exhibition in the prestigious Benaki Museum, Athens.

Other Special Projects included the importation into Kythera of medical and aged care equipment to benefit residents and patients at the Aged Care facility and Hospital at Potamos. The importation into Kythera of Library shelving from the USA, and later the organisation and funding to completion of both the interior and exterior of the Kytherian Municipal Library, the first Lending Library established on Kythera in 3,000 years. Principals of kfn also aided in creating the first Greek Australian Museum of migration in Australia – the Roxy Museum, located within the Roxy Museum ‘complex’ in Bingara.

James Russell Lowell (1819-1891) asserted that "creativity is not the finding of a thing, but the making something out of it after it is found." By that criterion www.kythera-family.net is a very creative entity indeed. Να τα εκατοστήσεις.

You are the authors! Kythera-Family.net - the online cultural archive for Kythera - aims to preserve and reflect the rich heritage of a wonderful island. Members of the community are actively invited to submit their family collection of Kytherian stories, photographs, recipes, oral histories, and home remedies etc. to the site. Uploading directly to the site is easy and free. Thus we can help make available valuable and interesting material for current and future generations, and inspire young Kytherians to learn more about their fascinating heritage.

Open full entry

11/5/2014

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Kytherian Identity

kythera-family.net turns ten. Χρόνια Πολλά. Να τα εκατοστήσεις

[[picture:"kythera family net LOGO.jpg" ID:22321]]

"I found Vikki Vrettos Fraioli on Kythera-Family.net and mailed her regarding her Hlentzos connection, and since the first email a couple of days ago, I have had many many emails from her with a huge amount of information regarding my relatives. If this website was not available to us, all this information would never have been shared."
Heather de Marco, April 2013

[[picture:"IMG_2336-James.jpg" ID:22322]]

James Prineas:

It is now ten years since we first launched kythera-family.net (kfn). If you don't already know how it came to be, here's a short recap of the story:
The seed was actually sown back in 1996 when I put on a photographic exhibition called "A Village on Kythera" in the Bondi Pavilion. There I met so many lovely Kytherians (and others – like a group of Sicilian grand¬mothers who cried when they saw my pictures because it reminded them of home...). Many of the Kytherians told me of their collections of vintage pictures from Kythera. I would have loved to help them collate and scan and publish their pictures but it wasn't until about 2001 that I found an affordable and practical solution: to use the internet.

Back then, "community sites" were almost unheard of and the founder of Facebook was probably just out of nappies. So I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised that my idea to create an online heritage repository, to which members of the Kytherian community could upload their family material to the site for the rest of the world to share and enjoy, fell on deaf ears in the beginning.

Then a man, who, up until that time, had never used the internet himself, saved the day: Angelo Notaras. Ann Coward suggested I get in touch with him and it didn't take long for Angelo to recognise the potential benefits to the Kytherian community and he put his conside-rable reputation behind the project. He and his equally generous brothers, John and the late Mitch Notaras, put their money where their vision was and helped convince others to financially support the endeavour.

Next came the ebullient George C. Poulos to the party and, when he wasn't fervently preaching to the less internet-savvy members of the Kytherian Association of Australia (KAA) that the internet wasn't just a fad, he was motivating community members to entrust copies of their heritage material to him to upload to the young site. He and Angelo managed to persuade the KAA Board to embrace the concept, and the latter have been loyal supporters ever since, as evidenced by this article.

The initial problem was that the people with the most knowledge and material on Kythera were of a generation who were still fazed by mobile telephones, never mind by "websites", "uploading" and "urls". Ten years on, even if that generation doesn't use the internet or emails regularly themselves, they generally know what it is about and allow their children and grandchildren to upload their family stories and picture to our site.

Over the past ten years the 3,000 registered users have submitted over 19 000 entries to KFN: life stories, maps, recipes, and other documents to the site, which are viewed by around 20 000 visitors each month!

The extensive Message Board on the site gives evidence of the hundreds of connections made by the site between Kytherians separated by thousands of kilometres, or far less. Two of our most avid contributors live only a few kilometres from each other in California, but discovered their family link through our site.

The possible significance of one group photo from Kythera from 1920 with a dozen people in it is exponential: a fifty-year-old in that picture might have had five children and twenty grandchildren and forty great-grandchildren. That makes sixty-five descendents per person in the picture and a total of 780 for all the subjects. Now, how many of those 780 will have ever seen that picture? Not many if it is stored under someone's bed. But online all of them have access if they care to look.

And the nice thing about a website as opposed to a publication is that there is virtually no limit to the amount which can be presented on it. So it's not too late to post your grandmother's Greek passport or your great-great-grandfather's birth certificate. It's the best way to make sure that your own great-grandchildren will be able to find it one day.

[[picture:"Image86.jpg" ID:22319]]

[[picture:"Image86.jpg" ID:22320]]

The ten-year anniversary of kythera-family was celebrated with a well-attended party held at the Mill Resort, Mitata, Kythera, in July 2013.

In Australia it was celebrated at the Kytherian Association November Family Dance, Westside Reception Lounge, Marrickville on 23 November 2013.

[[picture:"10th Birthday party kythera-family Family dance.jpg" ID:22316]]

[[picture:"Familydance-0799s.jpg" ID:22318]]

[[picture:"IMG_2291.JPG" ID:22323]]

George Poulos:

I agree with James that the key driver of kfn has been Angelo Notaras OAM. I also agree that the success of the web-site can be attributed to a number of superior features inherent in the site: The web-site is generative. One photograph or one story can elicit a great deal of additional inter-related information.

The web-site is connective. Individuals, families, and organisations have been connected, and re-connected. At every level, the spirit of kytheraismos has been greatly enhanced.

The web-site is revelatory. New information is being uncovered all the time, which most of the world’s Kytherians had previously been unaware of.

The number of Kytherians and Philokytherians who, like Heather der Marco, quoted earlier, who have derived immense pleasure from kythera-family.net? Unknowable! What we do know is that an economic and architectonic infrastructure has been put in place to ensure that www.kythera-family.net will be maintained indefinitely. Hence it will always remain a key force in the preservation, maintenance, and enhancement of Kytherian history, culture, artefacts, ethos and heritage.

By its very existence kythera-family.net has helped energise its principals and supporters to create new and exciting projects – many of which most Kytherians around the world would not guess have derived from kfn. These include the publishing accomplishments of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund – as of mid 2014 thirty-one books with a Kytherian theme available for sale in Australia and in Greece.

kfn has also forged powerful links with the Society of Kytherian Studies in Athens, who have also published 25 books with a Kytherian theme in the Greek language, and the Departments of History and Philosophy at Athens University through Professor’s George and Athanassia Leontsinis. Strong links with KIPA and the Kytheriasmos Institute have also been created. The website has already inspired a Masters Thesis in Germany by Angeliki Pentsi, and Alexander Riedmuller will soon publish his Ph.D thesis on the the kfn website in Bamberg, Germany.

kfn aids people in research, sometimes on a daily basis. For example, on the 7th of April 2014, I received an email from a person thanking kfn and me for providing information on the site which helped him with a paper he delivered the previous week to the 10th Panionian Conference. The topic being "Kythira-Smyrna: The steamboat connection between two places during the 19th century and their unknown perspective." Rosa Cassimatis's name found its way into all.

After research I have concluded that Rosa is NOT buried, as most believe, in the Angelo Cavallini tomb in the Saint Spyridon of Kapsali cemetery but was, most likely, buried in Corfu where she died. If she had been buried in Kythera she should have been mentioned on the gravestone, as her (second) husband died much later than her. No such thing. The Corfu Mental Hospital Archives do not report any final resting place, but as she died in 1882 even if she had been buried in the city of Corfu cemetery her grave is probably lost. Again I'd like to thank all contributors to the site who helped me with my research”. This is a tangential Kytherian interest. But the communication indicates into how many different areas kfn managed to penetrate.

kfn inspiration also led to the preservation and archiving of the Fatseas collection of plate glass negative photographs. This in turn led to the publication of the books, A Kytherian Century and Panayotis Fatseas: Kytherian Faces, 1920-1938, and an Exhibition in the prestigious Benaki Museum, Athens.

Other Special Projects included the importation into Kythera of medical and aged care equipment to benefit residents and patients at the Aged Care facility and Hospital at Potamos. The importation into Kythera of Library shelving from the USA, and later the organisation and funding to completion of both the interior and exterior of the Kytherian Municipal Library, the first Lending Library established on Kythera in 3,000 years. Principals of kfn also aided in creating the first Greek Australian Museum of migration in Australia – the Roxy Museum, located within the Roxy Museum ‘complex’ in Bingara.

James Russell Lowell (1819-1891) asserted that "creativity is not the finding of a thing, but the making something out of it after it is found." By that criterion www.kythera-family.net is a very creative entity indeed. Να τα εκατοστήσεις.

[[picture:"kythera family net LOGO.jpg" ID:22321]]

You are the authors! Kythera-Family.net - the online cultural archive for Kythera - aims to preserve and reflect the rich heritage of a wonderful island. Members of the community are actively invited to submit their family collection of Kytherian stories, photographs, recipes, oral histories, and home remedies etc. to the site. Uploading directly to the site is easy and free. Thus we can help make available valuable and interesting material for current and future generations, and inspire young Kytherians to learn more about their fascinating heritage.

Open full entry

11/5/2014

Culture, Kytherian Identity

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Olive trees planted adjacent to the Roxy 'complex' Bingara

View from the Roxy Cafe (eastern) end.

These plants, eight (8) in total form were sold for $500 each, in memory of past Greek-Australian immigrants to Australia, and the children of immigrants.

The olive grove concept is part of the Roxy Greek Museum opening ceremony.

Youn are encouraged to pay tribute to a Greek family member or friend who has made the journey to Australia by purchasing an olive tree

Now is your opportunity to make a lasting tribute to your family and friends. For $100 you can purchase an olive tree to be planted in the Bingara Olive Grove.

The Olive Tree Grove provides a unique opportunity to honor our immigrant forbears, family members and friends. It is a permanent reminder of our heritage and the values of tolerance and unity in diversity, as well as the immense contribution Greek Australian’s have made to Australian society.

All you have to do is provide a name and a brief description about your chosen person; this will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website and a tree will then be planted in their honour.

You can register with as little information as the person’s name and place of origin. Once you have registered you can also include a short 100 word story about the person, along with arrival and other personal details. This optional information is held on the Roxy database and appears on the Olive Tree website. It can be submitted at any time.

Eight trees have been planted in Cunningham Street, Bingara next to the Roxy museum. These cost $500 each, and they were ALL very quickly sold.

Olive tree photos Cunningham Street.pdf

Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf

The larger grove has been planted at The Living Classroom further along Cunningham Street. When you register you will be given a unique tree number and you can view your exact olive tree location and the information about your chosen person by visiting the Roxy Greek Museum Website, you can also visit the tree in person at The Living Classroom.

Click here to Register Online

or

alternatively click here to download the registration form

Please send your form along with a cheque to:

Bingara Visitor Information Centre
Locked Bag 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Program, History & Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

View/download .pdf of the Invitation, here:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Roxy Invitation.pdf

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

ROXY HISTORY.pdf

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Bingara Advocte Weds April 9th 2014 Kytherian Celebrations.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister, April 16th, 20114, page 4

Ellinon_Logos_Greek_Article_on_Roxy_Museum Sat_May_3rd_2014_p28.pdf

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

6/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Established olive trees adjoining the northern wall of the Roxy 'complex' Bingara

These plants, eight (8) in total form were sold for $500 each, in memory of past Greek-Australian immigrants to Australia, and the children of immigrants.

The olive grove concept is part of the Roxy Greek Museum opening ceremony.

Youn are encouraged to pay tribute to a Greek family member or friend who has made the journey to Australia by purchasing an olive tree

Now is your opportunity to make a lasting tribute to your family and friends. For $100 you can purchase an olive tree to be planted in the Bingara Olive Grove.

The Olive Tree Grove provides a unique opportunity to honor our immigrant forebears, family members and friends. It is a permanent reminder of our heritage and the values of tolerance and unity in diversity, as well as the immense contribution Greek Australian’s have made to Australian society.

All you have to do is provide a name and a brief description about your chosen person; this will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website and a tree will then be planted in their honour.

You can register with as little information as the person’s name and place of origin. Once you have registered you can also include a short 100 word story about the person, along with arrival and other personal details. This optional information is held on the Roxy database and appears on the Olive Tree website. It can be submitted at any time.

Eight trees have been planted in Cunningham Street, Bingara next to the Roxy museum. These cost $500 each, and they were ALL very quickly sold.

Olive tree photos Cunningham Street.pdf

Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf

The larger grove has been planted at The Living Classroom further along Cunningham Street. When you register you will be given a unique tree number and you can view your exact olive tree location and the information about your chosen person by visiting the Roxy Greek Museum Website, you can also visit the tree in person at The Living Classroom.

Click here to Register Online

or

alternatively click here to download the registration form

Please send your form along with a cheque to:

Bingara Visitor Information Centre
Locked Bag 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Program, History & Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

View/download .pdf of the Invitation, here:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Roxy Invitation.pdf

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

ROXY HISTORY.pdf

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Bingara Advocte Weds April 9th 2014 Kytherian Celebrations.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister, April 16th, 20114, page 4

Ellinon_Logos_Greek_Article_on_Roxy_Museum Sat_May_3rd_2014_p28.pdf

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

6/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden

Located in The Living Classroom, ecological area, Bingara NSW, and incorporated into the Roxy Museum project.

Pay tribute to a Greek family member or friend who has made the journey to Australia by purchasing an olive tree

Now is your opportunity to make a lasting tribute to your family and friends. For $100 you can purchase an olive tree to be planted in the Bingara Olive Grove.

Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf

The Olive Tree Grove provides a unique opportunity to honor our immigrant forbears, family members and friends. It is a permanent reminder of our heritage and the values of tolerance and unity in diversity, as well as the immense contribution Greek Australian’s have made to Australian society.

All you have to do is provide a name and a brief description about your chosen person; this will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website and a tree will then be planted in their honour.

You can register with as little information as the person’s name and place of origin. Once you have registered you can also include a short 100 word story about the person, along with arrival and other personal details. This optional information is held on the Roxy database and appears on the Olive Tree website. It can be submitted at any time.

Eight trees have been planted in Cunningham Street, Bingara next to the Roxy museum. These cost $500 each, and they were ALL very quickly sold.

Olive tree photos Cunningham Street.pdf

The larger grove has been planted at The Living Classroom further along Cunningham Street. When you register you will be given a unique tree number and you can view your exact olive tree location and the information about your chosen person by visiting the Roxy Greek Museum Website, you can also visit the tree in person at The Living Classroom.

Click here to Register Online

or

alternatively click here to download the registration form

Please send your form along with a cheque to:

Bingara Visitor Information Centre
Locked Bag 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Program, History & Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

View/download .pdf of the Invitation, here:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Roxy Invitation.pdf

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

ROXY HISTORY.pdf

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Bingara Advocte Weds April 9th 2014 Kytherian Celebrations.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister, April 16th, 20114, page 4

Ellinon_Logos_Greek_Article_on_Roxy_Museum Sat_May_3rd_2014_p28.pdf

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

6/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Olive Tree Memorial Garden

As part of the Roxy Greek Museum opening ceremony

Pay tribute to a Greek family member or friend who has made the journey to Australia by purchasing an olive tree

Now is your opportunity to make a lasting tribute to your family and friends. For $100 you can purchase an olive tree to be planted in the Bingara Olive Grove.

The Olive Tree Grove provides a unique opportunity to honor our immigrant forbears, family members and friends. It is a permanent reminder of our heritage and the values of tolerance and unity in diversity, as well as the immense contribution Greek Australian’s have made to Australian society.

All you have to do is provide a name and a brief description about your chosen person; this will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website and a tree will then be planted in their honour.

You can register with as little information as the person’s name and place of origin. Once you have registered you can also include a short 100 word story about the person, along with arrival and other personal details. This optional information is held on the Roxy database and appears on the Olive Tree website. It can be submitted at any time.

Eight trees have been planted in Cunningham Street, Bingara next to the Roxy museum. These cost $500 each, and they were ALL very quickly sold.

Olive tree photos Cunningham Street.pdf

Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf

The larger grove has been planted at The Living Classroom further along Cunningham Street. When you register you will be given a unique tree number and you can view your exact olive tree location and the information about your chosen person by visiting the Roxy Greek Museum Website, you can also visit the tree in person at The Living Classroom.

Click here to Register Online

or

alternatively click here to download the registration form

Please send your form along with a cheque to:

Bingara Visitor Information Centre
Locked Bag 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Program, History & Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

View/download .pdf of the Invitation, here:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Roxy Invitation.pdf

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

ROXY HISTORY.pdf

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Bingara Advocte Weds April 9th 2014 Kytherian Celebrations.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister, April 16th, 20114, page 4

Ellinon_Logos_Greek_Article_on_Roxy_Museum Sat_May_3rd_2014_p28.pdf

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

6/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Museums & Galleries

Olive Tree Memorial Garden

As part of the Roxy Greek Museum opening ceremony

[[picture:"olive tree memorial garden.jpg" ID:22292]]

Pay tribute to a Greek family member or friend who has made the journey to Australia by purchasing an olive tree

Now is your opportunity to make a lasting tribute to your family and friends. For $100 you can purchase an olive tree to be planted in the Bingara Olive Grove.

The Olive Tree Grove provides a unique opportunity to honor our immigrant forebears, family members and friends. It is a permanent reminder of our heritage and the values of tolerance and unity in diversity, as well as the immense contribution Greek Australian’s have made to Australian society.

[[picture:"Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.jpg" ID:22293]]

Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf

All you have to do is provide a name and a brief description about your chosen person; this will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website and a tree will then be planted in their honour.

You can register with as little information as the person’s name and place of origin. Once you have registered you can also include a short 100 word story about the person, along with arrival and other personal details. This optional information is held on the Roxy database and appears on the Olive Tree website. It can be submitted at any time.

[[picture:"$500 on footpath in Cunningham Street.jpg" ID:22294]]

Eight trees have been planted in Cunningham Street, Bingara next to the Roxy museum. These cost $500 each, and they were ALL very quickly *sold*.

Olive tree photos Cunningham Street.pdf

The larger grove has been planted at The Living Classroom further along Cunningham Street. When you register you will be given a unique tree number and you can view your exact olive tree location and the information about your chosen person by visiting the Roxy Greek Museum Website, you can also visit the tree in person at The Living Classroom.

Click here to Register Online

or

alternatively click here to download the registration form

Please send your form along with a cheque to:

Bingara Visitor Information Centre
Locked Bag 5
Bingara NSW 2404

[[picture:"$500 trees looking west A.jpg" ID:22295]]

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Program, History & Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

View/download .pdf of the Invitation, here:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Roxy Invitation.pdf

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

ROXY HISTORY.pdf

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Bingara Advocte Weds April 9th 2014 Kytherian Celebrations.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister, April 16th, 20114, page 4

Ellinon_Logos_Greek_Article_on_Roxy_Museum Sat_May_3rd_2014_p28.pdf

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

6/5/2014

Culture, Museums & Galleries

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Roxy founders grand children and a god child after the tree planting ceremony

conducted at the Roxy Museum opening, Sunday 6th April, 2014.

The Founders tree was planted opposite the northern window of the Roxy Cafe. It was planted in honour of the founders of the Roxy, Emanuel Aroney (from the village of Aroniadika), Peter Feros (from the village of Mitata) and George Psaltis (from the village of Frilingianika), Kythera.

Photograph: (Left to right) Peter Aroney, Emmanuel Aroney, James Aroney, Peter Prineas and Arthur (Athanasios) Stathakis.

The three Aroney's brothers are grandsons of Emmanuel Aroney. Peter Prineas is a grandson of Peter Feros. Arthur is a godson of George Psaltis.

Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, conducted the olive tree planting ceremony.

Program, Sunday 6th April, 2014

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Daylight saving finished at 3am on Sunday morning when clocks were wound back one hour
.
The museum was open from 10am until 5pm

10.00am Olive Tree Planting Ceremony and Olive Tree Markets

A tree planting ceremony was held on Cunningham Street on the footpath adjacent to the Roxy Café. This heralded the commencement of the Gwydir Greek Olive Grove planted in recognition of Greek Immigration to
Australia.

Local olive producers had stalls featuring local products. The Kytherian Association of Australia also sold books distributed by the Kytherian Association of Australia, and gave away copies of the Newsletter and Kytherian Ball programs.

Those in attendance were invited to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who had made the journey to Australia by purchasing an olive tree for $100.00. Eight (8) trees adjacent to the Roxy were for sale for $500. ALL these trees have now been sold.

Purchasers were asked to provide their name and a brief description and life history of those for whom they had purchased the tree(s). These will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will then be planted in their honour.

10.30am Introduction to the Roxy Greek Museum by the museum curator, Peter Prineas.

11.30am Screening of the film - Caddie
'Caddie' is a 1976 movie directed by Donald Crombie 'Caddie' is a 1976 movie directed by Donald Crombie and representative of the Australian film renaissance of that decade. Set around the time of the Great Depression, it tells the story of Caddie (played by Helen Morse), a young middle class woman struggling to raise two children after her marriage break up. After a failed affair with a sharp bookmaker (Jack Thompson) Caddie falls in love with a Greek man (Takis Emmanuel). The story
includes scenes of Greek community life in Australia in the 1930s. 'Caddie' made Helen Morse a local star and earned Jacki Weaver and Melissa Jaffer Australian Film Institute Awards. The film ended at 1.16pm

1.30pm Screening of the Film - 'Rembetika: The Blues Of Greece'
On loan from the National Sound and Film Archive, Rembetika: The Blues of Greece is narrated by Anthony Quinn and full of Greek Rembetika music, a kind of Greek blues popular both in Greece and the Greek diaspora. The film ended at 2.17pm

2.30pm Screening of the film - Saturday Night at the Movies.
A look at the grand picture palaces of Australia's past,
including Bingara's Roxy Theatre. Film ended at 3.30pm

5.00pm End of the Roxy Museum opening weekend.

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report 2014 Roxy Bingara.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Program, History & Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

View/download .pdf of the Invitation, here:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Roxy Invitation.pdf

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

ROXY HISTORY.pdf

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Bingara Advocte Weds April 9th 2014 Kytherian Celebrations.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister, April 16th, 20114, page 4

Ellinon_Logos_Greek_Article_on_Roxy_Museum Sat_May_3rd_2014_p28.pdf

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

5/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Founders tree was planted on the corner of Cunningham Street, Bingara

Opposite the northern window of the Roxy Cafe.

It was planted in honour of the founders of the Roxy, Emanuel Aroney (from the village of Aroniadika), Peter Feros (from the village of Mitata) and George Psaltis (from the village of Frilingianika), Kythera.

Photograph: Athur (Athanasios) Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis is seen here shovelling the last bit of soil around the roots.

Standing on the far right is Peter Prineas, grandson of Peter Feros, and next to him is Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney.

Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, conducted the olive tree planting ceremony.

Program, Sunday 6th April, 2014

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

Daylight saving finished at 3am on Sunday morning when clocks were wound back one hour
.
The museum was open from 10am until 5pm

10.00am Olive Tree Planting Ceremony and Olive Tree Markets

A tree planting ceremony was held on Cunningham Street on the footpath adjacent to the Roxy Café. This heralded the commencement of the Gwydir Greek Olive Grove planted in recognition of Greek Immigration to
Australia.

Local olive producers had stalls featuring local products. The Kytherian Association of Australia also sold books distributed by the Kytherian Association of Australia, and gave away copies of the Newsletter and Kytherian Ball programs.

Those in attendance were invited to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who had made the journey to Australia by purchasing an olive tree for $100.00. Eight (8) trees adjacent to the Roxy were for sale for $500. ALL these trees have now been sold.

Purchasers were asked to provide their name and a brief description and life history of those for whom they had purchased the tree(s). These will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will then be planted in their honour.

10.30am Introduction to the Roxy Greek Museum by the museum curator, Peter Prineas.

11.30am Screening of the film - Caddie
'Caddie' is a 1976 movie directed by Donald Crombie 'Caddie' is a 1976 movie directed by Donald Crombie and representative of the Australian film renaissance of that decade. Set around the time of the Great Depression, it tells the story of Caddie (played by Helen Morse), a young middle class woman struggling to raise two children after her marriage break up. After a failed affair with a sharp bookmaker (Jack Thompson) Caddie falls in love with a Greek man (Takis Emmanuel). The story
includes scenes of Greek community life in Australia in the 1930s. 'Caddie' made Helen Morse a local star and earned Jacki Weaver and Melissa Jaffer Australian Film Institute Awards. The film ended at 1.16pm

1.30pm Screening of the Film - 'Rembetika: The Blues Of Greece'
On loan from the National Sound and Film Archive, Rembetika: The Blues of Greece is narrated by Anthony Quinn and full of Greek Rembetika music, a kind of Greek blues popular both in Greece and the Greek diaspora. The film ended at 2.17pm

2.30pm Screening of the film - Saturday Night at the Movies.
A look at the grand picture palaces of Australia's past,
including Bingara's Roxy Theatre. Film ended at 3.30pm

5.00pm End of the Roxy Museum opening weekend.

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Program, History & Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

View/download .pdf of the Invitation, here:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Roxy Invitation.pdf

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

ROXY HISTORY.pdf

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Bingara Advocte Weds April 9th 2014 Kytherian Celebrations.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister, April 16th, 20114, page 4

Ellinon_Logos_Greek_Article_on_Roxy_Museum Sat_May_3rd_2014_p28.pdf

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

5/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Sunday Program included the very important Olive Tree planting at 10:00 am

Photograph: Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, conducting the olive tree planting ceremony in honour of the founders of the Roxy, Emanuel Aroney (from the village of
Aroniadika), Peter Feros (from the village of Mitata) and George Psaltis (from the village of Frilingianika), Kythera.

The tree over Tim's right shoulder is one of the eight (8) well established olive trees that have been sold for $500 each. They have been planted on the verge of the footpath along the whole northern face of the Roxy complex in Cunningham Street.

Program, Sunday 6th April, 2014

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

Daylight saving finished at 3am on Sunday morning when clocks were wound back one hour
.
The museum was open from 10am until 5pm

10.00am Olive Tree Planting Ceremony and Olive Tree Markets

A tree planting ceremony was held on Cunningham Street on the footpath adjacent to the Roxy Café. This heralded the commencement of the Gwydir Greek Olive Grove planted in recognition of Greek Immigration to
Australia.

Local olive producers had stalls featuring local products. The Kytherian Association of Australia also sold books distributed by the Kytherian Association of Australia, and gave away copies of the Newsletter and Kytherian Ball programs.

Those in attendance were invited to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who had made the journey to Australia by purchasing an olive tree for $100.00. Eight (8) trees adjacent to the Roxy were for sale for $500. ALL these trees have now been sold.

Purchasers were asked to provide their name and a brief description and life history of those for whom they had purchased the tree(s). These will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will then be planted in their honour.

10.30am Introduction to the Roxy Greek Museum by the museum curator, Peter Prineas.

11.30am Screening of the film - Caddie
'Caddie' is a 1976 movie directed by Donald Crombie 'Caddie' is a 1976 movie directed by Donald Crombie and representative of the Australian film renaissance of that decade. Set around the time of the Great Depression, it tells the story of Caddie (played by Helen Morse), a young middle class woman struggling to raise two children after her marriage break up. After a failed affair with a sharp bookmaker (Jack Thompson) Caddie falls in love with a Greek man (Takis Emmanuel). The story
includes scenes of Greek community life in Australia in the 1930s. 'Caddie' made Helen Morse a local star and earned Jacki Weaver and Melissa Jaffer Australian Film Institute Awards. The film ended at 1.16pm

1.30pm Screening of the Film - 'Rembetika: The Blues Of Greece'
On loan from the National Sound and Film Archive, Rembetika: The Blues of Greece is narrated by Anthony Quinn and full of Greek Rembetika music, a kind of Greek blues popular both in Greece and the Greek diaspora. The film ended at 2.17pm

2.30pm Screening of the film - Saturday Night at the Movies.
A look at the grand picture palaces of Australia's past,
including Bingara's Roxy Theatre. Film ended at 3.30pm

5.00pm End of the Roxy Museum opening weekend.

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report 2014 Roxy Bingara.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Program, History & Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

View/download .pdf of the Invitation, here:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Roxy Invitation.pdf

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

ROXY HISTORY.pdf

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Bingara Advocte Weds April 9th 2014 Kytherian Celebrations.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister, April 16th, 20114, page 4

Ellinon_Logos_Greek_Article_on_Roxy_Museum Sat_May_3rd_2014_p28.pdf

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

5/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Roxy. The Hellenic Museum in Bingara

Greek article published in the Ellinon Logos Newspaper, Saturday May 3rd, 2014, page 28.

The article is an abridged Greek version of the report

Ellinon_Logos_Greek_Article_on_Roxy_Museum Sat_May_3rd_2014_p28.pdf

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Program, History & Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

View/download .pdf of the Invitation, here:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Roxy Invitation.pdf

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

ROXY HISTORY.pdf

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Bingara Advocte Weds April 9th 2014 Kytherian Celebrations.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister, April 16th, 20114, page 4

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

5/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The outdoor setting led to a great deal of conviviality and generated much kefi

at the Roxy Museum opening Ball. 5th April, 2014, Bingara, NSW.

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Program, History & Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

View/download .pdf of the Invitation, here:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Roxy Invitation.pdf

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

ROXY HISTORY.pdf

Bingara Advocte Weds April 9th 2014 Kytherian Celebrations.pdf

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

5/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Greek heritage preserved at Bingara’s famous Roxy Theatre

Photograph: Shane Jacobson and Paul Hogan admire Bingara’s Roxy Theatre.

Greek_Heritage_Preserved_North_West_Magazine_Mar_31_2014_p_6.pdf

After years of planning and fundraising the vision of the Roxy Greek Museum is finally coming to fruition as the installation of the museum commenced last week in the downstairs wing of the Roxy Theatre, heralding the final chapter in the building’s magnificent return to glory.

Made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales ministry for Arts and several substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community. the Museum will be officially opened on Saturday, of April 5, by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself.

As part of the two-day event there will be guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests and antique car displays.

The highlight of the weekend will be the Gala dinner held on the Saturday evening.

Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner will be an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars.
Guests will be invited to dance the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, one of the best Greek party bands performing in the country.

No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Ball will be no exception.

The festivities continue on the Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive Grove which will be marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street near the Roxy Café.

The olive trees will be planted in recognition of Greek Immigration to Australia.

Local community members and visitors will have the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has made the journey to Australia by purchasing an olive tree for $100.

Participants are then required to provide a name and a brief description about them, which will appear on the Greek Museum website, and a tree will then be planted in tribute.

The first tree planted as part of the launch will be dedicated to the three Greek men who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 – Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis.

Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros and the Greek museum curator, will plant the tree in their honour.

Six of the trees will be planted on Cunningham Street with the remainder of the trees to be planted at The Living Classroom.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in country Australia.

It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural associations between people and place.

It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek café and cinema operators to ensure the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of people is not forgotten.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia, said.
“Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia and inevitably the world,” he added.

For more information or tickets to the event please call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit the Roxy website or for interview opportunities and photos please contact Georgia Standerwick, Roxy Manager.

More web links:

Program, History & Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

View/download .pdf of the Invitation, here:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Roxy Invitation.pdf

ROXY HISTORY.pdf

Greek_Heritage_Preserved_North_West_Magazine_Mar_31_2014_p_6.pdf

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Bingara Advocte Weds April 9th 2014 Kytherian Celebrations.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister, April 16th, 20114, page 4

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

5/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Dr. Marie Bashir, addressing the attendees at the Roxy Greek Museum launch

Over 300 people joined in a night of Greek feasting under the stars on Saturday to celebrate the opening by the NSW Governor, Her Excellency, Dr. Marie Bashir, of the Roxy Greek Museum.

Other official guests included Minister for the Arts and Kytherian cafe kid, The Hon George Souris, Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, Member for Northern Tablelands, Adam Marshall, Ambassador of Greece, Charalambos Dafaranos, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia Victor Kepreotis, and Roxy Museum Committee Trust members, Peter Prineas, and George Poulos.

The governor spoke about the way the Greek people had fitted into creating what is the Australian spirit.

“Beautiful Bingara has given so much to our state over the years in so many ways, contributing to the great sense of community, to our soldiers who went to two world wars and indeed, to that sense of mateship and rural prosperity", Dr Bashir said.

“Major contributors to that sense of community and wellbeing have been the members of the Greek community who have gone to so many country towns and added to the culture and prosperity of those country towns such as Bingara.”

Dr. Bashir spoke of the contribution the Greek people have made to civilisation over thousands of years.

“Now the wise people of Bingara, Cr. Coulton and your fellow councillors have had the wisdom to realise that this wonderful piece of heritage will now be held in the hearts and minds of future citizens of Bingara and all those with Greek Heritage.”

Dr. Bashir unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion.

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Program, History & Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

View/download .pdf of the Invitation, here:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Roxy Invitation.pdf

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

ROXY HISTORY.pdf

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Bingara Advocte Weds April 9th 2014 Kytherian Celebrations.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister, April 16th, 20114, page 4

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

4/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

An evening of Kytherian celebrations

Bingara Advocate. Vol. 82. No. 12, Wednesday 8th April, 2014.

Bingara Advocte Weds April 9th 2014 Kytherian Celebrations.pdf

Over 300 people joined in a night of Greek feasting under the stars on Saturday to celebrate the opening by the NSW Governor, Her Excellency, Dr. Marie Bashir, of the Roxy Greek Museum.

Other official guests included Minister for the Arts and Kytherian cafe kid, The Hon George Souris, Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, Member for Northern Tablelands, Adam Marshall, Ambassador of Greece, Charalambos Dafaranos, President of the Kytherian association of Australia Victor Kepreotis, Museum committee trust members, Peter Prineas, and George Poulos.

The governor spoke about the way the Greek people had fitted into creating what is the Australian spirit.

“Beautiful Bingara has given so much to our state over the years in so many ways, contributing to the great sense of community, to our soldiers who went to two world wars and indeed, to that sense of mateship and rural prosperity", Dr Bashir said.

“Major contributors to that sense of community and wellbeing have been the members of the Greek community who have gone to so many country towns and added to the culture and prosperity of those country towns such as Bingara.”

Dr. Bashir spoke of the contribution the Greek people have made to civilisation over thousands of years.

“Now the wise people of Bingara, Cr. Coulton and your fellow councillors have had the wisdom to realise that this wonderful piece of heritage will now be held in the hearts and minds of future citizens of Bingara and all those with Greek Heritage.”

Dr. Bashir unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion.

More photographs and story next week.

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Program, History & Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

View/download .pdf of the Invitation, here:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Roxy Invitation.pdf

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

ROXY HISTORY.pdf

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Bingara Advocte Weds April 9th 2014 Kytherian Celebrations.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister, April 16th, 20114, page 4

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

4/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Con Fardoulis, and Catherine Kalokerinos at the Roxy Museum Ball

Con was a long time proprietor of a Milk Bar in Inverell, and Catherine is the widow of the late Dr Archie Kalokerinos.

Archie, Catherine and family spent 10 years in the town of Bingara.

The Ball was held on April 5th, 2014.

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Program, History & Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

View/download .pdf of the Invitation, here:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Roxy Invitation.pdf

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

ROXY HISTORY.pdf

Bingara Advocte Weds April 9th 2014 Kytherian Celebrations.pdf

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

And a great deal of mirth and kefi was generated

Soon the main street was littered with broken plates.

Centre: Dancers Joanna Tsakarides and Melina Andrew were convulsed with laughter.

Whilst the dancing went on and on....

at the Ball to celebrate the opening of the Greek Roxy Museum, Bingara.

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Ball-goers kept on dancing

at the outdoor Ball to celebrate the opening of the Roxy Greek Museum, Bingara, 5th April, 2014

(Left to right), Rene Samios, George Cassim, & Toula Varipatis.

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

And many more plates were smashed.......

Whilst the dancing went on and on....

at the Ball to celebrate the opening of the Greek Roxy Museum, Bingara.

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

And Ball-goer's kept on dancing

at the outdoor Ball to celebrate the opening of the Roxy Greek Museum, Bingara, 5th April, 2014.

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

And many plates were smashed

Whilst the dancing went on and on....

at the Ball to celebrate the opening of the Greek Roxy Museum, Bingara.

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

And then everybody started dancing

Erinie Crones leads the dancing.....

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Greek dancing was one of the features at the Roxy Museum Ball

Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

Here the three women dancers entertain the crowd with a beautiful 'balletic' display.

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Greek dancing was one of the features at the Roxy Museum Ball

Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

Here, young Kytherians Melina Andrew and Peter Faros entertain the crowd.

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Greek dancing display was a feature of the evening

Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

During the very convivial atmosphere of the Roxy Museum Ball

held 5th April, 2014, her Excellency, Marie Bashir, AC CVO, made herself very accessible to the public.

She is speaking here with Arthur (Athanasios) Statharkis, godson of one of the founders of the Roxy in 1936, George Psaltis.

To her right are seated, Mayor of Gwydir Shire, John Coulton, her husband, Sir Nicholas Shehadie, and member for the Northern Tablelands in the NSW Parliament, Adam Marshall.

The "kefi" was superb. The street was closed off, and more than 320 people sat down to dine, wine, and dance. As NSW Arts and Tourism Minister George Souris said, “We could be in a village in Kythera right now, in the open.”

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Kytherians, Greek-Australians and Australians mingled together

on the street, under the stars, at the Roxy Greek Museum opening Ball, 5th April, 2014. It was superb. The street was closed off, and more than 320 people sat down to dine, wine, and dance. As NSW Arts and Tourism Minister George Souris said, “We could be in a village in Kythera right now, in the open.”

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Many Kytherians attended the open air Roxy Ball, 5th April, 2014

It was superb. The street was closed off, and more than 320 people sat down to dine, wine, and dance. As NSW Arts and Tourism Minister George Souris said, “We could be in a village in Kythera right now, in the open.”

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The open air atmosphere of the Roxy Ball celebrations on April 5th, 2014

was superb. The street was closed off, and more than 320 people sat down to dine, wine, and dance. As NSW Arts and Tourism Minister George Souris said, “We could be in a village in Kythera right now, in the open.”

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Governor of NSW, her Excellency Marie Bashir, AC CVO,

unveiling the official plaque which will mark the opening of the Roxy Greek Museum, Bingara NSW.

The plaque reads:

.................This Museum was opened by
Her Excellency Professor The Honourable Marie Bashir AC CVO
................Governor of New South Wales
.................on Saturday 5th of April 2014


Cr John Coulton...............Peter Prineas OAM............Max Eastcott
Mayor...................................Curator............................General Manger
Gwydir Shire Council..................................................Gwydir Shire Council

Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Governor of NSW her Excellency Marie Bashir AC CVO, officially opening

the Roxy Greek Museum, Bingara.

Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece speaking

at the launch of the Roxy Greek Museum, Bingara.

Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes with wife Robyn

At the launch of the Roxy Greek Museum, Bingara.

Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece. .

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Adam Marshall, NSW State Member for Northern Tablelands

Speaking at the launch of the Roxy Greek Museum, Bingara.

Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece. .

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands, Roxy Patron and Bingara local, Nancy McGuiness and the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts

At the launch of the Roxy Greek Museum, Bingara.

Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece. .

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia

spoke eloquently at the launch of the Roxy Greek Museum, Bingara. Subjects included the powerful bond that had been forged between Kytherians and residents of Gwydir Shire for over a decade.

As well as Victor, distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece. .

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Senator John Williams, Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, and Mayor of Bingara, John Coulton

At the launch of the Roxy Greek Museum, Bingara.

Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece. .

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Peter Samios, Master of Ceremonies for the Roxy Museum opening proceedings

...with girlfriend, Vicky Prokopiou. Peter, performed his duties impeccably. His clear and concise introductions and explanations helped make the formal proceedings, exceedingly enjoyable.

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

3/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister

“We could be in a village in Kythera right now, in the open,” Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality and Racing and Minister for the Arts, George Souris told the people gathered at the opening of the Greek Museum recently.

“There is one difference, the Roxy. It is incredible to imagine that those who came from the island and who were mostly, if not all, farmers, imagined and then produced this wonderful edifice that we have here, and the business acumen that was obviously quite resonant within them,” he said.

Of Kytherian descent, George Souris was born in Gunnedah and “brought up in very similar circumstances to what we are celebrating here tonight”.

He congratulated the Gwydir Shire Council and Roxy Greek Museum Committee on completing the museum.
“It is a significant project celebrating the Greek community pioneering cultural and economic achievements in regional New South Wales.

“As the product of this community, it is particularly special to be here and see what has taken place.

“The heritage of this theatre and café built by Greek immigrants in the 1930s should be celebrated and the opening of this museum will ensure that this is the case”.

He said he and the NSW government were proud to support the Roxy’s redevelopment.

“Communities here are always about people, and I am delighted to see the locals joining in with Greek Australians in taking on the role of custodians of this wonderful heritage,” Mr. Souris said.

View / Download a .pdf version of the article here:

Bingara Advocate Front Page April 9th 2014 D.pdf

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

1/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Georgia Standerwick with her husband Saul Standerwick at the Roxy Museum opening

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend.

Saul Standerwick works in the Environmental Services Division of Gwydir Shire Council.

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

1/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Roxy Manager, Georgia Standerwick, at the Roxy Museum opening

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend.

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

1/5/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Roxy Museum Logo

Greek Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

18/4/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

Peter Prineas (left) with wilderness photographer Henry Gold, in the Snowy Mountains 1982.

Australia Day Award, for Peter Prineas. 2012.

Peter Prineas (left) with Jim Somerville an old comrade of rainforest and wilderness campaigns

Among the honours announced by the Governor General on Australia Day 2012 was the award to Peter Prineas of an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his "service to conservation and the environment through executive and advocacy roles".

Peter's involvement in conservation and environmental issues grew out of his early interest in bushwalking and friendship with the Sydney conservationist Milo Dunphy. While a university student in the early 1970s, Peter joined the Colong Committee and participated in efforts to save Lake Pedder in Tasmania and the Boyd Plateau forest in the mountains south-west of Sydney. Later he was appointed as the first Executive Officer of the National Parks Association of NSW where he directed his writing and legal skills into successful public campaigns to save rainforests from logging and for the establishment of new national parks. Some of the contested forests are now World Heritage Areas. He also worked for the preservation of wilderness areas and helped secure the enactment of wilderness protection legislation in 1987.

Peter contributed to community environmental organisations at a senior level for over 30 years. As well as the National Parks Association, he held honorary positions with the Nature Conservation Council of NSW and served as its Chairman for three years. He was also a long-time member of the board of the Colong Foundation for Wilderness, taking the Chair in 2007. He was Convener of the first Sydney Water Project in the 1990s and assisted the Nature Conservation Council with urban water policy up to about 2007.

Peter also represented community environmental interests on government committees and boards including the National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Board.

In recent years Peter has produced books on Greek Australian themes but his earlier books were about the environment. With photographer Henry Gold, he published 'Colo Wilderness' in 1977 and 'Wild Places' in 1983. These books argued for the protection of extensive tracts of bushland in the eastern highlands of NSW, most of which are now reserved in national parks.

How an Australian Day honour is awarded:

In the Australian honours system, appointments to the Order of Australia confer recognition for outstanding achievement and service. Recipients of the Order of Australia are from many fields of endeavour and all walks of life. The Order of Australia is the pre-eminent way Australians recognise the achievements and service of their fellow citizens. Nominations to the Order of Australia come directly from the community: either individuals or groups. The 19-member Council for the Order of Australia then considers the nominations. The Council makes its recommendations, independent of government, direct to the Governor-General.

Awards in the Order of Australia are publicly announced on Australia Day (26 January) and the Queen’s Birthday public holiday (June).

This article appeared in the March edition of The Kytherian, Newsletter of the Kytherian Association of Australia.

View / download a .pdf version here:

Australia_Day_Award_for_Peter_Prineas.pdf

Open full entry

13/4/2014

Photos, Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

Peter Prineas (left) with Jim Somerville an old comrade of rainforest and wilderness campaigns.

The photograph was published in conjunction with the announcedment of an Order of Australia conferred on Peter Prineas.

Australia Day Award, for Peter Prineas. 2012.

Among the honours announced by the Governor General on Australia Day 2012 was the award to Peter Prineas of an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his "service to conservation and the environment through executive and advocacy roles".

Peter's involvement in conservation and environmental issues grew out of his early interest in bushwalking and friendship with the Sydney conservationist Milo Dunphy. While a university student in the early 1970s, Peter joined the Colong Committee and participated in efforts to save Lake Pedder in Tasmania and the Boyd Plateau forest in the mountains south-west of Sydney. Later he was appointed as the first Executive Officer of the National Parks Association of NSW where he directed his writing and legal skills into successful public campaigns to save rainforests from logging and for the establishment of new national parks. Some of the contested forests are now World Heritage Areas. He also worked for the preservation of wilderness areas and helped secure the enactment of wilderness protection legislation in 1987.

Peter contributed to community environmental organisations at a senior level for over 30 years. As well as the National Parks Association, he held honorary positions with the Nature Conservation Council of NSW and served as its Chairman for three years. He was also a long-time member of the board of the Colong Foundation for Wilderness, taking the Chair in 2007. He was Convener of the first Sydney Water Project in the 1990s and assisted the Nature Conservation Council with urban water policy up to about 2007.

Peter also represented community environmental interests on government committees and boards including the National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Board.

In recent years Peter has produced books on Greek Australian themes but his earlier books were about the environment. With photographer Henry Gold, he published 'Colo Wilderness' in 1977 and 'Wild Places' in 1983. These books argued for the protection of extensive tracts of bushland in the eastern highlands of NSW, most of which are now reserved in national parks.

Photograph: Peter Prineas (left) with Jim Somerville an old comrade of rainforest and wilderness campaigns.

Photograph: Peter Prineas (left) with wilderness photographer Henry Gold, in the Snowy Mountains 1982.

How an Australian Day honour is awarded:

In the Australian honours system, appointments to the Order of Australia confer recognition for outstanding achievement and service. Recipients of the Order of Australia are from many fields of endeavour and all walks of life. The Order of Australia is the pre-eminent way Australians recognise the achievements and service of their fellow citizens. Nominations to the Order of Australia come directly from the community: either individuals or groups. The 19-member Council for the Order of Australia then considers the nominations. The Council makes its recommendations, independent of government, direct to the Governor-General.

Awards in the Order of Australia are publicly announced on Australia Day (26 January) and the Queen’s Birthday public holiday (June).

This article appeared in the March edition of The Kytherian, Newsletter of the Kytherian Association of Australia.

View / download a .pdf version here:

Australia_Day_Award_for_Peter_Prineas.pdf

Open full entry

13/4/2014

Photos, Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

Notable Kytherians

Peter Prineas

Australia Day Award, for Peter Prineas. 2012.

[[picture:"Prineas with Somerville.jpg" ID:22207]]

Photograph: Peter Prineas (left) with Jim Somerville an old comrade of rainforest and wilderness campaigns.

Among the honours announced by the Governor General on Australia Day 2012 was the award to Peter Prineas of an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his "service to conservation and the environment through executive and advocacy roles".

Peter's involvement in conservation and environmental issues grew out of his early interest in bushwalking and friendship with the Sydney conservationist Milo Dunphy. While a university student in the early 1970s, Peter joined the Colong Committee and participated in efforts to save Lake Pedder in Tasmania and the Boyd Plateau forest in the mountains south-west of Sydney. Later he was appointed as the first Executive Officer of the National Parks Association of NSW where he directed his writing and legal skills into successful public campaigns to save rainforests from logging and for the establishment of new national parks. Some of the contested forests are now World Heritage Areas. He also worked for the preservation of wilderness areas and helped secure the enactment of wilderness protection legislation in 1987.

Peter contributed to community environmental organisations at a senior level for over 30 years. As well as the National Parks Association, he held honorary positions with the Nature Conservation Council of NSW and served as its Chairman for three years. He was also a long-time member of the board of the Colong Foundation for Wilderness, taking the Chair in 2007. He was Convener of the first Sydney Water Project in the 1990s and assisted the Nature Conservation Council with urban water policy up to about 2007.

[[picture:"Peter Prineas (left) with wilderness photographer Henry Gold, in the Snowy Mountains 1982.jpg" ID:22208]]

Photograph: Peter Prineas (left) with wilderness photographer Henry Gold, in the Snowy Mountains 1982.

Peter also represented community environmental interests on government committees and boards including the National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Board.

In recent years Peter has produced books on Greek Australian themes but his earlier books were about the environment. With photographer Henry Gold, he published 'Colo Wilderness' in 1977 and 'Wild Places' in 1983. These books argued for the protection of extensive tracts of bushland in the eastern highlands of NSW, most of which are now reserved in national parks.

How an Australian Day honour is awarded:

In the Australian honours system, appointments to the Order of Australia confer recognition for outstanding achievement and service. Recipients of the Order of Australia are from many fields of endeavour and all walks of life. The Order of Australia is the pre-eminent way Australians recognise the achievements and service of their fellow citizens. Nominations to the Order of Australia come directly from the community: either individuals or groups. The 19-member Council for the Order of Australia then considers the nominations. The Council makes its recommendations, independent of government, direct to the Governor-General.

Awards in the Order of Australia are publicly announced on Australia Day (26 January) and the Queen’s Birthday public holiday (June).

This article appeared in the March edition of The Kytherian, Newsletter of the Kytherian Association of Australia.

View / download a .pdf version here:

Australia_Day_Award_for_Peter_Prineas.pdf

Open full entry

13/4/2014

People, Notable Kytherians

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Governor of NSW her Excellency Marie Bashir is shown the Roxy Greek Museum by John Wearne and Peter Prineas

See Governor to open Museum for a good brief biographical sketch of the Governor. John Wearne is on the left, and Peter Prineas is on the right. John is a former mayor of Bingara, and Peter Prineas curated the Museum. Both are on the Roxy Museum Committee.

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy ‘complex’, it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

13/4/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Roxy Greek Australian Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Program, History & Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

View/download .pdf of the Invitation, here:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Roxy Invitation.pdf

Greek-Museum-Opening-Program_April_5_&_6_2014.pdf

ROXY HISTORY.pdf

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Bingara Advocte Weds April 9th 2014 Kytherian Celebrations.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister, April 16th, 20114, page 4

Ellinon_Logos_Greek_Article_on_Roxy_Museum Sat_May_3rd_2014_p28.pdf

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

12/4/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Museums & Galleries

Roxy Greek Australian Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

[[picture:"IMG_2632s.jpg" ID:22195]]

Grand Opening of the Roxy Museum

View / Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Report_ Roxy_Greek_ Museum_Opening _Bingara_April_2014.pdf

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It lies centrally in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri. Since 1999, first Bingara Shire Council and subsequently Gwydir Shire Council, have improved and expanded the Roxy 'complex'.

The Roxy Manager during the first decade was Sandy McNaughton. Her superior management skills, vision, attention to detail, and unbridled optimism were instrumental in creating 'the Roxy complex'. In April 2014, the final stage of the Roxy complex was completed.

[[picture:"Roxy Museum logo.jpg" ID:22217]]

On the weekend of the 5th and 6th April, the Roxy Greek Museum was opened to extraordinary fanfare and a deeply appreciative audience. “There was certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member, and former mayor of Bingara. People were absolutely amazed when they saw it. We knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations. It is world-class,” said Mr Wearne.

The Museum was made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts, and several equally substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, and a significant contribution from Gwydir Shire Council. Prominent Greek Australian donors included the Aroney Trust, the Kytherian Association of Australia, Nick Politis, the Aroney family, Nick Andriotakis, Angelo Notaras, amongst many others.

The museum was officially opened on Saturday 5th April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself. Distinguished guests who spoke at the launch included, Cr. John Coulton the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Mark Coulton, the Federal Member for Parkes, Adam Marshall, State Member for Northern Tablelands the Honourable George Souris, NSW Minister for Tourism and the Arts, His Excellency Haris Dafaranos, The Ambassador for Greece.

George Souris was “glad I was able come and be part of this unique celebration. Congratulations and thanks to Gwydir Shire Council, the Roxy Museum Committee, curator Peter Prineas, the generous donors, and all involved. 300 visitors to Bingara is no mean feat, but then neither is the Roxy”.

[[picture:"IMG_2634.JPG" ID:22201]]

Photograph: Panel containing numerous artefacts from the Greek cafe and cinema era.

The Roxy has four patrons. Bingara locals Nancy McGuiness and John Wearne, who were instrumental in persuading Bingara Council to purchase the Roxy Cinema in the late 1990's. Also, Peter Prineas, Roxy a grandson of Peter Feros, one of the three founders of the Roxy, and Australian actor and performer John Wood. John was the only one of the four patrons who could not attend because of work commitments. He noted however, that "I've not often been in love with a building, in fact, I think The Roxy is probably the only building I've ever been in love with. I'm sure you Bingarians would understand why. Many of you there today will remember how much I enjoyed my last visit for the opening of the Roxy Cafe. An honorary Greek in the person of Yiannis Xylo was unleashed on an unsuspecting public, drinking more than was good for him and almost breaking his neck in wild, if ageing attempts to take screamers in the form of tossed plates, in what had become for the night, City Square....I hope your Museum opening is a huge and unqualified success. I look forward to one day bringing another show to this most precious of theatres".

The Master of Ceremonies Peter, Samios, performed his duties impeccably. Greek dancing was performed by Joanna Tsakarides, Penelope Samios, Melina Andrew, Peter Faros, Stan Sklias, and Bill Tsoukalas, from the Kytherian Association dance troupe. Bingarians and other attendees from the NSW north west were stunned by the dancing display.

[[picture:"IMG_2633.JPG" ID:22204]]

Photograph: Another pano view of the Roxy Museum, Bingara. The view facing south.

As part of the two-day event there were guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests, and antique car displays. The highlight of the weekend was the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening, which was attended by 320 guests. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner was an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars. The main street was blocked off, and the Gala Ball was held in an open ‘platteia’ with a Greek 'panayiri' style atmosphere.

Guests danced the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, from Brisbane, under bandmaster Dimitri Prineas. Ha Va Le is one of the best Greek party bands performing in Australia. No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner was no exception.

The festivities continued into Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which was marked by a tree planting ceremony held on Cunningham Street adjacent to the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees were planted in recognition of Greek migration to Australia. Greek-Australians, local residents and visitors were given the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has migrated to Australia by purchasing an olive tree.

The 8 trees next to the Roxy Café will sell for $500 each. A number were purchased on the day. Other trees will be planted along Cunningham Street, and into a Avenue of Olive Trees Memorial Garden.pdf that leads to the ecologically based “Living Classroom” area, nearby. These trees will sell for $100.00 each. Participants are asked to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Roxy Greek Museum website, and a tree will be planted as a tribute. Order your commemorative olive tree, here.

On Sunday morning, the first tree planted as part of the launch was dedicated to the three Greek-Australians who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Aroney, grandson of Emmanuel Aroney, and Arthur Stathakis, godson of George Psaltis, planted the tree in their honour.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural association between Greek Australians and the places in Australia where they chose to live, work and raise a family. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe proprietors and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Australian’s is not forgotten.

Deep appreciation was conferred upon Peter Prineas who worked extremely hard to ensure that the Museum was curated to a world class standard. The work he did “behind the scenes” was extraordinary. Without his input the Museum would have cost far more to install.

[[picture:"IMG_2634.JPG" ID:22197]]

Photograph: Archie Kalokerinos' widow Catherine, and daughter Helen, standing beside a panel dedicated to Archie Kalokerinos at the Greek Roxy Museum in Bingara. Sunday April 6th, 2014.

The Museum designers, Convergence Associates of Camberwell, Melbourne, Victoria, also excelled themselves. The principals, Jenni Klempfner, Russell Magee, and Boyce Pizzey, have designed numerous important Museums in Australia and New Zealand including the Museo Italiano, the Newcastle Maritime Museum, the Defense of Darwin Museum, and displays in the National Archives in New Zealand. See, the Convergence Associates website . Jenni Klempfner considers the Roxy “a regional treasure…My background is in architecture, and to come across a building like that - it’s a jewel - a building that’s been wonderfully loved and nurtured, both in its inception, and in the last fifteen years since the council has owned it.”

A very special commendation goes to Roxy Manager Georgia Standerwick, for the event management skills she displayed in coordinating the Roxy Museum opening, and the grand Ball. She also chaired the Roxy Museum Committee, and oversaw the installation of the Museum. Her father is Greek, and her empathy with and understanding of the Greek 'ethos' shone through all her achievements, and all the events on the weekend. Also to Tim Cox, Assistant Finance Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, who ensured that the event was well financed, and 'ran to budget'.

Max Eastcott, General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council, and Leeah Daley, Assistant General Manager, should also be acknowledged with deep gratitude. Over more than a decade they have ensured that the 'vision' of the Roxy complex, particularly its Greek facet, has received the unmitigated support of the Gwydir Shire Council. Council Executives with less vision and courage may not have 'followed through' with the Project.

“The Greek Australian community is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee member, and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia. This is not a static museum. Incorporated within the Roxy complex is an Information Centre, a working Cinema, a working “Greek” café, a (TAFE) hospitality training college, fully equipped with an industrial kitchen, and a conference room. All have been built and restored to the highest standard, and all compliment and are integrated into the Greek Australian Museum.

[[picture:"IMG_2585.JPG" ID:22199]]

Photograph: Panel and display dedicated to the late Tess Mallos at the Greek Roxy Museum Bingara. Tess Mallos had a profound influence on redefining the Australian cuisine.

This is the only site in Australia which incorporates within one very large building so many facets of Greek heritage. Convergence, Gwydir Shire and the Roxy Museum Committee all conceive the ‘whole’ of the Roxy complex as one integrated Greek Australian Museum. “Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia, and inevitably – every Greek in the world” said George. All Greek-Australians should avail themselves of any opportunity to make the pilgrimage to the Roxy 'complex', Bingara.

By the year 2035 most Greek cafes and cinemas in Australia will have ceased trading or been demolished. Because of the substantial capital outlay on the Roxy ‘complex’ - now insured for a staggering $6 million dollars - this Greek memorial, heritage, pilgrimage and sacred site will assuredly be the last Greek site of such significance left standing.

The Roxy Museum was conceived as a Greek-Australian museum. It should always be considered as such. However, George Poulos believes, that "to the degree that Kytherians dominated the 'shop-keeping phenomenon' in Australia, and by virtue of the Kytherian input into its inception and restoration, it could also be considered a Kytherian-Australian museum. By virtue of the grandeur of the building, the superiority of the displays, and the monetary value of the Roxy 'complex', it is undoubtedly the most significant 'Kytherian' Museum in the world."

For more information you can call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit Gwydir Shire's Roxy Museum website and, the Roxy Museum main page on kythera-family.net

More web links:

Program, History & Articles about the Roxy Greek Museum Opening

View/download .pdf of the Invitation, here:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Roxy Invitation.pdf

ROXY HISTORY.pdf

Greek_Heritage_Preserved_North_West_Magazine_Mar_31_2014_p_6.pdf

NSW Governor to open Roxy Greek Museum

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

Bingara Advocte Weds April 9th 2014 Kytherian Celebrations.pdf

Roxy complex wins admiration from NSW Arts Minister, April 16th, 20114, page 4

Ellinon_Logos_Greek_Article_on_Roxy_Museum Sat_May_3rd_2014_p28.pdf

Bingara's location

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

75th Anniversary and official opening of the Roxy Cafe

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων

Open full entry

11/4/2014

Culture, Museums & Galleries

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Greek migration Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

Photograph, (left to right). Max Eastcott, General Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, Russell Magee, Convergence Associates, Boyce Pizzey, Convergence Associates, Jenni Klempfner, Convergence Associates, Peter Prineas, Museum Curator, The Roxy Greek Museum Committee, Leeah Daley, Deputy General Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, George Poulos, The Roxy Greek Museum Committee.

With less than one week until the opening of The Roxy Greek Museum, anticipation is building for the big reveal.

“There is certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member. I think people are going to be absolutely amazed when they finally get a chance to see it, we knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations” said Mr Wearne.

Made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts and several substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, the museum will be officially opened on Saturday 5 April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself.

As part of the two-day event there will be guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests and antique car displays.

The highlight of the weekend will be the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner will be an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and fes¬tivity under the stars.

Guests will be invited to dance the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, one of the best Greek party bands performing in the country.

No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner will be no exception.
With only a few days to the opening of the Greek Museum, locals are urged to secure their tickets for the dinner to avoid disappointment.

The festivities continue on the Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which will be marked by a tree planting ceremony to be held on Cunningham Street near the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees will be planted in recognition of Greek Immigration to Australia.

Local community members and visitors will have the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has made the journey to Australia by purchasing an olive tree for $100.00. Participants are then required to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Greek Museum website, and a tree will then be planted in tribute.

The first tree planted as part of the launch will be dedicated to the three Greek men who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros and also the Greek museum curator, will plant the tree in their honour. Six of the trees will be planted on Cunningham Street with the remainder to be planted at The Living Classroom.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural associations between people and place.

It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of people is not forgotten.

“The Greek Australian commu¬nity is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia.
“Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia and inevitably the world” said George.

For more information or tickets to the event please call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit the Roxy website http://www.roxybingara.com.au/museum-opening/

Open full entry

8/4/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Current Affairs

Greek Australian Roxy Museum completes the Roxy masterpiece

[[picture:"Roxy Museum Photograph.jpg" ID:22187]]
Photograph, (left to right). Max Eastcott, General Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, Russell Magee, Convergence Associates, Boyce Pizzey, Convergence Associates, Jenni Klempfner, Convergence Associates, Peter Prineas, Museum Curator, The Roxy Greek Museum Committee, Leeah Daley, Deputy General Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, George Poulos, The Roxy Greek Museum Committee.

With less than one week until the opening of The Roxy Greek Museum, anticipation is building for the big reveal.

“There is certainly a buzz amongst the local community as well as the Greek community across Australia” said John Wearne, Roxy Greek Museum Committee Member. I think people are going to be absolutely amazed when they finally get a chance to see it, we knew the museum was going to be special, but it has exceeded our expectations” said Mr Wearne.

Made possible by a $94,000 grant from the New South Wales Ministry for Arts and several substantial donations from the Greek Australian Community, the museum will be officially opened on Saturday 5 April 2014 by Her Excellency, Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, with an opening as grand as the Roxy itself.

As part of the two-day event there will be guided tours of the museum, movie screenings in the beautiful Roxy theatre, talks by special guests and antique car displays.

The highlight of the weekend will be the Gala Dinner held on the Saturday evening. Bringing the glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the dinner will be an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and fes¬tivity under the stars.

Guests will be invited to dance the night away to the live band Ha Va Le, one of the best Greek party bands performing in the country.

No Greek celebration would be complete without the smashing of plates, and the Gala Dinner will be no exception.
With only a few days to the opening of the Greek Museum, locals are urged to secure their tickets for the dinner to avoid disappointment.

The festivities continue on the Sunday with stalls and the launch of the Greek Immigration Olive grove which will be marked by a tree planting ceremony to be held on Cunningham Street near the Roxy Cafe. The olive trees will be planted in recognition of Greek Immigration to Australia.

Local community members and visitors will have the opportunity to pay tribute to a Greek family or friend who has made the journey to Australia by purchasing an olive tree for $100.00. Participants are then required to provide a name and a brief description about the family member or friend which will appear on the Greek Museum website, and a tree will then be planted in tribute.

The first tree planted as part of the launch will be dedicated to the three Greek men who built the Roxy Theatre in 1936 - Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis. Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros and also the Greek museum curator, will plant the tree in their honour. Six of the trees will be planted on Cunningham Street with the remainder to be planted at The Living Classroom.

The Roxy Museum is dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in rural Australia. It is envisioned the museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural associations between people and place.

It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek cafe and cinema operators, ensuring the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of people is not forgotten.

“The Greek Australian commu¬nity is passionate about the Roxy because it is a living and working memorial to every Greek Australian who has migrated to Australia since 1817,” said George Poulos, Roxy Greek Museum Committee and Secretary of the Kytherian Association of Australia.
“Eventually it will become a place of pilgrimage for every Greek in Australia and inevitably the world” said George.

For more information or tickets to the event please call the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066 or visit the Roxy website http://www.roxybingara.com.au/museum-opening/

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8/4/2014

Culture, Current Affairs

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Join us for the Grand Opening of the Bingara Roxy Greek Museum

by Her Excellency. Marie Bashir AC, Governor of New South Wales

Bingara is planning a great weekend

• Official opening ceremony
• Movies and other screenings at the Roxy
• Talks on Greek cafes and cinemas
• Gala dinner and dancing
• Greek dance band

Saturday & Sunday, 5th -6th April, 2014

Gala Dinner ticket $75.00
Roxy Theatre films and talks - Day ticket
Saturday $20 Day ticket Sunday $15
Weekend ticket (admission to everything including dinner and theatre attractions on both days) $100.00

Plenty of accommodation available near Bingara at Barraba, Warialda, lnverell and Moree

Further information: contact Bingara Visitor
Information Centre on 02 6724 0066

or visit

www.roxybingara.com.au/museum-opening

View / Download a .pdf colour brochure of this Invitation:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Map showing the road to Bingara

Movie

Cecil B. DeMille's epic movie •Cleopatra• was released in 1934 and
shown at the Bingara Roxy in July 1936.
It will be shown again at the Bingara Roxy on Saturday 5 April 2014.
This 80 year old classic stars Claudette Colbert and features lavish sets and fabulous costumes and scenes that are best appreciated on the big screen.
The Cleopatra barge scene and the death of the Greek-Egyptian Queen are considered to be two of the most memorable sequences in DeMille's career.
'Cleopatra' was a box office success, garnered five Academy Award nominations and won the Oscar for Best Cinematography.

Talks

• Dr Tony Risson author of 'Aphrodite and the Mixed Grill' on "The Greek Cafe in Queensland"

• Angelo Hatsatouris on "A Greek picture theatre family in Country NSW"

• Peter Prineas writer and Roxy Museum Curator on "The Allies Cafe - social hub in a NSW town"

For further information contact Bingara Visitor Information

02 6724 0066
www.roxybingara.com.au/museum

Open full entry

20/2/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Join us for the Grand Opening of the Bingara Roxy Greek Museum

by Her Excellency. Marie Bashir AC, Governor of New South Wales

Bingara is planning a great weekend

• Official opening ceremony
• Movies and other screenings at the Roxy
• Talks on Greek cafes and cinemas
• Gala dinner and dancing
• Greek dance band

Saturday & Sunday, 5th -6th April, 2014

Gala Dinner ticket $75.00
Roxy Theatre films and talks - Day ticket
Saturday $20 Day ticket Sunday $15
Weekend ticket (admission to everything including dinner and theatre attractions on both days) $100.00

Plenty of accommodation available near Bingara at Barraba, Warialda, lnverell and Moree

Further information: contact Bingara Visitor
Information Centre on 02 6724 0066

or visit

www.roxybingara.com.au/museum-opening

View / Download a .pdf colour brochure of this Invitation:

Roxy March Promo (2).pdf

Map showing the road to Bingara

Movie

Cecil B. DeMille's epic movie •Cleopatra• was released in 1934 and
shown at the Bingara Roxy in July 1936.
It will be shown again at the Bingara Roxy on Saturday 5 April 2014.
This 80 year old classic stars Claudette Colbert and features lavish sets and fabulous costumes and scenes that are best appreciated on the big screen.
The Cleopatra barge scene and the death of the Greek-Egyptian Queen are considered to be two of the most memorable sequences in DeMille's career.
'Cleopatra' was a box office success, garnered five Academy Award nominations and won the Oscar for Best Cinematography.

Talks

• Dr Tony Risson author of 'Aphrodite and the Mixed Grill' on "The Greek Cafe in Queensland"

• Angelo Hatsatouris on "A Greek picture theatre family in Country NSW"

• Peter Prineas writer and Roxy Museum Curator on "The Allies Cafe - social hub in a NSW town"

For further information contact Bingara Visitor Information

02 6724 0066
www.roxybingara.com.au/museum

Open full entry

20/2/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Bob Carr's

Re-opening the Roxy and Peter’s Cafe: A Cinema in a Country Town
APRIL 12, 2011

Photograph: Former Premier of New South Wales with (then State member) Richard Torbay MP and John Wearne (Roxy Museum Committee) in Bingara's main street, Saturday night

When it comes to regional development – especially if it’s the smallest of country towns – sometimes the simplest approach works best. Bingara pop. 1,300 (on its best day – as a local quipped) is set in the foothills of New England, the gateway to the North West and the Queensland border, 600km North of Sydney. What’s it got going for it?

Its competitive advantage may be its Roxy Cinema, built in 1936 by three Greek partners, migrants from the island of Kythera. It is a striking Art Deco work, extravagant in fact, and belongs in any history of Australian cinema architecture or the Australian Art Deco style. To complete the extravagance these three Greek partners added a roomy café and a guest house, plus a first floor residence.

In 2004, as Premier I gave them $500,000 to restore the Roxy. After being sealed up for 40 years, it was opened up to be used by the town.

The advice I received was this would become a focus for community activity and bring some life into a one-street centre. It would also pay tribute to the history of Greeks in rural Australia. Beginning in the early 20th century they had introduced cafes, one for every town and hamlet. And 90 percent of the bush cinemas were established by Greeks.

Well, the Kytherians were there in strength on Saturday night for the celebration of the official opening of the restored cafe and the museum. The hosts were John Wearne, a retired farmer and veteran leader of local government in rural NSW, and his wife Wendy. John had pushed along the Roxy restoration and has built support for it and pursued the links with the state-wide Kytherian community.

There was Greek feasting and dancing and the ritual smashing of plates, the screening of a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movie, a talk by actor John Wood about the history of the Roxy. This is worthy of movie treatment itself. Consider that those daring Greek businessmen who invested in a cinema and a café with such extravagance were then driven out of business by a local competitor with his own screenings at a veteran’s club (incredible – two cinemas in this tiny country town) who cornered the better movies and advertised that his picture show was “100 percent Australian owned.” The Greeks were driven into receivership.

By the way, Bingara dispels the notion of infrastructure deprivation in the bush. Remember – a population of 1000. The hospital has recently had $12 and a new water treatment plant was built with $5 million. There is a new Commonwealth-funded age care hostel. The road to Narrabri has been recently sealed. I spoke to the school principal. The central school – kindergarten to year 12 – had new buildings as a result of the BER. The infrastructure is in fact terrific.

On Saturday I met locals, visiting Greeks from Sydney, former speaker Richard Torbay just triumphantly re-elected as independent member for Armidale. There was one farmer who had helped blockade me in Walgett airport in 1998 in a demonstration against my government’s policies protecting native vegetation. All history now. And I’m happy that the rain and high commodity prcies are looking after him.

I couldn’t visit that 1930s cinema without thinking of the youngsters who had been there watching Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers when it opened in 1936, only to be swept up a few years later by World War II, recruited for Tobruk or Singapore. Happy days at the flickering screen in Bingara would have seemed far distant life, a different planet.

bobcarrblog

Response by Noel Donohue:

April 12, 2011 11:27 am

This brings great memories of my growing up in the bush and spending some of my working life in country towns. These cinemas were usually family run affairs. They were the social centres as you say. I will never forget the commotion late comers caused at the theatre in Manilla, NSW, when people interrupted the movie with greetings in a loud voice , much to the annoyance of uninvolved patrons who wished to see the movie. On one occasion the projectionist went to sleep and so didn’t change the reel and the patrons sat in noisy, complaining darkness until they gave up and went home. In Goulburn as a kid I had the choice of two picture theatres, Hoyts and the Odeon. Matinees on Saturday afternoons would be interrupted by the sound of Jaffas being rolled down the sloping floor from front to back. I recall one evening performance of a Steel Rudd movie and an excited patron , there with his wife and kids from a small village outside Goulburn, constantly anticipated what the next scene would be in a loud excited voice to the amusement of the whole theatre.I recall the open air theatres in hot areas as far apart as Moree, NSW and Broome, Western Australia. The stories my father told me of visits to the theatre in Crookwell, NSW. On one occasion one of the locals had been an extra in the filming of Forty Thousand Horseman on the sand hills at Wanda Beach/Kurnell. He reserved the front row for his entire extended family and amused the audience by announcing his approach across the screen on horseback in a trumpeting voice—” Here I come Mum…There I go Mum “.In the village of Cooyal the local dance hall sometimes hosted travelling picture shows. I recall seeing Jekkyl and Hyde and having to ride my bike home alone in the middle of the night and being terrified by the call of a mopoke. Finally I recall going to a Sydney theatre to see The Picture Show Man with a dear friend of mine in 1977, whose father ran the picture theatre in Kilkivan in Queensland. At the end of the performance there was spontaneous applause from the audience. something I hadn’t witnessed before or since.

Open full entry

11/2/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

NSW Governor to open the Roxy Greek Café Museum

The Bingara Advocate, Weds Feb 5th, 2014, Vol. 82. No. 3, page 1

The Bingara Roxy Greek Café Museum Committee is delighted to announce Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Marie Bashir AC CVO as the official guest to open the long awaited museum in Bingara on the weekend of 5 and 6 April 2014.

The Museum, which documents the history of Greek settlement in Australia with particular reference to their involvement in cafes throughout New South Wales and Queensland, will be open in style with a Gala open air dinner in the main street of Bingara. Bringing the glamour of the 1930’s back to Bingara, it will be an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars.

“Having Professor Marie Bashir open the museum is a real coup for the committee who have been planning the museum for the last three years” committee member Mr John Wearne said.

“Her attendance is definitely going to raise the profile of the project and hopefully bring the recognition that the museum deserves. Greek Australians have made a huge contribution to Australian society and have had a major influence on the development of many Australian industries such as the food and wine service, construction, real estate and tourism industries. It is important to document and celebrate the ways the Greeks have enriched our community and culture, as well as taking the time to remember when life was slower and people had time to enjoy a milkshake on a Saturday afternoon” said Mr Wearne.

Professor Bashir was the first woman to be appointed Governor of New South Wales and took up her office on 1 March 2001.

Born in Narrandera and educated at Narrandera Public School and Sydney Girls High School, Marie Bashir gained her bachelor degrees in medicine and surgery in 1956 from the University of Sydney.

Dr Bashir taught at the Universities of Sydney and New South Wales, increasingly working with children’s services, psychiatry and mental health services, and indigenous health programs.

At the time of her appointment as Governor of New South Wales, Dr Bashir was Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Sydney (a post she took up in 1993); Area Director of Mental Health Services Central Sydney (from 1994); and Senior Consultant to the Aboriginal Medical Service, Redfern (from 1996) and to the Aboriginal Medical Service, Kempsey.

Professor Bashir’s widespread involvements and interests have included juvenile justice, research on adolescent depression, health issues in developing countries, education for health professionals and telemedicine, and new technologies for health service delivery.

Along with many professional medical association roles, Dr Bashir was, at the time of her appointment as Governor, a member of societies as diverse as Amnesty International, the National Trust, the New South Wales Camellia Research Society and the Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Centre, as well as being a patron of the Sydney Symphony and Opera Australia.

She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1988 for her services to child and adolescent health, and was invested by Her Majesty, the Queen with the insignia of a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in 2006.

Professor Bashir will be accompanied by her husband, Sir Nicholas Shehadie AC OBE. Sir Nicholas has also had an impressive career as the Lord Mayor of Sydney from 1973 to 1975, and a former national representative rugby union captain, making 30 career Test appearances. He is an inductee into both the Australian Rugby Union Hall of Fame and the IRB Hall of Fame.

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum.pdf

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9/2/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Current Affairs

NSW Governor to open the Roxy Greek Café Museum

[[picture:"Bingara Advocte Weds Feb 5 2014 NSW Gov to open Roxy Museum 2.jpg" ID:22101]]

The Bingara Advocate, Weds Feb 5th, 2014, Vol. 82. No. 3, page 1

The Bingara Roxy Greek Café Museum Committee is delighted to announce Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Marie Bashir AC CVO as the official guest to open the long awaited museum in Bingara on the weekend of 5 and 6 April 2014.

The Museum, which documents the history of Greek settlement in Australia with particular reference to their involvement in cafes throughout New South Wales and Queensland, will be open in style with a Gala open air dinner in the main street of Bingara. Bringing the glamour of the 1930’s back to Bingara, it will be an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity under the stars.

“Having Professor Marie Bashir open the museum is a real coup for the committee who have been planning the museum for the last three years” committee member Mr John Wearne said.

“Her attendance is definitely going to raise the profile of the project and hopefully bring the recognition that the museum deserves. Greek Australians have made a huge contribution to Australian society and have had a major influence on the development of many Australian industries such as the food and wine service, construction, real estate and tourism industries. It is important to document and celebrate the ways the Greeks have enriched our community and culture, as well as taking the time to remember when life was slower and people had time to enjoy a milkshake on a Saturday afternoon” said Mr Wearne.

Professor Bashir was the first woman to be appointed Governor of New South Wales and took up her office on 1 March 2001.

Born in Narrandera and educated at Narrandera Public School and Sydney Girls High School, Marie Bashir gained her bachelor degrees in medicine and surgery in 1956 from the University of Sydney.

Dr Bashir taught at the Universities of Sydney and New South Wales, increasingly working with children’s services, psychiatry and mental health services, and indigenous health programs.

At the time of her appointment as Governor of New South Wales, Dr Bashir was Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Sydney (a post she took up in 1993); Area Director of Mental Health Services Central Sydney (from 1994); and Senior Consultant to the Aboriginal Medical Service, Redfern (from 1996) and to the Aboriginal Medical Service, Kempsey.

Professor Bashir’s widespread involvements and interests have included juvenile justice, research on adolescent depression, health issues in developing countries, education for health professionals and telemedicine, and new technologies for health service delivery.

Along with many professional medical association roles, Dr Bashir was, at the time of her appointment as Governor, a member of societies as diverse as Amnesty International, the National Trust, the New South Wales Camellia Research Society and the Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Centre, as well as being a patron of the Sydney Symphony and Opera Australia.

She was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1988 for her services to child and adolescent health, and was invested by Her Majesty, the Queen with the insignia of a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in 2006.

Professor Bashir will be accompanied by her husband, Sir Nicholas Shehadie AC OBE. Sir Nicholas has also had an impressive career as the Lord Mayor of Sydney from 1973 to 1975, and a former national representative rugby union captain, making 30 career Test appearances. He is an inductee into both the Australian Rugby Union Hall of Fame and the IRB Hall of Fame.

Open full entry

9/2/2014

Culture, Current Affairs

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Bingara’s Living Classroom

During the Roxy Museum Opening celebrations, 5th & 6th April, 2014, the Kytherian dance group will almost certainly stay in an accomodation facility at the Living Classroom Complex in Bingara NSW. This article explains what the living classroom is.

by Suzanne Kyte

Article Project credits
Community group VISION 2020 collaborates with John Mongard Landscape Architects onsite through a process running that has been running over six years.

John Mongard Landscape Architects worked with the northern NSW community of Bingara, to develop strategies for future-proofing their town that can be maintained by residents at little cost.

The township of Bingara lies in the heart of a district in the New South Wales Northern Tablelands, renowned for its natural beauty, livestock and crop production. But like many other rural towns, Bingara faces significant challenges on both global and local levels. In 2008, Gwydir Shire Council engaged John Mongard Landscape Architects (JMLA) to develop a strategy to guide the town’s future development. As part of this process, Bingara residents generated ideas that ranged from main-street improvements to a long-term sustainable agriculture project, and which were further developed through collaborative design processes led by JMLA.

The resulting Bingara Town Strategy outlines an integrated twenty-year framework for building a positive and sustainable future through a series of small and large-scale projects that will dramatically change the town’s approach to food, housing, work and energy planning. By building in opportunities for the community to review and refine options over time, it is hoped that the strategy will remain relevant and accommodate change in line with the vision for the town itself.

Community group VISION 2020 collaborates with John Mongard Landscape Architects onsite through a process running that has been running over six years.

Although many of the initial ideas for Bingara’s future were instigated by local community group Vision 2020, the participation of, and support from, the wider community has clarified local values and needs, contributed new ideas and helped to implement the strategy. As with many of JMLA’s public domain projects, the process began by inviting the community to “setup shop” in a vacant main-street shopfront, where community members could meet to discuss the town’s future. During the course of a week, locals called in to talk about their ideas and those of others, raise issues and brainstorm possible solutions. Visitors to the town contributed valuable insights about Bingara from a tourism perspective.

The town’s riverfront was collaboratively designed and built by the council, John Mongard Landscape Architects, the community and local farmers.

In addition to this, John Mongard and Jacqueline Ratcliffe from JMLA held public meetings and forums, met with local businesses and other interest groups, and held workshops with council staff and other stakeholders. Spending time in Bingara and using a range of consultation techniques helped the pair to learn first-hand about the town, its people and their values, experiences, needs, priorities and capacities. Existing studies about a town can provide valuable information but for Mongard, talking to the community is important because helps to identify ideas and current issues. In this case it was central to developing a meaningful town strategy.

One of the first projects in the town strategy to proceed involved improving the riverfront by building a park. “Each time we did something we had a little mini-engagement project,” explains Mongard. “We’d have a workshop and do a site walk, map out people’s ideas and then we’d go away and draw up a plan.” For the town strategy to be effective, Mongard believes it is critical for it to be realistic in terms of timeframes, capacity and available resources. Like most Bingara projects, the river park was designed and implemented as a collaboration; JMLA devised the plans with community input, local farmers erected the fence, the local council contributed funds and its staff built park elements.

During the first two years, further planning was also undertaken for more complex projects, including improvements to the main street and affordable housing. Another “setup shop” scenario, meetings with council staff and a community forum were staged to discuss the evolving plans and determine how to make them happen despite limited resources. For Mongard, “workshops provide an opportunity to find out what people value … and they act as catalysts for new ideas.” Local skills and knowledge are combined with state and federal funding opportunities to realize projects that could not be achieved any other way.

Work has recently begun on one of the most ambitious projects in the Bingara Town Strategy, the Living Classroom, which is envisaged as a learning centre and showcase for sustainable agriculture.

It will involve transforming 150 hectares of former grazing land adjacent to the town into an integrated and productive farm combining agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture and forestry. Initially the project was conceived without resources attached to it, so although JMLA provided plans, nothing was built. Breaking down the project into smaller activities and obtaining funding has allowed work to begin on the town’s river and creeks to mitigate flooding and recycle stormwater run-off through a revegetated swale system; and roads and paths are taking shape on the site around two new buildings that are already being used for accommodation and training by school and community groups.

Mongard travels to Bingara regularly to work on the project alongside contractors, council workers and volunteers. Being hands-on makes the process more experiential and allows him to modify designs in response to the land.

Collaborative design processes such as this might blur the lines between practitioners and community, but projects like Bingara’s Living Classroom demonstrate an efficient use of local skills, capacity and ideas as well as outcomes that reflect local aspirations. While Mongard acknowledges that it is an exhausting and time-intensive process, he says it is also rewarding. “For me it’s an experiment in seeing whether a country town can reinvent itself in a way [that will make it] more resilient, and I’m putting time into that because I think it’s important.”

Source Landscape Architecture Australia – August 2013 (Issue 139)

http://architectureau.com/articles/bingara-and-the-living-classroom/

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4/2/2014

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

FB Old photographs

Mary Rosso

please add a caption here

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25/1/2014

History, FB Old photographs

Obituaries

Mary Rosso

Mary Rosso
13th February, 1938 – 11th March, 2013


all because of love
when it arrived
my temporal life
from then on
changed to eternal


Rumi:


[[picture:"DSC01078.JPG" ID:22056]]

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25/1/2014

People, Obituaries

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

During the Belrose Rotary pilgrimage to Bingara

the group happened upon four Sydney University students who had been 'hazed" on the weekend of the 28th and 29th September.

As you can see from the photograph their looks and style of dress were radically altered, before being deposited in Bingara without money or credit cards.

Their escapades are related later in this entry.

Belrose Rotarians, pilgrimage to Bingara

Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013

The 75th anniversary of the Roxy was celebrated on the weekend of April 9th and 10th 2011, with the official launch of the (then) recently renovated Peters & Co Cafe and the Roxy museum, film screenings in the Roxy Theatre, and historic tours of the Roxy. On the Saturday night, a panagiri type festival was held; a black-tie gala ball with a twist. The main street was closed off. Inspired by Greek band Ha Va Le, people took to the streets dancing, singing and smashing plates. It was an unforgettable weekend.

On Tuesday 23 August 2011, Peter Prineas, author of the definitive history of the Roxy, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, conducted a talk at the Rotary Club of Belrose, on Sydney’s North Shore. The Rotary Club of Belrose is very active. It meets on Tuesday’s at the Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose.

As a result of Peter Prineas’ presentation the Belrose Rotary Club decided that they would make a trip to Bingara, to see the Roxy complex. The trip was planned to take place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013. Kos Psaltis, immediate Past President of Belrose Rotary, was the key organiser. He has a ‘connection’ to Bingara. Kos is married to Joanne (nee, Flaskas), whose mother Mary Flaskas (nee, Feros) was the youngest daughter of Peter Feros, one of the partners in the Roxy Cinema and Cafe ‘complex’. The other siblings of Mary, in birth order, included Katina, Jack and George.

A second connection for the Belrose Rotarians was that a past President - Henry Martin, a Methodist (Uniting Church) priest - had retired to live in the town.

The 58th National Convention of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was held between the 6th and the 13th October 2012. At the convention, Peter McCarthy, a member of the Roxy Museum Committee, delivered a talk about the Roxy ‘complex’.
As a result of that talk Sydney AHEPAN’s organised a 47 person bus trip to Bingara. On the 23rd February, 2013, they travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara. Their motivation to participate in such a pilgrimage was understandable. All had a Greek-Australian heritage, many had grown up in cafes, and AHEPA had been inaugurated in the north western New South Wales towns of Warialda and Scone. They were returning to their Greek-Australian, cafe, and AHEPAN roots.

An interesting feature of the Belrose Rotary pilgrimage, by contrast, was the fact that the majority of the “pilgrims” were not Greek by heritage.
The pilgrims consisted of 17 people travelling in a 20 seater bus, and 7 others travelling in 3 separate cars. The bus driver Chris Brownlee from Garigal Tours had been invited by Kos Psaltis to become a friend of Belrose Rotary. Chris’s wife Miriam also joined the ‘touring party’. This created a third connection to the town; Miriam’s family lives in Bingara. Her late brother had a property on the Narrabri road. Miriam’s sister in law and her children now live in town, and are involved with the Rural Fire Service. The pilgrimage was enhanced by the fact that driver, Chris Brownlee had a good working knowledge of the town and district.

The Psaltis/Feros connection

Kos and Joanne Psaltis feel a “powerful historical family connection” to Bingara. “We feel pride that Joanne’s family – her late grandfather – has added value to this town”. Both Joanne and I have watched the ABC's Landline program A Night at the Roxy, about the 75th Roxy Anniversary celebrations, many times.

The restoration of the Roxy Cinema has had a profound impact on both of them. “When we walked into the Roxy Cinema for the first time, Joanne and I had the same sensation, as we did many years ago, when we first walked into the Taj Mahal in India. You walk through these gates and there it is in front of you. A real ‘wow’ factor. When we were at the official opening here, and we walked into the cinema, it had the same ‘wow’ factor. The quality of the interior and the way it has been preserved is amazing.”

Both of Kos’s parents have always been involved in the cafe industry. His father Theodore Psaltis had a milk bar and coffee shop in Bondi Junction called the Savoy for many years, and all his father’s siblings were also involved with cafes. His mother Helen Psaltis (nee Trefilly) remembers that she began working in her father’s cafe, the Busy Bee, in Kingaroy, Queensland from primary school. She kept working in the cafe until she was married at 19 years of age.

What is her feeling about coming to see a preserved piece of Greek-Australian history like the Roxy? “I regard it as an honour”, she asserts. “In a sense it’s a memorial, and it makes the local people appreciate the contribution of the Greek-Australians”.

Kos added that “It’s all part of the great Australian story. It’s a particular ethnic group that has contributed significantly to modern Australian society. I look at it in that context ...You feel proud of the input that our Kytherian ancestors contributed so much to Australia.”

Kos was asked, what do you think the reaction is of the Australian’s who were not of a Greek background in your touring party to the Roxy and Bingara? “They have been very impressed. I think they have got a lot out of it”. This is corroborated by the testimony of some of the other members of the touring party.

Another former President of Belrose Rotary, Ron Furness, was in the ‘touring party’. He commented that they had had a great trip ‘up’, and that Bingara, and the Roxy ‘complex’ was a fascinating place.

“I’ve been reflecting about my good fortune to know Joanne Psaltis. Of hearing about how her family discovered their connection with the Roxy back in 2002. And before that, sadly...melancholy in a way...that it was a dark family secret....and I was reflecting on that comment by Joanne as I sit here in 2013, a beautiful, balmy afternoon, with a bit of breeze... enjoying a lovely cold beer, and thinking ...that, about 80 years or so ago these fellows had this dream....God only knows what their dream was, because I understand that they went broke pretty soon after. Hence the family shame. This has all been well documented in Peter Prineas' Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

But now, in 2013, their dream is still working, and people like me, who was born in London, and has had the pleasure of being in Greece many times. And had the good fortune of once setting foot on Kythera, for a brief trip, and spending many months on Greek Cyprus....and enjoyed the hospitality of Greek people, which is then extended to any group within the Greek pantheon; and I am astonished that 80 years later, the dream is still alive.”

Ron Furness was also made aware of the powerful influence that the Greek cafe has had on the town. “We met people on the way up here....we had the good fortune of stopping in Greek cafes all the way up...at least from Muswellbrook onwards...and we met people who were on the way here, or on the way home. When the topic of conversation turned to ...Bingara ...Oh, ROXY THEATRE!.... and they were all positive.

Interestingly Ron Furness had brought his young grandson Thomas along on the journey. He thoroughly enjoyed himself during all the activities, mixing with the oldies, “climbing a few hills, and doing a number of walks”. The pilgrimage was obviously something young people could also benefit from.

Alf Guy’s Bingara Report

Alf Guy, originally from South Africa, is the current President of the Belrose Rotary Club. He was delighted with the ‘welcome and hospitality’ the group received in Bingara.

The Roxy Museum, within the Roxy complex - the main reason for our trip to the North West – is in its final stages of restoration by the Gwydir Shire Council. The preservation of the art décor trappings is a majestic undertaking - and seeing the theatre brought back to its original glory must have been an emotional experience for Joanne Psaltis, whose late grandfather was one of the three Greek settlers, who created this glorious building. The Roxy, in the 21st century will almost certainly be the centrepiece of a rejuvenated Bingara.

Our group was also privileged to see a screening of the movie Red Dog in The Roxy Cinema!!

Bingara lies on the gently sloping southern bank of Gwydir River, which is a tributary of the the Murray-Darling River System. On the first morning of our stroll through Bingara, the air was cool, clear and still - the view northward, towards the river was picture perfect. This was the setting for much of our stay in the little town of 1300 people. The days were beautifully warm.

The restoration of The Roxy and its associated café is just one of many projects undertaken by this progressive community. The construction of an ecologically complex Living Classroom and the associated on-site accommodation are also in the final stages of completion.

The planting of orange trees on the nature strip in town and the communal harvesting of the fruit - without fear of vandalism, is another remarkable community spirited venture.

From Bingara, a journey in a south-westerly direction towards Narrabri takes you into the Mt Kaputar National Park. Mt Kaputar National Park with its ancient volcanic and glacial relics was an additional highlight of the trip. The geological history of the area really attracted us, and the Gwydir Valley is so beautiful and pristine. Our first stop was a magnificent gorge and waterfall, the Rocky Creek Glacial Area which lies 37 kms west of Bingara, is clearly signposted, and is reached a short distance from the main road turnoff. This geological wonder should not be missed! A vast amount of weathering and erosion has occurred over the years, so the original glacial landscape features have been changed by the subsequent flow of water. The Glacial Area is an excellent place to picnic and cool off in summer.

The journey from Bingara to Sawn Rocks was a very pleasant 1 hour drive in the bus. This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other. While this type of five-sided (pentagonal) ‘organ piping’ is not rare to lava flows, it is exceptionally rare to find them so perfectly formed and preserved and is recognised as being one of the best examples of columnar jointing in Australia. Coincidentally it looks very 'Grecian'.

Chris Brownlee had charge of some 18 ebullient folk in his mini coach for the trip. The animated conversations and free flow of spirited anecdotes made the trip lively and enjoyable. Chris kept up a well informed commentary as we travelled south westward through the rich and economically diverse Hunter Valley. Miriam, Chris`s wife, did a splendid job of serving refreshments at the eating, viewing and recreation stops.

During our stay in Bingara, we also ventured to the picnic area in the town, were we saw well preserved gold mining machinery. We also ventured up to H F Batterham Memorial Lookout, with its spectacular views across the town and the valley. (Ralph Hunt, M.H.R. for Gwydir, opened the H.F. Battherham Lookout overlooking Bingara in 1975. The lookout was the result of ten years work from 1964-1975 by Bingara Apex Club. It involved the clearing of land, the construction of an archway entrance and the provision of picnic shelters at the summit. The lookout was named as a tribute to the late Harold Francis Battherham, a local historian who worked tirelessly to promote tourism in the district).

We also visited the attractive and ecologically built River House, one of the superior accommodation facilities in the North West region. We were told that Peranjou Cottages, a refurbished woolshed which offers two self contained units situated side by side, was another interesting place to stay.

Together with the seven travellers in three cars and the mini coach group, which undertook the excursion to Bingara, our group injected many tourism dollars into the Bingara community.

Our appreciation for the planning of the trip by Past President Kos Psaltis, and his wife Joanne (nee, Flaskas), Psaltis and their connections, cannot be overstated. The planning, sometimes complex due to last minute changes, was meticulous. A great thank you to the Psaltis`s from all Rotary’s Bingara pilgrims.

The Roxy Cafe breakfast

Early on the morning of Sunday 29th September 2013, just before leaving to return to Sydney, the pilgrims met at the Roxy Cafe for breakfast. The service provided by Vio and his staff was excellent, and the atmosphere was convivial.

The group reminisced about their youthful experiences in Greek cafes, either as owners, staff or patrons.

The touring party were joined by four young adults, two female, two male, who some of the touring group had met on the evening before. They were twenty-something students living at one of the residential colleges at Sydney University.

They had been subjected to a "hazing" or "fagging" ceremony - still tolerated by University colleges today. The "hazing" was 'disguised' as a charity fund raising "event".

The students had been dressed up in outrageous clothing, the males had parts of their hair shaved, their money and credit cards had been 'confiscated' and they had been driven up to Bingara and left in the street. With these impediments placed before them, they were 'challenged' to get back to Sydney in the best way they knew how.

The young women, in particular, were quite distraught in the evening, and some of the Rotarian group invited the four students to meet for breakfast. They were also fairly confident that George C Poulos was returning back to Sydney in the morning, and that he would be able to provide them with 'a lift' home.

They arrived at the breakfast without money, but in true Rotarian 'civic duty' style, a "whip around" was arranged, and they were soon given enough money, not only to pay for their own breakfast, but also to pay for expenditure for a few days, if required.

Their presence at the breakfast made the event even more memorable, and, coupled with feelings of outrage, disbelief, and sympathy about how they had been treated, also generated a great deal of amusement and humour.

It was certainly a story that would be related at future dinner parties for many decades to come. Yet another entertaining "Roxy" story.

As it turned out George C Poulos did give them a lift back, and within 9 hours had safely deposited them outside the doors of their Sydney University residential college.

George speculated that the 'hazers' must have been bitterly disappointed when they saw their victims return so quickly, and in such good spirits.

Chris Brownlee’s impressions

Coach driver Chris Brownlee was very impressed with the Roxy ‘complex’. “It’s colossal history”. As we have discovered, there are many other attractions in and around Bingara.

Chris was also impressed by the ‘Living Classroom’ project, located in the town, off the Narrabri road. “This learning centre is going to be a talking point for years to come...for sure. For a small town Bingara has done exceptionally well. Something for other small towns to learn from as well.”

We need to teach young people farming again, and get people back on the farm. Particularly the young ones. The next generation is much more interested. My sister-in-law is into permaculture, and they are doing some of these innovative things on their six acres in the Macleay Valley. She’s learnt through horticultural classes in Brisbane. The next generation is moving towards being more self-sufficient, looking after nature, and getting back to nature. It’s all going to happen in that generation, who are in their 20’s now.”

A Greek-Australian and a rural Australian pilgrimage well within reach

Some people have commented that Bingara, 8 hours drive from Sydney and 7 hours drive from Brisbane, is a pilgrimage that is “too far away”.

This 'opinion' undermines the essential nature of pilgrimage – undertaking a transformative journey to a sacred centre, which should in some measure be ‘challenging’.

It was informative however, that most of the Rotary pilgrims did not find the journey onerous. Kos Psaltis argued that if asked if the pilgrimage was ‘too far’, “I would look at it differently. I would ask, “far away from what?” The implication of Kos's comment is that it is certainly not as onerous a pilgrimage as visiting the Acropolis or Kythera, for example. His mother Helen added, that “you see so many interesting towns and people on the way”.

Alf Guy revealed that on the journey ‘up’ Chris and Miriam Brownlee “entertained us all along the way. At no time did we feel bored. The trip went very quickly...passengers and the group displayed a great deal of camaraderie....their friendship, jocular nature and flexibility made the trip very, very enjoyable’.

These comments reflected those that the 47 AHEPAN’s had made earlier in the year. Comments by Christine Lynch, National President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia were typical.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particularly after the Roxy Museum is completed". The journey to the Roxy is too interesting to be onerous.

As we discovered with young Thomas’s involvement, it engages children as well as adults.

As well as the attractions mentioned above, Bingara offers easy access to other interesting tourist destinations , such as:

Myall Creek Massacre Site

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park

Three Creeks Tourist Mine

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Copeton Dam

Manilla, world class paragliding

Above and beyond visiting the Roxy ‘complex’ there is much to do and see. Even spending a week in Bingara and district will not allow time to visit all the tourist attractions in the area.

Every Kytherian Australian and every Greek Australian is encouraged to visit Bingara and the Roxy – at least once in their lifetime.

Bingara Roxy Museum Grand Opening Celebrations

See the Gwydir Shire Council website for information about the opening
The opening of the museum will take place on Saturday 5 April 2014 and will be celebrated with Greek food and music, screenings in the historic Roxy Theatre, tours of the museum and culminating in a gala dinner on the Saturday evening. Further information on the opening celebrations will be provided as arrangements are finalised.

Accommodation in Bingara is limited, so all those planning to attend are advised to book their accommodation as soon as possible. During the 2011 75th Anniversary celebrations, visitors were accommodated in a number of surrounding towns, when Bingara accommodation was filled.

For more information please contact the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066.

Would you like to contribute to the Roxy Museum?

The Roxy Greek Museum is interested in hearing from you if you have objects or photographs that you might like to offer to the collection. For more information please contact the museum curator Peter Prineas on 0429 322 857.

Let us know if you would like to make a financial donation, or offer cafe paraphernalia to the Museum, download the Acquisition Form

Open full entry

2/12/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Belrose Rotarian group met for early morning breakfast in the Roxy Cafe

Sunday 29th September, 2013.

In this photograph, in the foreground are the four Sydney University students who had been 'hazed" on the weekend of the 28th and 29th September.

Their escapades are related later in this entry.

Belrose Rotarians, pilgrimage to Bingara

Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013

The 75th anniversary of the Roxy was celebrated on the weekend of April 9th and 10th 2011, with the official launch of the (then) recently renovated Peters & Co Cafe and the Roxy museum, film screenings in the Roxy Theatre, and historic tours of the Roxy. On the Saturday night, a panagiri type festival was held; a black-tie gala ball with a twist. The main street was closed off. Inspired by Greek band Ha Va Le, people took to the streets dancing, singing and smashing plates. It was an unforgettable weekend.

On Tuesday 23 August 2011, Peter Prineas, author of the definitive history of the Roxy, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, conducted a talk at the Rotary Club of Belrose, on Sydney’s North Shore. The Rotary Club of Belrose is very active. It meets on Tuesday’s at the Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose.

As a result of Peter Prineas’ presentation the Belrose Rotary Club decided that they would make a trip to Bingara, to see the Roxy complex. The trip was planned to take place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013. Kos Psaltis, immediate Past President of Belrose Rotary, was the key organiser. He has a ‘connection’ to Bingara. Kos is married to Joanne (nee, Flaskas), whose mother Mary Flaskas (nee, Feros) was the youngest daughter of Peter Feros, one of the partners in the Roxy Cinema and Cafe ‘complex’. The other siblings of Mary, in birth order, included Katina, Jack and George.

A second connection for the Belrose Rotarians was that a past President - Henry Martin, a Methodist (Uniting Church) priest - had retired to live in the town.

The 58th National Convention of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was held between the 6th and the 13th October 2012. At the convention, Peter McCarthy, a member of the Roxy Museum Committee, delivered a talk about the Roxy ‘complex’.
As a result of that talk Sydney AHEPAN’s organised a 47 person bus trip to Bingara. On the 23rd February, 2013, they travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara. Their motivation to participate in such a pilgrimage was understandable. All had a Greek-Australian heritage, many had grown up in cafes, and AHEPA had been inaugurated in the north western New South Wales towns of Warialda and Scone. They were returning to their Greek-Australian, cafe, and AHEPAN roots.

An interesting feature of the Belrose Rotary pilgrimage, by contrast, was the fact that the majority of the “pilgrims” were not Greek by heritage.
The pilgrims consisted of 17 people travelling in a 20 seater bus, and 7 others travelling in 3 separate cars. The bus driver Chris Brownlee from Garigal Tours had been invited by Kos Psaltis to become a friend of Belrose Rotary. Chris’s wife Miriam also joined the ‘touring party’. This created a third connection to the town; Miriam’s family lives in Bingara. Her late brother had a property on the Narrabri road. Miriam’s sister in law and her children now live in town, and are involved with the Rural Fire Service. The pilgrimage was enhanced by the fact that driver, Chris Brownlee had a good working knowledge of the town and district.

The Psaltis/Feros connection

Kos and Joanne Psaltis feel a “powerful historical family connection” to Bingara. “We feel pride that Joanne’s family – her late grandfather – has added value to this town”. Both Joanne and I have watched the ABC's Landline program A Night at the Roxy, about the 75th Roxy Anniversary celebrations, many times.

The restoration of the Roxy Cinema has had a profound impact on both of them. “When we walked into the Roxy Cinema for the first time, Joanne and I had the same sensation, as we did many years ago, when we first walked into the Taj Mahal in India. You walk through these gates and there it is in front of you. A real ‘wow’ factor. When we were at the official opening here, and we walked into the cinema, it had the same ‘wow’ factor. The quality of the interior and the way it has been preserved is amazing.”

Both of Kos’s parents have always been involved in the cafe industry. His father Theodore Psaltis had a milk bar and coffee shop in Bondi Junction called the Savoy for many years, and all his father’s siblings were also involved with cafes. His mother Helen Psaltis (nee Trefilly) remembers that she began working in her father’s cafe, the Busy Bee, in Kingaroy, Queensland from primary school. She kept working in the cafe until she was married at 19 years of age.

What is her feeling about coming to see a preserved piece of Greek-Australian history like the Roxy? “I regard it as an honour”, she asserts. “In a sense it’s a memorial, and it makes the local people appreciate the contribution of the Greek-Australians”.

Kos added that “It’s all part of the great Australian story. It’s a particular ethnic group that has contributed significantly to modern Australian society. I look at it in that context ...You feel proud of the input that our Kytherian ancestors contributed so much to Australia.”

Kos was asked, what do you think the reaction is of the Australian’s who were not of a Greek background in your touring party to the Roxy and Bingara? “They have been very impressed. I think they have got a lot out of it”. This is corroborated by the testimony of some of the other members of the touring party.

Another former President of Belrose Rotary, Ron Furness, was in the ‘touring party’. He commented that they had had a great trip ‘up’, and that Bingara, and the Roxy ‘complex’ was a fascinating place.

“I’ve been reflecting about my good fortune to know Joanne Psaltis. Of hearing about how her family discovered their connection with the Roxy back in 2002. And before that, sadly...melancholy in a way...that it was a dark family secret....and I was reflecting on that comment by Joanne as I sit here in 2013, a beautiful, balmy afternoon, with a bit of breeze... enjoying a lovely cold beer, and thinking ...that, about 80 years or so ago these fellows had this dream....God only knows what their dream was, because I understand that they went broke pretty soon after. Hence the family shame. This has all been well documented in Peter Prineas' Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

But now, in 2013, their dream is still working, and people like me, who was born in London, and has had the pleasure of being in Greece many times. And had the good fortune of once setting foot on Kythera, for a brief trip, and spending many months on Greek Cyprus....and enjoyed the hospitality of Greek people, which is then extended to any group within the Greek pantheon; and I am astonished that 80 years later, the dream is still alive.”

Ron Furness was also made aware of the powerful influence that the Greek cafe has had on the town. “We met people on the way up here....we had the good fortune of stopping in Greek cafes all the way up...at least from Muswellbrook onwards...and we met people who were on the way here, or on the way home. When the topic of conversation turned to ...Bingara ...Oh, ROXY THEATRE!.... and they were all positive.

Interestingly Ron Furness had brought his young grandson Thomas along on the journey. He thoroughly enjoyed himself during all the activities, mixing with the oldies, “climbing a few hills, and doing a number of walks”. The pilgrimage was obviously something young people could also benefit from.

Alf Guy’s Bingara Report

Alf Guy, originally from South Africa, is the current President of the Belrose Rotary Club. He was delighted with the ‘welcome and hospitality’ the group received in Bingara.

The Roxy Museum, within the Roxy complex - the main reason for our trip to the North West – is in its final stages of restoration by the Gwydir Shire Council. The preservation of the art décor trappings is a majestic undertaking - and seeing the theatre brought back to its original glory must have been an emotional experience for Joanne Psaltis, whose late grandfather was one of the three Greek settlers, who created this glorious building. The Roxy, in the 21st century will almost certainly be the centrepiece of a rejuvenated Bingara.

Our group was also privileged to see a screening of the movie Red Dog in The Roxy Cinema!!

Bingara lies on the gently sloping southern bank of Gwydir River, which is a tributary of the the Murray-Darling River System. On the first morning of our stroll through Bingara, the air was cool, clear and still - the view northward, towards the river was picture perfect. This was the setting for much of our stay in the little town of 1300 people. The days were beautifully warm.

The restoration of The Roxy and its associated café is just one of many projects undertaken by this progressive community. The construction of an ecologically complex Living Classroom and the associated on-site accommodation are also in the final stages of completion.

The planting of orange trees on the nature strip in town and the communal harvesting of the fruit - without fear of vandalism, is another remarkable community spirited venture.

From Bingara, a journey in a south-westerly direction towards Narrabri takes you into the Mt Kaputar National Park. Mt Kaputar National Park with its ancient volcanic and glacial relics was an additional highlight of the trip. The geological history of the area really attracted us, and the Gwydir Valley is so beautiful and pristine. Our first stop was a magnificent gorge and waterfall, the Rocky Creek Glacial Area which lies 37 kms west of Bingara, is clearly signposted, and is reached a short distance from the main road turnoff. This geological wonder should not be missed! A vast amount of weathering and erosion has occurred over the years, so the original glacial landscape features have been changed by the subsequent flow of water. The Glacial Area is an excellent place to picnic and cool off in summer.

The journey from Bingara to Sawn Rocks was a very pleasant 1 hour drive in the bus. This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other. While this type of five-sided (pentagonal) ‘organ piping’ is not rare to lava flows, it is exceptionally rare to find them so perfectly formed and preserved and is recognised as being one of the best examples of columnar jointing in Australia. Coincidentally it looks very 'Grecian'.

Chris Brownlee had charge of some 18 ebullient folk in his mini coach for the trip. The animated conversations and free flow of spirited anecdotes made the trip lively and enjoyable. Chris kept up a well informed commentary as we travelled south westward through the rich and economically diverse Hunter Valley. Miriam, Chris`s wife, did a splendid job of serving refreshments at the eating, viewing and recreation stops.

During our stay in Bingara, we also ventured to the picnic area in the town, were we saw well preserved gold mining machinery. We also ventured up to H F Batterham Memorial Lookout, with its spectacular views across the town and the valley. (Ralph Hunt, M.H.R. for Gwydir, opened the H.F. Battherham Lookout overlooking Bingara in 1975. The lookout was the result of ten years work from 1964-1975 by Bingara Apex Club. It involved the clearing of land, the construction of an archway entrance and the provision of picnic shelters at the summit. The lookout was named as a tribute to the late Harold Francis Battherham, a local historian who worked tirelessly to promote tourism in the district).

We also visited the attractive and ecologically built River House, one of the superior accommodation facilities in the North West region. We were told that Peranjou Cottages, a refurbished woolshed which offers two self contained units situated side by side, was another interesting place to stay.

Together with the seven travellers in three cars and the mini coach group, which undertook the excursion to Bingara, our group injected many tourism dollars into the Bingara community.

Our appreciation for the planning of the trip by Past President Kos Psaltis, and his wife Joanne (nee, Flaskas), Psaltis and their connections, cannot be overstated. The planning, sometimes complex due to last minute changes, was meticulous. A great thank you to the Psaltis`s from all Rotary’s Bingara pilgrims.

The Roxy Cafe breakfast

Early on the morning of Sunday 29th September 2013, just before leaving to return to Sydney, the pilgrims met at the Roxy Cafe for breakfast. The service provided by Vio and his staff was excellent, and the atmosphere was convivial.

The group reminisced about their youthful experiences in Greek cafes, either as owners, staff or patrons.

The touring party were joined by four young adults, two female, two male, who some of the touring group had met on the evening before. They were twenty-something students living at one of the residential colleges at Sydney University.

They had been subjected to a "hazing" or "fagging" ceremony - still tolerated by University colleges today. The "hazing" was 'disguised' as a charity fund raising "event".

The students had been dressed up in outrageous clothing, the males had parts of their hair shaved, their money and credit cards had been 'confiscated' and they had been driven up to Bingara and left in the street. With these impediments placed before them, they were 'challenged' to get back to Sydney in the best way they knew how.

The young women, in particular, were quite distraught in the evening, and some of the Rotarian group invited the four students to meet for breakfast. They were also fairly confident that George C Poulos was returning back to Sydney in the morning, and that he would be able to provide them with 'a lift' home.

They arrived at the breakfast without money, but in true Rotarian 'civic duty' style, a "whip around" was arranged, and they were soon given enough money, not only to pay for their own breakfast, but also to pay for expenditure for a few days, if required.

Their presence at the breakfast made the event even more memorable, and, coupled with feelings of outrage, disbelief, and sympathy about how they had been treated, also generated a great deal of amusement and humour.

It was certainly a story that would be related at future dinner parties for many decades to come. Yet another entertaining "Roxy" story.

As it turned out George C Poulos did give them a lift back, and within 9 hours had safely deposited them outside the doors of their Sydney University residential college.

George speculated that the 'hazers' must have been bitterly disappointed when they saw their victims return so quickly, and in such good spirits.

Chris Brownlee’s impressions

Coach driver Chris Brownlee was very impressed with the Roxy ‘complex’. “It’s colossal history”. As we have discovered, there are many other attractions in and around Bingara.

Chris was also impressed by the ‘Living Classroom’ project, located in the town, off the Narrabri road. “This learning centre is going to be a talking point for years to come...for sure. For a small town Bingara has done exceptionally well. Something for other small towns to learn from as well.”

We need to teach young people farming again, and get people back on the farm. Particularly the young ones. The next generation is much more interested. My sister-in-law is into permaculture, and they are doing some of these innovative things on their six acres in the Macleay Valley. She’s learnt through horticultural classes in Brisbane. The next generation is moving towards being more self-sufficient, looking after nature, and getting back to nature. It’s all going to happen in that generation, who are in their 20’s now.”

A Greek-Australian and a rural Australian pilgrimage well within reach

Some people have commented that Bingara, 8 hours drive from Sydney and 7 hours drive from Brisbane, is a pilgrimage that is “too far away”.

This 'opinion' undermines the essential nature of pilgrimage – undertaking a transformative journey to a sacred centre, which should in some measure be ‘challenging’.

It was informative however, that most of the Rotary pilgrims did not find the journey onerous. Kos Psaltis argued that if asked if the pilgrimage was ‘too far’, “I would look at it differently. I would ask, “far away from what?” The implication of Kos's comment is that it is certainly not as onerous a pilgrimage as visiting the Acropolis or Kythera, for example. His mother Helen added, that “you see so many interesting towns and people on the way”.

Alf Guy revealed that on the journey ‘up’ Chris and Miriam Brownlee “entertained us all along the way. At no time did we feel bored. The trip went very quickly...passengers and the group displayed a great deal of camaraderie....their friendship, jocular nature and flexibility made the trip very, very enjoyable’.

These comments reflected those that the 47 AHEPAN’s had made earlier in the year. Comments by Christine Lynch, National President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia were typical.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particularly after the Roxy Museum is completed". The journey to the Roxy is too interesting to be onerous.

As we discovered with young Thomas’s involvement, it engages children as well as adults.

As well as the attractions mentioned above, Bingara offers easy access to other interesting tourist destinations , such as:

Myall Creek Massacre Site

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park

Three Creeks Tourist Mine

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Copeton Dam

Manilla, world class paragliding

Above and beyond visiting the Roxy ‘complex’ there is much to do and see. Even spending a week in Bingara and district will not allow time to visit all the tourist attractions in the area.

Every Kytherian Australian and every Greek Australian is encouraged to visit Bingara and the Roxy – at least once in their lifetime.

Bingara Roxy Museum Grand Opening Celebrations

See the Gwydir Shire Council website for information about the opening
The opening of the museum will take place on Saturday 5 April 2014 and will be celebrated with Greek food and music, screenings in the historic Roxy Theatre, tours of the museum and culminating in a gala dinner on the Saturday evening. Further information on the opening celebrations will be provided as arrangements are finalised.

Accommodation in Bingara is limited, so all those planning to attend are advised to book their accommodation as soon as possible. During the 2011 75th Anniversary celebrations, visitors were accommodated in a number of surrounding towns, when Bingara accommodation was filled.

For more information please contact the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066.

Would you like to contribute to the Roxy Museum?

The Roxy Greek Museum is interested in hearing from you if you have objects or photographs that you might like to offer to the collection. For more information please contact the museum curator Peter Prineas on 0429 322 857.

Let us know if you would like to make a financial donation, or offer cafe paraphernalia to the Museum, download the Acquisition Form

Open full entry

2/12/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Belrose Rotarian group met for early morning breakfast in the Roxy Cafe

....before departing for Sydney on Sunday 29th Sept, 2013.

Some of them are pictured here, along with their Kytherian sojourners.

Standing (left to right)

Alf Guy
Thomas Marynissen
Chris Brownlee (bus driver)
George C Poulos
Maria Gerakiteys
Helen Psaltis (mother to Kos)
Robyn Wood
Ron Furness

Sitting (left to right)

Chris Wood
Val Gibbs
Mike Gibbs
Kos Psaltis
Joanne Psaltis
Hastings Pawsey
Ebba Irengard (International Rotary Exchange student, Sweden)
Despina Comino, (known as Dez, (nee) Londy))

Belrose Rotarians, pilgrimage to Bingara

Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013

The 75th anniversary of the Roxy was celebrated on the weekend of April 9th and 10th 2011, with the official launch of the (then) recently renovated Peters & Co Cafe and the Roxy museum, film screenings in the Roxy Theatre, and historic tours of the Roxy. On the Saturday night, a panagiri type festival was held; a black-tie gala ball with a twist. The main street was closed off. Inspired by Greek band Ha Va Le, people took to the streets dancing, singing and smashing plates. It was an unforgettable weekend.

On Tuesday 23 August 2011, Peter Prineas, author of the definitive history of the Roxy, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, conducted a talk at the Rotary Club of Belrose, on Sydney’s North Shore. The Rotary Club of Belrose is very active. It meets on Tuesday’s at the Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose.

As a result of Peter Prineas’ presentation the Belrose Rotary Club decided that they would make a trip to Bingara, to see the Roxy complex. The trip was planned to take place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013. Kos Psaltis, immediate Past President of Belrose Rotary, was the key organiser. He has a ‘connection’ to Bingara. Kos is married to Joanne (nee, Flaskas), whose mother Mary Flaskas (nee, Feros) was the youngest daughter of Peter Feros, one of the partners in the Roxy Cinema and Cafe ‘complex’. The other siblings of Mary, in birth order, included Katina, Jack and George.

A second connection for the Belrose Rotarians was that a past President - Henry Martin, a Methodist (Uniting Church) priest - had retired to live in the town.

The 58th National Convention of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was held between the 6th and the 13th October 2012. At the convention, Peter McCarthy, a member of the Roxy Museum Committee, delivered a talk about the Roxy ‘complex’.
As a result of that talk Sydney AHEPAN’s organised a 47 person bus trip to Bingara. On the 23rd February, 2013, they travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara. Their motivation to participate in such a pilgrimage was understandable. All had a Greek-Australian heritage, many had grown up in cafes, and AHEPA had been inaugurated in the north western New South Wales towns of Warialda and Scone. They were returning to their Greek-Australian, cafe, and AHEPAN roots.

An interesting feature of the Belrose Rotary pilgrimage, by contrast, was the fact that the majority of the “pilgrims” were not Greek by heritage.
The pilgrims consisted of 17 people travelling in a 20 seater bus, and 7 others travelling in 3 separate cars. The bus driver Chris Brownlee from Garigal Tours had been invited by Kos Psaltis to become a friend of Belrose Rotary. Chris’s wife Miriam also joined the ‘touring party’. This created a third connection to the town; Miriam’s family lives in Bingara. Her late brother had a property on the Narrabri road. Miriam’s sister in law and her children now live in town, and are involved with the Rural Fire Service. The pilgrimage was enhanced by the fact that driver, Chris Brownlee had a good working knowledge of the town and district.

The Psaltis/Feros connection

Kos and Joanne Psaltis feel a “powerful historical family connection” to Bingara. “We feel pride that Joanne’s family – her late grandfather – has added value to this town”. Both Joanne and I have watched the ABC's Landline program A Night at the Roxy, about the 75th Roxy Anniversary celebrations, many times.

The restoration of the Roxy Cinema has had a profound impact on both of them. “When we walked into the Roxy Cinema for the first time, Joanne and I had the same sensation, as we did many years ago, when we first walked into the Taj Mahal in India. You walk through these gates and there it is in front of you. A real ‘wow’ factor. When we were at the official opening here, and we walked into the cinema, it had the same ‘wow’ factor. The quality of the interior and the way it has been preserved is amazing.”

Both of Kos’s parents have always been involved in the cafe industry. His father Theodore Psaltis had a milk bar and coffee shop in Bondi Junction called the Savoy for many years, and all his father’s siblings were also involved with cafes. His mother Helen Psaltis (nee Trefilly) remembers that she began working in her father’s cafe, the Busy Bee, in Kingaroy, Queensland from primary school. She kept working in the cafe until she was married at 19 years of age.

What is her feeling about coming to see a preserved piece of Greek-Australian history like the Roxy? “I regard it as an honour”, she asserts. “In a sense it’s a memorial, and it makes the local people appreciate the contribution of the Greek-Australians”.

Kos added that “It’s all part of the great Australian story. It’s a particular ethnic group that has contributed significantly to modern Australian society. I look at it in that context ...You feel proud of the input that our Kytherian ancestors contributed so much to Australia.”

Kos was asked, what do you think the reaction is of the Australian’s who were not of a Greek background in your touring party to the Roxy and Bingara? “They have been very impressed. I think they have got a lot out of it”. This is corroborated by the testimony of some of the other members of the touring party.

Another former President of Belrose Rotary, Ron Furness, was in the ‘touring party’. He commented that they had had a great trip ‘up’, and that Bingara, and the Roxy ‘complex’ was a fascinating place.

“I’ve been reflecting about my good fortune to know Joanne Psaltis. Of hearing about how her family discovered their connection with the Roxy back in 2002. And before that, sadly...melancholy in a way...that it was a dark family secret....and I was reflecting on that comment by Joanne as I sit here in 2013, a beautiful, balmy afternoon, with a bit of breeze... enjoying a lovely cold beer, and thinking ...that, about 80 years or so ago these fellows had this dream....God only knows what their dream was, because I understand that they went broke pretty soon after. Hence the family shame. This has all been well documented in Peter Prineas' Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

But now, in 2013, their dream is still working, and people like me, who was born in London, and has had the pleasure of being in Greece many times. And had the good fortune of once setting foot on Kythera, for a brief trip, and spending many months on Greek Cyprus....and enjoyed the hospitality of Greek people, which is then extended to any group within the Greek pantheon; and I am astonished that 80 years later, the dream is still alive.”

Ron Furness was also made aware of the powerful influence that the Greek cafe has had on the town. “We met people on the way up here....we had the good fortune of stopping in Greek cafes all the way up...at least from Muswellbrook onwards...and we met people who were on the way here, or on the way home. When the topic of conversation turned to ...Bingara ...Oh, ROXY THEATRE!.... and they were all positive.

Interestingly Ron Furness had brought his young grandson Thomas along on the journey. He thoroughly enjoyed himself during all the activities, mixing with the oldies, “climbing a few hills, and doing a number of walks”. The pilgrimage was obviously something young people could also benefit from.

Alf Guy’s Bingara Report

Alf Guy, originally from South Africa, is the current President of the Belrose Rotary Club. He was delighted with the ‘welcome and hospitality’ the group received in Bingara.

The Roxy Museum, within the Roxy complex - the main reason for our trip to the North West – is in its final stages of restoration by the Gwydir Shire Council. The preservation of the art décor trappings is a majestic undertaking - and seeing the theatre brought back to its original glory must have been an emotional experience for Joanne Psaltis, whose late grandfather was one of the three Greek settlers, who created this glorious building. The Roxy, in the 21st century will almost certainly be the centrepiece of a rejuvenated Bingara.

Our group was also privileged to see a screening of the movie Red Dog in The Roxy Cinema!!

Bingara lies on the gently sloping southern bank of Gwydir River, which is a tributary of the the Murray-Darling River System. On the first morning of our stroll through Bingara, the air was cool, clear and still - the view northward, towards the river was picture perfect. This was the setting for much of our stay in the little town of 1300 people. The days were beautifully warm.

The restoration of The Roxy and its associated café is just one of many projects undertaken by this progressive community. The construction of an ecologically complex Living Classroom and the associated on-site accommodation are also in the final stages of completion.

The planting of orange trees on the nature strip in town and the communal harvesting of the fruit - without fear of vandalism, is another remarkable community spirited venture.

From Bingara, a journey in a south-westerly direction towards Narrabri takes you into the Mt Kaputar National Park. Mt Kaputar National Park with its ancient volcanic and glacial relics was an additional highlight of the trip. The geological history of the area really attracted us, and the Gwydir Valley is so beautiful and pristine. Our first stop was a magnificent gorge and waterfall, the Rocky Creek Glacial Area which lies 37 kms west of Bingara, is clearly signposted, and is reached a short distance from the main road turnoff. This geological wonder should not be missed! A vast amount of weathering and erosion has occurred over the years, so the original glacial landscape features have been changed by the subsequent flow of water. The Glacial Area is an excellent place to picnic and cool off in summer.

The journey from Bingara to Sawn Rocks was a very pleasant 1 hour drive in the bus. This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other. While this type of five-sided (pentagonal) ‘organ piping’ is not rare to lava flows, it is exceptionally rare to find them so perfectly formed and preserved and is recognised as being one of the best examples of columnar jointing in Australia. Coincidentally it looks very 'Grecian'.

Chris Brownlee had charge of some 18 ebullient folk in his mini coach for the trip. The animated conversations and free flow of spirited anecdotes made the trip lively and enjoyable. Chris kept up a well informed commentary as we travelled south westward through the rich and economically diverse Hunter Valley. Miriam, Chris`s wife, did a splendid job of serving refreshments at the eating, viewing and recreation stops.

During our stay in Bingara, we also ventured to the picnic area in the town, were we saw well preserved gold mining machinery. We also ventured up to H F Batterham Memorial Lookout, with its spectacular views across the town and the valley. (Ralph Hunt, M.H.R. for Gwydir, opened the H.F. Battherham Lookout overlooking Bingara in 1975. The lookout was the result of ten years work from 1964-1975 by Bingara Apex Club. It involved the clearing of land, the construction of an archway entrance and the provision of picnic shelters at the summit. The lookout was named as a tribute to the late Harold Francis Battherham, a local historian who worked tirelessly to promote tourism in the district).

We also visited the attractive and ecologically built River House, one of the superior accommodation facilities in the North West region. We were told that Peranjou Cottages, a refurbished woolshed which offers two self contained units situated side by side, was another interesting place to stay.

Together with the seven travellers in three cars and the mini coach group, which undertook the excursion to Bingara, our group injected many tourism dollars into the Bingara community.

Our appreciation for the planning of the trip by Past President Kos Psaltis, and his wife Joanne (nee, Flaskas), Psaltis and their connections, cannot be overstated. The planning, sometimes complex due to last minute changes, was meticulous. A great thank you to the Psaltis`s from all Rotary’s Bingara pilgrims.

The Roxy Cafe breakfast

Early on the morning of Sunday 29th September 2013, just before leaving to return to Sydney, the pilgrims met at the Roxy Cafe for breakfast. The service provided by Vio and his staff was excellent, and the atmosphere was convivial.

The group reminisced about their youthful experiences in Greek cafes, either as owners, staff or patrons.

The touring party were joined by four young adults, two female, two male, who some of the touring group had met on the evening before. They were twenty-something students living at one of the residential colleges at Sydney University.

They had been subjected to a "hazing" or "fagging" ceremony - still tolerated by University colleges today. The "hazing" was 'disguised' as a charity fund raising "event".

The students had been dressed up in outrageous clothing, the males had parts of their hair shaved, their money and credit cards had been 'confiscated' and they had been driven up to Bingara and left in the street. With these impediments placed before them, they were 'challenged' to get back to Sydney in the best way they knew how.

The young women, in particular, were quite distraught in the evening, and some of the Rotarian group invited the four students to meet for breakfast. They were also fairly confident that George C Poulos was returning back to Sydney in the morning, and that he would be able to provide them with 'a lift' home.

They arrived at the breakfast without money, but in true Rotarian 'civic duty' style, a "whip around" was arranged, and they were soon given enough money, not only to pay for their own breakfast, but also to pay for expenditure for a few days, if required.

Their presence at the breakfast made the event even more memorable, and, coupled with feelings of outrage, disbelief, and sympathy about how they had been treated, also generated a great deal of amusement and humour.

It was certainly a story that would be related at future dinner parties for many decades to come. Yet another entertaining "Roxy" story.

As it turned out George C Poulos did give them a lift back, and within 9 hours had safely deposited them outside the doors of their Sydney University residential college.

George speculated that the 'hazers' must have been bitterly disappointed when they saw their victims return so quickly, and in such good spirits.

Chris Brownlee’s impressions

Coach driver Chris Brownlee was very impressed with the Roxy ‘complex’. “It’s colossal history”. As we have discovered, there are many other attractions in and around Bingara.

Chris was also impressed by the ‘Living Classroom’ project, located in the town, off the Narrabri road. “This learning centre is going to be a talking point for years to come...for sure. For a small town Bingara has done exceptionally well. Something for other small towns to learn from as well.”

We need to teach young people farming again, and get people back on the farm. Particularly the young ones. The next generation is much more interested. My sister-in-law is into permaculture, and they are doing some of these innovative things on their six acres in the Macleay Valley. She’s learnt through horticultural classes in Brisbane. The next generation is moving towards being more self-sufficient, looking after nature, and getting back to nature. It’s all going to happen in that generation, who are in their 20’s now.”

A Greek-Australian and a rural Australian pilgrimage well within reach

Some people have commented that Bingara, 8 hours drive from Sydney and 7 hours drive from Brisbane, is a pilgrimage that is “too far away”.

This 'opinion' undermines the essential nature of pilgrimage – undertaking a transformative journey to a sacred centre, which should in some measure be ‘challenging’.

It was informative however, that most of the Rotary pilgrims did not find the journey onerous. Kos Psaltis argued that if asked if the pilgrimage was ‘too far’, “I would look at it differently. I would ask, “far away from what?” The implication of Kos's comment is that it is certainly not as onerous a pilgrimage as visiting the Acropolis or Kythera, for example. His mother Helen added, that “you see so many interesting towns and people on the way”.

Alf Guy revealed that on the journey ‘up’ Chris and Miriam Brownlee “entertained us all along the way. At no time did we feel bored. The trip went very quickly...passengers and the group displayed a great deal of camaraderie....their friendship, jocular nature and flexibility made the trip very, very enjoyable’.

These comments reflected those that the 47 AHEPAN’s had made earlier in the year. Comments by Christine Lynch, National President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia were typical.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particularly after the Roxy Museum is completed". The journey to the Roxy is too interesting to be onerous.

As we discovered with young Thomas’s involvement, it engages children as well as adults.

As well as the attractions mentioned above, Bingara offers easy access to other interesting tourist destinations , such as:

Myall Creek Massacre Site

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park

Three Creeks Tourist Mine

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Copeton Dam

Manilla, world class paragliding

Above and beyond visiting the Roxy ‘complex’ there is much to do and see. Even spending a week in Bingara and district will not allow time to visit all the tourist attractions in the area.

Every Kytherian Australian and every Greek Australian is encouraged to visit Bingara and the Roxy – at least once in their lifetime.

Bingara Roxy Museum Grand Opening Celebrations

See the Gwydir Shire Council website for information about the opening
The opening of the museum will take place on Saturday 5 April 2014 and will be celebrated with Greek food and music, screenings in the historic Roxy Theatre, tours of the museum and culminating in a gala dinner on the Saturday evening. Further information on the opening celebrations will be provided as arrangements are finalised.

Accommodation in Bingara is limited, so all those planning to attend are advised to book their accommodation as soon as possible. During the 2011 75th Anniversary celebrations, visitors were accommodated in a number of surrounding towns, when Bingara accommodation was filled.

For more information please contact the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066.

Would you like to contribute to the Roxy Museum?

The Roxy Greek Museum is interested in hearing from you if you have objects or photographs that you might like to offer to the collection. For more information please contact the museum curator Peter Prineas on 0429 322 857.

Let us know if you would like to make a financial donation, or offer cafe paraphernalia to the Museum, download the Acquisition Form

Open full entry

30/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Sawn Rocks lies a very pleasant 1 hour drive from Bingara

This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other.

A well maintained pathway allows you to walk down into the valley below Sawn Rocks.

Here, Kytherians are fascinated by the geological features in the valley. George J Comino with his wife Despina Comino, (known as Dez, (nee) Londy)) and Maria Gerakiteys.

Visited during the

Belrose Rotarians, pilgrimage to Bingara

Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013

The 75th anniversary of the Roxy was celebrated on the weekend of April 9th and 10th 2011, with the official launch of the (then) recently renovated Peters & Co Cafe and the Roxy museum, film screenings in the Roxy Theatre, and historic tours of the Roxy. On the Saturday night, a panagiri type festival was held; a black-tie gala ball with a twist. The main street was closed off. Inspired by Greek band Ha Va Le, people took to the streets dancing, singing and smashing plates. It was an unforgettable weekend.

On Tuesday 23 August 2011, Peter Prineas, author of the definitive history of the Roxy, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, conducted a talk at the Rotary Club of Belrose, on Sydney’s North Shore. The Rotary Club of Belrose is very active. It meets on Tuesday’s at the Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose.

As a result of Peter Prineas’ presentation the Belrose Rotary Club decided that they would make a trip to Bingara, to see the Roxy complex. The trip was planned to take place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013. Kos Psaltis, immediate Past President of Belrose Rotary, was the key organiser. He has a ‘connection’ to Bingara. Kos is married to Joanne (nee, Flaskas), whose mother Mary Flaskas (nee, Feros) was the youngest daughter of Peter Feros, one of the partners in the Roxy Cinema and Cafe ‘complex’. The other siblings of Mary, in birth order, included Katina, Jack and George.

A second connection for the Belrose Rotarians was that a past President - Henry Martin, a Methodist (Uniting Church) priest - had retired to live in the town.

The 58th National Convention of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was held between the 6th and the 13th October 2012. At the convention, Peter McCarthy, a member of the Roxy Museum Committee, delivered a talk about the Roxy ‘complex’.
As a result of that talk Sydney AHEPAN’s organised a 47 person bus trip to Bingara. On the 23rd February, 2013, they travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara. Their motivation to participate in such a pilgrimage was understandable. All had a Greek-Australian heritage, many had grown up in cafes, and AHEPA had been inaugurated in the north western New South Wales towns of Warialda and Scone. They were returning to their Greek-Australian, cafe, and AHEPAN roots.

An interesting feature of the Belrose Rotary pilgrimage, by contrast, was the fact that the majority of the “pilgrims” were not Greek by heritage.
The pilgrims consisted of 17 people travelling in a 20 seater bus, and 7 others travelling in 3 separate cars. The bus driver Chris Brownlee from Garigal Tours had been invited by Kos Psaltis to become a friend of Belrose Rotary. Chris’s wife Miriam also joined the ‘touring party’. This created a third connection to the town; Miriam’s family lives in Bingara. Her late brother had a property on the Narrabri road. Miriam’s sister in law and her children now live in town, and are involved with the Rural Fire Service. The pilgrimage was enhanced by the fact that driver, Chris Brownlee had a good working knowledge of the town and district.

The Psaltis/Feros connection

Kos and Joanne Psaltis feel a “powerful historical family connection” to Bingara. “We feel pride that Joanne’s family – her late grandfather – has added value to this town”. Both Joanne and I have watched the ABC's Landline program A Night at the Roxy, about the 75th Roxy Anniversary celebrations, many times.

The restoration of the Roxy Cinema has had a profound impact on both of them. “When we walked into the Roxy Cinema for the first time, Joanne and I had the same sensation, as we did many years ago, when we first walked into the Taj Mahal in India. You walk through these gates and there it is in front of you. A real ‘wow’ factor. When we were at the official opening here, and we walked into the cinema, it had the same ‘wow’ factor. The quality of the interior and the way it has been preserved is amazing.”

Both of Kos’s parents have always been involved in the cafe industry. His father Theodore Psaltis had a milk bar and coffee shop in Bondi Junction called the Savoy for many years, and all his father’s siblings were also involved with cafes. His mother Helen Psaltis (nee Trefilly) remembers that she began working in her father’s cafe, the Busy Bee, in Kingaroy, Queensland from primary school. She kept working in the cafe until she was married at 19 years of age.

What is her feeling about coming to see a preserved piece of Greek-Australian history like the Roxy? “I regard it as an honour”, she asserts. “In a sense it’s a memorial, and it makes the local people appreciate the contribution of the Greek-Australians”.

Kos added that “It’s all part of the great Australian story. It’s a particular ethnic group that has contributed significantly to modern Australian society. I look at it in that context ...You feel proud of the input that our Kytherian ancestors contributed so much to Australia.”

Kos was asked, what do you think the reaction is of the Australian’s who were not of a Greek background in your touring party to the Roxy and Bingara? “They have been very impressed. I think they have got a lot out of it”. This is corroborated by the testimony of some of the other members of the touring party.

Another former President of Belrose Rotary, Ron Furness, was in the ‘touring party’. He commented that they had had a great trip ‘up’, and that Bingara, and the Roxy ‘complex’ was a fascinating place.

“I’ve been reflecting about my good fortune to know Joanne Psaltis. Of hearing about how her family discovered their connection with the Roxy back in 2002. And before that, sadly...melancholy in a way...that it was a dark family secret....and I was reflecting on that comment by Joanne as I sit here in 2013, a beautiful, balmy afternoon, with a bit of breeze... enjoying a lovely cold beer, and thinking ...that, about 80 years or so ago these fellows had this dream....God only knows what their dream was, because I understand that they went broke pretty soon after. Hence the family shame. This has all been well documented in Peter Prineas' Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

But now, in 2013, their dream is still working, and people like me, who was born in London, and has had the pleasure of being in Greece many times. And had the good fortune of once setting foot on Kythera, for a brief trip, and spending many months on Greek Cyprus....and enjoyed the hospitality of Greek people, which is then extended to any group within the Greek pantheon; and I am astonished that 80 years later, the dream is still alive.”

Ron Furness was also made aware of the powerful influence that the Greek cafe has had on the town. “We met people on the way up here....we had the good fortune of stopping in Greek cafes all the way up...at least from Muswellbrook onwards...and we met people who were on the way here, or on the way home. When the topic of conversation turned to ...Bingara ...Oh, ROXY THEATRE!.... and they were all positive.

Interestingly Ron Furness had brought his young grandson Thomas along on the journey. He thoroughly enjoyed himself during all the activities, mixing with the oldies, “climbing a few hills, and doing a number of walks”. The pilgrimage was obviously something young people could also benefit from.

Alf Guy’s Bingara Report

Alf Guy, originally from South Africa, is the current President of the Belrose Rotary Club. He was delighted with the ‘welcome and hospitality’ the group received in Bingara.

The Roxy Museum, within the Roxy complex - the main reason for our trip to the North West – is in its final stages of restoration by the Gwydir Shire Council. The preservation of the art décor trappings is a majestic undertaking - and seeing the theatre brought back to its original glory must have been an emotional experience for Joanne Psaltis, whose late grandfather was one of the three Greek settlers, who created this glorious building. The Roxy, in the 21st century will almost certainly be the centrepiece of a rejuvenated Bingara.

Our group was also privileged to see a screening of the movie Red Dog in The Roxy Cinema!!

Bingara lies on the gently sloping southern bank of Gwydir River, which is a tributary of the the Murray-Darling River System. On the first morning of our stroll through Bingara, the air was cool, clear and still - the view northward, towards the river was picture perfect. This was the setting for much of our stay in the little town of 1300 people. The days were beautifully warm.

The restoration of The Roxy and its associated café is just one of many projects undertaken by this progressive community. The construction of an ecologically complex Living Classroom and the associated on-site accommodation are also in the final stages of completion.

The planting of orange trees on the nature strip in town and the communal harvesting of the fruit - without fear of vandalism, is another remarkable community spirited venture.

From Bingara, a journey in a south-westerly direction towards Narrabri takes you into the Mt Kaputar National Park. Mt Kaputar National Park with its ancient volcanic and glacial relics was an additional highlight of the trip. The geological history of the area really attracted us, and the Gwydir Valley is so beautiful and pristine. Our first stop was a magnificent gorge and waterfall, the Rocky Creek Glacial Area which lies 37 kms west of Bingara, is clearly signposted, and is reached a short distance from the main road turnoff. This geological wonder should not be missed! A vast amount of weathering and erosion has occurred over the years, so the original glacial landscape features have been changed by the subsequent flow of water. The Glacial Area is an excellent place to picnic and cool off in summer.

The journey from Bingara to Sawn Rocks was a very pleasant 1 hour drive in the bus. This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other. While this type of five-sided (pentagonal) ‘organ piping’ is not rare to lava flows, it is exceptionally rare to find them so perfectly formed and preserved and is recognised as being one of the best examples of columnar jointing in Australia. Coincidentally it looks very 'Grecian'.

Chris Brownlee had charge of some 18 ebullient folk in his mini coach for the trip. The animated conversations and free flow of spirited anecdotes made the trip lively and enjoyable. Chris kept up a well informed commentary as we travelled south westward through the rich and economically diverse Hunter Valley. Miriam, Chris`s wife, did a splendid job of serving refreshments at the eating, viewing and recreation stops.

During our stay in Bingara, we also ventured to the picnic area in the town, were we saw well preserved gold mining machinery. We also ventured up to H F Batterham Memorial Lookout, with its spectacular views across the town and the valley. (Ralph Hunt, M.H.R. for Gwydir, opened the H.F. Battherham Lookout overlooking Bingara in 1975. The lookout was the result of ten years work from 1964-1975 by Bingara Apex Club. It involved the clearing of land, the construction of an archway entrance and the provision of picnic shelters at the summit. The lookout was named as a tribute to the late Harold Francis Battherham, a local historian who worked tirelessly to promote tourism in the district).

We also visited the attractive and ecologically built River House, one of the superior accommodation facilities in the North West region. We were told that Peranjou Cottages, a refurbished woolshed which offers two self contained units situated side by side, was another interesting place to stay.

Together with the seven travellers in three cars and the mini coach group, which undertook the excursion to Bingara, our group injected many tourism dollars into the Bingara community.

Our appreciation for the planning of the trip by Past President Kos Psaltis, and his wife Joanne (nee, Flaskas), Psaltis and their connections, cannot be overstated. The planning, sometimes complex due to last minute changes, was meticulous. A great thank you to the Psaltis`s from all Rotary’s Bingara pilgrims.

The Roxy Cafe breakfast

Early on the morning of Sunday 29th September 2013, just before leaving to return to Sydney, the pilgrims met at the Roxy Cafe for breakfast. The service provided by Vio and his staff was excellent, and the atmosphere was convivial.

The group reminisced about their youthful experiences in Greek cafes, either as owners, staff or patrons.

The touring party were joined by four young adults, two female, two male, who some of the touring group had met on the evening before. They were twenty-something students living at one of the residential colleges at Sydney University.

They had been subjected to a "hazing" or "fagging" ceremony - still tolerated by University colleges today. The "hazing" was 'disguised' as a charity fund raising "event".

The students had been dressed up in outrageous clothing, the males had parts of their hair shaved, their money and credit cards had been 'confiscated' and they had been driven up to Bingara and left in the street. With these impediments placed before them, they were 'challenged' to get back to Sydney in the best way they knew how.

The young women, in particular, were quite distraught in the evening, and some of the Rotarian group invited the four students to meet for breakfast. They were also fairly confident that George C Poulos was returning back to Sydney in the morning, and that he would be able to provide them with 'a lift' home.

They arrived at the breakfast without money, but in true Rotarian 'civic duty' style, a "whip around" was arranged, and they were soon given enough money, not only to pay for their own breakfast, but also to pay for expenditure for a few days, if required.

Their presence at the breakfast made the event even more memorable, and, coupled with feelings of outrage, disbelief, and sympathy about how they had been treated, also generated a great deal of amusement and humour.

It was certainly a story that would be related at future dinner parties for many decades to come. Yet another entertaining "Roxy" story.

As it turned out George C Poulos did give them a lift back, and within 9 hours had safely deposited them outside the doors of their Sydney University residential college.

George speculated that the 'hazers' must have been bitterly disappointed when they saw their victims return so quickly, and in such good spirits.

Chris Brownlee’s impressions

Coach driver Chris Brownlee was very impressed with the Roxy ‘complex’. “It’s colossal history”. As we have discovered, there are many other attractions in and around Bingara.

Chris was also impressed by the ‘Living Classroom’ project, located in the town, off the Narrabri road. “This learning centre is going to be a talking point for years to come...for sure. For a small town Bingara has done exceptionally well. Something for other small towns to learn from as well.”

We need to teach young people farming again, and get people back on the farm. Particularly the young ones. The next generation is much more interested. My sister-in-law is into permaculture, and they are doing some of these innovative things on their six acres in the Macleay Valley. She’s learnt through horticultural classes in Brisbane. The next generation is moving towards being more self-sufficient, looking after nature, and getting back to nature. It’s all going to happen in that generation, who are in their 20’s now.”

A Greek-Australian and a rural Australian pilgrimage well within reach

Some people have commented that Bingara, 8 hours drive from Sydney and 7 hours drive from Brisbane, is a pilgrimage that is “too far away”.

This 'opinion' undermines the essential nature of pilgrimage – undertaking a transformative journey to a sacred centre, which should in some measure be ‘challenging’.

It was informative however, that most of the Rotary pilgrims did not find the journey onerous. Kos Psaltis argued that if asked if the pilgrimage was ‘too far’, “I would look at it differently. I would ask, “far away from what?” The implication of Kos's comment is that it is certainly not as onerous a pilgrimage as visiting the Acropolis or Kythera, for example. His mother Helen added, that “you see so many interesting towns and people on the way”.

Alf Guy revealed that on the journey ‘up’ Chris and Miriam Brownlee “entertained us all along the way. At no time did we feel bored. The trip went very quickly...passengers and the group displayed a great deal of camaraderie....their friendship, jocular nature and flexibility made the trip very, very enjoyable’.

These comments reflected those that the 47 AHEPAN’s had made earlier in the year. Comments by Christine Lynch, National President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia were typical.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particularly after the Roxy Museum is completed". The journey to the Roxy is too interesting to be onerous.

As we discovered with young Thomas’s involvement, it engages children as well as adults.

As well as the attractions mentioned above, Bingara offers easy access to other interesting tourist destinations , such as:

Myall Creek Massacre Site

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park

Three Creeks Tourist Mine

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Copeton Dam

Manilla, world class paragliding

Above and beyond visiting the Roxy ‘complex’ there is much to do and see. Even spending a week in Bingara and district will not allow time to visit all the tourist attractions in the area.

Every Kytherian Australian and every Greek Australian is encouraged to visit Bingara and the Roxy – at least once in their lifetime.

Bingara Roxy Museum Grand Opening Celebrations

See the Gwydir Shire Council website for information about the opening
The opening of the museum will take place on Saturday 5 April 2014 and will be celebrated with Greek food and music, screenings in the historic Roxy Theatre, tours of the museum and culminating in a gala dinner on the Saturday evening. Further information on the opening celebrations will be provided as arrangements are finalised.

Accommodation in Bingara is limited, so all those planning to attend are advised to book their accommodation as soon as possible. During the 2011 75th Anniversary celebrations, visitors were accommodated in a number of surrounding towns, when Bingara accommodation was filled.

For more information please contact the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066.

Would you like to contribute to the Roxy Museum?

The Roxy Greek Museum is interested in hearing from you if you have objects or photographs that you might like to offer to the collection. For more information please contact the museum curator Peter Prineas on 0429 322 857.

Let us know if you would like to make a financial donation, or offer cafe paraphernalia to the Museum, download the Acquisition Form

Open full entry

30/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Sawn Rocks lies a very pleasant 1 hour drive from Bingara

This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other.

This pillar has sheered off the cliff face, and is lying in the valley below.

Visited during the

Belrose Rotarians, pilgrimage to Bingara

Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013

The 75th anniversary of the Roxy was celebrated on the weekend of April 9th and 10th 2011, with the official launch of the (then) recently renovated Peters & Co Cafe and the Roxy museum, film screenings in the Roxy Theatre, and historic tours of the Roxy. On the Saturday night, a panagiri type festival was held; a black-tie gala ball with a twist. The main street was closed off. Inspired by Greek band Ha Va Le, people took to the streets dancing, singing and smashing plates. It was an unforgettable weekend.

On Tuesday 23 August 2011, Peter Prineas, author of the definitive history of the Roxy, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, conducted a talk at the Rotary Club of Belrose, on Sydney’s North Shore. The Rotary Club of Belrose is very active. It meets on Tuesday’s at the Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose.

As a result of Peter Prineas’ presentation the Belrose Rotary Club decided that they would make a trip to Bingara, to see the Roxy complex. The trip was planned to take place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013. Kos Psaltis, immediate Past President of Belrose Rotary, was the key organiser. He has a ‘connection’ to Bingara. Kos is married to Joanne (nee, Flaskas), whose mother Mary Flaskas (nee, Feros) was the youngest daughter of Peter Feros, one of the partners in the Roxy Cinema and Cafe ‘complex’. The other siblings of Mary, in birth order, included Katina, Jack and George.

A second connection for the Belrose Rotarians was that a past President - Henry Martin, a Methodist (Uniting Church) priest - had retired to live in the town.

The 58th National Convention of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was held between the 6th and the 13th October 2012. At the convention, Peter McCarthy, a member of the Roxy Museum Committee, delivered a talk about the Roxy ‘complex’.
As a result of that talk Sydney AHEPAN’s organised a 47 person bus trip to Bingara. On the 23rd February, 2013, they travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara. Their motivation to participate in such a pilgrimage was understandable. All had a Greek-Australian heritage, many had grown up in cafes, and AHEPA had been inaugurated in the north western New South Wales towns of Warialda and Scone. They were returning to their Greek-Australian, cafe, and AHEPAN roots.

An interesting feature of the Belrose Rotary pilgrimage, by contrast, was the fact that the majority of the “pilgrims” were not Greek by heritage.
The pilgrims consisted of 17 people travelling in a 20 seater bus, and 7 others travelling in 3 separate cars. The bus driver Chris Brownlee from Garigal Tours had been invited by Kos Psaltis to become a friend of Belrose Rotary. Chris’s wife Miriam also joined the ‘touring party’. This created a third connection to the town; Miriam’s family lives in Bingara. Her late brother had a property on the Narrabri road. Miriam’s sister in law and her children now live in town, and are involved with the Rural Fire Service. The pilgrimage was enhanced by the fact that driver, Chris Brownlee had a good working knowledge of the town and district.

The Psaltis/Feros connection

Kos and Joanne Psaltis feel a “powerful historical family connection” to Bingara. “We feel pride that Joanne’s family – her late grandfather – has added value to this town”. Both Joanne and I have watched the ABC's Landline program A Night at the Roxy, about the 75th Roxy Anniversary celebrations, many times.

The restoration of the Roxy Cinema has had a profound impact on both of them. “When we walked into the Roxy Cinema for the first time, Joanne and I had the same sensation, as we did many years ago, when we first walked into the Taj Mahal in India. You walk through these gates and there it is in front of you. A real ‘wow’ factor. When we were at the official opening here, and we walked into the cinema, it had the same ‘wow’ factor. The quality of the interior and the way it has been preserved is amazing.”

Both of Kos’s parents have always been involved in the cafe industry. His father Theodore Psaltis had a milk bar and coffee shop in Bondi Junction called the Savoy for many years, and all his father’s siblings were also involved with cafes. His mother Helen Psaltis (nee Trefilly) remembers that she began working in her father’s cafe, the Busy Bee, in Kingaroy, Queensland from primary school. She kept working in the cafe until she was married at 19 years of age.

What is her feeling about coming to see a preserved piece of Greek-Australian history like the Roxy? “I regard it as an honour”, she asserts. “In a sense it’s a memorial, and it makes the local people appreciate the contribution of the Greek-Australians”.

Kos added that “It’s all part of the great Australian story. It’s a particular ethnic group that has contributed significantly to modern Australian society. I look at it in that context ...You feel proud of the input that our Kytherian ancestors contributed so much to Australia.”

Kos was asked, what do you think the reaction is of the Australian’s who were not of a Greek background in your touring party to the Roxy and Bingara? “They have been very impressed. I think they have got a lot out of it”. This is corroborated by the testimony of some of the other members of the touring party.

Another former President of Belrose Rotary, Ron Furness, was in the ‘touring party’. He commented that they had had a great trip ‘up’, and that Bingara, and the Roxy ‘complex’ was a fascinating place.

“I’ve been reflecting about my good fortune to know Joanne Psaltis. Of hearing about how her family discovered their connection with the Roxy back in 2002. And before that, sadly...melancholy in a way...that it was a dark family secret....and I was reflecting on that comment by Joanne as I sit here in 2013, a beautiful, balmy afternoon, with a bit of breeze... enjoying a lovely cold beer, and thinking ...that, about 80 years or so ago these fellows had this dream....God only knows what their dream was, because I understand that they went broke pretty soon after. Hence the family shame. This has all been well documented in Peter Prineas' Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

But now, in 2013, their dream is still working, and people like me, who was born in London, and has had the pleasure of being in Greece many times. And had the good fortune of once setting foot on Kythera, for a brief trip, and spending many months on Greek Cyprus....and enjoyed the hospitality of Greek people, which is then extended to any group within the Greek pantheon; and I am astonished that 80 years later, the dream is still alive.”

Ron Furness was also made aware of the powerful influence that the Greek cafe has had on the town. “We met people on the way up here....we had the good fortune of stopping in Greek cafes all the way up...at least from Muswellbrook onwards...and we met people who were on the way here, or on the way home. When the topic of conversation turned to ...Bingara ...Oh, ROXY THEATRE!.... and they were all positive.

Interestingly Ron Furness had brought his young grandson Thomas along on the journey. He thoroughly enjoyed himself during all the activities, mixing with the oldies, “climbing a few hills, and doing a number of walks”. The pilgrimage was obviously something young people could also benefit from.

Alf Guy’s Bingara Report

Alf Guy, originally from South Africa, is the current President of the Belrose Rotary Club. He was delighted with the ‘welcome and hospitality’ the group received in Bingara.

The Roxy Museum, within the Roxy complex - the main reason for our trip to the North West – is in its final stages of restoration by the Gwydir Shire Council. The preservation of the art décor trappings is a majestic undertaking - and seeing the theatre brought back to its original glory must have been an emotional experience for Joanne Psaltis, whose late grandfather was one of the three Greek settlers, who created this glorious building. The Roxy, in the 21st century will almost certainly be the centrepiece of a rejuvenated Bingara.

Our group was also privileged to see a screening of the movie Red Dog in The Roxy Cinema!!

Bingara lies on the gently sloping southern bank of Gwydir River, which is a tributary of the the Murray-Darling River System. On the first morning of our stroll through Bingara, the air was cool, clear and still - the view northward, towards the river was picture perfect. This was the setting for much of our stay in the little town of 1300 people. The days were beautifully warm.

The restoration of The Roxy and its associated café is just one of many projects undertaken by this progressive community. The construction of an ecologically complex Living Classroom and the associated on-site accommodation are also in the final stages of completion.

The planting of orange trees on the nature strip in town and the communal harvesting of the fruit - without fear of vandalism, is another remarkable community spirited venture.

From Bingara, a journey in a south-westerly direction towards Narrabri takes you into the Mt Kaputar National Park. Mt Kaputar National Park with its ancient volcanic and glacial relics was an additional highlight of the trip. The geological history of the area really attracted us, and the Gwydir Valley is so beautiful and pristine. Our first stop was a magnificent gorge and waterfall, the Rocky Creek Glacial Area which lies 37 kms west of Bingara, is clearly signposted, and is reached a short distance from the main road turnoff. This geological wonder should not be missed! A vast amount of weathering and erosion has occurred over the years, so the original glacial landscape features have been changed by the subsequent flow of water. The Glacial Area is an excellent place to picnic and cool off in summer.

The journey from Bingara to Sawn Rocks was a very pleasant 1 hour drive in the bus. This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other. While this type of five-sided (pentagonal) ‘organ piping’ is not rare to lava flows, it is exceptionally rare to find them so perfectly formed and preserved and is recognised as being one of the best examples of columnar jointing in Australia. Coincidentally it looks very 'Grecian'.

Chris Brownlee had charge of some 18 ebullient folk in his mini coach for the trip. The animated conversations and free flow of spirited anecdotes made the trip lively and enjoyable. Chris kept up a well informed commentary as we travelled south westward through the rich and economically diverse Hunter Valley. Miriam, Chris`s wife, did a splendid job of serving refreshments at the eating, viewing and recreation stops.

During our stay in Bingara, we also ventured to the picnic area in the town, were we saw well preserved gold mining machinery. We also ventured up to H F Batterham Memorial Lookout, with its spectacular views across the town and the valley. (Ralph Hunt, M.H.R. for Gwydir, opened the H.F. Battherham Lookout overlooking Bingara in 1975. The lookout was the result of ten years work from 1964-1975 by Bingara Apex Club. It involved the clearing of land, the construction of an archway entrance and the provision of picnic shelters at the summit. The lookout was named as a tribute to the late Harold Francis Battherham, a local historian who worked tirelessly to promote tourism in the district).

We also visited the attractive and ecologically built River House, one of the superior accommodation facilities in the North West region. We were told that Peranjou Cottages, a refurbished woolshed which offers two self contained units situated side by side, was another interesting place to stay.

Together with the seven travellers in three cars and the mini coach group, which undertook the excursion to Bingara, our group injected many tourism dollars into the Bingara community.

Our appreciation for the planning of the trip by Past President Kos Psaltis, and his wife Joanne (nee, Flaskas), Psaltis and their connections, cannot be overstated. The planning, sometimes complex due to last minute changes, was meticulous. A great thank you to the Psaltis`s from all Rotary’s Bingara pilgrims.

The Roxy Cafe breakfast

Early on the morning of Sunday 29th September 2013, just before leaving to return to Sydney, the pilgrims met at the Roxy Cafe for breakfast. The service provided by Vio and his staff was excellent, and the atmosphere was convivial.

The group reminisced about their youthful experiences in Greek cafes, either as owners, staff or patrons.

The touring party were joined by four young adults, two female, two male, who some of the touring group had met on the evening before. They were twenty-something students living at one of the residential colleges at Sydney University.

They had been subjected to a "hazing" or "fagging" ceremony - still tolerated by University colleges today. The "hazing" was 'disguised' as a charity fund raising "event".

The students had been dressed up in outrageous clothing, the males had parts of their hair shaved, their money and credit cards had been 'confiscated' and they had been driven up to Bingara and left in the street. With these impediments placed before them, they were 'challenged' to get back to Sydney in the best way they knew how.

The young women, in particular, were quite distraught in the evening, and some of the Rotarian group invited the four students to meet for breakfast. They were also fairly confident that George C Poulos was returning back to Sydney in the morning, and that he would be able to provide them with 'a lift' home.

They arrived at the breakfast without money, but in true Rotarian 'civic duty' style, a "whip around" was arranged, and they were soon given enough money, not only to pay for their own breakfast, but also to pay for expenditure for a few days, if required.

Their presence at the breakfast made the event even more memorable, and, coupled with feelings of outrage, disbelief, and sympathy about how they had been treated, also generated a great deal of amusement and humour.

It was certainly a story that would be related at future dinner parties for many decades to come. Yet another entertaining "Roxy" story.

As it turned out George C Poulos did give them a lift back, and within 9 hours had safely deposited them outside the doors of their Sydney University residential college.

George speculated that the 'hazers' must have been bitterly disappointed when they saw their victims return so quickly, and in such good spirits.

Chris Brownlee’s impressions

Coach driver Chris Brownlee was very impressed with the Roxy ‘complex’. “It’s colossal history”. As we have discovered, there are many other attractions in and around Bingara.

Chris was also impressed by the ‘Living Classroom’ project, located in the town, off the Narrabri road. “This learning centre is going to be a talking point for years to come...for sure. For a small town Bingara has done exceptionally well. Something for other small towns to learn from as well.”

We need to teach young people farming again, and get people back on the farm. Particularly the young ones. The next generation is much more interested. My sister-in-law is into permaculture, and they are doing some of these innovative things on their six acres in the Macleay Valley. She’s learnt through horticultural classes in Brisbane. The next generation is moving towards being more self-sufficient, looking after nature, and getting back to nature. It’s all going to happen in that generation, who are in their 20’s now.”

A Greek-Australian and a rural Australian pilgrimage well within reach

Some people have commented that Bingara, 8 hours drive from Sydney and 7 hours drive from Brisbane, is a pilgrimage that is “too far away”.

This 'opinion' undermines the essential nature of pilgrimage – undertaking a transformative journey to a sacred centre, which should in some measure be ‘challenging’.

It was informative however, that most of the Rotary pilgrims did not find the journey onerous. Kos Psaltis argued that if asked if the pilgrimage was ‘too far’, “I would look at it differently. I would ask, “far away from what?” The implication of Kos's comment is that it is certainly not as onerous a pilgrimage as visiting the Acropolis or Kythera, for example. His mother Helen added, that “you see so many interesting towns and people on the way”.

Alf Guy revealed that on the journey ‘up’ Chris and Miriam Brownlee “entertained us all along the way. At no time did we feel bored. The trip went very quickly...passengers and the group displayed a great deal of camaraderie....their friendship, jocular nature and flexibility made the trip very, very enjoyable’.

These comments reflected those that the 47 AHEPAN’s had made earlier in the year. Comments by Christine Lynch, National President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia were typical.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particularly after the Roxy Museum is completed". The journey to the Roxy is too interesting to be onerous.

As we discovered with young Thomas’s involvement, it engages children as well as adults.

As well as the attractions mentioned above, Bingara offers easy access to other interesting tourist destinations , such as:

Myall Creek Massacre Site

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park

Three Creeks Tourist Mine

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Copeton Dam

Manilla, world class paragliding

Above and beyond visiting the Roxy ‘complex’ there is much to do and see. Even spending a week in Bingara and district will not allow time to visit all the tourist attractions in the area.

Every Kytherian Australian and every Greek Australian is encouraged to visit Bingara and the Roxy – at least once in their lifetime.

Bingara Roxy Museum Grand Opening Celebrations

See the Gwydir Shire Council website for information about the opening
The opening of the museum will take place on Saturday 5 April 2014 and will be celebrated with Greek food and music, screenings in the historic Roxy Theatre, tours of the museum and culminating in a gala dinner on the Saturday evening. Further information on the opening celebrations will be provided as arrangements are finalised.

Accommodation in Bingara is limited, so all those planning to attend are advised to book their accommodation as soon as possible. During the 2011 75th Anniversary celebrations, visitors were accommodated in a number of surrounding towns, when Bingara accommodation was filled.

For more information please contact the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066.

Would you like to contribute to the Roxy Museum?

The Roxy Greek Museum is interested in hearing from you if you have objects or photographs that you might like to offer to the collection. For more information please contact the museum curator Peter Prineas on 0429 322 857.

Let us know if you would like to make a financial donation, or offer cafe paraphernalia to the Museum, download the Acquisition Form

Open full entry

30/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Sawn Rocks lies a very pleasant 1 hour drive from Bingara

This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other.

These pillars have sheered off the cliff face, and are lying in the valley below.

Visited during the

Belrose Rotarians, pilgrimage to Bingara

Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013

The 75th anniversary of the Roxy was celebrated on the weekend of April 9th and 10th 2011, with the official launch of the (then) recently renovated Peters & Co Cafe and the Roxy museum, film screenings in the Roxy Theatre, and historic tours of the Roxy. On the Saturday night, a panagiri type festival was held; a black-tie gala ball with a twist. The main street was closed off. Inspired by Greek band Ha Va Le, people took to the streets dancing, singing and smashing plates. It was an unforgettable weekend.

On Tuesday 23 August 2011, Peter Prineas, author of the definitive history of the Roxy, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, conducted a talk at the Rotary Club of Belrose, on Sydney’s North Shore. The Rotary Club of Belrose is very active. It meets on Tuesday’s at the Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose.

As a result of Peter Prineas’ presentation the Belrose Rotary Club decided that they would make a trip to Bingara, to see the Roxy complex. The trip was planned to take place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013. Kos Psaltis, immediate Past President of Belrose Rotary, was the key organiser. He has a ‘connection’ to Bingara. Kos is married to Joanne (nee, Flaskas), whose mother Mary Flaskas (nee, Feros) was the youngest daughter of Peter Feros, one of the partners in the Roxy Cinema and Cafe ‘complex’. The other siblings of Mary, in birth order, included Katina, Jack and George.

A second connection for the Belrose Rotarians was that a past President - Henry Martin, a Methodist (Uniting Church) priest - had retired to live in the town.

The 58th National Convention of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was held between the 6th and the 13th October 2012. At the convention, Peter McCarthy, a member of the Roxy Museum Committee, delivered a talk about the Roxy ‘complex’.
As a result of that talk Sydney AHEPAN’s organised a 47 person bus trip to Bingara. On the 23rd February, 2013, they travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara. Their motivation to participate in such a pilgrimage was understandable. All had a Greek-Australian heritage, many had grown up in cafes, and AHEPA had been inaugurated in the north western New South Wales towns of Warialda and Scone. They were returning to their Greek-Australian, cafe, and AHEPAN roots.

An interesting feature of the Belrose Rotary pilgrimage, by contrast, was the fact that the majority of the “pilgrims” were not Greek by heritage.
The pilgrims consisted of 17 people travelling in a 20 seater bus, and 7 others travelling in 3 separate cars. The bus driver Chris Brownlee from Garigal Tours had been invited by Kos Psaltis to become a friend of Belrose Rotary. Chris’s wife Miriam also joined the ‘touring party’. This created a third connection to the town; Miriam’s family lives in Bingara. Her late brother had a property on the Narrabri road. Miriam’s sister in law and her children now live in town, and are involved with the Rural Fire Service. The pilgrimage was enhanced by the fact that driver, Chris Brownlee had a good working knowledge of the town and district.

The Psaltis/Feros connection

Kos and Joanne Psaltis feel a “powerful historical family connection” to Bingara. “We feel pride that Joanne’s family – her late grandfather – has added value to this town”. Both Joanne and I have watched the ABC's Landline program A Night at the Roxy, about the 75th Roxy Anniversary celebrations, many times.

The restoration of the Roxy Cinema has had a profound impact on both of them. “When we walked into the Roxy Cinema for the first time, Joanne and I had the same sensation, as we did many years ago, when we first walked into the Taj Mahal in India. You walk through these gates and there it is in front of you. A real ‘wow’ factor. When we were at the official opening here, and we walked into the cinema, it had the same ‘wow’ factor. The quality of the interior and the way it has been preserved is amazing.”

Both of Kos’s parents have always been involved in the cafe industry. His father Theodore Psaltis had a milk bar and coffee shop in Bondi Junction called the Savoy for many years, and all his father’s siblings were also involved with cafes. His mother Helen Psaltis (nee Trefilly) remembers that she began working in her father’s cafe, the Busy Bee, in Kingaroy, Queensland from primary school. She kept working in the cafe until she was married at 19 years of age.

What is her feeling about coming to see a preserved piece of Greek-Australian history like the Roxy? “I regard it as an honour”, she asserts. “In a sense it’s a memorial, and it makes the local people appreciate the contribution of the Greek-Australians”.

Kos added that “It’s all part of the great Australian story. It’s a particular ethnic group that has contributed significantly to modern Australian society. I look at it in that context ...You feel proud of the input that our Kytherian ancestors contributed so much to Australia.”

Kos was asked, what do you think the reaction is of the Australian’s who were not of a Greek background in your touring party to the Roxy and Bingara? “They have been very impressed. I think they have got a lot out of it”. This is corroborated by the testimony of some of the other members of the touring party.

Another former President of Belrose Rotary, Ron Furness, was in the ‘touring party’. He commented that they had had a great trip ‘up’, and that Bingara, and the Roxy ‘complex’ was a fascinating place.

“I’ve been reflecting about my good fortune to know Joanne Psaltis. Of hearing about how her family discovered their connection with the Roxy back in 2002. And before that, sadly...melancholy in a way...that it was a dark family secret....and I was reflecting on that comment by Joanne as I sit here in 2013, a beautiful, balmy afternoon, with a bit of breeze... enjoying a lovely cold beer, and thinking ...that, about 80 years or so ago these fellows had this dream....God only knows what their dream was, because I understand that they went broke pretty soon after. Hence the family shame. This has all been well documented in Peter Prineas' Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

But now, in 2013, their dream is still working, and people like me, who was born in London, and has had the pleasure of being in Greece many times. And had the good fortune of once setting foot on Kythera, for a brief trip, and spending many months on Greek Cyprus....and enjoyed the hospitality of Greek people, which is then extended to any group within the Greek pantheon; and I am astonished that 80 years later, the dream is still alive.”

Ron Furness was also made aware of the powerful influence that the Greek cafe has had on the town. “We met people on the way up here....we had the good fortune of stopping in Greek cafes all the way up...at least from Muswellbrook onwards...and we met people who were on the way here, or on the way home. When the topic of conversation turned to ...Bingara ...Oh, ROXY THEATRE!.... and they were all positive.

Interestingly Ron Furness had brought his young grandson Thomas along on the journey. He thoroughly enjoyed himself during all the activities, mixing with the oldies, “climbing a few hills, and doing a number of walks”. The pilgrimage was obviously something young people could also benefit from.

Alf Guy’s Bingara Report

Alf Guy, originally from South Africa, is the current President of the Belrose Rotary Club. He was delighted with the ‘welcome and hospitality’ the group received in Bingara.

The Roxy Museum, within the Roxy complex - the main reason for our trip to the North West – is in its final stages of restoration by the Gwydir Shire Council. The preservation of the art décor trappings is a majestic undertaking - and seeing the theatre brought back to its original glory must have been an emotional experience for Joanne Psaltis, whose late grandfather was one of the three Greek settlers, who created this glorious building. The Roxy, in the 21st century will almost certainly be the centrepiece of a rejuvenated Bingara.

Our group was also privileged to see a screening of the movie Red Dog in The Roxy Cinema!!

Bingara lies on the gently sloping southern bank of Gwydir River, which is a tributary of the the Murray-Darling River System. On the first morning of our stroll through Bingara, the air was cool, clear and still - the view northward, towards the river was picture perfect. This was the setting for much of our stay in the little town of 1300 people. The days were beautifully warm.

The restoration of The Roxy and its associated café is just one of many projects undertaken by this progressive community. The construction of an ecologically complex Living Classroom and the associated on-site accommodation are also in the final stages of completion.

The planting of orange trees on the nature strip in town and the communal harvesting of the fruit - without fear of vandalism, is another remarkable community spirited venture.

From Bingara, a journey in a south-westerly direction towards Narrabri takes you into the Mt Kaputar National Park. Mt Kaputar National Park with its ancient volcanic and glacial relics was an additional highlight of the trip. The geological history of the area really attracted us, and the Gwydir Valley is so beautiful and pristine. Our first stop was a magnificent gorge and waterfall, the Rocky Creek Glacial Area which lies 37 kms west of Bingara, is clearly signposted, and is reached a short distance from the main road turnoff. This geological wonder should not be missed! A vast amount of weathering and erosion has occurred over the years, so the original glacial landscape features have been changed by the subsequent flow of water. The Glacial Area is an excellent place to picnic and cool off in summer.

The journey from Bingara to Sawn Rocks was a very pleasant 1 hour drive in the bus. This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other. While this type of five-sided (pentagonal) ‘organ piping’ is not rare to lava flows, it is exceptionally rare to find them so perfectly formed and preserved and is recognised as being one of the best examples of columnar jointing in Australia. Coincidentally it looks very 'Grecian'.

Chris Brownlee had charge of some 18 ebullient folk in his mini coach for the trip. The animated conversations and free flow of spirited anecdotes made the trip lively and enjoyable. Chris kept up a well informed commentary as we travelled south westward through the rich and economically diverse Hunter Valley. Miriam, Chris`s wife, did a splendid job of serving refreshments at the eating, viewing and recreation stops.

During our stay in Bingara, we also ventured to the picnic area in the town, were we saw well preserved gold mining machinery. We also ventured up to H F Batterham Memorial Lookout, with its spectacular views across the town and the valley. (Ralph Hunt, M.H.R. for Gwydir, opened the H.F. Battherham Lookout overlooking Bingara in 1975. The lookout was the result of ten years work from 1964-1975 by Bingara Apex Club. It involved the clearing of land, the construction of an archway entrance and the provision of picnic shelters at the summit. The lookout was named as a tribute to the late Harold Francis Battherham, a local historian who worked tirelessly to promote tourism in the district).

We also visited the attractive and ecologically built River House, one of the superior accommodation facilities in the North West region. We were told that Peranjou Cottages, a refurbished woolshed which offers two self contained units situated side by side, was another interesting place to stay.

Together with the seven travellers in three cars and the mini coach group, which undertook the excursion to Bingara, our group injected many tourism dollars into the Bingara community.

Our appreciation for the planning of the trip by Past President Kos Psaltis, and his wife Joanne (nee, Flaskas), Psaltis and their connections, cannot be overstated. The planning, sometimes complex due to last minute changes, was meticulous. A great thank you to the Psaltis`s from all Rotary’s Bingara pilgrims.

The Roxy Cafe breakfast

Early on the morning of Sunday 29th September 2013, just before leaving to return to Sydney, the pilgrims met at the Roxy Cafe for breakfast. The service provided by Vio and his staff was excellent, and the atmosphere was convivial.

The group reminisced about their youthful experiences in Greek cafes, either as owners, staff or patrons.

The touring party were joined by four young adults, two female, two male, who some of the touring group had met on the evening before. They were twenty-something students living at one of the residential colleges at Sydney University.

They had been subjected to a "hazing" or "fagging" ceremony - still tolerated by University colleges today. The "hazing" was 'disguised' as a charity fund raising "event".

The students had been dressed up in outrageous clothing, the males had parts of their hair shaved, their money and credit cards had been 'confiscated' and they had been driven up to Bingara and left in the street. With these impediments placed before them, they were 'challenged' to get back to Sydney in the best way they knew how.

The young women, in particular, were quite distraught in the evening, and some of the Rotarian group invited the four students to meet for breakfast. They were also fairly confident that George C Poulos was returning back to Sydney in the morning, and that he would be able to provide them with 'a lift' home.

They arrived at the breakfast without money, but in true Rotarian 'civic duty' style, a "whip around" was arranged, and they were soon given enough money, not only to pay for their own breakfast, but also to pay for expenditure for a few days, if required.

Their presence at the breakfast made the event even more memorable, and, coupled with feelings of outrage, disbelief, and sympathy about how they had been treated, also generated a great deal of amusement and humour.

It was certainly a story that would be related at future dinner parties for many decades to come. Yet another entertaining "Roxy" story.

As it turned out George C Poulos did give them a lift back, and within 9 hours had safely deposited them outside the doors of their Sydney University residential college.

George speculated that the 'hazers' must have been bitterly disappointed when they saw their victims return so quickly, and in such good spirits.

Chris Brownlee’s impressions

Coach driver Chris Brownlee was very impressed with the Roxy ‘complex’. “It’s colossal history”. As we have discovered, there are many other attractions in and around Bingara.

Chris was also impressed by the ‘Living Classroom’ project, located in the town, off the Narrabri road. “This learning centre is going to be a talking point for years to come...for sure. For a small town Bingara has done exceptionally well. Something for other small towns to learn from as well.”

We need to teach young people farming again, and get people back on the farm. Particularly the young ones. The next generation is much more interested. My sister-in-law is into permaculture, and they are doing some of these innovative things on their six acres in the Macleay Valley. She’s learnt through horticultural classes in Brisbane. The next generation is moving towards being more self-sufficient, looking after nature, and getting back to nature. It’s all going to happen in that generation, who are in their 20’s now.”

A Greek-Australian and a rural Australian pilgrimage well within reach

Some people have commented that Bingara, 8 hours drive from Sydney and 7 hours drive from Brisbane, is a pilgrimage that is “too far away”.

This 'opinion' undermines the essential nature of pilgrimage – undertaking a transformative journey to a sacred centre, which should in some measure be ‘challenging’.

It was informative however, that most of the Rotary pilgrims did not find the journey onerous. Kos Psaltis argued that if asked if the pilgrimage was ‘too far’, “I would look at it differently. I would ask, “far away from what?” The implication of Kos's comment is that it is certainly not as onerous a pilgrimage as visiting the Acropolis or Kythera, for example. His mother Helen added, that “you see so many interesting towns and people on the way”.

Alf Guy revealed that on the journey ‘up’ Chris and Miriam Brownlee “entertained us all along the way. At no time did we feel bored. The trip went very quickly...passengers and the group displayed a great deal of camaraderie....their friendship, jocular nature and flexibility made the trip very, very enjoyable’.

These comments reflected those that the 47 AHEPAN’s had made earlier in the year. Comments by Christine Lynch, National President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia were typical.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particularly after the Roxy Museum is completed". The journey to the Roxy is too interesting to be onerous.

As we discovered with young Thomas’s involvement, it engages children as well as adults.

As well as the attractions mentioned above, Bingara offers easy access to other interesting tourist destinations , such as:

Myall Creek Massacre Site

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park

Three Creeks Tourist Mine

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Copeton Dam

Manilla, world class paragliding

Above and beyond visiting the Roxy ‘complex’ there is much to do and see. Even spending a week in Bingara and district will not allow time to visit all the tourist attractions in the area.

Every Kytherian Australian and every Greek Australian is encouraged to visit Bingara and the Roxy – at least once in their lifetime.

Bingara Roxy Museum Grand Opening Celebrations

See the Gwydir Shire Council website for information about the opening
The opening of the museum will take place on Saturday 5 April 2014 and will be celebrated with Greek food and music, screenings in the historic Roxy Theatre, tours of the museum and culminating in a gala dinner on the Saturday evening. Further information on the opening celebrations will be provided as arrangements are finalised.

Accommodation in Bingara is limited, so all those planning to attend are advised to book their accommodation as soon as possible. During the 2011 75th Anniversary celebrations, visitors were accommodated in a number of surrounding towns, when Bingara accommodation was filled.

For more information please contact the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066.

Would you like to contribute to the Roxy Museum?

The Roxy Greek Museum is interested in hearing from you if you have objects or photographs that you might like to offer to the collection. For more information please contact the museum curator Peter Prineas on 0429 322 857.

Let us know if you would like to make a financial donation, or offer cafe paraphernalia to the Museum, download the Acquisition Form

Open full entry

30/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Sawn Rocks lies a very pleasant 1 hour drive from Bingara

This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other. Visited during the

Belrose Rotarians, pilgrimage to Bingara

Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013

The 75th anniversary of the Roxy was celebrated on the weekend of April 9th and 10th 2011, with the official launch of the (then) recently renovated Peters & Co Cafe and the Roxy museum, film screenings in the Roxy Theatre, and historic tours of the Roxy. On the Saturday night, a panagiri type festival was held; a black-tie gala ball with a twist. The main street was closed off. Inspired by Greek band Ha Va Le, people took to the streets dancing, singing and smashing plates. It was an unforgettable weekend.

On Tuesday 23 August 2011, Peter Prineas, author of the definitive history of the Roxy, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, conducted a talk at the Rotary Club of Belrose, on Sydney’s North Shore. The Rotary Club of Belrose is very active. It meets on Tuesday’s at the Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose.

As a result of Peter Prineas’ presentation the Belrose Rotary Club decided that they would make a trip to Bingara, to see the Roxy complex. The trip was planned to take place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013. Kos Psaltis, immediate Past President of Belrose Rotary, was the key organiser. He has a ‘connection’ to Bingara. Kos is married to Joanne (nee, Flaskas), whose mother Mary Flaskas (nee, Feros) was the youngest daughter of Peter Feros, one of the partners in the Roxy Cinema and Cafe ‘complex’. The other siblings of Mary, in birth order, included Katina, Jack and George.

A second connection for the Belrose Rotarians was that a past President - Henry Martin, a Methodist (Uniting Church) priest - had retired to live in the town.

The 58th National Convention of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was held between the 6th and the 13th October 2012. At the convention, Peter McCarthy, a member of the Roxy Museum Committee, delivered a talk about the Roxy ‘complex’.
As a result of that talk Sydney AHEPAN’s organised a 47 person bus trip to Bingara. On the 23rd February, 2013, they travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara. Their motivation to participate in such a pilgrimage was understandable. All had a Greek-Australian heritage, many had grown up in cafes, and AHEPA had been inaugurated in the north western New South Wales towns of Warialda and Scone. They were returning to their Greek-Australian, cafe, and AHEPAN roots.

An interesting feature of the Belrose Rotary pilgrimage, by contrast, was the fact that the majority of the “pilgrims” were not Greek by heritage.
The pilgrims consisted of 17 people travelling in a 20 seater bus, and 7 others travelling in 3 separate cars. The bus driver Chris Brownlee from Garigal Tours had been invited by Kos Psaltis to become a friend of Belrose Rotary. Chris’s wife Miriam also joined the ‘touring party’. This created a third connection to the town; Miriam’s family lives in Bingara. Her late brother had a property on the Narrabri road. Miriam’s sister in law and her children now live in town, and are involved with the Rural Fire Service. The pilgrimage was enhanced by the fact that driver, Chris Brownlee had a good working knowledge of the town and district.

The Psaltis/Feros connection

Kos and Joanne Psaltis feel a “powerful historical family connection” to Bingara. “We feel pride that Joanne’s family – her late grandfather – has added value to this town”. Both Joanne and I have watched the ABC's Landline program A Night at the Roxy, about the 75th Roxy Anniversary celebrations, many times.

The restoration of the Roxy Cinema has had a profound impact on both of them. “When we walked into the Roxy Cinema for the first time, Joanne and I had the same sensation, as we did many years ago, when we first walked into the Taj Mahal in India. You walk through these gates and there it is in front of you. A real ‘wow’ factor. When we were at the official opening here, and we walked into the cinema, it had the same ‘wow’ factor. The quality of the interior and the way it has been preserved is amazing.”

Both of Kos’s parents have always been involved in the cafe industry. His father Theodore Psaltis had a milk bar and coffee shop in Bondi Junction called the Savoy for many years, and all his father’s siblings were also involved with cafes. His mother Helen Psaltis (nee Trefilly) remembers that she began working in her father’s cafe, the Busy Bee, in Kingaroy, Queensland from primary school. She kept working in the cafe until she was married at 19 years of age.

What is her feeling about coming to see a preserved piece of Greek-Australian history like the Roxy? “I regard it as an honour”, she asserts. “In a sense it’s a memorial, and it makes the local people appreciate the contribution of the Greek-Australians”.

Kos added that “It’s all part of the great Australian story. It’s a particular ethnic group that has contributed significantly to modern Australian society. I look at it in that context ...You feel proud of the input that our Kytherian ancestors contributed so much to Australia.”

Kos was asked, what do you think the reaction is of the Australian’s who were not of a Greek background in your touring party to the Roxy and Bingara? “They have been very impressed. I think they have got a lot out of it”. This is corroborated by the testimony of some of the other members of the touring party.

Another former President of Belrose Rotary, Ron Furness, was in the ‘touring party’. He commented that they had had a great trip ‘up’, and that Bingara, and the Roxy ‘complex’ was a fascinating place.

“I’ve been reflecting about my good fortune to know Joanne Psaltis. Of hearing about how her family discovered their connection with the Roxy back in 2002. And before that, sadly...melancholy in a way...that it was a dark family secret....and I was reflecting on that comment by Joanne as I sit here in 2013, a beautiful, balmy afternoon, with a bit of breeze... enjoying a lovely cold beer, and thinking ...that, about 80 years or so ago these fellows had this dream....God only knows what their dream was, because I understand that they went broke pretty soon after. Hence the family shame. This has all been well documented in Peter Prineas' Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

But now, in 2013, their dream is still working, and people like me, who was born in London, and has had the pleasure of being in Greece many times. And had the good fortune of once setting foot on Kythera, for a brief trip, and spending many months on Greek Cyprus....and enjoyed the hospitality of Greek people, which is then extended to any group within the Greek pantheon; and I am astonished that 80 years later, the dream is still alive.”

Ron Furness was also made aware of the powerful influence that the Greek cafe has had on the town. “We met people on the way up here....we had the good fortune of stopping in Greek cafes all the way up...at least from Muswellbrook onwards...and we met people who were on the way here, or on the way home. When the topic of conversation turned to ...Bingara ...Oh, ROXY THEATRE!.... and they were all positive.

Interestingly Ron Furness had brought his young grandson Thomas along on the journey. He thoroughly enjoyed himself during all the activities, mixing with the oldies, “climbing a few hills, and doing a number of walks”. The pilgrimage was obviously something young people could also benefit from.

Alf Guy’s Bingara Report

Alf Guy, originally from South Africa, is the current President of the Belrose Rotary Club. He was delighted with the ‘welcome and hospitality’ the group received in Bingara.

The Roxy Museum, within the Roxy complex - the main reason for our trip to the North West – is in its final stages of restoration by the Gwydir Shire Council. The preservation of the art décor trappings is a majestic undertaking - and seeing the theatre brought back to its original glory must have been an emotional experience for Joanne Psaltis, whose late grandfather was one of the three Greek settlers, who created this glorious building. The Roxy, in the 21st century will almost certainly be the centrepiece of a rejuvenated Bingara.

Our group was also privileged to see a screening of the movie Red Dog in The Roxy Cinema!!

Bingara lies on the gently sloping southern bank of Gwydir River, which is a tributary of the the Murray-Darling River System. On the first morning of our stroll through Bingara, the air was cool, clear and still - the view northward, towards the river was picture perfect. This was the setting for much of our stay in the little town of 1300 people. The days were beautifully warm.

The restoration of The Roxy and its associated café is just one of many projects undertaken by this progressive community. The construction of an ecologically complex Living Classroom and the associated on-site accommodation are also in the final stages of completion.

The planting of orange trees on the nature strip in town and the communal harvesting of the fruit - without fear of vandalism, is another remarkable community spirited venture.

From Bingara, a journey in a south-westerly direction towards Narrabri takes you into the Mt Kaputar National Park. Mt Kaputar National Park with its ancient volcanic and glacial relics was an additional highlight of the trip. The geological history of the area really attracted us, and the Gwydir Valley is so beautiful and pristine. Our first stop was a magnificent gorge and waterfall, the Rocky Creek Glacial Area which lies 37 kms west of Bingara, is clearly signposted, and is reached a short distance from the main road turnoff. This geological wonder should not be missed! A vast amount of weathering and erosion has occurred over the years, so the original glacial landscape features have been changed by the subsequent flow of water. The Glacial Area is an excellent place to picnic and cool off in summer.

The journey from Bingara to Sawn Rocks was a very pleasant 1 hour drive in the bus. This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other. While this type of five-sided (pentagonal) ‘organ piping’ is not rare to lava flows, it is exceptionally rare to find them so perfectly formed and preserved and is recognised as being one of the best examples of columnar jointing in Australia. Coincidentally it looks very 'Grecian'.

Chris Brownlee had charge of some 18 ebullient folk in his mini coach for the trip. The animated conversations and free flow of spirited anecdotes made the trip lively and enjoyable. Chris kept up a well informed commentary as we travelled south westward through the rich and economically diverse Hunter Valley. Miriam, Chris`s wife, did a splendid job of serving refreshments at the eating, viewing and recreation stops.

During our stay in Bingara, we also ventured to the picnic area in the town, were we saw well preserved gold mining machinery. We also ventured up to H F Batterham Memorial Lookout, with its spectacular views across the town and the valley. (Ralph Hunt, M.H.R. for Gwydir, opened the H.F. Battherham Lookout overlooking Bingara in 1975. The lookout was the result of ten years work from 1964-1975 by Bingara Apex Club. It involved the clearing of land, the construction of an archway entrance and the provision of picnic shelters at the summit. The lookout was named as a tribute to the late Harold Francis Battherham, a local historian who worked tirelessly to promote tourism in the district).

We also visited the attractive and ecologically built River House, one of the superior accommodation facilities in the North West region. We were told that Peranjou Cottages, a refurbished woolshed which offers two self contained units situated side by side, was another interesting place to stay.

Together with the seven travellers in three cars and the mini coach group, which undertook the excursion to Bingara, our group injected many tourism dollars into the Bingara community.

Our appreciation for the planning of the trip by Past President Kos Psaltis, and his wife Joanne (nee, Flaskas), Psaltis and their connections, cannot be overstated. The planning, sometimes complex due to last minute changes, was meticulous. A great thank you to the Psaltis`s from all Rotary’s Bingara pilgrims.

The Roxy Cafe breakfast

Early on the morning of Sunday 29th September 2013, just before leaving to return to Sydney, the pilgrims met at the Roxy Cafe for breakfast. The service provided by Vio and his staff was excellent, and the atmosphere was convivial.

The group reminisced about their youthful experiences in Greek cafes, either as owners, staff or patrons.

The touring party were joined by four young adults, two female, two male, who some of the touring group had met on the evening before. They were twenty-something students living at one of the residential colleges at Sydney University.

They had been subjected to a "hazing" or "fagging" ceremony - still tolerated by University colleges today. The "hazing" was 'disguised' as a charity fund raising "event".

The students had been dressed up in outrageous clothing, the males had parts of their hair shaved, their money and credit cards had been 'confiscated' and they had been driven up to Bingara and left in the street. With these impediments placed before them, they were 'challenged' to get back to Sydney in the best way they knew how.

The young women, in particular, were quite distraught in the evening, and some of the Rotarian group invited the four students to meet for breakfast. They were also fairly confident that George C Poulos was returning back to Sydney in the morning, and that he would be able to provide them with 'a lift' home.

They arrived at the breakfast without money, but in true Rotarian 'civic duty' style, a "whip around" was arranged, and they were soon given enough money, not only to pay for their own breakfast, but also to pay for expenditure for a few days, if required.

Their presence at the breakfast made the event even more memorable, and, coupled with feelings of outrage, disbelief, and sympathy about how they had been treated, also generated a great deal of amusement and humour.

It was certainly a story that would be related at future dinner parties for many decades to come. Yet another entertaining "Roxy" story.

As it turned out George C Poulos did give them a lift back, and within 9 hours had safely deposited them outside the doors of their Sydney University residential college.

George speculated that the 'hazers' must have been bitterly disappointed when they saw their victims return so quickly, and in such good spirits.

Chris Brownlee’s impressions

Coach driver Chris Brownlee was very impressed with the Roxy ‘complex’. “It’s colossal history”. As we have discovered, there are many other attractions in and around Bingara.

Chris was also impressed by the ‘Living Classroom’ project, located in the town, off the Narrabri road. “This learning centre is going to be a talking point for years to come...for sure. For a small town Bingara has done exceptionally well. Something for other small towns to learn from as well.”

We need to teach young people farming again, and get people back on the farm. Particularly the young ones. The next generation is much more interested. My sister-in-law is into permaculture, and they are doing some of these innovative things on their six acres in the Macleay Valley. She’s learnt through horticultural classes in Brisbane. The next generation is moving towards being more self-sufficient, looking after nature, and getting back to nature. It’s all going to happen in that generation, who are in their 20’s now.”

A Greek-Australian and a rural Australian pilgrimage well within reach

Some people have commented that Bingara, 8 hours drive from Sydney and 7 hours drive from Brisbane, is a pilgrimage that is “too far away”.

This 'opinion' undermines the essential nature of pilgrimage – undertaking a transformative journey to a sacred centre, which should in some measure be ‘challenging’.

It was informative however, that most of the Rotary pilgrims did not find the journey onerous. Kos Psaltis argued that if asked if the pilgrimage was ‘too far’, “I would look at it differently. I would ask, “far away from what?” The implication of Kos's comment is that it is certainly not as onerous a pilgrimage as visiting the Acropolis or Kythera, for example. His mother Helen added, that “you see so many interesting towns and people on the way”.

Alf Guy revealed that on the journey ‘up’ Chris and Miriam Brownlee “entertained us all along the way. At no time did we feel bored. The trip went very quickly...passengers and the group displayed a great deal of camaraderie....their friendship, jocular nature and flexibility made the trip very, very enjoyable’.

These comments reflected those that the 47 AHEPAN’s had made earlier in the year. Comments by Christine Lynch, National President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia were typical.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particularly after the Roxy Museum is completed". The journey to the Roxy is too interesting to be onerous.

As we discovered with young Thomas’s involvement, it engages children as well as adults.

As well as the attractions mentioned above, Bingara offers easy access to other interesting tourist destinations , such as:

Myall Creek Massacre Site

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park

Three Creeks Tourist Mine

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Copeton Dam

Manilla, world class paragliding

Above and beyond visiting the Roxy ‘complex’ there is much to do and see. Even spending a week in Bingara and district will not allow time to visit all the tourist attractions in the area.

Every Kytherian Australian and every Greek Australian is encouraged to visit Bingara and the Roxy – at least once in their lifetime.

Bingara Roxy Museum Grand Opening Celebrations

See the Gwydir Shire Council website for information about the opening
The opening of the museum will take place on Saturday 5 April 2014 and will be celebrated with Greek food and music, screenings in the historic Roxy Theatre, tours of the museum and culminating in a gala dinner on the Saturday evening. Further information on the opening celebrations will be provided as arrangements are finalised.

Accommodation in Bingara is limited, so all those planning to attend are advised to book their accommodation as soon as possible. During the 2011 75th Anniversary celebrations, visitors were accommodated in a number of surrounding towns, when Bingara accommodation was filled.

For more information please contact the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066.

Would you like to contribute to the Roxy Museum?

The Roxy Greek Museum is interested in hearing from you if you have objects or photographs that you might like to offer to the collection. For more information please contact the museum curator Peter Prineas on 0429 322 857.

Let us know if you would like to make a financial donation, or offer cafe paraphernalia to the Museum, download the Acquisition Form

Open full entry

30/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Magnificent gorge and waterfall, the Rocky Creek Glacial Area

...which lies 37 kms west of Bingara, is clearly signposted, and is reached a short distance from the main road turnoff. Visited during the

Belrose Rotarians, pilgrimage to Bingara

Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013

The 75th anniversary of the Roxy was celebrated on the weekend of April 9th and 10th 2011, with the official launch of the (then) recently renovated Peters & Co Cafe and the Roxy museum, film screenings in the Roxy Theatre, and historic tours of the Roxy. On the Saturday night, a panagiri type festival was held; a black-tie gala ball with a twist. The main street was closed off. Inspired by Greek band Ha Va Le, people took to the streets dancing, singing and smashing plates. It was an unforgettable weekend.

On Tuesday 23 August 2011, Peter Prineas, author of the definitive history of the Roxy, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, conducted a talk at the Rotary Club of Belrose, on Sydney’s North Shore. The Rotary Club of Belrose is very active. It meets on Tuesday’s at the Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose.

As a result of Peter Prineas’ presentation the Belrose Rotary Club decided that they would make a trip to Bingara, to see the Roxy complex. The trip was planned to take place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013. Kos Psaltis, immediate Past President of Belrose Rotary, was the key organiser. He has a ‘connection’ to Bingara. Kos is married to Joanne (nee, Flaskas), whose mother Mary Flaskas (nee, Feros) was the youngest daughter of Peter Feros, one of the partners in the Roxy Cinema and Cafe ‘complex’. The other siblings of Mary, in birth order, included Katina, Jack and George.

A second connection for the Belrose Rotarians was that a past President - Henry Martin, a Methodist (Uniting Church) priest - had retired to live in the town.

The 58th National Convention of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was held between the 6th and the 13th October 2012. At the convention, Peter McCarthy, a member of the Roxy Museum Committee, delivered a talk about the Roxy ‘complex’.
As a result of that talk Sydney AHEPAN’s organised a 47 person bus trip to Bingara. On the 23rd February, 2013, they travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara. Their motivation to participate in such a pilgrimage was understandable. All had a Greek-Australian heritage, many had grown up in cafes, and AHEPA had been inaugurated in the north western New South Wales towns of Warialda and Scone. They were returning to their Greek-Australian, cafe, and AHEPAN roots.

An interesting feature of the Belrose Rotary pilgrimage, by contrast, was the fact that the majority of the “pilgrims” were not Greek by heritage.
The pilgrims consisted of 17 people travelling in a 20 seater bus, and 7 others travelling in 3 separate cars. The bus driver Chris Brownlee from Garigal Tours had been invited by Kos Psaltis to become a friend of Belrose Rotary. Chris’s wife Miriam also joined the ‘touring party’. This created a third connection to the town; Miriam’s family lives in Bingara. Her late brother had a property on the Narrabri road. Miriam’s sister in law and her children now live in town, and are involved with the Rural Fire Service. The pilgrimage was enhanced by the fact that driver, Chris Brownlee had a good working knowledge of the town and district.

The Psaltis/Feros connection

Kos and Joanne Psaltis feel a “powerful historical family connection” to Bingara. “We feel pride that Joanne’s family – her late grandfather – has added value to this town”. Both Joanne and I have watched the ABC's Landline program A Night at the Roxy, about the 75th Roxy Anniversary celebrations, many times.

The restoration of the Roxy Cinema has had a profound impact on both of them. “When we walked into the Roxy Cinema for the first time, Joanne and I had the same sensation, as we did many years ago, when we first walked into the Taj Mahal in India. You walk through these gates and there it is in front of you. A real ‘wow’ factor. When we were at the official opening here, and we walked into the cinema, it had the same ‘wow’ factor. The quality of the interior and the way it has been preserved is amazing.”

Both of Kos’s parents have always been involved in the cafe industry. His father Theodore Psaltis had a milk bar and coffee shop in Bondi Junction called the Savoy for many years, and all his father’s siblings were also involved with cafes. His mother Helen Psaltis (nee Trefilly) remembers that she began working in her father’s cafe, the Busy Bee, in Kingaroy, Queensland from primary school. She kept working in the cafe until she was married at 19 years of age.

What is her feeling about coming to see a preserved piece of Greek-Australian history like the Roxy? “I regard it as an honour”, she asserts. “In a sense it’s a memorial, and it makes the local people appreciate the contribution of the Greek-Australians”.

Kos added that “It’s all part of the great Australian story. It’s a particular ethnic group that has contributed significantly to modern Australian society. I look at it in that context ...You feel proud of the input that our Kytherian ancestors contributed so much to Australia.”

Kos was asked, what do you think the reaction is of the Australian’s who were not of a Greek background in your touring party to the Roxy and Bingara? “They have been very impressed. I think they have got a lot out of it”. This is corroborated by the testimony of some of the other members of the touring party.

Another former President of Belrose Rotary, Ron Furness, was in the ‘touring party’. He commented that they had had a great trip ‘up’, and that Bingara, and the Roxy ‘complex’ was a fascinating place.

“I’ve been reflecting about my good fortune to know Joanne Psaltis. Of hearing about how her family discovered their connection with the Roxy back in 2002. And before that, sadly...melancholy in a way...that it was a dark family secret....and I was reflecting on that comment by Joanne as I sit here in 2013, a beautiful, balmy afternoon, with a bit of breeze... enjoying a lovely cold beer, and thinking ...that, about 80 years or so ago these fellows had this dream....God only knows what their dream was, because I understand that they went broke pretty soon after. Hence the family shame. This has all been well documented in Peter Prineas' Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

But now, in 2013, their dream is still working, and people like me, who was born in London, and has had the pleasure of being in Greece many times. And had the good fortune of once setting foot on Kythera, for a brief trip, and spending many months on Greek Cyprus....and enjoyed the hospitality of Greek people, which is then extended to any group within the Greek pantheon; and I am astonished that 80 years later, the dream is still alive.”

Ron Furness was also made aware of the powerful influence that the Greek cafe has had on the town. “We met people on the way up here....we had the good fortune of stopping in Greek cafes all the way up...at least from Muswellbrook onwards...and we met people who were on the way here, or on the way home. When the topic of conversation turned to ...Bingara ...Oh, ROXY THEATRE!.... and they were all positive.

Interestingly Ron Furness had brought his young grandson Thomas along on the journey. He thoroughly enjoyed himself during all the activities, mixing with the oldies, “climbing a few hills, and doing a number of walks”. The pilgrimage was obviously something young people could also benefit from.

Alf Guy’s Bingara Report

Alf Guy, originally from South Africa, is the current President of the Belrose Rotary Club. He was delighted with the ‘welcome and hospitality’ the group received in Bingara.

The Roxy Museum, within the Roxy complex - the main reason for our trip to the North West – is in its final stages of restoration by the Gwydir Shire Council. The preservation of the art décor trappings is a majestic undertaking - and seeing the theatre brought back to its original glory must have been an emotional experience for Joanne Psaltis, whose late grandfather was one of the three Greek settlers, who created this glorious building. The Roxy, in the 21st century will almost certainly be the centrepiece of a rejuvenated Bingara.

Our group was also privileged to see a screening of the movie Red Dog in The Roxy Cinema!!

Bingara lies on the gently sloping southern bank of Gwydir River, which is a tributary of the the Murray-Darling River System. On the first morning of our stroll through Bingara, the air was cool, clear and still - the view northward, towards the river was picture perfect. This was the setting for much of our stay in the little town of 1300 people. The days were beautifully warm.

The restoration of The Roxy and its associated café is just one of many projects undertaken by this progressive community. The construction of an ecologically complex Living Classroom and the associated on-site accommodation are also in the final stages of completion.

The planting of orange trees on the nature strip in town and the communal harvesting of the fruit - without fear of vandalism, is another remarkable community spirited venture.

From Bingara, a journey in a south-westerly direction towards Narrabri takes you into the Mt Kaputar National Park. Mt Kaputar National Park with its ancient volcanic and glacial relics was an additional highlight of the trip. The geological history of the area really attracted us, and the Gwydir Valley is so beautiful and pristine. Our first stop was a magnificent gorge and waterfall, the Rocky Creek Glacial Area which lies 37 kms west of Bingara, is clearly signposted, and is reached a short distance from the main road turnoff. This geological wonder should not be missed! A vast amount of weathering and erosion has occurred over the years, so the original glacial landscape features have been changed by the subsequent flow of water. The Glacial Area is an excellent place to picnic and cool off in summer.

The journey from Bingara to Sawn Rocks was a very pleasant 1 hour drive in the bus. This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other. While this type of five-sided (pentagonal) ‘organ piping’ is not rare to lava flows, it is exceptionally rare to find them so perfectly formed and preserved and is recognised as being one of the best examples of columnar jointing in Australia. Coincidentally it looks very 'Grecian'.

Chris Brownlee had charge of some 18 ebullient folk in his mini coach for the trip. The animated conversations and free flow of spirited anecdotes made the trip lively and enjoyable. Chris kept up a well informed commentary as we travelled south westward through the rich and economically diverse Hunter Valley. Miriam, Chris`s wife, did a splendid job of serving refreshments at the eating, viewing and recreation stops.

During our stay in Bingara, we also ventured to the picnic area in the town, were we saw well preserved gold mining machinery. We also ventured up to H F Batterham Memorial Lookout, with its spectacular views across the town and the valley. (Ralph Hunt, M.H.R. for Gwydir, opened the H.F. Battherham Lookout overlooking Bingara in 1975. The lookout was the result of ten years work from 1964-1975 by Bingara Apex Club. It involved the clearing of land, the construction of an archway entrance and the provision of picnic shelters at the summit. The lookout was named as a tribute to the late Harold Francis Battherham, a local historian who worked tirelessly to promote tourism in the district).

We also visited the attractive and ecologically built River House, one of the superior accommodation facilities in the North West region. We were told that Peranjou Cottages, a refurbished woolshed which offers two self contained units situated side by side, was another interesting place to stay.

Together with the seven travellers in three cars and the mini coach group, which undertook the excursion to Bingara, our group injected many tourism dollars into the Bingara community.

Our appreciation for the planning of the trip by Past President Kos Psaltis, and his wife Joanne (nee, Flaskas), Psaltis and their connections, cannot be overstated. The planning, sometimes complex due to last minute changes, was meticulous. A great thank you to the Psaltis`s from all Rotary’s Bingara pilgrims.

The Roxy Cafe breakfast

Early on the morning of Sunday 29th September 2013, just before leaving to return to Sydney, the pilgrims met at the Roxy Cafe for breakfast. The service provided by Vio and his staff was excellent, and the atmosphere was convivial.

The group reminisced about their youthful experiences in Greek cafes, either as owners, staff or patrons.

The touring party were joined by four young adults, two female, two male, who some of the touring group had met on the evening before. They were twenty-something students living at one of the residential colleges at Sydney University.

They had been subjected to a "hazing" or "fagging" ceremony - still tolerated by University colleges today. The "hazing" was 'disguised' as a charity fund raising "event".

The students had been dressed up in outrageous clothing, the males had parts of their hair shaved, their money and credit cards had been 'confiscated' and they had been driven up to Bingara and left in the street. With these impediments placed before them, they were 'challenged' to get back to Sydney in the best way they knew how.

The young women, in particular, were quite distraught in the evening, and some of the Rotarian group invited the four students to meet for breakfast. They were also fairly confident that George C Poulos was returning back to Sydney in the morning, and that he would be able to provide them with 'a lift' home.

They arrived at the breakfast without money, but in true Rotarian 'civic duty' style, a "whip around" was arranged, and they were soon given enough money, not only to pay for their own breakfast, but also to pay for expenditure for a few days, if required.

Their presence at the breakfast made the event even more memorable, and, coupled with feelings of outrage, disbelief, and sympathy about how they had been treated, also generated a great deal of amusement and humour.

It was certainly a story that would be related at future dinner parties for many decades to come. Yet another entertaining "Roxy" story.

As it turned out George C Poulos did give them a lift back, and within 9 hours had safely deposited them outside the doors of their Sydney University residential college.

George speculated that the 'hazers' must have been bitterly disappointed when they saw their victims return so quickly, and in such good spirits.

Chris Brownlee’s impressions

Coach driver Chris Brownlee was very impressed with the Roxy ‘complex’. “It’s colossal history”. As we have discovered, there are many other attractions in and around Bingara.

Chris was also impressed by the ‘Living Classroom’ project, located in the town, off the Narrabri road. “This learning centre is going to be a talking point for years to come...for sure. For a small town Bingara has done exceptionally well. Something for other small towns to learn from as well.”

We need to teach young people farming again, and get people back on the farm. Particularly the young ones. The next generation is much more interested. My sister-in-law is into permaculture, and they are doing some of these innovative things on their six acres in the Macleay Valley. She’s learnt through horticultural classes in Brisbane. The next generation is moving towards being more self-sufficient, looking after nature, and getting back to nature. It’s all going to happen in that generation, who are in their 20’s now.”

A Greek-Australian and a rural Australian pilgrimage well within reach

Some people have commented that Bingara, 8 hours drive from Sydney and 7 hours drive from Brisbane, is a pilgrimage that is “too far away”.

This 'opinion' undermines the essential nature of pilgrimage – undertaking a transformative journey to a sacred centre, which should in some measure be ‘challenging’.

It was informative however, that most of the Rotary pilgrims did not find the journey onerous. Kos Psaltis argued that if asked if the pilgrimage was ‘too far’, “I would look at it differently. I would ask, “far away from what?” The implication of Kos's comment is that it is certainly not as onerous a pilgrimage as visiting the Acropolis or Kythera, for example. His mother Helen added, that “you see so many interesting towns and people on the way”.

Alf Guy revealed that on the journey ‘up’ Chris and Miriam Brownlee “entertained us all along the way. At no time did we feel bored. The trip went very quickly...passengers and the group displayed a great deal of camaraderie....their friendship, jocular nature and flexibility made the trip very, very enjoyable’.

These comments reflected those that the 47 AHEPAN’s had made earlier in the year. Comments by Christine Lynch, National President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia were typical.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particularly after the Roxy Museum is completed". The journey to the Roxy is too interesting to be onerous.

As we discovered with young Thomas’s involvement, it engages children as well as adults.

As well as the attractions mentioned above, Bingara offers easy access to other interesting tourist destinations , such as:

Myall Creek Massacre Site

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park

Three Creeks Tourist Mine

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Copeton Dam

Manilla, world class paragliding

Above and beyond visiting the Roxy ‘complex’ there is much to do and see. Even spending a week in Bingara and district will not allow time to visit all the tourist attractions in the area.

Every Kytherian Australian and every Greek Australian is encouraged to visit Bingara and the Roxy – at least once in their lifetime.

Bingara Roxy Museum Grand Opening Celebrations

See the Gwydir Shire Council website for information about the opening
The opening of the museum will take place on Saturday 5 April 2014 and will be celebrated with Greek food and music, screenings in the historic Roxy Theatre, tours of the museum and culminating in a gala dinner on the Saturday evening. Further information on the opening celebrations will be provided as arrangements are finalised.

Accommodation in Bingara is limited, so all those planning to attend are advised to book their accommodation as soon as possible. During the 2011 75th Anniversary celebrations, visitors were accommodated in a number of surrounding towns, when Bingara accommodation was filled.

For more information please contact the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066.

Would you like to contribute to the Roxy Museum?

The Roxy Greek Museum is interested in hearing from you if you have objects or photographs that you might like to offer to the collection. For more information please contact the museum curator Peter Prineas on 0429 322 857.

Let us know if you would like to make a financial donation, or offer cafe paraphernalia to the Museum, download the Acquisition Form

Open full entry

30/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Magnificent gorge and waterfall, the Rocky Creek Glacial Area

...which lies 37 kms west of Bingara, is clearly signposted, and is reached a short distance from the main road turnoff. Visited during the

Belrose Rotarians, pilgrimage to Bingara

Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013

The 75th anniversary of the Roxy was celebrated on the weekend of April 9th and 10th 2011, with the official launch of the (then) recently renovated Peters & Co Cafe and the Roxy museum, film screenings in the Roxy Theatre, and historic tours of the Roxy. On the Saturday night, a panagiri type festival was held; a black-tie gala ball with a twist. The main street was closed off. Inspired by Greek band Ha Va Le, people took to the streets dancing, singing and smashing plates. It was an unforgettable weekend.

On Tuesday 23 August 2011, Peter Prineas, author of the definitive history of the Roxy, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, conducted a talk at the Rotary Club of Belrose, on Sydney’s North Shore. The Rotary Club of Belrose is very active. It meets on Tuesday’s at the Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose.

As a result of Peter Prineas’ presentation the Belrose Rotary Club decided that they would make a trip to Bingara, to see the Roxy complex. The trip was planned to take place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013. Kos Psaltis, immediate Past President of Belrose Rotary, was the key organiser. He has a ‘connection’ to Bingara. Kos is married to Joanne (nee, Flaskas), whose mother Mary Flaskas (nee, Feros) was the youngest daughter of Peter Feros, one of the partners in the Roxy Cinema and Cafe ‘complex’. The other siblings of Mary, in birth order, included Katina, Jack and George.

A second connection for the Belrose Rotarians was that a past President - Henry Martin, a Methodist (Uniting Church) priest - had retired to live in the town.

The 58th National Convention of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was held between the 6th and the 13th October 2012. At the convention, Peter McCarthy, a member of the Roxy Museum Committee, delivered a talk about the Roxy ‘complex’.
As a result of that talk Sydney AHEPAN’s organised a 47 person bus trip to Bingara. On the 23rd February, 2013, they travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara. Their motivation to participate in such a pilgrimage was understandable. All had a Greek-Australian heritage, many had grown up in cafes, and AHEPA had been inaugurated in the north western New South Wales towns of Warialda and Scone. They were returning to their Greek-Australian, cafe, and AHEPAN roots.

An interesting feature of the Belrose Rotary pilgrimage, by contrast, was the fact that the majority of the “pilgrims” were not Greek by heritage.
The pilgrims consisted of 17 people travelling in a 20 seater bus, and 7 others travelling in 3 separate cars. The bus driver Chris Brownlee from Garigal Tours had been invited by Kos Psaltis to become a friend of Belrose Rotary. Chris’s wife Miriam also joined the ‘touring party’. This created a third connection to the town; Miriam’s family lives in Bingara. Her late brother had a property on the Narrabri road. Miriam’s sister in law and her children now live in town, and are involved with the Rural Fire Service. The pilgrimage was enhanced by the fact that driver, Chris Brownlee had a good working knowledge of the town and district.

The Psaltis/Feros connection

Kos and Joanne Psaltis feel a “powerful historical family connection” to Bingara. “We feel pride that Joanne’s family – her late grandfather – has added value to this town”. Both Joanne and I have watched the ABC's Landline program A Night at the Roxy, about the 75th Roxy Anniversary celebrations, many times.

The restoration of the Roxy Cinema has had a profound impact on both of them. “When we walked into the Roxy Cinema for the first time, Joanne and I had the same sensation, as we did many years ago, when we first walked into the Taj Mahal in India. You walk through these gates and there it is in front of you. A real ‘wow’ factor. When we were at the official opening here, and we walked into the cinema, it had the same ‘wow’ factor. The quality of the interior and the way it has been preserved is amazing.”

Both of Kos’s parents have always been involved in the cafe industry. His father Theodore Psaltis had a milk bar and coffee shop in Bondi Junction called the Savoy for many years, and all his father’s siblings were also involved with cafes. His mother Helen Psaltis (nee Trefilly) remembers that she began working in her father’s cafe, the Busy Bee, in Kingaroy, Queensland from primary school. She kept working in the cafe until she was married at 19 years of age.

What is her feeling about coming to see a preserved piece of Greek-Australian history like the Roxy? “I regard it as an honour”, she asserts. “In a sense it’s a memorial, and it makes the local people appreciate the contribution of the Greek-Australians”.

Kos added that “It’s all part of the great Australian story. It’s a particular ethnic group that has contributed significantly to modern Australian society. I look at it in that context ...You feel proud of the input that our Kytherian ancestors contributed so much to Australia.”

Kos was asked, what do you think the reaction is of the Australian’s who were not of a Greek background in your touring party to the Roxy and Bingara? “They have been very impressed. I think they have got a lot out of it”. This is corroborated by the testimony of some of the other members of the touring party.

Another former President of Belrose Rotary, Ron Furness, was in the ‘touring party’. He commented that they had had a great trip ‘up’, and that Bingara, and the Roxy ‘complex’ was a fascinating place.

“I’ve been reflecting about my good fortune to know Joanne Psaltis. Of hearing about how her family discovered their connection with the Roxy back in 2002. And before that, sadly...melancholy in a way...that it was a dark family secret....and I was reflecting on that comment by Joanne as I sit here in 2013, a beautiful, balmy afternoon, with a bit of breeze... enjoying a lovely cold beer, and thinking ...that, about 80 years or so ago these fellows had this dream....God only knows what their dream was, because I understand that they went broke pretty soon after. Hence the family shame. This has all been well documented in Peter Prineas' Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

But now, in 2013, their dream is still working, and people like me, who was born in London, and has had the pleasure of being in Greece many times. And had the good fortune of once setting foot on Kythera, for a brief trip, and spending many months on Greek Cyprus....and enjoyed the hospitality of Greek people, which is then extended to any group within the Greek pantheon; and I am astonished that 80 years later, the dream is still alive.”

Ron Furness was also made aware of the powerful influence that the Greek cafe has had on the town. “We met people on the way up here....we had the good fortune of stopping in Greek cafes all the way up...at least from Muswellbrook onwards...and we met people who were on the way here, or on the way home. When the topic of conversation turned to ...Bingara ...Oh, ROXY THEATRE!.... and they were all positive.

Interestingly Ron Furness had brought his young grandson Thomas along on the journey. He thoroughly enjoyed himself during all the activities, mixing with the oldies, “climbing a few hills, and doing a number of walks”. The pilgrimage was obviously something young people could also benefit from.

Alf Guy’s Bingara Report

Alf Guy, originally from South Africa, is the current President of the Belrose Rotary Club. He was delighted with the ‘welcome and hospitality’ the group received in Bingara.

The Roxy Museum, within the Roxy complex - the main reason for our trip to the North West – is in its final stages of restoration by the Gwydir Shire Council. The preservation of the art décor trappings is a majestic undertaking - and seeing the theatre brought back to its original glory must have been an emotional experience for Joanne Psaltis, whose late grandfather was one of the three Greek settlers, who created this glorious building. The Roxy, in the 21st century will almost certainly be the centrepiece of a rejuvenated Bingara.

Our group was also privileged to see a screening of the movie Red Dog in The Roxy Cinema!!

Bingara lies on the gently sloping southern bank of Gwydir River, which is a tributary of the the Murray-Darling River System. On the first morning of our stroll through Bingara, the air was cool, clear and still - the view northward, towards the river was picture perfect. This was the setting for much of our stay in the little town of 1300 people. The days were beautifully warm.

The restoration of The Roxy and its associated café is just one of many projects undertaken by this progressive community. The construction of an ecologically complex Living Classroom and the associated on-site accommodation are also in the final stages of completion.

The planting of orange trees on the nature strip in town and the communal harvesting of the fruit - without fear of vandalism, is another remarkable community spirited venture.

From Bingara, a journey in a south-westerly direction towards Narrabri takes you into the Mt Kaputar National Park. Mt Kaputar National Park with its ancient volcanic and glacial relics was an additional highlight of the trip. The geological history of the area really attracted us, and the Gwydir Valley is so beautiful and pristine. Our first stop was a magnificent gorge and waterfall, the Rocky Creek Glacial Area which lies 37 kms west of Bingara, is clearly signposted, and is reached a short distance from the main road turnoff. This geological wonder should not be missed! A vast amount of weathering and erosion has occurred over the years, so the original glacial landscape features have been changed by the subsequent flow of water. The Glacial Area is an excellent place to picnic and cool off in summer.

The journey from Bingara to Sawn Rocks was a very pleasant 1 hour drive in the bus. This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other. While this type of five-sided (pentagonal) ‘organ piping’ is not rare to lava flows, it is exceptionally rare to find them so perfectly formed and preserved and is recognised as being one of the best examples of columnar jointing in Australia. Coincidentally it looks very 'Grecian'.

Chris Brownlee had charge of some 18 ebullient folk in his mini coach for the trip. The animated conversations and free flow of spirited anecdotes made the trip lively and enjoyable. Chris kept up a well informed commentary as we travelled south westward through the rich and economically diverse Hunter Valley. Miriam, Chris`s wife, did a splendid job of serving refreshments at the eating, viewing and recreation stops.

During our stay in Bingara, we also ventured to the picnic area in the town, were we saw well preserved gold mining machinery. We also ventured up to H F Batterham Memorial Lookout, with its spectacular views across the town and the valley. (Ralph Hunt, M.H.R. for Gwydir, opened the H.F. Battherham Lookout overlooking Bingara in 1975. The lookout was the result of ten years work from 1964-1975 by Bingara Apex Club. It involved the clearing of land, the construction of an archway entrance and the provision of picnic shelters at the summit. The lookout was named as a tribute to the late Harold Francis Battherham, a local historian who worked tirelessly to promote tourism in the district).

We also visited the attractive and ecologically built River House, one of the superior accommodation facilities in the North West region. We were told that Peranjou Cottages, a refurbished woolshed which offers two self contained units situated side by side, was another interesting place to stay.

Together with the seven travellers in three cars and the mini coach group, which undertook the excursion to Bingara, our group injected many tourism dollars into the Bingara community.

Our appreciation for the planning of the trip by Past President Kos Psaltis, and his wife Joanne (nee, Flaskas), Psaltis and their connections, cannot be overstated. The planning, sometimes complex due to last minute changes, was meticulous. A great thank you to the Psaltis`s from all Rotary’s Bingara pilgrims.

The Roxy Cafe breakfast

Early on the morning of Sunday 29th September 2013, just before leaving to return to Sydney, the pilgrims met at the Roxy Cafe for breakfast. The service provided by Vio and his staff was excellent, and the atmosphere was convivial.

The group reminisced about their youthful experiences in Greek cafes, either as owners, staff or patrons.

The touring party were joined by four young adults, two female, two male, who some of the touring group had met on the evening before. They were twenty-something students living at one of the residential colleges at Sydney University.

They had been subjected to a "hazing" or "fagging" ceremony - still tolerated by University colleges today. The "hazing" was 'disguised' as a charity fund raising "event".

The students had been dressed up in outrageous clothing, the males had parts of their hair shaved, their money and credit cards had been 'confiscated' and they had been driven up to Bingara and left in the street. With these impediments placed before them, they were 'challenged' to get back to Sydney in the best way they knew how.

The young women, in particular, were quite distraught in the evening, and some of the Rotarian group invited the four students to meet for breakfast. They were also fairly confident that George C Poulos was returning back to Sydney in the morning, and that he would be able to provide them with 'a lift' home.

They arrived at the breakfast without money, but in true Rotarian 'civic duty' style, a "whip around" was arranged, and they were soon given enough money, not only to pay for their own breakfast, but also to pay for expenditure for a few days, if required.

Their presence at the breakfast made the event even more memorable, and, coupled with feelings of outrage, disbelief, and sympathy about how they had been treated, also generated a great deal of amusement and humour.

It was certainly a story that would be related at future dinner parties for many decades to come. Yet another entertaining "Roxy" story.

As it turned out George C Poulos did give them a lift back, and within 9 hours had safely deposited them outside the doors of their Sydney University residential college.

George speculated that the 'hazers' must have been bitterly disappointed when they saw their victims return so quickly, and in such good spirits.

Chris Brownlee’s impressions

Coach driver Chris Brownlee was very impressed with the Roxy ‘complex’. “It’s colossal history”. As we have discovered, there are many other attractions in and around Bingara.

Chris was also impressed by the ‘Living Classroom’ project, located in the town, off the Narrabri road. “This learning centre is going to be a talking point for years to come...for sure. For a small town Bingara has done exceptionally well. Something for other small towns to learn from as well.”

We need to teach young people farming again, and get people back on the farm. Particularly the young ones. The next generation is much more interested. My sister-in-law is into permaculture, and they are doing some of these innovative things on their six acres in the Macleay Valley. She’s learnt through horticultural classes in Brisbane. The next generation is moving towards being more self-sufficient, looking after nature, and getting back to nature. It’s all going to happen in that generation, who are in their 20’s now.”

A Greek-Australian and a rural Australian pilgrimage well within reach

Some people have commented that Bingara, 8 hours drive from Sydney and 7 hours drive from Brisbane, is a pilgrimage that is “too far away”.

This 'opinion' undermines the essential nature of pilgrimage – undertaking a transformative journey to a sacred centre, which should in some measure be ‘challenging’.

It was informative however, that most of the Rotary pilgrims did not find the journey onerous. Kos Psaltis argued that if asked if the pilgrimage was ‘too far’, “I would look at it differently. I would ask, “far away from what?” The implication of Kos's comment is that it is certainly not as onerous a pilgrimage as visiting the Acropolis or Kythera, for example. His mother Helen added, that “you see so many interesting towns and people on the way”.

Alf Guy revealed that on the journey ‘up’ Chris and Miriam Brownlee “entertained us all along the way. At no time did we feel bored. The trip went very quickly...passengers and the group displayed a great deal of camaraderie....their friendship, jocular nature and flexibility made the trip very, very enjoyable’.

These comments reflected those that the 47 AHEPAN’s had made earlier in the year. Comments by Christine Lynch, National President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia were typical.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particularly after the Roxy Museum is completed". The journey to the Roxy is too interesting to be onerous.

As we discovered with young Thomas’s involvement, it engages children as well as adults.

As well as the attractions mentioned above, Bingara offers easy access to other interesting tourist destinations , such as:

Myall Creek Massacre Site

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park

Three Creeks Tourist Mine

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Copeton Dam

Manilla, world class paragliding

Above and beyond visiting the Roxy ‘complex’ there is much to do and see. Even spending a week in Bingara and district will not allow time to visit all the tourist attractions in the area.

Every Kytherian Australian and every Greek Australian is encouraged to visit Bingara and the Roxy – at least once in their lifetime.

Bingara Roxy Museum Grand Opening Celebrations

See the Gwydir Shire Council website for information about the opening
The opening of the museum will take place on Saturday 5 April 2014 and will be celebrated with Greek food and music, screenings in the historic Roxy Theatre, tours of the museum and culminating in a gala dinner on the Saturday evening. Further information on the opening celebrations will be provided as arrangements are finalised.

Accommodation in Bingara is limited, so all those planning to attend are advised to book their accommodation as soon as possible. During the 2011 75th Anniversary celebrations, visitors were accommodated in a number of surrounding towns, when Bingara accommodation was filled.

For more information please contact the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066.

Would you like to contribute to the Roxy Museum?

The Roxy Greek Museum is interested in hearing from you if you have objects or photographs that you might like to offer to the collection. For more information please contact the museum curator Peter Prineas on 0429 322 857.

Let us know if you would like to make a financial donation, or offer cafe paraphernalia to the Museum, download the Acquisition Form

Open full entry

30/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Belrose Rotarian's fascinated by the stawberries growing at the River House, Bingara

The gardens at the River House are ecologically laid out, with a focus on growing plants which are both low maintenance and edible. The design concept is innovative and visionary.

The Rotarians visited the River House during the

Belrose Rotarians, pilgrimage to Bingara

Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013

The 75th anniversary of the Roxy was celebrated on the weekend of April 9th and 10th 2011, with the official launch of the (then) recently renovated Peters & Co Cafe and the Roxy museum, film screenings in the Roxy Theatre, and historic tours of the Roxy. On the Saturday night, a panagiri type festival was held; a black-tie gala ball with a twist. The main street was closed off. Inspired by Greek band Ha Va Le, people took to the streets dancing, singing and smashing plates. It was an unforgettable weekend.

On Tuesday 23 August 2011, Peter Prineas, author of the definitive history of the Roxy, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, conducted a talk at the Rotary Club of Belrose, on Sydney’s North Shore. The Rotary Club of Belrose is very active. It meets on Tuesday’s at the Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose.

As a result of Peter Prineas’ presentation the Belrose Rotary Club decided that they would make a trip to Bingara, to see the Roxy complex. The trip was planned to take place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013. Kos Psaltis, immediate Past President of Belrose Rotary, was the key organiser. He has a ‘connection’ to Bingara. Kos is married to Joanne (nee, Flaskas), whose mother Mary Flaskas (nee, Feros) was the youngest daughter of Peter Feros, one of the partners in the Roxy Cinema and Cafe ‘complex’. The other siblings of Mary, in birth order, included Katina, Jack and George.

A second connection for the Belrose Rotarians was that a past President - Henry Martin, a Methodist (Uniting Church) priest - had retired to live in the town.

The 58th National Convention of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was held between the 6th and the 13th October 2012. At the convention, Peter McCarthy, a member of the Roxy Museum Committee, delivered a talk about the Roxy ‘complex’.
As a result of that talk Sydney AHEPAN’s organised a 47 person bus trip to Bingara. On the 23rd February, 2013, they travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara. Their motivation to participate in such a pilgrimage was understandable. All had a Greek-Australian heritage, many had grown up in cafes, and AHEPA had been inaugurated in the north western New South Wales towns of Warialda and Scone. They were returning to their Greek-Australian, cafe, and AHEPAN roots.

An interesting feature of the Belrose Rotary pilgrimage, by contrast, was the fact that the majority of the “pilgrims” were not Greek by heritage.
The pilgrims consisted of 17 people travelling in a 20 seater bus, and 7 others travelling in 3 separate cars. The bus driver Chris Brownlee from Garigal Tours had been invited by Kos Psaltis to become a friend of Belrose Rotary. Chris’s wife Miriam also joined the ‘touring party’. This created a third connection to the town; Miriam’s family lives in Bingara. Her late brother had a property on the Narrabri road. Miriam’s sister in law and her children now live in town, and are involved with the Rural Fire Service. The pilgrimage was enhanced by the fact that driver, Chris Brownlee had a good working knowledge of the town and district.

The Psaltis/Feros connection

Kos and Joanne Psaltis feel a “powerful historical family connection” to Bingara. “We feel pride that Joanne’s family – her late grandfather – has added value to this town”. Both Joanne and I have watched the ABC's Landline program A Night at the Roxy, about the 75th Roxy Anniversary celebrations, many times.

The restoration of the Roxy Cinema has had a profound impact on both of them. “When we walked into the Roxy Cinema for the first time, Joanne and I had the same sensation, as we did many years ago, when we first walked into the Taj Mahal in India. You walk through these gates and there it is in front of you. A real ‘wow’ factor. When we were at the official opening here, and we walked into the cinema, it had the same ‘wow’ factor. The quality of the interior and the way it has been preserved is amazing.”

Both of Kos’s parents have always been involved in the cafe industry. His father Theodore Psaltis had a milk bar and coffee shop in Bondi Junction called the Savoy for many years, and all his father’s siblings were also involved with cafes. His mother Helen Psaltis (nee Trefilly) remembers that she began working in her father’s cafe, the Busy Bee, in Kingaroy, Queensland from primary school. She kept working in the cafe until she was married at 19 years of age.

What is her feeling about coming to see a preserved piece of Greek-Australian history like the Roxy? “I regard it as an honour”, she asserts. “In a sense it’s a memorial, and it makes the local people appreciate the contribution of the Greek-Australians”.

Kos added that “It’s all part of the great Australian story. It’s a particular ethnic group that has contributed significantly to modern Australian society. I look at it in that context ...You feel proud of the input that our Kytherian ancestors contributed so much to Australia.”

Kos was asked, what do you think the reaction is of the Australian’s who were not of a Greek background in your touring party to the Roxy and Bingara? “They have been very impressed. I think they have got a lot out of it”. This is corroborated by the testimony of some of the other members of the touring party.

Another former President of Belrose Rotary, Ron Furness, was in the ‘touring party’. He commented that they had had a great trip ‘up’, and that Bingara, and the Roxy ‘complex’ was a fascinating place.

“I’ve been reflecting about my good fortune to know Joanne Psaltis. Of hearing about how her family discovered their connection with the Roxy back in 2002. And before that, sadly...melancholy in a way...that it was a dark family secret....and I was reflecting on that comment by Joanne as I sit here in 2013, a beautiful, balmy afternoon, with a bit of breeze... enjoying a lovely cold beer, and thinking ...that, about 80 years or so ago these fellows had this dream....God only knows what their dream was, because I understand that they went broke pretty soon after. Hence the family shame. This has all been well documented in Peter Prineas' Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

But now, in 2013, their dream is still working, and people like me, who was born in London, and has had the pleasure of being in Greece many times. And had the good fortune of once setting foot on Kythera, for a brief trip, and spending many months on Greek Cyprus....and enjoyed the hospitality of Greek people, which is then extended to any group within the Greek pantheon; and I am astonished that 80 years later, the dream is still alive.”

Ron Furness was also made aware of the powerful influence that the Greek cafe has had on the town. “We met people on the way up here....we had the good fortune of stopping in Greek cafes all the way up...at least from Muswellbrook onwards...and we met people who were on the way here, or on the way home. When the topic of conversation turned to ...Bingara ...Oh, ROXY THEATRE!.... and they were all positive.

Interestingly Ron Furness had brought his young grandson Thomas along on the journey. He thoroughly enjoyed himself during all the activities, mixing with the oldies, “climbing a few hills, and doing a number of walks”. The pilgrimage was obviously something young people could also benefit from.

Alf Guy’s Bingara Report

Alf Guy, originally from South Africa, is the current President of the Belrose Rotary Club. He was delighted with the ‘welcome and hospitality’ the group received in Bingara.

The Roxy Museum, within the Roxy complex - the main reason for our trip to the North West – is in its final stages of restoration by the Gwydir Shire Council. The preservation of the art décor trappings is a majestic undertaking - and seeing the theatre brought back to its original glory must have been an emotional experience for Joanne Psaltis, whose late grandfather was one of the three Greek settlers, who created this glorious building. The Roxy, in the 21st century will almost certainly be the centrepiece of a rejuvenated Bingara.

Our group was also privileged to see a screening of the movie Red Dog in The Roxy Cinema!!

Bingara lies on the gently sloping southern bank of Gwydir River, which is a tributary of the the Murray-Darling River System. On the first morning of our stroll through Bingara, the air was cool, clear and still - the view northward, towards the river was picture perfect. This was the setting for much of our stay in the little town of 1300 people. The days were beautifully warm.

The restoration of The Roxy and its associated café is just one of many projects undertaken by this progressive community. The construction of an ecologically complex Living Classroom and the associated on-site accommodation are also in the final stages of completion.

The planting of orange trees on the nature strip in town and the communal harvesting of the fruit - without fear of vandalism, is another remarkable community spirited venture.

From Bingara, a journey in a south-westerly direction towards Narrabri takes you into the Mt Kaputar National Park. Mt Kaputar National Park with its ancient volcanic and glacial relics was an additional highlight of the trip. The geological history of the area really attracted us, and the Gwydir Valley is so beautiful and pristine. Our first stop was a magnificent gorge and waterfall, the Rocky Creek Glacial Area which lies 37 kms west of Bingara, is clearly signposted, and is reached a short distance from the main road turnoff. This geological wonder should not be missed! A vast amount of weathering and erosion has occurred over the years, so the original glacial landscape features have been changed by the subsequent flow of water. The Glacial Area is an excellent place to picnic and cool off in summer.

The journey from Bingara to Sawn Rocks was a very pleasant 1 hour drive in the bus. This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other. While this type of five-sided (pentagonal) ‘organ piping’ is not rare to lava flows, it is exceptionally rare to find them so perfectly formed and preserved and is recognised as being one of the best examples of columnar jointing in Australia. Coincidentally it looks very 'Grecian'.

Chris Brownlee had charge of some 18 ebullient folk in his mini coach for the trip. The animated conversations and free flow of spirited anecdotes made the trip lively and enjoyable. Chris kept up a well informed commentary as we travelled south westward through the rich and economically diverse Hunter Valley. Miriam, Chris`s wife, did a splendid job of serving refreshments at the eating, viewing and recreation stops.

During our stay in Bingara, we also ventured to the picnic area in the town, were we saw well preserved gold mining machinery. We also ventured up to H F Batterham Memorial Lookout, with its spectacular views across the town and the valley. (Ralph Hunt, M.H.R. for Gwydir, opened the H.F. Battherham Lookout overlooking Bingara in 1975. The lookout was the result of ten years work from 1964-1975 by Bingara Apex Club. It involved the clearing of land, the construction of an archway entrance and the provision of picnic shelters at the summit. The lookout was named as a tribute to the late Harold Francis Battherham, a local historian who worked tirelessly to promote tourism in the district).

We also visited the attractive and ecologically built River House, one of the superior accommodation facilities in the North West region. We were told that Peranjou Cottages, a refurbished woolshed which offers two self contained units situated side by side, was another interesting place to stay.

Together with the seven travellers in three cars and the mini coach group, which undertook the excursion to Bingara, our group injected many tourism dollars into the Bingara community.

Our appreciation for the planning of the trip by Past President Kos Psaltis, and his wife Joanne (nee, Flaskas), Psaltis and their connections, cannot be overstated. The planning, sometimes complex due to last minute changes, was meticulous. A great thank you to the Psaltis`s from all Rotary’s Bingara pilgrims.

The Roxy Cafe breakfast

Early on the morning of Sunday 29th September 2013, just before leaving to return to Sydney, the pilgrims met at the Roxy Cafe for breakfast. The service provided by Vio and his staff was excellent, and the atmosphere was convivial.

The group reminisced about their youthful experiences in Greek cafes, either as owners, staff or patrons.

The touring party were joined by four young adults, two female, two male, who some of the touring group had met on the evening before. They were twenty-something students living at one of the residential colleges at Sydney University.

They had been subjected to a "hazing" or "fagging" ceremony - still tolerated by University colleges today. The "hazing" was 'disguised' as a charity fund raising "event".

The students had been dressed up in outrageous clothing, the males had parts of their hair shaved, their money and credit cards had been 'confiscated' and they had been driven up to Bingara and left in the street. With these impediments placed before them, they were 'challenged' to get back to Sydney in the best way they knew how.

The young women, in particular, were quite distraught in the evening, and some of the Rotarian group invited the four students to meet for breakfast. They were also fairly confident that George C Poulos was returning back to Sydney in the morning, and that he would be able to provide them with 'a lift' home.

They arrived at the breakfast without money, but in true Rotarian 'civic duty' style, a "whip around" was arranged, and they were soon given enough money, not only to pay for their own breakfast, but also to pay for expenditure for a few days, if required.

Their presence at the breakfast made the event even more memorable, and, coupled with feelings of outrage, disbelief, and sympathy about how they had been treated, also generated a great deal of amusement and humour.

It was certainly a story that would be related at future dinner parties for many decades to come. Yet another entertaining "Roxy" story.

As it turned out George C Poulos did give them a lift back, and within 9 hours had safely deposited them outside the doors of their Sydney University residential college.

George speculated that the 'hazers' must have been bitterly disappointed when they saw their victims return so quickly, and in such good spirits.

Chris Brownlee’s impressions

Coach driver Chris Brownlee was very impressed with the Roxy ‘complex’. “It’s colossal history”. As we have discovered, there are many other attractions in and around Bingara.

Chris was also impressed by the ‘Living Classroom’ project, located in the town, off the Narrabri road. “This learning centre is going to be a talking point for years to come...for sure. For a small town Bingara has done exceptionally well. Something for other small towns to learn from as well.”

We need to teach young people farming again, and get people back on the farm. Particularly the young ones. The next generation is much more interested. My sister-in-law is into permaculture, and they are doing some of these innovative things on their six acres in the Macleay Valley. She’s learnt through horticultural classes in Brisbane. The next generation is moving towards being more self-sufficient, looking after nature, and getting back to nature. It’s all going to happen in that generation, who are in their 20’s now.”

A Greek-Australian and a rural Australian pilgrimage well within reach

Some people have commented that Bingara, 8 hours drive from Sydney and 7 hours drive from Brisbane, is a pilgrimage that is “too far away”.

This 'opinion' undermines the essential nature of pilgrimage – undertaking a transformative journey to a sacred centre, which should in some measure be ‘challenging’.

It was informative however, that most of the Rotary pilgrims did not find the journey onerous. Kos Psaltis argued that if asked if the pilgrimage was ‘too far’, “I would look at it differently. I would ask, “far away from what?” The implication of Kos's comment is that it is certainly not as onerous a pilgrimage as visiting the Acropolis or Kythera, for example. His mother Helen added, that “you see so many interesting towns and people on the way”.

Alf Guy revealed that on the journey ‘up’ Chris and Miriam Brownlee “entertained us all along the way. At no time did we feel bored. The trip went very quickly...passengers and the group displayed a great deal of camaraderie....their friendship, jocular nature and flexibility made the trip very, very enjoyable’.

These comments reflected those that the 47 AHEPAN’s had made earlier in the year. Comments by Christine Lynch, National President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia were typical.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particularly after the Roxy Museum is completed". The journey to the Roxy is too interesting to be onerous.

As we discovered with young Thomas’s involvement, it engages children as well as adults.

As well as the attractions mentioned above, Bingara offers easy access to other interesting tourist destinations , such as:

Myall Creek Massacre Site

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park

Three Creeks Tourist Mine

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Copeton Dam

Manilla, world class paragliding

Above and beyond visiting the Roxy ‘complex’ there is much to do and see. Even spending a week in Bingara and district will not allow time to visit all the tourist attractions in the area.

Every Kytherian Australian and every Greek Australian is encouraged to visit Bingara and the Roxy – at least once in their lifetime.

Bingara Roxy Museum Grand Opening Celebrations

See the Gwydir Shire Council website for information about the opening
The opening of the museum will take place on Saturday 5 April 2014 and will be celebrated with Greek food and music, screenings in the historic Roxy Theatre, tours of the museum and culminating in a gala dinner on the Saturday evening. Further information on the opening celebrations will be provided as arrangements are finalised.

Accommodation in Bingara is limited, so all those planning to attend are advised to book their accommodation as soon as possible. During the 2011 75th Anniversary celebrations, visitors were accommodated in a number of surrounding towns, when Bingara accommodation was filled.

For more information please contact the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066.

Would you like to contribute to the Roxy Museum?

The Roxy Greek Museum is interested in hearing from you if you have objects or photographs that you might like to offer to the collection. For more information please contact the museum curator Peter Prineas on 0429 322 857.

Let us know if you would like to make a financial donation, or offer cafe paraphernalia to the Museum, download the Acquisition Form

Open full entry

30/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The views from the H F Batterham Memorial Lookout, Bingara

...across the town, and the valley are spectacular.

The Rotary 'pilgrims' ventured up to the lookout during the

Belrose Rotarians, pilgrimage to Bingara

Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013

The 75th anniversary of the Roxy was celebrated on the weekend of April 9th and 10th 2011, with the official launch of the (then) recently renovated Peters & Co Cafe and the Roxy museum, film screenings in the Roxy Theatre, and historic tours of the Roxy. On the Saturday night, a panagiri type festival was held; a black-tie gala ball with a twist. The main street was closed off. Inspired by Greek band Ha Va Le, people took to the streets dancing, singing and smashing plates. It was an unforgettable weekend.

On Tuesday 23 August 2011, Peter Prineas, author of the definitive history of the Roxy, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, conducted a talk at the Rotary Club of Belrose, on Sydney’s North Shore. The Rotary Club of Belrose is very active. It meets on Tuesday’s at the Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose.

As a result of Peter Prineas’ presentation the Belrose Rotary Club decided that they would make a trip to Bingara, to see the Roxy complex. The trip was planned to take place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013. Kos Psaltis, immediate Past President of Belrose Rotary, was the key organiser. He has a ‘connection’ to Bingara. Kos is married to Joanne (nee, Flaskas), whose mother Mary Flaskas (nee, Feros) was the youngest daughter of Peter Feros, one of the partners in the Roxy Cinema and Cafe ‘complex’. The other siblings of Mary, in birth order, included Katina, Jack and George.

A second connection for the Belrose Rotarians was that a past President - Henry Martin, a Methodist (Uniting Church) priest - had retired to live in the town.

The 58th National Convention of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was held between the 6th and the 13th October 2012. At the convention, Peter McCarthy, a member of the Roxy Museum Committee, delivered a talk about the Roxy ‘complex’.
As a result of that talk Sydney AHEPAN’s organised a 47 person bus trip to Bingara. On the 23rd February, 2013, they travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara. Their motivation to participate in such a pilgrimage was understandable. All had a Greek-Australian heritage, many had grown up in cafes, and AHEPA had been inaugurated in the north western New South Wales towns of Warialda and Scone. They were returning to their Greek-Australian, cafe, and AHEPAN roots.

An interesting feature of the Belrose Rotary pilgrimage, by contrast, was the fact that the majority of the “pilgrims” were not Greek by heritage.
The pilgrims consisted of 17 people travelling in a 20 seater bus, and 7 others travelling in 3 separate cars. The bus driver Chris Brownlee from Garigal Tours had been invited by Kos Psaltis to become a friend of Belrose Rotary. Chris’s wife Miriam also joined the ‘touring party’. This created a third connection to the town; Miriam’s family lives in Bingara. Her late brother had a property on the Narrabri road. Miriam’s sister in law and her children now live in town, and are involved with the Rural Fire Service. The pilgrimage was enhanced by the fact that driver, Chris Brownlee had a good working knowledge of the town and district.

The Psaltis/Feros connection

Kos and Joanne Psaltis feel a “powerful historical family connection” to Bingara. “We feel pride that Joanne’s family – her late grandfather – has added value to this town”. Both Joanne and I have watched the ABC's Landline program A Night at the Roxy, about the 75th Roxy Anniversary celebrations, many times.

The restoration of the Roxy Cinema has had a profound impact on both of them. “When we walked into the Roxy Cinema for the first time, Joanne and I had the same sensation, as we did many years ago, when we first walked into the Taj Mahal in India. You walk through these gates and there it is in front of you. A real ‘wow’ factor. When we were at the official opening here, and we walked into the cinema, it had the same ‘wow’ factor. The quality of the interior and the way it has been preserved is amazing.”

Both of Kos’s parents have always been involved in the cafe industry. His father Theodore Psaltis had a milk bar and coffee shop in Bondi Junction called the Savoy for many years, and all his father’s siblings were also involved with cafes. His mother Helen Psaltis (nee Trefilly) remembers that she began working in her father’s cafe, the Busy Bee, in Kingaroy, Queensland from primary school. She kept working in the cafe until she was married at 19 years of age.

What is her feeling about coming to see a preserved piece of Greek-Australian history like the Roxy? “I regard it as an honour”, she asserts. “In a sense it’s a memorial, and it makes the local people appreciate the contribution of the Greek-Australians”.

Kos added that “It’s all part of the great Australian story. It’s a particular ethnic group that has contributed significantly to modern Australian society. I look at it in that context ...You feel proud of the input that our Kytherian ancestors contributed so much to Australia.”

Kos was asked, what do you think the reaction is of the Australian’s who were not of a Greek background in your touring party to the Roxy and Bingara? “They have been very impressed. I think they have got a lot out of it”. This is corroborated by the testimony of some of the other members of the touring party.

Another former President of Belrose Rotary, Ron Furness, was in the ‘touring party’. He commented that they had had a great trip ‘up’, and that Bingara, and the Roxy ‘complex’ was a fascinating place.

“I’ve been reflecting about my good fortune to know Joanne Psaltis. Of hearing about how her family discovered their connection with the Roxy back in 2002. And before that, sadly...melancholy in a way...that it was a dark family secret....and I was reflecting on that comment by Joanne as I sit here in 2013, a beautiful, balmy afternoon, with a bit of breeze... enjoying a lovely cold beer, and thinking ...that, about 80 years or so ago these fellows had this dream....God only knows what their dream was, because I understand that they went broke pretty soon after. Hence the family shame. This has all been well documented in Peter Prineas' Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

But now, in 2013, their dream is still working, and people like me, who was born in London, and has had the pleasure of being in Greece many times. And had the good fortune of once setting foot on Kythera, for a brief trip, and spending many months on Greek Cyprus....and enjoyed the hospitality of Greek people, which is then extended to any group within the Greek pantheon; and I am astonished that 80 years later, the dream is still alive.”

Ron Furness was also made aware of the powerful influence that the Greek cafe has had on the town. “We met people on the way up here....we had the good fortune of stopping in Greek cafes all the way up...at least from Muswellbrook onwards...and we met people who were on the way here, or on the way home. When the topic of conversation turned to ...Bingara ...Oh, ROXY THEATRE!.... and they were all positive.

Interestingly Ron Furness had brought his young grandson Thomas along on the journey. He thoroughly enjoyed himself during all the activities, mixing with the oldies, “climbing a few hills, and doing a number of walks”. The pilgrimage was obviously something young people could also benefit from.

Alf Guy’s Bingara Report

Alf Guy, originally from South Africa, is the current President of the Belrose Rotary Club. He was delighted with the ‘welcome and hospitality’ the group received in Bingara.

The Roxy Museum, within the Roxy complex - the main reason for our trip to the North West – is in its final stages of restoration by the Gwydir Shire Council. The preservation of the art décor trappings is a majestic undertaking - and seeing the theatre brought back to its original glory must have been an emotional experience for Joanne Psaltis, whose late grandfather was one of the three Greek settlers, who created this glorious building. The Roxy, in the 21st century will almost certainly be the centrepiece of a rejuvenated Bingara.

Our group was also privileged to see a screening of the movie Red Dog in The Roxy Cinema!!

Bingara lies on the gently sloping southern bank of Gwydir River, which is a tributary of the the Murray-Darling River System. On the first morning of our stroll through Bingara, the air was cool, clear and still - the view northward, towards the river was picture perfect. This was the setting for much of our stay in the little town of 1300 people. The days were beautifully warm.

The restoration of The Roxy and its associated café is just one of many projects undertaken by this progressive community. The construction of an ecologically complex Living Classroom and the associated on-site accommodation are also in the final stages of completion.

The planting of orange trees on the nature strip in town and the communal harvesting of the fruit - without fear of vandalism, is another remarkable community spirited venture.

From Bingara, a journey in a south-westerly direction towards Narrabri takes you into the Mt Kaputar National Park. Mt Kaputar National Park with its ancient volcanic and glacial relics was an additional highlight of the trip. The geological history of the area really attracted us, and the Gwydir Valley is so beautiful and pristine. Our first stop was a magnificent gorge and waterfall, the Rocky Creek Glacial Area which lies 37 kms west of Bingara, is clearly signposted, and is reached a short distance from the main road turnoff. This geological wonder should not be missed! A vast amount of weathering and erosion has occurred over the years, so the original glacial landscape features have been changed by the subsequent flow of water. The Glacial Area is an excellent place to picnic and cool off in summer.

The journey from Bingara to Sawn Rocks was a very pleasant 1 hour drive in the bus. This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other. While this type of five-sided (pentagonal) ‘organ piping’ is not rare to lava flows, it is exceptionally rare to find them so perfectly formed and preserved and is recognised as being one of the best examples of columnar jointing in Australia. Coincidentally it looks very 'Grecian'.

Chris Brownlee had charge of some 18 ebullient folk in his mini coach for the trip. The animated conversations and free flow of spirited anecdotes made the trip lively and enjoyable. Chris kept up a well informed commentary as we travelled south westward through the rich and economically diverse Hunter Valley. Miriam, Chris`s wife, did a splendid job of serving refreshments at the eating, viewing and recreation stops.

During our stay in Bingara, we also ventured to the picnic area in the town, were we saw well preserved gold mining machinery. We also ventured up to H F Batterham Memorial Lookout, with its spectacular views across the town and the valley. (Ralph Hunt, M.H.R. for Gwydir, opened the H.F. Battherham Lookout overlooking Bingara in 1975. The lookout was the result of ten years work from 1964-1975 by Bingara Apex Club. It involved the clearing of land, the construction of an archway entrance and the provision of picnic shelters at the summit. The lookout was named as a tribute to the late Harold Francis Battherham, a local historian who worked tirelessly to promote tourism in the district).

We also visited the attractive and ecologically built River House, one of the superior accommodation facilities in the North West region. We were told that Peranjou Cottages, a refurbished woolshed which offers two self contained units situated side by side, was another interesting place to stay.

Together with the seven travellers in three cars and the mini coach group, which undertook the excursion to Bingara, our group injected many tourism dollars into the Bingara community.

Our appreciation for the planning of the trip by Past President Kos Psaltis, and his wife Joanne (nee, Flaskas), Psaltis and their connections, cannot be overstated. The planning, sometimes complex due to last minute changes, was meticulous. A great thank you to the Psaltis`s from all Rotary’s Bingara pilgrims.

The Roxy Cafe breakfast

Early on the morning of Sunday 29th September 2013, just before leaving to return to Sydney, the pilgrims met at the Roxy Cafe for breakfast. The service provided by Vio and his staff was excellent, and the atmosphere was convivial.

The group reminisced about their youthful experiences in Greek cafes, either as owners, staff or patrons.

The touring party were joined by four young adults, two female, two male, who some of the touring group had met on the evening before. They were twenty-something students living at one of the residential colleges at Sydney University.

They had been subjected to a "hazing" or "fagging" ceremony - still tolerated by University colleges today. The "hazing" was 'disguised' as a charity fund raising "event".

The students had been dressed up in outrageous clothing, the males had parts of their hair shaved, their money and credit cards had been 'confiscated' and they had been driven up to Bingara and left in the street. With these impediments placed before them, they were 'challenged' to get back to Sydney in the best way they knew how.

The young women, in particular, were quite distraught in the evening, and some of the Rotarian group invited the four students to meet for breakfast. They were also fairly confident that George C Poulos was returning back to Sydney in the morning, and that he would be able to provide them with 'a lift' home.

They arrived at the breakfast without money, but in true Rotarian 'civic duty' style, a "whip around" was arranged, and they were soon given enough money, not only to pay for their own breakfast, but also to pay for expenditure for a few days, if required.

Their presence at the breakfast made the event even more memorable, and, coupled with feelings of outrage, disbelief, and sympathy about how they had been treated, also generated a great deal of amusement and humour.

It was certainly a story that would be related at future dinner parties for many decades to come. Yet another entertaining "Roxy" story.

As it turned out George C Poulos did give them a lift back, and within 9 hours had safely deposited them outside the doors of their Sydney University residential college.

George speculated that the 'hazers' must have been bitterly disappointed when they saw their victims return so quickly, and in such good spirits.

Chris Brownlee’s impressions

Coach driver Chris Brownlee was very impressed with the Roxy ‘complex’. “It’s colossal history”. As we have discovered, there are many other attractions in and around Bingara.

Chris was also impressed by the ‘Living Classroom’ project, located in the town, off the Narrabri road. “This learning centre is going to be a talking point for years to come...for sure. For a small town Bingara has done exceptionally well. Something for other small towns to learn from as well.”

We need to teach young people farming again, and get people back on the farm. Particularly the young ones. The next generation is much more interested. My sister-in-law is into permaculture, and they are doing some of these innovative things on their six acres in the Macleay Valley. She’s learnt through horticultural classes in Brisbane. The next generation is moving towards being more self-sufficient, looking after nature, and getting back to nature. It’s all going to happen in that generation, who are in their 20’s now.”

A Greek-Australian and a rural Australian pilgrimage well within reach

Some people have commented that Bingara, 8 hours drive from Sydney and 7 hours drive from Brisbane, is a pilgrimage that is “too far away”.

This 'opinion' undermines the essential nature of pilgrimage – undertaking a transformative journey to a sacred centre, which should in some measure be ‘challenging’.

It was informative however, that most of the Rotary pilgrims did not find the journey onerous. Kos Psaltis argued that if asked if the pilgrimage was ‘too far’, “I would look at it differently. I would ask, “far away from what?” The implication of Kos's comment is that it is certainly not as onerous a pilgrimage as visiting the Acropolis or Kythera, for example. His mother Helen added, that “you see so many interesting towns and people on the way”.

Alf Guy revealed that on the journey ‘up’ Chris and Miriam Brownlee “entertained us all along the way. At no time did we feel bored. The trip went very quickly...passengers and the group displayed a great deal of camaraderie....their friendship, jocular nature and flexibility made the trip very, very enjoyable’.

These comments reflected those that the 47 AHEPAN’s had made earlier in the year. Comments by Christine Lynch, National President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia were typical.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particularly after the Roxy Museum is completed". The journey to the Roxy is too interesting to be onerous.

As we discovered with young Thomas’s involvement, it engages children as well as adults.

As well as the attractions mentioned above, Bingara offers easy access to other interesting tourist destinations , such as:

Myall Creek Massacre Site

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park

Three Creeks Tourist Mine

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Copeton Dam

Manilla, world class paragliding

Above and beyond visiting the Roxy ‘complex’ there is much to do and see. Even spending a week in Bingara and district will not allow time to visit all the tourist attractions in the area.

Every Kytherian Australian and every Greek Australian is encouraged to visit Bingara and the Roxy – at least once in their lifetime.

Bingara Roxy Museum Grand Opening Celebrations

See the Gwydir Shire Council website for information about the opening
The opening of the museum will take place on Saturday 5 April 2014 and will be celebrated with Greek food and music, screenings in the historic Roxy Theatre, tours of the museum and culminating in a gala dinner on the Saturday evening. Further information on the opening celebrations will be provided as arrangements are finalised.

Accommodation in Bingara is limited, so all those planning to attend are advised to book their accommodation as soon as possible. During the 2011 75th Anniversary celebrations, visitors were accommodated in a number of surrounding towns, when Bingara accommodation was filled.

For more information please contact the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066.

Would you like to contribute to the Roxy Museum?

The Roxy Greek Museum is interested in hearing from you if you have objects or photographs that you might like to offer to the collection. For more information please contact the museum curator Peter Prineas on 0429 322 857.

Let us know if you would like to make a financial donation, or offer cafe paraphernalia to the Museum, download the Acquisition Form

Open full entry

30/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Rotarians and Kytherians on the H F Batterham Memorial Lookout, Bingara

Belrose Rotarians, pilgrimage to Bingara

Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013

The 75th anniversary of the Roxy was celebrated on the weekend of April 9th and 10th 2011, with the official launch of the (then) recently renovated Peters & Co Cafe and the Roxy museum, film screenings in the Roxy Theatre, and historic tours of the Roxy. On the Saturday night, a panagiri type festival was held; a black-tie gala ball with a twist. The main street was closed off. Inspired by Greek band Ha Va Le, people took to the streets dancing, singing and smashing plates. It was an unforgettable weekend.

On Tuesday 23 August 2011, Peter Prineas, author of the definitive history of the Roxy, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, conducted a talk at the Rotary Club of Belrose, on Sydney’s North Shore. The Rotary Club of Belrose is very active. It meets on Tuesday’s at the Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose.

As a result of Peter Prineas’ presentation the Belrose Rotary Club decided that they would make a trip to Bingara, to see the Roxy complex. The trip was planned to take place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013. Kos Psaltis, immediate Past President of Belrose Rotary, was the key organiser. He has a ‘connection’ to Bingara. Kos is married to Joanne (nee, Flaskas), whose mother Mary Flaskas (nee, Feros) was the youngest daughter of Peter Feros, one of the partners in the Roxy Cinema and Cafe ‘complex’. The other siblings of Mary, in birth order, included Katina, Jack and George.

A second connection for the Belrose Rotarians was that a past President - Henry Martin, a Methodist (Uniting Church) priest - had retired to live in the town.

The 58th National Convention of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was held between the 6th and the 13th October 2012. At the convention, Peter McCarthy, a member of the Roxy Museum Committee, delivered a talk about the Roxy ‘complex’.
As a result of that talk Sydney AHEPAN’s organised a 47 person bus trip to Bingara. On the 23rd February, 2013, they travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara. Their motivation to participate in such a pilgrimage was understandable. All had a Greek-Australian heritage, many had grown up in cafes, and AHEPA had been inaugurated in the north western New South Wales towns of Warialda and Scone. They were returning to their Greek-Australian, cafe, and AHEPAN roots.

An interesting feature of the Belrose Rotary pilgrimage, by contrast, was the fact that the majority of the “pilgrims” were not Greek by heritage.
The pilgrims consisted of 17 people travelling in a 20 seater bus, and 7 others travelling in 3 separate cars. The bus driver Chris Brownlee from Garigal Tours had been invited by Kos Psaltis to become a friend of Belrose Rotary. Chris’s wife Miriam also joined the ‘touring party’. This created a third connection to the town; Miriam’s family lives in Bingara. Her late brother had a property on the Narrabri road. Miriam’s sister in law and her children now live in town, and are involved with the Rural Fire Service. The pilgrimage was enhanced by the fact that driver, Chris Brownlee had a good working knowledge of the town and district.

The Psaltis/Feros connection

Kos and Joanne Psaltis feel a “powerful historical family connection” to Bingara. “We feel pride that Joanne’s family – her late grandfather – has added value to this town”. Both Joanne and I have watched the ABC's Landline program A Night at the Roxy, about the 75th Roxy Anniversary celebrations, many times.

The restoration of the Roxy Cinema has had a profound impact on both of them. “When we walked into the Roxy Cinema for the first time, Joanne and I had the same sensation, as we did many years ago, when we first walked into the Taj Mahal in India. You walk through these gates and there it is in front of you. A real ‘wow’ factor. When we were at the official opening here, and we walked into the cinema, it had the same ‘wow’ factor. The quality of the interior and the way it has been preserved is amazing.”

Both of Kos’s parents have always been involved in the cafe industry. His father Theodore Psaltis had a milk bar and coffee shop in Bondi Junction called the Savoy for many years, and all his father’s siblings were also involved with cafes. His mother Helen Psaltis (nee Trefilly) remembers that she began working in her father’s cafe, the Busy Bee, in Kingaroy, Queensland from primary school. She kept working in the cafe until she was married at 19 years of age.

What is her feeling about coming to see a preserved piece of Greek-Australian history like the Roxy? “I regard it as an honour”, she asserts. “In a sense it’s a memorial, and it makes the local people appreciate the contribution of the Greek-Australians”.

Kos added that “It’s all part of the great Australian story. It’s a particular ethnic group that has contributed significantly to modern Australian society. I look at it in that context ...You feel proud of the input that our Kytherian ancestors contributed so much to Australia.”

Kos was asked, what do you think the reaction is of the Australian’s who were not of a Greek background in your touring party to the Roxy and Bingara? “They have been very impressed. I think they have got a lot out of it”. This is corroborated by the testimony of some of the other members of the touring party.

Another former President of Belrose Rotary, Ron Furness, was in the ‘touring party’. He commented that they had had a great trip ‘up’, and that Bingara, and the Roxy ‘complex’ was a fascinating place.

“I’ve been reflecting about my good fortune to know Joanne Psaltis. Of hearing about how her family discovered their connection with the Roxy back in 2002. And before that, sadly...melancholy in a way...that it was a dark family secret....and I was reflecting on that comment by Joanne as I sit here in 2013, a beautiful, balmy afternoon, with a bit of breeze... enjoying a lovely cold beer, and thinking ...that, about 80 years or so ago these fellows had this dream....God only knows what their dream was, because I understand that they went broke pretty soon after. Hence the family shame. This has all been well documented in Peter Prineas' Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

But now, in 2013, their dream is still working, and people like me, who was born in London, and has had the pleasure of being in Greece many times. And had the good fortune of once setting foot on Kythera, for a brief trip, and spending many months on Greek Cyprus....and enjoyed the hospitality of Greek people, which is then extended to any group within the Greek pantheon; and I am astonished that 80 years later, the dream is still alive.”

Ron Furness was also made aware of the powerful influence that the Greek cafe has had on the town. “We met people on the way up here....we had the good fortune of stopping in Greek cafes all the way up...at least from Muswellbrook onwards...and we met people who were on the way here, or on the way home. When the topic of conversation turned to ...Bingara ...Oh, ROXY THEATRE!.... and they were all positive.

Interestingly Ron Furness had brought his young grandson Thomas along on the journey. He thoroughly enjoyed himself during all the activities, mixing with the oldies, “climbing a few hills, and doing a number of walks”. The pilgrimage was obviously something young people could also benefit from.

Alf Guy’s Bingara Report

Alf Guy, originally from South Africa, is the current President of the Belrose Rotary Club. He was delighted with the ‘welcome and hospitality’ the group received in Bingara.

The Roxy Museum, within the Roxy complex - the main reason for our trip to the North West – is in its final stages of restoration by the Gwydir Shire Council. The preservation of the art décor trappings is a majestic undertaking - and seeing the theatre brought back to its original glory must have been an emotional experience for Joanne Psaltis, whose late grandfather was one of the three Greek settlers, who created this glorious building. The Roxy, in the 21st century will almost certainly be the centrepiece of a rejuvenated Bingara.

Our group was also privileged to see a screening of the movie Red Dog in The Roxy Cinema!!

Bingara lies on the gently sloping southern bank of Gwydir River, which is a tributary of the the Murray-Darling River System. On the first morning of our stroll through Bingara, the air was cool, clear and still - the view northward, towards the river was picture perfect. This was the setting for much of our stay in the little town of 1300 people. The days were beautifully warm.

The restoration of The Roxy and its associated café is just one of many projects undertaken by this progressive community. The construction of an ecologically complex Living Classroom and the associated on-site accommodation are also in the final stages of completion.

The planting of orange trees on the nature strip in town and the communal harvesting of the fruit - without fear of vandalism, is another remarkable community spirited venture.

From Bingara, a journey in a south-westerly direction towards Narrabri takes you into the Mt Kaputar National Park. Mt Kaputar National Park with its ancient volcanic and glacial relics was an additional highlight of the trip. The geological history of the area really attracted us, and the Gwydir Valley is so beautiful and pristine. Our first stop was a magnificent gorge and waterfall, the Rocky Creek Glacial Area which lies 37 kms west of Bingara, is clearly signposted, and is reached a short distance from the main road turnoff. This geological wonder should not be missed! A vast amount of weathering and erosion has occurred over the years, so the original glacial landscape features have been changed by the subsequent flow of water. The Glacial Area is an excellent place to picnic and cool off in summer.

The journey from Bingara to Sawn Rocks was a very pleasant 1 hour drive in the bus. This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other. While this type of five-sided (pentagonal) ‘organ piping’ is not rare to lava flows, it is exceptionally rare to find them so perfectly formed and preserved and is recognised as being one of the best examples of columnar jointing in Australia. Coincidentally it looks very 'Grecian'.

Chris Brownlee had charge of some 18 ebullient folk in his mini coach for the trip. The animated conversations and free flow of spirited anecdotes made the trip lively and enjoyable. Chris kept up a well informed commentary as we travelled south westward through the rich and economically diverse Hunter Valley. Miriam, Chris`s wife, did a splendid job of serving refreshments at the eating, viewing and recreation stops.

During our stay in Bingara, we also ventured to the picnic area in the town, were we saw well preserved gold mining machinery. We also ventured up to H F Batterham Memorial Lookout, with its spectacular views across the town and the valley. (Ralph Hunt, M.H.R. for Gwydir, opened the H.F. Battherham Lookout overlooking Bingara in 1975. The lookout was the result of ten years work from 1964-1975 by Bingara Apex Club. It involved the clearing of land, the construction of an archway entrance and the provision of picnic shelters at the summit. The lookout was named as a tribute to the late Harold Francis Battherham, a local historian who worked tirelessly to promote tourism in the district).

We also visited the attractive and ecologically built River House, one of the superior accommodation facilities in the North West region. We were told that Peranjou Cottages, a refurbished woolshed which offers two self contained units situated side by side, was another interesting place to stay.

Together with the seven travellers in three cars and the mini coach group, which undertook the excursion to Bingara, our group injected many tourism dollars into the Bingara community.

Our appreciation for the planning of the trip by Past President Kos Psaltis, and his wife Joanne (nee, Flaskas), Psaltis and their connections, cannot be overstated. The planning, sometimes complex due to last minute changes, was meticulous. A great thank you to the Psaltis`s from all Rotary’s Bingara pilgrims.

The Roxy Cafe breakfast

Early on the morning of Sunday 29th September 2013, just before leaving to return to Sydney, the pilgrims met at the Roxy Cafe for breakfast. The service provided by Vio and his staff was excellent, and the atmosphere was convivial.

The group reminisced about their youthful experiences in Greek cafes, either as owners, staff or patrons.

The touring party were joined by four young adults, two female, two male, who some of the touring group had met on the evening before. They were twenty-something students living at one of the residential colleges at Sydney University.

They had been subjected to a "hazing" or "fagging" ceremony - still tolerated by University colleges today. The "hazing" was 'disguised' as a charity fund raising "event".

The students had been dressed up in outrageous clothing, the males had parts of their hair shaved, their money and credit cards had been 'confiscated' and they had been driven up to Bingara and left in the street. With these impediments placed before them, they were 'challenged' to get back to Sydney in the best way they knew how.

The young women, in particular, were quite distraught in the evening, and some of the Rotarian group invited the four students to meet for breakfast. They were also fairly confident that George C Poulos was returning back to Sydney in the morning, and that he would be able to provide them with 'a lift' home.

They arrived at the breakfast without money, but in true Rotarian 'civic duty' style, a "whip around" was arranged, and they were soon given enough money, not only to pay for their own breakfast, but also to pay for expenditure for a few days, if required.

Their presence at the breakfast made the event even more memorable, and, coupled with feelings of outrage, disbelief, and sympathy about how they had been treated, also generated a great deal of amusement and humour.

It was certainly a story that would be related at future dinner parties for many decades to come. Yet another entertaining "Roxy" story.

As it turned out George C Poulos did give them a lift back, and within 9 hours had safely deposited them outside the doors of their Sydney University residential college.

George speculated that the 'hazers' must have been bitterly disappointed when they saw their victims return so quickly, and in such good spirits.

Chris Brownlee’s impressions

Coach driver Chris Brownlee was very impressed with the Roxy ‘complex’. “It’s colossal history”. As we have discovered, there are many other attractions in and around Bingara.

Chris was also impressed by the ‘Living Classroom’ project, located in the town, off the Narrabri road. “This learning centre is going to be a talking point for years to come...for sure. For a small town Bingara has done exceptionally well. Something for other small towns to learn from as well.”

We need to teach young people farming again, and get people back on the farm. Particularly the young ones. The next generation is much more interested. My sister-in-law is into permaculture, and they are doing some of these innovative things on their six acres in the Macleay Valley. She’s learnt through horticultural classes in Brisbane. The next generation is moving towards being more self-sufficient, looking after nature, and getting back to nature. It’s all going to happen in that generation, who are in their 20’s now.”

A Greek-Australian and a rural Australian pilgrimage well within reach

Some people have commented that Bingara, 8 hours drive from Sydney and 7 hours drive from Brisbane, is a pilgrimage that is “too far away”.

This 'opinion' undermines the essential nature of pilgrimage – undertaking a transformative journey to a sacred centre, which should in some measure be ‘challenging’.

It was informative however, that most of the Rotary pilgrims did not find the journey onerous. Kos Psaltis argued that if asked if the pilgrimage was ‘too far’, “I would look at it differently. I would ask, “far away from what?” The implication of Kos's comment is that it is certainly not as onerous a pilgrimage as visiting the Acropolis or Kythera, for example. His mother Helen added, that “you see so many interesting towns and people on the way”.

Alf Guy revealed that on the journey ‘up’ Chris and Miriam Brownlee “entertained us all along the way. At no time did we feel bored. The trip went very quickly...passengers and the group displayed a great deal of camaraderie....their friendship, jocular nature and flexibility made the trip very, very enjoyable’.

These comments reflected those that the 47 AHEPAN’s had made earlier in the year. Comments by Christine Lynch, National President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia were typical.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particularly after the Roxy Museum is completed". The journey to the Roxy is too interesting to be onerous.

As we discovered with young Thomas’s involvement, it engages children as well as adults.

As well as the attractions mentioned above, Bingara offers easy access to other interesting tourist destinations , such as:

Myall Creek Massacre Site

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park

Three Creeks Tourist Mine

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Copeton Dam

Manilla, world class paragliding

Above and beyond visiting the Roxy ‘complex’ there is much to do and see. Even spending a week in Bingara and district will not allow time to visit all the tourist attractions in the area.

Every Kytherian Australian and every Greek Australian is encouraged to visit Bingara and the Roxy – at least once in their lifetime.

Bingara Roxy Museum Grand Opening Celebrations

See the Gwydir Shire Council website for information about the opening
The opening of the museum will take place on Saturday 5 April 2014 and will be celebrated with Greek food and music, screenings in the historic Roxy Theatre, tours of the museum and culminating in a gala dinner on the Saturday evening. Further information on the opening celebrations will be provided as arrangements are finalised.

Accommodation in Bingara is limited, so all those planning to attend are advised to book their accommodation as soon as possible. During the 2011 75th Anniversary celebrations, visitors were accommodated in a number of surrounding towns, when Bingara accommodation was filled.

For more information please contact the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066.

Would you like to contribute to the Roxy Museum?

The Roxy Greek Museum is interested in hearing from you if you have objects or photographs that you might like to offer to the collection. For more information please contact the museum curator Peter Prineas on 0429 322 857.

Let us know if you would like to make a financial donation, or offer cafe paraphernalia to the Museum, download the Acquisition Form

Open full entry

30/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Gold mining machinery at the Bingara park and barbecue area

Equipment used by the All Nations Goldmine, which operated from 1860-1948, producing 15.5kg of gold.

The rehabilitation of the equipment was funded by the NSW Department of Mineral Resources in co-operation with the Bingara Council and the Bingara Lions Club. The work was coordinated by the Soil Conservation Service of NSW, 1895-1986.

Visited by Belrose Rotarians during the

Belrose Rotarians, pilgrimage to Bingara

Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013

The 75th anniversary of the Roxy was celebrated on the weekend of April 9th and 10th 2011, with the official launch of the (then) recently renovated Peters & Co Cafe and the Roxy museum, film screenings in the Roxy Theatre, and historic tours of the Roxy. On the Saturday night, a panagiri type festival was held; a black-tie gala ball with a twist. The main street was closed off. Inspired by Greek band Ha Va Le, people took to the streets dancing, singing and smashing plates. It was an unforgettable weekend.

On Tuesday 23 August 2011, Peter Prineas, author of the definitive history of the Roxy, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, conducted a talk at the Rotary Club of Belrose, on Sydney’s North Shore. The Rotary Club of Belrose is very active. It meets on Tuesday’s at the Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose.

As a result of Peter Prineas’ presentation the Belrose Rotary Club decided that they would make a trip to Bingara, to see the Roxy complex. The trip was planned to take place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013. Kos Psaltis, immediate Past President of Belrose Rotary, was the key organiser. He has a ‘connection’ to Bingara. Kos is married to Joanne (nee, Flaskas), whose mother Mary Flaskas (nee, Feros) was the youngest daughter of Peter Feros, one of the partners in the Roxy Cinema and Cafe ‘complex’. The other siblings of Mary, in birth order, included Katina, Jack and George.

A second connection for the Belrose Rotarians was that a past President - Henry Martin, a Methodist (Uniting Church) priest - had retired to live in the town.

The 58th National Convention of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was held between the 6th and the 13th October 2012. At the convention, Peter McCarthy, a member of the Roxy Museum Committee, delivered a talk about the Roxy ‘complex’.
As a result of that talk Sydney AHEPAN’s organised a 47 person bus trip to Bingara. On the 23rd February, 2013, they travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara. Their motivation to participate in such a pilgrimage was understandable. All had a Greek-Australian heritage, many had grown up in cafes, and AHEPA had been inaugurated in the north western New South Wales towns of Warialda and Scone. They were returning to their Greek-Australian, cafe, and AHEPAN roots.

An interesting feature of the Belrose Rotary pilgrimage, by contrast, was the fact that the majority of the “pilgrims” were not Greek by heritage.
The pilgrims consisted of 17 people travelling in a 20 seater bus, and 7 others travelling in 3 separate cars. The bus driver Chris Brownlee from Garigal Tours had been invited by Kos Psaltis to become a friend of Belrose Rotary. Chris’s wife Miriam also joined the ‘touring party’. This created a third connection to the town; Miriam’s family lives in Bingara. Her late brother had a property on the Narrabri road. Miriam’s sister in law and her children now live in town, and are involved with the Rural Fire Service. The pilgrimage was enhanced by the fact that driver, Chris Brownlee had a good working knowledge of the town and district.

The Psaltis/Feros connection

Kos and Joanne Psaltis feel a “powerful historical family connection” to Bingara. “We feel pride that Joanne’s family – her late grandfather – has added value to this town”. Both Joanne and I have watched the ABC's Landline program A Night at the Roxy, about the 75th Roxy Anniversary celebrations, many times.

The restoration of the Roxy Cinema has had a profound impact on both of them. “When we walked into the Roxy Cinema for the first time, Joanne and I had the same sensation, as we did many years ago, when we first walked into the Taj Mahal in India. You walk through these gates and there it is in front of you. A real ‘wow’ factor. When we were at the official opening here, and we walked into the cinema, it had the same ‘wow’ factor. The quality of the interior and the way it has been preserved is amazing.”

Both of Kos’s parents have always been involved in the cafe industry. His father Theodore Psaltis had a milk bar and coffee shop in Bondi Junction called the Savoy for many years, and all his father’s siblings were also involved with cafes. His mother Helen Psaltis (nee Trefilly) remembers that she began working in her father’s cafe, the Busy Bee, in Kingaroy, Queensland from primary school. She kept working in the cafe until she was married at 19 years of age.

What is her feeling about coming to see a preserved piece of Greek-Australian history like the Roxy? “I regard it as an honour”, she asserts. “In a sense it’s a memorial, and it makes the local people appreciate the contribution of the Greek-Australians”.

Kos added that “It’s all part of the great Australian story. It’s a particular ethnic group that has contributed significantly to modern Australian society. I look at it in that context ...You feel proud of the input that our Kytherian ancestors contributed so much to Australia.”

Kos was asked, what do you think the reaction is of the Australian’s who were not of a Greek background in your touring party to the Roxy and Bingara? “They have been very impressed. I think they have got a lot out of it”. This is corroborated by the testimony of some of the other members of the touring party.

Another former President of Belrose Rotary, Ron Furness, was in the ‘touring party’. He commented that they had had a great trip ‘up’, and that Bingara, and the Roxy ‘complex’ was a fascinating place.

“I’ve been reflecting about my good fortune to know Joanne Psaltis. Of hearing about how her family discovered their connection with the Roxy back in 2002. And before that, sadly...melancholy in a way...that it was a dark family secret....and I was reflecting on that comment by Joanne as I sit here in 2013, a beautiful, balmy afternoon, with a bit of breeze... enjoying a lovely cold beer, and thinking ...that, about 80 years or so ago these fellows had this dream....God only knows what their dream was, because I understand that they went broke pretty soon after. Hence the family shame. This has all been well documented in Peter Prineas' Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

But now, in 2013, their dream is still working, and people like me, who was born in London, and has had the pleasure of being in Greece many times. And had the good fortune of once setting foot on Kythera, for a brief trip, and spending many months on Greek Cyprus....and enjoyed the hospitality of Greek people, which is then extended to any group within the Greek pantheon; and I am astonished that 80 years later, the dream is still alive.”

Ron Furness was also made aware of the powerful influence that the Greek cafe has had on the town. “We met people on the way up here....we had the good fortune of stopping in Greek cafes all the way up...at least from Muswellbrook onwards...and we met people who were on the way here, or on the way home. When the topic of conversation turned to ...Bingara ...Oh, ROXY THEATRE!.... and they were all positive.

Interestingly Ron Furness had brought his young grandson Thomas along on the journey. He thoroughly enjoyed himself during all the activities, mixing with the oldies, “climbing a few hills, and doing a number of walks”. The pilgrimage was obviously something young people could also benefit from.

Alf Guy’s Bingara Report

Alf Guy, originally from South Africa, is the current President of the Belrose Rotary Club. He was delighted with the ‘welcome and hospitality’ the group received in Bingara.

The Roxy Museum, within the Roxy complex - the main reason for our trip to the North West – is in its final stages of restoration by the Gwydir Shire Council. The preservation of the art décor trappings is a majestic undertaking - and seeing the theatre brought back to its original glory must have been an emotional experience for Joanne Psaltis, whose late grandfather was one of the three Greek settlers, who created this glorious building. The Roxy, in the 21st century will almost certainly be the centrepiece of a rejuvenated Bingara.

Our group was also privileged to see a screening of the movie Red Dog in The Roxy Cinema!!

Bingara lies on the gently sloping southern bank of Gwydir River, which is a tributary of the the Murray-Darling River System. On the first morning of our stroll through Bingara, the air was cool, clear and still - the view northward, towards the river was picture perfect. This was the setting for much of our stay in the little town of 1300 people. The days were beautifully warm.

The restoration of The Roxy and its associated café is just one of many projects undertaken by this progressive community. The construction of an ecologically complex Living Classroom and the associated on-site accommodation are also in the final stages of completion.

The planting of orange trees on the nature strip in town and the communal harvesting of the fruit - without fear of vandalism, is another remarkable community spirited venture.

From Bingara, a journey in a south-westerly direction towards Narrabri takes you into the Mt Kaputar National Park. Mt Kaputar National Park with its ancient volcanic and glacial relics was an additional highlight of the trip. The geological history of the area really attracted us, and the Gwydir Valley is so beautiful and pristine. Our first stop was a magnificent gorge and waterfall, the Rocky Creek Glacial Area which lies 37 kms west of Bingara, is clearly signposted, and is reached a short distance from the main road turnoff. This geological wonder should not be missed! A vast amount of weathering and erosion has occurred over the years, so the original glacial landscape features have been changed by the subsequent flow of water. The Glacial Area is an excellent place to picnic and cool off in summer.

The journey from Bingara to Sawn Rocks was a very pleasant 1 hour drive in the bus. This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other. While this type of five-sided (pentagonal) ‘organ piping’ is not rare to lava flows, it is exceptionally rare to find them so perfectly formed and preserved and is recognised as being one of the best examples of columnar jointing in Australia. Coincidentally it looks very 'Grecian'.

Chris Brownlee had charge of some 18 ebullient folk in his mini coach for the trip. The animated conversations and free flow of spirited anecdotes made the trip lively and enjoyable. Chris kept up a well informed commentary as we travelled south westward through the rich and economically diverse Hunter Valley. Miriam, Chris`s wife, did a splendid job of serving refreshments at the eating, viewing and recreation stops.

During our stay in Bingara, we also ventured to the picnic area in the town, were we saw well preserved gold mining machinery. We also ventured up to H F Batterham Memorial Lookout, with its spectacular views across the town and the valley. (Ralph Hunt, M.H.R. for Gwydir, opened the H.F. Battherham Lookout overlooking Bingara in 1975. The lookout was the result of ten years work from 1964-1975 by Bingara Apex Club. It involved the clearing of land, the construction of an archway entrance and the provision of picnic shelters at the summit. The lookout was named as a tribute to the late Harold Francis Battherham, a local historian who worked tirelessly to promote tourism in the district).

We also visited the attractive and ecologically built River House, one of the superior accommodation facilities in the North West region. We were told that Peranjou Cottages, a refurbished woolshed which offers two self contained units situated side by side, was another interesting place to stay.

Together with the seven travellers in three cars and the mini coach group, which undertook the excursion to Bingara, our group injected many tourism dollars into the Bingara community.

Our appreciation for the planning of the trip by Past President Kos Psaltis, and his wife Joanne (nee, Flaskas), Psaltis and their connections, cannot be overstated. The planning, sometimes complex due to last minute changes, was meticulous. A great thank you to the Psaltis`s from all Rotary’s Bingara pilgrims.

The Roxy Cafe breakfast

Early on the morning of Sunday 29th September 2013, just before leaving to return to Sydney, the pilgrims met at the Roxy Cafe for breakfast. The service provided by Vio and his staff was excellent, and the atmosphere was convivial.

The group reminisced about their youthful experiences in Greek cafes, either as owners, staff or patrons.

The touring party were joined by four young adults, two female, two male, who some of the touring group had met on the evening before. They were twenty-something students living at one of the residential colleges at Sydney University.

They had been subjected to a "hazing" or "fagging" ceremony - still tolerated by University colleges today. The "hazing" was 'disguised' as a charity fund raising "event".

The students had been dressed up in outrageous clothing, the males had parts of their hair shaved, their money and credit cards had been 'confiscated' and they had been driven up to Bingara and left in the street. With these impediments placed before them, they were 'challenged' to get back to Sydney in the best way they knew how.

The young women, in particular, were quite distraught in the evening, and some of the Rotarian group invited the four students to meet for breakfast. They were also fairly confident that George C Poulos was returning back to Sydney in the morning, and that he would be able to provide them with 'a lift' home.

They arrived at the breakfast without money, but in true Rotarian 'civic duty' style, a "whip around" was arranged, and they were soon given enough money, not only to pay for their own breakfast, but also to pay for expenditure for a few days, if required.

Their presence at the breakfast made the event even more memorable, and, coupled with feelings of outrage, disbelief, and sympathy about how they had been treated, also generated a great deal of amusement and humour.

It was certainly a story that would be related at future dinner parties for many decades to come. Yet another entertaining "Roxy" story.

As it turned out George C Poulos did give them a lift back, and within 9 hours had safely deposited them outside the doors of their Sydney University residential college.

George speculated that the 'hazers' must have been bitterly disappointed when they saw their victims return so quickly, and in such good spirits.

Chris Brownlee’s impressions

Coach driver Chris Brownlee was very impressed with the Roxy ‘complex’. “It’s colossal history”. As we have discovered, there are many other attractions in and around Bingara.

Chris was also impressed by the ‘Living Classroom’ project, located in the town, off the Narrabri road. “This learning centre is going to be a talking point for years to come...for sure. For a small town Bingara has done exceptionally well. Something for other small towns to learn from as well.”

We need to teach young people farming again, and get people back on the farm. Particularly the young ones. The next generation is much more interested. My sister-in-law is into permaculture, and they are doing some of these innovative things on their six acres in the Macleay Valley. She’s learnt through horticultural classes in Brisbane. The next generation is moving towards being more self-sufficient, looking after nature, and getting back to nature. It’s all going to happen in that generation, who are in their 20’s now.”

A Greek-Australian and a rural Australian pilgrimage well within reach

Some people have commented that Bingara, 8 hours drive from Sydney and 7 hours drive from Brisbane, is a pilgrimage that is “too far away”.

This 'opinion' undermines the essential nature of pilgrimage – undertaking a transformative journey to a sacred centre, which should in some measure be ‘challenging’.

It was informative however, that most of the Rotary pilgrims did not find the journey onerous. Kos Psaltis argued that if asked if the pilgrimage was ‘too far’, “I would look at it differently. I would ask, “far away from what?” The implication of Kos's comment is that it is certainly not as onerous a pilgrimage as visiting the Acropolis or Kythera, for example. His mother Helen added, that “you see so many interesting towns and people on the way”.

Alf Guy revealed that on the journey ‘up’ Chris and Miriam Brownlee “entertained us all along way. At no time did we feel bored. The trip went very quickly...passengers and the group displayed a great deal of camaraderie....their friendship, jocular nature and flexibility made the trip very, very enjoyable’.

These comments reflected those that the 47 AHEPAN’s had made earlier in the year. Comments by Christine Lynch, National President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia were typical.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particularly after the Roxy Museum is completed". The journey to the Roxy is too interesting to be onerous.

As we discovered with young Thomas’s involvement, it engages children as well as adults.

As well as the attractions mentioned above, Bingara offers easy access to other interesting tourist destinations , such as:

Myall Creek Massacre Site

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park

Three Creeks Tourist Mine

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Copeton Dam

Manilla, world class paragliding

Above and beyond visiting the Roxy ‘complex’ there is much to do and see. Even spending a week in Bingara and district will not allow time to visit all the tourist attractions in the area.

Every Kytherian Australian and every Greek Australian is encouraged to visit Bingara and the Roxy – at least once in their lifetime.

Bingara Roxy Museum Grand Opening Celebrations

See the Gwydir Shire Council website for information about the opening
The opening of the museum will take place on Saturday 5 April 2014 and will be celebrated with Greek food and music, screenings in the historic Roxy Theatre, tours of the museum and culminating in a gala dinner on the Saturday evening. Further information on the opening celebrations will be provided as arrangements are finalised.

Accommodation in Bingara is limited, so all those planning to attend are advised to book their accommodation as soon as possible. During the 2011 75th Anniversary celebrations, visitors were accommodated in a number of surrounding towns, when Bingara accommodation was filled.

For more information please contact the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066.

Would you like to contribute to the Roxy Museum?

The Roxy Greek Museum is interested in hearing from you if you have objects or photographs that you might like to offer to the collection. For more information please contact the museum curator Peter Prineas on 0429 322 857.

Let us know if you would like to make a financial donation, or offer cafe paraphernalia to the Museum, download the Acquisition Form

Open full entry

29/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Gold mining machinery at the Bingara park and barbecue area

Equipment used by the All Nations Goldmine, which operated from 1860-1948, producing 15.5kg of gold.

The rehabilitation of the equipment was funded by the NSW Department of Mineral Resources in co-operation with the Bingara Council and the Bingara Lions Club. The work was coordinated by the Soil Conservation Service of NSW, 1895-1986.

Visited by Belrose Rotarians during the

Belrose Rotarians, pilgrimage to Bingara

Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013

The 75th anniversary of the Roxy was celebrated on the weekend of April 9th and 10th 2011, with the official launch of the (then) recently renovated Peters & Co Cafe and the Roxy museum, film screenings in the Roxy Theatre, and historic tours of the Roxy. On the Saturday night, a panagiri type festival was held; a black-tie gala ball with a twist. The main street was closed off. Inspired by Greek band Ha Va Le, people took to the streets dancing, singing and smashing plates. It was an unforgettable weekend.

On Tuesday 23 August 2011, Peter Prineas, author of the definitive history of the Roxy, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, conducted a talk at the Rotary Club of Belrose, on Sydney’s North Shore. The Rotary Club of Belrose is very active. It meets on Tuesday’s at the Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose.

As a result of Peter Prineas’ presentation the Belrose Rotary Club decided that they would make a trip to Bingara, to see the Roxy complex. The trip was planned to take place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013. Kos Psaltis, immediate Past President of Belrose Rotary, was the key organiser. He has a ‘connection’ to Bingara. Kos is married to Joanne (nee, Flaskas), whose mother Mary Flaskas (nee, Feros) was the youngest daughter of Peter Feros, one of the partners in the Roxy Cinema and Cafe ‘complex’. The other siblings of Mary, in birth order, included Katina, Jack and George.

A second connection for the Belrose Rotarians was that a past President - Henry Martin, a Methodist (Uniting Church) priest - had retired to live in the town.

The 58th National Convention of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was held between the 6th and the 13th October 2012. At the convention, Peter McCarthy, a member of the Roxy Museum Committee, delivered a talk about the Roxy ‘complex’.
As a result of that talk Sydney AHEPAN’s organised a 47 person bus trip to Bingara. On the 23rd February, 2013, they travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara. Their motivation to participate in such a pilgrimage was understandable. All had a Greek-Australian heritage, many had grown up in cafes, and AHEPA had been inaugurated in the north western New South Wales towns of Warialda and Scone. They were returning to their Greek-Australian, cafe, and AHEPAN roots.

An interesting feature of the Belrose Rotary pilgrimage, by contrast, was the fact that the majority of the “pilgrims” were not Greek by heritage.
The pilgrims consisted of 17 people travelling in a 20 seater bus, and 7 others travelling in 3 separate cars. The bus driver Chris Brownlee from Garigal Tours had been invited by Kos Psaltis to become a friend of Belrose Rotary. Chris’s wife Miriam also joined the ‘touring party’. This created a third connection to the town; Miriam’s family lives in Bingara. Her late brother had a property on the Narrabri road. Miriam’s sister in law and her children now live in town, and are involved with the Rural Fire Service. The pilgrimage was enhanced by the fact that driver, Chris Brownlee had a good working knowledge of the town and district.

The Psaltis/Feros connection

Kos and Joanne Psaltis feel a “powerful historical family connection” to Bingara. “We feel pride that Joanne’s family – her late grandfather – has added value to this town”. Both Joanne and I have watched the ABC's Landline program A Night at the Roxy, about the 75th Roxy Anniversary celebrations, many times.

The restoration of the Roxy Cinema has had a profound impact on both of them. “When we walked into the Roxy Cinema for the first time, Joanne and I had the same sensation, as we did many years ago, when we first walked into the Taj Mahal in India. You walk through these gates and there it is in front of you. A real ‘wow’ factor. When we were at the official opening here, and we walked into the cinema, it had the same ‘wow’ factor. The quality of the interior and the way it has been preserved is amazing.”

Both of Kos’s parents have always been involved in the cafe industry. His father Theodore Psaltis had a milk bar and coffee shop in Bondi Junction called the Savoy for many years, and all his father’s siblings were also involved with cafes. His mother Helen Psaltis (nee Trefilly) remembers that she began working in her father’s cafe, the Busy Bee, in Kingaroy, Queensland from primary school. She kept working in the cafe until she was married at 19 years of age.

What is her feeling about coming to see a preserved piece of Greek-Australian history like the Roxy? “I regard it as an honour”, she asserts. “In a sense it’s a memorial, and it makes the local people appreciate the contribution of the Greek-Australians”.

Kos added that “It’s all part of the great Australian story. It’s a particular ethnic group that has contributed significantly to modern Australian society. I look at it in that context ...You feel proud of the input that our Kytherian ancestors contributed so much to Australia.”

Kos was asked, what do you think the reaction is of the Australian’s who were not of a Greek background in your touring party to the Roxy and Bingara? “They have been very impressed. I think they have got a lot out of it”. This is corroborated by the testimony of some of the other members of the touring party.

Another former President of Belrose Rotary, Ron Furness, was in the ‘touring party’. He commented that they had had a great trip ‘up’, and that Bingara, and the Roxy ‘complex’ was a fascinating place.

“I’ve been reflecting about my good fortune to know Joanne Psaltis. Of hearing about how her family discovered their connection with the Roxy back in 2002. And before that, sadly...melancholy in a way...that it was a dark family secret....and I was reflecting on that comment by Joanne as I sit here in 2013, a beautiful, balmy afternoon, with a bit of breeze... enjoying a lovely cold beer, and thinking ...that, about 80 years or so ago these fellows had this dream....God only knows what their dream was, because I understand that they went broke pretty soon after. Hence the family shame. This has all been well documented in Peter Prineas' Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

But now, in 2013, their dream is still working, and people like me, who was born in London, and has had the pleasure of being in Greece many times. And had the good fortune of once setting foot on Kythera, for a brief trip, and spending many months on Greek Cyprus....and enjoyed the hospitality of Greek people, which is then extended to any group within the Greek pantheon; and I am astonished that 80 years later, the dream is still alive.”

Ron Furness was also made aware of the powerful influence that the Greek cafe has had on the town. “We met people on the way up here....we had the good fortune of stopping in Greek cafes all the way up...at least from Muswellbrook onwards...and we met people who were on the way here, or on the way home. When the topic of conversation turned to ...Bingara ...Oh, ROXY THEATRE!.... and they were all positive.

Interestingly Ron Furness had brought his young grandson Thomas along on the journey. He thoroughly enjoyed himself during all the activities, mixing with the oldies, “climbing a few hills, and doing a number of walks”. The pilgrimage was obviously something young people could also benefit from.

Alf Guy’s Bingara Report

Alf Guy, originally from South Africa, is the current President of the Belrose Rotary Club. He was delighted with the ‘welcome and hospitality’ the group received in Bingara.

The Roxy Museum, within the Roxy complex - the main reason for our trip to the North West – is in its final stages of restoration by the Gwydir Shire Council. The preservation of the art décor trappings is a majestic undertaking - and seeing the theatre brought back to its original glory must have been an emotional experience for Joanne Psaltis, whose late grandfather was one of the three Greek settlers, who created this glorious building. The Roxy, in the 21st century will almost certainly be the centrepiece of a rejuvenated Bingara.

Our group was also privileged to see a screening of the movie Red Dog in The Roxy Cinema!!

Bingara lies on the gently sloping southern bank of Gwydir River, which is a tributary of the the Murray-Darling River System. On the first morning of our stroll through Bingara, the air was cool, clear and still - the view northward, towards the river was picture perfect. This was the setting for much of our stay in the little town of 1300 people. The days were beautifully warm.

The restoration of The Roxy and its associated café is just one of many projects undertaken by this progressive community. The construction of an ecologically complex Living Classroom and the associated on-site accommodation are also in the final stages of completion.

The planting of orange trees on the nature strip in town and the communal harvesting of the fruit - without fear of vandalism, is another remarkable community spirited venture.

From Bingara, a journey in a south-westerly direction towards Narrabri takes you into the Mt Kaputar National Park. Mt Kaputar National Park with its ancient volcanic and glacial relics was an additional highlight of the trip. The geological history of the area really attracted us, and the Gwydir Valley is so beautiful and pristine. Our first stop was a magnificent gorge and waterfall, the Rocky Creek Glacial Area which lies 37 kms west of Bingara, is clearly signposted, and is reached a short distance from the main road turnoff. This geological wonder should not be missed! A vast amount of weathering and erosion has occurred over the years, so the original glacial landscape features have been changed by the subsequent flow of water. The Glacial Area is an excellent place to picnic and cool off in summer.

The journey from Bingara to Sawn Rocks was a very pleasant 1 hour drive in the bus. This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other. While this type of five-sided (pentagonal) ‘organ piping’ is not rare to lava flows, it is exceptionally rare to find them so perfectly formed and preserved and is recognised as being one of the best examples of columnar jointing in Australia. Coincidentally it looks very 'Grecian'.

Chris Brownlee had charge of some 18 ebullient folk in his mini coach for the trip. The animated conversations and free flow of spirited anecdotes made the trip lively and enjoyable. Chris kept up a well informed commentary as we travelled south westward through the rich and economically diverse Hunter Valley. Miriam, Chris`s wife, did a splendid job of serving refreshments at the eating, viewing and recreation stops.

During our stay in Bingara, we also ventured to the picnic area in the town, were we saw well preserved gold mining machinery. We also ventured up to H F Batterham Memorial Lookout, with its spectacular views across the town and the valley. (Ralph Hunt, M.H.R. for Gwydir, opened the H.F. Battherham Lookout overlooking Bingara in 1975. The lookout was the result of ten years work from 1964-1975 by Bingara Apex Club. It involved the clearing of land, the construction of an archway entrance and the provision of picnic shelters at the summit. The lookout was named as a tribute to the late Harold Francis Battherham, a local historian who worked tirelessly to promote tourism in the district).

We also visited the attractive and ecologically built River House, one of the superior accommodation facilities in the North West region. We were told that Peranjou Cottages, a refurbished woolshed which offers two self contained units situated side by side, was another interesting place to stay.

Together with the seven travellers in three cars and the mini coach group, which undertook the excursion to Bingara, our group injected many tourism dollars into the Bingara community.

Our appreciation for the planning of the trip by Past President Kos Psaltis, and his wife Joanne (nee, Flaskas), Psaltis and their connections, cannot be overstated. The planning, sometimes complex due to last minute changes, was meticulous. A great thank you to the Psaltis`s from all Rotary’s Bingara pilgrims.

The Roxy Cafe breakfast

Early on the morning of Sunday 29th September 2013, just before leaving to return to Sydney, the pilgrims met at the Roxy Cafe for breakfast. The service provided by Vio and his staff was excellent, and the atmosphere was convivial.

The group reminisced about their youthful experiences in Greek cafes, either as owners, staff or patrons.

The touring party were joined by four young adults, two female, two male, who some of the touring group had met on the evening before. They were twenty-something students living at one of the residential colleges at Sydney University.

They had been subjected to a "hazing" or "fagging" ceremony - still tolerated by University colleges today. The "hazing" was 'disguised' as a charity fund raising "event".

The students had been dressed up in outrageous clothing, the males had parts of their hair shaved, their money and credit cards had been 'confiscated' and they had been driven up to Bingara and left in the street. With these impediments placed before them, they were 'challenged' to get back to Sydney in the best way they knew how.

The young women, in particular, were quite distraught in the evening, and some of the Rotarian group invited the four students to meet for breakfast. They were also fairly confident that George C Poulos was returning back to Sydney in the morning, and that he would be able to provide them with 'a lift' home.

They arrived at the breakfast without money, but in true Rotarian 'civic duty' style, a "whip around" was arranged, and they were soon given enough money, not only to pay for their own breakfast, but also to pay for expenditure for a few days, if required.

Their presence at the breakfast made the event even more memorable, and, coupled with feelings of outrage, disbelief, and sympathy about how they had been treated, also generated a great deal of amusement and humour.

It was certainly a story that would be related at future dinner parties for many decades to come. Yet another entertaining "Roxy" story.

As it turned out George C Poulos did give them a lift back, and within 9 hours had safely deposited them outside the doors of their Sydney University residential college.

George speculated that the 'hazers' must have been bitterly disappointed when they saw their victims return so quickly, and in such good spirits.

Chris Brownlee’s impressions

Coach driver Chris Brownlee was very impressed with the Roxy ‘complex’. “It’s colossal history”. As we have discovered, there are many other attractions in and around Bingara.

Chris was also impressed by the ‘Living Classroom’ project, located in the town, off the Narrabri road. “This learning centre is going to be a talking point for years to come...for sure. For a small town Bingara has done exceptionally well. Something for other small towns to learn from as well.”

We need to teach young people farming again, and get people back on the farm. Particularly the young ones. The next generation is much more interested. My sister-in-law is into permaculture, and they are doing some of these innovative things on their six acres in the Macleay Valley. She’s learnt through horticultural classes in Brisbane. The next generation is moving towards being more self-sufficient, looking after nature, and getting back to nature. It’s all going to happen in that generation, who are in their 20’s now.”

A Greek-Australian and a rural Australian pilgrimage well within reach

Some people have commented that Bingara, 8 hours drive from Sydney and 7 hours drive from Brisbane, is a pilgrimage that is “too far away”.

This 'opinion' undermines the essential nature of pilgrimage – undertaking a transformative journey to a sacred centre, which should in some measure be ‘challenging’.

It was informative however, that most of the Rotary pilgrims did not find the journey onerous. Kos Psaltis argued that if asked if the pilgrimage was ‘too far’, “I would look at it differently. I would ask, “far away from what?” The implication of Kos's comment is that it is certainly not as onerous a pilgrimage as visiting the Acropolis or Kythera, for example. His mother Helen added, that “you see so many interesting towns and people on the way”.

Alf Guy revealed that on the journey ‘up’ Chris and Miriam Brownlee “entertained us all along way. At no time did we feel bored. The trip went very quickly...passengers and the group displayed a great deal of camaraderie....their friendship, jocular nature and flexibility made the trip very, very enjoyable’.

These comments reflected those that the 47 AHEPAN’s had made earlier in the year. Comments by Christine Lynch, National President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia were typical.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particularly after the Roxy Museum is completed". The journey to the Roxy is too interesting to be onerous.

As we discovered with young Thomas’s involvement, it engages children as well as adults.

As well as the attractions mentioned above, Bingara offers easy access to other interesting tourist destinations , such as:

Myall Creek Massacre Site

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park

Three Creeks Tourist Mine

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Copeton Dam

Manilla, world class paragliding

Above and beyond visiting the Roxy ‘complex’ there is much to do and see. Even spending a week in Bingara and district will not allow time to visit all the tourist attractions in the area.

Every Kytherian Australian and every Greek Australian is encouraged to visit Bingara and the Roxy – at least once in their lifetime.

Bingara Roxy Museum Grand Opening Celebrations

See the Gwydir Shire Council website for information about the opening
The opening of the museum will take place on Saturday 5 April 2014 and will be celebrated with Greek food and music, screenings in the historic Roxy Theatre, tours of the museum and culminating in a gala dinner on the Saturday evening. Further information on the opening celebrations will be provided as arrangements are finalised.

Accommodation in Bingara is limited, so all those planning to attend are advised to book their accommodation as soon as possible. During the 2011 75th Anniversary celebrations, visitors were accommodated in a number of surrounding towns, when Bingara accommodation was filled.

For more information please contact the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066.

Would you like to contribute to the Roxy Museum?

The Roxy Greek Museum is interested in hearing from you if you have objects or photographs that you might like to offer to the collection. For more information please contact the museum curator Peter Prineas on 0429 322 857.

Let us know if you would like to make a financial donation, or offer cafe paraphernalia to the Museum, download the Acquisition Form

Open full entry

29/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Belrose Rotarians enjoying a meal together at the Imperial Hotel, Bingara

The food is excellent at the "Imperial".

Belrose Rotarians, pilgrimage to Bingara

Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013

The 75th anniversary of the Roxy was celebrated on the weekend of April 9th and 10th 2011, with the official launch of the (then) recently renovated Peters & Co Cafe and the Roxy museum, film screenings in the Roxy Theatre, and historic tours of the Roxy. On the Saturday night, a panagiri type festival was held; a black-tie gala ball with a twist. The main street was closed off. Inspired by Greek band Ha Va Le, people took to the streets dancing, singing and smashing plates. It was an unforgettable weekend.

On Tuesday 23 August 2011, Peter Prineas, author of the definitive history of the Roxy, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, conducted a talk at the Rotary Club of Belrose, on Sydney’s North Shore. The Rotary Club of Belrose is very active. It meets on Tuesday’s at the Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose.

As a result of Peter Prineas’ presentation the Belrose Rotary Club decided that they would make a trip to Bingara, to see the Roxy complex. The trip was planned to take place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013. Kos Psaltis, immediate Past President of Belrose Rotary, was the key organiser. He has a ‘connection’ to Bingara. Kos is married to Joanne (nee, Flaskas), whose mother Mary Flaskas (nee, Feros) was the youngest daughter of Peter Feros, one of the partners in the Roxy Cinema and Cafe ‘complex’. The other siblings of Mary, in birth order, included Katina, Jack and George.

A second connection for the Belrose Rotarians was that a past President - Henry Martin, a Methodist (Uniting Church) priest - had retired to live in the town.

The 58th National Convention of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was held between the 6th and the 13th October 2012. At the convention, Peter McCarthy, a member of the Roxy Museum Committee, delivered a talk about the Roxy ‘complex’.
As a result of that talk Sydney AHEPAN’s organised a 47 person bus trip to Bingara. On the 23rd February, 2013, they travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara. Their motivation to participate in such a pilgrimage was understandable. All had a Greek-Australian heritage, many had grown up in cafes, and AHEPA had been inaugurated in the north western New South Wales towns of Warialda and Scone. They were returning to their Greek-Australian, cafe, and AHEPAN roots.

An interesting feature of the Belrose Rotary pilgrimage, by contrast, was the fact that the majority of the “pilgrims” were not Greek by heritage.
The pilgrims consisted of 17 people travelling in a 20 seater bus, and 7 others travelling in 3 separate cars. The bus driver Chris Brownlee from Garigal Tours had been invited by Kos Psaltis to become a friend of Belrose Rotary. Chris’s wife Miriam also joined the ‘touring party’. This created a third connection to the town; Miriam’s family lives in Bingara. Her late brother had a property on the Narrabri road. Miriam’s sister in law and her children now live in town, and are involved with the Rural Fire Service. The pilgrimage was enhanced by the fact that driver, Chris Brownlee had a good working knowledge of the town and district.

The Psaltis/Feros connection

Kos and Joanne Psaltis feel a “powerful historical family connection” to Bingara. “We feel pride that Joanne’s family – her late grandfather – has added value to this town”. Both Joanne and I have watched the ABC's Landline program A Night at the Roxy, about the 75th Roxy Anniversary celebrations, many times.

The restoration of the Roxy Cinema has had a profound impact on both of them. “When we walked into the Roxy Cinema for the first time, Joanne and I had the same sensation, as we did many years ago, when we first walked into the Taj Mahal in India. You walk through these gates and there it is in front of you. A real ‘wow’ factor. When we were at the official opening here, and we walked into the cinema, it had the same ‘wow’ factor. The quality of the interior and the way it has been preserved is amazing.”

Both of Kos’s parents have always been involved in the cafe industry. His father Theodore Psaltis had a milk bar and coffee shop in Bondi Junction called the Savoy for many years, and all his father’s siblings were also involved with cafes. His mother Helen Psaltis (nee Trefilly) remembers that she began working in her father’s cafe, the Busy Bee, in Kingaroy, Queensland from primary school. She kept working in the cafe until she was married at 19 years of age.

What is her feeling about coming to see a preserved piece of Greek-Australian history like the Roxy? “I regard it as an honour”, she asserts. “In a sense it’s a memorial, and it makes the local people appreciate the contribution of the Greek-Australians”.

Kos added that “It’s all part of the great Australian story. It’s a particular ethnic group that has contributed significantly to modern Australian society. I look at it in that context ...You feel proud of the input that our Kytherian ancestors contributed so much to Australia.”

Kos was asked, what do you think the reaction is of the Australian’s who were not of a Greek background in your touring party to the Roxy and Bingara? “They have been very impressed. I think they have got a lot out of it”. This is corroborated by the testimony of some of the other members of the touring party.

Another former President of Belrose Rotary, Ron Furness, was in the ‘touring party’. He commented that they had had a great trip ‘up’, and that Bingara, and the Roxy ‘complex’ was a fascinating place.

“I’ve been reflecting about my good fortune to know Joanne Psaltis. Of hearing about how her family discovered their connection with the Roxy back in 2002. And before that, sadly...melancholy in a way...that it was a dark family secret....and I was reflecting on that comment by Joanne as I sit here in 2013, a beautiful, balmy afternoon, with a bit of breeze... enjoying a lovely cold beer, and thinking ...that, about 80 years or so ago these fellows had this dream....God only knows what their dream was, because I understand that they went broke pretty soon after. Hence the family shame. This has all been well documented in Peter Prineas' Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

But now, in 2013, their dream is still working, and people like me, who was born in London, and has had the pleasure of being in Greece many times. And had the good fortune of once setting foot on Kythera, for a brief trip, and spending many months on Greek Cyprus....and enjoyed the hospitality of Greek people, which is then extended to any group within the Greek pantheon; and I am astonished that 80 years later, the dream is still alive.”

Ron Furness was also made aware of the powerful influence that the Greek cafe has had on the town. “We met people on the way up here....we had the good fortune of stopping in Greek cafes all the way up...at least from Muswellbrook onwards...and we met people who were on the way here, or on the way home. When the topic of conversation turned to ...Bingara ...Oh, ROXY THEATRE!.... and they were all positive.

Interestingly Ron Furness had brought his young grandson Thomas along on the journey. He thoroughly enjoyed himself during all the activities, mixing with the oldies, “climbing a few hills, and doing a number of walks”. The pilgrimage was obviously something young people could also benefit from.

Alf Guy’s Bingara Report

Alf Guy, originally from South Africa, is the current President of the Belrose Rotary Club. He was delighted with the ‘welcome and hospitality’ the group received in Bingara.

The Roxy Museum, within the Roxy complex - the main reason for our trip to the North West – is in its final stages of restoration by the Gwydir Shire Council. The preservation of the art décor trappings is a majestic undertaking - and seeing the theatre brought back to its original glory must have been an emotional experience for Joanne Psaltis, whose late grandfather was one of the three Greek settlers, who created this glorious building. The Roxy, in the 21st century will almost certainly be the centrepiece of a rejuvenated Bingara.

Our group was also privileged to see a screening of the movie Red Dog in The Roxy Cinema!!

Bingara lies on the gently sloping southern bank of Gwydir River, which is a tributary of the the Murray-Darling River System. On the first morning of our stroll through Bingara, the air was cool, clear and still - the view northward, towards the river was picture perfect. This was the setting for much of our stay in the little town of 1300 people. The days were beautifully warm.

The restoration of The Roxy and its associated café is just one of many projects undertaken by this progressive community. The construction of an ecologically complex Living Classroom and the associated on-site accommodation are also in the final stages of completion.

The planting of orange trees on the nature strip in town and the communal harvesting of the fruit - without fear of vandalism, is another remarkable community spirited venture.

From Bingara, a journey in a south-westerly direction towards Narrabri takes you into the Mt Kaputar National Park. Mt Kaputar National Park with its ancient volcanic and glacial relics was an additional highlight of the trip. The geological history of the area really attracted us, and the Gwydir Valley is so beautiful and pristine. Our first stop was a magnificent gorge and waterfall, the Rocky Creek Glacial Area which lies 37 kms west of Bingara, is clearly signposted, and is reached a short distance from the main road turnoff. This geological wonder should not be missed! A vast amount of weathering and erosion has occurred over the years, so the original glacial landscape features have been changed by the subsequent flow of water. The Glacial Area is an excellent place to picnic and cool off in summer.

The journey from Bingara to Sawn Rocks was a very pleasant 1 hour drive in the bus. This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other. While this type of five-sided (pentagonal) ‘organ piping’ is not rare to lava flows, it is exceptionally rare to find them so perfectly formed and preserved and is recognised as being one of the best examples of columnar jointing in Australia. Coincidentally it looks very 'Grecian'.

Chris Brownlee had charge of some 18 ebullient folk in his mini coach for the trip. The animated conversations and free flow of spirited anecdotes made the trip lively and enjoyable. Chris kept up a well informed commentary as we travelled south westward through the rich and economically diverse Hunter Valley. Miriam, Chris`s wife, did a splendid job of serving refreshments at the eating, viewing and recreation stops.

During our stay in Bingara, we also ventured to the picnic area in the town, were we saw well preserved gold mining machinery. We also ventured up to H F Batterham Memorial Lookout, with its spectacular views across the town and the valley. (Ralph Hunt, M.H.R. for Gwydir, opened the H.F. Battherham Lookout overlooking Bingara in 1975. The lookout was the result of ten years work from 1964-1975 by Bingara Apex Club. It involved the clearing of land, the construction of an archway entrance and the provision of picnic shelters at the summit. The lookout was named as a tribute to the late Harold Francis Battherham, a local historian who worked tirelessly to promote tourism in the district).

We also visited the attractive and ecologically built River House, one of the superior accommodation facilities in the North West region. We were told that Peranjou Cottages, a refurbished woolshed which offers two self contained units situated side by side, was another interesting place to stay.

Together with the seven travellers in three cars and the mini coach group, which undertook the excursion to Bingara, our group injected many tourism dollars into the Bingara community.

Our appreciation for the planning of the trip by Past President Kos Psaltis, and his wife Joanne (nee, Flaskas), Psaltis and their connections, cannot be overstated. The planning, sometimes complex due to last minute changes, was meticulous. A great thank you to the Psaltis`s from all Rotary’s Bingara pilgrims.

The Roxy Cafe breakfast

Early on the morning of Sunday 29th September 2013, just before leaving to return to Sydney, the pilgrims met at the Roxy Cafe for breakfast. The service provided by Vio and his staff was excellent, and the atmosphere was convivial.

The group reminisced about their youthful experiences in Greek cafes, either as owners, staff or patrons.

The touring party were joined by four young adults, two female, two male, who some of the touring group had met on the evening before. They were twenty-something students living at one of the residential colleges at Sydney University.

They had been subjected to a "hazing" or "fagging" ceremony - still tolerated by University colleges today. The "hazing" was 'disguised' as a charity fund raising "event".

The students had been dressed up in outrageous clothing, the males had parts of their hair shaved, their money and credit cards had been 'confiscated' and they had been driven up to Bingara and left in the street. With these impediments placed before them, they were 'challenged' to get back to Sydney in the best way they knew how.

The young women, in particular, were quite distraught in the evening, and some of the Rotarian group invited the four students to meet for breakfast. They were also fairly confident that George C Poulos was returning back to Sydney in the morning, and that he would be able to provide them with 'a lift' home.

They arrived at the breakfast without money, but in true Rotarian 'civic duty' style, a "whip around" was arranged, and they were soon given enough money, not only to pay for their own breakfast, but also to pay for expenditure for a few days, if required.

Their presence at the breakfast made the event even more memorable, and, coupled with feelings of outrage, disbelief, and sympathy about how they had been treated, also generated a great deal of amusement and humour.

It was certainly a story that would be related at future dinner parties for many decades to come. Yet another entertaining "Roxy" story.

As it turned out George C Poulos did give them a lift back, and within 9 hours had safely deposited them outside the doors of their Sydney University residential college.

George speculated that the 'hazers' must have been bitterly disappointed when they saw their victims return so quickly, and in such good spirits.

Chris Brownlee’s impressions

Coach driver Chris Brownlee was very impressed with the Roxy ‘complex’. “It’s colossal history”. As we have discovered, there are many other attractions in and around Bingara.

Chris was also impressed by the ‘Living Classroom’ project, located in the town, off the Narrabri road. “This learning centre is going to be a talking point for years to come...for sure. For a small town Bingara has done exceptionally well. Something for other small towns to learn from as well.”

We need to teach young people farming again, and get people back on the farm. Particularly the young ones. The next generation is much more interested. My sister-in-law is into permaculture, and they are doing some of these innovative things on their six acres in the Macleay Valley. She’s learnt through horticultural classes in Brisbane. The next generation is moving towards being more self-sufficient, looking after nature, and getting back to nature. It’s all going to happen in that generation, who are in their 20’s now.”

A Greek-Australian and a rural Australian pilgrimage well within reach

Some people have commented that Bingara, 8 hours drive from Sydney and 7 hours drive from Brisbane, is a pilgrimage that is “too far away”.

This 'opinion' undermines the essential nature of pilgrimage – undertaking a transformative journey to a sacred centre, which should in some measure be ‘challenging’.

It was informative however, that most of the Rotary pilgrims did not find the journey onerous. Kos Psaltis argued that if asked if the pilgrimage was ‘too far’, “I would look at it differently. I would ask, “far away from what?” The implication of Kos's comment is that it is certainly not as onerous a pilgrimage as visiting the Acropolis or Kythera, for example. His mother Helen added, that “you see so many interesting towns and people on the way”.

Alf Guy revealed that on the journey ‘up’ Chris and Miriam Brownlee “entertained us all along way. At no time did we feel bored. The trip went very quickly...passengers and the group displayed a great deal of camaraderie....their friendship, jocular nature and flexibility made the trip very, very enjoyable’.

These comments reflected those that the 47 AHEPAN’s had made earlier in the year. Comments by Christine Lynch, National President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia were typical.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particularly after the Roxy Museum is completed". The journey to the Roxy is too interesting to be onerous.

As we discovered with young Thomas’s involvement, it engages children as well as adults.

As well as the attractions mentioned above, Bingara offers easy access to other interesting tourist destinations , such as:

Myall Creek Massacre Site

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park

Three Creeks Tourist Mine

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Copeton Dam

Manilla, world class paragliding

Above and beyond visiting the Roxy ‘complex’ there is much to do and see. Even spending a week in Bingara and district will not allow time to visit all the tourist attractions in the area.

Every Kytherian Australian and every Greek Australian is encouraged to visit Bingara and the Roxy – at least once in their lifetime.

Bingara Roxy Museum Grand Opening Celebrations

See the Gwydir Shire Council website for information about the opening
The opening of the museum will take place on Saturday 5 April 2014 and will be celebrated with Greek food and music, screenings in the historic Roxy Theatre, tours of the museum and culminating in a gala dinner on the Saturday evening. Further information on the opening celebrations will be provided as arrangements are finalised.

Accommodation in Bingara is limited, so all those planning to attend are advised to book their accommodation as soon as possible. During the 2011 75th Anniversary celebrations, visitors were accommodated in a number of surrounding towns, when Bingara accommodation was filled.

For more information please contact the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066.

Would you like to contribute to the Roxy Museum?

The Roxy Greek Museum is interested in hearing from you if you have objects or photographs that you might like to offer to the collection. For more information please contact the museum curator Peter Prineas on 0429 322 857.

Let us know if you would like to make a financial donation, or offer cafe paraphernalia to the Museum, download the Acquisition Form

Open full entry

29/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Chris Brownlee, bus proprietor, and driver for the Belrose Rotarians pilgrimage to the Roxy. Bingara

Chris and his wife Miriam own and operate Garigal Tours.

Belrose Rotarians, pilgrimage to Bingara

Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013

The 75th anniversary of the Roxy was celebrated on the weekend of April 9th and 10th 2011, with the official launch of the (then) recently renovated Peters & Co Cafe and the Roxy museum, film screenings in the Roxy Theatre, and historic tours of the Roxy. On the Saturday night, a panagiri type festival was held; a black-tie gala ball with a twist. The main street was closed off. Inspired by Greek band Ha Va Le, people took to the streets dancing, singing and smashing plates. It was an unforgettable weekend.

On Tuesday 23 August 2011, Peter Prineas, author of the definitive history of the Roxy, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, conducted a talk at the Rotary Club of Belrose, on Sydney’s North Shore. The Rotary Club of Belrose is very active. It meets on Tuesday’s at the Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose.

As a result of Peter Prineas’ presentation the Belrose Rotary Club decided that they would make a trip to Bingara, to see the Roxy complex. The trip was planned to take place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013. Kos Psaltis, immediate Past President of Belrose Rotary, was the key organiser. He has a ‘connection’ to Bingara. Kos is married to Joanne (nee, Flaskas), whose mother Mary Flaskas (nee, Feros) was the youngest daughter of Peter Feros, one of the partners in the Roxy Cinema and Cafe ‘complex’. The other siblings of Mary, in birth order, included Katina, Jack and George.

A second connection for the Belrose Rotarians was that a past President - Henry Martin, a Methodist (Uniting Church) priest - had retired to live in the town.

The 58th National Convention of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was held between the 6th and the 13th October 2012. At the convention, Peter McCarthy, a member of the Roxy Museum Committee, delivered a talk about the Roxy ‘complex’.
As a result of that talk Sydney AHEPAN’s organised a 47 person bus trip to Bingara. On the 23rd February, 2013, they travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara. Their motivation to participate in such a pilgrimage was understandable. All had a Greek-Australian heritage, many had grown up in cafes, and AHEPA had been inaugurated in the north western New South Wales towns of Warialda and Scone. They were returning to their Greek-Australian, cafe, and AHEPAN roots.

An interesting feature of the Belrose Rotary pilgrimage, by contrast, was the fact that the majority of the “pilgrims” were not Greek by heritage.
The pilgrims consisted of 17 people travelling in a 20 seater bus, and 7 others travelling in 3 separate cars. The bus driver Chris Brownlee from Garigal Tours had been invited by Kos Psaltis to become a friend of Belrose Rotary. Chris’s wife Miriam also joined the ‘touring party’. This created a third connection to the town; Miriam’s family lives in Bingara. Her late brother had a property on the Narrabri road. Miriam’s sister in law and her children now live in town, and are involved with the Rural Fire Service. The pilgrimage was enhanced by the fact that driver, Chris Brownlee had a good working knowledge of the town and district.

The Psaltis/Feros connection

Kos and Joanne Psaltis feel a “powerful historical family connection” to Bingara. “We feel pride that Joanne’s family – her late grandfather – has added value to this town”. Both Joanne and I have watched the ABC's Landline program A Night at the Roxy, about the 75th Roxy Anniversary celebrations, many times.

The restoration of the Roxy Cinema has had a profound impact on both of them. “When we walked into the Roxy Cinema for the first time, Joanne and I had the same sensation, as we did many years ago, when we first walked into the Taj Mahal in India. You walk through these gates and there it is in front of you. A real ‘wow’ factor. When we were at the official opening here, and we walked into the cinema, it had the same ‘wow’ factor. The quality of the interior and the way it has been preserved is amazing.”

Both of Kos’s parents have always been involved in the cafe industry. His father Theodore Psaltis had a milk bar and coffee shop in Bondi Junction called the Savoy for many years, and all his father’s siblings were also involved with cafes. His mother Helen Psaltis (nee Trefilly) remembers that she began working in her father’s cafe, the Busy Bee, in Kingaroy, Queensland from primary school. She kept working in the cafe until she was married at 19 years of age.

What is her feeling about coming to see a preserved piece of Greek-Australian history like the Roxy? “I regard it as an honour”, she asserts. “In a sense it’s a memorial, and it makes the local people appreciate the contribution of the Greek-Australians”.

Kos added that “It’s all part of the great Australian story. It’s a particular ethnic group that has contributed significantly to modern Australian society. I look at it in that context ...You feel proud of the input that our Kytherian ancestors contributed so much to Australia.”

Kos was asked, what do you think the reaction is of the Australian’s who were not of a Greek background in your touring party to the Roxy and Bingara? “They have been very impressed. I think they have got a lot out of it”. This is corroborated by the testimony of some of the other members of the touring party.

Another former President of Belrose Rotary, Ron Furness, was in the ‘touring party’. He commented that they had had a great trip ‘up’, and that Bingara, and the Roxy ‘complex’ was a fascinating place.

“I’ve been reflecting about my good fortune to know Joanne Psaltis. Of hearing about how her family discovered their connection with the Roxy back in 2002. And before that, sadly...melancholy in a way...that it was a dark family secret....and I was reflecting on that comment by Joanne as I sit here in 2013, a beautiful, balmy afternoon, with a bit of breeze... enjoying a lovely cold beer, and thinking ...that, about 80 years or so ago these fellows had this dream....God only knows what their dream was, because I understand that they went broke pretty soon after. Hence the family shame. This has all been well documented in Peter Prineas' Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

But now, in 2013, their dream is still working, and people like me, who was born in London, and has had the pleasure of being in Greece many times. And had the good fortune of once setting foot on Kythera, for a brief trip, and spending many months on Greek Cyprus....and enjoyed the hospitality of Greek people, which is then extended to any group within the Greek pantheon; and I am astonished that 80 years later, the dream is still alive.”

Ron Furness was also made aware of the powerful influence that the Greek cafe has had on the town. “We met people on the way up here....we had the good fortune of stopping in Greek cafes all the way up...at least from Muswellbrook onwards...and we met people who were on the way here, or on the way home. When the topic of conversation turned to ...Bingara ...Oh, ROXY THEATRE!.... and they were all positive.

Interestingly Ron Furness had brought his young grandson Thomas along on the journey. He thoroughly enjoyed himself during all the activities, mixing with the oldies, “climbing a few hills, and doing a number of walks”. The pilgrimage was obviously something young people could also benefit from.

Alf Guy’s Bingara Report

Alf Guy, originally from South Africa, is the current President of the Belrose Rotary Club. He was delighted with the ‘welcome and hospitality’ the group received in Bingara.

The Roxy Museum, within the Roxy complex - the main reason for our trip to the North West – is in its final stages of restoration by the Gwydir Shire Council. The preservation of the art décor trappings is a majestic undertaking - and seeing the theatre brought back to its original glory must have been an emotional experience for Joanne Psaltis, whose late grandfather was one of the three Greek settlers, who created this glorious building. The Roxy, in the 21st century will almost certainly be the centrepiece of a rejuvenated Bingara.

Our group was also privileged to see a screening of the movie Red Dog in The Roxy Cinema!!

Bingara lies on the gently sloping southern bank of Gwydir River, which is a tributary of the the Murray-Darling River System. On the first morning of our stroll through Bingara, the air was cool, clear and still - the view northward, towards the river was picture perfect. This was the setting for much of our stay in the little town of 1300 people. The days were beautifully warm.

The restoration of The Roxy and its associated café is just one of many projects undertaken by this progressive community. The construction of an ecologically complex Living Classroom and the associated on-site accommodation are also in the final stages of completion.

The planting of orange trees on the nature strip in town and the communal harvesting of the fruit - without fear of vandalism, is another remarkable community spirited venture.

From Bingara, a journey in a south-westerly direction towards Narrabri takes you into the Mt Kaputar National Park. Mt Kaputar National Park with its ancient volcanic and glacial relics was an additional highlight of the trip. The geological history of the area really attracted us, and the Gwydir Valley is so beautiful and pristine. Our first stop was a magnificent gorge and waterfall, the Rocky Creek Glacial Area which lies 37 kms west of Bingara, is clearly signposted, and is reached a short distance from the main road turnoff. This geological wonder should not be missed! A vast amount of weathering and erosion has occurred over the years, so the original glacial landscape features have been changed by the subsequent flow of water. The Glacial Area is an excellent place to picnic and cool off in summer.

The journey from Bingara to Sawn Rocks was a very pleasant 1 hour drive in the bus. This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other. While this type of five-sided (pentagonal) ‘organ piping’ is not rare to lava flows, it is exceptionally rare to find them so perfectly formed and preserved and is recognised as being one of the best examples of columnar jointing in Australia. Coincidentally it looks very 'Grecian'.

Chris Brownlee had charge of some 18 ebullient folk in his mini coach for the trip. The animated conversations and free flow of spirited anecdotes made the trip lively and enjoyable. Chris kept up a well informed commentary as we travelled south westward through the rich and economically diverse Hunter Valley. Miriam, Chris`s wife, did a splendid job of serving refreshments at the eating, viewing and recreation stops.

During our stay in Bingara, we also ventured to the picnic area in the town, were we saw well preserved gold mining machinery. We also ventured up to H F Batterham Memorial Lookout, with its spectacular views across the town and the valley. (Ralph Hunt, M.H.R. for Gwydir, opened the H.F. Battherham Lookout overlooking Bingara in 1975. The lookout was the result of ten years work from 1964-1975 by Bingara Apex Club. It involved the clearing of land, the construction of an archway entrance and the provision of picnic shelters at the summit. The lookout was named as a tribute to the late Harold Francis Battherham, a local historian who worked tirelessly to promote tourism in the district).

We also visited the attractive and ecologically built River House, one of the superior accommodation facilities in the North West region. We were told that Peranjou Cottages, a refurbished woolshed which offers two self contained units situated side by side, was another interesting place to stay.

Together with the seven travellers in three cars and the mini coach group, which undertook the excursion to Bingara, our group injected many tourism dollars into the Bingara community.

Our appreciation for the planning of the trip by Past President Kos Psaltis, and his wife Joanne (nee, Flaskas), Psaltis and their connections, cannot be overstated. The planning, sometimes complex due to last minute changes, was meticulous. A great thank you to the Psaltis`s from all Rotary’s Bingara pilgrims.

The Roxy Cafe breakfast

Early on the morning of Sunday 29th September 2013, just before leaving to return to Sydney, the pilgrims met at the Roxy Cafe for breakfast. The service provided by Vio and his staff was excellent, and the atmosphere was convivial.

The group reminisced about their youthful experiences in Greek cafes, either as owners, staff or patrons.

The touring party were joined by four young adults, two female, two male, who some of the touring group had met on the evening before. They were twenty-something students living at one of the residential colleges at Sydney University.

They had been subjected to a "hazing" or "fagging" ceremony - still tolerated by University colleges today. The "hazing" was 'disguised' as a charity fund raising "event".

The students had been dressed up in outrageous clothing, the males had parts of their hair shaved, their money and credit cards had been 'confiscated' and they had been driven up to Bingara and left in the street. With these impediments placed before them, they were 'challenged' to get back to Sydney in the best way they knew how.

The young women, in particular, were quite distraught in the evening, and some of the Rotarian group invited the four students to meet for breakfast. They were also fairly confident that George C Poulos was returning back to Sydney in the morning, and that he would be able to provide them with 'a lift' home.

They arrived at the breakfast without money, but in true Rotarian 'civic duty' style, a "whip around" was arranged, and they were soon given enough money, not only to pay for their own breakfast, but also to pay for expenditure for a few days, if required.

Their presence at the breakfast made the event even more memorable, and, coupled with feelings of outrage, disbelief, and sympathy about how they had been treated, also generated a great deal of amusement and humour.

It was certainly a story that would be related at future dinner parties for many decades to come. Yet another entertaining "Roxy" story.

As it turned out George C Poulos did give them a lift back, and within 9 hours had safely deposited them outside the doors of their Sydney University residential college.

George speculated that the 'hazers' must have been bitterly disappointed when they saw their victims return so quickly, and in such good spirits.

Chris Brownlee’s impressions

Coach driver Chris Brownlee was very impressed with the Roxy ‘complex’. “It’s colossal history”. As we have discovered, there are many other attractions in and around Bingara.

Chris was also impressed by the ‘Living Classroom’ project, located in the town, off the Narrabri road. “This learning centre is going to be a talking point for years to come...for sure. For a small town Bingara has done exceptionally well. Something for other small towns to learn from as well.”

We need to teach young people farming again, and get people back on the farm. Particularly the young ones. The next generation is much more interested. My sister-in-law is into permaculture, and they are doing some of these innovative things on their six acres in the Macleay Valley. She’s learnt through horticultural classes in Brisbane. The next generation is moving towards being more self-sufficient, looking after nature, and getting back to nature. It’s all going to happen in that generation, who are in their 20’s now.”

A Greek-Australian and a rural Australian pilgrimage well within reach

Some people have commented that Bingara, 8 hours drive from Sydney and 7 hours drive from Brisbane, is a pilgrimage that is “too far away”.

This 'opinion' undermines the essential nature of pilgrimage – undertaking a transformative journey to a sacred centre, which should in some measure be ‘challenging’.

It was informative however, that most of the Rotary pilgrims did not find the journey onerous. Kos Psaltis argued that if asked if the pilgrimage was ‘too far’, “I would look at it differently. I would ask, “far away from what?” The implication of Kos's comment is that it is certainly not as onerous a pilgrimage as visiting the Acropolis or Kythera, for example. His mother Helen added, that “you see so many interesting towns and people on the way”.

Alf Guy revealed that on the journey ‘up’ Chris and Miriam Brownlee “entertained us all along way. At no time did we feel bored. The trip went very quickly...passengers and the group displayed a great deal of camaraderie....their friendship, jocular nature and flexibility made the trip very, very enjoyable’.

These comments reflected those that the 47 AHEPAN’s had made earlier in the year. Comments by Christine Lynch, National President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia were typical.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particularly after the Roxy Museum is completed". The journey to the Roxy is too interesting to be onerous.

As we discovered with young Thomas’s involvement, it engages children as well as adults.

As well as the attractions mentioned above, Bingara offers easy access to other interesting tourist destinations , such as:

Myall Creek Massacre Site

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park

Three Creeks Tourist Mine

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Copeton Dam

Manilla, world class paragliding

Above and beyond visiting the Roxy ‘complex’ there is much to do and see. Even spending a week in Bingara and district will not allow time to visit all the tourist attractions in the area.

Every Kytherian Australian and every Greek Australian is encouraged to visit Bingara and the Roxy – at least once in their lifetime.

Bingara Roxy Museum Grand Opening Celebrations

See the Gwydir Shire Council website for information about the opening
The opening of the museum will take place on Saturday 5 April 2014 and will be celebrated with Greek food and music, screenings in the historic Roxy Theatre, tours of the museum and culminating in a gala dinner on the Saturday evening. Further information on the opening celebrations will be provided as arrangements are finalised.

Accommodation in Bingara is limited, so all those planning to attend are advised to book their accommodation as soon as possible. During the 2011 75th Anniversary celebrations, visitors were accommodated in a number of surrounding towns, when Bingara accommodation was filled.

For more information please contact the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066.

Would you like to contribute to the Roxy Museum?

The Roxy Greek Museum is interested in hearing from you if you have objects or photographs that you might like to offer to the collection. For more information please contact the museum curator Peter Prineas on 0429 322 857.

Let us know if you would like to make a financial donation, or offer cafe paraphernalia to the Museum, download the Acquisition Form

Open full entry

29/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Belrose Rotarian President Alf Guy, and George C Poulos

listening and learning about the Living Classroom project, on site, Bingara, NSW.

Alf Guy was very enthusiastic about many of the initiatives undertaken in the town of Bingara, and the natural beauty of the the surrounding district.

Belrose Rotarians, pilgrimage to Bingara

Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013

The 75th anniversary of the Roxy was celebrated on the weekend of April 9th and 10th 2011, with the official launch of the (then) recently renovated Peters & Co Cafe and the Roxy museum, film screenings in the Roxy Theatre, and historic tours of the Roxy. On the Saturday night, a panagiri type festival was held; a black-tie gala ball with a twist. The main street was closed off. Inspired by Greek band Ha Va Le, people took to the streets dancing, singing and smashing plates. It was an unforgettable weekend.

On Tuesday 23 August 2011, Peter Prineas, author of the definitive history of the Roxy, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, conducted a talk at the Rotary Club of Belrose, on Sydney’s North Shore. The Rotary Club of Belrose is very active. It meets on Tuesday’s at the Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose.

As a result of Peter Prineas’ presentation the Belrose Rotary Club decided that they would make a trip to Bingara, to see the Roxy complex. The trip was planned to take place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013. Kos Psaltis, immediate Past President of Belrose Rotary, was the key organiser. He has a ‘connection’ to Bingara. Kos is married to Joanne (nee, Flaskas), whose mother Mary Flaskas (nee, Feros) was the youngest daughter of Peter Feros, one of the partners in the Roxy Cinema and Cafe ‘complex’. The other siblings of Mary, in birth order, included Katina, Jack and George.

A second connection for the Belrose Rotarians was that a past President - Henry Martin, a Methodist (Uniting Church) priest - had retired to live in the town.

The 58th National Convention of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was held between the 6th and the 13th October 2012. At the convention, Peter McCarthy, a member of the Roxy Museum Committee, delivered a talk about the Roxy ‘complex’.
As a result of that talk Sydney AHEPAN’s organised a 47 person bus trip to Bingara. On the 23rd February, 2013, they travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara. Their motivation to participate in such a pilgrimage was understandable. All had a Greek-Australian heritage, many had grown up in cafes, and AHEPA had been inaugurated in the north western New South Wales towns of Warialda and Scone. They were returning to their Greek-Australian, cafe, and AHEPAN roots.

An interesting feature of the Belrose Rotary pilgrimage, by contrast, was the fact that the majority of the “pilgrims” were not Greek by heritage.
The pilgrims consisted of 17 people travelling in a 20 seater bus, and 7 others travelling in 3 separate cars. The bus driver Chris Brownlee from Garigal Tours had been invited by Kos Psaltis to become a friend of Belrose Rotary. Chris’s wife Miriam also joined the ‘touring party’. This created a third connection to the town; Miriam’s family lives in Bingara. Her late brother had a property on the Narrabri road. Miriam’s sister in law and her children now live in town, and are involved with the Rural Fire Service. The pilgrimage was enhanced by the fact that driver, Chris Brownlee had a good working knowledge of the town and district.

The Psaltis/Feros connection

Kos and Joanne Psaltis feel a “powerful historical family connection” to Bingara. “We feel pride that Joanne’s family – her late grandfather – has added value to this town”. Both Joanne and I have watched the ABC's Landline program A Night at the Roxy, about the 75th Roxy Anniversary celebrations, many times.

The restoration of the Roxy Cinema has had a profound impact on both of them. “When we walked into the Roxy Cinema for the first time, Joanne and I had the same sensation, as we did many years ago, when we first walked into the Taj Mahal in India. You walk through these gates and there it is in front of you. A real ‘wow’ factor. When we were at the official opening here, and we walked into the cinema, it had the same ‘wow’ factor. The quality of the interior and the way it has been preserved is amazing.”

Both of Kos’s parents have always been involved in the cafe industry. His father Theodore Psaltis had a milk bar and coffee shop in Bondi Junction called the Savoy for many years, and all his father’s siblings were also involved with cafes. His mother Helen Psaltis (nee Trefilly) remembers that she began working in her father’s cafe, the Busy Bee, in Kingaroy, Queensland from primary school. She kept working in the cafe until she was married at 19 years of age.

What is her feeling about coming to see a preserved piece of Greek-Australian history like the Roxy? “I regard it as an honour”, she asserts. “In a sense it’s a memorial, and it makes the local people appreciate the contribution of the Greek-Australians”.

Kos added that “It’s all part of the great Australian story. It’s a particular ethnic group that has contributed significantly to modern Australian society. I look at it in that context ...You feel proud of the input that our Kytherian ancestors contributed so much to Australia.”

Kos was asked, what do you think the reaction is of the Australian’s who were not of a Greek background in your touring party to the Roxy and Bingara? “They have been very impressed. I think they have got a lot out of it”. This is corroborated by the testimony of some of the other members of the touring party.

Another former President of Belrose Rotary, Ron Furness, was in the ‘touring party’. He commented that they had had a great trip ‘up’, and that Bingara, and the Roxy ‘complex’ was a fascinating place.

“I’ve been reflecting about my good fortune to know Joanne Psaltis. Of hearing about how her family discovered their connection with the Roxy back in 2002. And before that, sadly...melancholy in a way...that it was a dark family secret....and I was reflecting on that comment by Joanne as I sit here in 2013, a beautiful, balmy afternoon, with a bit of breeze... enjoying a lovely cold beer, and thinking ...that, about 80 years or so ago these fellows had this dream....God only knows what their dream was, because I understand that they went broke pretty soon after. Hence the family shame. This has all been well documented in Peter Prineas' Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

But now, in 2013, their dream is still working, and people like me, who was born in London, and has had the pleasure of being in Greece many times. And had the good fortune of once setting foot on Kythera, for a brief trip, and spending many months on Greek Cyprus....and enjoyed the hospitality of Greek people, which is then extended to any group within the Greek pantheon; and I am astonished that 80 years later, the dream is still alive.”

Ron Furness was also made aware of the powerful influence that the Greek cafe has had on the town. “We met people on the way up here....we had the good fortune of stopping in Greek cafes all the way up...at least from Muswellbrook onwards...and we met people who were on the way here, or on the way home. When the topic of conversation turned to ...Bingara ...Oh, ROXY THEATRE!.... and they were all positive.

Interestingly Ron Furness had brought his young grandson Thomas along on the journey. He thoroughly enjoyed himself during all the activities, mixing with the oldies, “climbing a few hills, and doing a number of walks”. The pilgrimage was obviously something young people could also benefit from.

Alf Guy’s Bingara Report

Alf Guy, originally from South Africa, is the current President of the Belrose Rotary Club. He was delighted with the ‘welcome and hospitality’ the group received in Bingara.

The Roxy Museum, within the Roxy complex - the main reason for our trip to the North West – is in its final stages of restoration by the Gwydir Shire Council. The preservation of the art décor trappings is a majestic undertaking - and seeing the theatre brought back to its original glory must have been an emotional experience for Joanne Psaltis, whose late grandfather was one of the three Greek settlers, who created this glorious building. The Roxy, in the 21st century will almost certainly be the centrepiece of a rejuvenated Bingara.

Our group was also privileged to see a screening of the movie Red Dog in The Roxy Cinema!!

Bingara lies on the gently sloping southern bank of Gwydir River, which is a tributary of the the Murray-Darling River System. On the first morning of our stroll through Bingara, the air was cool, clear and still - the view northward, towards the river was picture perfect. This was the setting for much of our stay in the little town of 1300 people. The days were beautifully warm.

The restoration of The Roxy and its associated café is just one of many projects undertaken by this progressive community. The construction of an ecologically complex Living Classroom and the associated on-site accommodation are also in the final stages of completion.

The planting of orange trees on the nature strip in town and the communal harvesting of the fruit - without fear of vandalism, is another remarkable community spirited venture.

From Bingara, a journey in a south-westerly direction towards Narrabri takes you into the Mt Kaputar National Park. Mt Kaputar National Park with its ancient volcanic and glacial relics was an additional highlight of the trip. The geological history of the area really attracted us, and the Gwydir Valley is so beautiful and pristine. Our first stop was a magnificent gorge and waterfall, the Rocky Creek Glacial Area which lies 37 kms west of Bingara, is clearly signposted, and is reached a short distance from the main road turnoff. This geological wonder should not be missed! A vast amount of weathering and erosion has occurred over the years, so the original glacial landscape features have been changed by the subsequent flow of water. The Glacial Area is an excellent place to picnic and cool off in summer.

The journey from Bingara to Sawn Rocks was a very pleasant 1 hour drive in the bus. This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other. While this type of five-sided (pentagonal) ‘organ piping’ is not rare to lava flows, it is exceptionally rare to find them so perfectly formed and preserved and is recognised as being one of the best examples of columnar jointing in Australia. Coincidentally it looks very 'Grecian'.

Chris Brownlee had charge of some 18 ebullient folk in his mini coach for the trip. The animated conversations and free flow of spirited anecdotes made the trip lively and enjoyable. Chris kept up a well informed commentary as we travelled south westward through the rich and economically diverse Hunter Valley. Miriam, Chris`s wife, did a splendid job of serving refreshments at the eating, viewing and recreation stops.

During our stay in Bingara, we also ventured to the picnic area in the town, were we saw well preserved gold mining machinery. We also ventured up to H F Batterham Memorial Lookout, with its spectacular views across the town and the valley. (Ralph Hunt, M.H.R. for Gwydir, opened the H.F. Battherham Lookout overlooking Bingara in 1975. The lookout was the result of ten years work from 1964-1975 by Bingara Apex Club. It involved the clearing of land, the construction of an archway entrance and the provision of picnic shelters at the summit. The lookout was named as a tribute to the late Harold Francis Battherham, a local historian who worked tirelessly to promote tourism in the district).

We also visited the attractive and ecologically built River House, one of the superior accommodation facilities in the North West region. We were told that Peranjou Cottages, a refurbished woolshed which offers two self contained units situated side by side, was another interesting place to stay.

Together with the seven travellers in three cars and the mini coach group, which undertook the excursion to Bingara, our group injected many tourism dollars into the Bingara community.

Our appreciation for the planning of the trip by Past President Kos Psaltis, and his wife Joanne (nee, Flaskas), Psaltis and their connections, cannot be overstated. The planning, sometimes complex due to last minute changes, was meticulous. A great thank you to the Psaltis`s from all Rotary’s Bingara pilgrims.

The Roxy Cafe breakfast

Early on the morning of Sunday 29th September 2013, just before leaving to return to Sydney, the pilgrims met at the Roxy Cafe for breakfast. The service provided by Vio and his staff was excellent, and the atmosphere was convivial.

The group reminisced about their youthful experiences in Greek cafes, either as owners, staff or patrons.

The touring party were joined by four young adults, two female, two male, who some of the touring group had met on the evening before. They were twenty-something students living at one of the residential colleges at Sydney University.

They had been subjected to a "hazing" or "fagging" ceremony - still tolerated by University colleges today. The "hazing" was 'disguised' as a charity fund raising "event".

The students had been dressed up in outrageous clothing, the males had parts of their hair shaved, their money and credit cards had been 'confiscated' and they had been driven up to Bingara and left in the street. With these impediments placed before them, they were 'challenged' to get back to Sydney in the best way they knew how.

The young women, in particular, were quite distraught in the evening, and some of the Rotarian group invited the four students to meet for breakfast. They were also fairly confident that George C Poulos was returning back to Sydney in the morning, and that he would be able to provide them with 'a lift' home.

They arrived at the breakfast without money, but in true Rotarian 'civic duty' style, a "whip around" was arranged, and they were soon given enough money, not only to pay for their own breakfast, but also to pay for expenditure for a few days, if required.

Their presence at the breakfast made the event even more memorable, and, coupled with feelings of outrage, disbelief, and sympathy about how they had been treated, also generated a great deal of amusement and humour.

It was certainly a story that would be related at future dinner parties for many decades to come. Yet another entertaining "Roxy" story.

As it turned out George C Poulos did give them a lift back, and within 9 hours had safely deposited them outside the doors of their Sydney University residential college.

George speculated that the 'hazers' must have been bitterly disappointed when they saw their victims return so quickly, and in such good spirits.

Chris Brownlee’s impressions

Coach driver Chris Brownlee was very impressed with the Roxy ‘complex’. “It’s colossal history”. As we have discovered, there are many other attractions in and around Bingara.

Chris was also impressed by the ‘Living Classroom’ project, located in the town, off the Narrabri road. “This learning centre is going to be a talking point for years to come...for sure. For a small town Bingara has done exceptionally well. Something for other small towns to learn from as well.”

We need to teach young people farming again, and get people back on the farm. Particularly the young ones. The next generation is much more interested. My sister-in-law is into permaculture, and they are doing some of these innovative things on their six acres in the Macleay Valley. She’s learnt through horticultural classes in Brisbane. The next generation is moving towards being more self-sufficient, looking after nature, and getting back to nature. It’s all going to happen in that generation, who are in their 20’s now.”

A Greek-Australian and a rural Australian pilgrimage well within reach

Some people have commented that Bingara, 8 hours drive from Sydney and 7 hours drive from Brisbane, is a pilgrimage that is “too far away”.

This 'opinion' undermines the essential nature of pilgrimage – undertaking a transformative journey to a sacred centre, which should in some measure be ‘challenging’.

It was informative however, that most of the Rotary pilgrims did not find the journey onerous. Kos Psaltis argued that if asked if the pilgrimage was ‘too far’, “I would look at it differently. I would ask, “far away from what?” The implication of Kos's comment is that it is certainly not as onerous a pilgrimage as visiting the Acropolis or Kythera, for example. His mother Helen added, that “you see so many interesting towns and people on the way”.

Alf Guy revealed that on the journey ‘up’ Chris and Miriam Brownlee “entertained us all along way. At no time did we feel bored. The trip went very quickly...passengers and the group displayed a great deal of camaraderie....their friendship, jocular nature and flexibility made the trip very, very enjoyable’.

These comments reflected those that the 47 AHEPAN’s had made earlier in the year. Comments by Christine Lynch, National President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia were typical.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particularly after the Roxy Museum is completed". The journey to the Roxy is too interesting to be onerous.

As we discovered with young Thomas’s involvement, it engages children as well as adults.

As well as the attractions mentioned above, Bingara offers easy access to other interesting tourist destinations , such as:

Myall Creek Massacre Site

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park

Three Creeks Tourist Mine

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Copeton Dam

Manilla, world class paragliding

Above and beyond visiting the Roxy ‘complex’ there is much to do and see. Even spending a week in Bingara and district will not allow time to visit all the tourist attractions in the area.

Every Kytherian Australian and every Greek Australian is encouraged to visit Bingara and the Roxy – at least once in their lifetime.

Bingara Roxy Museum Grand Opening Celebrations

See the Gwydir Shire Council website for information about the opening
The opening of the museum will take place on Saturday 5 April 2014 and will be celebrated with Greek food and music, screenings in the historic Roxy Theatre, tours of the museum and culminating in a gala dinner on the Saturday evening. Further information on the opening celebrations will be provided as arrangements are finalised.

Accommodation in Bingara is limited, so all those planning to attend are advised to book their accommodation as soon as possible. During the 2011 75th Anniversary celebrations, visitors were accommodated in a number of surrounding towns, when Bingara accommodation was filled.

For more information please contact the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066.

Would you like to contribute to the Roxy Museum?

The Roxy Greek Museum is interested in hearing from you if you have objects or photographs that you might like to offer to the collection. For more information please contact the museum curator Peter Prineas on 0429 322 857.

Let us know if you would like to make a financial donation, or offer cafe paraphernalia to the Museum, download the Acquisition Form

Open full entry

27/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Belrose Rotarians, on the Brownlee bus, during their pilgrimage to Bingara

Belrose Rotarians, pilgrimage to Bingara

Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013

The 75th anniversary of the Roxy was celebrated on the weekend of April 9th and 10th 2011, with the official launch of the (then) recently renovated Peters & Co Cafe and the Roxy museum, film screenings in the Roxy Theatre, and historic tours of the Roxy. On the Saturday night, a panagiri type festival was held; a black-tie gala ball with a twist. The main street was closed off. Inspired by Greek band Ha Va Le, people took to the streets dancing, singing and smashing plates. It was an unforgettable weekend.

On Tuesday 23 August 2011, Peter Prineas, author of the definitive history of the Roxy, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, conducted a talk at the Rotary Club of Belrose, on Sydney’s North Shore. The Rotary Club of Belrose is very active. It meets on Tuesday’s at the Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose.

As a result of Peter Prineas’ presentation the Belrose Rotary Club decided that they would make a trip to Bingara, to see the Roxy complex. The trip was planned to take place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013. Kos Psaltis, immediate Past President of Belrose Rotary, was the key organiser. He has a ‘connection’ to Bingara. Kos is married to Joanne (nee, Flaskas), whose mother Mary Flaskas (nee, Feros) was the youngest daughter of Peter Feros, one of the partners in the Roxy Cinema and Cafe ‘complex’. The other siblings of Mary, in birth order, included Katina, Jack and George.

A second connection for the Belrose Rotarians was that a past President - Henry Martin, a Methodist (Uniting Church) priest - had retired to live in the town.

The 58th National Convention of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was held between the 6th and the 13th October 2012. At the convention, Peter McCarthy, a member of the Roxy Museum Committee, delivered a talk about the Roxy ‘complex’.
As a result of that talk Sydney AHEPAN’s organised a 47 person bus trip to Bingara. On the 23rd February, 2013, they travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara. Their motivation to participate in such a pilgrimage was understandable. All had a Greek-Australian heritage, many had grown up in cafes, and AHEPA had been inaugurated in the north western New South Wales towns of Warialda and Scone. They were returning to their Greek-Australian, cafe, and AHEPAN roots.

An interesting feature of the Belrose Rotary pilgrimage, by contrast, was the fact that the majority of the “pilgrims” were not Greek by heritage.
The pilgrims consisted of 17 people travelling in a 20 seater bus, and 7 others travelling in 3 separate cars. The bus driver Chris Brownlee from Garigal Tours had been invited by Kos Psaltis to become a friend of Belrose Rotary. Chris’s wife Miriam also joined the ‘touring party’. This created a third connection to the town; Miriam’s family lives in Bingara. Her late brother had a property on the Narrabri road. Miriam’s sister in law and her children now live in town, and are involved with the Rural Fire Service. The pilgrimage was enhanced by the fact that driver, Chris Brownlee had a good working knowledge of the town and district.

The Psaltis/Feros connection

Kos and Joanne Psaltis feel a “powerful historical family connection” to Bingara. “We feel pride that Joanne’s family – her late grandfather – has added value to this town”. Both Joanne and I have watched the ABC's Landline program A Night at the Roxy, about the 75th Roxy Anniversary celebrations, many times.

The restoration of the Roxy Cinema has had a profound impact on both of them. “When we walked into the Roxy Cinema for the first time, Joanne and I had the same sensation, as we did many years ago, when we first walked into the Taj Mahal in India. You walk through these gates and there it is in front of you. A real ‘wow’ factor. When we were at the official opening here, and we walked into the cinema, it had the same ‘wow’ factor. The quality of the interior and the way it has been preserved is amazing.”

Both of Kos’s parents have always been involved in the cafe industry. His father Theodore Psaltis had a milk bar and coffee shop in Bondi Junction called the Savoy for many years, and all his father’s siblings were also involved with cafes. His mother Helen Psaltis (nee Trefilly) remembers that she began working in her father’s cafe, the Busy Bee, in Kingaroy, Queensland from primary school. She kept working in the cafe until she was married at 19 years of age.

What is her feeling about coming to see a preserved piece of Greek-Australian history like the Roxy? “I regard it as an honour”, she asserts. “In a sense it’s a memorial, and it makes the local people appreciate the contribution of the Greek-Australians”.

Kos added that “It’s all part of the great Australian story. It’s a particular ethnic group that has contributed significantly to modern Australian society. I look at it in that context ...You feel proud of the input that our Kytherian ancestors contributed so much to Australia.”

Kos was asked, what do you think the reaction is of the Australian’s who were not of a Greek background in your touring party to the Roxy and Bingara? “They have been very impressed. I think they have got a lot out of it”. This is corroborated by the testimony of some of the other members of the touring party.

Another former President of Belrose Rotary, Ron Furness, was in the ‘touring party’. He commented that they had had a great trip ‘up’, and that Bingara, and the Roxy ‘complex’ was a fascinating place.

“I’ve been reflecting about my good fortune to know Joanne Psaltis. Of hearing about how her family discovered their connection with the Roxy back in 2002. And before that, sadly...melancholy in a way...that it was a dark family secret....and I was reflecting on that comment by Joanne as I sit here in 2013, a beautiful, balmy afternoon, with a bit of breeze... enjoying a lovely cold beer, and thinking ...that, about 80 years or so ago these fellows had this dream....God only knows what their dream was, because I understand that they went broke pretty soon after. Hence the family shame. This has all been well documented in Peter Prineas' Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

But now, in 2013, their dream is still working, and people like me, who was born in London, and has had the pleasure of being in Greece many times. And had the good fortune of once setting foot on Kythera, for a brief trip, and spending many months on Greek Cyprus....and enjoyed the hospitality of Greek people, which is then extended to any group within the Greek pantheon; and I am astonished that 80 years later, the dream is still alive.”

Ron Furness was also made aware of the powerful influence that the Greek cafe has had on the town. “We met people on the way up here....we had the good fortune of stopping in Greek cafes all the way up...at least from Muswellbrook onwards...and we met people who were on the way here, or on the way home. When the topic of conversation turned to ...Bingara ...Oh, ROXY THEATRE!.... and they were all positive.

Interestingly Ron Furness had brought his young grandson Thomas along on the journey. He thoroughly enjoyed himself during all the activities, mixing with the oldies, “climbing a few hills, and doing a number of walks”. The pilgrimage was obviously something young people could also benefit from.

Alf Guy’s Bingara Report

Alf Guy, originally from South Africa, is the current President of the Belrose Rotary Club. He was delighted with the ‘welcome and hospitality’ the group received in Bingara.

The Roxy Museum, within the Roxy complex - the main reason for our trip to the North West – is in its final stages of restoration by the Gwydir Shire Council. The preservation of the art décor trappings is a majestic undertaking - and seeing the theatre brought back to its original glory must have been an emotional experience for Joanne Psaltis, whose late grandfather was one of the three Greek settlers, who created this glorious building. The Roxy, in the 21st century will almost certainly be the centrepiece of a rejuvenated Bingara.

Our group was also privileged to see a screening of the movie Red Dog in The Roxy Cinema!!

Bingara lies on the gently sloping southern bank of Gwydir River, which is a tributary of the the Murray-Darling River System. On the first morning of our stroll through Bingara, the air was cool, clear and still - the view northward, towards the river was picture perfect. This was the setting for much of our stay in the little town of 1300 people. The days were beautifully warm.

The restoration of The Roxy and its associated café is just one of many projects undertaken by this progressive community. The construction of an ecologically complex Living Classroom and the associated on-site accommodation are also in the final stages of completion.

The planting of orange trees on the nature strip in town and the communal harvesting of the fruit - without fear of vandalism, is another remarkable community spirited venture.

From Bingara, a journey in a south-westerly direction towards Narrabri takes you into the Mt Kaputar National Park. Mt Kaputar National Park with its ancient volcanic and glacial relics was an additional highlight of the trip. The geological history of the area really attracted us, and the Gwydir Valley is so beautiful and pristine. Our first stop was a magnificent gorge and waterfall, the Rocky Creek Glacial Area which lies 37 kms west of Bingara, is clearly signposted, and is reached a short distance from the main road turnoff. This geological wonder should not be missed! A vast amount of weathering and erosion has occurred over the years, so the original glacial landscape features have been changed by the subsequent flow of water. The Glacial Area is an excellent place to picnic and cool off in summer.

The journey from Bingara to Sawn Rocks was a very pleasant 1 hour drive in the bus. This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other. While this type of five-sided (pentagonal) ‘organ piping’ is not rare to lava flows, it is exceptionally rare to find them so perfectly formed and preserved and is recognised as being one of the best examples of columnar jointing in Australia. Coincidentally it looks very 'Grecian'.

Chris Brownlee had charge of some 18 ebullient folk in his mini coach for the trip. The animated conversations and free flow of spirited anecdotes made the trip lively and enjoyable. Chris kept up a well informed commentary as we travelled south westward through the rich and economically diverse Hunter Valley. Miriam, Chris`s wife, did a splendid job of serving refreshments at the eating, viewing and recreation stops.

During our stay in Bingara, we also ventured to the picnic area in the town, were we saw well preserved gold mining machinery. We also ventured up to H F Batterham Memorial Lookout, with its spectacular views across the town and the valley. (Ralph Hunt, M.H.R. for Gwydir, opened the H.F. Battherham Lookout overlooking Bingara in 1975. The lookout was the result of ten years work from 1964-1975 by Bingara Apex Club. It involved the clearing of land, the construction of an archway entrance and the provision of picnic shelters at the summit. The lookout was named as a tribute to the late Harold Francis Battherham, a local historian who worked tirelessly to promote tourism in the district).

We also visited the attractive and ecologically built River House, one of the superior accommodation facilities in the North West region. We were told that Peranjou Cottages, a refurbished woolshed which offers two self contained units situated side by side, was another interesting place to stay.

Together with the seven travellers in three cars and the mini coach group, which undertook the excursion to Bingara, our group injected many tourism dollars into the Bingara community.

Our appreciation for the planning of the trip by Past President Kos Psaltis, and his wife Joanne (nee, Flaskas), Psaltis and their connections, cannot be overstated. The planning, sometimes complex due to last minute changes, was meticulous. A great thank you to the Psaltis`s from all Rotary’s Bingara pilgrims.

The Roxy Cafe breakfast

Early on the morning of Sunday 29th September 2013, just before leaving to return to Sydney, the pilgrims met at the Roxy Cafe for breakfast. The service provided by Vio and his staff was excellent, and the atmosphere was convivial.

The group reminisced about their youthful experiences in Greek cafes, either as owners, staff or patrons.

The touring party were joined by four young adults, two female, two male, who some of the touring group had met on the evening before. They were twenty-something students living at one of the residential colleges at Sydney University.

They had been subjected to a "hazing" or "fagging" ceremony - still tolerated by University colleges today. The "hazing" was 'disguised' as a charity fund raising "event".

The students had been dressed up in outrageous clothing, the males had parts of their hair shaved, their money and credit cards had been 'confiscated' and they had been driven up to Bingara and left in the street. With these impediments placed before them, they were 'challenged' to get back to Sydney in the best way they knew how.

The young women, in particular, were quite distraught in the evening, and some of the Rotarian group invited the four students to meet for breakfast. They were also fairly confident that George C Poulos was returning back to Sydney in the morning, and that he would be able to provide them with 'a lift' home.

They arrived at the breakfast without money, but in true Rotarian 'civic duty' style, a "whip around" was arranged, and they were soon given enough money, not only to pay for their own breakfast, but also to pay for expenditure for a few days, if required.

Their presence at the breakfast made the event even more memorable, and, coupled with feelings of outrage, disbelief, and sympathy about how they had been treated, also generated a great deal of amusement and humour.

It was certainly a story that would be related at future dinner parties for many decades to come. Yet another entertaining "Roxy" story.

As it turned out George C Poulos did give them a lift back, and within 9 hours had safely deposited them outside the doors of their Sydney University residential college.

George speculated that the 'hazers' must have been bitterly disappointed when they saw their victims return so quickly, and in such good spirits.

Chris Brownlee’s impressions

Coach driver Chris Brownlee was very impressed with the Roxy ‘complex’. “It’s colossal history”. As we have discovered, there are many other attractions in and around Bingara.

Chris was also impressed by the ‘Living Classroom’ project, located in the town, off the Narrabri road. “This learning centre is going to be a talking point for years to come...for sure. For a small town Bingara has done exceptionally well. Something for other small towns to learn from as well.”

We need to teach young people farming again, and get people back on the farm. Particularly the young ones. The next generation is much more interested. My sister-in-law is into permaculture, and they are doing some of these innovative things on their six acres in the Macleay Valley. She’s learnt through horticultural classes in Brisbane. The next generation is moving towards being more self-sufficient, looking after nature, and getting back to nature. It’s all going to happen in that generation, who are in their 20’s now.”

A Greek-Australian and a rural Australian pilgrimage well within reach

Some people have commented that Bingara, 8 hours drive from Sydney and 7 hours drive from Brisbane, is a pilgrimage that is “too far away”.

This 'opinion' undermines the essential nature of pilgrimage – undertaking a transformative journey to a sacred centre, which should in some measure be ‘challenging’.

It was informative however, that most of the Rotary pilgrims did not find the journey onerous. Kos Psaltis argued that if asked if the pilgrimage was ‘too far’, “I would look at it differently. I would ask, “far away from what?” The implication of Kos's comment is that it is certainly not as onerous a pilgrimage as visiting the Acropolis or Kythera, for example. His mother Helen added, that “you see so many interesting towns and people on the way”.

Alf Guy revealed that on the journey ‘up’ Chris and Miriam Brownlee “entertained us all along way. At no time did we feel bored. The trip went very quickly...passengers and the group displayed a great deal of camaraderie....their friendship, jocular nature and flexibility made the trip very, very enjoyable’.

These comments reflected those that the 47 AHEPAN’s had made earlier in the year. Comments by Christine Lynch, National President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia were typical.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particularly after the Roxy Museum is completed". The journey to the Roxy is too interesting to be onerous.

As we discovered with young Thomas’s involvement, it engages children as well as adults.

As well as the attractions mentioned above, Bingara offers easy access to other interesting tourist destinations , such as:

Myall Creek Massacre Site

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park

Three Creeks Tourist Mine

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Copeton Dam

Manilla, world class paragliding

Above and beyond visiting the Roxy ‘complex’ there is much to do and see. Even spending a week in Bingara and district will not allow time to visit all the tourist attractions in the area.

Every Kytherian Australian and every Greek Australian is encouraged to visit Bingara and the Roxy – at least once in their lifetime.

Bingara Roxy Museum Grand Opening Celebrations

See the Gwydir Shire Council website for information about the opening
The opening of the museum will take place on Saturday 5 April 2014 and will be celebrated with Greek food and music, screenings in the historic Roxy Theatre, tours of the museum and culminating in a gala dinner on the Saturday evening. Further information on the opening celebrations will be provided as arrangements are finalised.

Accommodation in Bingara is limited, so all those planning to attend are advised to book their accommodation as soon as possible. During the 2011 75th Anniversary celebrations, visitors were accommodated in a number of surrounding towns, when Bingara accommodation was filled.

For more information please contact the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066.

Would you like to contribute to the Roxy Museum?

The Roxy Greek Museum is interested in hearing from you if you have objects or photographs that you might like to offer to the collection. For more information please contact the museum curator Peter Prineas on 0429 322 857.

Let us know if you would like to make a financial donation, or offer cafe paraphernalia to the Museum, download the Acquisition Form

Open full entry

27/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Roxy Cinema always has that

as Kos Psaltis explains it later in this article.

Kos had organised a Rotarian visit to Bingara.

The now famous Landline program on the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the Roxy is playing on the screen.

Belrose Rotarians, pilgrimage to Bingara

Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013

The 75th anniversary of the Roxy was celebrated on the weekend of April 9th and 10th 2011, with the official launch of the (then) recently renovated Peters & Co Cafe and the Roxy museum, film screenings in the Roxy Theatre, and historic tours of the Roxy. On the Saturday night, a panagiri type festival was held; a black-tie gala ball with a twist. The main street was closed off. Inspired by Greek band Ha Va Le, people took to the streets dancing, singing and smashing plates. It was an unforgettable weekend.

On Tuesday 23 August 2011, Peter Prineas, author of the definitive history of the Roxy, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, conducted a talk at the Rotary Club of Belrose, on Sydney’s North Shore. The Rotary Club of Belrose is very active. It meets on Tuesday’s at the Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose.

As a result of Peter Prineas’ presentation the Belrose Rotary Club decided that they would make a trip to Bingara, to see the Roxy complex. The trip was planned to take place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013. Kos Psaltis, immediate Past President of Belrose Rotary, was the key organiser. He has a ‘connection’ to Bingara. Kos is married to Joanne (nee, Flaskas), whose mother Mary Flaskas (nee, Feros) was the youngest daughter of Peter Feros, one of the partners in the Roxy Cinema and Cafe ‘complex’. The other siblings of Mary, in birth order, included Katina, Jack and George.

A second connection for the Belrose Rotarians was that a past President - Henry Martin, a Methodist (Uniting Church) priest - had retired to live in the town.

The 58th National Convention of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was held between the 6th and the 13th October 2012. At the convention, Peter McCarthy, a member of the Roxy Museum Committee, delivered a talk about the Roxy ‘complex’.
As a result of that talk Sydney AHEPAN’s organised a 47 person bus trip to Bingara. On the 23rd February, 2013, they travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara. Their motivation to participate in such a pilgrimage was understandable. All had a Greek-Australian heritage, many had grown up in cafes, and AHEPA had been inaugurated in the north western New South Wales towns of Warialda and Scone. They were returning to their Greek-Australian, cafe, and AHEPAN roots.

An interesting feature of the Belrose Rotary pilgrimage, by contrast, was the fact that the majority of the “pilgrims” were not Greek by heritage.
The pilgrims consisted of 17 people travelling in a 20 seater bus, and 7 others travelling in 3 separate cars. The bus driver Chris Brownlee from Garigal Tours had been invited by Kos Psaltis to become a friend of Belrose Rotary. Chris’s wife Miriam also joined the ‘touring party’. This created a third connection to the town; Miriam’s family lives in Bingara. Her late brother had a property on the Narrabri road. Miriam’s sister in law and her children now live in town, and are involved with the Rural Fire Service. The pilgrimage was enhanced by the fact that driver, Chris Brownlee had a good working knowledge of the town and district.

The Psaltis/Feros connection

Kos and Joanne Psaltis feel a “powerful historical family connection” to Bingara. “We feel pride that Joanne’s family – her late grandfather – has added value to this town”. Both Joanne and I have watched the ABC's Landline program A Night at the Roxy, about the 75th Roxy Anniversary celebrations, many times.

The restoration of the Roxy Cinema has had a profound impact on both of them. “When we walked into the Roxy Cinema for the first time, Joanne and I had the same sensation, as we did many years ago, when we first walked into the Taj Mahal in India. You walk through these gates and there it is in front of you. A real ‘wow’ factor. When we were at the official opening here, and we walked into the cinema, it had the same ‘wow’ factor. The quality of the interior and the way it has been preserved is amazing.”

Both of Kos’s parents have always been involved in the cafe industry. His father Theodore Psaltis had a milk bar and coffee shop in Bondi Junction called the Savoy for many years, and all his father’s siblings were also involved with cafes. His mother Helen Psaltis (nee Trefilly) remembers that she began working in her father’s cafe, the Busy Bee, in Kingaroy, Queensland from primary school. She kept working in the cafe until she was married at 19 years of age.

What is her feeling about coming to see a preserved piece of Greek-Australian history like the Roxy? “I regard it as an honour”, she asserts. “In a sense it’s a memorial, and it makes the local people appreciate the contribution of the Greek-Australians”.

Kos added that “It’s all part of the great Australian story. It’s a particular ethnic group that has contributed significantly to modern Australian society. I look at it in that context ...You feel proud of the input that our Kytherian ancestors contributed so much to Australia.”

Kos was asked, what do you think the reaction is of the Australian’s who were not of a Greek background in your touring party to the Roxy and Bingara? “They have been very impressed. I think they have got a lot out of it”. This is corroborated by the testimony of some of the other members of the touring party.

Another former President of Belrose Rotary, Ron Furness, was in the ‘touring party’. He commented that they had had a great trip ‘up’, and that Bingara, and the Roxy ‘complex’ was a fascinating place.

“I’ve been reflecting about my good fortune to know Joanne Psaltis. Of hearing about how her family discovered their connection with the Roxy back in 2002. And before that, sadly...melancholy in a way...that it was a dark family secret....and I was reflecting on that comment by Joanne as I sit here in 2013, a beautiful, balmy afternoon, with a bit of breeze... enjoying a lovely cold beer, and thinking ...that, about 80 years or so ago these fellows had this dream....God only knows what their dream was, because I understand that they went broke pretty soon after. Hence the family shame. This has all been well documented in Peter Prineas' Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

But now, in 2013, their dream is still working, and people like me, who was born in London, and has had the pleasure of being in Greece many times. And had the good fortune of once setting foot on Kythera, for a brief trip, and spending many months on Greek Cyprus....and enjoyed the hospitality of Greek people, which is then extended to any group within the Greek pantheon; and I am astonished that 80 years later, the dream is still alive.”

Ron Furness was also made aware of the powerful influence that the Greek cafe has had on the town. “We met people on the way up here....we had the good fortune of stopping in Greek cafes all the way up...at least from Muswellbrook onwards...and we met people who were on the way here, or on the way home. When the topic of conversation turned to ...Bingara ...Oh, ROXY THEATRE!.... and they were all positive.

Interestingly Ron Furness had brought his young grandson Thomas along on the journey. He thoroughly enjoyed himself during all the activities, mixing with the oldies, “climbing a few hills, and doing a number of walks”. The pilgrimage was obviously something young people could also benefit from.

Alf Guy’s Bingara Report

Alf Guy, originally from South Africa, is the current President of the Belrose Rotary Club. He was delighted with the ‘welcome and hospitality’ the group received in Bingara.

The Roxy Museum, within the Roxy complex - the main reason for our trip to the North West – is in its final stages of restoration by the Gwydir Shire Council. The preservation of the art décor trappings is a majestic undertaking - and seeing the theatre brought back to its original glory must have been an emotional experience for Joanne Psaltis, whose late grandfather was one of the three Greek settlers, who created this glorious building. The Roxy, in the 21st century will almost certainly be the centrepiece of a rejuvenated Bingara.

Our group was also privileged to see a screening of the movie Red Dog in The Roxy Cinema!!

Bingara lies on the gently sloping southern bank of Gwydir River, which is a tributary of the the Murray-Darling River System. On the first morning of our stroll through Bingara, the air was cool, clear and still - the view northward, towards the river was picture perfect. This was the setting for much of our stay in the little town of 1300 people. The days were beautifully warm.

The restoration of The Roxy and its associated café is just one of many projects undertaken by this progressive community. The construction of an ecologically complex Living Classroom and the associated on-site accommodation are also in the final stages of completion.

The planting of orange trees on the nature strip in town and the communal harvesting of the fruit - without fear of vandalism, is another remarkable community spirited venture.

From Bingara, a journey in a south-westerly direction towards Narrabri takes you into the Mt Kaputar National Park. Mt Kaputar National Park with its ancient volcanic and glacial relics was an additional highlight of the trip. The geological history of the area really attracted us, and the Gwydir Valley is so beautiful and pristine. Our first stop was a magnificent gorge and waterfall, the Rocky Creek Glacial Area which lies 37 kms west of Bingara, is clearly signposted, and is reached a short distance from the main road turnoff. This geological wonder should not be missed! A vast amount of weathering and erosion has occurred over the years, so the original glacial landscape features have been changed by the subsequent flow of water. The Glacial Area is an excellent place to picnic and cool off in summer.

The journey from Bingara to Sawn Rocks was a very pleasant 1 hour drive in the bus. This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other. While this type of five-sided (pentagonal) ‘organ piping’ is not rare to lava flows, it is exceptionally rare to find them so perfectly formed and preserved and is recognised as being one of the best examples of columnar jointing in Australia. Coincidentally it looks very 'Grecian'.

Chris Brownlee had charge of some 18 ebullient folk in his mini coach for the trip. The animated conversations and free flow of spirited anecdotes made the trip lively and enjoyable. Chris kept up a well informed commentary as we travelled south westward through the rich and economically diverse Hunter Valley. Miriam, Chris`s wife, did a splendid job of serving refreshments at the eating, viewing and recreation stops.

During our stay in Bingara, we also ventured to the picnic area in the town, were we saw well preserved gold mining machinery. We also ventured up to H F Batterham Memorial Lookout, with its spectacular views across the town and the valley. (Ralph Hunt, M.H.R. for Gwydir, opened the H.F. Battherham Lookout overlooking Bingara in 1975. The lookout was the result of ten years work from 1964-1975 by Bingara Apex Club. It involved the clearing of land, the construction of an archway entrance and the provision of picnic shelters at the summit. The lookout was named as a tribute to the late Harold Francis Battherham, a local historian who worked tirelessly to promote tourism in the district).

We also visited the attractive and ecologically built River House, one of the superior accommodation facilities in the North West region. We were told that Peranjou Cottages, a refurbished woolshed which offers two self contained units situated side by side, was another interesting place to stay.

Together with the seven travellers in three cars and the mini coach group, which undertook the excursion to Bingara, our group injected many tourism dollars into the Bingara community.

Our appreciation for the planning of the trip by Past President Kos Psaltis, and his wife Joanne (nee, Flaskas), Psaltis and their connections, cannot be overstated. The planning, sometimes complex due to last minute changes, was meticulous. A great thank you to the Psaltis`s from all Rotary’s Bingara pilgrims.

The Roxy Cafe breakfast

Early on the morning of Sunday 29th September 2013, just before leaving to return to Sydney, the pilgrims met at the Roxy Cafe for breakfast. The service provided by Vio and his staff was excellent, and the atmosphere was convivial.

The group reminisced about their youthful experiences in Greek cafes, either as owners, staff or patrons.

The touring party were joined by four young adults, two female, two male, who some of the touring group had met on the evening before. They were twenty-something students living at one of the residential colleges at Sydney University.

They had been subjected to a "hazing" or "fagging" ceremony - still tolerated by University colleges today. The "hazing" was 'disguised' as a charity fund raising "event".

The students had been dressed up in outrageous clothing, the males had parts of their hair shaved, their money and credit cards had been 'confiscated' and they had been driven up to Bingara and left in the street. With these impediments placed before them, they were 'challenged' to get back to Sydney in the best way they knew how.

The young women, in particular, were quite distraught in the evening, and some of the Rotarian group invited the four students to meet for breakfast. They were also fairly confident that George C Poulos was returning back to Sydney in the morning, and that he would be able to provide them with 'a lift' home.

They arrived at the breakfast without money, but in true Rotarian 'civic duty' style, a "whip around" was arranged, and they were soon given enough money, not only to pay for their own breakfast, but also to pay for expenditure for a few days, if required.

Their presence at the breakfast made the event even more memorable, and, coupled with feelings of outrage, disbelief, and sympathy about how they had been treated, also generated a great deal of amusement and humour.

It was certainly a story that would be related at future dinner parties for many decades to come. Yet another entertaining "Roxy" story.

As it turned out George C Poulos did give them a lift back, and within 9 hours had safely deposited them outside the doors of their Sydney University residential college.

George speculated that the 'hazers' must have been bitterly disappointed when they saw their victims return so quickly, and in such good spirits.

Chris Brownlee’s impressions

Coach driver Chris Brownlee was very impressed with the Roxy ‘complex’. “It’s colossal history”. As we have discovered, there are many other attractions in and around Bingara.

Chris was also impressed by the ‘Living Classroom’ project, located in the town, off the Narrabri road. “This learning centre is going to be a talking point for years to come...for sure. For a small town Bingara has done exceptionally well. Something for other small towns to learn from as well.”

We need to teach young people farming again, and get people back on the farm. Particularly the young ones. The next generation is much more interested. My sister-in-law is into permaculture, and they are doing some of these innovative things on their six acres in the Macleay Valley. She’s learnt through horticultural classes in Brisbane. The next generation is moving towards being more self-sufficient, looking after nature, and getting back to nature. It’s all going to happen in that generation, who are in their 20’s now.”

A Greek-Australian and a rural Australian pilgrimage well within reach

Some people have commented that Bingara, 8 hours drive from Sydney and 7 hours drive from Brisbane, is a pilgrimage that is “too far away”.

This 'opinion' undermines the essential nature of pilgrimage – undertaking a transformative journey to a sacred centre, which should in some measure be ‘challenging’.

It was informative however, that most of the Rotary pilgrims did not find the journey onerous. Kos Psaltis argued that if asked if the pilgrimage was ‘too far’, “I would look at it differently. I would ask, “far away from what?” The implication of Kos's comment is that it is certainly not as onerous a pilgrimage as visiting the Acropolis or Kythera, for example. His mother Helen added, that “you see so many interesting towns and people on the way”.

Alf Guy revealed that on the journey ‘up’ Chris and Miriam Brownlee “entertained us all along way. At no time did we feel bored. The trip went very quickly...passengers and the group displayed a great deal of camaraderie....their friendship, jocular nature and flexibility made the trip very, very enjoyable’.

These comments reflected those that the 47 AHEPAN’s had made earlier in the year. Comments by Christine Lynch, National President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia were typical.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particularly after the Roxy Museum is completed". The journey to the Roxy is too interesting to be onerous.

As we discovered with young Thomas’s involvement, it engages children as well as adults.

As well as the attractions mentioned above, Bingara offers easy access to other interesting tourist destinations , such as:

Myall Creek Massacre Site

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park

Three Creeks Tourist Mine

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Copeton Dam

Manilla, world class paragliding

Above and beyond visiting the Roxy ‘complex’ there is much to do and see. Even spending a week in Bingara and district will not allow time to visit all the tourist attractions in the area.

Every Kytherian Australian and every Greek Australian is encouraged to visit Bingara and the Roxy – at least once in their lifetime.

Bingara Roxy Museum Grand Opening Celebrations

See the Gwydir Shire Council website for information about the opening
The opening of the museum will take place on Saturday 5 April 2014 and will be celebrated with Greek food and music, screenings in the historic Roxy Theatre, tours of the museum and culminating in a gala dinner on the Saturday evening. Further information on the opening celebrations will be provided as arrangements are finalised.

Accommodation in Bingara is limited, so all those planning to attend are advised to book their accommodation as soon as possible. During the 2011 75th Anniversary celebrations, visitors were accommodated in a number of surrounding towns, when Bingara accommodation was filled.

For more information please contact the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066.

Would you like to contribute to the Roxy Museum?

The Roxy Greek Museum is interested in hearing from you if you have objects or photographs that you might like to offer to the collection. For more information please contact the museum curator Peter Prineas on 0429 322 857.

Let us know if you would like to make a financial donation, or offer cafe paraphernalia to the Museum, download the Acquisition Form

Open full entry

27/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Helen Psaltis (nee Trefilly), Kos Psaltis and Joanne Psaltis (nee Flaskas)

photographed during the recent

Belrose Rotarians, pilgrimage to Bingara

Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013

The 75th anniversary of the Roxy was celebrated on the weekend of April 9th and 10th 2011, with the official launch of the (then) recently renovated Peters & Co Cafe and the Roxy museum, film screenings in the Roxy Theatre, and historic tours of the Roxy. On the Saturday night, a panagiri type festival was held; a black-tie gala ball with a twist. The main street was closed off. Inspired by Greek band Ha Va Le, people took to the streets dancing, singing and smashing plates. It was an unforgettable weekend.

On Tuesday 23 August 2011, Peter Prineas, author of the definitive history of the Roxy, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, conducted a talk at the Rotary Club of Belrose, on Sydney’s North Shore. The Rotary Club of Belrose is very active. It meets on Tuesday’s at the Belrose Bowling Club, 146 Forest Way, Belrose.

As a result of Peter Prineas’ presentation the Belrose Rotary Club decided that they would make a trip to Bingara, to see the Roxy complex. The trip was planned to take place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th September 2013. Kos Psaltis, immediate Past President of Belrose Rotary, was the key organiser. He has a ‘connection’ to Bingara. Kos is married to Joanne (nee, Flaskas), whose mother Mary Flaskas (nee, Feros) was the youngest daughter of Peter Feros, one of the partners in the Roxy Cinema and Cafe ‘complex’. The other siblings of Mary, in birth order, included Katina, Jack and George.

A second connection for the Belrose Rotarians was that a past President - Henry Martin, a Methodist (Uniting Church) priest - had retired to live in the town.

The 58th National Convention of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) was held between the 6th and the 13th October 2012. At the convention, Peter McCarthy, a member of the Roxy Museum Committee, delivered a talk about the Roxy ‘complex’.
As a result of that talk Sydney AHEPAN’s organised a 47 person bus trip to Bingara. On the 23rd February, 2013, they travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara. Their motivation to participate in such a pilgrimage was understandable. All had a Greek-Australian heritage, many had grown up in cafes, and AHEPA had been inaugurated in the north western New South Wales towns of Warialda and Scone. They were returning to their Greek-Australian, cafe, and AHEPAN roots.

An interesting feature of the Belrose Rotary pilgrimage, by contrast, was the fact that the majority of the “pilgrims” were not Greek by heritage.
The pilgrims consisted of 17 people travelling in a 20 seater bus, and 7 others travelling in 3 separate cars. The bus driver Chris Brownlee from Garigal Tours had been invited by Kos Psaltis to become a friend of Belrose Rotary. Chris’s wife Miriam also joined the ‘touring party’. This created a third connection to the town; Miriam’s family lives in Bingara. Her late brother had a property on the Narrabri road. Miriam’s sister in law and her children now live in town, and are involved with the Rural Fire Service. The pilgrimage was enhanced by the fact that driver, Chris Brownlee had a good working knowledge of the town and district.

The Psaltis/Feros connection

Kos and Joanne Psaltis feel a “powerful historical family connection” to Bingara. “We feel pride that Joanne’s family – her late grandfather – has added value to this town”. Both Joanne and I have watched the ABC's Landline program A Night at the Roxy, about the 75th Roxy Anniversary celebrations, many times.

The restoration of the Roxy Cinema has had a profound impact on both of them. “When we walked into the Roxy Cinema for the first time, Joanne and I had the same sensation, as we did many years ago, when we first walked into the Taj Mahal in India. You walk through these gates and there it is in front of you. A real ‘wow’ factor. When we were at the official opening here, and we walked into the cinema, it had the same ‘wow’ factor. The quality of the interior and the way it has been preserved is amazing.”

Both of Kos’s parents have always been involved in the cafe industry. His father Theodore Psaltis had a milk bar and coffee shop in Bondi Junction called the Savoy for many years, and all his father’s siblings were also involved with cafes. His mother Helen Psaltis (nee Trefilly) remembers that she began working in her father’s cafe, the Busy Bee, in Kingaroy, Queensland from primary school. She kept working in the cafe until she was married at 19 years of age.

What is her feeling about coming to see a preserved piece of Greek-Australian history like the Roxy? “I regard it as an honour”, she asserts. “In a sense it’s a memorial, and it makes the local people appreciate the contribution of the Greek-Australians”.

Kos added that “It’s all part of the great Australian story. It’s a particular ethnic group that has contributed significantly to modern Australian society. I look at it in that context ...You feel proud of the input that our Kytherian ancestors contributed so much to Australia.”

Kos was asked, what do you think the reaction is of the Australian’s who were not of a Greek background in your touring party to the Roxy and Bingara? “They have been very impressed. I think they have got a lot out of it”. This is corroborated by the testimony of some of the other members of the touring party.

Another former President of Belrose Rotary, Ron Furness, was in the ‘touring party’. He commented that they had had a great trip ‘up’, and that Bingara, and the Roxy ‘complex’ was a fascinating place.

“I’ve been reflecting about my good fortune to know Joanne Psaltis. Of hearing about how her family discovered their connection with the Roxy back in 2002. And before that, sadly...melancholy in a way...that it was a dark family secret....and I was reflecting on that comment by Joanne as I sit here in 2013, a beautiful, balmy afternoon, with a bit of breeze... enjoying a lovely cold beer, and thinking ...that, about 80 years or so ago these fellows had this dream....God only knows what their dream was, because I understand that they went broke pretty soon after. Hence the family shame. This has all been well documented in Peter Prineas' Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

But now, in 2013, their dream is still working, and people like me, who was born in London, and has had the pleasure of being in Greece many times. And had the good fortune of once setting foot on Kythera, for a brief trip, and spending many months on Greek Cyprus....and enjoyed the hospitality of Greek people, which is then extended to any group within the Greek pantheon; and I am astonished that 80 years later, the dream is still alive.”

Ron Furness was also made aware of the powerful influence that the Greek cafe has had on the town. “We met people on the way up here....we had the good fortune of stopping in Greek cafes all the way up...at least from Muswellbrook onwards...and we met people who were on the way here, or on the way home. When the topic of conversation turned to ...Bingara ...Oh, ROXY THEATRE!.... and they were all positive.

Interestingly Ron Furness had brought his young grandson Thomas along on the journey. He thoroughly enjoyed himself during all the activities, mixing with the oldies, “climbing a few hills, and doing a number of walks”. The pilgrimage was obviously something young people could also benefit from.

Alf Guy’s Bingara Report

Alf Guy, originally from South Africa, is the current President of the Belrose Rotary Club. He was delighted with the ‘welcome and hospitality’ the group received in Bingara.

The Roxy Museum, within the Roxy complex - the main reason for our trip to the North West – is in its final stages of restoration by the Gwydir Shire Council. The preservation of the art décor trappings is a majestic undertaking - and seeing the theatre brought back to its original glory must have been an emotional experience for Joanne Psaltis, whose late grandfather was one of the three Greek settlers, who created this glorious building. The Roxy, in the 21st century will almost certainly be the centrepiece of a rejuvenated Bingara.

Our group was also privileged to see a screening of the movie Red Dog in The Roxy Cinema!!

Bingara lies on the gently sloping southern bank of Gwydir River, which is a tributary of the the Murray-Darling River System. On the first morning of our stroll through Bingara, the air was cool, clear and still - the view northward, towards the river was picture perfect. This was the setting for much of our stay in the little town of 1300 people. The days were beautifully warm.

The restoration of The Roxy and its associated café is just one of many projects undertaken by this progressive community. The construction of an ecologically complex Living Classroom and the associated on-site accommodation are also in the final stages of completion.

The planting of orange trees on the nature strip in town and the communal harvesting of the fruit - without fear of vandalism, is another remarkable community spirited venture.

From Bingara, a journey in a south-westerly direction towards Narrabri takes you into the Mt Kaputar National Park. Mt Kaputar National Park with its ancient volcanic and glacial relics was an additional highlight of the trip. The geological history of the area really attracted us, and the Gwydir Valley is so beautiful and pristine. Our first stop was a magnificent gorge and waterfall, the Rocky Creek Glacial Area which lies 37 kms west of Bingara, is clearly signposted, and is reached a short distance from the main road turnoff. This geological wonder should not be missed! A vast amount of weathering and erosion has occurred over the years, so the original glacial landscape features have been changed by the subsequent flow of water. The Glacial Area is an excellent place to picnic and cool off in summer.

The journey from Bingara to Sawn Rocks was a very pleasant 1 hour drive in the bus. This spectacular and majestic geological feature is located 64kms out of Bingara and 36kms from Narrabri. National Parks Sawn Rocks Leaflet. The forty (40) metre high towering wall of pentagonal basalt pipes is the sheered off remains of a basalt lava flow from the Nandewar Volcano which dominated the area 21 million years ago. It is an unusual phenomenon which is the result of the slow and even cooling of molten rock which enabled individual crystals within the rock to align perfectly with each other. While this type of five-sided (pentagonal) ‘organ piping’ is not rare to lava flows, it is exceptionally rare to find them so perfectly formed and preserved and is recognised as being one of the best examples of columnar jointing in Australia. Coincidentally it looks very 'Grecian'.

Chris Brownlee had charge of some 18 ebullient folk in his mini coach for the trip. The animated conversations and free flow of spirited anecdotes made the trip lively and enjoyable. Chris kept up a well informed commentary as we travelled south westward through the rich and economically diverse Hunter Valley. Miriam, Chris`s wife, did a splendid job of serving refreshments at the eating, viewing and recreation stops.

During our stay in Bingara, we also ventured to the picnic area in the town, were we saw well preserved gold mining machinery. We also ventured up to H F Batterham Memorial Lookout, with its spectacular views across the town and the valley. (Ralph Hunt, M.H.R. for Gwydir, opened the H.F. Battherham Lookout overlooking Bingara in 1975. The lookout was the result of ten years work from 1964-1975 by Bingara Apex Club. It involved the clearing of land, the construction of an archway entrance and the provision of picnic shelters at the summit. The lookout was named as a tribute to the late Harold Francis Battherham, a local historian who worked tirelessly to promote tourism in the district).

We also visited the attractive and ecologically built River House, one of the superior accommodation facilities in the North West region. We were told that Peranjou Cottages, a refurbished woolshed which offers two self contained units situated side by side, was another interesting place to stay.

Together with the seven travellers in three cars and the mini coach group, which undertook the excursion to Bingara, our group injected many tourism dollars into the Bingara community.

Our appreciation for the planning of the trip by Past President Kos Psaltis, and his wife Joanne (nee, Flaskas), Psaltis and their connections, cannot be overstated. The planning, sometimes complex due to last minute changes, was meticulous. A great thank you to the Psaltis`s from all Rotary’s Bingara pilgrims.

The Roxy Cafe breakfast

Early on the morning of Sunday 29th September 2013, just before leaving to return to Sydney, the pilgrims met at the Roxy Cafe for breakfast. The service provided by Vio and his staff was excellent, and the atmosphere was convivial.

The group reminisced about their youthful experiences in Greek cafes, either as owners, staff or patrons.

The touring party were joined by four young adults, two female, two male, who some of the touring group had met on the evening before. They were twenty-something students living at one of the residential colleges at Sydney University.

They had been subjected to a "hazing" or "fagging" ceremony - still tolerated by University colleges today. The "hazing" was 'disguised' as a charity fund raising "event".

The students had been dressed up in outrageous clothing, the males had parts of their hair shaved, their money and credit cards had been 'confiscated' and they had been driven up to Bingara and left in the street. With these impediments placed before them, they were 'challenged' to get back to Sydney in the best way they knew how.

The young women, in particular, were quite distraught in the evening, and some of the Rotarian group invited the four students to meet for breakfast. They were also fairly confident that George C Poulos was returning back to Sydney in the morning, and that he would be able to provide them with 'a lift' home.

They arrived at the breakfast without money, but in true Rotarian 'civic duty' style, a "whip around" was arranged, and they were soon given enough money, not only to pay for their own breakfast, but also to pay for expenditure for a few days, if required.

Their presence at the breakfast made the event even more memorable, and, coupled with feelings of outrage, disbelief, and sympathy about how they had been treated, also generated a great deal of amusement and humour.

It was certainly a story that would be related at future dinner parties for many decades to come. Yet another entertaining "Roxy" story.

As it turned out George C Poulos did give them a lift back, and within 9 hours had safely deposited them outside the doors of their Sydney University residential college.

George speculated that the 'hazers' must have been bitterly disappointed when they saw their victims return so quickly, and in such good spirits.

Chris Brownlee’s impressions

Coach driver Chris Brownlee was very impressed with the Roxy ‘complex’. “It’s colossal history”. As we have discovered, there are many other attractions in and around Bingara.

Chris was also impressed by the ‘Living Classroom’ project, located in the town, off the Narrabri road. “This learning centre is going to be a talking point for years to come...for sure. For a small town Bingara has done exceptionally well. Something for other small towns to learn from as well.”

We need to teach young people farming again, and get people back on the farm. Particularly the young ones. The next generation is much more interested. My sister-in-law is into permaculture, and they are doing some of these innovative things on their six acres in the Macleay Valley. She’s learnt through horticultural classes in Brisbane. The next generation is moving towards being more self-sufficient, looking after nature, and getting back to nature. It’s all going to happen in that generation, who are in their 20’s now.”

A Greek-Australian and a rural Australian pilgrimage well within reach

Some people have commented that Bingara, 8 hours drive from Sydney and 7 hours drive from Brisbane, is a pilgrimage that is “too far away”.

This 'opinion' undermines the essential nature of pilgrimage – undertaking a transformative journey to a sacred centre, which should in some measure be ‘challenging’.

It was informative however, that most of the Rotary pilgrims did not find the journey onerous. Kos Psaltis argued that if asked if the pilgrimage was ‘too far’, “I would look at it differently. I would ask, “far away from what?” The implication of Kos's comment is that it is certainly not as onerous a pilgrimage as visiting the Acropolis or Kythera, for example. His mother Helen added, that “you see so many interesting towns and people on the way”.

Alf Guy revealed that on the journey ‘up’ Chris and Miriam Brownlee “entertained us all along way. At no time did we feel bored. The trip went very quickly...passengers and the group displayed a great deal of camaraderie....their friendship, jocular nature and flexibility made the trip very, very enjoyable’.

These comments reflected those that the 47 AHEPAN’s had made earlier in the year. Comments by Christine Lynch, National President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia were typical.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particularly after the Roxy Museum is completed". The journey to the Roxy is too interesting to be onerous.

As we discovered with young Thomas’s involvement, it engages children as well as adults.

As well as the attractions mentioned above, Bingara offers easy access to other interesting tourist destinations , such as:

Myall Creek Massacre Site

Ceramic Break Sculpture Park

Three Creeks Tourist Mine

Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre

Copeton Dam

Manilla, world class paragliding

Above and beyond visiting the Roxy ‘complex’ there is much to do and see. Even spending a week in Bingara and district will not allow time to visit all the tourist attractions in the area.

Every Kytherian Australian and every Greek Australian is encouraged to visit Bingara and the Roxy – at least once in their lifetime.

Bingara Roxy Museum Grand Opening Celebrations

See the Gwydir Shire Council website for information about the opening
The opening of the museum will take place on Saturday 5 April 2014 and will be celebrated with Greek food and music, screenings in the historic Roxy Theatre, tours of the museum and culminating in a gala dinner on the Saturday evening. Further information on the opening celebrations will be provided as arrangements are finalised.

Accommodation in Bingara is limited, so all those planning to attend are advised to book their accommodation as soon as possible. During the 2011 75th Anniversary celebrations, visitors were accommodated in a number of surrounding towns, when Bingara accommodation was filled.

For more information please contact the Bingara Visitor Information Centre on (02) 6724 0066.

Would you like to contribute to the Roxy Museum?

The Roxy Greek Museum is interested in hearing from you if you have objects or photographs that you might like to offer to the collection. For more information please contact the museum curator Peter Prineas on 0429 322 857.

Let us know if you would like to make a financial donation, or offer cafe paraphernalia to the Museum, download the Acquisition Form

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20/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Glass toilet sign which used to be placed in front of illuminated boxes

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15/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Plate from Peters & Co cafe at Kyogle

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15/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Coffee cup and saucer from Peters & Co café in Kyogle

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15/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Crockery from Peters & Co café in Kyogle

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15/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Convergence Associates was incorporated in 1996

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14/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Bingara Dreaming. The Greeks who transformed outback Australia

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12/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Members of Convergence Associates, Camberwell, Melbourne

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12/11/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Documents

Kythera From the Air

Author: James Prineas

When Published: 2013

Publisher: Kytherian World Heritage Fund

Available: In Australia from the Kytherian World Heritage Fund & The Kytherian Association of Australia

George C. Poulos: 02 93888320

Email George Poulos

Email Angelo Notaras

Order more of the 30+ books from the KWHF catalogue by downloading the Order Form, here:

/download/Book_Order_Form.pdf

Kytherian Association of Australia, Book Orders

or Email Administration, Kytherian Association of Australia

In Europe, available from James Prineas.
Email James Prineas

From 2014, thye book will be avaialble from all good book shops on the island of Kythera.

Description: Beautiful coffee table book printed on 118gsm art paper. 272 pages. Hardback.

ISBN: 978-0-9872473-2-2

Other contributors:

Essays: Kiriaki Mavromattes-Orfanos
Translation: Irini Renieri
Greek Editing: Elena Panagopoulou
Plane piloted by: Kyprianos Biris

The book contains photographs of the various villages and places on the island of Kythera, taken from the air.

Subjects: Kythera, also known as 'Cerigo', is a Greek island situated between the southern tip of the Peloponnese and Crete. Its more than sixty villages reveal their organic development from neolithic to modern times. Roads twist like climbing plants into almost every corner of the island. These 280 aerial photographs taken in the verdant winter months, capture the beauty of the entire island.

View / Download a .pdf of 8 sample pages, (pp.72-79) here:

Prineas_sample_ pp72-79.pdf

Some reactions to the book:

Georgia Pine, California, USA.

"I've been enjoying the various photos and reading the essays. It's going to take a while to get through it as it is heavy to handle. What a terrific legacy for all of us and for future generations! Great idea to include surnames with each village."

Dimitris Koutrafouris, the Bank Manager of the National Bank of Greece, branch, Potamos, Kythera, placed the book on display in the summer of 2013.

As locals and Kytherians of the diaspora thumbed through the book, their first instinct was to try and find their own houses, or those of their grandparents and relatives.

Most were not satisfied until that were certain that they had found their houses. Often they had to solicit the help of realtives and friends to help locate them.

The book contains virtually every structure on the island, in every part of the island, which makes it a very valuable Kytherian resource.

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9/11/2013

History, Documents

Diaspora Social Life

Committee members of AHEPA and Association of Greek Writers and Artists Australia ( EELKA )

along with the newly appointed Greek Consul of Sydney Dr Stavros Kyrimis, and Jim Saltis...at the launch of Jim's latest book Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί.

The English translation is Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms.

The launch was conducted at the Australian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Hall, 394 Princes Hwy
Rockdale NSW 2216, from 6:00 pm on Sunday 1st October, 2013.

The launch was hosted by the Association of Greek Writers and Artists Australia ( EELKA ) in collaboration with the Center for Literature and Poetry " Kostis Palamas " AHEPA.

The master of ceremonies for the evening was the Secretary of the Union Litsa Diakovasili. Dsicussion of the book was hosted by the President of the Union, Popi Anastasiadis Mallianou, and excerpts read by : Kiki Betty, Bethlehem Georgelli , Dimitra Milatou and Rosa Gialopouli, Board members of EELKA. Many passages were read from the book, and all acknowledged that the style and flow of Jim's novel was exceptional.

Visitors welcomed the President of AHEPA's Kostis Palamas " Mr. George Lianos.The presentation was attended by the Consul General of Greece Dr Stavros Kyrimis, and many other distinguished members of EELKA & AHEPA.

The launch was attended by a substantial number of people, as can be testified by this photograph.

Jim's friend, Tina Andrew accompanied him. This was appropriate as Tina's father Angelo Christianos was one of the founding members of AHEPA. He attended , one of the first AHEPA meetings held at Scone in 1935. A photograph of the Scone meeting adorns the AHEPA Hall.

Many of Jim and Tina's extended family, attended the launch.

The book is based on Jim Saltis's personal experiences, growing up as he did in a family of 7 children, in the pre-WW2 period in Alexandria, Egypt.

Authors Prefactory Remarks

Alexandria, Egypt, was the city of my birth, nurture and finally my departure in January 1949 without any hatred or wickedness.

I started writing my book Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms back in 1988, after my divorce. I bought a unit at Camspsie and attempted to reorganise my life as a bachelor. My days were grey and the nights were endless. I was craving for same sleep but it refused to intervene and bring some relief to my aching body and a break to my forever active brain. I named the Book “Mrs Stamata.” which was the name of the mother. It took many years to return to the skeletal draft and complete it.

The novel is a collection of experiences that I encountered, fictions that were creations of my cerebral fantasies the perpetually moving mind and my invisible soul.

All the persons that you will encounter in the story were real. Even the beautiful Flora (Madeline) who lived a daringly prodigal life was lucky to meet Milton and experience the immensity and tranquillity of true love. I compromised the tragedy of Alekos and Sofia’s love and gave a happy ending because of the philanthropic action of her boss Leon. Stamata died but she lives on as a ghost at the Greek section of the cemetery at Chatby awaiting the next Resurrection.

Now all of us who were born in Egypt and more particular in the cosmopolitan Alexandria we have dispersed at all corners of this hospitable planet. We travelled to new seas; we flew in skies and lands of places that we have learned in our Geography lessons. Most of us are well established in our new countries and we live carefree existences.

Yet we are grateful that we were born in Egypt.

This is Jim's second book. His first book, My Four Homes was published in both Greek and English.

Jims speech at the My Four Homes Book Launch

Download an interview with Jim Saltis on SBS Radio, Australia, here:

jim-saltis.mp3

This interview refers mainly to Jims previous book, My Four Homes, but also makes reference to Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms.

Author: Jim Saltis

When Published: 2013

Publisher: Jim Saltis

Available: From Jim Saltis or Tina Andrew. 02 9399 9767

Email, Jim Saltis

Book Details

Description: Paperback

Language: GREEK

ISBN: 9780646583938

Dewey Number: A823.4

Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί

Παρουσιάστρια: Πόπη Αναστασιάδου-Μαλλιάνου

Ο Δημήτρης Πρωτοψάλτης, γνωστός και ως Jim Saltis στο μυθιστόρημα του Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί μας πηγαίνει πίσω στο παρελθόν και μας κάνει να νοσταλγούμε και να ονειρευόμαστε. Μας περιγράφει με έντονα χρώματα μια Αίγυπτο που δεν υπάρχιε πια. Την Αίγυπτο της δεκαετίας του 1930. Βαθύς ψυχολόγος και γνώστης των ηθών της εποχής, μας αναλύει εκτενώς κοινονικά φαινόμενα. Μέσα από την ιστορία της ζωής μιας οικογένειας με επτά παιδιά μας περιγράφει ρεαλιστικά την Αίγυπτο και ιδίως την Αλέξάνδρια εκείνης της εποχής, την αγαπημένη του Αλεξάνδρια, την Αλεξάνδρια στην οποία γεννήθηκε(Βηθλεέμ Μπήκανε στο τράμ για το Μπακός...το εξαιρετικό προσωπικό του και την ακρίβεια του. ) Μια έντονη αίσθηση ιστορικότητας χαρακτηρίζει αυτό το μυθιστόρημα, όπως και το προηγoύμενο μυθιστόρημα του (Τα τέσσερα σπιτια) Στα βιβλία αυτά ο συγγραφέας αναλύει και τεκμηριώνει την πολιτική σήψη που υπάρχει στην δεκαετία του 30. Ο Πρωτοψάλτης είναι κοσμοπολίτης. Στο πίσω εξώφυλλο του βιβλίου του μας λέει; Σήμερα όλοι που γεννηθήκαμε στην μαγευτική πόλη της Αλεξάνδριας και στην Αίγυπτο ζούμε σκορπισμένοι στον φιλόξενο πλανήτη. Ταξιδέψαμε σε καινούργιες θάλασσες και πετάξαμε σε ουρανούς και πατρίδες που μάθαμε από τα βιβλία της Γεωγραφίας.

Το φάσμα των πάσης φύσεως προβληματισμών του είναι ευρύτατο. Αντλεί τα θέματα του από το παρελθόν που έχουν όμως απόλυτη σχέση με τα σημερινά δρώμενα. Εξετάζει όλες τις πτυχές της κοινωνίας με καταπληκτική οξυδέρκεια. Επίσης μας αναφέρει τις διάφορες δυσιδαιμονίες και προκαταλήψεις που υπήρχαν εκείνη την εποχή όπως π.χ. το χύσιμο του λαδιού που το θεωρούσαν μεγάλη γρουσουζιά. Κακός οιωνός όπως έλεγαν. (ΔήμητραΤο Μπουκάλι με το λάδι γλυστρησε από το χέρι της...μα τι φταίει πάλι ο άνθρωπος σκέφθηκε.)Πάνω σ’αυτές τις δυσιδαιμονίες και προκαταλήψεις βασίζεται και ο τίτλος του βιβλίου του Δημήτρη. Ευχές, αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί. και μας μιλά και για τα μάγια που έκαναν για να σταματήσουν ανεπιθήμητους γάμους, η για να εκδικηθούν κάποιον που τους είχε ενοχλήσει η απλώς κάποιον που δεν συμπαθούσαν. Διάφοροι επιτήδιοι εκμετάλευονταν τις προκαταλήψεις αυτές και κέρδιζαν χρήματα από τα ανύποπτα θύματα που πίστευαν σ’αυτά που τους έλεγαν ότι δηλ, τα μάγια θα φέρουν το ποθητό απότέλεσμα. Παρ’ολό που αυτά που περιγράφει ο Πρωτοψάλτης στο βιβλίο του έχουν λάβει χώρα στος αρχές του 20 ου αιώνα το θέμα είναι πολύ επίκαιρο διότι κάθε τόσο βλέπουμε στα μέσα ενημέρωσης παρόμοιες καταστάσεις και στις μέρες μας, όπως τους δύο μάγους που συνέλαβε μερικά χρόνια πρίν, η αστυνομία στα Δυτικά προάστεια του Σύδνευ, που είχαν πελάτες-θύματα με Πανεπιστημιακή μόρφωση.(Κική Είμαι έτοιμη τώρα κυρία...Αμα το φέρεις τότε θα κάνουμε και το επόμενο βήμα.)

Αφίνοντας την φαντασία του ελεύθερη ο Πρωτοψάλτης, ζωντανεύει το παρελθόν κατά τον πιο θελκτικό τρόπο. Ο χρόνος, οι βαθειές εσωτερικές δονήσεις τα πάθη συνθέτουν ένα αρμονικό σύνολο. Με απλά λόγια με πέννα που ρέει, μας παρασέρνει να τον παρακολουθήσουμε με τον πιο αβίαστο τρόπο (Δήμητρα Θυμάμαι καλά τον πολιτικό τους γάμο...η ευτυχία μπήκε στο σπιτικό τους.)

Δεν λείπει το ρεαλιστικό στοιχείο, ενώ οι κοινονικές συνθήκες της εποχής αναλύονται με αξιοπρόσεκτη ακρίβεια. Οι διαγραφές των χαρακτήρων του είναι ακριβείς ενώ οι χώροι και οι περιγραφές των τοπίων αποδίνονται θαυμάσια (Βηθλεέμ,Ομως σκόρπιες σκέψεις χτυπούσαν την πόρτα του μυαλού της...και ο Θεός της είχε χαρίσει 7 παιδιά. .)Ρόζα.Αραπάδες.... της ερωμένης του)
Επίσης ο συγραφέας μας περιγράφει με μαθηματική ακρίβεια τον έρωτα, σαρκικό και πνευματικό σε μια εποχή δύσκολη, υποκριτική, σεμνότυφη, εποχή σεξουαλικής καταπίεσης. Οι ήρωες του, αγαπούν πολύ, στη ζωή τους. Αγαπούν δίχως σεμνοτυφίες και όρια και πολλές φορές περνούν τα σύνορα και σπάνουν τα καλούπια της ηθηκής με ολέθρια αποτελέσματα(.ΡόζαΗΦλώρα γύρισε στο σπίτι της....που αρνήθηκε την οικογένεια της.)

Βαθύς γνώστης της ανθρώπινης φύσης μας περιγράφει με έντονες μελανές πινελιέςτην καθοδική πορεία ατόμων-θυμάτων, που παραδίνονται σε ακραία πάθη και καταστρεπτικές συνήθειες επιρεάζοντας αρνητικά την ζωή τους και τις ζωές προσφυλών τους προσώπων. (Κική Είχε επιθυμήσει να περάσει....από την οικογένεια της.)

Μια άλλη πρωτοτυπία του βιβλίου είναι ότι συχνά παρεμβάλλονται διάφορα σχόλια και φιλοσοφικές παρατηρήσεις. Στος τέλος του βιβλίου υπάρχουν πολλές ωραίες φωτογραφίες κτιρίων και τοπίων εκείνης της εποχής.
Συνοψίζωντας μπορούμε να πούμε ότι το (Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί είναι ένα πρωτότυπο, αξιοπρόσεκτο έργο που αξίζει να διαβαστεί.

Συγχαρητήρια λοιπόν στον Δημήτρη Πρωτοψάλτη και του ευχόμαστε να δεί το έργο του διαδεδομένο διαχρονικά και πάντα με ανοδική πορεία.

Πόπη Αναστασιάδη-Μαλλιάνου
Πρόεδρος Ελλήνων Λογοτεχνών
Και
Καλλιτεχνών Αυστραλίας(ΕΕΛΚΑ)

Open full entry

15/10/2013

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Diaspora Social Life

Members of the extended family of Jim Saltis & Tina Andrews

along with the newly appointed Greek Consul of Sydney Dr Stavros Kyrimis...at the launch of Jim Saltis's latest book Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί.

Jim Saltis & Tina Andrews with their families:

Back Row
Hanna Saltis, Steven Kingdom, Paula Anastassiou, Emmanuel Fardoulis,
Angelo Andrew, John Andrew, James Andrew.

Fourth Row
Amalia Anastassiou, Renee Anastassiou, Melina andrew.

Middle row
Elaine Andrew, Maria Andrew, Natassa Andrew, Tina Andrew.

Front row
Jim Saltis, Angelique Anastassiou, Katina Andrew.
Consul Dr Stavros Kyrimis.

The English translation is Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms.

The launch was conducted at the Australian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Hall, 394 Princes Hwy
Rockdale NSW 2216, from 6:00 pm on Sunday 1st October, 2013.

The launch was hosted by the Association of Greek Writers and Artists Australia ( EELKA ) in collaboration with the Center for Literature and Poetry " Kostis Palamas " AHEPA.

The master of ceremonies for the evening was the Secretary of the Union Litsa Diakovasili. Dsicussion of the book was hosted by the President of the Union, Popi Anastasiadis Mallianou, and excerpts read by : Kiki Betty, Bethlehem Georgelli , Dimitra Milatou and Rosa Gialopouli, Board members of EELKA. Many passages were read from the book, and all acknowledged that the style and flow of Jim's novel was exceptional.

Visitors welcomed the President of AHEPA's Kostis Palamas " Mr. George Lianos.The presentation was attended by the Consul General of Greece Dr Stavros Kyrimis, and many other distinguished members of EELKA & AHEPA.

The launch was attended by a substantial number of people, as can be testified by this photograph.

Jim's friend, Tina Andrew accompanied him. This was appropriate as Tina's father Angelo Christianos was one of the founding members of AHEPA. He attended , one of the first AHEPA meetings held at Scone in 1935. A photograph of the Scone meeting adorns the AHEPA Hall.

Many of Jim and Tina's extended family, attended the launch.

The book is based on Jim Saltis's personal experiences, growing up as he did in a family of 7 children, in the pre-WW2 period in Alexandria, Egypt.

Authors Prefactory Remarks

Alexandria, Egypt, was the city of my birth, nurture and finally my departure in January 1949 without any hatred or wickedness.

I started writing my book Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms back in 1988, after my divorce. I bought a unit at Camspsie and attempted to reorganise my life as a bachelor. My days were grey and the nights were endless. I was craving for same sleep but it refused to intervene and bring some relief to my aching body and a break to my forever active brain. I named the Book “Mrs Stamata.” which was the name of the mother. It took many years to return to the skeletal draft and complete it.

The novel is a collection of experiences that I encountered, fictions that were creations of my cerebral fantasies the perpetually moving mind and my invisible soul.

All the persons that you will encounter in the story were real. Even the beautiful Flora (Madeline) who lived a daringly prodigal life was lucky to meet Milton and experience the immensity and tranquillity of true love. I compromised the tragedy of Alekos and Sofia’s love and gave a happy ending because of the philanthropic action of her boss Leon. Stamata died but she lives on as a ghost at the Greek section of the cemetery at Chatby awaiting the next Resurrection.

Now all of us who were born in Egypt and more particular in the cosmopolitan Alexandria we have dispersed at all corners of this hospitable planet. We travelled to new seas; we flew in skies and lands of places that we have learned in our Geography lessons. Most of us are well established in our new countries and we live carefree existences.

Yet we are grateful that we were born in Egypt.

This is Jim's second book. His first book, My Four Homes was published in both Greek and English.

Jims speech at the My Four Homes Book Launch

Download an interview with Jim Saltis on SBS Radio, Australia, here:

jim-saltis.mp3

This interview refers mainly to Jims previous book, My Four Homes, but also makes reference to Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms.

Author: Jim Saltis

When Published: 2013

Publisher: Jim Saltis

Available: From Jim Saltis or Tina Andrew. 02 9399 9767

Email, Jim Saltis

Book Details

Description: Paperback

Language: GREEK

ISBN: 9780646583938

Dewey Number: A823.4

Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί

Παρουσιάστρια: Πόπη Αναστασιάδου-Μαλλιάνου

Ο Δημήτρης Πρωτοψάλτης, γνωστός και ως Jim Saltis στο μυθιστόρημα του Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί μας πηγαίνει πίσω στο παρελθόν και μας κάνει να νοσταλγούμε και να ονειρευόμαστε. Μας περιγράφει με έντονα χρώματα μια Αίγυπτο που δεν υπάρχιε πια. Την Αίγυπτο της δεκαετίας του 1930. Βαθύς ψυχολόγος και γνώστης των ηθών της εποχής, μας αναλύει εκτενώς κοινονικά φαινόμενα. Μέσα από την ιστορία της ζωής μιας οικογένειας με επτά παιδιά μας περιγράφει ρεαλιστικά την Αίγυπτο και ιδίως την Αλέξάνδρια εκείνης της εποχής, την αγαπημένη του Αλεξάνδρια, την Αλεξάνδρια στην οποία γεννήθηκε(Βηθλεέμ Μπήκανε στο τράμ για το Μπακός...το εξαιρετικό προσωπικό του και την ακρίβεια του. ) Μια έντονη αίσθηση ιστορικότητας χαρακτηρίζει αυτό το μυθιστόρημα, όπως και το προηγoύμενο μυθιστόρημα του (Τα τέσσερα σπιτια) Στα βιβλία αυτά ο συγγραφέας αναλύει και τεκμηριώνει την πολιτική σήψη που υπάρχει στην δεκαετία του 30. Ο Πρωτοψάλτης είναι κοσμοπολίτης. Στο πίσω εξώφυλλο του βιβλίου του μας λέει; Σήμερα όλοι που γεννηθήκαμε στην μαγευτική πόλη της Αλεξάνδριας και στην Αίγυπτο ζούμε σκορπισμένοι στον φιλόξενο πλανήτη. Ταξιδέψαμε σε καινούργιες θάλασσες και πετάξαμε σε ουρανούς και πατρίδες που μάθαμε από τα βιβλία της Γεωγραφίας.

Το φάσμα των πάσης φύσεως προβληματισμών του είναι ευρύτατο. Αντλεί τα θέματα του από το παρελθόν που έχουν όμως απόλυτη σχέση με τα σημερινά δρώμενα. Εξετάζει όλες τις πτυχές της κοινωνίας με καταπληκτική οξυδέρκεια. Επίσης μας αναφέρει τις διάφορες δυσιδαιμονίες και προκαταλήψεις που υπήρχαν εκείνη την εποχή όπως π.χ. το χύσιμο του λαδιού που το θεωρούσαν μεγάλη γρουσουζιά. Κακός οιωνός όπως έλεγαν. (ΔήμητραΤο Μπουκάλι με το λάδι γλυστρησε από το χέρι της...μα τι φταίει πάλι ο άνθρωπος σκέφθηκε.)Πάνω σ’αυτές τις δυσιδαιμονίες και προκαταλήψεις βασίζεται και ο τίτλος του βιβλίου του Δημήτρη. Ευχές, αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί. και μας μιλά και για τα μάγια που έκαναν για να σταματήσουν ανεπιθήμητους γάμους, η για να εκδικηθούν κάποιον που τους είχε ενοχλήσει η απλώς κάποιον που δεν συμπαθούσαν. Διάφοροι επιτήδιοι εκμετάλευονταν τις προκαταλήψεις αυτές και κέρδιζαν χρήματα από τα ανύποπτα θύματα που πίστευαν σ’αυτά που τους έλεγαν ότι δηλ, τα μάγια θα φέρουν το ποθητό απότέλεσμα. Παρ’ολό που αυτά που περιγράφει ο Πρωτοψάλτης στο βιβλίο του έχουν λάβει χώρα στος αρχές του 20 ου αιώνα το θέμα είναι πολύ επίκαιρο διότι κάθε τόσο βλέπουμε στα μέσα ενημέρωσης παρόμοιες καταστάσεις και στις μέρες μας, όπως τους δύο μάγους που συνέλαβε μερικά χρόνια πρίν, η αστυνομία στα Δυτικά προάστεια του Σύδνευ, που είχαν πελάτες-θύματα με Πανεπιστημιακή μόρφωση.(Κική Είμαι έτοιμη τώρα κυρία...Αμα το φέρεις τότε θα κάνουμε και το επόμενο βήμα.)

Αφίνοντας την φαντασία του ελεύθερη ο Πρωτοψάλτης, ζωντανεύει το παρελθόν κατά τον πιο θελκτικό τρόπο. Ο χρόνος, οι βαθειές εσωτερικές δονήσεις τα πάθη συνθέτουν ένα αρμονικό σύνολο. Με απλά λόγια με πέννα που ρέει, μας παρασέρνει να τον παρακολουθήσουμε με τον πιο αβίαστο τρόπο (Δήμητρα Θυμάμαι καλά τον πολιτικό τους γάμο...η ευτυχία μπήκε στο σπιτικό τους.)

Δεν λείπει το ρεαλιστικό στοιχείο, ενώ οι κοινονικές συνθήκες της εποχής αναλύονται με αξιοπρόσεκτη ακρίβεια. Οι διαγραφές των χαρακτήρων του είναι ακριβείς ενώ οι χώροι και οι περιγραφές των τοπίων αποδίνονται θαυμάσια (Βηθλεέμ,Ομως σκόρπιες σκέψεις χτυπούσαν την πόρτα του μυαλού της...και ο Θεός της είχε χαρίσει 7 παιδιά. .)Ρόζα.Αραπάδες.... της ερωμένης του)
Επίσης ο συγραφέας μας περιγράφει με μαθηματική ακρίβεια τον έρωτα, σαρκικό και πνευματικό σε μια εποχή δύσκολη, υποκριτική, σεμνότυφη, εποχή σεξουαλικής καταπίεσης. Οι ήρωες του, αγαπούν πολύ, στη ζωή τους. Αγαπούν δίχως σεμνοτυφίες και όρια και πολλές φορές περνούν τα σύνορα και σπάνουν τα καλούπια της ηθηκής με ολέθρια αποτελέσματα(.ΡόζαΗΦλώρα γύρισε στο σπίτι της....που αρνήθηκε την οικογένεια της.)

Βαθύς γνώστης της ανθρώπινης φύσης μας περιγράφει με έντονες μελανές πινελιέςτην καθοδική πορεία ατόμων-θυμάτων, που παραδίνονται σε ακραία πάθη και καταστρεπτικές συνήθειες επιρεάζοντας αρνητικά την ζωή τους και τις ζωές προσφυλών τους προσώπων. (Κική Είχε επιθυμήσει να περάσει....από την οικογένεια της.)

Μια άλλη πρωτοτυπία του βιβλίου είναι ότι συχνά παρεμβάλλονται διάφορα σχόλια και φιλοσοφικές παρατηρήσεις. Στος τέλος του βιβλίου υπάρχουν πολλές ωραίες φωτογραφίες κτιρίων και τοπίων εκείνης της εποχής.
Συνοψίζωντας μπορούμε να πούμε ότι το (Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί είναι ένα πρωτότυπο, αξιοπρόσεκτο έργο που αξίζει να διαβαστεί.

Συγχαρητήρια λοιπόν στον Δημήτρη Πρωτοψάλτη και του ευχόμαστε να δεί το έργο του διαδεδομένο διαχρονικά και πάντα με ανοδική πορεία.

Πόπη Αναστασιάδη-Μαλλιάνου
Πρόεδρος Ελλήνων Λογοτεχνών
Και
Καλλιτεχνών Αυστραλίας(ΕΕΛΚΑ)

Open full entry

15/10/2013

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Diaspora Social Life

Popi Anastasiadis Mallianou, addressing the audience

...at the launch of Jim Saltis's latest book Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί.

The English translation is Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms.

The launch was conducted at the Australian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Hall, 394 Princes Hwy
Rockdale NSW 2216, from 6:00 pm on Sunday 1st October, 2013.

The launch was hosted by the Association of Greek Writers and Artists Australia ( EELKA ) in collaboration with the Center for Literature and Poetry " Kostis Palamas " AHEPA.

The master of ceremonies for the evening was the Secretary of the Union Litsa Diakovasili. Dsicussion of the book was hosted by the President of the Union, Popi Anastasiadis Mallianou, and excerpts read by : Kiki Betty, Bethlehem Georgelli , Dimitra Milatou and Rosa Gialopouli, Board members of EELKA. Many passages were read from the book, and all acknowledged that the style and flow of Jim's novel was exceptional.

Visitors welcomed the President of AHEPA's Kostis Palamas " Mr. George Lianos.The presentation was attended by the Consul General of Greece Dr Stavros Kyrimis, and many other distinguished members of EELKA & AHEPA.

The launch was attended by a substantial number of people, as can be testified by this photograph.

Jim's friend, Tina Andrew accompanied him. This was appropriate as Tina's father Angelo Christianos was one of the founding members of AHEPA. He attended , one of the first AHEPA meetings held at Scone in 1935. A photograph of the Scone meeting adorns the AHEPA Hall.

Many of Jim and Tina's extended family, attended the launch.

The book is based on Jim Saltis's personal experiences, growing up as he did in a family of 7 children, in the pre-WW2 period in Alexandria, Egypt.

Authors Prefactory Remarks

Alexandria, Egypt, was the city of my birth, nurture and finally my departure in January 1949 without any hatred or wickedness.

I started writing my book Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms back in 1988, after my divorce. I bought a unit at Camspsie and attempted to reorganise my life as a bachelor. My days were grey and the nights were endless. I was craving for same sleep but it refused to intervene and bring some relief to my aching body and a break to my forever active brain. I named the Book “Mrs Stamata.” which was the name of the mother. It took many years to return to the skeletal draft and complete it.

The novel is a collection of experiences that I encountered, fictions that were creations of my cerebral fantasies the perpetually moving mind and my invisible soul.

All the persons that you will encounter in the story were real. Even the beautiful Flora (Madeline) who lived a daringly prodigal life was lucky to meet Milton and experience the immensity and tranquillity of true love. I compromised the tragedy of Alekos and Sofia’s love and gave a happy ending because of the philanthropic action of her boss Leon. Stamata died but she lives on as a ghost at the Greek section of the cemetery at Chatby awaiting the next Resurrection.

Now all of us who were born in Egypt and more particular in the cosmopolitan Alexandria we have dispersed at all corners of this hospitable planet. We travelled to new seas; we flew in skies and lands of places that we have learned in our Geography lessons. Most of us are well established in our new countries and we live carefree existences.

Yet we are grateful that we were born in Egypt.

This is Jim's second book. His first book, My Four Homes was published in both Greek and English.

Jims speech at the My Four Homes Book Launch

Download an interview with Jim Saltis on SBS Radio, Australia, here:

jim-saltis.mp3

This interview refers mainly to Jims previous book, My Four Homes, but also makes reference to Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms.

Author: Jim Saltis

When Published: 2013

Publisher: Jim Saltis

Available: From Jim Saltis or Tina Andrew. 02 9399 9767

Email, Jim Saltis

Book Details

Description: Paperback

Language: GREEK

ISBN: 9780646583938

Dewey Number: A823.4

Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί

Παρουσιάστρια: Πόπη Αναστασιάδου-Μαλλιάνου

Ο Δημήτρης Πρωτοψάλτης, γνωστός και ως Jim Saltis στο μυθιστόρημα του Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί μας πηγαίνει πίσω στο παρελθόν και μας κάνει να νοσταλγούμε και να ονειρευόμαστε. Μας περιγράφει με έντονα χρώματα μια Αίγυπτο που δεν υπάρχιε πια. Την Αίγυπτο της δεκαετίας του 1930. Βαθύς ψυχολόγος και γνώστης των ηθών της εποχής, μας αναλύει εκτενώς κοινονικά φαινόμενα. Μέσα από την ιστορία της ζωής μιας οικογένειας με επτά παιδιά μας περιγράφει ρεαλιστικά την Αίγυπτο και ιδίως την Αλέξάνδρια εκείνης της εποχής, την αγαπημένη του Αλεξάνδρια, την Αλεξάνδρια στην οποία γεννήθηκε(Βηθλεέμ Μπήκανε στο τράμ για το Μπακός...το εξαιρετικό προσωπικό του και την ακρίβεια του. ) Μια έντονη αίσθηση ιστορικότητας χαρακτηρίζει αυτό το μυθιστόρημα, όπως και το προηγoύμενο μυθιστόρημα του (Τα τέσσερα σπιτια) Στα βιβλία αυτά ο συγγραφέας αναλύει και τεκμηριώνει την πολιτική σήψη που υπάρχει στην δεκαετία του 30. Ο Πρωτοψάλτης είναι κοσμοπολίτης. Στο πίσω εξώφυλλο του βιβλίου του μας λέει; Σήμερα όλοι που γεννηθήκαμε στην μαγευτική πόλη της Αλεξάνδριας και στην Αίγυπτο ζούμε σκορπισμένοι στον φιλόξενο πλανήτη. Ταξιδέψαμε σε καινούργιες θάλασσες και πετάξαμε σε ουρανούς και πατρίδες που μάθαμε από τα βιβλία της Γεωγραφίας.

Το φάσμα των πάσης φύσεως προβληματισμών του είναι ευρύτατο. Αντλεί τα θέματα του από το παρελθόν που έχουν όμως απόλυτη σχέση με τα σημερινά δρώμενα. Εξετάζει όλες τις πτυχές της κοινωνίας με καταπληκτική οξυδέρκεια. Επίσης μας αναφέρει τις διάφορες δυσιδαιμονίες και προκαταλήψεις που υπήρχαν εκείνη την εποχή όπως π.χ. το χύσιμο του λαδιού που το θεωρούσαν μεγάλη γρουσουζιά. Κακός οιωνός όπως έλεγαν. (ΔήμητραΤο Μπουκάλι με το λάδι γλυστρησε από το χέρι της...μα τι φταίει πάλι ο άνθρωπος σκέφθηκε.)Πάνω σ’αυτές τις δυσιδαιμονίες και προκαταλήψεις βασίζεται και ο τίτλος του βιβλίου του Δημήτρη. Ευχές, αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί. και μας μιλά και για τα μάγια που έκαναν για να σταματήσουν ανεπιθήμητους γάμους, η για να εκδικηθούν κάποιον που τους είχε ενοχλήσει η απλώς κάποιον που δεν συμπαθούσαν. Διάφοροι επιτήδιοι εκμετάλευονταν τις προκαταλήψεις αυτές και κέρδιζαν χρήματα από τα ανύποπτα θύματα που πίστευαν σ’αυτά που τους έλεγαν ότι δηλ, τα μάγια θα φέρουν το ποθητό απότέλεσμα. Παρ’ολό που αυτά που περιγράφει ο Πρωτοψάλτης στο βιβλίο του έχουν λάβει χώρα στος αρχές του 20 ου αιώνα το θέμα είναι πολύ επίκαιρο διότι κάθε τόσο βλέπουμε στα μέσα ενημέρωσης παρόμοιες καταστάσεις και στις μέρες μας, όπως τους δύο μάγους που συνέλαβε μερικά χρόνια πρίν, η αστυνομία στα Δυτικά προάστεια του Σύδνευ, που είχαν πελάτες-θύματα με Πανεπιστημιακή μόρφωση.(Κική Είμαι έτοιμη τώρα κυρία...Αμα το φέρεις τότε θα κάνουμε και το επόμενο βήμα.)

Αφίνοντας την φαντασία του ελεύθερη ο Πρωτοψάλτης, ζωντανεύει το παρελθόν κατά τον πιο θελκτικό τρόπο. Ο χρόνος, οι βαθειές εσωτερικές δονήσεις τα πάθη συνθέτουν ένα αρμονικό σύνολο. Με απλά λόγια με πέννα που ρέει, μας παρασέρνει να τον παρακολουθήσουμε με τον πιο αβίαστο τρόπο (Δήμητρα Θυμάμαι καλά τον πολιτικό τους γάμο...η ευτυχία μπήκε στο σπιτικό τους.)

Δεν λείπει το ρεαλιστικό στοιχείο, ενώ οι κοινονικές συνθήκες της εποχής αναλύονται με αξιοπρόσεκτη ακρίβεια. Οι διαγραφές των χαρακτήρων του είναι ακριβείς ενώ οι χώροι και οι περιγραφές των τοπίων αποδίνονται θαυμάσια (Βηθλεέμ,Ομως σκόρπιες σκέψεις χτυπούσαν την πόρτα του μυαλού της...και ο Θεός της είχε χαρίσει 7 παιδιά. .)Ρόζα.Αραπάδες.... της ερωμένης του)
Επίσης ο συγραφέας μας περιγράφει με μαθηματική ακρίβεια τον έρωτα, σαρκικό και πνευματικό σε μια εποχή δύσκολη, υποκριτική, σεμνότυφη, εποχή σεξουαλικής καταπίεσης. Οι ήρωες του, αγαπούν πολύ, στη ζωή τους. Αγαπούν δίχως σεμνοτυφίες και όρια και πολλές φορές περνούν τα σύνορα και σπάνουν τα καλούπια της ηθηκής με ολέθρια αποτελέσματα(.ΡόζαΗΦλώρα γύρισε στο σπίτι της....που αρνήθηκε την οικογένεια της.)

Βαθύς γνώστης της ανθρώπινης φύσης μας περιγράφει με έντονες μελανές πινελιέςτην καθοδική πορεία ατόμων-θυμάτων, που παραδίνονται σε ακραία πάθη και καταστρεπτικές συνήθειες επιρεάζοντας αρνητικά την ζωή τους και τις ζωές προσφυλών τους προσώπων. (Κική Είχε επιθυμήσει να περάσει....από την οικογένεια της.)

Μια άλλη πρωτοτυπία του βιβλίου είναι ότι συχνά παρεμβάλλονται διάφορα σχόλια και φιλοσοφικές παρατηρήσεις. Στος τέλος του βιβλίου υπάρχουν πολλές ωραίες φωτογραφίες κτιρίων και τοπίων εκείνης της εποχής.
Συνοψίζωντας μπορούμε να πούμε ότι το (Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί είναι ένα πρωτότυπο, αξιοπρόσεκτο έργο που αξίζει να διαβαστεί.

Συγχαρητήρια λοιπόν στον Δημήτρη Πρωτοψάλτη και του ευχόμαστε να δεί το έργο του διαδεδομένο διαχρονικά και πάντα με ανοδική πορεία.

Πόπη Αναστασιάδη-Μαλλιάνου
Πρόεδρος Ελλήνων Λογοτεχνών
Και
Καλλιτεχνών Αυστραλίας(ΕΕΛΚΑ)

Open full entry

15/10/2013

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Diaspora Social Life

Jim Saltis and Tina Andrews sseated front and far right

...at the launch of his latest book Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί.

The English translation is Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms.

The launch was conducted at the Australian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Hall, 394 Princes Hwy
Rockdale NSW 2216, from 6:00 pm on Sunday 1st October, 2013.

The launch was hosted by the Association of Greek Writers and Artists Australia ( EELKA ) in collaboration with the Center for Literature and Poetry " Kostis Palamas " AHEPA.

The master of ceremonies for the evening was the Secretary of the Union Litsa Diakovasili. Dsicussion of the book was hosted by the President of the Union, Popi Anastasiadis Mallianou, and excerpts read by : Kiki Betty, Bethlehem Georgelli , Dimitra Milatou and Rosa Gialopouli, Board members of EELKA. Many passages were read from the book, and all acknowledged that the style and flow of Jim's novel was exceptional.

Visitors welcomed the President of AHEPA's Kostis Palamas " Mr. George Lianos.The presentation was attended by the Consul General of Greece Dr Stavros Kyrimis, and many other distinguished members of EELKA & AHEPA.

The launch was attended by a substantial number of people, as can be testified by this photograph.

Jim's friend, Tina Andrew accompanied him. This was appropriate as Tina's father Angelo Christianos was one of the founding members of AHEPA. He attended , one of the first AHEPA meetings held at Scone in 1935. A photograph of the Scone meeting adorns the AHEPA Hall.

Many of Jim and Tina's extended family, attended the launch.

The book is based on Jim Saltis's personal experiences, growing up as he did in a family of 7 children, in the pre-WW2 period in Alexandria, Egypt.

Authors Prefactory Remarks

Alexandria, Egypt, was the city of my birth, nurture and finally my departure in January 1949 without any hatred or wickedness.

I started writing my book Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms back in 1988, after my divorce. I bought a unit at Camspsie and attempted to reorganise my life as a bachelor. My days were grey and the nights were endless. I was craving for same sleep but it refused to intervene and bring some relief to my aching body and a break to my forever active brain. I named the Book “Mrs Stamata.” which was the name of the mother. It took many years to return to the skeletal draft and complete it.

The novel is a collection of experiences that I encountered, fictions that were creations of my cerebral fantasies the perpetually moving mind and my invisible soul.

All the persons that you will encounter in the story were real. Even the beautiful Flora (Madeline) who lived a daringly prodigal life was lucky to meet Milton and experience the immensity and tranquillity of true love. I compromised the tragedy of Alekos and Sofia’s love and gave a happy ending because of the philanthropic action of her boss Leon. Stamata died but she lives on as a ghost at the Greek section of the cemetery at Chatby awaiting the next Resurrection.

Now all of us who were born in Egypt and more particular in the cosmopolitan Alexandria we have dispersed at all corners of this hospitable planet. We travelled to new seas; we flew in skies and lands of places that we have learned in our Geography lessons. Most of us are well established in our new countries and we live carefree existences.

Yet we are grateful that we were born in Egypt.

This is Jim's second book. His first book, My Four Homes was published in both Greek and English.

Jims speech at the My Four Homes Book Launch

Download an interview with Jim Saltis on SBS Radio, Australia, here:

jim-saltis.mp3

This interview refers mainly to Jims previous book, My Four Homes, but also makes reference to Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms.

Author: Jim Saltis

When Published: 2013

Publisher: Jim Saltis

Available: From Jim Saltis or Tina Andrew. 02 9399 9767

Email, Jim Saltis

Book Details

Description: Paperback

Language: GREEK

ISBN: 9780646583938

Dewey Number: A823.4

Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί

Παρουσιάστρια: Πόπη Αναστασιάδου-Μαλλιάνου

Ο Δημήτρης Πρωτοψάλτης, γνωστός και ως Jim Saltis στο μυθιστόρημα του Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί μας πηγαίνει πίσω στο παρελθόν και μας κάνει να νοσταλγούμε και να ονειρευόμαστε. Μας περιγράφει με έντονα χρώματα μια Αίγυπτο που δεν υπάρχιε πια. Την Αίγυπτο της δεκαετίας του 1930. Βαθύς ψυχολόγος και γνώστης των ηθών της εποχής, μας αναλύει εκτενώς κοινονικά φαινόμενα. Μέσα από την ιστορία της ζωής μιας οικογένειας με επτά παιδιά μας περιγράφει ρεαλιστικά την Αίγυπτο και ιδίως την Αλέξάνδρια εκείνης της εποχής, την αγαπημένη του Αλεξάνδρια, την Αλεξάνδρια στην οποία γεννήθηκε(Βηθλεέμ Μπήκανε στο τράμ για το Μπακός...το εξαιρετικό προσωπικό του και την ακρίβεια του. ) Μια έντονη αίσθηση ιστορικότητας χαρακτηρίζει αυτό το μυθιστόρημα, όπως και το προηγoύμενο μυθιστόρημα του (Τα τέσσερα σπιτια) Στα βιβλία αυτά ο συγγραφέας αναλύει και τεκμηριώνει την πολιτική σήψη που υπάρχει στην δεκαετία του 30. Ο Πρωτοψάλτης είναι κοσμοπολίτης. Στο πίσω εξώφυλλο του βιβλίου του μας λέει; Σήμερα όλοι που γεννηθήκαμε στην μαγευτική πόλη της Αλεξάνδριας και στην Αίγυπτο ζούμε σκορπισμένοι στον φιλόξενο πλανήτη. Ταξιδέψαμε σε καινούργιες θάλασσες και πετάξαμε σε ουρανούς και πατρίδες που μάθαμε από τα βιβλία της Γεωγραφίας.

Το φάσμα των πάσης φύσεως προβληματισμών του είναι ευρύτατο. Αντλεί τα θέματα του από το παρελθόν που έχουν όμως απόλυτη σχέση με τα σημερινά δρώμενα. Εξετάζει όλες τις πτυχές της κοινωνίας με καταπληκτική οξυδέρκεια. Επίσης μας αναφέρει τις διάφορες δυσιδαιμονίες και προκαταλήψεις που υπήρχαν εκείνη την εποχή όπως π.χ. το χύσιμο του λαδιού που το θεωρούσαν μεγάλη γρουσουζιά. Κακός οιωνός όπως έλεγαν. (ΔήμητραΤο Μπουκάλι με το λάδι γλυστρησε από το χέρι της...μα τι φταίει πάλι ο άνθρωπος σκέφθηκε.)Πάνω σ’αυτές τις δυσιδαιμονίες και προκαταλήψεις βασίζεται και ο τίτλος του βιβλίου του Δημήτρη. Ευχές, αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί. και μας μιλά και για τα μάγια που έκαναν για να σταματήσουν ανεπιθήμητους γάμους, η για να εκδικηθούν κάποιον που τους είχε ενοχλήσει η απλώς κάποιον που δεν συμπαθούσαν. Διάφοροι επιτήδιοι εκμετάλευονταν τις προκαταλήψεις αυτές και κέρδιζαν χρήματα από τα ανύποπτα θύματα που πίστευαν σ’αυτά που τους έλεγαν ότι δηλ, τα μάγια θα φέρουν το ποθητό απότέλεσμα. Παρ’ολό που αυτά που περιγράφει ο Πρωτοψάλτης στο βιβλίο του έχουν λάβει χώρα στος αρχές του 20 ου αιώνα το θέμα είναι πολύ επίκαιρο διότι κάθε τόσο βλέπουμε στα μέσα ενημέρωσης παρόμοιες καταστάσεις και στις μέρες μας, όπως τους δύο μάγους που συνέλαβε μερικά χρόνια πρίν, η αστυνομία στα Δυτικά προάστεια του Σύδνευ, που είχαν πελάτες-θύματα με Πανεπιστημιακή μόρφωση.(Κική Είμαι έτοιμη τώρα κυρία...Αμα το φέρεις τότε θα κάνουμε και το επόμενο βήμα.)

Αφίνοντας την φαντασία του ελεύθερη ο Πρωτοψάλτης, ζωντανεύει το παρελθόν κατά τον πιο θελκτικό τρόπο. Ο χρόνος, οι βαθειές εσωτερικές δονήσεις τα πάθη συνθέτουν ένα αρμονικό σύνολο. Με απλά λόγια με πέννα που ρέει, μας παρασέρνει να τον παρακολουθήσουμε με τον πιο αβίαστο τρόπο (Δήμητρα Θυμάμαι καλά τον πολιτικό τους γάμο...η ευτυχία μπήκε στο σπιτικό τους.)

Δεν λείπει το ρεαλιστικό στοιχείο, ενώ οι κοινονικές συνθήκες της εποχής αναλύονται με αξιοπρόσεκτη ακρίβεια. Οι διαγραφές των χαρακτήρων του είναι ακριβείς ενώ οι χώροι και οι περιγραφές των τοπίων αποδίνονται θαυμάσια (Βηθλεέμ,Ομως σκόρπιες σκέψεις χτυπούσαν την πόρτα του μυαλού της...και ο Θεός της είχε χαρίσει 7 παιδιά. .)Ρόζα.Αραπάδες.... της ερωμένης του)
Επίσης ο συγραφέας μας περιγράφει με μαθηματική ακρίβεια τον έρωτα, σαρκικό και πνευματικό σε μια εποχή δύσκολη, υποκριτική, σεμνότυφη, εποχή σεξουαλικής καταπίεσης. Οι ήρωες του, αγαπούν πολύ, στη ζωή τους. Αγαπούν δίχως σεμνοτυφίες και όρια και πολλές φορές περνούν τα σύνορα και σπάνουν τα καλούπια της ηθηκής με ολέθρια αποτελέσματα(.ΡόζαΗΦλώρα γύρισε στο σπίτι της....που αρνήθηκε την οικογένεια της.)

Βαθύς γνώστης της ανθρώπινης φύσης μας περιγράφει με έντονες μελανές πινελιέςτην καθοδική πορεία ατόμων-θυμάτων, που παραδίνονται σε ακραία πάθη και καταστρεπτικές συνήθειες επιρεάζοντας αρνητικά την ζωή τους και τις ζωές προσφυλών τους προσώπων. (Κική Είχε επιθυμήσει να περάσει....από την οικογένεια της.)

Μια άλλη πρωτοτυπία του βιβλίου είναι ότι συχνά παρεμβάλλονται διάφορα σχόλια και φιλοσοφικές παρατηρήσεις. Στος τέλος του βιβλίου υπάρχουν πολλές ωραίες φωτογραφίες κτιρίων και τοπίων εκείνης της εποχής.
Συνοψίζωντας μπορούμε να πούμε ότι το (Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί είναι ένα πρωτότυπο, αξιοπρόσεκτο έργο που αξίζει να διαβαστεί.

Συγχαρητήρια λοιπόν στον Δημήτρη Πρωτοψάλτη και του ευχόμαστε να δεί το έργο του διαδεδομένο διαχρονικά και πάντα με ανοδική πορεία.

Πόπη Αναστασιάδη-Μαλλιάνου
Πρόεδρος Ελλήνων Λογοτεχνών
Και
Καλλιτεχνών Αυστραλίας(ΕΕΛΚΑ)

Open full entry

15/10/2013

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Diaspora Social Life

Jim Saltis signing copies at the launch of his latest book Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί

The English translation is Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms.

The launch was conducted at the Australian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Hall, 394 Princes Hwy
Rockdale NSW 2216, from 6:00 pm on Sunday 1st October, 2013.

The launch was hosted by the Association of Greek Writers and Artists Australia ( EELKA ) in collaboration with the Center for Literature and Poetry " Kostis Palamas " AHEPA.

The master of ceremonies for the evening was the Secretary of the Union Litsa Diakovasili. Dsicussion of the book was hosted by the President of the Union, Popi Anastasiadis Mallianou, and excerpts read by : Kiki Betty, Bethlehem Georgelli , Dimitra Milatou and Rosa Gialopouli, Board members of EELKA. Many passages were read from the book, and all acknowledged that the style and flow of Jim's novel was exceptional.

Visitors welcomed the President of AHEPA's Kostis Palamas " Mr. George Lianos.The presentation was attended by the Consul General of Greece Dr Stavros Kyrimis, and many other distinguished members of EELKA & AHEPA.

The launch was attended by a substantial number of people, as can be testified by this photograph.

Jim's friend, Tina Andrew accompanied him. This was appropriate as Tina's father Angelo Christianos was one of the founding members of AHEPA. He attended , one of the first AHEPA meetings held at Scone in 1935. A photograph of the Scone meeting adorns the AHEPA Hall.

Many of Jim and Tina's extended family, attended the launch.

The book is based on Jim Saltis's personal experiences, growing up as he did in a family of 7 children, in the pre-WW2 period in Alexandria, Egypt.

Authors Prefactory Remarks

Alexandria, Egypt, was the city of my birth, nurture and finally my departure in January 1949 without any hatred or wickedness.

I started writing my book Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms back in 1988, after my divorce. I bought a unit at Camspsie and attempted to reorganise my life as a bachelor. My days were grey and the nights were endless. I was craving for same sleep but it refused to intervene and bring some relief to my aching body and a break to my forever active brain. I named the Book “Mrs Stamata.” which was the name of the mother. It took many years to return to the skeletal draft and complete it.

The novel is a collection of experiences that I encountered, fictions that were creations of my cerebral fantasies the perpetually moving mind and my invisible soul.

All the persons that you will encounter in the story were real. Even the beautiful Flora (Madeline) who lived a daringly prodigal life was lucky to meet Milton and experience the immensity and tranquillity of true love. I compromised the tragedy of Alekos and Sofia’s love and gave a happy ending because of the philanthropic action of her boss Leon. Stamata died but she lives on as a ghost at the Greek section of the cemetery at Chatby awaiting the next Resurrection.

Now all of us who were born in Egypt and more particular in the cosmopolitan Alexandria we have dispersed at all corners of this hospitable planet. We travelled to new seas; we flew in skies and lands of places that we have learned in our Geography lessons. Most of us are well established in our new countries and we live carefree existences.

Yet we are grateful that we were born in Egypt.

This is Jim's second book. His first book, My Four Homes was published in both Greek and English.

Jims speech at the My Four Homes Book Launch

Download an interview with Jim Saltis on SBS Radio, Australia, here:

jim-saltis.mp3

This interview refers mainly to Jims previous book, My Four Homes, but also makes reference to Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms.

Author: Jim Saltis

When Published: 2013

Publisher: Jim Saltis

Available: From Jim Saltis or Tina Andrew. 02 9399 9767

Email, Jim Saltis

Book Details

Description: Paperback

Language: GREEK

ISBN: 9780646583938

Dewey Number: A823.4

Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί

Παρουσιάστρια: Πόπη Αναστασιάδου-Μαλλιάνου

Ο Δημήτρης Πρωτοψάλτης, γνωστός και ως Jim Saltis στο μυθιστόρημα του Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί μας πηγαίνει πίσω στο παρελθόν και μας κάνει να νοσταλγούμε και να ονειρευόμαστε. Μας περιγράφει με έντονα χρώματα μια Αίγυπτο που δεν υπάρχιε πια. Την Αίγυπτο της δεκαετίας του 1930. Βαθύς ψυχολόγος και γνώστης των ηθών της εποχής, μας αναλύει εκτενώς κοινονικά φαινόμενα. Μέσα από την ιστορία της ζωής μιας οικογένειας με επτά παιδιά μας περιγράφει ρεαλιστικά την Αίγυπτο και ιδίως την Αλέξάνδρια εκείνης της εποχής, την αγαπημένη του Αλεξάνδρια, την Αλεξάνδρια στην οποία γεννήθηκε(Βηθλεέμ Μπήκανε στο τράμ για το Μπακός...το εξαιρετικό προσωπικό του και την ακρίβεια του. ) Μια έντονη αίσθηση ιστορικότητας χαρακτηρίζει αυτό το μυθιστόρημα, όπως και το προηγoύμενο μυθιστόρημα του (Τα τέσσερα σπιτια) Στα βιβλία αυτά ο συγγραφέας αναλύει και τεκμηριώνει την πολιτική σήψη που υπάρχει στην δεκαετία του 30. Ο Πρωτοψάλτης είναι κοσμοπολίτης. Στο πίσω εξώφυλλο του βιβλίου του μας λέει; Σήμερα όλοι που γεννηθήκαμε στην μαγευτική πόλη της Αλεξάνδριας και στην Αίγυπτο ζούμε σκορπισμένοι στον φιλόξενο πλανήτη. Ταξιδέψαμε σε καινούργιες θάλασσες και πετάξαμε σε ουρανούς και πατρίδες που μάθαμε από τα βιβλία της Γεωγραφίας.

Το φάσμα των πάσης φύσεως προβληματισμών του είναι ευρύτατο. Αντλεί τα θέματα του από το παρελθόν που έχουν όμως απόλυτη σχέση με τα σημερινά δρώμενα. Εξετάζει όλες τις πτυχές της κοινωνίας με καταπληκτική οξυδέρκεια. Επίσης μας αναφέρει τις διάφορες δυσιδαιμονίες και προκαταλήψεις που υπήρχαν εκείνη την εποχή όπως π.χ. το χύσιμο του λαδιού που το θεωρούσαν μεγάλη γρουσουζιά. Κακός οιωνός όπως έλεγαν. (ΔήμητραΤο Μπουκάλι με το λάδι γλυστρησε από το χέρι της...μα τι φταίει πάλι ο άνθρωπος σκέφθηκε.)Πάνω σ’αυτές τις δυσιδαιμονίες και προκαταλήψεις βασίζεται και ο τίτλος του βιβλίου του Δημήτρη. Ευχές, αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί. και μας μιλά και για τα μάγια που έκαναν για να σταματήσουν ανεπιθήμητους γάμους, η για να εκδικηθούν κάποιον που τους είχε ενοχλήσει η απλώς κάποιον που δεν συμπαθούσαν. Διάφοροι επιτήδιοι εκμετάλευονταν τις προκαταλήψεις αυτές και κέρδιζαν χρήματα από τα ανύποπτα θύματα που πίστευαν σ’αυτά που τους έλεγαν ότι δηλ, τα μάγια θα φέρουν το ποθητό απότέλεσμα. Παρ’ολό που αυτά που περιγράφει ο Πρωτοψάλτης στο βιβλίο του έχουν λάβει χώρα στος αρχές του 20 ου αιώνα το θέμα είναι πολύ επίκαιρο διότι κάθε τόσο βλέπουμε στα μέσα ενημέρωσης παρόμοιες καταστάσεις και στις μέρες μας, όπως τους δύο μάγους που συνέλαβε μερικά χρόνια πρίν, η αστυνομία στα Δυτικά προάστεια του Σύδνευ, που είχαν πελάτες-θύματα με Πανεπιστημιακή μόρφωση.(Κική Είμαι έτοιμη τώρα κυρία...Αμα το φέρεις τότε θα κάνουμε και το επόμενο βήμα.)

Αφίνοντας την φαντασία του ελεύθερη ο Πρωτοψάλτης, ζωντανεύει το παρελθόν κατά τον πιο θελκτικό τρόπο. Ο χρόνος, οι βαθειές εσωτερικές δονήσεις τα πάθη συνθέτουν ένα αρμονικό σύνολο. Με απλά λόγια με πέννα που ρέει, μας παρασέρνει να τον παρακολουθήσουμε με τον πιο αβίαστο τρόπο (Δήμητρα Θυμάμαι καλά τον πολιτικό τους γάμο...η ευτυχία μπήκε στο σπιτικό τους.)

Δεν λείπει το ρεαλιστικό στοιχείο, ενώ οι κοινονικές συνθήκες της εποχής αναλύονται με αξιοπρόσεκτη ακρίβεια. Οι διαγραφές των χαρακτήρων του είναι ακριβείς ενώ οι χώροι και οι περιγραφές των τοπίων αποδίνονται θαυμάσια (Βηθλεέμ,Ομως σκόρπιες σκέψεις χτυπούσαν την πόρτα του μυαλού της...και ο Θεός της είχε χαρίσει 7 παιδιά. .)Ρόζα.Αραπάδες.... της ερωμένης του)
Επίσης ο συγραφέας μας περιγράφει με μαθηματική ακρίβεια τον έρωτα, σαρκικό και πνευματικό σε μια εποχή δύσκολη, υποκριτική, σεμνότυφη, εποχή σεξουαλικής καταπίεσης. Οι ήρωες του, αγαπούν πολύ, στη ζωή τους. Αγαπούν δίχως σεμνοτυφίες και όρια και πολλές φορές περνούν τα σύνορα και σπάνουν τα καλούπια της ηθηκής με ολέθρια αποτελέσματα(.ΡόζαΗΦλώρα γύρισε στο σπίτι της....που αρνήθηκε την οικογένεια της.)

Βαθύς γνώστης της ανθρώπινης φύσης μας περιγράφει με έντονες μελανές πινελιέςτην καθοδική πορεία ατόμων-θυμάτων, που παραδίνονται σε ακραία πάθη και καταστρεπτικές συνήθειες επιρεάζοντας αρνητικά την ζωή τους και τις ζωές προσφυλών τους προσώπων. (Κική Είχε επιθυμήσει να περάσει....από την οικογένεια της.)

Μια άλλη πρωτοτυπία του βιβλίου είναι ότι συχνά παρεμβάλλονται διάφορα σχόλια και φιλοσοφικές παρατηρήσεις. Στος τέλος του βιβλίου υπάρχουν πολλές ωραίες φωτογραφίες κτιρίων και τοπίων εκείνης της εποχής.
Συνοψίζωντας μπορούμε να πούμε ότι το (Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί είναι ένα πρωτότυπο, αξιοπρόσεκτο έργο που αξίζει να διαβαστεί.

Συγχαρητήρια λοιπόν στον Δημήτρη Πρωτοψάλτη και του ευχόμαστε να δεί το έργο του διαδεδομένο διαχρονικά και πάντα με ανοδική πορεία.

Πόπη Αναστασιάδη-Μαλλιάνου
Πρόεδρος Ελλήνων Λογοτεχνών
Και
Καλλιτεχνών Αυστραλίας(ΕΕΛΚΑ)

Open full entry

10/10/2013

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Documents

Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί - Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms

Author: Jim Saltis

When Published: 2013

Publisher: Jim Saltis

Available: From Jim Saltis or Tina Andrew. 02 9399 9767

Email, Jim Saltis

Description: Paperback

Language: GREEK

ISBN: 9780646583938

Dewey Number: A823.4

The launch was conducted at the Australian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Hall, 394 Princes Hwy
Rockdale NSW 2216, from 6:00 pm on Sunday 1st October, 2013.

The launch was hosted by the Association of Greek Writers and Artists Australia ( EELKA ) in collaboration with the Center for Literature and Poetry " Kostis Palamas " AHEPA.

The master of ceremonies for the evening was the Secretary of the Union Litsa Diakovasili. Dsicussion of the book was hosted by the President of the Union, Popi Anastasiadis Mallianou, and excerpts read by : Kiki Betty, Bethlehem Georgelli , Dimitra Milatou and Rosa Gialopouli, Board members of EELKA. Many passages were read from the book, and all acknowledged that the style and flow of Jim's novel was exceptional.

Visitors welcomed the President of AHEPA's Kostis Palamas " Mr. George Lianos.The presentation was attended by the Consul General of Greece Dr Stavros Kyrimis, and many other distinguished members of EELKA & AHEPA.

The launch was attended by a substantial number of people, as can be testified by this photograph.

Jim's friend, Tina Andrew accompanied him. This was appropriate as Tina's father Angelo Christianos was one of the founding members of AHEPA. He attended , one of the first AHEPA meetings held at Scone in 1935. A photograph of the Scone meeting adorns the AHEPA Hall.

Many of Jim and Tina's exctended family, attended the launch.

The book is based on Jim Saltis's personal experiences, growing up as he did in a family of 7 children, in the pre-WW2 period in Alexandria, Egypt.

Authors Prefactory Remarks

Alexandria, Egypt, was the city of my birth, nurture and finally my departure in January 1949 without any hatred or wickedness.

I started writing my book Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms back in 1988, after my divorce. I bought a unit at Camspsie and attempted to reorganise my life as a bachelor. My days were grey and the nights were endless. I was craving for same sleep but it refused to intervene and bring some relief to my aching body and a break to my forever active brain. I named the Book “Mrs Stamata.” which was the name of the mother. It took many years to return to the skeletal draft and complete it.

The novel is a collection of experiences that I encountered, fictions that were creations of my cerebral fantasies the perpetually moving mind and my invisible soul.

All the persons that you will encounter in the story were real. Even the beautiful Flora (Madeline) who lived a daringly prodigal life was lucky to meet Milton and experience the immensity and tranquillity of true love. I compromised the tragedy of Alekos and Sofia’s love and gave a happy ending because of the philanthropic action of her boss Leon. Stamata died but she lives on as a ghost at the Greek section of the cemetery at Chatby awaiting the next Resurrection.

Now all of us who were born in Egypt and more particular in the cosmopolitan Alexandria we have dispersed at all corners of this hospitable planet. We travelled to new seas; we flew in skies and lands of places that we have learned in our Geography lessons. Most of us are well established in our new countries and we live carefree existences.

Yet we are grateful that we were born in Egypt.

This is Jim's second book. His first book, My Four Homes was published in both Greek and English.

Jims speech at the My Four Homes Book Launch

Download an interview with Jim Saltis on SBS Radio, Australia, here:

jim-saltis.mp3

This interview refers mainly to Jims previous book, My Four Homes, but also makes reference to Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms.

Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί

Παρουσιάστρια: Πόπη Αναστασιάδου-Μαλλιάνου

Ο Δημήτρης Πρωτοψάλτης, γνωστός και ως Jim Saltis στο μυθιστόρημα του Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί μας πηγαίνει πίσω στο παρελθόν και μας κάνει να νοσταλγούμε και να ονειρευόμαστε. Μας περιγράφει με έντονα χρώματα μια Αίγυπτο που δεν υπάρχιε πια. Την Αίγυπτο της δεκαετίας του 1930. Βαθύς ψυχολόγος και γνώστης των ηθών της εποχής, μας αναλύει εκτενώς κοινονικά φαινόμενα. Μέσα από την ιστορία της ζωής μιας οικογένειας με επτά παιδιά μας περιγράφει ρεαλιστικά την Αίγυπτο και ιδίως την Αλέξάνδρια εκείνης της εποχής, την αγαπημένη του Αλεξάνδρια, την Αλεξάνδρια στην οποία γεννήθηκε(Βηθλεέμ Μπήκανε στο τράμ για το Μπακός...το εξαιρετικό προσωπικό του και την ακρίβεια του. ) Μια έντονη αίσθηση ιστορικότητας χαρακτηρίζει αυτό το μυθιστόρημα, όπως και το προηγoύμενο μυθιστόρημα του (Τα τέσσερα σπιτια) Στα βιβλία αυτά ο συγγραφέας αναλύει και τεκμηριώνει την πολιτική σήψη που υπάρχει στην δεκαετία του 30. Ο Πρωτοψάλτης είναι κοσμοπολίτης. Στο πίσω εξώφυλλο του βιβλίου του μας λέει; Σήμερα όλοι που γεννηθήκαμε στην μαγευτική πόλη της Αλεξάνδριας και στην Αίγυπτο ζούμε σκορπισμένοι στον φιλόξενο πλανήτη. Ταξιδέψαμε σε καινούργιες θάλασσες και πετάξαμε σε ουρανούς και πατρίδες που μάθαμε από τα βιβλία της Γεωγραφίας.

Το φάσμα των πάσης φύσεως προβληματισμών του είναι ευρύτατο. Αντλεί τα θέματα του από το παρελθόν που έχουν όμως απόλυτη σχέση με τα σημερινά δρώμενα. Εξετάζει όλες τις πτυχές της κοινωνίας με καταπληκτική οξυδέρκεια. Επίσης μας αναφέρει τις διάφορες δυσιδαιμονίες και προκαταλήψεις που υπήρχαν εκείνη την εποχή όπως π.χ. το χύσιμο του λαδιού που το θεωρούσαν μεγάλη γρουσουζιά. Κακός οιωνός όπως έλεγαν. (ΔήμητραΤο Μπουκάλι με το λάδι γλυστρησε από το χέρι της...μα τι φταίει πάλι ο άνθρωπος σκέφθηκε.)Πάνω σ’αυτές τις δυσιδαιμονίες και προκαταλήψεις βασίζεται και ο τίτλος του βιβλίου του Δημήτρη. Ευχές, αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί. και μας μιλά και για τα μάγια που έκαναν για να σταματήσουν ανεπιθήμητους γάμους, η για να εκδικηθούν κάποιον που τους είχε ενοχλήσει η απλώς κάποιον που δεν συμπαθούσαν. Διάφοροι επιτήδιοι εκμετάλευονταν τις προκαταλήψεις αυτές και κέρδιζαν χρήματα από τα ανύποπτα θύματα που πίστευαν σ’αυτά που τους έλεγαν ότι δηλ, τα μάγια θα φέρουν το ποθητό απότέλεσμα. Παρ’ολό που αυτά που περιγράφει ο Πρωτοψάλτης στο βιβλίο του έχουν λάβει χώρα στος αρχές του 20 ου αιώνα το θέμα είναι πολύ επίκαιρο διότι κάθε τόσο βλέπουμε στα μέσα ενημέρωσης παρόμοιες καταστάσεις και στις μέρες μας, όπως τους δύο μάγους που συνέλαβε μερικά χρόνια πρίν, η αστυνομία στα Δυτικά προάστεια του Σύδνευ, που είχαν πελάτες-θύματα με Πανεπιστημιακή μόρφωση.(Κική Είμαι έτοιμη τώρα κυρία...Αμα το φέρεις τότε θα κάνουμε και το επόμενο βήμα.)

Αφίνοντας την φαντασία του ελεύθερη ο Πρωτοψάλτης, ζωντανεύει το παρελθόν κατά τον πιο θελκτικό τρόπο. Ο χρόνος, οι βαθειές εσωτερικές δονήσεις τα πάθη συνθέτουν ένα αρμονικό σύνολο. Με απλά λόγια με πέννα που ρέει, μας παρασέρνει να τον παρακολουθήσουμε με τον πιο αβίαστο τρόπο (Δήμητρα Θυμάμαι καλά τον πολιτικό τους γάμο...η ευτυχία μπήκε στο σπιτικό τους.)

Δεν λείπει το ρεαλιστικό στοιχείο, ενώ οι κοινονικές συνθήκες της εποχής αναλύονται με αξιοπρόσεκτη ακρίβεια. Οι διαγραφές των χαρακτήρων του είναι ακριβείς ενώ οι χώροι και οι περιγραφές των τοπίων αποδίνονται θαυμάσια (Βηθλεέμ,Ομως σκόρπιες σκέψεις χτυπούσαν την πόρτα του μυαλού της...και ο Θεός της είχε χαρίσει 7 παιδιά. .)Ρόζα.Αραπάδες.... της ερωμένης του)
Επίσης ο συγραφέας μας περιγράφει με μαθηματική ακρίβεια τον έρωτα, σαρκικό και πνευματικό σε μια εποχή δύσκολη, υποκριτική, σεμνότυφη, εποχή σεξουαλικής καταπίεσης. Οι ήρωες του, αγαπούν πολύ, στη ζωή τους. Αγαπούν δίχως σεμνοτυφίες και όρια και πολλές φορές περνούν τα σύνορα και σπάνουν τα καλούπια της ηθηκής με ολέθρια αποτελέσματα(.ΡόζαΗΦλώρα γύρισε στο σπίτι της....που αρνήθηκε την οικογένεια της.)

Βαθύς γνώστης της ανθρώπινης φύσης μας περιγράφει με έντονες μελανές πινελιέςτην καθοδική πορεία ατόμων-θυμάτων, που παραδίνονται σε ακραία πάθη και καταστρεπτικές συνήθειες επιρεάζοντας αρνητικά την ζωή τους και τις ζωές προσφυλών τους προσώπων. (Κική Είχε επιθυμήσει να περάσει....από την οικογένεια της.)

Μια άλλη πρωτοτυπία του βιβλίου είναι ότι συχνά παρεμβάλλονται διάφορα σχόλια και φιλοσοφικές παρατηρήσεις. Στος τέλος του βιβλίου υπάρχουν πολλές ωραίες φωτογραφίες κτιρίων και τοπίων εκείνης της εποχής.
Συνοψίζωντας μπορούμε να πούμε ότι το (Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί είναι ένα πρωτότυπο, αξιοπρόσεκτο έργο που αξίζει να διαβαστεί.

Συγχαρητήρια λοιπόν στον Δημήτρη Πρωτοψάλτη και του ευχόμαστε να δεί το έργο του διαδεδομένο διαχρονικά και πάντα με ανοδική πορεία.

Πόπη Αναστασιάδη-Μαλλιάνου
Πρόεδρος Ελλήνων Λογοτεχνών
Και
Καλλιτεχνών Αυστραλίας(ΕΕΛΚΑ)

Open full entry

10/10/2013

History, Documents

Diaspora Social Life

Launch of Jim Saltis's latest book, Ευχες Αναεματισμοι και Eξορκισμοι

The launch was conducted at AHEPA Hall, 394 Princes Hwy
Rockdale NSW 2216, from 6:00 pm on Sunday 1st October, 2013.

The launch was hosted by the Association of Greek Writers and Artists Australia ( EELKA ) in collaboration with the Center for Literature and Poetry " Kostis Palamas " AHEPA.

The master of ceremonies for the evening was the Secretary of the Union Litsa Diakovasili. Dsicussion of the book was hosted by the President of the Union, Popi Anastasiadis Mallianou, and excerpts read by : Kiki Betty, Bethlehem Georgelli , Dimitra Milatou and Rosa Gialopouli, Board members of EELKA. Many passages were read from the book, and all acknowledged that the style and flow of Jim's novel was exceptional.

Visitors welcomed the President of AHEPA's Kostis Palamas " Mr. George Lianos.The presentation was attended by the Consul General of Greece Dr Stavros Kyrimis, and many other distinguished members of EELKA & AHEPA.

The launch was attended by a substantial number of people, as can be testified by the photograph above.

The book is based on Jim Saltis's personal experiences, growing up as he did in a family of 7 children, in the pre-WW2 period in Alexandria, Egypt.

Authors Prefactory Remarks

Alexandria, Egypt, was the city of my birth, nurture and finally my departure in January 1949 without any hatred or wickedness.

I started writing my book Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms back in 1988, after my divorce. I bought a unit at Camspsie and attempted to reorganise my life as a bachelor. My days were grey and the nights were endless. I was craving for same sleep but it refused to intervene and bring some relief to my aching body and a break to my forever active brain. I named the Book “Mrs Stamata.” which was the name of the mother. It took many years to return to the skeletal draft and complete it.

The novel is a collection of experiences that I encountered, fictions that were creations of my cerebral fantasies the perpetually moving mind and my invisible soul.

All the persons that you will encounter in the story were real. Even the beautiful Flora (Madeline) who lived a daringly prodigal life was lucky to meet Milton and experience the immensity and tranquillity of true love. I compromised the tragedy of Alekos and Sofia’s love and gave a happy ending because of the philanthropic action of her boss Leon. Stamata died but she lives on as a ghost at the Greek section of the cemetery at Chatby awaiting the next Resurrection.

Now all of us who were born in Egypt and more particular in the cosmopolitan Alexandria we have dispersed at all corners of this hospitable planet. We travelled to new seas; we flew in skies and lands of places that we have learned in our Geography lessons. Most of us are well established in our new countries and we live carefree existences.

Yet we are grateful that we were born in Egypt.

This is Jim's second book. His first book, My Four Homes was published in both Greek and English.

Jims speech at the My Four Homes Book Launch

Download an interview with Jim Saltis on SBS Radio, Australia, here:

jim-saltis.mp3

This interview refers mainly to Jims previous book, My Four Homes, but also makes reference to Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms.

Ευχες Αναεματισμοι και Eξορκισμοι - Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms

Author: Jim Saltis

When Published: 2013

Publisher: Jim Saltis

Available: From Jim Saltis or Tina Andrew. 02 9399 9767

Email, Jim Saltis

Description: Paperback

Language: GREEK

ISBN: 9780646583938

Dewey Number: A823.4

Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί

Παρουσιάστρια: Πόπη Αναστασιάδου-Μαλλιάνου

Ο Δημήτρης Πρωτοψάλτης, γνωστός και ως Jim Saltis στο μυθιστόρημα του Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί μας πηγαίνει πίσω στο παρελθόν και μας κάνει να νοσταλγούμε και να ονειρευόμαστε. Μας περιγράφει με έντονα χρώματα μια Αίγυπτο που δεν υπάρχιε πια. Την Αίγυπτο της δεκαετίας του 1930. Βαθύς ψυχολόγος και γνώστης των ηθών της εποχής, μας αναλύει εκτενώς κοινονικά φαινόμενα. Μέσα από την ιστορία της ζωής μιας οικογένειας με επτά παιδιά μας περιγράφει ρεαλιστικά την Αίγυπτο και ιδίως την Αλέξάνδρια εκείνης της εποχής, την αγαπημένη του Αλεξάνδρια, την Αλεξάνδρια στην οποία γεννήθηκε(Βηθλεέμ Μπήκανε στο τράμ για το Μπακός...το εξαιρετικό προσωπικό του και την ακρίβεια του. ) Μια έντονη αίσθηση ιστορικότητας χαρακτηρίζει αυτό το μυθιστόρημα, όπως και το προηγoύμενο μυθιστόρημα του (Τα τέσσερα σπιτια) Στα βιβλία αυτά ο συγγραφέας αναλύει και τεκμηριώνει την πολιτική σήψη που υπάρχει στην δεκαετία του 30. Ο Πρωτοψάλτης είναι κοσμοπολίτης. Στο πίσω εξώφυλλο του βιβλίου του μας λέει; Σήμερα όλοι που γεννηθήκαμε στην μαγευτική πόλη της Αλεξάνδριας και στην Αίγυπτο ζούμε σκορπισμένοι στον φιλόξενο πλανήτη. Ταξιδέψαμε σε καινούργιες θάλασσες και πετάξαμε σε ουρανούς και πατρίδες που μάθαμε από τα βιβλία της Γεωγραφίας.

Το φάσμα των πάσης φύσεως προβληματισμών του είναι ευρύτατο. Αντλεί τα θέματα του από το παρελθόν που έχουν όμως απόλυτη σχέση με τα σημερινά δρώμενα. Εξετάζει όλες τις πτυχές της κοινωνίας με καταπληκτική οξυδέρκεια. Επίσης μας αναφέρει τις διάφορες δυσιδαιμονίες και προκαταλήψεις που υπήρχαν εκείνη την εποχή όπως π.χ. το χύσιμο του λαδιού που το θεωρούσαν μεγάλη γρουσουζιά. Κακός οιωνός όπως έλεγαν. (ΔήμητραΤο Μπουκάλι με το λάδι γλυστρησε από το χέρι της...μα τι φταίει πάλι ο άνθρωπος σκέφθηκε.)Πάνω σ’αυτές τις δυσιδαιμονίες και προκαταλήψεις βασίζεται και ο τίτλος του βιβλίου του Δημήτρη. Ευχές, αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί. και μας μιλά και για τα μάγια που έκαναν για να σταματήσουν ανεπιθήμητους γάμους, η για να εκδικηθούν κάποιον που τους είχε ενοχλήσει η απλώς κάποιον που δεν συμπαθούσαν. Διάφοροι επιτήδιοι εκμετάλευονταν τις προκαταλήψεις αυτές και κέρδιζαν χρήματα από τα ανύποπτα θύματα που πίστευαν σ’αυτά που τους έλεγαν ότι δηλ, τα μάγια θα φέρουν το ποθητό απότέλεσμα. Παρ’ολό που αυτά που περιγράφει ο Πρωτοψάλτης στο βιβλίο του έχουν λάβει χώρα στος αρχές του 20 ου αιώνα το θέμα είναι πολύ επίκαιρο διότι κάθε τόσο βλέπουμε στα μέσα ενημέρωσης παρόμοιες καταστάσεις και στις μέρες μας, όπως τους δύο μάγους που συνέλαβε μερικά χρόνια πρίν, η αστυνομία στα Δυτικά προάστεια του Σύδνευ, που είχαν πελάτες-θύματα με Πανεπιστημιακή μόρφωση.(Κική Είμαι έτοιμη τώρα κυρία...Αμα το φέρεις τότε θα κάνουμε και το επόμενο βήμα.)

Αφίνοντας την φαντασία του ελεύθερη ο Πρωτοψάλτης, ζωντανεύει το παρελθόν κατά τον πιο θελκτικό τρόπο. Ο χρόνος, οι βαθειές εσωτερικές δονήσεις τα πάθη συνθέτουν ένα αρμονικό σύνολο. Με απλά λόγια με πέννα που ρέει, μας παρασέρνει να τον παρακολουθήσουμε με τον πιο αβίαστο τρόπο (Δήμητρα Θυμάμαι καλά τον πολιτικό τους γάμο...η ευτυχία μπήκε στο σπιτικό τους.)

Δεν λείπει το ρεαλιστικό στοιχείο, ενώ οι κοινονικές συνθήκες της εποχής αναλύονται με αξιοπρόσεκτη ακρίβεια. Οι διαγραφές των χαρακτήρων του είναι ακριβείς ενώ οι χώροι και οι περιγραφές των τοπίων αποδίνονται θαυμάσια (Βηθλεέμ,Ομως σκόρπιες σκέψεις χτυπούσαν την πόρτα του μυαλού της...και ο Θεός της είχε χαρίσει 7 παιδιά. .)Ρόζα.Αραπάδες.... της ερωμένης του)
Επίσης ο συγραφέας μας περιγράφει με μαθηματική ακρίβεια τον έρωτα, σαρκικό και πνευματικό σε μια εποχή δύσκολη, υποκριτική, σεμνότυφη, εποχή σεξουαλικής καταπίεσης. Οι ήρωες του, αγαπούν πολύ, στη ζωή τους. Αγαπούν δίχως σεμνοτυφίες και όρια και πολλές φορές περνούν τα σύνορα και σπάνουν τα καλούπια της ηθηκής με ολέθρια αποτελέσματα(.ΡόζαΗΦλώρα γύρισε στο σπίτι της....που αρνήθηκε την οικογένεια της.)

Βαθύς γνώστης της ανθρώπινης φύσης μας περιγράφει με έντονες μελανές πινελιέςτην καθοδική πορεία ατόμων-θυμάτων, που παραδίνονται σε ακραία πάθη και καταστρεπτικές συνήθειες επιρεάζοντας αρνητικά την ζωή τους και τις ζωές προσφυλών τους προσώπων. (Κική Είχε επιθυμήσει να περάσει....από την οικογένεια της.)

Μια άλλη πρωτοτυπία του βιβλίου είναι ότι συχνά παρεμβάλλονται διάφορα σχόλια και φιλοσοφικές παρατηρήσεις. Στος τέλος του βιβλίου υπάρχουν πολλές ωραίες φωτογραφίες κτιρίων και τοπίων εκείνης της εποχής.
Συνοψίζωντας μπορούμε να πούμε ότι το (Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί είναι ένα πρωτότυπο, αξιοπρόσεκτο έργο που αξίζει να διαβαστεί.

Συγχαρητήρια λοιπόν στον Δημήτρη Πρωτοψάλτη και του ευχόμαστε να δεί το έργο του διαδεδομένο διαχρονικά και πάντα με ανοδική πορεία.

Πόπη Αναστασιάδη-Μαλλιάνου
Πρόεδρος Ελλήνων Λογοτεχνών
Και
Καλλιτεχνών Αυστραλίας(ΕΕΛΚΑ)

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3/10/2013

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Bibliography

Ευχες Αναεματισμοι και Eξορκισμοι - Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms

[[picture:"Blessings Curses and Exorcisms.jpg" ID:21754]]

Author: Jim Saltis

When Published: 2013

Publisher: Jim Saltis

Available: From Jim Saltis or Tina Andrew. 02 9399 9767

Email, Jim Saltis

Description: Paperback

Language: GREEK

ISBN: 9780646583938

Dewey Number: A823.4

The launch was conducted at the Australian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) Hall, 394 Princes Hwy
Rockdale NSW 2216, from 6:00 pm on Sunday 1st October, 2013.

The launch was hosted by the Association of Greek Writers and Artists Australia ( EELKA ) in collaboration with the Center for Literature and Poetry " Kostis Palamas " AHEPA.

The master of ceremonies for the evening was the Secretary of the Union Litsa Diakovasili. Dsicussion of the book was hosted by the President of the Union, Popi Anastasiadis Mallianou, and excerpts read by : Kiki Betty, Bethlehem Georgelli , Dimitra Milatou and Rosa Gialopouli, Board members of EELKA. Many passages were read from the book, and all acknowledged that the style and flow of Jim's novel was exceptional.

Visitors welcomed the President of AHEPA's Kostis Palamas " Mr. George Lianos.The presentation was attended by the Consul General of Greece Dr Stavros Kyrimis, and many other distinguished members of EELKA & AHEPA.

The launch was attended by a substantial number of people, as can be testified by this photograph.

Jim's friend, Tina Andrew accompanied him. This was appropriate as Tina's father Angelo Christianos was one of the founding members of AHEPA. He attended , one of the first AHEPA meetings held at Scone in 1935. A photograph of the Scone meeting adorns the AHEPA Hall.

Many of Jim and Tina's exctended family, attended the launch.

The book is based on Jim Saltis's personal experiences, growing up as he did in a family of 7 children, in the pre-WW2 period in Alexandria, Egypt.

Authors Prefactory Remarks

Alexandria, Egypt, was the city of my birth, nurture and finally my departure in January 1949 without any hatred or wickedness.

I started writing my book Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms back in 1988, after my divorce. I bought a unit at Camspsie and attempted to reorganise my life as a bachelor. My days were grey and the nights were endless. I was craving for same sleep but it refused to intervene and bring some relief to my aching body and a break to my forever active brain. I named the Book “Mrs Stamata.” which was the name of the mother. It took many years to return to the skeletal draft and complete it.

The novel is a collection of experiences that I encountered, fictions that were creations of my cerebral fantasies the perpetually moving mind and my invisible soul.

All the persons that you will encounter in the story were real. Even the beautiful Flora (Madeline) who lived a daringly prodigal life was lucky to meet Milton and experience the immensity and tranquillity of true love. I compromised the tragedy of Alekos and Sofia’s love and gave a happy ending because of the philanthropic action of her boss Leon. Stamata died but she lives on as a ghost at the Greek section of the cemetery at Chatby awaiting the next Resurrection.

Now all of us who were born in Egypt and more particular in the cosmopolitan Alexandria we have dispersed at all corners of this hospitable planet. We travelled to new seas; we flew in skies and lands of places that we have learned in our Geography lessons. Most of us are well established in our new countries and we live carefree existences.

Yet we are grateful that we were born in Egypt.

This is Jim's second book. His first book, My Four Homes was published in both Greek and English.

Jims speech at the My Four Homes Book Launch

Download an interview with Jim Saltis on SBS Radio, Australia, here:

jim-saltis.mp3

This interview refers mainly to Jims previous book, My Four Homes, but also makes reference to Blessings, Curses and Exorcisms.

Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί

Παρουσιάστρια: Πόπη Αναστασιάδου-Μαλλιάνου

Ο Δημήτρης Πρωτοψάλτης, γνωστός και ως Jim Saltis στο μυθιστόρημα του Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί μας πηγαίνει πίσω στο παρελθόν και μας κάνει να νοσταλγούμε και να ονειρευόμαστε. Μας περιγράφει με έντονα χρώματα μια Αίγυπτο που δεν υπάρχιε πια. Την Αίγυπτο της δεκαετίας του 1930. Βαθύς ψυχολόγος και γνώστης των ηθών της εποχής, μας αναλύει εκτενώς κοινονικά φαινόμενα. Μέσα από την ιστορία της ζωής μιας οικογένειας με επτά παιδιά μας περιγράφει ρεαλιστικά την Αίγυπτο και ιδίως την Αλέξάνδρια εκείνης της εποχής, την αγαπημένη του Αλεξάνδρια, την Αλεξάνδρια στην οποία γεννήθηκε(Βηθλεέμ Μπήκανε στο τράμ για το Μπακός...το εξαιρετικό προσωπικό του και την ακρίβεια του. ) Μια έντονη αίσθηση ιστορικότητας χαρακτηρίζει αυτό το μυθιστόρημα, όπως και το προηγoύμενο μυθιστόρημα του (Τα τέσσερα σπιτια) Στα βιβλία αυτά ο συγγραφέας αναλύει και τεκμηριώνει την πολιτική σήψη που υπάρχει στην δεκαετία του 30. Ο Πρωτοψάλτης είναι κοσμοπολίτης. Στο πίσω εξώφυλλο του βιβλίου του μας λέει; Σήμερα όλοι που γεννηθήκαμε στην μαγευτική πόλη της Αλεξάνδριας και στην Αίγυπτο ζούμε σκορπισμένοι στον φιλόξενο πλανήτη. Ταξιδέψαμε σε καινούργιες θάλασσες και πετάξαμε σε ουρανούς και πατρίδες που μάθαμε από τα βιβλία της Γεωγραφίας.

Το φάσμα των πάσης φύσεως προβληματισμών του είναι ευρύτατο. Αντλεί τα θέματα του από το παρελθόν που έχουν όμως απόλυτη σχέση με τα σημερινά δρώμενα. Εξετάζει όλες τις πτυχές της κοινωνίας με καταπληκτική οξυδέρκεια. Επίσης μας αναφέρει τις διάφορες δυσιδαιμονίες και προκαταλήψεις που υπήρχαν εκείνη την εποχή όπως π.χ. το χύσιμο του λαδιού που το θεωρούσαν μεγάλη γρουσουζιά. Κακός οιωνός όπως έλεγαν. (ΔήμητραΤο Μπουκάλι με το λάδι γλυστρησε από το χέρι της...μα τι φταίει πάλι ο άνθρωπος σκέφθηκε.)Πάνω σ’αυτές τις δυσιδαιμονίες και προκαταλήψεις βασίζεται και ο τίτλος του βιβλίου του Δημήτρη. Ευχές, αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί. και μας μιλά και για τα μάγια που έκαναν για να σταματήσουν ανεπιθήμητους γάμους, η για να εκδικηθούν κάποιον που τους είχε ενοχλήσει η απλώς κάποιον που δεν συμπαθούσαν. Διάφοροι επιτήδιοι εκμετάλευονταν τις προκαταλήψεις αυτές και κέρδιζαν χρήματα από τα ανύποπτα θύματα που πίστευαν σ’αυτά που τους έλεγαν ότι δηλ, τα μάγια θα φέρουν το ποθητό απότέλεσμα. Παρ’ολό που αυτά που περιγράφει ο Πρωτοψάλτης στο βιβλίο του έχουν λάβει χώρα στος αρχές του 20 ου αιώνα το θέμα είναι πολύ επίκαιρο διότι κάθε τόσο βλέπουμε στα μέσα ενημέρωσης παρόμοιες καταστάσεις και στις μέρες μας, όπως τους δύο μάγους που συνέλαβε μερικά χρόνια πρίν, η αστυνομία στα Δυτικά προάστεια του Σύδνευ, που είχαν πελάτες-θύματα με Πανεπιστημιακή μόρφωση.(Κική Είμαι έτοιμη τώρα κυρία...Αμα το φέρεις τότε θα κάνουμε και το επόμενο βήμα.)

Αφίνοντας την φαντασία του ελεύθερη ο Πρωτοψάλτης, ζωντανεύει το παρελθόν κατά τον πιο θελκτικό τρόπο. Ο χρόνος, οι βαθειές εσωτερικές δονήσεις τα πάθη συνθέτουν ένα αρμονικό σύνολο. Με απλά λόγια με πέννα που ρέει, μας παρασέρνει να τον παρακολουθήσουμε με τον πιο αβίαστο τρόπο (Δήμητρα Θυμάμαι καλά τον πολιτικό τους γάμο...η ευτυχία μπήκε στο σπιτικό τους.)

Δεν λείπει το ρεαλιστικό στοιχείο, ενώ οι κοινονικές συνθήκες της εποχής αναλύονται με αξιοπρόσεκτη ακρίβεια. Οι διαγραφές των χαρακτήρων του είναι ακριβείς ενώ οι χώροι και οι περιγραφές των τοπίων αποδίνονται θαυμάσια (Βηθλεέμ,Ομως σκόρπιες σκέψεις χτυπούσαν την πόρτα του μυαλού της...και ο Θεός της είχε χαρίσει 7 παιδιά. .)Ρόζα.Αραπάδες.... της ερωμένης του)
Επίσης ο συγραφέας μας περιγράφει με μαθηματική ακρίβεια τον έρωτα, σαρκικό και πνευματικό σε μια εποχή δύσκολη, υποκριτική, σεμνότυφη, εποχή σεξουαλικής καταπίεσης. Οι ήρωες του, αγαπούν πολύ, στη ζωή τους. Αγαπούν δίχως σεμνοτυφίες και όρια και πολλές φορές περνούν τα σύνορα και σπάνουν τα καλούπια της ηθηκής με ολέθρια αποτελέσματα(.ΡόζαΗΦλώρα γύρισε στο σπίτι της....που αρνήθηκε την οικογένεια της.)

Βαθύς γνώστης της ανθρώπινης φύσης μας περιγράφει με έντονες μελανές πινελιέςτην καθοδική πορεία ατόμων-θυμάτων, που παραδίνονται σε ακραία πάθη και καταστρεπτικές συνήθειες επιρεάζοντας αρνητικά την ζωή τους και τις ζωές προσφυλών τους προσώπων. (Κική Είχε επιθυμήσει να περάσει....από την οικογένεια της.)

Μια άλλη πρωτοτυπία του βιβλίου είναι ότι συχνά παρεμβάλλονται διάφορα σχόλια και φιλοσοφικές παρατηρήσεις. Στος τέλος του βιβλίου υπάρχουν πολλές ωραίες φωτογραφίες κτιρίων και τοπίων εκείνης της εποχής.
Συνοψίζωντας μπορούμε να πούμε ότι το (Ευχές αναθεματισμοί και εξορκισμοί είναι ένα πρωτότυπο, αξιοπρόσεκτο έργο που αξίζει να διαβαστεί.

Συγχαρητήρια λοιπόν στον Δημήτρη Πρωτοψάλτη και του ευχόμαστε να δεί το έργο του διαδεδομένο διαχρονικά και πάντα με ανοδική πορεία.

Πόπη Αναστασιάδη-Μαλλιάνου
Πρόεδρος Ελλήνων Λογοτεχνών
Και
Καλλιτεχνών Αυστραλίας(ΕΕΛΚΑ)

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3/10/2013

Culture, Bibliography

Island Social Life

This sketch is of the master classes in tango dancing that we would have in the morning in the old school house at the main square.

The Australian Financial Review Magazine. pp. 48-52.

October Magazine. Friday 27th October, 2013

Article: To Draw is to See

Drawing is a crucial tool in an architect’s kit, but it’s use goes way beyond drafting building plans. Six (prominent Australian) architects tell Katrina Strickland when and where they sketch – and how much it means to them.

One of the 6 Australian architects chosen to comment was Kytherian architect.....

Eva-Marie Prineas

Architect Prineas

Once I began studying architecture, the way I sketched changed. I sketch in the office and also try to sketch when we go away, although with two children aged three and five it is easier when I travel alone. I probably don’t sketch enough in meetings because l'm self-conscious. I’m not confident enough to sketch in front of a client when the idea is not yet fully formed. But I have seen how sketching can completely seduce a client - some architects are masters.

My father is from the Greek island of Kythera, which is south of the Peloponnese and north of Crete. When l was at university I started working on a conservation plan for our family house, which is at the top of the island in a village called Mitata.

When you go there it is like stepping back into the 1940’s. We got married there and until we had children, travelled there every summer. Our neighbour in Mitata, who is also an architect, organised a week of tango one summer. This sketch is of the master classes we would have in the morning in the old school house at the main square.

The other image is from the island of Naoshima in Japan, where there are a number of art museums including Chichu.

To enter one of the galleries here, you have to remove your shoes and put on little slippers. You go through a dark space first, then emerge into a diffusely lit white room. Three significant Monet paintings appear to float on each of the walls. I made this sketch from memory afterwards. I was taken by the small moves the architect made, which completely changed the way I perceived the paintings.

Open full entry

1/10/2013

Photos, Island Social Life

Life Stories

To Draw is to See. Article in,

The Australian Financial Review Magazine. pp. 48-52.

October Magazine. Friday 27th October, 2013

Drawing is a crucial tool in an architect’s kit, but it’s use goes way beyond drafting building plans. Six (prominent Australian) architects tell Katrina Strickland when and where they sketch – and how much it means to them.

One of the 6 Australian architects chosen to comment was Kytherian architect.....

Eva-Marie Prineas

Architect Prineas

Once I began studying architecture, the way I sketched changed. I sketch in the office and also try to sketch when we go away, although with two children aged three and five it is easier when I travel alone. I probably don’t sketch enough in meetings because l'm self-conscious. I’m not confident enough to sketch in front of a client when the idea is not yet fully formed. But I have seen how sketching can completely seduce a client - some architects are masters.

My father is from the Greek island of Kythera, which is south of the Peloponnese and north of Crete. When l was at university I started working on a conservation plan for our family house, which is at the top of the island in a village called Mitata.

When you go there it is like stepping back into the 1940’s. We got married there and until we had children, travelled there every summer. Our neighbour in Mitata, who is also an architect, organised a week of tango one summer. This sketch is of the master classes we would have in the morning in the old school house at the main square.

[[picture:"prineas 1 brw.jpg" ID:21732]]

The other image is from the island of Naoshima rn Japan, where there are a number of art museums including Chichu.

To enter one of the galleries here, you have to remove your shoes and put on little slippers. You go through a dark space first, then emerge into a diffusely lit white room. Three significant Monet paintings appear to float on each of the walls. I made this sketch from memory afterwards. I was taken by the small moves the architect made, which completely changed the way I perceived the paintings.

[[picture:"prineas 2 brw.jpg" ID:21733]]

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1/10/2013

People, Life Stories

Diaspora Social Life

John Prineas and Paul Summers holding the interstate shield

On Feb 15th, 2013, a team from the Hellenic Social Lawn Bowls Association of NSW travelled to Perth to compete for the Hellenic interstate sheild.

They stayed on in Perth until Feb 21st, 2013.

Two Kytherians - John Prineas and Paul Summers - were part of the winning team. They defeated both the Victorian and Western Australian teams, and "bought back the shield".

Open full entry

16/4/2013

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Diaspora Social Life

Members of the Hellenic Social Lawn Bowls Association of NSW

On Feb 15th, 2013, a team from the Hellenic Social Lawn Bowls Association of NSW travelled to Perth to compete for the Hellenic interstate sheild.

They stayed on in Perth until Feb 21st, 2013.

Two Kytherians were part of the winning team. They defeated both the Victorian and Western Australian teams, and "bought back the shield".

John Prineas, who is holding the shield in this photo, and Paul Summers, pictured on the far left.

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16/4/2013

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Order of AHEPA members find plenty to smile about at the Roxy

The top photo on this page from the Bingara Advocate, Wednesday, March 6, 2013, page 6, show the members of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, AHEPA delegation who visited Bingara’s Roxy Theatre complex recently.

Download a .pdf of this file here:

Bingara Advocate Report Photographic.pdf

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11/3/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Diaspora Social Life

Superb interior in one of the units at The River House, Bingara

Home Page:

http://www.theriverhousebingara.com.au/home/.aspx

The River House. The frontage.

Download an Information Booklet, here:

Information_Booklet_Jan5.pdf

When Kytherian or Greek - Australians venture to Bingara to visit the Roxy Cinema, Roxy Cafe or Roxy Museum, they should know that the best accommodation in town is at The River House.

Location:

The River House
6 Keera Street Bingara 2404
NSW

Map to locate The River House

Booking can be made through the

Imperial Hotel and Motel
21 Maitland St,
Bingara, 2404,
New South Wales
Australia

P: (02) 6724 1629

E: Email, Imperial Hotel and Motel

Self-catering
Wheelchair Access: Yes
Elder Access: Yes
Pets Allowed: No
Smoking Allowed: No
Suitable for Children: Yes

Property Details

The River House. A beautiful place to stay in Bingara. It overlooks the magnificent Gwydir River and park & is within walking distance of the golf course, shops and Roxy Theatre. It is situated in a "Food Forest" garden with a glorious pergola, pond & barbeque. Every plant at The River House is edible & can be used by guests. The house accommodates up to 8 people. There are 3 self contained one bedroom units with wonderfully spacious living & dining areas and a 4th bedroom with an ensuite. The design & finish is of the highest quality with hand picked furnishings & decor. Rental can be for any period & in any of the 4 combinations. Rent one, two, three or book the lot! Great for a reunion, bridal party or small conference. Guests in The River House apartment have a wide terrace -a magical spot to enjoy a glass of wine or take in the spectacular view. For those who love cooking there is a gourmet kitchen with dishwasher. Or perhaps you may prefer the Food Forest Garden apartment which invites you to curl up with a book & relax. It has a large selection of reading material. And then there is 'The Retreat" -seperate from the others which is a peaceful & tranquil place overlooking the "food forest" and rainbow garden.

Guests comments include "Best apartment I have ever stayed in". "It was fabulous. Amazing ambience and attention to detail. Staying here was a truly relaxing time. We look forward to coming back soon" "Absolutely loved our stay. Such an amazing location. A wonderful place. We can't wait to stay here again. It was wonderful to be able to stroll down to the river, main street & golf course. The River House is truly stunning & it was great to be able to pick plants out of the garden for meals. A unique experience".

"The property has great surrounds and views overlooking the river that flows past. One of the striking things is the size of the rooms and the decor. Well equipped kitchen. We found it comfortable and warm even thought it was winter. This is not what you usually expect from holiday rentals, this is just like a great home".

Garry & Linda's welcome:

Welcome to The River House, Bingara's newest and finest accommodation. Overlooking the riverside park, “The Junction” and the magnificent Gwydir River, the view is second to none.

The River House opened its doors just before Christmas 2011 and offers first class accommodation – three fully self contained one bedroom units with wonderfully spacious living & dining areas, and a fourth bedroom with en-suite. It is available for rental for any period, and in any combination of the four lettable areas.

Built by local cattle producers Garry & Linda McDouall, The River House will one day be their retirement home. The design and finish is therefore of the highest quality with each suite beautifully appointed with hand picked furnishings and decor. Everything has been done to the highest standard.

The garden too is spectacular - at least it will be once it is fully established. It is designed as a "Food Forest", with every plant being edible. The garden surrounds a beautiful pergola and pond, with the sounds of running water- a great place to dine outdoors.

Both Garry and Linda are passionate about Bingara, so until they are ready for the "big move" they wish to offer the living experience to visitors, as the property represents their commitment to the future of Bingara.

This is their Vision:

"The River House is a place of relaxation, beauty & renewal. Sublime accommodation in a fantastic position, surrounded by a “Food Forest” Garden. We wish to share our dreams for Bingara with our visitors – become part of a thriving, engaged and excited community, enjoying excellent facilities in a beautiful rural setting."

Open full entry

10/3/2013

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Diaspora Social Life

Map by which to locate The River House in Bingara

Home Page:

http://www.theriverhousebingara.com.au/home/.aspx

The River House. The frontage.

Download an Information Booklet, here:

Information_Booklet_Jan5.pdf

When Kytherian or Greek - Australians venture to Bingara to visit the Roxy Cinema, Roxy Cafe or Roxy Museum, they should know that the best accommodation in town is at The River House.

Location:

The River House
6 Keera Street Bingara 2404
NSW

Booking can be made through the

Imperial Hotel and Motel
21 Maitland St,
Bingara, 2404,
New South Wales
Australia

P: (02) 6724 1629

E: Email, Imperial Hotel and Motel

Self-catering
Wheelchair Access: Yes
Elder Access: Yes
Pets Allowed: No
Smoking Allowed: No
Suitable for Children: Yes

Property Details

The River House. A beautiful place to stay in Bingara. It overlooks the magnificent Gwydir River and park & is within walking distance of the golf course, shops and Roxy Theatre. It is situated in a "Food Forest" garden with a glorious pergola, pond & barbeque. Every plant at The River House is edible & can be used by guests. The house accommodates up to 8 people. There are 3 self contained one bedroom units with wonderfully spacious living & dining areas and a 4th bedroom with an ensuite. The design & finish is of the highest quality with hand picked furnishings & decor. Rental can be for any period & in any of the 4 combinations. Rent one, two, three or book the lot! Great for a reunion, bridal party or small conference. Guests in The River House apartment have a wide terrace -a magical spot to enjoy a glass of wine or take in the spectacular view. For those who love cooking there is a gourmet kitchen with dishwasher. Or perhaps you may prefer the Food Forest Garden apartment which invites you to curl up with a book & relax. It has a large selection of reading material. And then there is 'The Retreat" -seperate from the others which is a peaceful & tranquil place overlooking the "food forest" and rainbow garden.

Superb interior typical of the quality of the apartments.

Guests comments include "Best apartment I have ever stayed in". "It was fabulous. Amazing ambience and attention to detail. Staying here was a truly relaxing time. We look forward to coming back soon" "Absolutely loved our stay. Such an amazing location. A wonderful place. We can't wait to stay here again. It was wonderful to be able to stroll down to the river, main street & golf course. The River House is truly stunning & it was great to be able to pick plants out of the garden for meals. A unique experience".

"The property has great surrounds and views overlooking the river that flows past. One of the striking things is the size of the rooms and the decor. Well equipped kitchen. We found it comfortable and warm even thought it was winter. This is not what you usually expect from holiday rentals, this is just like a great home".

Garry & Linda's welcome:

Welcome to The River House, Bingara's newest and finest accommodation. Overlooking the riverside park, “The Junction” and the magnificent Gwydir River, the view is second to none.

The River House opened its doors just before Christmas 2011 and offers first class accommodation – three fully self contained one bedroom units with wonderfully spacious living & dining areas, and a fourth bedroom with en-suite. It is available for rental for any period, and in any combination of the four lettable areas.

Built by local cattle producers Garry & Linda McDouall, The River House will one day be their retirement home. The design and finish is therefore of the highest quality with each suite beautifully appointed with hand picked furnishings and decor. Everything has been done to the highest standard.

The garden too is spectacular - at least it will be once it is fully established. It is designed as a "Food Forest", with every plant being edible. The garden surrounds a beautiful pergola and pond, with the sounds of running water- a great place to dine outdoors.

Both Garry and Linda are passionate about Bingara, so until they are ready for the "big move" they wish to offer the living experience to visitors, as the property represents their commitment to the future of Bingara.

This is their Vision:

"The River House is a place of relaxation, beauty & renewal. Sublime accommodation in a fantastic position, surrounded by a “Food Forest” Garden. We wish to share our dreams for Bingara with our visitors – become part of a thriving, engaged and excited community, enjoying excellent facilities in a beautiful rural setting."

Open full entry

10/3/2013

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Diaspora Social Life

The River House, Bingara

Home Page:

http://www.theriverhousebingara.com.au/home/.aspx

Download an Information Booklet, here:

Information_Booklet_Jan5.pdf

When Kytherian or Greek - Australians venture to Bingara to visit the Roxy Cinema, Roxy Cafe or Roxy Museum, they should know that the best accommodation in town is at The River House.

Location:

The River House
6 Keera Street Bingara 2404
NSW

Map to locate The River House

Booking can be made through the

Imperial Hotel and Motel
21 Maitland St,
Bingara, 2404,
New South Wales
Australia

P: (02) 6724 1629

E: Email, Imperial Hotel and Motel

Self-catering
Wheelchair Access: Yes
Elder Access: Yes
Pets Allowed: No
Smoking Allowed: No
Suitable for Children: Yes

Property Details

The River House. A beautiful place to stay in Bingara. It overlooks the magnificent Gwydir River and park & is within walking distance of the golf course, shops and Roxy Theatre. It is situated in a "Food Forest" garden with a glorious pergola, pond & barbeque. Every plant at The River House is edible & can be used by guests. The house accommodates up to 8 people. There are 3 self contained one bedroom units with wonderfully spacious living & dining areas and a 4th bedroom with an ensuite. The design & finish is of the highest quality with hand picked furnishings & decor. Rental can be for any period & in any of the 4 combinations. Rent one, two, three or book the lot! Great for a reunion, bridal party or small conference. Guests in The River House apartment have a wide terrace -a magical spot to enjoy a glass of wine or take in the spectacular view. For those who love cooking there is a gourmet kitchen with dishwasher. Or perhaps you may prefer the Food Forest Garden apartment which invites you to curl up with a book & relax. It has a large selection of reading material. And then there is 'The Retreat" -seperate from the others which is a peaceful & tranquil place overlooking the "food forest" and rainbow garden.

Superb interior typical of the quality of the apartments.

Guests comments include "Best apartment I have ever stayed in". "It was fabulous. Amazing ambience and attention to detail. Staying here was a truly relaxing time. We look forward to coming back soon" "Absolutely loved our stay. Such an amazing location. A wonderful place. We can't wait to stay here again. It was wonderful to be able to stroll down to the river, main street & golf course. The River House is truly stunning & it was great to be able to pick plants out of the garden for meals. A unique experience".

"The property has great surrounds and views overlooking the river that flows past. One of the striking things is the size of the rooms and the decor. Well equipped kitchen. We found it comfortable and warm even thought it was winter. This is not what you usually expect from holiday rentals, this is just like a great home".

Garry & Linda's welcome:

Welcome to The River House, Bingara's newest and finest accommodation. Overlooking the riverside park, “The Junction” and the magnificent Gwydir River, the view is second to none.

The River House opened its doors just before Christmas 2011 and offers first class accommodation – three fully self contained one bedroom units with wonderfully spacious living & dining areas, and a fourth bedroom with en-suite. It is available for rental for any period, and in any combination of the four lettable areas.

Built by local cattle producers Garry & Linda McDouall, The River House will one day be their retirement home. The design and finish is therefore of the highest quality with each suite beautifully appointed with hand picked furnishings and decor. Everything has been done to the highest standard.

The garden too is spectacular - at least it will be once it is fully established. It is designed as a "Food Forest", with every plant being edible. The garden surrounds a beautiful pergola and pond, with the sounds of running water- a great place to dine outdoors.

Both Garry and Linda are passionate about Bingara, so until they are ready for the "big move" they wish to offer the living experience to visitors, as the property represents their commitment to the future of Bingara.

This is their Vision:

"The River House is a place of relaxation, beauty & renewal. Sublime accommodation in a fantastic position, surrounded by a “Food Forest” Garden. We wish to share our dreams for Bingara with our visitors – become part of a thriving, engaged and excited community, enjoying excellent facilities in a beautiful rural setting."

Open full entry

10/3/2013

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Kyth. Business Guide

The River House, Bingara, NSW

Home Page:

http://www.theriverhousebingara.com.au/home/.aspx

[[picture:"River House 2.jpg" ID:21090]]

Download an Information Booklet, here:

Information_Booklet_Jan5.pdf

When Kytherian or Greek - Australians venture to Bingara to visit the Roxy Cinema, Roxy Cafe or Roxy Museum, they should know that the best accommodation in town is at The River House.

Location:

The River House
6 Keera Street Bingara 2404
NSW

[[picture:"River House MAP.jpg" ID:21091]]

Booking can be made through the

Imperial Hotel and Motel
21 Maitland St,
Bingara, 2404,
New South Wales
Australia

P: (02) 6724 1629

E: Email, Imperial Hotel and Motel

Self-catering
Wheelchair Access: Yes
Elder Access: Yes
Pets Allowed: No
Smoking Allowed: No
Suitable for Children: Yes

Property Details

The River House. A beautiful place to stay in Bingara. It overlooks the magnificent Gwydir River and park & is within walking distance of the golf course, shops and Roxy Theatre. It is situated in a "Food Forest" garden with a glorious pergola, pond & barbeque. Every plant at The River House is edible & can be used by guests. The house accommodates up to 8 people. There are 3 self contained one bedroom units with wonderfully spacious living & dining areas and a 4th bedroom with an ensuite. The design & finish is of the highest quality with hand picked furnishings & decor. Rental can be for any period & in any of the 4 combinations. Rent one, two, three or book the lot! Great for a reunion, bridal party or small conference. Guests in The River House apartment have a wide terrace -a magical spot to enjoy a glass of wine or take in the spectacular view. For those who love cooking there is a gourmet kitchen with dishwasher. Or perhaps you may prefer the Food Forest Garden apartment which invites you to curl up with a book & relax. It has a large selection of reading material. And then there is 'The Retreat" -seperate from the others which is a peaceful & tranquil place overlooking the "food forest" and rainbow garden.

[[picture:"River House Interior.jpg" ID:21092]]

Guests comments include "Best apartment I have ever stayed in". "It was fabulous. Amazing ambience and attention to detail. Staying here was a truly relaxing time. We look forward to coming back soon" "Absolutely loved our stay. Such an amazing location. A wonderful place. We can't wait to stay here again. It was wonderful to be able to stroll down to the river, main street & golf course. The River House is truly stunning & it was great to be able to pick plants out of the garden for meals. A unique experience".

"The property has great surrounds and views overlooking the river that flows past. One of the striking things is the size of the rooms and the decor. Well equipped kitchen. We found it comfortable and warm even thought it was winter. This is not what you usually expect from holiday rentals, this is just like a great home".

Garry & Linda's welcome:

Welcome to The River House, Bingara's newest and finest accommodation. Overlooking the riverside park, “The Junction” and the magnificent Gwydir River, the view is second to none.

The River House opened its doors just before Christmas 2011 and offers first class accommodation – three fully self contained one bedroom units with wonderfully spacious living & dining areas, and a fourth bedroom with en-suite. It is available for rental for any period, and in any combination of the four lettable areas.

Built by local cattle producers Garry & Linda McDouall, The River House will one day be their retirement home. The design and finish is therefore of the highest quality with each suite beautifully appointed with hand picked furnishings and decor. Everything has been done to the highest standard.

The garden too is spectacular - at least it will be once it is fully established. It is designed as a "Food Forest", with every plant being edible. The garden surrounds a beautiful pergola and pond, with the sounds of running water- a great place to dine outdoors.

Both Garry and Linda are passionate about Bingara, so until they are ready for the "big move" they wish to offer the living experience to visitors, as the property represents their commitment to the future of Bingara.

This is their Vision:

"The River House is a place of relaxation, beauty & renewal. Sublime accommodation in a fantastic position, surrounded by a “Food Forest” Garden. We wish to share our dreams for Bingara with our visitors – become part of a thriving, engaged and excited community, enjoying excellent facilities in a beautiful rural setting."

Open full entry

10/3/2013

Culture, Kyth. Business Guide

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Four more visitors and guests of the AHEPA visit to the Roxy complex, Bingara

Left to right: Bill & Koula Cassimatis, Violet and George Comino. (All Kytherians).

Visit of 47 members of AHEPA, Sydney, to the Roxy Complex, Bingara

The visit of AHEPA to BingaraOn the 23rd February, 2013, a 47 strong contingent , mostly members of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, (AHEPA), travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara.

They left Sydney at 7:00 am, stopped for morning tea at Maitland, and for lunch at Tamworth.

They arrived in Bingara at about 5:00 pm, booked into their accommodation, and then attended a civic reception provided by the Gwydir Shire Council, at the Roxy complex.

Between 5:30 pm and 6:00pm, drinks and canapes were provided in the Peters and Co, Cafe - the Roxy Cafe.

Members of the Roxy Museum Committee, then took groups of ten on a tour of the complex, explaining the significance of various areas, including the Cafe, the Tourist Information Centre, (once the site of Archie Kalokerinos's medical practice), the Trade Hospitality Training Centre, and the Roxy Museum of Greek Immigration in rural NSW and Queensland. This is located above the Roxy Cafe, and is accessible by stairs and a lift.

At 7:00 pm, AHEPAN's, the Roxy Museum Committee, and other invited dignitaries and guests, including Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, John Coulton, and one of three Patrons of the Roxy, local resident and Roxy visionary, Nancy McGuiness. A second patron, Peter Prineas, OAM, was also present. Peter is a member of the Museum Committee, and the curator of the Museum, as well as author of the book Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the history of the inception of the Roxy complex. Peters' grandfather, was one of the three Kytherian immigrants who built the Roxy complex in 1936. The third patron, John Wood, actor, could not attend the evening.

As the 'pilgrims' entered the Roxy Cinema they were collectively overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the 'picture palace". Exclamations such as "this is unbelievable", "this is so incredibly beuatiful", "how did they manage to preserve this"? were audibly expressed.

The pilgrims and guests were then gathered for a group photograph. One of the group photographs heads this entry.

They were then seated for dinner, during which a number of speeches were made. Con Fardouli, long term cafe owner from Inverell, acted as the Master of Ceremonies.

Councillor John Coulton, Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, welcomed the pilgrims and guests to the town of Bingara and the region.

Peter Mcarthy, long standing member of the Roxy Museum Committee, and a resident of nearby Delungra, which lies 43 kilometres north of Bingara, then spoke about progress of the Roxy Museum, and how the history of AHEPA, forged as it was in the north west of the state of NSW, would become inexorably intertwined with the soon-to-be-completed Roxy Museum, and with the Roxy complex as a whole.

Sandy McNaughton, Roxy Manager, then provided an informative history of The Roxy complex, and iots role in the town and district.

Download a .pdf version of the Timeline, The Roxy complex, Bingara, here:

Roxy Bingara - Historical Timeline.pdf

Peter Prineas, spoke about the establishment of the Roxy Museum, and the scope and vision that the Roxy Museum Committee had for the Museum.

John Theodoridis, President of the NSW Chapter of AHEPA, spoke warmly about the Roxy, and of the persons who had the vision and capacity to preserve and maintain the building. John also presented to Roxy Museum Curator, Peter Prineas, a substantial wooden plaque, which "commerates the visit of the Order of AHEPA, NSW, to the Roxy Complex, on the 23rd February, 2013". John also presented to mayor, John Coulton, a cheque for $1000, as a contribution towards the establishment of the Roxy Museum.

Tasha Vanos, a Past National President, AHEPA, and Chairman of the AHEPA Medical Research Foundation, the chief organiser of the visit, spoke about his pride to be in the Roxy complex, and how important it was that such a place had been preserved.

Whilst the speeches were delivered, an exquisite meal was served by the proprietor of the Roxy Cafe, Mr Vio Nedianu, along with wife, Ayesha, their children, and members of their staff.

Various graphics, films and video were also played. These included a καλώς ορίσατε - Welcome - banner from the Shire of Gwydir to the members of the Order of AHEPA. Also screen footage of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers performing various dance routines, as well as cartoons from the 1930's, the era when the Roxy complex was built. Also viewed was the Landline program, (2011), which commemorated the 75 Anniversary celebrations of the opening of the Roxy complex. Later, dissolving photographs of the Roxy were screened, and finally, Greg Punch's DVD, which also commemorated the 75 Anniversary celebrations of the opening of the Roxy complex, was also played.

Greek dancing was performed.

At the conclusion of festivities, Con Fardouli thanked all those who had travelled so far, and all those who had attended. He hoped that all had enjoyed both their visit, and the evening.

Download a copy of the AHEPA Itinerary, here:

Ahepa Itinerary 23 Feb 2013.pdf

Download a copy of the AHEPA Evening Meal Program, here:

Ahepa Evening Meal Program.pdf

The AHEPAN's were thrilled by their visit, and by the evening.

Christine Lynch, National Vice-President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia later made the following comments about the visit and the function.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particular after the Roxy Museum is completed".

Tasha Vanos's assessment of the 'pilgrimage' and the hospitality received by the AHEPAN's echoed that of Chrisytine Lynch.

"The whole event was a “total success” as far as the 47 participants on the bus were concerned. We were amazed at the hospitality. The Roxy Museum committee were a wonderful group of people. The organisers and Sandy McNaughton in particular had obviously put a great deal of effort into the evenings. The gift packages we all received, which promoted the Roxy complex and the town of Bingara were exceptional, and deeply appreciated.

We were amazed at the Roxy complex. It’s wonderful. It’s a credit to Gwydir Shire Council for the commitment they have made to preserving this heritage building. As Greek-Australians we felt were made to feel very proud.

The evening function was one of the most exciting and entertaining that members of AHEPA had been to for years. The entire group felt like they had been treated like royalty.

The organising of the activities for our group in Bingara was outstanding.
We thank all members of the Roxy complex and Roxy Museum committee .I have received wonderful comments from our fellow travellers. It was a credit to the group of dedicated people who must have worked so hard to give us a royal time.

The support I received form Sandy McNaughton was great .
The food was most enjoyable and the company was excellent.
Thank you to all our new friends".

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

Download the history of the Roxy article as a .pdf:

The_Roxy_RAHS_Magazine_June_2010.pdf

Open full entry

4/3/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Visitors and guests of the AHEPA group that visited the Roxy complex, Bingara

Left to right: Deanna McCarthy, Matina Kastrissios, Despina Fatseas. (All Kytherians).

Visit of 47 members of AHEPA, Sydney, to the Roxy Complex, Bingara

The visit of AHEPA to BingaraOn the 23rd February, 2013, a 47 strong contingent , mostly members of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, (AHEPA), travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara.

They left Sydney at 7:00 am, stopped for morning tea at Maitland, and for lunch at Tamworth.

They arrived in Bingara at about 5:00 pm, booked into their accommodation, and then attended a civic reception provided by the Gwydir Shire Council, at the Roxy complex.

Between 5:30 pm and 6:00pm, drinks and canapes were provided in the Peters and Co, Cafe - the Roxy Cafe.

Members of the Roxy Museum Committee, then took groups of ten on a tour of the complex, explaining the significance of various areas, including the Cafe, the Tourist Information Centre, (once the site of Archie Kalokerinos's medical practice), the Trade Hospitality Training Centre, and the Roxy Museum of Greek Immigration in rural NSW and Queensland. This is located above the Roxy Cafe, and is accessible by stairs and a lift.

At 7:00 pm, AHEPAN's, the Roxy Museum Committee, and other invited dignitaries and guests, including Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, John Coulton, and one of three Patrons of the Roxy, local resident and Roxy visionary, Nancy McGuiness. A second patron, Peter Prineas, OAM, was also present. Peter is a member of the Museum Committee, and the curator of the Museum, as well as author of the book Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the history of the inception of the Roxy complex. Peters' grandfather, was one of the three Kytherian immigrants who built the Roxy complex in 1936. The third patron, John Wood, actor, could not attend the evening.

As the 'pilgrims' entered the Roxy Cinema they were collectively overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the 'picture palace". Exclamations such as "this is unbelievable", "this is so incredibly beuatiful", "how did they manage to preserve this"? were audibly expressed.

The pilgrims and guests were then gathered for a group photograph. One of the group photographs heads this entry.

They were then seated for dinner, during which a number of speeches were made. Con Fardouli, long term cafe owner from Inverell, acted as the Master of Ceremonies.

Councillor John Coulton, Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, welcomed the pilgrims and guests to the town of Bingara and the region.

Peter Mcarthy, long standing member of the Roxy Museum Committee, and a resident of nearby Delungra, which lies 43 kilometres north of Bingara, then spoke about progress of the Roxy Museum, and how the history of AHEPA, forged as it was in the north west of the state of NSW, would become inexorably intertwined with the soon-to-be-completed Roxy Museum, and with the Roxy complex as a whole.

Sandy McNaughton, Roxy Manager, then provided an informative history of The Roxy complex, and iots role in the town and district.

Download a .pdf version of the Timeline, The Roxy complex, Bingara, here:

Roxy Bingara - Historical Timeline.pdf

Peter Prineas, spoke about the establishment of the Roxy Museum, and the scope and vision that the Roxy Museum Committee had for the Museum.

John Theodoridis, President of the NSW Chapter of AHEPA, spoke warmly about the Roxy, and of the persons who had the vision and capacity to preserve and maintain the building. John also presented to Roxy Museum Curator, Peter Prineas, a substantial wooden plaque, which "commerates the visit of the Order of AHEPA, NSW, to the Roxy Complex, on the 23rd February, 2013". John also presented to mayor, John Coulton, a cheque for $1000, as a contribution towards the establishment of the Roxy Museum.

Tasha Vanos, a Past National President, AHEPA, and Chairman of the AHEPA Medical Research Foundation, the chief organiser of the visit, spoke about his pride to be in the Roxy complex, and how important it was that such a place had been preserved.

Whilst the speeches were delivered, an exquisite meal was served by the proprietor of the Roxy Cafe, Mr Vio Nedianu, along with wife, Ayesha, their children, and members of their staff.

Various graphics, films and video were also played. These included a καλώς ορίσατε - Welcome - banner from the Shire of Gwydir to the members of the Order of AHEPA. Also screen footage of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers performing various dance routines, as well as cartoons from the 1930's, the era when the Roxy complex was built. Also viewed was the Landline program, (2011), which commemorated the 75 Anniversary celebrations of the opening of the Roxy complex. Later, dissolving photographs of the Roxy were screened, and finally, Greg Punch's DVD, which also commemorated the 75 Anniversary celebrations of the opening of the Roxy complex, was also played.

Greek dancing was performed.

At the conclusion of festivities, Con Fardouli thanked all those who had travelled so far, and all those who had attended. He hoped that all had enjoyed both their visit, and the evening.

Download a copy of the AHEPA Itinerary, here:

Ahepa Itinerary 23 Feb 2013.pdf

Download a copy of the AHEPA Evening Meal Program, here:

Ahepa Evening Meal Program.pdf

The AHEPAN's were thrilled by their visit, and by the evening.

Christine Lynch, National Vice-President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia later made the following comments about the visit and the function.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particular after the Roxy Museum is completed".

Tasha Vanos's assessment of the 'pilgrimage' and the hospitality received by the AHEPAN's echoed that of Chrisytine Lynch.

"The whole event was a “total success” as far as the 47 participants on the bus were concerned. We were amazed at the hospitality. The Roxy Museum committee were a wonderful group of people. The organisers and Sandy McNaughton in particular had obviously put a great deal of effort into the evenings. The gift packages we all received, which promoted the Roxy complex and the town of Bingara were exceptional, and deeply appreciated.

We were amazed at the Roxy complex. It’s wonderful. It’s a credit to Gwydir Shire Council for the commitment they have made to preserving this heritage building. As Greek-Australians we felt were made to feel very proud.

The evening function was one of the most exciting and entertaining that members of AHEPA had been to for years. The entire group felt like they had been treated like royalty.

The organising of the activities for our group in Bingara was outstanding.
We thank all members of the Roxy complex and Roxy Museum committee .I have received wonderful comments from our fellow travellers. It was a credit to the group of dedicated people who must have worked so hard to give us a royal time.

The support I received form Sandy McNaughton was great .
The food was most enjoyable and the company was excellent.
Thank you to all our new friends".

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

Download the history of the Roxy article as a .pdf:

The_Roxy_RAHS_Magazine_June_2010.pdf

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TIMELINE - The Roxy complex, Bingara

Download a .pdf version of the Timeline, The Roxy complex, Bingara, here:

Roxy Bingara - Historical Timeline.pdf

1920 Emanuel Aroney (from the village of Aroniadika, Kythera) arrives in Australia

1921 Peter Feros (from the village of Mitata, Kythera) arrives in Australia

1923 George Psaltis (from the village of Frilingianika, Kythera) arrives in Australia

1924 Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis arrive in Bingara. They form a partnership called Peters & Co as equal partners and begin trading in a café under the same name on the site of the existing Roxy Café

1933 Peters & Co purchase the building which houses their café, together with adjoining properties. Architectural plans are commissioned for a modern picture theatre, café, individual shop fronts as well as a guesthouse at the rear of the complex

1934 Peters & Co relocate their café business across the road in Maitland St (adjoining Clifton’s Garage) to continue trading during construction

1936 The Roxy opens to the public on the 28th March. Peters & Co file for bankruptcy in September

1958 The Roxy Theatre closes as a cinema

1965 The Roxy Café and residence is annexed from the theatre and is sold as a freehold title. The Roxy Café ceases operation and becomes a memorabilia shop.

1989 The Roxy Café and residence is sold to a Chinese proprietor who opens a Chinese restaurant

1998 The Bingara Shire Council purchases The Roxy Theatre (and not the Roxy Café and residence that remains a freehold title and continues to operate as a Chinese Restaurant.)

2004 The restored theatre re-opens to the public as a cinema, performing arts venue, conference and private function venue. It houses the Bingara Tourist Information Centre

2008 The Chinese restaurant ceases operation. The Gwydir Shire Council purchases premises

2011 The restored Roxy Café opens to the public

2013 The Roxy Museum opens to the public

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Members of the AHEPA group that visited Bingara outside the Roxy Cinema entry

Left to right: l

Niki Kounafis, Helen Thomas, Despina Vanos, Helen Katsaros, Katina Stavrianos, Litsa Diakovasilis, Toula Plessi

Back row: Nita Poulos, Matina Comino


Visit of 47 members of AHEPA, Sydney, to the Roxy Complex, Bingara

The visit of AHEPA to Bingara

On the 23rd February, 2013, a 47 strong contingent , mostly members of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, (AHEPA), travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara.

They left Sydney at 7:00 am, stopped for morning tea at Maitland, and for lunch at Tamworth.

They arrived in Bingara at about 5:00 pm, booked into their accommodation, and then attended a civic reception provided by the Gwydir Shire Council, at the Roxy complex.

Between 5:30 pm and 6:00pm, drinks and canapes were provided in the Peters and Co, Cafe - the Roxy Cafe.

Members of the Roxy Museum Committee, then took groups of ten on a tour of the complex, explaining the significance of various areas, including the Cafe, the Tourist Information Centre, (once the site of Archie Kalokerinos's medical practice), the Trade Hospitality Training Centre, and the Roxy Museum of Greek Immigration in rural NSW and Queensland. This is located above the Roxy Cafe, and is accessible by stairs and a lift.

At 7:00 pm, AHEPAN's, the Roxy Museum Committee, and other invited dignitaries and guests, including Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, John Coulton, and one of three Patrons of the Roxy, local resident and Roxy visionary, Nancy McGuiness. A second patron, Peter Prineas, OAM, was also present. Peter is a member of the Museum Committee, and the curator of the Museum, as well as author of the book Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the history of the inception of the Roxy complex. Peters' grandfather, was one of the three Kytherian immigrants who built the Roxy complex in 1936. The third patron, John Wood, actor, could not attend the evening.

As the 'pilgrims' entered the Roxy Cinema they were collectively overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the 'picture palace". Exclamations such as "this is unbelievable", "this is so incredibly beuatiful", "how did they manage to preserve this"? were audibly expressed.

The pilgrims and guests were then gathered for a group photograph. One of the group photographs heads this entry.

They were then seated for dinner, during which a number of speeches were made. Con Fardouli, long term cafe owner from Inverell, acted as the Master of Ceremonies.

Councillor John Coulton, Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, welcomed the pilgrims and guests to the town of Bingara and the region.

Peter Mcarthy, long standing member of the Roxy Museum Committee, and a resident of nearby Delungra, which lies 43 kilometres north of Bingara, then spoke about progress of the Roxy Museum, and how the history of AHEPA, forged as it was in the north west of the state of NSW, would become inexorably intertwined with the soon-to-be-completed Roxy Museum, and with the Roxy complex as a whole.

Sandy McNaughton, Roxy Manager, then provided an informative history of The Roxy complex, and iots role in the town and district.

Peter Prineas, spoke about the establishment of the Roxy Museum, and the scope and vision that the Roxy Museum Committee had for the Museum.

John Theodoridis, President of the NSW Chapter of AHEPA, spoke warmly about the Roxy, and of the persons who had the vision and capacity to preserve and maintain the building. John also presented to Roxy Museum Curator, Peter Prineas, a substantial wooden plaque, which "commerates the visit of the Order of AHEPA, NSW, to the Roxy Complex, on the 23rd February, 2013". John also presented to mayor, John Coulton, a cheque for $1000, as a contribution towards the establishment of the Roxy Museum.

Tasha Vanos, a Past National President, AHEPA, and Chairman of the AHEPA Medical Research Foundation, the chief organiser of the visit, spoke about his pride to be in the Roxy complex, and how important it was that such a place had been preserved.

Whilst the speeches were delivered, an exquisite meal was served by the proprietor of the Roxy Cafe, Mr Vio Nedianu, along with wife, Ayesha, their children, and members of their staff.

Various graphics, films and video were also played. These included a καλώς ορίσατε - Welcome - banner from the Shire of Gwydir to the members of the Order of AHEPA. Also screen footage of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers performing various dance routines, as well as cartoons from the 1930's, the era when the Roxy complex was built. Also viewed was the Landline program, (2011), which commemorated the 75 Anniversary celebrations of the opening of the Roxy complex. Later, dissolving photographs of the Roxy were screened, and finally, Greg Punch's DVD, which also commemorated the 75 Anniversary celebrations of the opening of the Roxy complex, was also played.

Greek dancing was performed.

At the conclusion of festivities, Con Fardouli thanked all those who had travelled so far, and all those who had attended. He hoped that all had enjoyed both their visit, and the evening.

Download a copy of the AHEPA Itinerary, here:

Ahepa Itinerary 23 Feb 2013.pdf

Download a copy of the AHEPA Evening Meal Program, here:

Ahepa Evening Meal Program.pdf

The AHEPAN's were thrilled by their visit, and by the evening.

Christine Lynch, National Vice-President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia later made the following comments about the visit and the function.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particular after the Roxy Museum is completed".

Tasha Vanos's assessment of the 'pilgrimage' and the hospitality received by the AHEPAN's echoed that of Chrisytine Lynch.

"The whole event was a “total success” as far as the 47 participants on the bus were concerned. We were amazed at the hospitality. The Roxy Museum committee were a wonderful group of people. The organisers and Sandy McNaughton in particular had obviously put a great deal of effort into the evenings. The gift packages we all received, which promoted the Roxy complex and the town of Bingara were exceptional, and deeply appreciated.

We were amazed at the Roxy complex. It’s wonderful. It’s a credit to Gwydir Shire Council for the commitment they have made to preserving this heritage building. As Greek-Australians we felt were made to feel very proud.

The evening function was one of the most exciting and entertaining that members of AHEPA had been to for years. The entire group felt like they had been treated like royalty.

The organising of the activities for our group in Bingara was outstanding.
We thank all members of the Roxy complex and Roxy Museum committee .I have received wonderful comments from our fellow travellers. It was a credit to the group of dedicated people who must have worked so hard to give us a royal time.

The support I received form Sandy McNaughton was great .
The food was most enjoyable and the company was excellent.
Thank you to all our new friends".

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

Download the history of the Roxy article as a .pdf:

The_Roxy_RAHS_Magazine_June_2010.pdf

Open full entry

4/3/2013

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John Theodoridis, Grand President of AHEPA, NSW presenting Peter Prineas

curator of the Roxy Museum, with a plaque to commemorate the visit of the order of AHEPA to the Roxy complex, Bingara.

The visit of AHEPA to Bingara

On the 23rd February, 2013, a 47 strong contingent , mostly members of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, (AHEPA), travelled by coach, on a Greek-Australian pilgrimage and heritage tour to visit the Roxy Complex, Bingara.

They left Sydney at 7:00 am, stopped for morning tea at Maitland, and for lunch at Tamworth.

They arrived in Bingara at about 5:00 pm, booked into their accommodation, and then attended a civic reception provided by the Gwydir Shire Council, at the Roxy complex.

Between 5:30 pm and 6:00pm, drinks and canapes were provided in the Peters and Co, Cafe - the Roxy Cafe.

Members of the Roxy Museum Committee, then took groups of ten on a tour of the complex, explaining the significance of various areas, including the Cafe, the Tourist Information Centre, (once the site of Archie Kalokerinos's medical practice), the Trade Hospitality Training Centre, and the Roxy Museum of Greek Immigration in rural NSW and Queensland. This is located above the Roxy Cafe, and is accessible by stairs and a lift.

At 7:00 pm, AHEPAN's, the Roxy Museum Committee, and other invited dignitaries and guests, including Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, John Coulton, and one of three Patrons of the Roxy, local resident and Roxy visionary, Nancy McGuiness. A second patron, Peter Prineas, OAM, was also present. Peter is a member of the Museum Committee, and the curator of the Museum, as well as author of the book Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the history of the inception of the Roxy complex. Peters' grandfather, was one of the three Kytherian immigrants who built the Roxy complex in 1936. The third patron, John Wood, actor, could not attend the evening.

As the 'pilgrims' entered the Roxy Cinema they were collectively overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the 'picture palace". Exclamations such as "this is unbelievable", "this is so incredibly beuatiful", "how did they manage to preserve this"? were audibly expressed.

The pilgrims and guests were then gathered for a group photograph. One of the group photographs heads this entry.

They were then seated for dinner, during which a number of speeches were made. Con Fardouli, long term cafe owner from Inverell, acted as the Master of Ceremonies.

Councillor John Coulton, Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, welcomed the pilgrims and guests to the town of Bingara and the region.

Peter Mcarthy, long standing member of the Roxy Museum Committee, and a resident of nearby Delungra, which lies 43 kilometres north of Bingara, then spoke about progress of the Roxy Museum, and how the history of AHEPA, forged as it was in the north west of the state of NSW, would become inexorably intertwined with the soon-to-be-completed Roxy Museum, and with the Roxy complex as a whole.

Sandy McNaughton, Roxy Manager, then provided an informative history of The Roxy complex, and iots role in the town and district.

Peter Prineas, spoke about the establishment of the Roxy Museum, and the scope and vision that the Roxy Museum Committee had for the Museum.

John Theodoridis, President of the NSW Chapter of AHEPA, spoke warmly about the Roxy, and of the persons who had the vision and capacity to preserve and maintain the building. John also presented to Roxy Museum Curator, Peter Prineas, a substantial wooden plaque, which "commerates the visit of the Order of AHEPA, NSW, to the Roxy Complex, on the 23rd February, 2013". John also presented to mayor, John Coulton, a cheque for $1000, as a contribution towards the establishment of the Roxy Museum.

Tasha Vanos, a Past National President, AHEPA, and Chairman of the AHEPA Medical Research Foundation, the chief organiser of the visit, spoke about his pride to be in the Roxy complex, and how important it was that such a place had been preserved.

Whilst the speeches were delivered, an exquisite meal was served by the proprietor of the Roxy Cafe, Mr Vio Nedianu, along with wife, Ayesha, their children, and members of their staff.

Various graphics, films and video were also played. These included a καλώς ορίσατε - Welcome - banner from the Shire of Gwydir to the members of the Order of AHEPA. Also screen footage of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers performing various dance routines, as well as cartoons from the 1930's, the era when the Roxy complex was built. Also viewed was the Landline program, (2011), which commemorated the 75 Anniversary celebrations of the opening of the Roxy complex. Later, dissolving photographs of the Roxy were screened, and finally, Greg Punch's DVD, which also commemorated the 75 Anniversary celebrations of the opening of the Roxy complex, was also played.

Greek dancing was performed.

At the conclusion of festivities, Con Fardouli thanked all those who had travelled so far, and all those who had attended. He hoped that all had enjoyed both their visit, and the evening.

Download a copy of the AHEPA Itinerary, here:

Ahepa Itinerary 23 Feb 2013.pdf

Download a copy of the AHEPA Evening Meal Program, here:

Ahepa Evening Meal Program.pdf

The AHEPAN's were thrilled by their visit, and by the evening.

Christine Lynch, National Vice-President of the Order of AHEPA, Australasia later made the following comments about the visit and the function.

"We felt we were part of history- a “living history”. Everybody thought it was wonderful. We all felt very privileged. We were thrilled to be part of it. We were treated like royalty. The evening itself was ‘magic”. The whole Roxy complex is “magic”. We all look forward to coming back. Particular after the Roxy Museum is completed".

Tasha Vanos's assessment of the 'pilgrimage' and the hospitality received by the AHEPAN's echoed that of Chrisytine Lynch.

"The whole event was a “total success” as far as the 47 participants on the bus were concerned. We were amazed at the hospitality. The Roxy Museum committee were a wonderful group of people. The organisers and Sandy McNaughton in particular had obviously put a great deal of effort into the evenings. The gift packages we all received, which promoted the Roxy complex and the town of Bingara were exceptional, and deeply appreciated.

We were amazed at the Roxy complex. It’s wonderful. It’s a credit to Gwydir Shire Council for the commitment they have made to preserving this heritage building. As Greek-Australians we felt were made to feel very proud.

The evening function was one of the most exciting and entertaining that members of AHEPA had been to for years. The entire group felt like they had been treated like royalty.

The organising of the activities for our group in Bingara was outstanding.
We thank all members of the Roxy complex and Roxy Museum committee .I have received wonderful comments from our fellow travellers. It was a credit to the group of dedicated people who must have worked so hard to give us a royal time.

The support I received form Sandy McNaughton was great .
The food was most enjoyable and the company was excellent.
Thank you to all our new friends".

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

Download the history of the Roxy article as a .pdf:

The_Roxy_RAHS_Magazine_June_2010.pdf

Open full entry

4/3/2013

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Peter Prineass' Address to AHEPA NSW, Roxy Theatre, Bingara

The visit occurred on the 23rd February, 2013.

Peter Prineas OAM, is Patron of the Bingara Roxy and Curator of the Roxy Museum.

Speech:

Thank you members of AHEPA NSW for coming to Bingara to see the Roxy Cinema and Cafe and to hear about the Roxy Museum, a work in progress.

I have the honour of being the first curator of this Museum which we hope to open this year.

The Museum Committee met yesterday to consider bids from a number of highly qualified museum designers and I can tell you that the name of the successful design team will be announced soon.

I am not a Bingara person. Like many of you, I live in Sydney. But I have a connection with Bingara, through my grandfather, Peter Feros, who was one of the three men from the Greek island of Kythera who in the 1930s became involved in the Roxy development, comprising the Theatre, the Roxy Cafe, several shops and a guesthouse.

In 2006, I published a book entitled Katsehamos and the Great Idea. It told the Bingara Roxy story from a Greek-Australian perspective – something that had not been done before ¬– and it helped to claim the story and the Roxy buildings as part of the history of the Greeks in Australia.

We owe something to the late Kevin Cork, a teacher and cinema historian, who in the 1990s researched Greek participation in the early cinema industry in NSW for an MA thesis he was writing. Cork found that between 1915 and 1963 Greeks operated more than 120 picture theatres in 57 NSW country towns. Most of these men came to Australia at a young age and gained their language and business skills by working in cafes. They included men like Nicholas Laurantus and his brother George, Jack and Harry Kouvellis, George Conson, the brothers Peter and George Hatsatouris, the Conomos family and many others. Among them were the partners of Peters and Co who built this magnificent Roxy Theatre in Bingara.

Regrettably Kevin Cork died in 1998, before finishing his MA thesis. He left us these important words:
If we are to remember these Greeks for their contributions to Australia's social, architectural and technological advancement, then it is imperative that there be Greek landmarks which are acknowledged at local and state level - ones that point to the achievements of the Greek-Australian cinema exhibitors ... We cannot allow their histories to be forgotten, not when they provided services that positively affected millions of people, firstly, through their refreshment rooms and, secondly, through their picture theatres.

Kevin Cork's words have not been forgotten and in April 2011 hundreds of people came to Bingara to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Roxy Theatre and to hear the Mayor of Gwydir Shire, councillor John Coulton, make this promise:
The Roxy will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural associations between people and place. It will provide opportunities for the celebration of Greek traditions that became embedded in Australia.

Some people might ask why a museum about Greek cafes and theatres should be located in a little country town like Bingara. The answer is that Bingara has the essential artefacts that every other place lacks. The distinguished academic, architect and cinema historian, Dr. Ross Thorne, summed it up in these words:

Few theatres built prior to 1950 exist in New South Wales in a usable state for cinema and performance. There are few 'Greek' cafes of the period still in reasonably original condition, but they are isolated from any of the old cinema-theatres. To possess both theatre and cafe in the one complex − restored − makes Bingara, historically and culturally, an extraordinarily important town.

The Roxy Museum mission is to be:
A museum of Greek settlement in country Australia with a focus on New South Wales and Queensland.

This Mission Statement is the ‘core’ of the Museum’s area of interest in line with the Bingara Roxy’s history as a pre-War country town cinema and café. However, in order to give this story its proper context some attention will need to be given to Greek settlement in the cities, in other States, and to events outside the period.

Our hope is that the Roxy Museum will in time become a place of national significance that conserves and protects important cultural associations between people and place. It is hoped the Museum will conduct research and develop collections that document the history of Greek settlement in Australia with the aim of facilitating the community’s understanding of the past, and engagement with issues affecting its future.

It is hoped also that Museum will establish links with educational, heritage, historical, cultural and community organisations in furtherance of its mission.

The partnership of Peters and Co operated a successful cafe business in Bingara for nearly ten years before they embarked on the Roxy development. For a various reasons, their Roxy venture failed commercially. The theatre was operated by a succession of exhibitors until 1958 when it closed and stood dormant for 40 years. Imagine this beautiful space lying silent and dark for all that time. It has rightly been described as a 'sleeping beauty'. In 1999 the Bingara Shire Council purchased the Roxy Theatre and restored it with the assistance of grant funds from the State and Commonwealth governments.

In 2007 the Council – by then the Gwydir Shire as a result of an amalgamation – purchased the former Roxy Cafe premises from Mr and Mrs Yeum who had operated a Chinese restaurant there for 18 years. In
2009-10 the Council restored the Greek cafe of 1936 and the art deco shop fronts using grant funds from the Commonwealth Government.

After the Mayor of Gwydir Shire, committed the Council to developing a Greek Museum within the Roxy buildings, the NSW Government announced a grant of nearly $95,000 under the Arts Funding Program for the development of the Roxy Museum. Donations for the Museum have also been received from non-government organisations, notably the Nicholas Aroney Trust which has given two grants totalling $50,000, and the Kytherian Association which recently decided to donate $10,000. We have also benefited from the generosity of individuals such as Mr Nick Politis.

Developing a museum is an expensive business, even when the local council has provided the premises. Our starting budget is $200,000 and although we are still some distance short of this target we remain hopeful that the gap will be closed

The Roxy Museum collection

The designer – yet to be retained – will influence the manner in which the Museum's content is displayed, however the design brief adopted by the Committee gives a clear outline.

• The purpose of the Roxy Museum collection is to tell the story of Greek immigration and settlement in the country areas of NSW and Queensland in the first half of the 20th century. This was a period when most Greeks owned or were employed in cafes and a considerable number owned and operated picture theatres.
• The Museum collection will aim to tell the story of the Bingara Roxy Theatre and Roxy Cafe and place it in its wider context so that the story can be understood.
• The collection of artefacts will help to evidence, illustrate and explain the Greek cafe and cinema era and also mark significant points in the Greek immigrants' journey from Greece and in their subsequent 'journey' towards becoming Australian.
• The collection of images showing Greek cafes in NSW and Queensland will extend over the most of the period and illustrate styles and trends in cafes over time, and many images will show the people who operated the cafes and members of their families and staff.
• The collection of cinema photographs will illustrate the significant involvement of Greek immigrants in the cinema industry in the country towns of NSW up to the middle of the 20th century; it will help to illustrate the link between cafes and cinemas in that period.
• The cafes and cinemas database is intended to be the beginning of a comprehensive coverage for NSW and Queensland.
• The collection of newspaper items about Greeks will add to understanding of the position of Greeks in Australian society in this period.
• A vintage confectionery packaging collection will re-create 'in the round' the sweets and chocolate packaging associated with the heyday of the Greek cafes and cinemas.
• There will be a display featuring prominent Greek-Australians. Our first subject, we hope, will be the late Dr Archie Kalokerinos, known for his work in the care of Aboriginal children. Dr Kalokerinos made a difference to the lives of many such children and their families. He also practised medicine for 10 years in Bingara and had his surgery in one of the Roxy shops.
• There will also be exhibits explaining 19th century Greek settlement in Australia and the era of mass migration from Greece after the Second World War.

Digital collection

In addition to text and graphics panels and artefacts displays, the collection is to be presented in digital form.

The digital collection at opening will include:
• A cafes and cinemas database – this database will present the available texts and images on Greek operated cafes and cinemas in NSW and Queensland and will be searchable. It will have the facility to receive data entered by visitors.
• Cafes and cinemas images – this will be an ongoing screen presentation with a facility for pausing images either so that an image can be better appreciated or so that the reference number can be noted in order to search the subject on the digital database.
• Newspaper articles about Greeks – an ongoing screen presentation of newspaper articles drawn for the National Library's Trove digital archive, with a facility for pausing and searching. Currently the database comprises more than 600 news articles about Greeks.
• Elements of the digital collection will be accessible on-line through the Museum's website.

Audio-visual display

A professionally produced film/video is to be commissioned. It will further explore and present the Museum's themes. This will be viewed on a large video screen purchased for the use of the Museum.

Operation of the Museum

The Roxy Museum will offer a self-guided tour. The displays are to be self- explanatory. There will be a guide-sheet to assist visitors. Digital and audio-visual displays are to be simple in operation and have limited functions so that visitors can easily use them and access the content. Volunteers will be relied upon for guided tours and booked tours with talks are envisaged.

Conclusion

In concluding, let me acknowledge AHEPA's work over many years in promoting interest in Australian Hellenic culture.

The aim of the Roxy Museum – a museum about the Greeks in Australia – is also to promote interest in Australian Hellenic culture. I hope that in the future we can support one another in furthering our common aim.

Thank you.

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A Town Like.....Bingara

Daily Telegraph.

Saturday January 19th, 2013

page 108.

Photograph: The Peters and Co cafe, within the Roxy complex, with portable coffee maker on the pavement.

Over two years in the mid-1930s, a Greek tragedy played out on the main street of rural Bingara, in northern NSW. Three ambitious migrants from a small Greek island spurred a commercial war to the death when they rebuilt their country cafe to incorporate a glamorous art deco cinema.

Born in the 1890s in Mitata, Kythera, in 1919 they followed thousands of countrymen to Australia, then headed inland to find a town in need of a cafe.

Peter Feros, Emanuel Aroney and George Psaltis selected Bingara, trading as Peters and Co when they opened for business in 1920. By 1930 they opened the Golden Belt in nearby Barraba, and announced the "dawn of a new era in Bingara's entertainment history".

They planned a modern cafe seating 140 patrons, two shops, a guesthouse and the most modern theatre outside Sydney.
Then home to about 1500 people, Bingara was settled in the 1830s when William, Matthew and Thomas Hall took up 16,000ha on the Gwydir River.

The Halls named their run Bingera, an Aboriginal name for a shallow crossing. Gold was found in 1852, followed in the1880s by copper and diamonds.

Bingara Moving Pictures opened in an iron theatre in 1912. In 1931 Gallipoli veteran Victor Peacocke opened a silent picture show in the Soldiers Memorial Hall. In 1933, Bingara Moving Pictures closed.

Peters and Co engaged Sydney architect Mark Woodforde to design a theatre with a 30m-long auditorium and soaring 7m ceilings, decorated with ornate stucco plaster. The sloping auditorium seated 280, with 470 seats on a level section near the screen that hid a dance floor.

Peacocke wrote official letters complaining of Greek standover men and rebuilt his venue. His modest Regent Theatre opened in June 1935.

The Roxy opened on March 28, 1936. Three weeks later the Regent cut tickets to one shilling, half price for children.

The Roxy matched the deal, and organised a Movie Ball promoted as the most spectacular dance event in Bingara's history.

But with a superior sound system, by August 1936 the Regent was the only survivor in Bingara's cinema war.

Beset with debts, the Roxy complex closed after five months.

MAREA DONNELLY

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20/1/2013

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The big outdoors

BY: CATHERINE MARSHALL

Photograph: The Australian Standing Stones at Glenn Innes.

Picture: http://www.gleninnestourism.com/pages/australian-standing-stones

This article is included as as good general overview for travelling around the North Western part of NSW by road. When Kytherians go to visit the Kytherian iconic and sacred site of the Roxy complex in Bingara, they will know that there are many more interesting sites to visit in the immediate area.

The rains are coming to Moree in the northwest New England region of NSW, driven westwards from the drowned plains of the NSW central west, and southwards from Queensland, where floods will soon swallow the land whole.

My visit is in mid-December and already the crops have been ruined. Stuart Boydell plucks a head of wheat and releases the grain with his thumb.

"Too much rain during the growing season," he laments. "It's almost halved the price." And there is more to come.

"They say if you see a carpet snake the rains are coming," says his daughter, Dimity. But there's nothing to fear tonight, for the warmth hangs cloak-like over the family's homestead, Cooma, and stars pierce the black sky. There is a pool in the garden but beyond it, past the gravel tennis court and the gazebo where guests sip champagne through candy-striped straws, is something far more enticing: a picture-book yabby pond from which our entree has just been scooped.

The deluge hasn't troubled these crustaceans, nor the pecans in the dessert. "When they were babies the trees had opera played to them," says Stuart of the nearby pecan farm, the largest in the southern hemisphere. "No one complained, because it worked."

Such quirky farming techniques and unpredictable weather patterns don't deter the tourists: they pour into Moree to avail themselves of expansive landscapes, fresh produce and hot artesian baths, said to ease ailments and deliver an analgesic stupor.

The drive south to Narrabri is pleasantly soporific, too, with one vast cotton field indistinguishable from the next until we reach Bellata, a village dwarfed by the biggest grain silo in this region. At Narrabri, the Namoi River has burst its banks so that it resembles a squat brown snake.

We sit on the steps of The Crossing Theatre and workshop with artist Nancy Hunt, one of six generations who've lived off this mercurial land. My watercolours can't replicate the jersey-print trunks of the river gums, so I lay down my brush and listen instead to Max Pringle, who recites bush poetry nearby. Then at lunch, yabbies make another appearance, alongside sweet, locally reared Inglegreen pork. Our tipple has been brought in from Wee Waa in the flooded Namoi Valley, where Lindy Widauer runs Seplin Estate Wines. "We came in on an aqua rider with two people, two dogs and all these bottles of wine," she says.

No obstacle is too great for the people who live in Big Sky Country, where a little rain goes a long way and too much won't dampen the spirit. Narrabri's museum reflects such resilience, and the quirks and oddities of this town.

"Electricity was meant to come here in 1911 but someone [started] a rumour that it interfered with women's metabolisms and made them funny," says Pringle the bush poet. "So they held a referendum and voted it down, and Narrabri only got electricity in the 1920s."

Northwest from here, we detour into Mount Kaputar National Park, swatting persistent mosquitoes as we go.

Our reward is an exhilarating view of Sawn Rocks, pentagonal basalt pipes that spring up from Bobbiwaa Creek. It's a startling formation, secreted away in the Nandewar Range.

Up the road is another revelation, the town of Bingara, where Greek immigrants opened a milk bar named The Roxy in the 30s.

The Gwydir Shire Council is restoring this art deco building with its melamine counters and flashy neon signs. "It epitomises the story of Greek immigration to northern NSW," says Sandy McNaughton, a Melburnian who fell for a local farmer and now manages The Roxy.

We have moved on from the flat western plains to the green curves of New England. At Olives of Beaulieu, 15 varieties of the fruit thrive alongside cherry, pear and walnut trees, an earthy and sophisticated bounty of robust fruit, infused oils and spice blends inspired by North Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Just outside Inverell, Blair

Athol Estate, a seven-guestroom historic manor house, sits surrounded by English and kauri pines, Moreton Bay figs and rotund bottle trees. The original owners are buried in the garden, but ghost sightings aren't mentioned when we gather around the breakfast table.

Also buried in these hills are curiosities of another kind: sapphires so plentiful as to earn Inverell the dazzling moniker of Sapphire City. Bill Dawson has mined the gems for 40 years, and still works his claim seven days a week. "It's heaven," he says, holding a sapphire to the sun, turning it until the light flares within, illuminating each feather and veil. "Every day is a surprise; you don't know what you're going to find."

Dark clouds follow us eastwards to Glen Innes where they encircle the Australian Standing Stones. A healer walks her dog here; she says she moved to Glen Innes for the stones. "They have an energy about them. At certain times of the year the dowsing rods show us where that energy is."

But rain threatens to wash away the positive vibes, for the ground is sodden and the farmers are suffering. Farmers can't get stock to the market because it's too wet, says butcher Bluey Campbell.

Steak remains a popular choice nonetheless on the menus around town: at Restaurant Ninety8, in the historic New England Club and at Hereford Steakhouse, where guests who conquer The Beast, a 1kg cut, are commemorated on a roll of honour. I receive a mention for consuming two decadent chocolate pithiviers.

The steak and chocolate and local pinot gris are easily slept off at the stately Tudor House B & B, where the beds are cavernous and the linen crisp and soothing. We are headed next morning for Armidale, with its cathedral-spiked skyline.

The New England Regional Art Museum is unusually accessible, with its treasure-filled vault from which locals were allowed to curate their own exhibition, and its wide corridor where someone casually paints a self-portrait.

Next door, at the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place, bush tucker has been set out for morning tea: dollops of lilli pilli and rosella jam sliding off hot scones, wild lime muffins and garlic damper set out on palm leaves, fragrant mugs of lemon myrtle tea. I pour a cup for Steve Widders, a blind Aboriginal painter who is exhibiting for the first time.

"I can't read and I can't do photography, but I can use my hands," Widders says. "I have someone with me when I paint. I say I want an orange-pink or a dark blood-red. It's all about my perception of colour, even though I'm blind."

Perception, yes: an essential ingredient for anyone who lives out here in the bush, where nature wields such unfathomable power. By the time we reach Peterson's Winery and Guesthouse, the rain has fled, leaving behind emerald fields and sun-spangled air. Peterson's manager, Sandy Harris, gazes out contentedly.

"On a day like today, you could practically watch the vines grow," he says.

Catherine Marshall was a guest of New England North West Tourism.

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19/1/2013

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New video about the Roxy, Bingara, on youtube

See the new video about the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Roxy theatre in Bingara, NSW and the reopening of Peters Cafe next door.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr7vZ1m7naY&feature=youtu.be

Greg Punch filmed the material in April 2011. He has now edited it. It is an excellent brief overview.

Many thanks to Greg, and Newtown Flicks for creating this video.

View other videos about the Roxy at this space.

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28/9/2012

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6° of separation. The Gwydir-Willoughby Council sister city relationship

Gwydir Council, and Willoughby Council in Sydney have a sister-city relationship.

Mandy Stevens has served on Willoughby Council for a number of terms, and a number of years.

Mandy is a SOPHIOS, from Kythera, with LIANOS family connections, by heritage. But before she tripped up to Bingara for the July 4th, 2012, celebrations, as a part of her duties with Willoughby she was oblivious of the significant 'Kytherian' history in the town of Bingara, and in the Roxy 'complex' and Roxy cafe.

Nor was she aware that it was George C Poulos who was helping her cousin Vasi Uhrweiss (nee, Margetis / Lianos), re-construct the Lianos family history.

Mandy and George thus had a great deal to talk about at the celebration.

Here they are photographed outside the Council Chambers in Bingara.

This occasion coincided with the annual Orange Festival, the 150th Anniversary of the opening of the Bingara Public School, and the 're-opening' of the Roxy Cafe - after 46 years.

Download pages from the North West Magzine pertaining to the opening of the Roxy Cafe, the Orange Festival, Bingara, the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School, and places of historical interest in the region:

North_West_Magazine_Composite_A.pdf

The "re-opening" of the Roxy coincided with the Orange Festival, Bingara, and the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School.


Central Web-links:

Gwydir Shire Roxy website

kythera-family central web-pages:

Roxy Theatre

Roxy Café

Roxy Museum

Katsehamos and the Great Idea

Open full entry

11/7/2012

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The event also attracts many vintage bikes

Here, Inverell-resident, Roxyphile, Greek-Australian, long term cafe proprietor, and 'easy rider', Peter Giannes sits astride his classical Harley Davidson.

Peter restores Harley's and Vesper's as a hobby.

He also loves to 'ride'.

Photo taken on Saturday 4th July.

On the weekend of the re-opening of the Roxy Cafe, Bingara.

It was a momentous occasion - the first time in 46 years that the cafe had been re-opened as a Greek-Australian style cafe.

Also the weekend of the annual Orange Festival, and the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School.

Download pages from the North West Magzine pertaining to the opening of the Roxy Cafe, the Orange Festival, Bingara, the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School, and places of historical interest in the region:

North_West_Magazine_Composite_A.pdf

The "re-opening" of the Roxy coincided with the Orange Festival, Bingara, and the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School.


Central Web-links:

Gwydir Shire Roxy website

kythera-family central web-pages:

Roxy Theatre

Roxy Café

Roxy Museum

Katsehamos and the Great Idea

Open full entry

11/7/2012

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Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Rouge Coffee 'hut' - outside the Roxy Cafe Bingara

Saturday 4th July.

A lot of Rouge coffee was sold in the weekend and the week of the opening of the Roxy cafe.

Vio and Ayesha and five of their eight children - Amira, Zacharia, Ramona, Latifa and Hercules - have left Brisbane and their family Italian ristorante behind to make a new home in the town known as the ‘Gem of the New England’.

It was a momentous occasion - the first time in 46 years that the cafe had been re-opened as a Greek-Australian style cafe.

Download pages from the North West Magzine pertaining to the opening of the Roxy Cafe, the Orange Festival, Bingara, the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School, and places of historical interest in the region:

North_West_Magazine_Composite_A.pdf

The "re-opening" of the Roxy coincided with the Orange Festival, Bingara, and the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School.


Central Web-links:

Gwydir Shire Roxy website

kythera-family central web-pages:

Roxy Theatre

Roxy Café

Roxy Museum

Katsehamos and the Great Idea

Open full entry

11/7/2012

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Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Numerous stalls adorned the full length of Binagara's main street

on the day of the Orange Festival.

The Orange Festival is an annual institution in Bingara.

This year it coincided with the 're-opening' of the Roxy Cafe - after 46 years.

This stall adjoined the street to the right of the Roxy Cafe.

Download pages from the North West Magzine pertaining to the opening of the Roxy Cafe, the Orange Festival, Bingara, the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School, and places of historical interest in the region:

North_West_Magazine_Composite_A.pdf

The "re-opening" of the Roxy coincided with the Orange Festival, Bingara, and the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School.


Central Web-links:

Gwydir Shire Roxy website

kythera-family central web-pages:

Roxy Theatre

Roxy Café

Roxy Museum

Katsehamos and the Great Idea

Open full entry

11/7/2012

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Orange Festival Parade rounds the corner at the Roxy 'complex' intersection

The Orange Festival is an annual institution in Bingara.

This year it coincided with the 're-opening' of the Roxy Cafe - after 46 years.

This photograph was taken from the balcony of the Roxy Museum, which is on the first floor, above the Roxy Cafe.

Download pages from the North West Magzine pertaining to the opening of the Roxy Cafe, the Orange Festival, Bingara, the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School, and places of historical interest in the region:

North_West_Magazine_Composite_A.pdf

The "re-opening" of the Roxy coincided with the Orange Festival, Bingara, and the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School.


Central Web-links:

Gwydir Shire Roxy website

kythera-family central web-pages:

Roxy Theatre

Roxy Café

Roxy Museum

Katsehamos and the Great Idea

Open full entry

11/7/2012

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

North-facing front door, the TAFE Hospitality Training kitchen, Roxy 'complex' Bingara

The renovated TAFE which adjoins the rear of the Roxy Cafe, and the interior of the Roxy Theatre, has now been completed.

It will serve a really important function - particularly for residents and youth of Bingara and district.

This has been renovated and furnished to a very high standard.

Note how well integrated the the frontage is with the art deco style of the rest of the Roxy 'complex'.

It creates yet another 'jewel' in the Roxy 'complex' crown.

Download pages from the North West Magzine pertaining to the opening of the Roxy Cafe, the Orange Festival, Bingara, the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School, and places of historical interest in the region:

North_West_Magazine_Composite_A.pdf

The "re-opening" of the Roxy coincided with the Orange Festival, Bingara, and the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School.


Central Web-links:

Gwydir Shire Roxy website

kythera-family central web-pages:

Roxy Theatre

Roxy Café

Roxy Museum

Katsehamos and the Great Idea

Open full entry

11/7/2012

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The interior of the TAFE hospitality training college which adjoins the Roxy Cafe

This will serve a really important function - particularly for residents of Bingara and district, when it is opening shortly.

This has been renovated and furnished to a very high standard.

It creates yet another 'jewel' in the Roxy 'complex' crown.

Download pages from the North West Magzine pertaining to the opening of the Roxy Cafe, the Orange Festival, Bingara, the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School, and places of historical interest in the region:

North_West_Magazine_Composite_A.pdf

The "re-opening" of the Roxy coincided with the Orange Festival, Bingara, and the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School.


Central Web-links:

Gwydir Shire Roxy website

kythera-family central web-pages:

Roxy Theatre

Roxy Café

Roxy Museum

Katsehamos and the Great Idea

Open full entry

11/7/2012

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Roxy 'complex" and the Roxy Cafe look beautiful at night time

The Roxy Cafe looks infinitely more beautiful at night when it is turned into a fully operational cafe.

The weekend of the 4th July, 2012, was a momentous occasion - the first time in 46 years that the cafe had been re-opened as a Greek-Australian style cafe.

Download pages from the North West Magzine pertaining to the opening of the Roxy Cafe, the Orange Festival, Bingara, the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School, and places of historical interest in the region:

North_West_Magazine_Composite_A.pdf

The "re-opening" of the Roxy coincided with the Orange Festival, Bingara, and the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School.


Central Web-links:

Gwydir Shire Roxy website

kythera-family central web-pages:

Roxy Theatre

Roxy Café

Roxy Museum

Katsehamos and the Great Idea

Open full entry

11/7/2012

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The beautiful Roxy 'complex' attracts vintage car tourers on a regular basis

The opening weekend of the Roxy Cafe was no exception. 40 touring car drivers, families and guests, were treated with a dinner on the day - Saturday 4th July.

This was a momentous occasion - the first time in 46 years that the cafe had been re-opened as a Greek-Australian style cafe.

Download pages from the North West Magzine pertaining to the opening of the Roxy Cafe, the Orange Festival, Bingara, the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School, and places of historical interest in the region:

North_West_Magazine_Composite_A.pdf

The "re-opening" of the Roxy coincided with the Orange Festival, Bingara, and the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School.


Central Web-links:

Gwydir Shire Roxy website

kythera-family central web-pages:

Roxy Theatre

Roxy Café

Roxy Museum

Katsehamos and the Great Idea

Open full entry

11/7/2012

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The new menu for the Roxy Cafe, on formica table top

During the very busy opening few days of the Roxy Cafe.

This photograph was taken on Saturday 4th July.

It was a momentous occasion - the first time in 46 years that the cafe had been re-opened as a Greek-Australian style cafe.

Download pages from the North West Magzine pertaining to the opening of the Roxy Cafe, the Orange Festival, Bingara, the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School, and places of historical interest in the region:

North_West_Magazine_Composite_A.pdf

The "re-opening" of the Roxy coincided with the Orange Festival, Bingara, and the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School.


Central Web-links:

Gwydir Shire Roxy website

kythera-family central web-pages:

Roxy Theatre

Roxy Café

Roxy Museum

Katsehamos and the Great Idea

Open full entry

11/7/2012

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Local barista Ben Hutton found time to serve Information Office staff member Jenny Mead

Saturday 4th July.

All staff at the Roxy cafe worked frantically during this very busy period.

It was a momentous occasion - the first time in 46 years that the cafe had been re-opened as a Greek-Australian style cafe.

Download pages from the North West Magzine pertaining to the opening of the Roxy Cafe, the Orange Festival, Bingara, the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School, and places of historical interest in the region:

North_West_Magazine_Composite_A.pdf

The "re-opening" of the Roxy coincided with the Orange Festival, Bingara, and the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School.


Central Web-links:

Gwydir Shire Roxy website

kythera-family central web-pages:

Roxy Theatre

Roxy Café

Roxy Museum

Katsehamos and the Great Idea

Open full entry

11/7/2012

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Vio and his staff worked frantically through this very busy period

Saturday 4th July.

Vio and Ayesha and five of their eight children - Amira, Zacharia, Ramona, Latifa and Hercules - have left Brisbane and their family Italian ristorante behind to make a new home in the town known as the ‘Gem of the New England’.

It was a momentous occasion - the first time in 46 years that the cafe had been re-opened as a Greek-Australian style cafe.

Download pages from the North West Magzine pertaining to the opening of the Roxy Cafe, the Orange Festival, Bingara, the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School, and places of historical interest in the region:

North_West_Magazine_Composite_A.pdf

The "re-opening" of the Roxy coincided with the Orange Festival, Bingara, and the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School.


Central Web-links:

Gwydir Shire Roxy website

kythera-family central web-pages:

Roxy Theatre

Roxy Café

Roxy Museum

Katsehamos and the Great Idea

Open full entry

11/7/2012

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Zak and Ramona Nedianu. A new generation of "cafe kids"

Saturday 4th July.

Two of Vio and Ayesha Nedianu's children. Vio, a native of Timisoara in Romania, came to Bingara when he saw the search was on for someone to take over the Roxy, saw what had been done to the cafe, and fell in love with the concept all over again. Ayesha was originally from Jordan.

Vio and Ayesha and five of their eight children - Amira, Zacharia, Ramona, Latifa and Hercules - have left Brisbane and their family Italian ristorante behind to make a new home in the town known as the ‘Gem of the New England’.

It was a momentous occasion - the first time in 46 years that the cafe had been re-opened as a Greek-Australian style cafe.

Download pages from the North West Magzine pertaining to the opening of the Roxy Cafe, the Orange Festival, Bingara, the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School, and places of historical interest in the region:

North_West_Magazine_Composite_A.pdf

The "re-opening" of the Roxy coincided with the Orange Festival, Bingara, and the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School.


Central Web-links:

Gwydir Shire Roxy website

kythera-family central web-pages:

Roxy Theatre

Roxy Café

Roxy Museum

Katsehamos and the Great Idea

Open full entry

11/7/2012

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

A new generation of of "cafe kids"

Saturday 4th July.

Four of Vio and Ayesha Nedianu's children. Vio, a native of Timisoara in Romania, came to Bingara when he saw the search was on for someone to take over the Roxy, saw what had been done to the cafe, and fell in love with the concept all over again. Ayesha was originally from Jordan.

Vio and Ayesha and five of their eight children - Amira, Zacharia, Ramona, Latifa and Hercules - have left Brisbane and their family Italian ristorante behind to make a new home in the town known as the ‘Gem of the New England’.

It was a momentous occasion - the first time in 46 years that the cafe had been re-opened as a Greek-Australian style cafe.

Download pages from the North West Magzine pertaining to the opening of the Roxy Cafe, the Orange Festival, Bingara, the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School, and places of historical interest in the region:

North_West_Magazine_Composite_A.pdf

The "re-opening" of the Roxy coincided with the Orange Festival, Bingara, and the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School.


Central Web-links:

Gwydir Shire Roxy website

kythera-family central web-pages:

Roxy Theatre

Roxy Café

Roxy Museum

Katsehamos and the Great Idea

Open full entry

11/7/2012

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Many meals were served through the Roxy Cafe's opening week

Saturday 4th July.

It was a momentous occasion - the first time in 46 years that the cafe had been re-opened as a Greek-Australian style cafe.

Download pages from the North West Magzine pertaining to the opening of the Roxy Cafe, the Orange Festival, Bingara, the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School, and places of historical interest in the region:

North_West_Magazine_Composite_A.pdf

The "re-opening" of the Roxy coincided with the Orange Festival, Bingara, and the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School.


Central Web-links:

Gwydir Shire Roxy website

kythera-family central web-pages:

Roxy Theatre

Roxy Café

Roxy Museum

Katsehamos and the Great Idea

Open full entry

11/7/2012

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

A large crowd gathered on the inside of the Roxy Cafe

On the first few days of the Roxy Cafe opening. Saturday 4th July.

It was a momentous occasion - the first time in 46 years that the cafe had been re-opened as a Greek-Australian style cafe.

Download pages from the North West Magzine pertaining to the opening of the Roxy Cafe, the Orange Festival, Bingara, the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School, and places of historical interest in the region:

North_West_Magazine_Composite_A.pdf

The "re-opening" of the Roxy coincided with the Orange Festival, Bingara, and the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School.


Central Web-links:

Gwydir Shire Roxy website

kythera-family central web-pages:

Roxy Theatre

Roxy Café

Roxy Museum

Katsehamos and the Great Idea

Open full entry

11/7/2012

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Welcome to new-look Bingara Roxy Cafe

North West Magazine, June 25th 2012, page 3

Photograph: Vio Nedianu, left, and his assistant, Davinder Bobby Singh, are looking forward to the opening of the Roxy Cafe this week.

Almost half a century since it last served a milk shake or a mixed grill, Bingara's Roxy Cafe is again open for business.

The iconic establishment once a part of the magnificent Roxy Theatre complex in Bingara's main street, will re-open its doors on Wednesdy to coincide with the town's annual Orange Festival and with Bingara Central School's 150 year celebration reunion.

The theatre, restored to its former glory and now regarded as one of the State's premier tourism facilities, has been hosting world-class artists and stage and screen productions for several years.
It was only natural that the cafe, closed for close to 46 years, would also be 'brought back to life'.

Restoration was complete last year in time for the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball which celebrated the town's Greek connection with an unforgettable evening of feasting and festivity under the stars.

The only hurdle was finding someone to keep the cafe's doors open. Enter Vio and Ayesha Nedianu. Vio, a native of Timisoara in Romania, came to Bingara when he saw the search was on for someone to take over the Roxy, saw what had been done to the cafe, and fell in love all over again.
Vio and Ayesha and five of their eight children - Amira, Zacharia, Ramona, Latifa and Hercules - have left Brisbane and their family Italian ristorante behind to make a new home in the town known as the ‘Gem of the New England’.

Together with Davinder (Bobby) Singh, Vio and Ayesha have been "burning the midnight oil" to ensure everything is in readiness for the weekend's big opening. "This is a great opportunity for our family to establish something important in this wonderful town," said Vio.

"We have been made feel incredibly welcome by the people of this wonderful town and the council and the people who are behind making the Roxy complex one of the true treasures of the region," said Vio.

''We fell in love with Bingara and the cafe and we plan to make it once again a place for people to gather and enjoy fine food.''

The new menu at the Roxy Cafe will feature lunch fare and a special evening presentation, specialising in Italian, Indian and Australian cuisine.
''Lunch will be light and practical, with wraps, sandwiches, calamari, bolognaise and functional meals.
''For our evening menu, there will be exquisite entrees and great desserts: and we are going to feature a lot of fresh seafood, with for example a risotto with crab, prawn, bug meat, chilli, white wine, garlic and fresh tomato sauce," Vio added.

"We will be providing fine Italian cured meats, select olives and cheeses and our coffee is the super boutique roasted Rouge provided especially for us from our good friends in Brisbane," Vi o added.

Fully licensed, patrons will be able to enjoy a selection of local and imported wines and beers.

The set-up or the refurbished Roxy Cafe lends itself perfectly to functions such as weddings, birthdays and parties and Vio and Ayesha plan to cater to that market.

They encourage and welcome tour buses and visitors to the nearby Roxy Theatre who also want to enjoy a fine meal in an ambiance reminiscent of an era that was a once-thriving Greek cafe culture.

Download pages from the North West Magzine pertaining to the opening of the Roxy Cafe, the Orange Festival, Bingara, the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School, and places of historical interest in the region:

North_West_Magazine_Composite_A.pdf

The "re-opening" of the Roxy coincided with the Orange Festival, Bingara, and the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School.

Open full entry

4/7/2012

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The Roxy Cafe. An Australian and Greek-Australian icon establishes permanency.

Photograph: Vio and Ayesha Nedianu working feverishly on Saturday the 30th July, the third day of operation of the Roxy Cafe. Between the annual Orange Festival, and the 150th Anniversary of the opening of Bingara Public School, Bingara was 'buzzing'.

The Roxy Cafe, Bingara, known as the Peters and Co Cafe, gains a very long term operator.

This means that now, within the Roxy 'complex' there exists 4 fully operational and fully established components - the Roxy THEATRE, the Roxy CAFE, the Roxy INFORMATION CENTRE, and the TAFE Hospitality Traing Centre.

The final jewel in the crown will be the Roxy Museum.

It it worth recounting the history of how all these very important aspects of the Roxy Complex came into existence.

Restoration and Development of Greek & Kytherian Sacred sites.
Preservation of Australian and Art Deco Heritage sites.

Bingara is a small north-west NSW town, that lies within Gwydir Shire. The population of Bingara is 1300. The map shows the location of the town in relationship to the North West of NSW, the NSW coastline, and the Queensland border. Bingara is a 7 hour drive from both Sydney and Brisbane, and about 3½ hours drive to the larger coastal towns. In 1936, three Kytherians, Peter John Feros, Katsehamos, (Mitata), George Ernest (Proto)Psaltis, Katsavias, (Frilingianika), and Emanuel Theodoropoulos Aronis, known as Emanuel Aroney, (Aroniadika), inspired by a “megalo ithea”, built a magnificent art deco Cinema, the the Roxy Theatre. Adjoining it they also built a well furnished café, the Roxy Café. This traded under the name Peters and Co. Peters and Co signs are still displayed on the shop fronts of numerous former Kytherian cafes throughout NSW. Behind both buildings, the partners also built a large guesthouse.

The story of how the Roxy came to be built is well told by the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Prineas, in his superbly written book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea. In 2010, the Roxy was the subject of an article in the June issue of the Magazine of the Royal Historical Society, and featured prominently in the first of the Fox Bio Channel programmes ‘As Australian As’, during May. The programme was written and narrated by Australian actor John Woods.

Those who have read Katsehamos and the Great Idea will know that, gross over-capitalisation, and a determined opponent, Victor Peacocke, who operated the Regent Theatre, and a subsequent discount price war, that broke out between the two groups, bankrupted the Kytherians. The Roxy was sold off, and operated as a cinema until 1958 when it closed down. Apart from the occasional films screening, the odd boxing match or roller disco, it would spend the next forty years virtually lying dormant. Members of a new generation were growing up in the town having never stepped foot inside it. They may well have walked past the facade every day of their lives, with little clue as to the grandeur that lay within. Whilst the Roxy Theatre became a “sleeping beauty”, the Regent was well patronized through the 1950s.

In 1999, The (then) Bingara Council purchased the Roxy Theatre. Meanwhile, the Roxy Café was operated by various Greek and Kytherian owners until the mid 1960’s, when it was turned into a memorabilia shop. It morphed into a Chinese restaurant for twenty years, until it too was purchased by the Gwydir Shire Council in 2008.

The Roxy Theatre successfully obtained funding from the three tiers of Government extant in Australia, and it was transformed into a veritable “palace of dreams” – in Kevin Cork’s phraseology – a ‘parthenon down under”. Triumphantly opened in 2004, it is one of the most beautiful Art Deco theatres in Australia.

In November 2009 the Gwydir Council was the recipient of a grant of $750,000 through the Department of Heritage, Environment, Water and Arts, under the Australian Commonwealth Government Jobs Fund. This funding ensured that the Roxy Cafe, was also restored to its original splendour. Additionally, a medium scale conference facility was renovate upstairs above the café, as well as a museum designed to celebrate the story of immigration and acknowledges the significance of the Greek café. The Tourist Information Centre was also relocated into the Roxy ‘complex’, and re-furbished in the art deco style, to ensure the building had an integrated design.

Coincidently, the Infromation Centre was housed in the very location where another Kytherian, Dr Archie Kalokerinos, Greek-Australian of the century, maintained a doctor’s surgery for more than a decade.

In 2011, the Roxy ‘complex’ received further funding of $750,000 from Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations to add a trade training centre to the rear of the Roxy Cafe. This training centre will offer Certificate III Level Hospitality Training and will be run in conjunction with the Gwydir Learning Region, the Department of Education and Training, and TAFE NSW. The building of this will be completed as of July 2012.

Architectural firm, Magoffin and Deakin from Armidale, NSW, who were the architects for the Roxy Theatre (2003), and are also the architects for the Roxy Café and Roxy Museum (2010), were again commissioned to complete this work. This extension of the training facility has again been superbly integrated by Magoffin and Deakin.

Greek & Kytherian Sacred Sites, & pilgrimage destinations

Australian and Art Deco Heritage and pilgrimage site.

Most Greek-Australians are not aware that a Hellenic Museum exists in Australia. It is housed in the opulent Mint Building in William Street, in the CBD of Melbourne, Victoria. It has been operating for 3 years. The money to fund the Museum was donated by one Greek Australian benefactor, Spiros Stamoulis.

The word Roxy in its Greek and Persian origins means bright, dawn, star. But the Roxy is greater than a bright star. Governments have paid Greek and Kytherian Australians the ultimate tribute, by spending more than $3 million over 7 years on creating what can best be described as Greek and Kytherian Heritage and Sacred Sites and pilgrimage destinations.

When Greeks and Kytherians visit these sacred sites they are stunned by the monetary investment expended on the Roxy Theatre, by the beauty of the building, by the "reverence" that many residents of the town have for the Roxy ‘complex’. Many are moved to tears at the ‘Roxy” memorial to their grandparents, parents, relatives, and their own lives in cafes, cinemas and other retail establishments in Australia.

The Roxy Cafe. The Peters & Co Cafe.

Much of the original equipment in the café was located during the restoration process. Some was generously donated by local residents, and north western Greeks and Kytherians. Sandy McNaughton has also tracked down and purchased many tables, chairs, booths, refrigeration units, and café artefacts, to install in the café, and display in the Museum. Most came from Greek and Kytherian café’s in the region. This allowed the cafe to be restored to a authentic and very high standard.

The next challenge was: could a restaurateur of very high standard be enticed to Bingara to lease the cafe? Since being ‘stirred from sleep’, the Roxy complex has been blessed by good fortune. The complex has been the recipient of a number of grants that have allowed enhanced the standard of the building and its amenity. Would this good fortune flow over to finding the perfect operator for the Roxy Cafe?

Yet again, the answer appears to be – yes it would, and yes it did. In May 2012, Vio Nedianu, a Rumanian migrant, with his Jordanian wife, Ayesha, and 6 children made the monumental decision to make a “tree change” to Bingara, and sign an extended lease on the Roxy Cafe.

Vio Nedianu

Until his decision to re-locate he had been a partner in a successful restaurant called Vio’s Ristorante in the Brisbane suburb of Paddington. Paddington is one of the most competitive and densely serviced cafe and restaurant “strips” in Australia.

See the website http://www.viosristorante.com.au

The Greek’s and Kytherian’s, from as early as the 1880’s in Australia found it comparatively easy to establish themselves as cafe and cinema proprietors in Australia. A significant number of their compatriots were established in the industry and could lend them assistance, both monetary and experiential to become established. The Rumanian presence in Australia is not as numerous, nor as concentrated in hospitality as that of Greeks’ and Kytherians. All the same, Vio established himself in the industry, owning and managing various coffee shops, fish and chip’s shops, and restaurants’ in Tasmania, Potts Point, Bondi Junction and Brisbane.

As well as leasing the Roxy, Vio will be able to tender for catering opportunities in the Roxy Theatre, such as parties, weddings, conventions and other larger scale functions and events. He will also gain accreditation to be able to ‘teach’ the hospitality courses in the TAFE training centre that adjoins the rear of the cafe. Vio will bring a different culinary experience for the enjoyment of not only residents of Bingara. It is anticipated that residents from neighbouring towns such as Delungara, Inverell, Moree, Warialda, Glenn Innes, Barraba, Manilla, and even Tamworth will be enticed to sample the culinary delights of the Roxy Cafe. It is also anticipated that travellers, tourists, and Greek and Kytherian ‘pilgrims’ will also travel even longer distances to come and sample the food at the Roxy Cafe.

As you can see from the photograph that heads this entry, the food began being served in the last 3 days of June, 2012.

The Roxy currently attracts over 12,000 patrons and visitors annually to numerous events and activities held there. The Roxy projects will guarantee the delivery of further economic benefits to the town through an increase in tourism, as well as the training and employment opportunities on offer.

The Roxy Museum, The final challenge.

How can Kytherians help make these sacred sites even better?

The original neon sign has been found. Already, one Kytherian family, grandchildren of Emanuel Aroney, an original Roxy owner, have agreed to pay to restore this unique sign.

Do you have any café artefacts that will eventually be lost? Do you have Greek costumes, or other “realia”? Consider placing them on loan, or donating them to the Roxy.

Are you qualified in Museum and Gallery management? Do you have other expertise? Consider donating some time?

Are you at school or university and need to do a project on this subject. Venture to Bingara, and fulfil your requirements there?

The Government funding has not included to date electronic and computer equipment to fit out the Museum. Can you donate equipment? Are you part of a Hellenic organisation that can?

This is a chance to make a real difference.

Contact Sandy McNaughton by email.

Contact Peter McCarthy by email.

Kytherians Peter Prineas, Peter McCarthy,(aka, Makarthis, Delungra, married to Deanna Psaros), & George C Poulos are also on the Roxy Museum Committee. John Wearne, former Councillor & Mayor, and Peter A Jones, President of the Bingara District Historical Society, are the local representatives.

Central Web-links:

Gwydir Shire Roxy website

kythera-family central web-pages:

Roxy Theatre

Roxy Café

Roxy Museum

Katsehamos and the Great Idea

Download pages from the North West Magzine pertaining to the opening of the Roxy Cafe, the Orange Festival, Bingara, the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School, and places of historical interest in the region:

North_West_Magazine_Composite_A.pdf

The "re-opening" of the Roxy coincided with the Orange Festival, Bingara, and the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School.

Open full entry

3/7/2012

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Welcome to new-look Bingara Roxy Cafe

North West Magazine, June 25th 2012, page 3

Photograph: Vio Nedianu, left, and his assistant, Davinder Bobby Singh, are looking forward to the opening of the Roxy Cafe this week.

Almost half a century since it last served a milk shake or a mixed grill, Bingara's Roxy Cafe is again open for business.
The iconic establishment once a part of the magnificent Roxy Theatre complex in Bingara's main street, will re-open its doors on Wednesdy to coincide with the town's annual Orange Festival and with Bingara Central School's 150 year celebration reunion.
The theatre, restored to its former glory and now regarded as one of the State's premier tourism facilities, has been hosting world-class artists and stage and screen productions for several years.
It was only natural that the cafe, closed for close to 46 years, would also be 'brought back to life'.
Restoration was complete last year in time for the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball which celebrated the town's Greek connection with an unforgettable evening of feasting and festivity under the stars.
The only hurdle was finding someone to keep the cafe's doors open. Enter Vio and Ayesha Nedianu. Vio, a native of Timisoara in Romania, came to Bingara when he saw the search was on for someone to take over the Roxy, saw what had been done to the cafe, and fell in love all over again.
Vio and Ayesha and five of their eight children - Amira, Zacharia, Ramona, Latifa and Hercules - have left Brisbane and their family Italian ristorante behind to make a new home in the town known as the ‘Gem of the New England’.

Together with Davinder (Bobby) Singh, Vio and Ayesha have been "burning the midnight oil" to ensure everything is in readiness for the weekend's big opening. "This is a great opportunity for our family to establish something important in this wonderful town," said Vio.
"We have been made feel incredibly welcome by the people of this wonderful town and the council and the people who are behind making the Roxy complex one of the true treasures of the region," said Vio.
''We fell in love with Bingara and the cafe and we plan to make it once again a place for people to gather and enjoy fine food.''
The new menu at the Roxy Cafe will feature lunch fare and a special evening presentation, specialising in Italian, Indian and Australian cuisine.
''Lunch will be light and practical, with wraps, sandwiches, calamari, bolognaise and functional meals.
''For our evening menu, there will be exquisite entrees and great desserts: and we are going to feature a lot of fresh seafood, with for example a risotto with crab, prawn, bug meat, chilli, white wine, garlic and fresh tomato sauce," Vio added.
"We will be providing fine Italian cured meats, select olives and cheeses and our coffee is the super boutique roasted Rouge provided especially for us from our good friends in Brisbane," Vi o added.

Fully licensed, patrons will be able to enjoy a selection of local and imported wines and beers.

The set-up or the refurbished Roxy Cafe lends itself perfectly to functions such as weddings, birthdays and parties and Vio and Ayesha plan to cater to that market.

They encourage and welcome tour buses and visitors to the nearby Roxy Theatre who also want to enjoy a fine meal in an ambiance reminiscent of an era that was a once-thriving Greek cafe culture.

Download pages from the North West Magzine pertaining to the opening of the Roxy Cafe, the Orange Festival, Bingara, the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School, and places of historical interest in the region:

North_West_Magazine_Composite_A.pdf

The "re-opening" of the Roxy coincided with the Orange Festival, Bingara, and the 150th anniversary of the Bingara Public School.

Open full entry

3/7/2012

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Guestbook

Sharon Olsson - Australia

My biological Father came to Australia from Mitata in 1943 from what we can discern. His name was Minas Preneas and I did not meet him until I was 30 and unfortunately only one meeting. Is there anyone out there who might know some information regarding my heritage.

Open full entry

11/6/2012

Guestbook

Guestbook

Katrina Sklavos - Singapore

Hi there I am trying to find a family tree that details the linage of my family. My father was George Sklavos, (his brothers, John & Noel) son of Jim and Kettie (Katherine)Sklavos from Brisbane. I believe that my grandfathers uncle was the early George Sklavos and we are related to Father Yianni Sklavos, a priest from the church Agia Triada, Mitata, Kythera however I am not sure how it all pieces together. If anyone has any information on this lineage I would really appreciate it.

with thanks,
Katrina

Open full entry

19/3/2012

Guestbook

Current Affairs

Peter James Prineas honored with a Medal (OAM) of the Order oF Australia in the General Division

For service to conservation and the environment in New South Wales through executive and advocacy roles.

Chairperson, Nature Conservation Council of NSW, 1995-1997;

Vice-Chairperson, 1990-1994;

Executive Member, 1976-1977, 1985-1998 and 2000-2006;

Public Officer, 2001-2006; Member, Management Committee, 2001-2004.

Chairperson,The Colong Foundation for Wilderness (formerly the Colong Committee), 2007; Deputy Chairperson, 2002-2007;
Member, since 1970.

Actively involved with the Boyd Plateau Campaign (Blue Mountains), the Lake Pedder Campaign (Tasmania), the NSW Rainforests campaign, campaigns for NSW Wilderness areas and the Wilderness Act 1987.

Member, NSW Environment Protection Authority Board, 2000-2008.
Organiser and Chair, ‘National Parks: New Visions for a New Century’ Conference, 1997.

Director, National Parks Association of NSW, 1974-1982; Editor, NPA Journal, 1974-1982.

Actively involved with campaigning to save the state’s rainforest, now World Heritage Listed 'Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves of Australia', 1976-1982.

Convenor, Sydney Water Project, 1990s.

Member, Wilderness Working Group ,1986.

Author, The NSW Forestry Act – A Review with suggestions for Reform, 1985.

Author, Environmental Impact of Bushfires, 1983.

Author and Co-Publisher, Wild Places: Wilderness in Eastern New South Wales (with Henry Gold), 1983.

Author and Co-Publisher, Colo Wilderness (with Henry Gold), 1978.

Co-Author, Australia's Wilderness: report to the Australian Conservation Foundation (with R Lembit and N Fisher), 1986.

Co-Author, Historical and Prehistorical Study of New South Wales Rainforests: A Study for the Department of Environment and Planning (with H Proudfoot and D Byrne), 1984.

Author, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, 2006; an account of Greeks and Australians in the early 20th Century, 2006.

Author, Britain’s Greek Islands: Kythera and the Ionian Islands 1809 to 1864, 2009; a personal account of the 7 islands which were ‘British’ before coming ‘Greek’.Within the framework of ‘Australia Day’, the Australian state honors citizens for their social and humanitarian work in Australia.

This year, as well as Peter Prineas, seven Greek-Australians are among the recipients of Australia Day honours. The recipients represent the best of the Australian character.

Eleni Kali from Tasmania was given an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her social work in Tasmania, while Loula Kostou from Victoria was awarded for her service to Children’s Hospital.

Moreover, the late Jack Giorgos Kyros was honored for his support for the Greek-Australians of West Australia, while Emmanouil Petrelis and Eleni Poulou were awarded for providing support to children of New South Wales.

Furthermore, Christopher Xenophon Stathi for his work concerning conservation of water resources in South Australia.

Finally, the Olympic gold medal winner in Aerial Skiing, Lydia Ierodiakonou, was also an honour recipient.

Open full entry

26/1/2012

Culture, Current Affairs

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Main Conference Room of the Roxy Museum

one of 5 rooms within the Museum, located on the 1st Floor, above the Roxy Cafe.

***DONATE***DONATE***DONATE***DONATE***DONATE***DONATE***

Greek associations, institutions and individuals can assist in establishing the Roxy Museum, which is a Greek Museum by donating directly. A deductible gift recipients (DGR) account has been established under the auspices of Gwydir Shire Council. Make cheques out to The Roxy Museum, and post to
Roxy Museum
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5,
Bingara 2404
NSW

All donations are fully tax- deductible.

The Roxy Complex, Bingara. Preserving an important part of the Greek-Australian heritage….forever

The first Greeks ‘migrated’ to Australia in 1817 and the first Kytherian migrated to Australia in 1854. Greeks and Kytherians came to Australia in considerable numbers from the 1850’s onwards, and by 1900 had established themselves very well, through what historian Hugh Gilchrist called, ‘the shop-keeping phenomenon”. They gravitated to owning cafes, restaurants, oyster saloons, fish shops, milk bars, and cinemas. As clearly evidenced in the book Life in Australia, by 1916, Greek-Australians had become well established citizens of Australia. By that date many had accumulated substantial wealth.

In 1922, the Kytherian Association of Australia - then called the Kytherian Brotherhood - was inaugurated at a meeting in the Marathon Café in the Sydney CBD. Since then it has worked tirelessly to promote Greek and Kytherian culture and has successfully inspired generations of Kytherian-Australians to appreciate the heritage of their parents and grandparents.

In 1936 three prominent Kytherian businessmen, Peter John Feros, George Ernest Psaltis and Emanuel Aroney, built a magnificent art deco cinema, the Roxy Theatre. Adjoining it they also built a well furnished café, The Roxy Café, and behind both buildings the partners also built a large guest house. For various reasons, the venture was not an economic success, but these magnificent buildings remained intact. This Greek-Australian narrative has been brilliantly explicated by a grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Prineas, in his brilliant book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

In 1999, the then Bingara Shire Council – now Gwydir Shire Council - purchased The Roxy ‘complex’ including the Theatre. From 1999 to 2011, with assistance from various tiers of government, Gwydir Shire has restored the Roxy to its original splendour. The ‘complex’ now features a fully restored and integrated cinema, café and information centre on the ground floor, and a Roxy Conference Centre and Museum on the first floor.

There are several cafes of Greek origin that continue to operate in regional Australia today, however, they have become a threatened species. Greek café’s and cinema’s, and the buildings in which they were housed, are closed down, or, worse still, pulled down, on a regular basis. There is nothing unusual about the closure of another of these significant cafes that remain in private ownership. There is something quite extraordinary however, about one being brought back to life, and being able to guarantee its existence well into the future.

Many Greek-Australians have watched the development of the Roxy complex, Bingara, with extraordinary pride. They regard The Roxy complex as a Hellenic and Kytherian sacred site, and pilgrimage site. It is also a living and working memorial, honouring the Greek contribution to Australian history and culture.

In the process, the development of the Roxy complex has had many positive ramifications:

It has, established an “adaptive re-use” for a magnificent theatre which was closed for decades. This has created “social and cultural capital’ for the town of Bingara and the municipality of Gwydir that has given new ‘life blood’ to the region. The Roxy and its Greek aspect, has created a unique focus and feature for the region. Through training in the theatre and dramatic arts, the Roxy has provided the youth of the region, vocational skills they would otherwise have to travel a long way to experience. A TAFE hospitality kitchen and training rooms are currently being built at the rear of the Roxy café. Upon completion this will provide further vocational skills for youth in the region.

Additionally, the development of the Roxy complex has created a new and lasting bond between Greeks and Australians, particularly in rural Australia, which has strengthened the positive and productive relationship built up over more than a century of social interaction.

Of course, if the Greek Museum was located in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, or the Gold Coast, more Australians would have easier access to it. Attempts have been made over many decades to open a museum of this type in Sydney, but to no avail. Now it is too late. To purchase the real estate alone to create a ‘complex’ as large as the Roxy in Sydney would cost at least $30 million. The prospect of those funds materialising is almost zero. The best course of action for Greek-Australians is to take advantage of what has been built in Bingara, and to make the pilgrimage there. As with all pilgrimages it’s ‘the journey’ which helps to make experience even more worthwhile.

The Roxy Museum Project

In 2010 the Commonwealth Government of Australia provided $750,000 to convert an existing Chinese restaurant to a Greek café. Above this café a conference room and four other rooms were refurbished, to house the Roxy Museum - which is a Greek Museum. Its charter is to focus on Greek settlement in rural Australia'. The Roxy Museum is devoted to preserving and explaining the Greek contribution to Australian society. The museum will tell the stories of all Greek settlers in the rural Australia, including people from the island of Kythera." It will focus not only on the “shop-keeping phenomenon”, but on all aspects of the Greek migration experience in Australia. This is an important cultural initiative for the whole Australian-Greek community, and must elicit the Greek community’s unmitigated support.

The Roxy is a living and functioning monument to a Greek-Australian shared history, one that has benefited both cultures. Paul Kalokerinos has summed it up well: “We Greek migrants are all grateful to have the life we’ve had in Australia, but we have worked hard, and contributed a lot to the country’s development”. The café and cinema culture, in which Greeks and Kytherians had a deep involvement, has had a profound influence on mainstream Australian culture. Little wonder that the Foxtel documentary that screened on the Bio Channel in June of 2010, featuring the well-known actor John Wood celebrating The Roxy, was entitled “As Australian As.” And that in 2011, on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the Roxy, ABC’s Landline program dedicated so much time to the event.

In his PhD thesis on the shared history, Kevin Cork advised us that: "If we are to remember these Greeks for their contributions to Australia's social, architectural and technological advancement, then it is imperative that there be Greek landmarks which are acknowledged at local and state level - ones that point to the achievements of the Greek-Australian cinema exhibitors…We cannot allow their histories to be forgotten, not when they provided services that positively affected millions of people, firstly, through their refreshment rooms and, secondly, through their picture theatres."

The Roxy’s Greek Museum. Now its time for a significant Greek-Australian contribution.

Anglo-Australian’s, through various tiers of government, have spent about $3 million to establish a very significant Hellenic memorial. Their contribution has created what Kevin Cork called, “a Parthenon down under”. Greek Australians have been “blessed” to have this Hellenic ‘sacred site’ restored to its original pristine condition. So much money has been ‘invested’ in its restoration and expansion that its longevity is guaranteed for at least a century. Most other Greek Australian buildings and enterprises in private hands will have been long gone by the year 3000. The Roxy complex will still be standing.

It is now extremely important that the Roxy Museum, conference centre and surrounding areas within The Roxy complex, be set up to the highest possible standards. It is imperative to make a substantial start to this significant project that ensures that the site becomes an icon, and a tourist attraction, for generations to come.

The recently announced $94,500 State Government grant to the Roxy Museum through the State Government of NSW & Arts NSW, is very welcome, and will greatly assist in the development of the Museum.

To their credit a number of Greek-Australians and Greek-Australian Trusts have already donated substantial funds towards the Roxy complex. The Aroney family, grandchildren of one of the original owners donated $6000 to refurbish and erect the original neon sign outside the Roxy Café. Prominent Greek-Australian businessman Nick Politis donated $15,000, and the Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust, $25,000, towards the Museum.

As generous as this funding has been, additional funding is required. To furnish, complete, and maintain the Museum, ongoing sponsorship and support from the community, especially the Greek community, is required. Anglo-Australians have performed above and beyond the call of duty. It is now time for a wide range of institutions, associations and individuals within the Greek community to contribute to creating a vibrant and viable Greek Museum, centred on the Roxy ‘complex’. Substantial additional funding is needed.

In an effort to create a source of on-going funding, the Roxy Museum Committee will create a migrants ‘Welcome Wall’. Greek migrants, their children and grandchildren can place the name, place of origin, and other details of migrants on the wall, as an on-going memorial, to their enterprise, contribution and achievement. Give serious consideration to placing a parents, relatives, or ancestors name on that wall.

Greek-Australians can also help by contributing café and cinema memorabilia, books, and other ‘realia’ to the Museum. Has realia of this kind been stored in a garage or attic in your home, for years, appreciated by no one? Are you about to throw out realia of this kind? Wouldn’t it be far better off in an archive and a museum, where it could be displayed, and impart a great deal of pleasure and knowledge to a wide variety of Australians? Think seriously about donating realia of this kind to the Roxy museum.

Most importantly, Greek associations, institutions and individuals can assist by donating directly to the Roxy Museum, which is a Greek Museum. A deductible gift recipients (DGR) account has been established under the auspices of Gwydir Shire Council. Make cheques out to The Roxy Museum, and post to
Roxy Museum
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5,
Bingara 2404
NSW

All donations are fully tax- deductible.

Roxy Website Main Page

Roxy Theatre, Main Page

Roxy Café, Main Page

Roxy Museum, Main Page

Roxy 75th Anniversary celebrations, Main Page

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the Book

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Open full entry

8/1/2012

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Associations

Roxy Museum, (Greek Museum), Bingara, NSW

***DONATE***DONATE***DONATE***DONATE***DONATE***DONATE***

Greek associations, institutions and individuals can assist in establishing the Roxy Museum, which is a Greek Museum by donating directly. A deductible gift recipients (DGR) account has been established under the auspices of Gwydir Shire Council. Make cheques out to The Roxy Museum, and post to
Roxy Museum
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5,
Bingara 2404
NSW

All donations are fully tax- deductible.

[[picture:"Bingara Roxy Museum Conference Room.jpg" ID:19767]]

Photograph: The Main Conference Room, one of five rooms in the Roxy Museum, situated above the Roxy Cafe, in the Roxy 'complex'.

In the 5th-6th April 2014, the Greek Roxy Museum was opened, completing the Roxy masterpiece.

View / Download a copy of the article outlining this accomplishment as a .pdf:

Report 2014 Roxy Bingara.pdf

The Roxy Greek Museum requires further donations to help preserve and maintain it.

The Roxy Complex, Bingara. Preserving an important part of the Greek-Australian heritage….forever

The first Greeks ‘migrated’ to Australia in 1817 and the first Kytherian migrated to Australia in 1854. Greeks and Kytherians came to Australia in considerable numbers from the 1850’s onwards, and by 1900 had established themselves very well, through what historian Hugh Gilchrist called, ‘the shop-keeping phenomenon”. They gravitated to owning cafes, restaurants, oyster saloons, fish shops, milk bars, and cinemas. As clearly evidenced in the book Life in Australia, by 1916, Greek-Australians had become well established citizens of Australia. By that date many had accumulated substantial wealth.

In 1922, the Kytherian Association of Australia - then called the Kytherian Brotherhood - was inaugurated at a meeting in the Marathon Café in the Sydney CBD. Since then it has worked tirelessly to promote Greek and Kytherian culture and has successfully inspired generations of Kytherian-Australians to appreciate the heritage of their parents and grandparents.

In 1936 three prominent Kytherian businessmen, Peter John Feros, George Ernest Psaltis and Emanuel Aroney, built a magnificent art deco cinema, the Roxy Theatre. Adjoining it they also built a well furnished café, The Roxy Café, and behind both buildings the partners also built a large guest house. For various reasons, the venture was not an economic success, but these magnificent buildings remained intact. This Greek-Australian narrative has been brilliantly explicated by a grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Prineas, in his brilliant book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

In 1999, the then Bingara Shire Council – now Gwydir Shire Council - purchased The Roxy ‘complex’ including the Theatre. From 1999 to 2011, with assistance from various tiers of government, Gwydir Shire has restored the Roxy to its original splendour. The ‘complex’ now features a fully restored and integrated cinema, café and information centre on the ground floor, and a Roxy Conference Centre and Museum on the first floor.

There are several cafes of Greek origin that continue to operate in regional Australia today, however, they have become a threatened species. Greek café’s and cinema’s, and the buildings in which they were housed, are closed down, or, worse still, pulled down, on a regular basis. There is nothing unusual about the closure of another of these significant cafes that remain in private ownership. There is something quite extraordinary however, about one being brought back to life, and being able to guarantee its existence well into the future.

Many Greek-Australians have watched the development of the Roxy complex, Bingara, with extraordinary pride. They regard The Roxy complex as a Hellenic and Kytherian sacred site, and pilgrimage site. It is also a living and working memorial, honouring the Greek contribution to Australian history and culture.

In the process, the development of the Roxy complex has had many positive ramifications:

It has, established an “adaptive re-use” for a magnificent theatre which was closed for decades. This has created “social and cultural capital’ for the town of Bingara and the municipality of Gwydir that has given new ‘life blood’ to the region. The Roxy and its Greek aspect, has created a unique focus and feature for the region. Through training in the theatre and dramatic arts, the Roxy has provided the youth of the region, vocational skills they would otherwise have to travel a long way to experience. A TAFE hospitality kitchen and training rooms are currently being built at the rear of the Roxy café. Upon completion this will provide further vocational skills for youth in the region.

Additionally, the development of the Roxy complex has created a new and lasting bond between Greeks and Australians, particularly in rural Australia, which has strengthened the positive and productive relationship built up over more than a century of social interaction.

Of course, if the Greek Museum was located in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, or the Gold Coast, more Australians would have easier access to it. Attempts have been made over many decades to open a museum of this type in Sydney, but to no avail. Now it is too late. To purchase the real estate alone to create a ‘complex’ as large as the Roxy in Sydney would cost at least $30 million. The prospect of those funds materialising is almost zero. The best course of action for Greek-Australians is to take advantage of what has been built in Bingara, and to make the pilgrimage there. As with all pilgrimages it’s ‘the journey’ which helps to make experience even more worthwhile.

The Roxy Museum Project

In 2010 the Commonwealth Government of Australia provided $750,000 to convert an existing Chinese restaurant to a Greek café. Above this café a conference room and four other rooms were refurbished, to house the Roxy Museum - which is a Greek Museum. Its charter is to focus on Greek settlement in rural Australia'. The Roxy Museum is devoted to preserving and explaining the Greek contribution to Australian society. The museum will tell the stories of all Greek settlers in the rural Australia, including people from the island of Kythera." It will focus not only on the “shop-keeping phenomenon”, but on all aspects of the Greek migration experience in Australia. This is an important cultural initiative for the whole Australian-Greek community, and must elicit the Greek community’s unmitigated support.

The Roxy is a living and functioning monument to a Greek-Australian shared history, one that has benefited both cultures. Paul Kalokerinos has summed it up well: “We Greek migrants are all grateful to have the life we’ve had in Australia, but we have worked hard, and contributed a lot to the country’s development”. The café and cinema culture, in which Greeks and Kytherians had a deep involvement, has had a profound influence on mainstream Australian culture. Little wonder that the Foxtel documentary that screened on the Bio Channel in June of 2010, featuring the well-known actor John Wood celebrating The Roxy, was entitled “As Australian As.” And that in 2011, on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the Roxy, ABC’s Landline program dedicated so much time to the event.

In his PhD thesis on the shared history, Kevin Cork advised us that: "If we are to remember these Greeks for their contributions to Australia's social, architectural and technological advancement, then it is imperative that there be Greek landmarks which are acknowledged at local and state level - ones that point to the achievements of the Greek-Australian cinema exhibitors…We cannot allow their histories to be forgotten, not when they provided services that positively affected millions of people, firstly, through their refreshment rooms and, secondly, through their picture theatres."

The Roxy’s Greek Museum. Now its time for a significant Greek-Australian contribution.

Anglo-Australian’s, through various tiers of government, have spent about $3 million to establish a very significant Hellenic memorial. Their contribution has created what Kevin Cork called, “a Parthenon down under”. Greek Australians have been “blessed” to have this Hellenic ‘sacred site’ restored to its original pristine condition. So much money has been ‘invested’ in its restoration and expansion that its longevity is guaranteed for at least a century. Most other Greek Australian buildings and enterprises in private hands will have been long gone by the year 3000. The Roxy complex will still be standing.

It is now extremely important that the Roxy Museum, conference centre and surrounding areas within The Roxy complex, be set up to the highest possible standards. It is imperative to make a substantial start to this significant project that ensures that the site becomes an icon, and a tourist attraction, for generations to come.

The recently announced $94,500 State Government grant to the Roxy Museum through the State Government of NSW & Arts NSW, is very welcome, and will greatly assist in the development of the Museum.

To their credit a number of Greek-Australians and Greek-Australian Trusts have already donated substantial funds towards the Roxy complex. The Aroney family, grandchildren of one of the original owners donated $6000 to refurbish and erect the original neon sign outside the Roxy Café. Prominent Greek-Australian businessman Nick Politis donated $15,000, and the Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust, $25,000, towards the Museum.

As generous as this funding has been, additional funding is required. To furnish, complete, and maintain the Museum, ongoing sponsorship and support from the community, especially the Greek community, is required. Anglo-Australians have performed above and beyond the call of duty. It is now time for a wide range of institutions, associations and individuals within the Greek community to contribute to creating a vibrant and viable Greek Museum, centred on the Roxy ‘complex’. Substantial additional funding is needed.

In an effort to create a source of on-going funding, the Roxy Museum Committee will create a migrants ‘Welcome Wall’. Greek migrants, their children and grandchildren can place the name, place of origin, and other details of migrants on the wall, as an on-going memorial, to their enterprise, contribution and achievement. Give serious consideration to placing a parents, relatives, or ancestors name on that wall.

Greek-Australians can also help by contributing café and cinema memorabilia, books, and other ‘realia’ to the Museum. Has realia of this kind been stored in a garage or attic in your home, for years, appreciated by no one? Are you about to throw out realia of this kind? Wouldn’t it be far better off in an archive and a museum, where it could be displayed, and impart a great deal of pleasure and knowledge to a wide variety of Australians? Think seriously about donating realia of this kind to the Roxy museum.

Most importantly, Greek associations, institutions and individuals can assist by donating directly to the Roxy Museum, which is a Greek Museum. A deductible gift recipients (DGR) account has been established under the auspices of Gwydir Shire Council. Make cheques out to The Roxy Museum, and post to
Roxy Museum
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5,
Bingara 2404
NSW

All donations are fully tax- deductible.

Roxy Website Main Page

Roxy Theatre, Main Page

Roxy Café, Main Page

Roxy Museum, Main Page

Roxy 75th Anniversary celebrations, Main Page

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the Book

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Open full entry

2/1/2012

Culture, Associations

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Roxy Complex, Bingara. Preserving an important part of the Greek-Australian heritage….forever

The first Greeks ‘migrated’ to Australia in 1817 and the first Kytherian migrated to Australia in 1854. Greeks and Kytherians came to Australia in considerable numbers from the 1850’s onwards, and by 1900 had established themselves very well, through what historian Hugh Gilchrist called, ‘the shop-keeping phenomenon”. They gravitated to owning cafes, restaurants, oyster saloons, fish shops, milk bars, and cinemas. As clearly evidenced in the book Life in Australia, by 1916, Greek-Australians had become well established citizens of Australia. By that date many had accumulated substantial wealth.

In 1922, the Kytherian Association of Australia - then called the Kytherian Brotherhood - was inaugurated at a meeting in the Marathon Café in the Sydney CBD. Since then it has worked tirelessly to promote Greek and Kytherian culture and has successfully inspired generations of Kytherian-Australians to appreciate the heritage of their parents and grandparents.

In 1936 three prominent Kytherian businessmen, Peter John Feros, George Ernest Psaltis and Emanuel Aroney, built a magnificent art deco cinema, the Roxy Theatre. Adjoining it they also built a well furnished café, The Roxy Café, and behind both buildings the partners also built a large guest house. For various reasons, the venture was not an economic success, but these magnificent buildings remained intact. This Greek-Australian narrative has been brilliantly explicated by a grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Prineas, in his brilliant book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

In 1999, the then Bingara Shire Council – now Gwydir Shire Council - purchased The Roxy ‘complex’ including the Theatre. From 1999 to 2011, with assistance from various tiers of government, Gwydir Shire has restored the Roxy to its original splendour. The ‘complex’ now features a fully restored and integrated cinema, café and information centre on the ground floor, and a Roxy Conference Centre and Museum on the first floor.

There are several cafes of Greek origin that continue to operate in regional Australia today, however, they have become a threatened species. Greek café’s and cinema’s, and the buildings in which they were housed, are closed down, or, worse still, pulled down, on a regular basis. There is nothing unusual about the closure of another of these significant cafes that remain in private ownership. There is something quite extraordinary however, about one being brought back to life, and being able to guarantee its existence well into the future.

Many Greek-Australians have watched the development of the Roxy complex, Bingara, with extraordinary pride. They regard The Roxy complex as a Hellenic and Kytherian sacred site, and pilgrimage site. It is also a living and working memorial, honouring the Greek contribution to Australian history and culture.

In the process, the development of the Roxy complex has had many positive ramifications:

It has, established an “adaptive re-use” for a magnificent theatre which was closed for decades. This has created “social and cultural capital’ for the town of Bingara and the municipality of Gwydir that has given new ‘life blood’ to the region. The Roxy and its Greek aspect, has created a unique focus and feature for the region. Through training in the theatre and dramatic arts, the Roxy has provided the youth of the region, vocational skills they would otherwise have to travel a long way to experience. A TAFE hospitality kitchen and training rooms are currently being built at the rear of the Roxy café. Upon completion this will provide further vocational skills for youth in the region.

Additionally, the development of the Roxy complex has created a new and lasting bond between Greeks and Australians, particularly in rural Australia, which has strengthened the positive and productive relationship built up over more than a century of social interaction.

Of course, if the Greek Museum was located in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, or the Gold Coast, more Australians would have easier access to it. Attempts have been made over many decades to open a museum of this type in Sydney, but to no avail. Now it is too late. To purchase the real estate alone to create a ‘complex’ as large as the Roxy in Sydney would cost at least $30 million. The prospect of those funds materialising is almost zero. The best course of action for Greek-Australians is to take advantage of what has been built in Bingara, and to make the pilgrimage there. As with all pilgrimages it’s ‘the journey’ which helps to make experience even more worthwhile.

The Roxy Museum Project

In 2010 the Commonwealth Government of Australia provided $750,000 to convert an existing Chinese restaurant to a Greek café. Above this café a conference room and four other rooms were refurbished, to house the Roxy Museum - which is a Greek Museum. Its charter is to focus on Greek settlement in rural Australia'. The Roxy Museum is devoted to preserving and explaining the Greek contribution to Australian society. The museum will tell the stories of all Greek settlers in the rural Australia, including people from the island of Kythera." It will focus not only on the “shop-keeping phenomenon”, but on all aspects of the Greek migration experience in Australia. This is an important cultural initiative for the whole Australian-Greek community, and must elicit the Greek community’s unmitigated support.

The Roxy is a living and functioning monument to a Greek-Australian shared history, one that has benefited both cultures. Paul Kalokerinos has summed it up well: “We Greek migrants are all grateful to have the life we’ve had in Australia, but we have worked hard, and contributed a lot to the country’s development”. The café and cinema culture, in which Greeks and Kytherians had a deep involvement, has had a profound influence on mainstream Australian culture. Little wonder that the Foxtel documentary that screened on the Bio Channel in June of 2010, featuring the well-known actor John Wood celebrating The Roxy, was entitled “As Australian As.” And that in 2011, on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the Roxy, ABC’s Landline program dedicated so much time to the event.

In his PhD thesis on the shared history, Kevin Cork advised us that: "If we are to remember these Greeks for their contributions to Australia's social, architectural and technological advancement, then it is imperative that there be Greek landmarks which are acknowledged at local and state level - ones that point to the achievements of the Greek-Australian cinema exhibitors…We cannot allow their histories to be forgotten, not when they provided services that positively affected millions of people, firstly, through their refreshment rooms and, secondly, through their picture theatres."

The Roxy’s Greek Museum. Now its time for a significant Greek-Australian contribution.

Anglo-Australian’s, through various tiers of government, have spent about $3 million to establish a very significant Hellenic memorial. Their contribution has created what Kevin Cork called, “a Parthenon down under”. Greek Australians have been “blessed” to have this Hellenic ‘sacred site’ restored to its original pristine condition. So much money has been ‘invested’ in its restoration and expansion that its longevity is guaranteed for at least a century. Most other Greek Australian buildings and enterprises in private hands will have been long gone by the year 3000. The Roxy complex will still be standing.

It is now extremely important that the Roxy Museum, conference centre and surrounding areas within The Roxy complex, be set up to the highest possible standards. It is imperative to make a substantial start to this significant project that ensures that the site becomes an icon, and a tourist attraction, for generations to come.

The recently announced $94,500 State Government grant to the Roxy Museum through the State Government of NSW & Arts NSW, is very welcome, and will greatly assist in the development of the Museum.

To their credit a number of Greek-Australians and Greek-Australian Trusts have already donated substantial funds towards the Roxy complex. The Aroney family, grandchildren of one of the original owners donated $6000 to refurbish and erect the original neon sign outside the Roxy Café. Prominent Greek-Australian businessman Nick Politis donated $15,000, and the Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust, $25,000, towards the Museum.

As generous as this funding has been, additional funding is required. To furnish, complete, and maintain the Museum, ongoing sponsorship and support from the community, especially the Greek community, is required. Anglo-Australians have performed above and beyond the call of duty. It is now time for a wide range of institutions, associations and individuals within the Greek community to contribute to creating a vibrant and viable Greek Museum, centred on the Roxy ‘complex’. Substantial additional funding is needed.

In an effort to create a source of on-going funding, the Roxy Museum Committee will create a migrants ‘Welcome Wall’. Greek migrants, their children and grandchildren can place the name, place of origin, and other details of migrants on the wall, as an on-going memorial, to their enterprise, contribution and achievement. Give serious consideration to placing a parents, relatives, or ancestors name on that wall.

Greek-Australians can also help by contributing café and cinema memorabilia, books, and other ‘realia’ to the Museum. Has realia of this kind been stored in a garage or attic in your home, for years, appreciated by no one? Are you about to throw out realia of this kind? Wouldn’t it be far better off in an archive and a museum, where it could be displayed, and impart a great deal of pleasure and knowledge to a wide variety of Australians? Think seriously about donating realia of this kind to the Roxy museum.

Most importantly, Greek associations, institutions and individuals can assist by donating directly to the Roxy Museum, which is a Greek Museum. A deductible gift recipients (DGR) account has been established under the auspices of Gwydir Shire Council. Make cheques out to The Roxy Museum, and post to
Roxy Museum
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5,
Bingara 2404
NSW

All donations are fully tax- deductible.

Bringing the Roxy Café back to life

The Roxy Theatre was brought back to life a decade ago. Now it’s the turn of the Roxy Café. The Roxy Café has been fully refurbished. Gwydir Shire Council is now offering these very exciting premises for lease. The Roxy Café

• Has been extensively renovated with brand new unused full commercial kitchen
• Is situated adjacent to the Roxy Art Deco Theatre and function rooms
• Features indoor and outdoor dining
• Is potentially as a commercial cookery training facility.
• Has flexible operating hours..

Gwydir Shire Council is prepared to offer a highly attractive lease arrangement in order to engage the right operator who has the vision and experience to put the Roxy Cafe on the map.

Expressions of interest are now open

Expressions of interest close on Thursday 17th February 2012.

Interested parties should contact the General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council on 02 6724 2000 or Email Gwydir Shire Council, here for further information.

The Roxy Cafe - an opportunity

The Roxy Café is a substantial café. It occupies a large space.

Most ‘café set-ups cost between $300,000 to a million dollars. This café is substantially ‘set up’ and that huge initial outlay has been ‘taken out of the equation’.

The Roxy Café is part of the Roxy ‘complex’, along with the Roxy Theatre, Roxy Information Centre, and Roxy Museum.

The café can be operated as a stand alone café, but offers a number of additional business opportunities.

The Roxy Theatre has a large open floor area, which can accommodate substantial and varied functions. Catering for these functions can be provided by the Café, which adjoins the Theatre, with an internal access.

Bingara has a population of 1250 people, and is situated 295 m above sea-level in the Gwydir River Valley. It is located and 562 km north of Sydney, and 150 km north of Tamworth along the Fossickers Way. A number of other large north-west NSW towns lie within a 3 hour drive of Bingara, including Armidale, Inverell, Gunnedah and Dubbo. The café’s large commercial kitchen could also be used as a wholesale base for a number of ventures. These might include bread, biscuits and pastry, chocolates, coffee, and others that haven’t been thought of yet? Maybe only you know what they are?

Alternatively a large city wholesaler might wish to utilise the Roxy Café as a distribution centre into the North-west area of NSW.
Bingara is a small but friendly, attractive and well managed township. Anyone looking for a “tree change” or preferring to bring up children in a safe and open environment will be attracted to it. Working within the magnificent Roxy complex environment would be an added bonus.

Roxy Website Main Page

Roxy Theatre, Main Page

Roxy Café, Main Page

Roxy Museum, Main Page

Roxy 75th Anniversary celebrations, Main Page

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the Book

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Open full entry

2/1/2012

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Exciting Restaurant – Cafe and Catering lease

***For Lease...***For Lease...***For Lease...***For Lease...***For Lease

Download a .pdf version of this brochure here:

RoxyCafe_FP (2).pdf

• Extensively renovated with brand new unused full commercial kitchen
• Adjacent Roxy Art Deco Theatre and function rooms
• Indoor and outdoor dining
• Potentially as a commercial cookery training facility.
• Flexibility of operating hours.

The stunning Art Deco Roxy Cafe in Bingara, (Gwydir Shire) is now ready for lease.

Having been extensively renovated, the Cafe with full commercial kitchen offers the flexibility of opportunities including catering to support functions in the adjacent Roxy Art Deco Theatre and function rooms, establishing a leading regional cafe-restaurant operation with indoor – outdoor dining and potentially as a commercial cookery training facility.

The Roxy offers many possibilities including flexibility of operating hours.

Gwydir Shire Council is prepared to offer a highly attractive lease arrangement in order to engage the right operator who has the vision and experience to put the Roxy Cafe on the map.

Expressions of interest are now open

Expressions of interest close on Thursday 17th February 2012.

Interested parties should contact the General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council on 02 6724 2000 or email to Gwydir Shire Council, here for further information.


Additional comments by the Kytherian Business Group

The Roxy Café is a substantial café. It occupies a large space.

Most ‘café set-ups' cost between $300,000 to a million dollars. This café is substantially ‘set up’ and that huge initial outlay has been ‘taken out of the equation’.

The Roxy Café is part of the Roxy ‘complex’, along with the Roxy Theatre, Roxy Information Centre, and Roxy Museum.

The café can be operated as a stand alone café, but offers a number of additional business opportunities.

The Roxy Theatre has a large open floor area, which can accommodate substantial and varied functions. Catering for these functions can be provided by the Café, which adjoins the Theatre, with an internal access.

Bingara has a population of 1250 people, and is situated 295 m above sea-level in the Gwydir River Valley. It is located and 562 km north of Sydney, and 150 km north of Tamworth along the Fossickers Way. A number of other large north-west NSW towns lie within a 3 hour drive of Bingara, including Armidale, Inverell, Gunnedah and Dubbo.

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities

The café’s large commercial kitchen could also be used as a wholesale base for a number of ventures. These might include bread, biscuits and pastry, chocolates, coffee, and others that haven’t been thought of yet? Maybe only you know what they are?

Bingara is a small but friendly, attractive and well managed township. Anyone looking for a “tree change” or preferring to bring up children in a safe and open environment will be attracted to it. The magnificent Roxy complex is an added bonus.

Roxy Website Main Page

Roxy Theatre, Main Page

Roxy Café, Main Page

Roxy Museum, Main Page

Roxy 75th Anniversary celebrations, Main Page

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the Book

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Open full entry

24/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Current Affairs

Exciting Restaurant – Cafe and Catering lease

***For Lease...***For Lease...***For Lease...***For Lease...***For Lease

[[picture:"RoxyCafe_FP (2).jpg" ID:19649]]

Download a .pdf version of this brochure here:

RoxyCafe_FP (2).pdf

• Extensively renovated with brand new unused full commercial kitchen
• Adjacent Roxy Art Deco Theatre and function rooms
• Indoor and outdoor dining
• Potentially as a commercial cookery training facility.
• Flexibility of operating hours.

The stunning Art Deco Roxy Cafe in Bingara, (Gwydir Shire) is now ready for lease.

Having been extensively renovated, the Cafe with full commercial kitchen offers the flexibility of opportunities including catering to support functions in the adjacent Roxy Art Deco Theatre and function rooms, establishing a leading regional cafe-restaurant operation with indoor – outdoor dining and potentially as a commercial cookery training facility.

The Roxy offers many possibilities including flexibility of operating hours.

Gwydir Shire Council is prepared to offer a highly attractive lease arrangement in order to engage the right operator who has the vision and experience to put the Roxy Cafe on the map.

Expressions of interest are now open

Expressions of interest close on Thursday 17th February 2012.

Interested parties should contact the General Manager at Gwydir Shire Council on 02 6724 2000 or email to Gwydir Shire Council, here for further information.


Additional comments by the Kytherian Business Group

The Roxy Café is a substantial café. It occupies a large space.

Most ‘café set-ups cost between $300,000 to a million dollars. This café is substantially ‘set up’ and that huge initial outlay has been ‘taken out of the equation’.

The Roxy Café is part of the Roxy ‘complex’, along with the Roxy Theatre, Roxy Information Centre, and Roxy Museum.

The café can be operated as a stand alone café, but offers a number of additional business opportunities.

The Roxy Theatre has a large open floor area, which can accommodate substantial and varied functions. Catering for these functions can be provided by the Café, which adjoins the Theatre, with an internal access.

Bingara has a population of 1250 people, and is situated 295 m above sea-level in the Gwydir River Valley. It is located and 562 km north of Sydney, and 150 km north of Tamworth along the Fossickers Way. A number of other large north-west NSW towns lie within a 3 hour drive of Bingara, including Armidale, Inverell, Gunnedah and Dubbo.

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities

The café’s large commercial kitchen could also be used as a wholesale base for a number of ventures. These might include bread, biscuits and pastry, chocolates, coffee, and others that haven’t been thought of yet? Maybe only you know what they are?

Bingara is a small but friendly, attractive and well managed township. Anyone looking for a “tree change” or preferring to bring up children in a safe and open environment will be attracted to it. The magnificent Roxy complex is an added bonus.

Roxy Website Main Page

Roxy Theatre, Main Page

Roxy Café, Main Page

Roxy Museum, Main Page

Roxy 75th Anniversary celebrations, Main Page

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the Book

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Open full entry

24/12/2011

Culture, Current Affairs

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The moment when it was revealed that the original signage was still extant

was a moment of great excitement for tradesmen, the Roxy Manager, and all involved with the Roxy 'complex'.

Bingara Advovate, 23rd April, 2011

Funding secured to restore the Roxy Cafe’s etched signage on windows

Download a .pdf version of this article, here:

Bingara_Adv_March_23_04c.pdf

The Gwydir Shire Council has been successful in securing a significant grant to undertake the conservation of the etched glass that adorns the facade of The Roxy Café.

The grant has been provided by the Heritage Branch of the Department
of Planning of NSW. The Council will be the recipient of $30,000 to complete the work.

The etched glass is an important component of the story of The Roxy Café. It demonstrates how the cafe advertised in the 1930s through the colours, patterns and lettering on the glass which are excellent examples of Art Deco design.

“The restoration of The Roxy Café and the etched glass provides a unique example of the creative integration of a dynamic contemporary usage within a building of significant heritage value,” said Sandy McNaughton, Manager of The Roxy.

There are very few companies left in Australia that carry out this type of specialised restoration work. Michael Harrington is the Managing Director of Harradence Glass
Decorators based in Sydney. When contacted about The Roxy, Mr Harrington stated that in his twenty-five years experience with this type of glass work, “The Roxy Café comprises one of the most significant examples of its kind that I have seen.”

“There are very few examples of this type of etched glass left in Australia” Mr Harrington said. “Reproduction of this work will require craftsmanship at a level that is very rare in what has become a digital age.” “Our company has all of the required skills to restore much of the
degraded glass work to its former glory. We will be utilizing all of the original techniques that were in use in 1936.”

“Work undertaken in the restoration will include incorporating the screen printing of the original graphic with line work, etching, sand blasting, mirroring and silver gilding the masking, colourbacking and acid etching required.” Mr Harrington said. “Personally, I am excited about a project incorporating such beautiful art deco style.”

Sandy McNaughton adds that “From the moment the original Funding secured to restore the
Roxy Cafe’s etched windows Doug Dunlop of Domenico Blu Building revealing the etched glass in May 2010

The etched glass window is a rare example and its restoration is of great importance to the Roxy Cafe etched glass was uncovered during the restoration of the Café, it was apparent that funding should be sought to restore this unique feature.” “Since contacting Mr Harrington, it is evident that we have underestimated the significance of the etched glass. I have been informed that it is an incredibly rare example” said Sandy. “We are thrilled to have received this funding from the NSW Heritage Branch.”

“The Roxy serves to remind us that we are part of a cultural continuum. It is through its ability to provide an historic cultural experience in a contemporary context that it reinforces our appreciation of, and responsibility to, preserve and protect our past, as well as to recognise the changing cultural landscape it represents.”

It is timely that the grant text changed from this point was received just before the planned celebration for the 75th Anniversary of The Roxy which were be held on the weekend of April 9 and 10.

“The official launch of the Café and the Greek Gala Ball is generated huge excitement within the Kytherian and wider Greek community. Everyone enjoyed a truly memorable weekend,” said Sandy

The Gala Ball was organised by the Gwydir Shire Council.

Roxy Website Main Page

Roxy Theatre, Main Page

Roxy Café, Main Page

Roxy Museum, Main Page

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the Book

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Open full entry

20/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Another of the original art deco designs features framing the sign above the Roxy Cafe

This is on the original sign from 1936.

Restored signage, 2011

[see, Right hand corner]

From WIKI The structure of Art Deco is based on mathematical geometric shapes. It was widely considered to be an eclectic form of elegant and stylish modernism, being influenced by a variety of sources. The ability to travel and archaeological excavations during the first decades of the twentieth century, influenced artists and designers, integrating several elements from countries not their own. Among them were historical styles such as Greco-Roman Classicism, as well as the art of Babylon, Assyria, Ancient Egypt, Aztec Mexico, and Africa.

Much of this could be attributed to the popular interest in archaeology during the 1920s (e.g., the tomb of Tutankhamun, Pompeii, Troy, etc.). Art Deco also used Machine Age and streamline technologies such as modern aviation, electric lighting, radio, ocean liners and skyscrapers for inspiration. Streamline Moderne was the final interwar-period development, which most thoroughly manifests technology and has been rated by some commentators as a separate architectural style.

Art-deco design influences were expressed in the crystalline and faceted forms of decorative Cubism and Futurism. Other popular themes of Art Deco were trapezoidal, zigzagged, geometric, and jumbled shapes, which can be seen in many early works.

The Peters and Co, Roxy Cafe, Bingara sign, features exquisitely designed geometric art work in the Art Deco style

Bingara Advovate, 23rd April, 2011

Funding secured to restore the Roxy Cafe’s etched signage on windows

Download a .pdf version of this article, here:

Bingara_Adv_March_23_04c.pdf

The Gwydir Shire Council has been successful in securing a significant grant to undertake the conservation of the etched glass that adorns the facade of The Roxy Café.

The grant has been provided by the Heritage Branch of the Department
of Planning of NSW. The Council will be the recipient of $30,000 to complete the work.

The etched glass is an important component of the story of The Roxy Café. It demonstrates how the cafe advertised in the 1930s through the colours, patterns and lettering on the glass which are excellent examples of Art Deco design.

“The restoration of The Roxy Café and the etched glass provides a unique example of the creative integration of a dynamic contemporary usage within a building of significant heritage value,” said Sandy McNaughton, Manager of The Roxy.

There are very few companies left in Australia that carry out this type of specialised restoration work. Michael Harrington is the Managing Director of Harradence Glass
Decorators based in Sydney. When contacted about The Roxy, Mr Harrington stated that in his twenty-five years experience with this type of glass work, “The Roxy Café comprises one of the most significant examples of its kind that I have seen.”

“There are very few examples of this type of etched glass left in Australia” Mr Harrington said. “Reproduction of this work will require craftsmanship at a level that is very rare in what has become a digital age.” “Our company has all of the required skills to restore much of the
degraded glass work to its former glory. We will be utilizing all of the original techniques that were in use in 1936.”

“Work undertaken in the restoration will include incorporating the screen printing of the original graphic with line work, etching, sand blasting, mirroring and silver gilding the masking, colourbacking and acid etching required.” Mr Harrington said. “Personally, I am excited about a project incorporating such beautiful art deco style.”

Sandy McNaughton adds that “From the moment the original Funding secured to restore the
Roxy Cafe’s etched windows Doug Dunlop of Domenico Blu Building revealing the etched glass in May 2010

The etched glass window is a rare example and its restoration is of great importance to the Roxy Cafe etched glass was uncovered during the restoration of the Café, it was apparent that funding should be sought to restore this unique feature.” “Since contacting Mr Harrington, it is evident that we have underestimated the significance of the etched glass. I have been informed that it is an incredibly rare example” said Sandy. “We are thrilled to have received this funding from the NSW Heritage Branch.”

“The Roxy serves to remind us that we are part of a cultural continuum. It is through its ability to provide an historic cultural experience in a contemporary context that it reinforces our appreciation of, and responsibility to, preserve and protect our past, as well as to recognise the changing cultural landscape it represents.”

It is timely that the grant text changed from this point was received just before the planned celebration for the 75th Anniversary of The Roxy which were be held on the weekend of April 9 and 10.

“The official launch of the Café and the Greek Gala Ball is generated huge excitement within the Kytherian and wider Greek community. Everyone enjoyed a truly memorable weekend,” said Sandy

The Gala Ball was organised by the Gwydir Shire Council.

Roxy Website Main Page

Roxy Theatre, Main Page

Roxy Café, Main Page

Roxy Museum, Main Page

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the Book

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Open full entry

20/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Another of the original art deco designs features framing the sign above the Roxy Cafe

This is on the original sign from 1936.

Restored signage, 2011

From WIKI The structure of Art Deco is based on mathematical geometric shapes. It was widely considered to be an eclectic form of elegant and stylish modernism, being influenced by a variety of sources. The ability to travel and archaeological excavations during the first decades of the twentieth century, influenced artists and designers, integrating several elements from countries not their own. Among them were historical styles such as Greco-Roman Classicism, as well as the art of Babylon, Assyria, Ancient Egypt, Aztec Mexico, and Africa.

Much of this could be attributed to the popular interest in archaeology during the 1920s (e.g., the tomb of Tutankhamun, Pompeii, Troy, etc.). Art Deco also used Machine Age and streamline technologies such as modern aviation, electric lighting, radio, ocean liners and skyscrapers for inspiration. Streamline Moderne was the final interwar-period development, which most thoroughly manifests technology and has been rated by some commentators as a separate architectural style.

Art-deco design influences were expressed in the crystalline and faceted forms of decorative Cubism and Futurism. Other popular themes of Art Deco were trapezoidal, zigzagged, geometric, and jumbled shapes, which can be seen in many early works.

The Peters and Co, Roxy Cafe, Bingara sign, features exquisitely designed geometric art work in the Art Deco style

Bingara Advovate, 23rd April, 2011

Funding secured to restore the Roxy Cafe’s etched signage on windows

Download a .pdf version of this article, here:

Bingara_Adv_March_23_04c.pdf

The Gwydir Shire Council has been successful in securing a significant grant to undertake the conservation of the etched glass that adorns the facade of The Roxy Café.

The grant has been provided by the Heritage Branch of the Department
of Planning of NSW. The Council will be the recipient of $30,000 to complete the work.

The etched glass is an important component of the story of The Roxy Café. It demonstrates how the cafe advertised in the 1930s through the colours, patterns and lettering on the glass which are excellent examples of Art Deco design.

“The restoration of The Roxy Café and the etched glass provides a unique example of the creative integration of a dynamic contemporary usage within a building of significant heritage value,” said Sandy McNaughton, Manager of The Roxy.

There are very few companies left in Australia that carry out this type of specialised restoration work. Michael Harrington is the Managing Director of Harradence Glass
Decorators based in Sydney. When contacted about The Roxy, Mr Harrington stated that in his twenty-five years experience with this type of glass work, “The Roxy Café comprises one of the most significant examples of its kind that I have seen.”

“There are very few examples of this type of etched glass left in Australia” Mr Harrington said. “Reproduction of this work will require craftsmanship at a level that is very rare in what has become a digital age.” “Our company has all of the required skills to restore much of the
degraded glass work to its former glory. We will be utilizing all of the original techniques that were in use in 1936.”

“Work undertaken in the restoration will include incorporating the screen printing of the original graphic with line work, etching, sand blasting, mirroring and silver gilding the masking, colourbacking and acid etching required.” Mr Harrington said. “Personally, I am excited about a project incorporating such beautiful art deco style.”

Sandy McNaughton adds that “From the moment the original Funding secured to restore the
Roxy Cafe’s etched windows Doug Dunlop of Domenico Blu Building revealing the etched glass in May 2010

The etched glass window is a rare example and its restoration is of great importance to the Roxy Cafe etched glass was uncovered during the restoration of the Café, it was apparent that funding should be sought to restore this unique feature.” “Since contacting Mr Harrington, it is evident that we have underestimated the significance of the etched glass. I have been informed that it is an incredibly rare example” said Sandy. “We are thrilled to have received this funding from the NSW Heritage Branch.”

“The Roxy serves to remind us that we are part of a cultural continuum. It is through its ability to provide an historic cultural experience in a contemporary context that it reinforces our appreciation of, and responsibility to, preserve and protect our past, as well as to recognise the changing cultural landscape it represents.”

It is timely that the grant text changed from this point was received just before the planned celebration for the 75th Anniversary of The Roxy which were be held on the weekend of April 9 and 10.

“The official launch of the Café and the Greek Gala Ball is generated huge excitement within the Kytherian and wider Greek community. Everyone enjoyed a truly memorable weekend,” said Sandy

The Gala Ball was organised by the Gwydir Shire Council.

Roxy Website Main Page

Roxy Theatre, Main Page

Roxy Café, Main Page

Roxy Museum, Main Page

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the Book

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Open full entry

20/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The original art deco designs features framing the sign above the Roxy Cafe

This is on the original sign from 1936.

Restored signage, 2011

From WIKI The structure of Art Deco is based on mathematical geometric shapes. It was widely considered to be an eclectic form of elegant and stylish modernism, being influenced by a variety of sources. The ability to travel and archaeological excavations during the first decades of the twentieth century, influenced artists and designers, integrating several elements from countries not their own. Among them were historical styles such as Greco-Roman Classicism, as well as the art of Babylon, Assyria, Ancient Egypt, Aztec Mexico, and Africa.

Much of this could be attributed to the popular interest in archaeology during the 1920s (e.g., the tomb of Tutankhamun, Pompeii, Troy, etc.). Art Deco also used Machine Age and streamline technologies such as modern aviation, electric lighting, radio, ocean liners and skyscrapers for inspiration. Streamline Moderne was the final interwar-period development, which most thoroughly manifests technology and has been rated by some commentators as a separate architectural style.

Art-deco design influences were expressed in the crystalline and faceted forms of decorative Cubism and Futurism. Other popular themes of Art Deco were trapezoidal, zigzagged, geometric, and jumbled shapes, which can be seen in many early works.

The Peters and Co, Roxy Cafe, Bingara sign, features exquisitely designed geometric art work in the Art Deco style

Bingara Advovate, 23rd April, 2011

Funding secured to restore the Roxy Cafe’s etched signage on windows

Download a .pdf version of this article, here:

Bingara_Adv_March_23_04c.pdf

The Gwydir Shire Council has been successful in securing a significant grant to undertake the conservation of the etched glass that adorns the facade of The Roxy Café.

The grant has been provided by the Heritage Branch of the Department
of Planning of NSW. The Council will be the recipient of $30,000 to complete the work.

The etched glass is an important component of the story of The Roxy Café. It demonstrates how the cafe advertised in the 1930s through the colours, patterns and lettering on the glass which are excellent examples of Art Deco design.

“The restoration of The Roxy Café and the etched glass provides a unique example of the creative integration of a dynamic contemporary usage within a building of significant heritage value,” said Sandy McNaughton, Manager of The Roxy.

There are very few companies left in Australia that carry out this type of specialised restoration work. Michael Harrington is the Managing Director of Harradence Glass
Decorators based in Sydney. When contacted about The Roxy, Mr Harrington stated that in his twenty-five years experience with this type of glass work, “The Roxy Café comprises one of the most significant examples of its kind that I have seen.”

“There are very few examples of this type of etched glass left in Australia” Mr Harrington said. “Reproduction of this work will require craftsmanship at a level that is very rare in what has become a digital age.” “Our company has all of the required skills to restore much of the
degraded glass work to its former glory. We will be utilizing all of the original techniques that were in use in 1936.”

“Work undertaken in the restoration will include incorporating the screen printing of the original graphic with line work, etching, sand blasting, mirroring and silver gilding the masking, colourbacking and acid etching required.” Mr Harrington said. “Personally, I am excited about a project incorporating such beautiful art deco style.”

Sandy McNaughton adds that “From the moment the original Funding secured to restore the
Roxy Cafe’s etched windows Doug Dunlop of Domenico Blu Building revealing the etched glass in May 2010

The etched glass window is a rare example and its restoration is of great importance to the Roxy Cafe etched glass was uncovered during the restoration of the Café, it was apparent that funding should be sought to restore this unique feature.” “Since contacting Mr Harrington, it is evident that we have underestimated the significance of the etched glass. I have been informed that it is an incredibly rare example” said Sandy. “We are thrilled to have received this funding from the NSW Heritage Branch.”

“The Roxy serves to remind us that we are part of a cultural continuum. It is through its ability to provide an historic cultural experience in a contemporary context that it reinforces our appreciation of, and responsibility to, preserve and protect our past, as well as to recognise the changing cultural landscape it represents.”

It is timely that the grant text changed from this point was received just before the planned celebration for the 75th Anniversary of The Roxy which were be held on the weekend of April 9 and 10.

“The official launch of the Café and the Greek Gala Ball is generated huge excitement within the Kytherian and wider Greek community. Everyone enjoyed a truly memorable weekend,” said Sandy

The Gala Ball was organised by the Gwydir Shire Council.

Roxy Website Main Page

Roxy Theatre, Main Page

Roxy Café, Main Page

Roxy Museum, Main Page

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the Book

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Open full entry

20/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Peters sign revealed. Above the entrance way to the Roxy cafe, Bingara

This is the original sign from 1936.

Restored signage, 2011

Bingara Advovate, 23rd April, 2011

Funding secured to restore the Roxy Cafe’s etched signage on windows

Download a .pdf version of this article, here:

Bingara_Adv_March_23_04c.pdf

The Gwydir Shire Council has been successful in securing a significant grant to undertake the conservation of the etched glass that adorns the facade of The Roxy Café.

The grant has been provided by the Heritage Branch of the Department
of Planning of NSW. The Council will be the recipient of $30,000 to complete the work.

The etched glass is an important component of the story of The Roxy Café. It demonstrates how the cafe advertised in the 1930s through the colours, patterns and lettering on the glass which are excellent examples of Art Deco design.

“The restoration of The Roxy Café and the etched glass provides a unique example of the creative integration of a dynamic contemporary usage within a building of significant heritage value,” said Sandy McNaughton, Manager of The Roxy.

There are very few companies left in Australia that carry out this type of specialised restoration work. Michael Harrington is the Managing Director of Harradence Glass
Decorators based in Sydney. When contacted about The Roxy, Mr Harrington stated that in his twenty-five years experience with this type of glass work, “The Roxy Café comprises one of the most significant examples of its kind that I have seen.”

“There are very few examples of this type of etched glass left in Australia” Mr Harrington said. “Reproduction of this work will require craftsmanship at a level that is very rare in what has become a digital age.” “Our company has all of the required skills to restore much of the
degraded glass work to its former glory. We will be utilizing all of the original techniques that were in use in 1936.”

“Work undertaken in the restoration will include incorporating the screen printing of the original graphic with line work, etching, sand blasting, mirroring and silver gilding the masking, colourbacking and acid etching required.” Mr Harrington said. “Personally, I am excited about a project incorporating such beautiful art deco style.”

Sandy McNaughton adds that “From the moment the original Funding secured to restore the
Roxy Cafe’s etched windows Doug Dunlop of Domenico Blu Building revealing the etched glass in May 2010

The etched glass window is a rare example and its restoration is of great importance to the Roxy Cafe etched glass was uncovered during the restoration of the Café, it was apparent that funding should be sought to restore this unique feature.” “Since contacting Mr Harrington, it is evident that we have underestimated the significance of the etched glass. I have been informed that it is an incredibly rare example” said Sandy. “We are thrilled to have received this funding from the NSW Heritage Branch.”

“The Roxy serves to remind us that we are part of a cultural continuum. It is through its ability to provide an historic cultural experience in a contemporary context that it reinforces our appreciation of, and responsibility to, preserve and protect our past, as well as to recognise the changing cultural landscape it represents.”

It is timely that the grant text changed from this point was received just before the planned celebration for the 75th Anniversary of The Roxy which were be held on the weekend of April 9 and 10.

“The official launch of the Café and the Greek Gala Ball is generated huge excitement within the Kytherian and wider Greek community. Everyone enjoyed a truly memorable weekend,” said Sandy

The Gala Ball was organised by the Gwydir Shire Council.

Roxy Website Main Page

Roxy Theatre, Main Page

Roxy Café, Main Page

Roxy Museum, Main Page

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the Book

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Open full entry

20/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Peters Milk Bar sign revealed on the eastern facing side of the cafe

This is the original signage from 1936

The restored signage, 2011

Bingara Advovate, 23rd April, 2011

Funding secured to restore the Roxy Cafe’s etched signage on windows

Download a .pdf version of this article, here:

Bingara_Adv_March_23_04c.pdf

The Gwydir Shire Council has been successful in securing a significant grant to undertake the conservation of the etched glass that adorns the facade of The Roxy Café.

The grant has been provided by the Heritage Branch of the Department
of Planning of NSW. The Council will be the recipient of $30,000 to complete the work.

The etched glass is an important component of the story of The Roxy Café. It demonstrates how the cafe advertised in the 1930s through the colours, patterns and lettering on the glass which are excellent examples of Art Deco design.

“The restoration of The Roxy Café and the etched glass provides a unique example of the creative integration of a dynamic contemporary usage within a building of significant heritage value,” said Sandy McNaughton, Manager of The Roxy.

There are very few companies left in Australia that carry out this type of specialised restoration work. Michael Harrington is the Managing Director of Harradence Glass
Decorators based in Sydney. When contacted about The Roxy, Mr Harrington stated that in his twenty-five years experience with this type of glass work, “The Roxy Café comprises one of the most significant examples of its kind that I have seen.”

“There are very few examples of this type of etched glass left in Australia” Mr Harrington said. “Reproduction of this work will require craftsmanship at a level that is very rare in what has become a digital age.” “Our company has all of the required skills to restore much of the
degraded glass work to its former glory. We will be utilizing all of the original techniques that were in use in 1936.”

“Work undertaken in the restoration will include incorporating the screen printing of the original graphic with line work, etching, sand blasting, mirroring and silver gilding the masking, colourbacking and acid etching required.” Mr Harrington said. “Personally, I am excited about a project incorporating such beautiful art deco style.”

Sandy McNaughton adds that “From the moment the original Funding secured to restore the
Roxy Cafe’s etched windows Doug Dunlop of Domenico Blu Building revealing the etched glass in May 2010

The etched glass window is a rare example and its restoration is of great importance to the Roxy Cafe etched glass was uncovered during the restoration of the Café, it was apparent that funding should be sought to restore this unique feature.” “Since contacting Mr Harrington, it is evident that we have underestimated the significance of the etched glass. I have been informed that it is an incredibly rare example” said Sandy. “We are thrilled to have received this funding from the NSW Heritage Branch.”

“The Roxy serves to remind us that we are part of a cultural continuum. It is through its ability to provide an historic cultural experience in a contemporary context that it reinforces our appreciation of, and responsibility to, preserve and protect our past, as well as to recognise the changing cultural landscape it represents.”

It is timely that the grant text changed from this point was received just before the planned celebration for the 75th Anniversary of The Roxy which were be held on the weekend of April 9 and 10.

“The official launch of the Café and the Greek Gala Ball is generated huge excitement within the Kytherian and wider Greek community. Everyone enjoyed a truly memorable weekend,” said Sandy

The Gala Ball was organised by the Gwydir Shire Council.

Roxy Website Main Page

Roxy Theatre, Main Page

Roxy Café, Main Page

Roxy Museum, Main Page

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the Book

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Open full entry

20/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The state of the etched glass sign before restoration

On the pillar of the Roxy Cafe

Restored sign, ready for installation

Bingara Advovate, 23rd April, 2011

Funding secured to restore the Roxy Cafe’s etched signage on windows

Download a .pdf version of this article, here:

Bingara_Adv_March_23_04c.pdf

The Gwydir Shire Council has been successful in securing a significant grant to undertake the conservation of the etched glass that adorns the facade of The Roxy Café.

The grant has been provided by the Heritage Branch of the Department
of Planning of NSW. The Council will be the recipient of $30,000 to complete the work.

The etched glass is an important component of the story of The Roxy Café. It demonstrates how the cafe advertised in the 1930s through the colours, patterns and lettering on the glass which are excellent examples of Art Deco design.

“The restoration of The Roxy Café and the etched glass provides a unique example of the creative integration of a dynamic contemporary usage within a building of significant heritage value,” said Sandy McNaughton, Manager of The Roxy.

There are very few companies left in Australia that carry out this type of specialised restoration work. Michael Harrington is the Managing Director of Harradence Glass
Decorators based in Sydney. When contacted about The Roxy, Mr Harrington stated that in his twenty-five years experience with this type of glass work, “The Roxy Café comprises one of the most significant examples of its kind that I have seen.”

“There are very few examples of this type of etched glass left in Australia” Mr Harrington said. “Reproduction of this work will require craftsmanship at a level that is very rare in what has become a digital age.” “Our company has all of the required skills to restore much of the
degraded glass work to its former glory. We will be utilizing all of the original techniques that were in use in 1936.”

“Work undertaken in the restoration will include incorporating the screen printing of the original graphic with line work, etching, sand blasting, mirroring and silver gilding the masking, colourbacking and acid etching required.” Mr Harrington said. “Personally, I am excited about a project incorporating such beautiful art deco style.”

Sandy McNaughton adds that “From the moment the original Funding secured to restore the
Roxy Cafe’s etched windows Doug Dunlop of Domenico Blu Building revealing the etched glass in May 2010

The etched glass window is a rare example and its restoration is of great importance to the Roxy Cafe etched glass was uncovered during the restoration of the Café, it was apparent that funding should be sought to restore this unique feature.” “Since contacting Mr Harrington, it is evident that we have underestimated the significance of the etched glass. I have been informed that it is an incredibly rare example” said Sandy. “We are thrilled to have received this funding from the NSW Heritage Branch.”

“The Roxy serves to remind us that we are part of a cultural continuum. It is through its ability to provide an historic cultural experience in a contemporary context that it reinforces our appreciation of, and responsibility to, preserve and protect our past, as well as to recognise the changing cultural landscape it represents.”

It is timely that the grant text changed from this point was received just before the planned celebration for the 75th Anniversary of The Roxy which were be held on the weekend of April 9 and 10.

“The official launch of the Café and the Greek Gala Ball is generated huge excitement within the Kytherian and wider Greek community. Everyone enjoyed a truly memorable weekend,” said Sandy

The Gala Ball was organised by the Gwydir Shire Council.

Roxy Website Main Page

Roxy Theatre, Main Page

Roxy Café, Main Page

Roxy Museum, Main Page

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the Book

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Open full entry

20/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Glass sign masterpiece revealed on the Roxy, Bingara

Doug Dunlop, employee of Dominico Blu Building, scrapes away paint that had hidden the existence of a glass sign of extraordinary quality above the entranceway of the Roxy Cafe - another Peters and co cafe - in Bingara, NSW.

Bingara Advovate, 23rd April, 2011

Funding secured to restore the Roxy Cafe’s etched signage on windows

Download a .pdf version of this article, here:

Bingara_Adv_March_23_04c.pdf

The Gwydir Shire Council has been successful in securing a significant grant to undertake the conservation of the etched glass that adorns the facade of The Roxy Café.

The grant has been provided by the Heritage Branch of the Department
of Planning of NSW. The Council will be the recipient of $30,000 to complete the work.

The etched glass is an important component of the story of The Roxy Café. It demonstrates how the cafe advertised in the 1930s through the colours, patterns and lettering on the glass which are excellent examples of Art Deco design.

“The restoration of The Roxy Café and the etched glass provides a unique example of the creative integration of a dynamic contemporary usage within a building of significant heritage value,” said Sandy McNaughton, Manager of The Roxy.

There are very few companies left in Australia that carry out this type of specialised restoration work. Michael Harrington is the Managing Director of Harradence Glass
Decorators based in Sydney. When contacted about The Roxy, Mr Harrington stated that in his twenty-five years experience with this type of glass work, “The Roxy Café comprises one of the most significant examples of its kind that I have seen.”

“There are very few examples of this type of etched glass left in Australia” Mr Harrington said. “Reproduction of this work will require craftsmanship at a level that is very rare in what has become a digital age.” “Our company has all of the required skills to restore much of the
degraded glass work to its former glory. We will be utilizing all of the original techniques that were in use in 1936.”

“Work undertaken in the restoration will include incorporating the screen printing of the original graphic with line work, etching, sand blasting, mirroring and silver gilding the masking, colourbacking and acid etching required.” Mr Harrington said. “Personally, I am excited about a project incorporating such beautiful art deco style.”

Sandy McNaughton adds that “From the moment the original Funding secured to restore the
Roxy Cafe’s etched windows Doug Dunlop of Domenico Blu Building revealing the etched glass in May 2010

The etched glass window is a rare example and its restoration is of great importance to the Roxy Cafe etched glass was uncovered during the restoration of the Café, it was apparent that funding should be sought to restore this unique feature.” “Since contacting Mr Harrington, it is evident that we have underestimated the significance of the etched glass. I have been informed that it is an incredibly rare example” said Sandy. “We are thrilled to have received this funding from the NSW Heritage Branch.”

“The Roxy serves to remind us that we are part of a cultural continuum. It is through its ability to provide an historic cultural experience in a contemporary context that it reinforces our appreciation of, and responsibility to, preserve and protect our past, as well as to recognise the changing cultural landscape it represents.”

It is timely that the grant text changed from this point was received just before the planned celebration for the 75th Anniversary of The Roxy which were be held on the weekend of April 9 and 10.

“The official launch of the Café and the Greek Gala Ball is generated huge excitement within the Kytherian and wider Greek community. Everyone enjoyed a truly memorable weekend,” said Sandy

The Gala Ball was organised by the Gwydir Shire Council.

Roxy Website Main Page

Roxy Theatre, Main Page

Roxy Café, Main Page

Roxy Museum, Main Page

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the Book

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Open full entry

20/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Revealing a glass sign masterpiece

Doug Dunlop, employee of Dominico Blu Building, scrapes away paint that had hidden the existence of a glass sign of extraordinary quality above the entranceway of the Roxy Cafe - another Peters and co cafe - in Bingara, NSW.

Bingara Advovate, 23rd April, 2011

Funding secured to restore the Roxy Cafe’s etched signage on windows

Download a .pdf version of this article, here:

Bingara_Adv_March_23_04c.pdf

The Gwydir Shire Council has been successful in securing a significant grant to undertake the conservation of the etched glass that adorns the facade of The Roxy Café.

The grant has been provided by the Heritage Branch of the Department
of Planning of NSW. The Council will be the recipient of $30,000 to complete the work.

The etched glass is an important component of the story of The Roxy Café. It demonstrates how the cafe advertised in the 1930s through the colours, patterns and lettering on the glass which are excellent examples of Art Deco design.

“The restoration of The Roxy Café and the etched glass provides a unique example of the creative integration of a dynamic contemporary usage within a building of significant heritage value,” said Sandy McNaughton, Manager of The Roxy.

There are very few companies left in Australia that carry out this type of specialised restoration work. Michael Harrington is the Managing Director of Harradence Glass
Decorators based in Sydney. When contacted about The Roxy, Mr Harrington stated that in his twenty-five years experience with this type of glass work, “The Roxy Café comprises one of the most significant examples of its kind that I have seen.”

“There are very few examples of this type of etched glass left in Australia” Mr Harrington said. “Reproduction of this work will require craftsmanship at a level that is very rare in what has become a digital age.” “Our company has all of the required skills to restore much of the
degraded glass work to its former glory. We will be utilizing all of the original techniques that were in use in 1936.”

“Work undertaken in the restoration will include incorporating the screen printing of the original graphic with line work, etching, sand blasting, mirroring and silver gilding the masking, colourbacking and acid etching required.” Mr Harrington said. “Personally, I am excited about a project incorporating such beautiful art deco style.”

Sandy McNaughton adds that “From the moment the original Funding secured to restore the
Roxy Cafe’s etched windows Doug Dunlop of Domenico Blu Building revealing the etched glass in May 2010

The etched glass window is a rare example and its restoration is of great importance to the Roxy Cafe etched glass was uncovered during the restoration of the Café, it was apparent that funding should be sought to restore this unique feature.” “Since contacting Mr Harrington, it is evident that we have underestimated the significance of the etched glass. I have been informed that it is an incredibly rare example” said Sandy. “We are thrilled to have received this funding from the NSW Heritage Branch.”

“The Roxy serves to remind us that we are part of a cultural continuum. It is through its ability to provide an historic cultural experience in a contemporary context that it reinforces our appreciation of, and responsibility to, preserve and protect our past, as well as to recognise the changing cultural landscape it represents.”

It is timely that the grant text changed from this point was received just before the planned celebration for the 75th Anniversary of The Roxy which were be held on the weekend of April 9 and 10.

“The official launch of the Café and the Greek Gala Ball is generated huge excitement within the Kytherian and wider Greek community. Everyone enjoyed a truly memorable weekend,” said Sandy

The Gala Ball was organised by the Gwydir Shire Council.

Roxy Website Main Page

Roxy Theatre, Main Page

Roxy Café, Main Page

Roxy Museum, Main Page

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the Book

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Open full entry

20/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

A second example of Art deco design features framing the sign above the Roxy Cafe

From WIKI The structure of Art Deco is based on mathematical geometric shapes. It was widely considered to be an eclectic form of elegant and stylish modernism, being influenced by a variety of sources. The ability to travel and archaeological excavations during the first decades of the twentieth century, influenced artists and designers, integrating several elements from countries not their own. Among them were historical styles such as Greco-Roman Classicism, as well as the art of Babylon, Assyria, Ancient Egypt, Aztec Mexico, and Africa.

Much of this could be attributed to the popular interest in archaeology during the 1920s (e.g., the tomb of Tutankhamun, Pompeii, Troy, etc.). Art Deco also used Machine Age and streamline technologies such as modern aviation, electric lighting, radio, ocean liners and skyscrapers for inspiration. Streamline Moderne was the final interwar-period development, which most thoroughly manifests technology and has been rated by some commentators as a separate architectural style.

Art-deco design influences were expressed in the crystalline and faceted forms of decorative Cubism and Futurism. Other popular themes of Art Deco were trapezoidal, zigzagged, geometric, and jumbled shapes, which can be seen in many early works.

The Peters and Co, Roxy Cafe, Bingara sign, features exquisitely designed geometric art work in the Art Deco style

Restoration of the Roxy Cafe signage

It was to be restored glass paneling returning to grace the windows of the Roxy Cafe, but as the old glass was beyond restoration, the windows of the Roxy (Peters) Café now have a faithful reproduction of the original glass.

The work was done by Harradence Glass Decorators, a project Michael Harrington and his team approached with relish. After ascertaining the original colours used, the team then set about making an exact replica of the glass etching.

The old glass has been put into metal frames, and will become part of the display on a wall in the Roxy Museum. The Etched Glass Conservation Project was carried out with major funding support by the NSW Government office of Environment and Heritage, and Gwydir Shire Council.

Download a .pdf copy of this page from the Bingara Advocate, here:

Bingara_November_30_03.pdf

Announcement of original signage grant, Bingara Advocate

On Tuesday 29th November $60,000 worth of etched glass signage was erected on the Roxy Cafe frontage at Bingara. There are only 3 other examples of this type of signage in New South Wales. That is why the Heritage Branch of the Department of Planning, NSW provided a $30,000 grant for this project. This funding was supplemented by a grant of $30,000 from Gwydir Shire Council.

Harradence Glass Decorators

Glass Merchants and Glaziers
Glass etching

82 May Street
St Peters 2044

Ph: 02 9517 1488

Email, Harredence

http://www.harradence.com.au/

Open full entry

14/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Art deco designs features framing the sign above the Roxy Cafe

From WIKI The structure of Art Deco is based on mathematical geometric shapes. It was widely considered to be an eclectic form of elegant and stylish modernism, being influenced by a variety of sources. The ability to travel and archaeological excavations during the first decades of the twentieth century, influenced artists and designers, integrating several elements from countries not their own. Among them were historical styles such as Greco-Roman Classicism, as well as the art of Babylon, Assyria, Ancient Egypt, Aztec Mexico, and Africa.

Much of this could be attributed to the popular interest in archaeology during the 1920s (e.g., the tomb of Tutankhamun, Pompeii, Troy, etc.). Art Deco also used Machine Age and streamline technologies such as modern aviation, electric lighting, radio, ocean liners and skyscrapers for inspiration. Streamline Moderne was the final interwar-period development, which most thoroughly manifests technology and has been rated by some commentators as a separate architectural style.

Art-deco design influences were expressed in the crystalline and faceted forms of decorative Cubism and Futurism. Other popular themes of Art Deco were trapezoidal, zigzagged, geometric, and jumbled shapes, which can be seen in many early works.

The Peters and Co, Roxy Cafe, Bingara sign, features exquisitely designed geometric art work in the Art Deco style

Restoration of the Roxy Cafe signage

It was to be restored glass paneling returning to grace the windows of the Roxy Cafe, but as the old glass was beyond restoration, the windows of the Roxy (Peters) Café now have a faithful reproduction of the original glass.

The work was done by Harradence Glass Decorators, a project Michael Harrington and his team approached with relish. After ascertaining the original colours used, the team then set about making an exact replica of the glass etching.

The old glass has been put into metal frames, and will become part of the display on a wall in the Roxy Museum. The Etched Glass Conservation Project was carried out with major funding support by the NSW Government office of Environment and Heritage, and Gwydir Shire Council.

Download a .pdf copy of this page from the Bingara Advocate, here:

Bingara_November_30_03.pdf

Announcement of original signage grant, Bingara Advocate

On Tuesday 29th November $60,000 worth of etched glass signage was erected on the Roxy Cafe frontage at Bingara. There are only 3 other examples of this type of signage in New South Wales. That is why the Heritage Branch of the Department of Planning, NSW provided a $30,000 grant for this project. This funding was supplemented by a grant of $30,000 from Gwydir Shire Council.

Harradence Glass Decorators

Glass Merchants and Glaziers
Glass etching

82 May Street
St Peters 2044

Ph: 02 9517 1488

Email, Harredence

http://www.harradence.com.au/

Open full entry

14/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Erected Peters signage above the Roxy Cafe Bingara

This is the restored signage.

The original signage from 1936, revealed

Restoration of the Roxy Cafe signage

It was to be restored glass paneling returning to grace the windows of the Roxy Cafe, but as the old glass was beyond restoration, the windows of the Roxy (Peters) Café now have a faithful reproduction of the original glass.

The work was done by Harradence Glass Decorators, a project Michael Harrington and his team approached with relish. After ascertaining the original colours used, the team then set about making an exact replica of the glass etching.

The old glass has been put into metal frames, and will become part of the display on a wall in the Roxy Museum. The Etched Glass Conservation Project was carried out with major funding support by the NSW Government office of Environment and Heritage, and Gwydir Shire Council.

Download a .pdf copy of this page from the Bingara Advocate, here:

Bingara_November_30_03.pdf

Announcement of original signage grant, Bingara Advocate

On Tuesday 29th November $60,000 worth of etched glass signage was erected on the Roxy Cafe frontage at Bingara. There are only 3 other examples of this type of signage in New South Wales. That is why the Heritage Branch of the Department of Planning, NSW provided a $30,000 grant for this project. This funding was supplemented by a grant of $30,000 from Gwydir Shire Council.

Harradence Glass Decorators

Glass Merchants and Glaziers
Glass etching

82 May Street
St Peters 2044

Ph: 02 9517 1488

Email, Harredence

http://www.harradence.com.au/

Open full entry

14/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Erected Signage on the front entrance to the Roxy Cafe

This is the restored signage.

The original signage from 1936, revealed

Restoration of the Roxy Cafe signage

It was to be restored glass paneling returning to grace the windows of the Roxy Cafe, but as the old glass was beyond restoration, the windows of the Roxy (Peters) Café now have a faithful reproduction of the original glass.

The work was done by Harradence Glass Decorators, a project Michael Harrington and his team approached with relish. After ascertaining the original colours used, the team then set about making an exact replica of the glass etching.

The old glass has been put into metal frames, and will become part of the display on a wall in the Roxy Museum. The Etched Glass Conservation Project was carried out with major funding support by the NSW Government office of Environment and Heritage, and Gwydir Shire Council.

Download a .pdf copy of this page from the Bingara Advocate, here:

Bingara_November_30_03.pdf

Announcement of original signage grant, Bingara Advocate

On Tuesday 29th November $60,000 worth of etched glass signage was erected on the Roxy Cafe frontage at Bingara. There are only 3 other examples of this type of signage in New South Wales. That is why the Heritage Branch of the Department of Planning, NSW provided a $30,000 grant for this project. This funding was supplemented by a grant of $30,000 from Gwydir Shire Council.

Harradence Glass Decorators

Glass Merchants and Glaziers
Glass etching

82 May Street
St Peters 2044

Ph: 02 9517 1488

Email, Harredence

http://www.harradence.com.au/

Open full entry

14/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Erected Signage to the right, on the north facing Cafe frontage at the Roxy

Restoration of the Roxy Cafe signage

It was to be restored glass paneling returning to grace the windows of the Roxy Cafe, but as the old glass was beyond restoration, the windows of the Roxy (Peters) Café now have a faithful reproduction of the original glass.

The work was done by Harradence Glass Decorators, a project Michael Harrington and his team approached with relish. After ascertaining the original colours used, the team then set about making an exact replica of the glass etching.

The old glass has been put into metal frames, and will become part of the display on a wall in the Roxy Museum. The Etched Glass Conservation Project was carried out with major funding support by the NSW Government office of Environment and Heritage, and Gwydir Shire Council.

Download a .pdf copy of this page from the Bingara Advocate, here:

Bingara_November_30_03.pdf

Announcement of original signage grant, Bingara Advocate

On Tuesday 29th November $60,000 worth of etched glass signage was erected on the Roxy Cafe frontage at Bingara. There are only 3 other examples of this type of signage in New South Wales. That is why the Heritage Branch of the Department of Planning, NSW provided a $30,000 grant for this project. This funding was supplemented by a grant of $30,000 from Gwydir Shire Council.

Harradence Glass Decorators

Glass Merchants and Glaziers
Glass etching

82 May Street
St Peters 2044

Ph: 02 9517 1488

Email, Harredence

http://www.harradence.com.au/

Open full entry

14/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Erected Signage on the front pillar on the Cafe frontage at the Roxy

Restoration of the Roxy Cafe signage

It was to be restored glass paneling returning to grace the windows of the Roxy Cafe, but as the old glass was beyond restoration, the windows of the Roxy (Peters) Café now have a faithful reproduction of the original glass.

The work was done by Harradence Glass Decorators, a project Michael Harrington and his team approached with relish. After ascertaining the original colours used, the team then set about making an exact replica of the glass etching.

The old glass has been put into metal frames, and will become part of the display on a wall in the Roxy Museum. The Etched Glass Conservation Project was carried out with major funding support by the NSW Government office of Environment and Heritage, and Gwydir Shire Council.

Download a .pdf copy of this page from the Bingara Advocate, here:

Bingara_November_30_03.pdf

Announcement of original signage grant, Bingara Advocate

On Tuesday 29th November $60,000 worth of etched glass signage was erected on the Roxy Cafe frontage at Bingara. There are only 3 other examples of this type of signage in New South Wales. That is why the Heritage Branch of the Department of Planning, NSW provided a $30,000 grant for this project. This funding was supplemented by a grant of $30,000 from Gwydir Shire Council.

Harradence Glass Decorators

Glass Merchants and Glaziers
Glass etching

82 May Street
St Peters 2044

Ph: 02 9517 1488

Email, Harredence

http://www.harradence.com.au/

Open full entry

13/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Erected Signage on the north facing Cafe frontage at the Roxy

Restoration of the Roxy Cafe signage

It was to be restored glass paneling returning to grace the windows of the Roxy Cafe, but as the old glass was beyond restoration, the windows of the Roxy (Peters) Café now have a faithful reproduction of the original glass.

The work was done by Harradence Glass Decorators, a project Michael Harrington and his team approached with relish. After ascertaining the original colours used, the team then set about making an exact replica of the glass etching.

The old glass has been put into metal frames, and will become part of the display on a wall in the Roxy Museum. The Etched Glass Conservation Project was carried out with major funding support by the NSW Government office of Environment and Heritage, and Gwydir Shire Council.

Download a .pdf copy of this page from the Bingara Advocate, here:

Bingara_November_30_03.pdf

Announcement of original signage grant, Bingara Advocate

On Tuesday 29th November $60,000 worth of etched glass signage was erected on the Roxy Cafe frontage at Bingara. There are only 3 other examples of this type of signage in New South Wales. That is why the Heritage Branch of the Department of Planning, NSW provided a $30,000 grant for this project. This funding was supplemented by a grant of $30,000 from Gwydir Shire Council.

Harradence Glass Decorators

Glass Merchants and Glaziers
Glass etching

82 May Street
St Peters 2044

Ph: 02 9517 1488

Email, Harredence

http://www.harradence.com.au/

Open full entry

13/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Funding secured to restore the Roxy Cafe’s etched signage on windows

Bingara Advocate, 23rd April, 2011

Download a .pdf version of this article, here: Bingara_Adv_March_23_04c.pdf

The Gwydir Shire Council has been successful in securing a significant grant to undertake the conservation of the etched glass that adorns the facade of The Roxy Café.

The grant has been provided by the Heritage Branch of the Department
of Planning of NSW. The Council will be the recipient of $30,000 to complete the work.
The etched glass is an important component of the story of The Roxy Café. It demonstrates how the cafe advertised in the 1930s through the colours, patterns and lettering on the glass which are excellent examples of Art Deco design.

“The restoration of The Roxy Café and the etched glass provides a unique example of the creative integration of a dynamic contemporary usage within a building of significant heritage value,” said Sandy McNaughton, Manager of The Roxy.

There are very few companies left in Australia that carry out this type of specialised restoration work. Michael Harrington is the Managing Director of Harradence Glass
Decorators based in Sydney. When contacted about The Roxy, Mr Harrington stated that in his twenty-five years experience with this type of glass work, “The Roxy Café comprises one of the most significant examples of its kind that I have seen.”

“There are very few examples of this type of etched glass left in Australia” Mr Harrington said. “Reproduction of this work will require craftsmanship at a level that is very rare in what has become a digital age.” “Our company has all of the required skills to restore much of the
degraded glass work to its former glory. We will be utilizing all of the original techniques that were in use in 1936.”

“Work undertaken in the restoration will include incorporating the screen printing of the original graphic with line work, etching, sand blasting, mirroring and silver gilding the masking, colourbacking and acid etching required.” Mr Harrington said. “Personally, I am excited about a project incorporating such beautiful art deco style.”

Sandy McNaughton adds that “From the moment the original Funding secured to restore the
Roxy Cafe’s etched windows Doug Dunlop of Domenico Blu Building revealing the etched glass in May 2010

The etched glass window is a rare example and its restoration is of great importance to the Roxy Cafe etched glass was uncovered during the restoration of the Café, it was apparent that funding should be sought to restore this unique feature.” “Since contacting Mr Harrington, it is evident that we have underestimated the significance of the etched glass. I have been informed that it is an incredibly rare example” said Sandy. “We are thrilled to have received this funding from the NSW Heritage Branch.”

“The Roxy serves to remind us that we are part of a cultural continuum. It is through its ability to provide an historic cultural experience in a contemporary context that it reinforces our appreciation of, and responsibility to, preserve and protect our past, as well as to recognise the changing cultural landscape it represents.”

It is timely that the grant text changed from this point was received just before the planned celebration for the 75th Anniversary of The Roxy which were be held on the weekend of April 9 and 10.

“The official launch of the Café and the Greek Gala Ball is generated huge excitement within the Kytherian and wider Greek community. Everyone enjoyed a truly memorable weekend,” said Sandy

The Gala Ball was organised by the Gwydir Shire Council.

Roxy Website Main Page

Roxy Theatre, Main Page

Roxy Café, Main Page

Roxy Museum, Main Page

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the Book

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

Open full entry

13/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Current Affairs

Notice 2.2 M&GNSW Alert! eNewsletter

M&GNSW is the acronym for Museums and Galleries New South Wales.

2.2 Bingara to House New Museum Dedicated to Greek Café Culture

THE small town of Bingara in northern NSW seems an unlikely place for a museum celebrating Greek cafe culture.

Yet Gwydir Shire Council has secured a generous $94,500 State Government Grant to develop just that, at a former cafe called the Roxy. Built by three men from the tiny Greek island of Kythera in 1936, the Roxy boasted an art deco cinema, cafe, shops and a guest house. It closed in 1958 and lay empty until it was bought by the then Bingara Shire Council in 1999.

The grant will be used to develop the Roxy Museum to celebrate Greek immigrant cafe culture in rural Australia and ''help staff conduct research and develop collections that document Bingara's history'', the Nationals upper house MP Sarah Mitchell said.

The announcement has been applauded by members of the Greek community, particularly descendants of those from Kythera. The Kytherian Association secretary, George Poulos, who is on the Roxy Museum committee, described the project as ''ostensibly a Kytherian museum'' on the kythera-family.net website.

George acknowledges of course, that the brief for the Roxy Museum is much wider than that. This will be 'a museum of Greek settlement in rural Australia'. Greek cafes, and the Kytherian experience in cafes, are only part of the story."

Open full entry

12/12/2011

Culture, Current Affairs

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Peters Cafe, Roxy, Bingara, sign being set on the north facing wall

Restoration of the Roxy Cafe signage

It was to be restored glass paneling returning to grace the windows of the Roxy Cafe, but as the old glass was beyond restoration, the windows of the Roxy (Peters) Café now have a faithful reproduction of the original glass.

The work was done by Harradence Glass Decorators, a project Michael Harrington and his team approached with relish. After ascertaining the original colours used, the team then set about making an exact replica of the glass etching.

The old glass has been put into metal frames, and will become part of the display on a wall in the Roxy Museum. The Etched Glass Conservation Project was carried out with major funding support by the NSW Government office of Environment and Heritage, and Gwydir Shire Council.

Download a .pdf copy of this page from the Bingara Advocate, here:

Bingara_November_30_03.pdf

Announcement of original signage grant, Bingara Advocate

On Tuesday 29th November $60,000 worth of etched glass signage was erected on the Roxy Cafe frontage at Bingara. There are only 3 other examples of this type of signage in New South Wales. That is why the Heritage Branch of the Department of Planning, NSW provided a $30,000 grant for this project. This funding was supplemented by a grant of $30,000 from Gwydir Shire Council.

Harradence Glass Decorators

Glass Merchants and Glaziers
Glass etching

82 May Street
St Peters 2044

Ph: 02 9517 1488

Email, Harredence

http://www.harradence.com.au/

Open full entry

12/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Ryce from Harradence had to manouvre himself into a confined space

behind the panels at the front of the shop, during the...

Restoration of the Roxy Cafe signage

It was to be restored glass paneling returning to grace the windows of the Roxy Cafe, but as the old glass was beyond restoration, the windows of the Roxy (Peters) Café now have a faithful reproduction of the original glass.

The work was done by Harradence Glass Decorators, a project Michael Harrington and his team approached with relish. After ascertaining the original colours used, the team then set about making an exact replica of the glass etching.

The old glass has been put into metal frames, and will become part of the display on a wall in the Roxy Museum. The Etched Glass Conservation Project was carried out with major funding support by the NSW Government office of Environment and Heritage, and Gwydir Shire Council.

Download a .pdf copy of this page from the Bingara Advocate, here:

Bingara_November_30_03.pdf

Announcement of original signage grant, Bingara Advocate

On Tuesday 29th November $60,000 worth of etched glass signage was erected on the Roxy Cafe frontage at Bingara. There are only 3 other examples of this type of signage in New South Wales. That is why the Heritage Branch of the Department of Planning, NSW provided a $30,000 grant for this project. This funding was supplemented by a grant of $30,000 from Gwydir Shire Council.

Harradence Glass Decorators

Glass Merchants and Glaziers
Glass etching

82 May Street
St Peters 2044

Ph: 02 9517 1488

Email, Harredence

http://www.harradence.com.au/

Open full entry

12/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The last panel was the most difficult to place

Placing the glass panels on the Cafe frontage.

Restoration of the Roxy Cafe signage

It was to be restored glass paneling returning to grace the windows of the Roxy Cafe, but as the old glass was beyond restoration, the windows of the Roxy (Peters) Café now have a faithful reproduction of the original glass.

The work was done by Harradence Glass Decorators, a project Michael Harrington and his team approached with relish. After ascertaining the original colours used, the team then set about making an exact replica of the glass etching.

The old glass has been put into metal frames, and will become part of the display on a wall in the Roxy Museum. The Etched Glass Conservation Project was carried out with major funding support by the NSW Government office of Environment and Heritage, and Gwydir Shire Council.

Download a .pdf copy of this page from the Bingara Advocate, here:

Bingara_November_30_03.pdf

Announcement of original signage grant, Bingara Advocate

On Tuesday 29th November $60,000 worth of etched glass signage was erected on the Roxy Cafe frontage at Bingara. There are only 3 other examples of this type of signage in New South Wales. That is why the Heritage Branch of the Department of Planning, NSW provided a $30,000 grant for this project. This funding was supplemented by a grant of $30,000 from Gwydir Shire Council.

Harradence Glass Decorators

Glass Merchants and Glaziers
Glass etching

82 May Street
St Peters 2044

Ph: 02 9517 1488

Email, Harredence

http://www.harradence.com.au/

Open full entry

12/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Three Harradence employees erecting the sign in front of the cafe (eastern face)

Restoration of the Roxy Cafe signage

It was to be restored glass paneling returning to grace the windows of the Roxy Cafe, but as the old glass was beyond restoration, the windows of the Roxy (Peters) Café now have a faithful reproduction of the original glass.

The work was done by Harradence Glass Decorators, a project Michael Harrington and his team approached with relish. After ascertaining the original colours used, the team then set about making an exact replica of the glass etching.

The old glass has been put into metal frames, and will become part of the display on a wall in the Roxy Museum. The Etched Glass Conservation Project was carried out with major funding support by the NSW Government office of Environment and Heritage, and Gwydir Shire Council.

Download a .pdf copy of this page from the Bingara Advocate, here:

Bingara_November_30_03.pdf

On Tuesday 29th November $60,000 worth of etched glass signage was erected on the Roxy Cafe frontage at Bingara. There are only 3 other examples of this type of signage in New South Wales. That is why the Heritage Branch of the Department of Planning, NSW provided a $30,000 grant for this project. This funding was supplemented by a grant of $30,000 from Gwydir Shire Council.

Harradence Glass Decorators

Glass Merchants and Glaziers
Glass etching

82 May Street
St Peters 2044

Ph: 02 9517 1488

Email, Harredence

http://www.harradence.com.au/

Open full entry

12/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Erecting the sign in front of the cafe (eastern face)

Restoration of the Roxy Cafe signage

It was to be restored glass paneling returning to grace the windows of the Roxy Cafe, but as the old glass was beyond restoration, the windows of the Roxy (Peters) Café now have a faithful reproduction of the original glass.

The work was done by Harradence Glass Decorators, a project Michael Harrington and his team approached with relish. After ascertaining the original colours used, the team then set about making an exact replica of the glass etching.

The old glass has been put into metal frames, and will become part of the display on a wall in the Roxy Museum. The Etched Glass Conservation Project was carried out with major funding support by the NSW Government office of Environment and Heritage, and Gwydir Shire Council.

Download a .pdf copy of this page from the Bingara Advocate, here:

Bingara_November_30_03.pdf

On Tuesday 29th November $60,000 worth of etched glass signage was erected on the Roxy Cafe frontage at Bingara. There are only 3 other examples of this type of signage in New South Wales. That is why the Heritage Branch of the Department of Planning, NSW provided a $30,000 grant for this project. This funding was supplemented by a grant of $30,000 from Gwydir Shire Council.

Harradence Glass Decorators

Glass Merchants and Glaziers
Glass etching

82 May Street
St Peters 2044

Ph: 02 9517 1488

Email, Harredence

http://www.harradence.com.au/

Open full entry

12/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Restoration of the Roxy Cafe signage on the north facing frontage

It was to be restored glass paneling returning to grace the windows of the Roxy Cafe, but as the old glass was beyond restoration, the windows of the Roxy (Peters) Café now have a faithful reproduction of the original glass.

The work was done by Harradence Glass Decorators, a project Michael Harrington and his team approached with relish. After ascertaining the original colours used, the team then set about making an exact replica of the glass etching.

The old glass has been put into metal frames, and will become part of the display on a wall in the Roxy Museum. The Etched Glass Conservation Project was carried out with major funding support by the NSW Government office of Environment and Heritage, and Gwydir Shire Council.

Download a .pdf copy of this page from the Bingara Advocate, here:

Bingara_November_30_03.pdf

Announcement of original signage grant, Bingara Advocate

On Tuesday 29th November $60,000 worth of etched glass signage was erected on the Roxy Cafe frontage at Bingara. There are only 3 other examples of this type of signage in New South Wales. That is why the Heritage Branch of the Department of Planning, NSW provided a $30,000 grant for this project. This funding was supplemented by a grant of $30,000 from Gwydir Shire Council.

Harradence Glass Decorators

Glass Merchants and Glaziers
Glass etching

82 May Street
St Peters 2044

Ph: 02 9517 1488

Email, Harredence

http://www.harradence.com.au/

Open full entry

12/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Art deco edge panels being prepared for erection at the front of the Roxy Cafe, Bingara

Restoration of the Roxy Cafe signage

It was to be restored glass paneling returning to grace the windows of the Roxy Cafe, but as the old glass was beyond restoration, the windows of the Roxy (Peters) Café now have a faithful reproduction of the original glass.

The work was done by Harradence Glass Decorators, a project Michael Harrington and his team approached with relish. After ascertaining the original colours used, the team then set about making an exact replica of the glass etching.

The old glass has been put into metal frames, and will become part of the display on a wall in the Roxy Museum. The Etched Glass Conservation Project was carried out with major funding support by the NSW Government office of Environment and Heritage, and Gwydir Shire Council.

Download a .pdf copy of this page from the Bingara Advocate, here:

Bingara_November_30_03.pdf

Announcement of original signage grant, Bingara Advocate

On Tuesday 29th November $60,000 worth of etched glass signage was erected on the Roxy Cafe frontage at Bingara. There are only 3 other examples of this type of signage in New South Wales. That is why the Heritage Branch of the Department of Planning, NSW provided a $30,000 grant for this project. This funding was matched with $30,000 from Gwydir Shire Council.

Harradence Glass Decorators

Glass Merchants and Glaziers
Glass etching

82 May Street
St Peters 2044

Ph: 02 9517 1488

Email, Harredence

http://www.harradence.com.au/

Open full entry

12/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Peters Cafe, Roxy, Bingara, pillar sign

State of the sign, before restoration

Signage restored on the Roxy Cafe

It was to be restored glass paneling returning to grace the windows of the Roxy Cafe, but as the old glass was beyond restoration, the windows of the Roxy (Peters) Café now have a faithful reproduction of the original glass.

The work was done by Harradence Glass Decorators, a project Michael Harrington and his team approached with relish. After ascertaining the original colours used, the team then set about making an exact replica of the glass etching.

The old glass has been put into metal frames, and will become part of the display on a wall in the Roxy Museum. The Etched Glass Conservation Project was carried out with major funding support by the NSW Government office of Environment and Heritage, and Gwydir Shire Council.

Download a .pdf copy of this page from the Bingara Advocate, here:

Bingara_November_30_03.pdf

On Tuesday 29th November $63,000 worth of etched glass signage was erected on the Roxy Cafe frontage at Bingara. There are only 3 other examples of this type of signage in New South Wales. TThat is why the Heritage Branch of the Department of Planning, NSW provided a $30,000 grant for this project. This funding was supplemented by a grant of $30,000 from Gwydir Shire Council.

Harradence Glass Decorators

Glass Merchants and Glaziers
Glass etching

82 May Street
St Peters 2044

Ph: 02 9517 1488

Email, Harredence

http://www.harradence.com.au/

Open full entry

12/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

One of the signs for the side pillar, ready for installation, Roxy Cafe, Bingara

Signage restored to the front of the Roxy Cafe.

It was to be restored glass paneling returning to grace the windows of the Roxy Cafe, but as the old glass was beyond restoration, the windows of the Roxy (Peters) Café now have a faithful reproduction of the original glass.

The work was done by Harradence Glass Decorators, a project Michael Harrington and his team approached with relish. After ascertaining the original colours used, the team then set about making an exact replica of the glass etching.

The old glass has been put into metal frames, and will become part of the display on a wall in the Roxy Museum. The Etched Glass Conservation Project was carried out with major funding support by the NSW Government office of Environment and Heritage, and Gwydir Shire Council.

Download a .pdf copy of this page from the Bingara Advocate, here:

Bingara_November_30_03.pdf

Announcement of original signage grant, Bingara Advocate

On Tuesday 29th November $63,000 worth of etched glass signage was erected on the Roxy Cafe frontage at Bingara. There are only 3 other examples of this type of signage in New South Wales. That is why the Heritage Branch of the Department of Planning, NSW provided a $30,000 grant for this project. This funding was supplemented by a grant of $30,000 from Gwydir Shire Council.

Harradence Glass Decorators

Glass Merchants and Glaziers
Glass etching

82 May Street
St Peters 2044

Ph: 02 9517 1488

Email, Harredence

http://www.harradence.com.au/

Open full entry

12/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Glass signage restored for the front of the Roxy Cafe, Bingara

Photograph: Signwriter Ryce, applies the finishing touches to one of the glass panels.

It was to be restored glass paneling returning to grace the windows of the Roxy Cafe, but as the old glass was beyond restoration, the windows of the Roxy (Peters) Café now have a faithful reproduction of the original glass.

The work was done by Harradence Glass Decorators, a project Michael Harrington and his team approached with relish. After ascertaining the original colours used, the team then set about making an exact replica of the glass etching.

The old glass has been put into metal frames, and will become part of the display on a wall in the Roxy Museum. The Etched Glass Conservation Project was carried out with major funding support by the NSW Government office of Environment and Heritage, and Gwydir Shire Council.

Download a .pdf copy of this page from the Bingara Advocate, here:

Bingara_November_30_03.pdf

Announcement of original signage grant, Bingara Advocate

On Tuesday 29th November $60,000 worth of etched glass signage was erected on the Roxy Cafe frontage at Bingara. There are only 3 other examples of this type of signage in New South Wales. That is why the Heritage Branch of the Department of Planning, NSW provided a $30,000 grant for this project. This funding was supplemented by a grant of $30,000 from Gwydir Shire Council.

Harradence Glass Decorators

Glass Merchants and Glaziers
Glass etching

82 May Street
St Peters 2044

Ph: 02 9517 1488

Email, Harredence

http://www.harradence.com.au/

Open full entry

12/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Roxy Cafe façade finished

Bingara Advocate, November 30th, 2011, page 3

It was to be restored glass paneling returning to grace the windows of the Roxy Cafe, but as the old glass was beyond restoration, the windows of the Roxy (Peters) Café now have a faithful reproduction of the original glass.

The work was done by Harradence Glass Decorators, a project Michael Harrington and his team approached with relish. After ascertaining the original colours used, the team then set about making an exact replica of the glass etching.

The old glass has been put into metal frames, and will become part of the display on a wall in the Roxy Museum. The Etched Glass Conservation Project was carried out with major funding support by the NSW Government office of Environment and Heritage, and Gwydir Shire Council.

Download a .pdf copy of this page from the Bingara Advocate, here:

Bingara_November_30_03.pdf

Announcement of original signage grant, Bingara Advocate

On Tuesday 29th November $60,000 worth of etched glass signage was erected on the Roxy Cafe frontage at Bingara. There are only 3 other examples of this type of signage in New South Wales. That is why the Heritage Branch of the Department of Planning, NSW provided a $30,000 grant for this project. This funding was supplemented by a grant of $30,000 from Gwydir Shire Council.

Harradence Glass Decorators

Glass Merchants and Glaziers
Glass etching

82 May Street
St Peters 2044

Ph: 02 9517 1488

Email, Harredence

http://www.harradence.com.au/

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12/12/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Current Affairs

Museum final jewel in Roxy’s crown

Northwest Magazine, November 28, 2011, Vol. 39, No. 18, pages 1 & 2

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

ROXY_G28NWM_1&2.pdf

The final chapter in the restoration of Bingara’s iconic Roxy Theatre and Café precinct will soon be realised. NSW Arts capital funding of $94,500 will enable Gwydir Council and community support groups to add the final touch to the restoration with the addition of an upstairs museum commemorating Australian
Greek café culture.

In announcing the funding, Member for Northern Tablelands, Richard Torbay, said the Roxy restoration was one of the finest staged developments in the region. “Sandy McNaughton, the Gwydir Council and community supporters have done a magnificent job of restoring the original Roxy theatre and the adjoining Greek café,” Mr Torbay said.

“This $94,500 grant means plans for the upstairs museum commemorating Australian Greek café culture, particularly in our region, can go ahead. “This has been an ambitious and successful project and it’s great to see it all coming together like this.”

Mr Torbay said the Museum would house memorabilia donated by the Fardouli family in Inverell and other families connected to the Greek cafés which were a feature of almost every country town last century.

Strong support from the Kytherian and Greek communities and good relationships with other museums would also result in other items to display and special exhibitions.

Roxy Manager, Sandy McNaughton said the Museum would become a place of national and international significance that collects, conserves and protects the important cultural associations between people and place.

“It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek café and cinema operators to ensure the impact they made on the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of people is not forgotten,” Ms McNaughton said.

Currently art deco glass designed from the original is being installed in the Roxy café which is expected to be operating early next year.

The original glass which was too fragile to be installed has received special backing and will be on display in the new museum.

The New England Regional Art Museum in Armidale (NERAM) also benefitted under the NSW Arts capital funding getting $31,500 to enable an upgrade of its air conditioning. The upgrade is essential for the preservation of the museum’s nationally significant collections. Mr Torbay said both were major projects to improve arts infrastructure in the region.

Cr John Coulton, Gwydir Shire’s Mayor, welcomed the recent announcement by Minister Souris of the grant.
“The $94,500 will allow council to commence its vision for the facility to become a museum of Greek settlement in country Australia with a focus on New South Wales and Queensland,” Cr Coulton said.

Cr Coulton noted that the development of the museum will allow education to be positioned at the heart of The Roxy Museum’s core activities. The activities offered will be related to the collection and the broader objectives of the museum. A consultative process with the Department of Education and the NSW Board of Studies will be undertaken to ensure the educational programs are strategically focused.

Professional input and expertise will be sought to deliver programs that meet the learning objectives of the participants. He commented that the “educational programs delivered by the Roxy Museum will include lectures, workshops, seminars, special events and interactive displays".

“Teacher’s kits related to school curricula and worksheets will be designed to ensure that participation in an educational program provides a rewarding and enriching experience,” Cr Coulton added.

“Without doubt the Roxy Museum will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural contribution that has made by the immigrant Greek community, especially those of Kytherian heritage,” he concluded.

Open full entry

6/12/2011

Culture, Current Affairs

Diaspora Working Life

The tragedy and the trilogy

Australian Financial Review.

December EDITION, 2011

p. 32

Brook Turner

Photograph: Brothers-in-arms. George Miller (right) with his business partner and collaborator Doug Mitchell

It’s a measure of George Miller’s pulling power that his long-time studio Warner Bros has not only persevered with Mad Max 4: Fury Road, but pumped additional millions into a budget, initially reported at $100 million, to allow it to transfer to the Namibian desert, where it will begin shooting in April next year.

So, too, is the fact that Screen Australia has invoked the ‘Gallipoli clause’ – named for the 1981 World War I film that was shot partly on location in Egypt – to allow the film to still qualify as Australian for the purposes of the 40 per cent producer tax rebate that has single-handedly sustained the local film production industry.

Warner Bros gave Fury Road the go-ahead to shoot in Broken Hill in September 2010, 25 years after the last film in the series, Beyond Thunderdome. Then it rained and the desert blossomed. Pictures pinned to the walls of the ‘Fury Road meeting room’ at Miller’s Dr D studio show the desert around the lone pub, familiar from a thousand TV commercials, buried under a coral garden of brilliantly coloured flowers, alongside shots of some of Africa’s more extravagantly weird tribal people and a suite of swirling sunset-coloured sets straight off the side of a 1970s panel van.

“Happy Feet Two was made here because we live here and we want to make our lives here: the last thing we want to do is not make Mad Max here,” says Miller. “I seriously had to think about whether I wanted to disrupt my life and my family’s . . . it still weighs heavily. We were out at Broken Hill with a huge number of massive vehicles – they were built and parked for almost a year there. Some of them are back here, in secret locations not far from here. A full Australian crew picks up and goes there to shoot the desert scenes, and comes back here to do other scenes, then all the post-production and digital work is done here.”

As for the final size of the budget, “it’s confidential but it’s massive”, Doug Mitchell says. “Because the studio has so much money on the table, they did bravely step up their exposure. If you’re talking about a big film, an action film, find a budget that’s big and it’s that.”

So what’s a big budget for an action franchise these days? “If it’s above $100 million it’s a big budget,” says Mitchell. “This is a bigger budget. People have speculated around $200 million [which] I’d neither deny nor confirm. It’s a massive film.”

But not as massive as it may get. If Happy Feet Two fares as well as its predecessor, which took just under $US200 million according to Box Office Mojo, “there’s every expectation Happy Feet Three might be possible,” says Mitchell. That pales beside the potential of Mad Max. Because Miller has, in fact, written a whole new trilogy. “We started with [Fury Road], but we then started to do a second story and a third,” he says. “We’ve written the script for the second and almost finished the third. We never intended to, they were part of the exploration of the characters.”

The punchline is that “they’ll all come back to Australia,” says Mitchell. “So if we can bring a film from a different era alive again, there’s a huge amount of work for a lot of people.”


AFR Magazine

Open full entry

6/12/2011

Photos, Diaspora Working Life

Life Stories

The tragedy and the trilogy

Australian Financial Review.

December EDITION, 2011

p. 32

Brook Turner

[[picture:"Miller George & Mitchell Doug.jpg" ID:19580]]

Brothers-in-arms. George Miller (right) with his business partner and collaborator Doug Mitchell

It’s a measure of George Miller’s pulling power that his long-time studio Warner Bros has not only persevered with Mad Max 4: Fury Road, but pumped additional millions into a budget, initially reported at $100 million, to allow it to transfer to the Namibian desert, where it will begin shooting in April next year.

So, too, is the fact that Screen Australia has invoked the ‘Gallipoli clause’ – named for the 1981 World War I film that was shot partly on location in Egypt – to allow the film to still qualify as Australian for the purposes of the 40 per cent producer tax rebate that has single-handedly sustained the local film production industry.

Warner Bros gave Fury Road the go-ahead to shoot in Broken Hill in September 2010, 25 years after the last film in the series, Beyond Thunderdome. Then it rained and the desert blossomed. Pictures pinned to the walls of the ‘Fury Road meeting room’ at Miller’s Dr D studio show the desert around the lone pub, familiar from a thousand TV commercials, buried under a coral garden of brilliantly coloured flowers, alongside shots of some of Africa’s more extravagantly weird tribal people and a suite of swirling sunset-coloured sets straight off the side of a 1970s panel van.

“Happy Feet Two was made here because we live here and we want to make our lives here: the last thing we want to do is not make Mad Max here,” says Miller. “I seriously had to think about whether I wanted to disrupt my life and my family’s . . . it still weighs heavily. We were out at Broken Hill with a huge number of massive vehicles – they were built and parked for almost a year there. Some of them are back here, in secret locations not far from here. A full Australian crew picks up and goes there to shoot the desert scenes, and comes back here to do other scenes, then all the post-production and digital work is done here.”

As for the final size of the budget, “it’s confidential but it’s massive”, Doug Mitchell says. “Because the studio has so much money on the table, they did bravely step up their exposure. If you’re talking about a big film, an action film, find a budget that’s big and it’s that.”

So what’s a big budget for an action franchise these days? “If it’s above $100 million it’s a big budget,” says Mitchell. “This is a bigger budget. People have speculated around $200 million [which] I’d neither deny nor confirm. It’s a massive film.”

But not as massive as it may get. If Happy Feet Two fares as well as its predecessor, which took just under $US200 million according to Box Office Mojo, “there’s every expectation Happy Feet Three might be possible,” says Mitchell. That pales beside the potential of Mad Max. Because Miller has, in fact, written a whole new trilogy. “We started with [Fury Road], but we then started to do a second story and a third,” he says. “We’ve written the script for the second and almost finished the third. We never intended to, they were part of the exploration of the characters.”

The punchline is that “they’ll all come back to Australia,” says Mitchell. “So if we can bring a film from a different era alive again, there’s a huge amount of work for a lot of people.”


AFR Magazine

Open full entry

6/12/2011

People, Life Stories

Diaspora Working Life

George Millers new script

Australian Financial Review.

December EDITION, 2011

pp. 1, & 28-34

Brook Turner

Photograph: Dr D studios at Sydney’s CarriageWorks, Redfern, Sydney. Photo by Nic Walker

Millers Crossing

Four years after reaching the pinnacle of his pfofession, George Miller has embarked on a whole new game.

As Brook Turner writes, it's one that has profound implications for the future of filmaking, not least in Australia

Sydney, Mid-October and summer has arrived in a day. By 10am, the skies have stormed and cleared, the bitumen steaming, the air drinkable. Not that you’d know to look at George Miller, a woollen scarf around his neck, tucked into a huge leather bomber jacket as he slumps in a chair at his Dr D Studios in Sydney’s CarriageWorks.

Gone is the trademark chilli shirt, adopted years back because it meant one thing less to decide each day. It’s four years since his last major roll of the dice, the penguin musical Happy Feet, which took out the Oscar and confirmed him at the pinnacle of his profession; six weeks before its sequel Happy Feet Two, opens in the US as Warner Bros tent-pole hope for the Thanksgiving weekend.

Miller has been the prototype of all his blue-eyed heroes, from Mad Max to the penguin Mumble, his landscapes always interior. “It’s almost embarrassing,” he says. “I live way too much in my head.”

Right now he is dressed for Antarctica. Or one last aerial raid. “At this point you’re always on a war footing,” he says. “When I made my first film, Mad Max, I was constantly bewildered, it felt so chaotic. I remember Peter Weir telling me a film was like a battle zone, and it’s true: you have to be alert, resilient, prepared for anything. There are lots of stumbling blocks along the way, but you have to prevail.”

Around him, out in the cavernous halls of what he calls ‘Penguin Prison’ (“but I’ll be on parole soon” ), geeks sit in the gloom adding feathers to bird carcases onscreen. They are the survivors of a workforce that peaked mid-August at 670. Pretty soon, however, even the stragglers will be gone. Some will be picked off by the the talent scouts who have already flown in from the northern hemisphere, while their handiwork flies north to lift (or not) the Warner Bros big top on a crucial US weekend.

The rest, the 50 or 60 on the longer-term contracts, will be made redundant within weeks. It’s the latest setback in a story that dates back to when George Miller last spoke to The Australian Financial Review Magazine in 2007. Back then, Miller deplored the creative brain drain under way, not least the computer-generated-imagery (CGI) talent he helped develop on Happy Feet, then watched disappear offshore to work on other international projects.

In the intervening years a director who has always kept Hollywood at arm’s length has done something about it, opening Dr D three years ago with his partner, Doug Mitchell, and Omnilab Media Group, to handle Happy Feet Two, their next project, Mad Max 4: Fury Road, and other animated-feature projects down the line. Even with most of the staff gone in mid-October, it’s a true Tardis of an operation. Outside the punters stream past from the Saturday growers market, eyes down as they navigate the puddles, oblivious to the dream factory lurking behind Dr D’s heritage facade.

Inside it’s day for night. Old rail carriages have been repurposed as offices. A single frame of a dancing penguin is frozen onscreen in the empty in-house cinema. The place is so big it requires its own generator, the sheer number of departments you pass through – art, animation, surfacing, stereo (3D), digital-crowd – an indication of the complexity of a project in the final fortnight of an extraordinary two-year production. In the middle of the main warehouse, the now deserted motion-capture stage faces what is effectively the bridge of this ship: a suite of demountables that serve as HQ for Miller and Mitchell, though they prefer to be interviewed in the ‘Fury Road meeting room’, a roofless cubby at one end of the hall, lidded in blackout fabric so it cannot be seen – worse, photographed – from the walkways above.

That is because their next Warner Bros-funded adventure, the most anticipated film of Miller’s career and the one he has fought longest and hardest to make – the one, too, on which this particular dream palace is about to founder, it transpires – is storyboarded around the walls in hand-drawn cells.

The Fury Road room is actually more a cubby within a cubby, given Dr D itself is just the largest and latest of the playhouses Miller has been building all his life, from Mad Max 2’s desert outpost to Beyond Thunderdome’s Bartertown, or the forts and tree houses that he and his brothers built as part of what he calls “an invisible apprenticeship in play” in Chinchilla on the edge of Queensland’s Darling Downs.

Problem is, this particular version was conceived in the good old days – pre-GFC, before a levitating Australian dollar and unseasonal rains in the NSW outback – as Miller’s answer to the mini-Hollywood Peter Jackson had conjured across the ditch in New Zealand, which has pumped out everything from James Cameron’s Avatar to his Hobbit films and Steven Spielberg and Jackson’s new blockbuster Tintin.

Dr D’s original ambitious scale was premised on handling at least a couple of major projects simultaneously. And, as anyone who’s cast an eye in the direction of the Australian film industry lately knows, that premise no longer pertains. The dollar’s impact on big-budget foreign-film production in Australia was confirmed by the annual production report Screen Australia issued in October, with no major foreign films shooting here for the first time in decades and even local features down almost 70 per cent in the last financial year to $88 million, from $400 million two years ago.

But even that isn’t Dr D’s essential problem. The studio was established to handle Miller’s creative projects. The workflow issue it faces is his rather than the broader industry’s. Fury Road was to shoot in Broken Hill in September last year, then April 2011, but heavy rain had turned the desert into a flower garden and the water table stubbornly refused to drop. The film will now shoot in Namibia from April (see box, p.32) with additional filming and post-production back in Australia. With Happy Feet Two poised to finish production when we speak, Dr D faces a reckoning familiar to boa constrictors: without decent-sized prey in view, it is about to shrink much as it grew, on the films it swallowed.

Not only is Max not ready, those headaches have “diluted” Miller and Mitchell’s “creative overview of other animated projects”, Doug Mitchell says, including what Miller refers to as “the most ambitious thing we’ve done”, a new animated bear film, Fur Brigade. That has meant a rethink of the Omnilab joint venture. Not that Miller’s latest and greatest cubby will necessarily cease to exist. At the time of writing, Miller and Mitchell were keen to continue on their own account with some restructured version – possibly renamed ‘Dr G’. And they could see a critical mass of work going begging that would sustain it between major films.

Mitchell is the latest in Miller’s long line of fraternal collaborators, from his actual twin John and brother Bill – his co-producer on everything from the Babe films to Happy Feet – to the late Byron Kennedy, with whom he founded Kennedy Miller in 1973. An accountant by training, Mitchell joined Kennedy Miller nearly three decades ago, becoming so central to its fortunes that it was renamed Kennedy Miller Mitchell four years ago. “It’s definitely part of the twin thing,” Miller says. “We’re brothers in arms.”

Six months prior the pair embarked on a concerted, behind-the-scenes campaign to persuade the federal government to extend the 40 per cent Australian producer tax rebate introduced in 2007, which has significantly mitigated the impact of the foreign production downturn by allowing star Australian directors such as Miller, Baz Luhrmann (The Great Gatsby) and Alex Proyas (Paradise Lost) to bring big-budget, foreign-studio-funded projects to Australia. So much so that Screen Australia estimates production will almost return to 2009’s $350 million, when the likes of Gatsby and Paradise Lost are counted.

Miller and Mitchell want that offset extended to cover what are still quaintly referred to as video games. But if that sounds minor, it’s not. Because by video games they mean the whole interactive entertainment industry, which they suspect may yet prove the salvation of not only Dr D, but Australia in the fast-converging game of 21st century storytelling.

It’s a punchline Miller has been working towards for years. When he spoke to the Financial Review Magazine four years ago, he had just joined Hollywood's biggest agency, Creative Artists, for some heavy Hollywood help in understanding the way “the storytelling of games and the storytelling of cinema [were] converging”. Since then, “what everyone predicted would happen has happened,” he says. “This fantastic convergence, but to an astonishing degree, and much more rapidly than people had imagined.”

Which is why immediate action is required. Filmmaking has reached a tipping point, he says. Distinctions between platforms or genres no longer make sense, with a film’s release windows – cinema, DVD, download, even game – ever shorter stops on a single trajectory. “Multi-platform, that’s the thing,” says Miller. “Create once; publish many times, on multiple platforms. You create a world and then you go in to all the different platforms – your iPhone, your iPad, on the net . . .

“At the same time, animators are moving to live action and vice versa. I tend to conflate digital animation with the game world, but Pixar’s Brad Bird – who did [acclaimed animated features] The Incredibles, Ratatouille – just made [the Tom Cruise live-action film] Mission: Impossible IV, and Andrew Stanton, who did Finding Nemo and WALL-E, has just done his first live-action film, while Spielberg and Jackson have just moved into animation with Tintin. The result is that there are more roads leading in to the intersection, and they’re cross-fertilising much more rapidly than one might have predicted.” (The moment is commemorated within a fortnight of our interview in a Time cover devoted to Spielberg’s 30-year wait for the motion-capture technology to finally allow him to film Hergé’s classic comic strip).

The problem is that, unlike Jackson, Miller and Mitchell don’t have a compliant government to rush through emergency legislation, as the NZ Parliament did last October, amending employment laws to ensure the Hobbit films were made there. Not that federal arts minister Simon Crean, at work on his big, new cultural policy, hasn’t taken them seriously. “Simon’s popped in several times over the last six months,” Mitchell says, including a day spent watching Dr D at work. “And we’ve also had Kevin Tsujihara [president, Warner Bros Home Entertainment] visit Australia and meet Screen Australia. Simon has definitely understood it, and he’s discussing it with the treasury. And they get the point, but given the budget situation, it’s difficult to persuade treasury.”

Film-production incentives need to keep pace to capitalise on what Miller calls “an enormous opportunity for Australia”. As he sees it, potentially exponential shifts lurk in the cross-fertilisation of those previously distinct genres, platforms and formats. TV has long been hailed as the new film, the medium of choice for high-concept, long-form storytelling from The Sopranos to Mad Men. Now games, too, have turned filmic (and vice versa if you look at films like 300).

The examplar is LA Noire, the game developed by Australia’s Team Bondi using MotionScan to capture actors' performances, including hyper-real facial expressions, for New York-based Rockstar Games, home of Grand Theft Auto. Set in the 1940s Los Angeles of LA Confidential, but with multiple digressive story lines, LA Noire became the first video game to premiere at a film festival – Robert De Niro’s Tribeca Film Festival, no less – in April.

The Guardian’s perfect-score review is symptomatic of the fairly stunned reaction: “Ever since it first worked out how to assemble pixels so that they resembled something more recognisable than aliens, the game industry has dreamed of creating one thing above all else – a game that is indisting-uishable from a film, except that you can control the lead character. With LA Noire, it just might, finally, have found the embodiment of that particular holy grail.”

Not that that helped Team Bondi. Like filmmakers, local video-game makers had thrived for a decade while the dollar was low, and were decimated as it rose, Mitchell says, unable to compete with Canada, which offers a 40 per cent rebate for games, and Ireland, which recently introduced similar measures. Team Bondi got into difficulties as LA Noire emerged, as did Brisbane-based Krome, which Mitchell says had offices in Melbourne and Adelaide and employed 400 people at its peak, and was several million dollars into working on the game of Happy Feet Two at the time.

It was Krome’s travails that initially led to the formation of Kennedy Miller Mitchell Interactive, with Krome maintaining its Brisbane office. Since then they’ve “taken the risk and absorbed not only the Krome team but Team Bondi’s last standing warriors,” says Mitchell. “There’s never enough critical mass in this country to keep going,” adds Miller. “What’s fascinating, though, is that Team Bondi immediately went to work on Happy Feet Two. People can move from a game to a movie and be completely at home, because it’s the same skills, process – the same game.”

Which is why, after resisting the impulse for years, and watching imitators clean up, Miller is now finally going to make Mad Max, the game. Backed by Warner Bros, the game version of Fury Road was to be made in Sweden, until Miller saw what Team Bondi could do. He has also acquired the rights to Team Bondi founder Brendan McNamara’s next game, Whore Of The Orient.

“With the government’s support we can immediately go forward with two games,” says Mitchell. “Warner Bros is standing by, willing to do Fury Road; the incentive would bring it back here in a New York minute. It’s not immediately obvious but the potential in the video games sector is massive. Just from the statistics people are showing me, it’s a $60 billion industry fast-tracking towards $90 billion. And it’s not dominated by any particular country. Films are very expensive, so studios . . . are making drastically fewer of them, but much higher quality, and they invest in sequels, because they know that they’ve got an opening which they don’t have to buy with their marketing dollars as aggressively.

“They’ll make 10 films where they used to make 20. So, instead, people are drifting to game acquisition because of the budgets. The cost of a film may be $170 million – twice that to market it – whereas the basic cost of making a game might be 10 per cent of that. Look at LA Noire, they sold about 3 million units in a week, about $US135 million ($130 million) net revenue, off a cost base which was infinitely lower than even your average low-budget film.”

That will inevitably change how films are made. “There are technologies they have to develop in games because things need to happen more quickly in a game,” Miller says. “Those are going to speed up digital filmmaking and television way more, because they’re obliged to do it if they want things to look as real as possible and happen in real time. And that’s really pushing things – so that instead of years to make an animation film, that time could collapse.” Adds Mitchell: “Video games will end up the engines to distil TV episodes, movies, and generally move stuff very quickly in a much more cost-effective way, back out and deliver almost instantly to situations where you’re buying it online.”

But that’s just the business case. Characteristically it is the storytelling possibilities that have really seized Miller’s imagination. His apparently disparate oeuvre, with no film resembling its predecessor, has always been about finding fresh, compelling ways to entice punters into cinemas to watch essentially archetypal heroes’ journeys, from Mad Max and Lorenzo’s Oil to the cutting-edge animatronics that allowed him to film Babe a decade after he read the book; CGI with Happy Feet and now 3D with Happy Feet Two.

Each time, a technological breakthrough enabled a story to be told in a new way, providing a point of difference, a selling point. Games potentially represent the next quantum leap, he says. “It’s four-dimensional storytelling. A game can literally become the equivalent of a novel. That is the thing that people like me who write screenplays envy about novelists: that you can actually stop time and explore little cul de sacs. Whereas in a movie, you’d love to stop and examine that character, but you can’t. You’re on a rail . . . and if you talk to Brendan [McNamara], who is the brilliant mind behind this, it’s all the same issues as film. Instead of writing a 100-page screenplay, he wrote a 2800-page screenplay. But it’s the same dialogue, acting, blocking, wardrobe, costume, lighting, vehicle simulations. It’s a movie that’s played interactively at home.”

Which leaves Miller at yet another interesting juncture. Happy Feet Two won’t materially affect his future: Warner Bros long ago gave Fury Road the green light; indeed the studio has supported its darling through hell and high water – literally. Nor does the old saying that “you’re only as good as your last work” apply as much in the film world. “If you have one success, one conspicuous success, it allows you about three failures before people start to question your efficacy,” Miller says. “I don’t know how Happy Feet Two is going to perform; no one does,” he says.

“But the great attraction of sequels is it gives you a chance to do it better. What makes me quite relaxed at the moment is I know we’ve made a better film than the first one. There’s no question this film is significantly better in virtually every dimension. And that makes me feel, well, at least I’m progressing. It’s incredibly tempting to just phone it in, to say, well, let’s just cash in. That’s absolutely not what drives me.”

So what, at 66, is it that makes him trade Penguin Prison for the Namibian desert and whatever work camp comes next. “Curiosity,” he says. “To work with this new media, it’s like Br’er Rabbit in the briar patch. It’s just so exciting.

“At my age, the saddest thing to me is that I’ve got way more stories than I’ll ever have time to tell. I somehow thought my imagination would plateau. It might mean that I’m in early dementia, but my imagination is way more fervent than it was, and it stands to reason. I’ve been doing this since I was a little kid. My imaginative powers are probably the most muscular part of myself.”

Open full entry

6/12/2011

Photos, Diaspora Working Life

Life Stories

George Miller’s new script

Australian Financial Review.

December EDITION, 2011

pp. 1 & 28-34

Brook Turner

[[picture:"Dr D studios at Sydney's CarriageWorks Photo Nic Walker.jpg" ID:19578]]

Dr D studios at Sydney’s CarriageWorks, Redfern, Sydney. Photo by Nic Walker

Millers Crossing

Four years after reaching the pinnacle of his pfofession, George Miller has embarked on a whole new game.

As Brook Turner writes, it's one that has profound implications for the future of filmaking, not least in Australia

Sydney, Mid-October and summer has arrived in a day. By 10am, the skies have stormed and cleared, the bitumen steaming, the air drinkable. Not that you’d know to look at George Miller, a woollen scarf around his neck, tucked into a huge leather bomber jacket as he slumps in a chair at his Dr D Studios in Sydney’s CarriageWorks.

Gone is the trademark chilli shirt, adopted years back because it meant one thing less to decide each day. It’s four years since his last major roll of the dice, the penguin musical Happy Feet, which took out the Oscar and confirmed him at the pinnacle of his profession; six weeks before its sequel Happy Feet Two, opens in the US as Warner Bros tent-pole hope for the Thanksgiving weekend.

Miller has been the prototype of all his blue-eyed heroes, from Mad Max to the penguin Mumble, his landscapes always interior. “It’s almost embarrassing,” he says. “I live way too much in my head.”

Right now he is dressed for Antarctica. Or one last aerial raid. “At this point you’re always on a war footing,” he says. “When I made my first film, Mad Max, I was constantly bewildered, it felt so chaotic. I remember Peter Weir telling me a film was like a battle zone, and it’s true: you have to be alert, resilient, prepared for anything. There are lots of stumbling blocks along the way, but you have to prevail.”

Around him, out in the cavernous halls of what he calls ‘Penguin Prison’ (“but I’ll be on parole soon” ), geeks sit in the gloom adding feathers to bird carcases onscreen. They are the survivors of a workforce that peaked mid-August at 670. Pretty soon, however, even the stragglers will be gone. Some will be picked off by the the talent scouts who have already flown in from the northern hemisphere, while their handiwork flies north to lift (or not) the Warner Bros big top on a crucial US weekend.

The rest, the 50 or 60 on the longer-term contracts, will be made redundant within weeks. It’s the latest setback in a story that dates back to when George Miller last spoke to The Australian Financial Review Magazine in 2007. Back then, Miller deplored the creative brain drain under way, not least the computer-generated-imagery (CGI) talent he helped develop on Happy Feet, then watched disappear offshore to work on other international projects.

In the intervening years a director who has always kept Hollywood at arm’s length has done something about it, opening Dr D three years ago with his partner, Doug Mitchell, and Omnilab Media Group, to handle Happy Feet Two, their next project, Mad Max 4: Fury Road, and other animated-feature projects down the line. Even with most of the staff gone in mid-October, it’s a true Tardis of an operation. Outside the punters stream past from the Saturday growers market, eyes down as they navigate the puddles, oblivious to the dream factory lurking behind Dr D’s heritage facade.

Inside it’s day for night. Old rail carriages have been repurposed as offices. A single frame of a dancing penguin is frozen onscreen in the empty in-house cinema. The place is so big it requires its own generator, the sheer number of departments you pass through – art, animation, surfacing, stereo (3D), digital-crowd – an indication of the complexity of a project in the final fortnight of an extraordinary two-year production. In the middle of the main warehouse, the now deserted motion-capture stage faces what is effectively the bridge of this ship: a suite of demountables that serve as HQ for Miller and Mitchell, though they prefer to be interviewed in the ‘Fury Road meeting room’, a roofless cubby at one end of the hall, lidded in blackout fabric so it cannot be seen – worse, photographed – from the walkways above.

That is because their next Warner Bros-funded adventure, the most anticipated film of Miller’s career and the one he has fought longest and hardest to make – the one, too, on which this particular dream palace is about to founder, it transpires – is storyboarded around the walls in hand-drawn cells.

The Fury Road room is actually more a cubby within a cubby, given Dr D itself is just the largest and latest of the playhouses Miller has been building all his life, from Mad Max 2’s desert outpost to Beyond Thunderdome’s Bartertown, or the forts and tree houses that he and his brothers built as part of what he calls “an invisible apprenticeship in play” in Chinchilla on the edge of Queensland’s Darling Downs.

Problem is, this particular version was conceived in the good old days – pre-GFC, before a levitating Australian dollar and unseasonal rains in the NSW outback – as Miller’s answer to the mini-Hollywood Peter Jackson had conjured across the ditch in New Zealand, which has pumped out everything from James Cameron’s Avatar to his Hobbit films and Steven Spielberg and Jackson’s new blockbuster Tintin.

Dr D’s original ambitious scale was premised on handling at least a couple of major projects simultaneously. And, as anyone who’s cast an eye in the direction of the Australian film industry lately knows, that premise no longer pertains. The dollar’s impact on big-budget foreign-film production in Australia was confirmed by the annual production report Screen Australia issued in October, with no major foreign films shooting here for the first time in decades and even local features down almost 70 per cent in the last financial year to $88 million, from $400 million two years ago.

But even that isn’t Dr D’s essential problem. The studio was established to handle Miller’s creative projects. The workflow issue it faces is his rather than the broader industry’s. Fury Road was to shoot in Broken Hill in September last year, then April 2011, but heavy rain had turned the desert into a flower garden and the water table stubbornly refused to drop. The film will now shoot in Namibia from April (see box, p.32) with additional filming and post-production back in Australia. With Happy Feet Two poised to finish production when we speak, Dr D faces a reckoning familiar to boa constrictors: without decent-sized prey in view, it is about to shrink much as it grew, on the films it swallowed.

Not only is Max not ready, those headaches have “diluted” Miller and Mitchell’s “creative overview of other animated projects”, Doug Mitchell says, including what Miller refers to as “the most ambitious thing we’ve done”, a new animated bear film, Fur Brigade. That has meant a rethink of the Omnilab joint venture. Not that Miller’s latest and greatest cubby will necessarily cease to exist. At the time of writing, Miller and Mitchell were keen to continue on their own account with some restructured version – possibly renamed ‘Dr G’. And they could see a critical mass of work going begging that would sustain it between major films.

Mitchell is the latest in Miller’s long line of fraternal collaborators, from his actual twin John and brother Bill – his co-producer on everything from the Babe films to Happy Feet – to the late Byron Kennedy, with whom he founded Kennedy Miller in 1973. An accountant by training, Mitchell joined Kennedy Miller nearly three decades ago, becoming so central to its fortunes that it was renamed Kennedy Miller Mitchell four years ago. “It’s definitely part of the twin thing,” Miller says. “We’re brothers in arms.”

Six months prior the pair embarked on a concerted, behind-the-scenes campaign to persuade the federal government to extend the 40 per cent Australian producer tax rebate introduced in 2007, which has significantly mitigated the impact of the foreign production downturn by allowing star Australian directors such as Miller, Baz Luhrmann (The Great Gatsby) and Alex Proyas (Paradise Lost) to bring big-budget, foreign-studio-funded projects to Australia. So much so that Screen Australia estimates production will almost return to 2009’s $350 million, when the likes of Gatsby and Paradise Lost are counted.

Miller and Mitchell want that offset extended to cover what are still quaintly referred to as video games. But if that sounds minor, it’s not. Because by video games they mean the whole interactive entertainment industry, which they suspect may yet prove the salvation of not only Dr D, but Australia in the fast-converging game of 21st century storytelling.

It’s a punchline Miller has been working towards for years. When he spoke to the Financial Review Magazine four years ago, he had just joined Hollywood's biggest agency, Creative Artists, for some heavy Hollywood help in understanding the way “the storytelling of games and the storytelling of cinema [were] converging”. Since then, “what everyone predicted would happen has happened,” he says. “This fantastic convergence, but to an astonishing degree, and much more rapidly than people had imagined.”

Which is why immediate action is required. Filmmaking has reached a tipping point, he says. Distinctions between platforms or genres no longer make sense, with a film’s release windows – cinema, DVD, download, even game – ever shorter stops on a single trajectory. “Multi-platform, that’s the thing,” says Miller. “Create once; publish many times, on multiple platforms. You create a world and then you go in to all the different platforms – your iPhone, your iPad, on the net . . .

“At the same time, animators are moving to live action and vice versa. I tend to conflate digital animation with the game world, but Pixar’s Brad Bird – who did [acclaimed animated features] The Incredibles, Ratatouille – just made [the Tom Cruise live-action film] Mission: Impossible IV, and Andrew Stanton, who did Finding Nemo and WALL-E, has just done his first live-action film, while Spielberg and Jackson have just moved into animation with Tintin. The result is that there are more roads leading in to the intersection, and they’re cross-fertilising much more rapidly than one might have predicted.” (The moment is commemorated within a fortnight of our interview in a Time cover devoted to Spielberg’s 30-year wait for the motion-capture technology to finally allow him to film Hergé’s classic comic strip).

The problem is that, unlike Jackson, Miller and Mitchell don’t have a compliant government to rush through emergency legislation, as the NZ Parliament did last October, amending employment laws to ensure the Hobbit films were made there. Not that federal arts minister Simon Crean, at work on his big, new cultural policy, hasn’t taken them seriously. “Simon’s popped in several times over the last six months,” Mitchell says, including a day spent watching Dr D at work. “And we’ve also had Kevin Tsujihara [president, Warner Bros Home Entertainment] visit Australia and meet Screen Australia. Simon has definitely understood it, and he’s discussing it with the treasury. And they get the point, but given the budget situation, it’s difficult to persuade treasury.”

Film-production incentives need to keep pace to capitalise on what Miller calls “an enormous opportunity for Australia”. As he sees it, potentially exponential shifts lurk in the cross-fertilisation of those previously distinct genres, platforms and formats. TV has long been hailed as the new film, the medium of choice for high-concept, long-form storytelling from The Sopranos to Mad Men. Now games, too, have turned filmic (and vice versa if you look at films like 300).

The examplar is LA Noire, the game developed by Australia’s Team Bondi using MotionScan to capture actors' performances, including hyper-real facial expressions, for New York-based Rockstar Games, home of Grand Theft Auto. Set in the 1940s Los Angeles of LA Confidential, but with multiple digressive story lines, LA Noire became the first video game to premiere at a film festival – Robert De Niro’s Tribeca Film Festival, no less – in April.

The Guardian’s perfect-score review is symptomatic of the fairly stunned reaction: “Ever since it first worked out how to assemble pixels so that they resembled something more recognisable than aliens, the game industry has dreamed of creating one thing above all else – a game that is indisting-uishable from a film, except that you can control the lead character. With LA Noire, it just might, finally, have found the embodiment of that particular holy grail.”

Not that that helped Team Bondi. Like filmmakers, local video-game makers had thrived for a decade while the dollar was low, and were decimated as it rose, Mitchell says, unable to compete with Canada, which offers a 40 per cent rebate for games, and Ireland, which recently introduced similar measures. Team Bondi got into difficulties as LA Noire emerged, as did Brisbane-based Krome, which Mitchell says had offices in Melbourne and Adelaide and employed 400 people at its peak, and was several million dollars into working on the game of Happy Feet Two at the time.

It was Krome’s travails that initially led to the formation of Kennedy Miller Mitchell Interactive, with Krome maintaining its Brisbane office. Since then they’ve “taken the risk and absorbed not only the Krome team but Team Bondi’s last standing warriors,” says Mitchell. “There’s never enough critical mass in this country to keep going,” adds Miller. “What’s fascinating, though, is that Team Bondi immediately went to work on Happy Feet Two. People can move from a game to a movie and be completely at home, because it’s the same skills, process – the same game.”

Which is why, after resisting the impulse for years, and watching imitators clean up, Miller is now finally going to make Mad Max, the game. Backed by Warner Bros, the game version of Fury Road was to be made in Sweden, until Miller saw what Team Bondi could do. He has also acquired the rights to Team Bondi founder Brendan McNamara’s next game, Whore Of The Orient.

“With the government’s support we can immediately go forward with two games,” says Mitchell. “Warner Bros is standing by, willing to do Fury Road; the incentive would bring it back here in a New York minute. It’s not immediately obvious but the potential in the video games sector is massive. Just from the statistics people are showing me, it’s a $60 billion industry fast-tracking towards $90 billion. And it’s not dominated by any particular country. Films are very expensive, so studios . . . are making drastically fewer of them, but much higher quality, and they invest in sequels, because they know that they’ve got an opening which they don’t have to buy with their marketing dollars as aggressively.

“They’ll make 10 films where they used to make 20. So, instead, people are drifting to game acquisition because of the budgets. The cost of a film may be $170 million – twice that to market it – whereas the basic cost of making a game might be 10 per cent of that. Look at LA Noire, they sold about 3 million units in a week, about $US135 million ($130 million) net revenue, off a cost base which was infinitely lower than even your average low-budget film.”

That will inevitably change how films are made. “There are technologies they have to develop in games because things need to happen more quickly in a game,” Miller says. “Those are going to speed up digital filmmaking and television way more, because they’re obliged to do it if they want things to look as real as possible and happen in real time. And that’s really pushing things – so that instead of years to make an animation film, that time could collapse.” Adds Mitchell: “Video games will end up the engines to distil TV episodes, movies, and generally move stuff very quickly in a much more cost-effective way, back out and deliver almost instantly to situations where you’re buying it online.”

But that’s just the business case. Characteristically it is the storytelling possibilities that have really seized Miller’s imagination. His apparently disparate oeuvre, with no film resembling its predecessor, has always been about finding fresh, compelling ways to entice punters into cinemas to watch essentially archetypal heroes’ journeys, from Mad Max and Lorenzo’s Oil to the cutting-edge animatronics that allowed him to film Babe a decade after he read the book; CGI with Happy Feet and now 3D with Happy Feet Two.

Each time, a technological breakthrough enabled a story to be told in a new way, providing a point of difference, a selling point. Games potentially represent the next quantum leap, he says. “It’s four-dimensional storytelling. A game can literally become the equivalent of a novel. That is the thing that people like me who write screenplays envy about novelists: that you can actually stop time and explore little cul de sacs. Whereas in a movie, you’d love to stop and examine that character, but you can’t. You’re on a rail . . . and if you talk to Brendan [McNamara], who is the brilliant mind behind this, it’s all the same issues as film. Instead of writing a 100-page screenplay, he wrote a 2800-page screenplay. But it’s the same dialogue, acting, blocking, wardrobe, costume, lighting, vehicle simulations. It’s a movie that’s played interactively at home.”

Which leaves Miller at yet another interesting juncture. Happy Feet Two won’t materially affect his future: Warner Bros long ago gave Fury Road the green light; indeed the studio has supported its darling through hell and high water – literally. Nor does the old saying that “you’re only as good as your last work” apply as much in the film world. “If you have one success, one conspicuous success, it allows you about three failures before people start to question your efficacy,” Miller says. “I don’t know how Happy Feet Two is going to perform; no one does,” he says.

“But the great attraction of sequels is it gives you a chance to do it better. What makes me quite relaxed at the moment is I know we’ve made a better film than the first one. There’s no question this film is significantly better in virtually every dimension. And that makes me feel, well, at least I’m progressing. It’s incredibly tempting to just phone it in, to say, well, let’s just cash in. That’s absolutely not what drives me.”

So what, at 66, is it that makes him trade Penguin Prison for the Namibian desert and whatever work camp comes next. “Curiosity,” he says. “To work with this new media, it’s like Br’er Rabbit in the briar patch. It’s just so exciting.

“At my age, the saddest thing to me is that I’ve got way more stories than I’ll ever have time to tell. I somehow thought my imagination would plateau. It might mean that I’m in early dementia, but my imagination is way more fervent than it was, and it stands to reason. I’ve been doing this since I was a little kid. My imaginative powers are probably the most muscular part of myself.”

Open full entry

6/12/2011

People, Life Stories

Current Affairs

Media Release, the Honarable Richard Torbay MP, Roxy Museum and NERAM funding

Hon Richard Torbay MP,
Member for Northern Tablelands

Media Release

22.11.11

Roxy Museum and NERAM share $126,000 capital funding

Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay has welcomed NSW Arts capital funding $126,000 to establish a Greek Museum at the Roxy in Bingara and to upgrade air conditioning at the New England Regional Art Museum in Armidale (NERAM).

He said both were major projects to improve arts infrastructure in the local region.

“NERAM houses nationally significant collections and this $31,500 to upgrade the air conditioning system is essential for their preservation,” Mr Torbay said.

He said the Roxy restoration was one of the finest staged developments in the region.

“Sandy McNaughton, the Gwydir Council and community supporters have done a magnificent job of restoring the original Roxy theatre and the adjoining Greek café,” he said.

“This $94,500 grant means the plans for the upstairs museum commemorating Australian Greek café culture, particularly in our region, can go ahead.

“This has been an ambitious and successful project and it’s great to see it all coming together like this.”

Mr Torbay said the Museum would house memorabilia donated by the Fardouli family in Inverell and other families connected to the Greek cafes which were a feature of almost every country town last century.

Strong support from the Kytherian and Greek communities and good relationships with other museums would also result in other items to display and special exhibitions.

Currently art deco glass designed from the original is being installed in the Roxy café which is expected to be operating early next year.

The original glass which was too fragile to be installed has received special backing and will be on display in the new museum.

Further information Richard Torbay (02) 6772 5552 / 0427635029

Open full entry

28/11/2011

Culture, Current Affairs

Diaspora Working Life

Snow Business

Sydney Morning Herald

Garry Maddox

November 19, 2011

Photograph: Cold feet ... (from left) Bo, Erik and Atticus were created for Happy Feet Two.

On the set of Happy Feet Two Oscar winner George Miller opens up about emotional, intellectual and visceral storytelling (and dancing penguins).

A brutal deadline for Happy Feet Two is looming but George Miller could hardly be calmer as he reflects on how he has spent the past 3½ years.

''Here I am telling stories about singing and dancing penguins and six or seven hundred people are following me down that yellow brick road,'' he says, genially. ''It could be a madness.

''There's a millennium-and-a-half of human years put into this film. That's a crazy effort to put into a 90-minute film. So you've got to ask yourself the question: what's the purpose of doing it?''

..The acclaimed filmmaker is working with animation so complex it requires a ''render farm'' with 19,000 computer processors to create scenes, yet the location of the enterprise is decidedly 19th-century industrial.

Miller, beaming behind glasses, is talking in an old railway carriage converted into a conference room in the middle of the cavernous former locomotive workshop at CarriageWorks. His office is a construction hut plonked inside the building, near a crane.

All around, more than 600 crew recruited from 30 countries are working at computers, finessing the details of wings flapping, penguins waddling and snow scattering for the 3D sequel.

''You go back a century and there would have been people forging steel and making railway stock and massive cranes and people shouting,'' Miller says. ''Now they're making water and snow and fluff and hair and feathers on their computers.''

And the purpose of doing a sequel? For Hollywood studio Warner Bros, that's easy. Made in Sydney, Happy Feet charmed audiences worldwide with a comic story about Mumble the tap-dancing penguin, taking an impressive $US384 million at the box office. It beat Pixar's Cars to win an Oscar and entered popular culture to the extent that a lost penguin in New Zealand was named after the movie.

But for Miller, it's all about the storytelling. It's certainly not the awards, given he needs to ask his assistant where his Oscar is kept when Spectrum asks and has given away most of the rest.

The former doctor, 66, is deeply interested in not just how to tell stories but why we are driven to tell them.

''When you get down to it, you realise that stories do have a function,'' he says. ''It's clear that the way we survive as much as anything else is through narrative - the way we make the world coherent. I think it's wired into us …

''Our ancestors needed very powerful narratives and accurate narratives to help conduct their lives - all their moral codes, all their observations of the world, all their science was held in stories. Probably the most spectacular example of that is the Australian indigenous culture. We continue to do that, mostly unconsciously, but we do it.''

Happy Feet Two, which opens in more than 3600 cinemas in the US this weekend, has Mumble dealing with a son, Erik, who can't dance but wants to fly. Elsewhere in the Antarctic, a krill named Will tires of living at the bottom of the food chain and sets off on an adventure with his terrified friend, Bill.

The voice cast includes Elijah Wood returning as Mumble and Robin Williams as Ramon and Lovelace, with singer Pink replacing the late Brittany Murphy as Gloria.

Miller started thinking about a sequel before Happy Feet was released. He traces his vivid imagination back to a childhood based around play - without television - with his brothers in the Queensland town of Chinchilla.

''I thought as I got older my imagination would diminish,'' he says. ''But because I've been doing it all my life, it's even more active. Maybe a sign I'm going crazy. I have an intense imaginative life. There are so many stories; they just keep on coming.

''That's why I like writing: once you immerse yourself in a world, the characters and the world keep on playing on you … You live in an imaginary world with your imaginary friends.''

While it has an environmental theme that could easily upset conservative commentators just as happened with the original Happy Feet, the sequel is partly about parenting.

''It's Mumble trying to deal with his child as the world is in a rapid state of change,'' Miller says. ''Events are taking over. It's not leisurely parenting - he has to do it while the world is swirling around them, which is as it is for us. So it's not so much what he says to his child that influences him, it's what he does.''

The movie started with a script written by Miller with Gary Eck, Warren Coleman and Paul ''Flacco'' Livingston, which reflected what was learnt during a weeklong workshop with Antarctic experts. More than two years ago, this was turned into a rough prototype of the movie called a story reel, with basic animation and temporary voice-overs.

''We had a full run of the film that we could play for the whole crew, before the incredibly detailed and expensive work where we've got A-list actors coming in,'' says the co-director and director of photography, David Peers.

''We can actually watch the film and go 'this part's kind of slow, that doesn't work at all, people are confused at what that scene's about and everyone finds that character annoying' and all those kinds of things. So we can go in and revamp it.''

Miller wanted to know how everyone responded to the story reel, even the receptionists and cleaners. He is famous for remembering the names of crew members.

''We'd have big rallies out on the motion-capture floor where there was a wandering microphone so people could say 'I think Mumble is a dickhead because he did this' and so on,'' Peers says. ''You just find out where things are working and where they're not.''

At an early stage, every element of the Antarctic setting, including landscapes and characters, had to be created on computer. In the motion-capture process, performers including star tap dancer Savion Glover were covered in reflective discs, filmed dancing, then converted into digital penguins a second later on nearby screens.

Animators visited a zoo to study the way water beads off penguin feathers or take photos of leopard seals. Other times, they made faces in the mirrors on their desks and re-created the expressions on their characters.

The photorealistic style that made Happy Feet stand out from other animations five years ago adds to the complexity. Carrying it off for birds and animals is highly detailed work, especially when it comes to something like non-verbal communication.

''To be able to convince an audience that Mumble is unsure of something or is questioning something or is worried by something, all of that comes from facial expressions that are animated frame by frame,'' the animation director, Rob Coleman, says. ''So there's incredible detail put into what I call the micro movements around the eye - the movement of the eye itself, the dilation of the pupils, the movement of the head, just the slight pursing of the beak - just to tell you he's a thinking character.''

It doesn't stop there. Making the Antarctic landscape look realistic is a scientific as well as creative exercise.

''[We study] the behaviour of light on surfaces,'' says the production designer, David Nelson. ''We trace the light bouncing through the surface of the snow and how the light scatters about in the snow. We work out the refraction indexes of things, we talk in terms like 'sub-surface scattering' and we consider the absorption of the colour of the light as it goes into water.''

All those ''millennium-and-a-half of human years'' have gone towards the movie working on multiple levels - not just as fluffy entertainment.

''Stories have to be experienced at every possible level of the human being,'' Miller says. ''You have to experience a story emotionally, intellectually, viscerally. It affects the groin, the heart, the brain, the spirit. It affects an audience anthropologically …

''Some people look at the film and just might enjoy the dancing or some of the songs. It's very spectacular in 3D, so you might just enjoy being in Antarctica and seeing the spectacle … The thing I most want is that people get an immersive and hopefully meaningful experience from being in the cinema.

''The other thing is: the better the film, the longer it will follow you out of the cinema. You might remember it 10 years later or you might forget it before you get to the car park.''

Happy Feet Two opens in cinemas, in Australia, on December 26.

The storyteller

As writer, director and producer, George Miller has been a leading figure in Australian film for more than three decades.

His first success was with 1979's high-octane Mad Max, followed by the sequels Mad Max 2 and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. He plans to shoot a long-delayed fourth Mad Max,Fury Road, in Namibia next year.

He also directed the landmark mini-series The Dismissal (1983) and followed up by producing Bodyline, Vietnam and Bangkok Hilton.

Back in film, he produced The Year My Voice Broke (1987) and Flirting (1991), which both won best film at the AFI Awards, as well as Dead Calm (1989).

In Hollywood, Miller unleashed Jack Nicholson in The Witches of Eastwick (1987).

In 1993, he had his first Oscar nomination with Nick Enright for the screenplay for Lorenzo's Oil, which he also directed. He was nominated again as producer and writer with director Chris Noonan of the global hit Babe (1995).

Four years ago, Miller won the best animated feature Oscar for Happy Feet.

The star power

It says a lot about George Miller's standing that when he created two new creatures - tiny krill - for Happy Feet Two, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon, two of Hollywood's biggest stars, took the roles.

''Matt Damon was between two Clint Eastwood movies and literally had a three-day break,'' the director says. ''He said his kids insisted he do it.

''And Brad, we'd talked in the past about doing a couple of films together. I said, 'Hey, do you want to do this one?'''

There was just one problem. The script had Pitt's character, Will, saying the line ''Will you please shut up.''

Miller says: ''He said, 'Can I please not say that line? I'm constantly telling my kids, ''Do not say shut up.'' If I say it in the movie, it's going to give them a licence to say it.'''

Miller agreed. The character now says: ''Will you please be quiet.''

Open full entry

20/11/2011

Photos, Diaspora Working Life

Current Affairs

Snow Business

Sydney Morning Herald

Garry Maddox

November 19, 2011

[[picture:"Cold feet (from left) Bo, Erik and Atticus were created for Happy Feet Two.jpg" ID:19560]]

Photograph: Cold feet ... (from left) Bo, Erik and Atticus were created for Happy Feet Two.

On the set of Happy Feet Two Oscar winner George Miller opens up about emotional, intellectual and visceral storytelling (and dancing penguins).

A brutal deadline for Happy Feet Two is looming but George Miller could hardly be calmer as he reflects on how he has spent the past 3½ years.

''Here I am telling stories about singing and dancing penguins and six or seven hundred people are following me down that yellow brick road,'' he says, genially. ''It could be a madness.

''There's a millennium-and-a-half of human years put into this film. That's a crazy effort to put into a 90-minute film. So you've got to ask yourself the question: what's the purpose of doing it?''

..The acclaimed filmmaker is working with animation so complex it requires a ''render farm'' with 19,000 computer processors to create scenes, yet the location of the enterprise is decidedly 19th-century industrial.

Miller, beaming behind glasses, is talking in an old railway carriage converted into a conference room in the middle of the cavernous former locomotive workshop at CarriageWorks. His office is a construction hut plonked inside the building, near a crane.

All around, more than 600 crew recruited from 30 countries are working at computers, finessing the details of wings flapping, penguins waddling and snow scattering for the 3D sequel.

''You go back a century and there would have been people forging steel and making railway stock and massive cranes and people shouting,'' Miller says. ''Now they're making water and snow and fluff and hair and feathers on their computers.''

And the purpose of doing a sequel? For Hollywood studio Warner Bros, that's easy. Made in Sydney, Happy Feet charmed audiences worldwide with a comic story about Mumble the tap-dancing penguin, taking an impressive $US384 million at the box office. It beat Pixar's Cars to win an Oscar and entered popular culture to the extent that a lost penguin in New Zealand was named after the movie.

But for Miller, it's all about the storytelling. It's certainly not the awards, given he needs to ask his assistant where his Oscar is kept when Spectrum asks and has given away most of the rest.

The former doctor, 66, is deeply interested in not just how to tell stories but why we are driven to tell them.

''When you get down to it, you realise that stories do have a function,'' he says. ''It's clear that the way we survive as much as anything else is through narrative - the way we make the world coherent. I think it's wired into us …

''Our ancestors needed very powerful narratives and accurate narratives to help conduct their lives - all their moral codes, all their observations of the world, all their science was held in stories. Probably the most spectacular example of that is the Australian indigenous culture. We continue to do that, mostly unconsciously, but we do it.''

Happy Feet Two, which opens in more than 3600 cinemas in the US this weekend, has Mumble dealing with a son, Erik, who can't dance but wants to fly. Elsewhere in the Antarctic, a krill named Will tires of living at the bottom of the food chain and sets off on an adventure with his terrified friend, Bill.

The voice cast includes Elijah Wood returning as Mumble and Robin Williams as Ramon and Lovelace, with singer Pink replacing the late Brittany Murphy as Gloria.

Miller started thinking about a sequel before Happy Feet was released. He traces his vivid imagination back to a childhood based around play - without television - with his brothers in the Queensland town of Chinchilla.

''I thought as I got older my imagination would diminish,'' he says. ''But because I've been doing it all my life, it's even more active. Maybe a sign I'm going crazy. I have an intense imaginative life. There are so many stories; they just keep on coming.

''That's why I like writing: once you immerse yourself in a world, the characters and the world keep on playing on you … You live in an imaginary world with your imaginary friends.''

While it has an environmental theme that could easily upset conservative commentators just as happened with the original Happy Feet, the sequel is partly about parenting.

''It's Mumble trying to deal with his child as the world is in a rapid state of change,'' Miller says. ''Events are taking over. It's not leisurely parenting - he has to do it while the world is swirling around them, which is as it is for us. So it's not so much what he says to his child that influences him, it's what he does.''

The movie started with a script written by Miller with Gary Eck, Warren Coleman and Paul ''Flacco'' Livingston, which reflected what was learnt during a weeklong workshop with Antarctic experts. More than two years ago, this was turned into a rough prototype of the movie called a story reel, with basic animation and temporary voice-overs.

''We had a full run of the film that we could play for the whole crew, before the incredibly detailed and expensive work where we've got A-list actors coming in,'' says the co-director and director of photography, David Peers.

''We can actually watch the film and go 'this part's kind of slow, that doesn't work at all, people are confused at what that scene's about and everyone finds that character annoying' and all those kinds of things. So we can go in and revamp it.''

Miller wanted to know how everyone responded to the story reel, even the receptionists and cleaners. He is famous for remembering the names of crew members.

''We'd have big rallies out on the motion-capture floor where there was a wandering microphone so people could say 'I think Mumble is a dickhead because he did this' and so on,'' Peers says. ''You just find out where things are working and where they're not.''

At an early stage, every element of the Antarctic setting, including landscapes and characters, had to be created on computer. In the motion-capture process, performers including star tap dancer Savion Glover were covered in reflective discs, filmed dancing, then converted into digital penguins a second later on nearby screens.

Animators visited a zoo to study the way water beads off penguin feathers or take photos of leopard seals. Other times, they made faces in the mirrors on their desks and re-created the expressions on their characters.

The photorealistic style that made Happy Feet stand out from other animations five years ago adds to the complexity. Carrying it off for birds and animals is highly detailed work, especially when it comes to something like non-verbal communication.

''To be able to convince an audience that Mumble is unsure of something or is questioning something or is worried by something, all of that comes from facial expressions that are animated frame by frame,'' the animation director, Rob Coleman, says. ''So there's incredible detail put into what I call the micro movements around the eye - the movement of the eye itself, the dilation of the pupils, the movement of the head, just the slight pursing of the beak - just to tell you he's a thinking character.''

It doesn't stop there. Making the Antarctic landscape look realistic is a scientific as well as creative exercise.

''[We study] the behaviour of light on surfaces,'' says the production designer, David Nelson. ''We trace the light bouncing through the surface of the snow and how the light scatters about in the snow. We work out the refraction indexes of things, we talk in terms like 'sub-surface scattering' and we consider the absorption of the colour of the light as it goes into water.''

All those ''millennium-and-a-half of human years'' have gone towards the movie working on multiple levels - not just as fluffy entertainment.

''Stories have to be experienced at every possible level of the human being,'' Miller says. ''You have to experience a story emotionally, intellectually, viscerally. It affects the groin, the heart, the brain, the spirit. It affects an audience anthropologically …

''Some people look at the film and just might enjoy the dancing or some of the songs. It's very spectacular in 3D, so you might just enjoy being in Antarctica and seeing the spectacle … The thing I most want is that people get an immersive and hopefully meaningful experience from being in the cinema.

''The other thing is: the better the film, the longer it will follow you out of the cinema. You might remember it 10 years later or you might forget it before you get to the car park.''

Happy Feet Two opens in cinemas, in Australia, on December 26.

The storyteller

As writer, director and producer, George Miller has been a leading figure in Australian film for more than three decades.

His first success was with 1979's high-octane Mad Max, followed by the sequels Mad Max 2 and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. He plans to shoot a long-delayed fourth Mad Max,Fury Road, in Namibia next year.

He also directed the landmark mini-series The Dismissal (1983) and followed up by producing Bodyline, Vietnam and Bangkok Hilton.

Back in film, he produced The Year My Voice Broke (1987) and Flirting (1991), which both won best film at the AFI Awards, as well as Dead Calm (1989).

In Hollywood, Miller unleashed Jack Nicholson in The Witches of Eastwick (1987).

In 1993, he had his first Oscar nomination with Nick Enright for the screenplay for Lorenzo's Oil, which he also directed. He was nominated again as producer and writer with director Chris Noonan of the global hit Babe (1995).

Four years ago, Miller won the best animated feature Oscar for Happy Feet.

The star power

It says a lot about George Miller's standing that when he created two new creatures - tiny krill - for Happy Feet Two, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon, two of Hollywood's biggest stars, took the roles.

''Matt Damon was between two Clint Eastwood movies and literally had a three-day break,'' the director says. ''He said his kids insisted he do it.

''And Brad, we'd talked in the past about doing a couple of films together. I said, 'Hey, do you want to do this one?'''

There was just one problem. The script had Pitt's character, Will, saying the line ''Will you please shut up.''

Miller says: ''He said, 'Can I please not say that line? I'm constantly telling my kids, ''Do not say shut up.'' If I say it in the movie, it's going to give them a licence to say it.'''

Miller agreed. The character now says: ''Will you please be quiet.''

Open full entry

20/11/2011

Culture, Current Affairs

Diaspora Working Life

George Miller and the value of patience

Garry Maddox

Sydney Morning Herald

November 17, 2011

Photograph: George Miller and Lovelace from Happy Feet.

He has been shooting films since Mad Max burst onto the screen more than 30 years ago but George Miller says he is still learning.

"The big thing about animation is you learn much more forensically so much about filmmaking and storytelling and, indeed, life," he says. "I know more about eyes than I ever did as a doctor. And I know more about snow for someone who's never really been in the snow. Most of all I know more about camera."

Miller, the Oscar-winning director of Happy Feet and now Happy Feet Two, cites fellow director Roman Polanski's dictum that there is only one perfect place for the camera at any given moment.

"It's not until you do an animation that you realise how absolutely true that is," he says.

"When you're shooting a [live action] film, you're basically winging it. You go on instinct as to where the camera should go. Compositionally there are intuitive rules about how you might do things.

"But what's striking about animation is you can take absolutely the same performance, the same sound, and vary the camera and the cutting pattern and substantially influence or change a scene depending on what you choose.

"It's a bit scary because you realise it's incredibly subtle. It's a big commitment but the level of learning is very, very intense."

Miller has also learnt the value of patience.

"I'll never forget that quote from Billy Wilder," he says. "He said the life of a director is waiting. In all the years – and he had a prolific career – he said I was waiting for actors, I was waiting the light, I was waiting for camera, I was waiting for studios or decisions.

"In all the years I shot, the time the film was actually running through camera totalled two weeks. All the rest of it was waiting."

The Sydney filmmaker has certainly needed that patience when it comes to shooting another Mad Max movie. He now plans to shoot the long-delayed fourth instalment, Fury Road, next year, with Tom Hardy (Inception, Warrior) starring.

The movie was due to shoot around Broken Hill until heavy rain turned the desert into a garden, making it decidedly unsuitable for a post-apocalyptic landscape. After an international search for a new location, the movie will be shot in Namibia.

Miller has also been seeking studio backing for another animated film he has written and expects to take "a godfather role" in its production while directing Fury Road.

If his interest was once in how best to tell stories for the screen, Miller says his focus has shifted in recent years to why we tell them. It's a subject he has discussed at length with his friend and "storytelling brother" Nico Lathouris, who would ask questions like what are the ethics of what you're doing, what's the purpose of what you're doing, and what are the ethical requirements of storytelling?

Says Miller: "I think [writer and director] David Hare pointed this out: the extraordinary thing is we have more stories available to us than any other time in history so we have a deep need for them.

"Napoleon read every single book in French because there weren't so many books written in French during his time. Now you go into an airport book store, and on one shelf – let alone what you can find on Amazon and Kindle and everything else – there are massive amounts of stories ... We have this intense need for stories."

Open full entry

19/11/2011

Photos, Diaspora Working Life

Life Stories

George Miller and the value of patience

Garry Maddox

Sydney Morning Herald

November 17, 2011

[[picture:"George M iller and Lovelace from Happy Feet.jpg" ID:19558]]

Photograph: George Miller and Lovelace from Happy Feet.

He has been shooting films since Mad Max burst onto the screen more than 30 years ago but George Miller says he is still learning.

"The big thing about animation is you learn much more forensically so much about filmmaking and storytelling and, indeed, life," he says. "I know more about eyes than I ever did as a doctor. And I know more about snow for someone who's never really been in the snow. Most of all I know more about camera."

Miller, the Oscar-winning director of Happy Feet and now Happy Feet Two, cites fellow director Roman Polanski's dictum that there is only one perfect place for the camera at any given moment.

"It's not until you do an animation that you realise how absolutely true that is," he says.

"When you're shooting a [live action] film, you're basically winging it. You go on instinct as to where the camera should go. Compositionally there are intuitive rules about how you might do things.

"But what's striking about animation is you can take absolutely the same performance, the same sound, and vary the camera and the cutting pattern and substantially influence or change a scene depending on what you choose.

"It's a bit scary because you realise it's incredibly subtle. It's a big commitment but the level of learning is very, very intense."

Miller has also learnt the value of patience.

"I'll never forget that quote from Billy Wilder," he says. "He said the life of a director is waiting. In all the years – and he had a prolific career – he said I was waiting for actors, I was waiting the light, I was waiting for camera, I was waiting for studios or decisions.

"In all the years I shot, the time the film was actually running through camera totalled two weeks. All the rest of it was waiting."

The Sydney filmmaker has certainly needed that patience when it comes to shooting another Mad Max movie. He now plans to shoot the long-delayed fourth instalment, Fury Road, next year, with Tom Hardy (Inception, Warrior) starring.

The movie was due to shoot around Broken Hill until heavy rain turned the desert into a garden, making it decidedly unsuitable for a post-apocalyptic landscape. After an international search for a new location, the movie will be shot in Namibia.

Miller has also been seeking studio backing for another animated film he has written and expects to take "a godfather role" in its production while directing Fury Road.

If his interest was once in how best to tell stories for the screen, Miller says his focus has shifted in recent years to why we tell them. It's a subject he has discussed at length with his friend and "storytelling brother" Nico Lathouris, who would ask questions like what are the ethics of what you're doing, what's the purpose of what you're doing, and what are the ethical requirements of storytelling?

Says Miller: "I think [writer and director] David Hare pointed this out: the extraordinary thing is we have more stories available to us than any other time in history so we have a deep need for them.

"Napoleon read every single book in French because there weren't so many books written in French during his time. Now you go into an airport book store, and on one shelf – let alone what you can find on Amazon and Kindle and everything else – there are massive amounts of stories ... We have this intense need for stories."

Open full entry

19/11/2011

People, Life Stories

Diaspora Social Life

Local Author Writes Again

Photograph: Ruby Brown Feros signing copies of George: his passion, at the Byron Bay book lauch, May 20th, 2011. Rene Feros, in the foreground.

Chris Plowman's APRIL Newsletter

Page 2. Issue 173, April 2011

Ruby M Brown has been one of my customers for many years. Ruby was one of my clients when I had the pharmacy at 140 Auburn Street. In more recent times Ruby has been a keen user of Mick's ointment and cream. Following recent surgery she used Mick's ointment on her scars. Her physiotherapist commented that her scars healed better than she had ever seen. Ruby speaks very highly of the virtues of Mick's ointment, so highly in fact that when she was writing a biography about her father, she wove into her story the virtues of Mick's ointment.

This time Ruby has given us something different. She has written a biography about her father. In the 320 pages you will find a plethora of stories that encompass her life as she journeyed with her father. There are interesting facets of her life in Gunning and Goulburn including stories of historical interest in the Gunning area.

Ruby intertwines her life into her journey with that of her father. Ruby's father was responsible for collecting singled handed for the first aged care facility on the north coast of NSW Feros Care Ltd is a not-for profit organisation which provides a wide range of services which are open to all those living in Australia. Feros Care has won many awards, which makes it a credit to its founder.

Ruby wrote the story as she said it was a story that must be written. Her father came to Australia as a stow-away. Ruby has combined her writing skills in this book with those of her previous books as she included some of her fathers and mothers favourites recipes.

Incidentally Ruby is a prolific author, having written many books in the area of special diets.

Ruby told me that this book took five years to research and write. Ruby is delighted that her efforts have now come to fruition in George his Passion. If you want to know what George's passion was, you will need to buy the book. Ruby is giving all the proceeds for the book to the organisation her father set up. The organisation is now big business, but big business doesn't run the corporation, the people do. The people own Feros Care. It is a not-for-profit organisation.

If you would like a copy of Ruby's book you can contact her

Contact Ruby by email

or

0407484002

I am sure Ruby would be delighted to arrange to get you a copy of her book and give the proceeds to the organisation her father set up.

Chris Plowmans Pharmacy
Shop 2 The Marketplace
Goulburn

02 4821 2260

Open full entry

28/6/2011

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Life Stories

Local Author Writes Again.....

[[picture:"Rene (Jim) Feros_2.JPG" ID:19261]]

Photograph: Ruby Brown Feros signing copies of George: his passion, at the Byron Bay book lauch, May 20th, 2011. Rene Feros, in the foreground.

Chris Plowman's APRIL Newsletter

Page 2. Issue 173, April 2011

Ruby M Brown has been one of my customers for many years. Ruby was one of my clients when I had the pharmacy at 140 Auburn Street. In more recent times Ruby has been a keen user of Mick's ointment and cream. Following recent surgery she used Mick's ointment on her scars. Her physiotherapist commented that her scars healed better than she had ever seen. Ruby speaks very highly of the virtues of Mick's ointment, so highly in fact that when she was writing a biography about her father, she wove into her story the virtues of Mick's ointment.

This time Ruby has given us something different. She has written a biography about her father. In the 320 pages you will find a plethora of stories that encompass her life as she journeyed with her father. There are interesting facets of her life in Gunning and Goulburn including stories of historical interest in the Gunning area.

Ruby intertwines her life into her journey with that of her father. Ruby's father was responsible for collecting singled handed for the first aged care facility on the north coast of NSW Feros Care Ltd is a not-for profit organisation which provides a wide range of services which are open to all those living in Australia. Feros Care has won many awards, which makes it a credit to its founder.

Ruby wrote the story as she said it was a story that must be written. Her father came to Australia as a stow-away. Ruby has combined her writing skills in this book with those of her previous books as she included some of her fathers and mothers favourites recipes.

Incidentally Ruby is a prolific author, having written many books in the area of special diets.

Ruby told me that this book took five years to research and write. Ruby is delighted that her efforts have now come to fruition in George his Passion. If you want to know what George's passion was, you will need to buy the book. Ruby is giving all the proceeds for the book to the organisation her father set up. The organisation is now big business, but big business doesn't run the corporation, the people do. The people own Feros Care. It is a not-for-profit organisation.

If you would like a copy of Ruby's book you can contact her

Contact Ruby by email

or

0407484002

I am sure Ruby would be delighted to arrange to get you a copy of her book and give the proceeds to the organisation her father set up.

Chris Plowmans Pharmacy
Shop 2 The Marketplace
Goulburn

02 4821 2260

Open full entry

28/6/2011

People, Life Stories

Diaspora Social Life

The ragamuffin who founded multimillion-dollar aged care empire

Photograph: The beautifully appointed Feros Care facility, at Bangalow, northern, NSW.

Northern Star

28th May 20th

Jennie Dell

Contact Jennie, by email

The little old Greek man who pounded the pavements of Byron Bay in 60s and 70s, ringing a loud bell and carrying a brightly-painted donation box, would have had no idea that after his death he was to become known as the founder of a multimillion-dollar aged-care industry.

George Feros was passionate about fundraising to provide facilities for the aged, at a time when there were none in Byron Bay.

Called George: his passion, it tells “the story behind the story” of this much-loved Byron identity whose efforts have resulted in a multi-award winning, aged-care empire, Feros Care, now with its headquarters in Coolangatta.

“He was a pioneer,” Ruby Feros said. “It was sometimes embarrassing for me, as his daughter, to see this ragamuffin figure being called a ‘dirty Dago’ to his face as he shook his donation box and rang his bell, asking people to give him money.”

But George Feros’s efforts were not in vain. The Australian Orthodox Home for the Aged, near the Byron railway line, was the first fruit of his fundraising. When he died in 1981 there was not enough money in the kitty to get the first Feros Village, in Byron Bay, started.

His dream had always been to provide a nursing home, and it was not until after his death that dream came true, with the opening of the Feros Care Home in Bangalow.

“George would be so happy to know his daughter was continuing to contribute in some way to Feros Care,” Ms Feros said. “I’m donating all proceeds from the book to them.”

Open full entry

28/6/2011

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Life Stories

The ragamuffin who founded multimillion-dollar aged care empire

[[picture:"_MG_7752.jpg" ID:19259]]

Photograph: The beautifully appointed Feros Care facility, at Bangalow, northern, NSW.

Northern Star

28th May 20th

Jennie Dell

Contact Jennie, by email

The little old Greek man who pounded the pavements of Byron Bay in 60s and 70s, ringing a loud bell and carrying a brightly-painted donation box, would have had no idea that after his death he was to become known as the founder of a multimillion-dollar aged-care industry.

George Feros was passionate about fundraising to provide facilities for the aged, at a time when there were none in Byron Bay.

Called George: his passion, it tells “the story behind the story” of this much-loved Byron identity whose efforts have resulted in a multi-award winning, aged-care empire, Feros Care, now with its headquarters in Coolangatta.

“He was a pioneer,” Ruby Feros said. “It was sometimes embarrassing for me, as his daughter, to see this ragamuffin figure being called a ‘dirty Dago’ to his face as he shook his donation box and rang his bell, asking people to give him money.”

But George Feros’s efforts were not in vain. The Australian Orthodox Home for the Aged, near the Byron railway line, was the first fruit of his fundraising. When he died in 1981 there was not enough money in the kitty to get the first Feros Village, in Byron Bay, started.

His dream had always been to provide a nursing home, and it was not until after his death that dream came true, with the opening of the Feros Care Home in Bangalow.

“George would be so happy to know his daughter was continuing to contribute in some way to Feros Care,” Ms Feros said. “I’m donating all proceeds from the book to them.”

Open full entry

28/6/2011

People, Life Stories

Diaspora Social Life

George Feros book tells of Byron Bay's past history

Photograph: Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot, with Ruby M Feros at the book launch. Friday 20th May, 2011.

Byron Shire Echo.

http://www.echo.net.au/

Another piece of local history has been published – author Ruby M Feros, daughter of George Feros, has just penned a book about her father, entitled George: his passion.

George was a well regarded identity who worked tirelessly raising money to start Byron Bay’s first aged care hostel.

First known as a businessman, George later became recognised as the fundraising man who would ring his ‘famous’ bell as he patrolled the street in bare feet.

Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot, joined supporters on Friday 20th may, 2011, to celebrate the launch of the book.

Open full entry

28/6/2011

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Life Stories

George Feros book tells of Byron Bays past history

[[picture:"Ruby & justine_2.JPG" ID:19257]]

Photograph: Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot, with Ruby M Feros at the book launch. Friday 20th May, 2011.

Byron Shire Echo.

http://www.echo.net.au/

Another piece of local history has been published – author Ruby M Feros, daughter of George Feros, has just penned a book about her father, entitled George: his passion.

George was a well regarded identity who worked tirelessly raising money to start Byron Bay’s first aged care hostel.

First known as a businessman, George later became recognised as the fundraising man who would ring his ‘famous’ bell as he patrolled the street in bare feet.

Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot, joined supporters on Friday 20th may, 2011, to celebrate the launch of the book.

Open full entry

28/6/2011

People, Life Stories

Diaspora Social Life

Life with George a time of laughter and tears

Photograph: Ruby Feros with an old Byron Bay schoolmate Col Hadwell at a dinner held after the launch of her book, George: his passion, at Feros Care, Byron Bay, NSW, 20th May, 2011.

By Gary Chigwidden

Byron Shire News, May 26, 2011. page 4.

A time of laughter and tears. That's how Ruby Feros described life with her father George, an eccentric trailblazer who spent 25 years raising funds for an aged care hostel for Byron Bay.

Those efforts included riding a pushbike around the town ringing a bell and calling for donations.

While he didn't live long enough to see it happen, his efforts, supported by a hard-working community committee, were eventually rewarded with the opening in 1990 of Feros Care's Byron Bay Village.

At the launch at the village on Friday 20th May, of her book, George: his passion, Ruby said living with her father hadn't been easy. She said when she was growing up, her father had put all his energy into collecting money for a nursing home. At the time, she said, she was embarrassed by the "somewhat unusual methods" he used to raise funds for his passion and his cause

Ruby said she challenged herself to tell the story behind the story and “fell in love with the passion of the man. So I wrote about him rather than just what he had done,” she said.

"Without pioneers like George our country would not have experienced some of the rich legacies it has. "George has left us a legacy, one that is very dear to my heart and the hearts and lives of many Australians in an era where longevity is increasing," Ruby said.

Today, the organisation that carries its name, Feros Care, has residential villages at Byron Bay and Bangalow and offers community care packages up the coast from Port Macquarie to Bundaberg.

Open full entry

28/6/2011

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Life Stories

Life with George a time of laughter and tears

[[picture:"Dinner_Ruby & Colin.JPG" ID:19255]]

Photograph: Ruby Feros with an old Byron Bay schoolmate Col Hadwell at a dinner held after the launch of her book, George: his passion, at Feros Care, Byron Bay, NSW, 20th May, 2011.

By Gary Chigwidden

Byron Shire News, May 26, 2011. page 4.

A time of laughter and tears. That's how Ruby Feros described life with her father George, an eccentric trailblazer who spent 25 years raising funds for an aged care hostel for Byron Bay.

Those efforts included riding a pushbike around the town ringing a bell and calling for donations.

While he didn't live long enough to see it happen, his efforts, supported by a hard-working community committee, were eventually rewarded with the opening in 1990 of Feros Care's Byron Bay Village.

At the launch at the village on Friday 20th May, of her book, George: his passion, Ruby said living with her father hadn't been easy. She said when she was growing up, her father had put all his energy into collecting money for a nursing home. At the time, she said, she was embarrassed by the "somewhat unusual methods" he used to raise funds for his passion and his cause

Ruby said she challenged herself to tell the story behind the story and “fell in love with the passion of the man. So I wrote about him rather than just what he had done,” she said.

"Without pioneers like George our country would not have experienced some of the rich legacies it has. "George has left us a legacy, one that is very dear to my heart and the hearts and lives of many Australians in an era where longevity is increasing," Ruby said.

Today, the organisation that carries its name, Feros Care, has residential villages at Byron Bay and Bangalow and offers community care packages up the coast from Port Macquarie to Bundaberg.

Open full entry

28/6/2011

People, Life Stories

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Freinds of the Feros family

Katrin & David Cornell and daughter Charlotte

Katrin (nee, Stumbaum) is a sister of Helen Stumbaum - Practice Director at Architect Prineas.

Their mother's family, Leone Stumbaum (nee Couts), grew up in Warialda and they remember the cinema, cafe etc and used the Roxy 75th Anniversary as an opportunity for a massive family reunion.

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22/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Descendants of Peter Feros. Dr John and grandson Ioannis

with Val McCallum & Rick Hutton.

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22/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Descendants of Peter Feros. ..............

with great great granchildren.

Open full entry

22/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Descendants of Peter Feros.

Great grandaughters.

Open full entry

22/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

Iconic photograph of George Feros, Byron Bay

Taken by USA and subsequently Australian resident surfing icon, Rusty Miller.

Rusty Miller Photo www.rustymillersurf.com

George Feros in 1973 on his bike early in the morning on what is now the Lawson St. / Jonson St. Byron Bay roundabout, Byron Bay. He is heading towards Main Beach. His persistent collection of coins for his dream of an aged care home in Byron Bay has come to fruition as Feros Care aged services.

Open full entry

16/6/2011

Photos, Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

Diaspora Social Life

Byron Bay book launch, for Ruby Brown Feros' George, his passion

Ruby Brown Feros delivering her speech. George song author, and band member of The Yanx, Jim Stephens, in the background.

On the 20th May, 2011, Feros Village at Byron Bay was the venue chosen to celebrate the launch of George his passion; Ruby Brown’s biography of her father, George Feros.

While it rained on the day before and the morning of the launch, the raindrops glistened on the flowers in the garden at the village in the afternoon sun. Eighty people gathered at the aged care village, which is named after George Feros, the man who collected on the streets of Byron Bay to help found the first aged care facility in the area.

George’s daughter, Ruby M Feros, has written a biography of her father. The book tells the story of a young Kytherian boy who left his island at the age of nineteen as a stow-a-way. George never returned to the island of his birth. George and his brother Tony set up the first Greek Café in Byron Bay in 1923.

In her book, Ruby reveals how, later in life, her father developed a passion to collect for aged care. His passion turned into an obsession. Ruby relates how life with George was very difficult. She expresses how she rose above the “hurts” of her childhood to become very proud of her father, and proud of the facility called Feros Care.

Nick Towers, Chairman of the Feros Care Board, was the MC for the launch. Nick wrote the Foreword for Ruby’s book. Nick said when he was asked to write the Foreword, he felt it was an honour and a privilege, and a task he found most humbling. He said George Feros, like the “local” lighthouse, was hard to miss in Byron Bay. Nick spoke of George Feros as one of the famous people, from all walks of life that he has been fortunate enough to meet. George Feros was probably the least well-known, but the most rewarding of all to interact with.

20 May 2011 was a very proud day for Ruby M Feros and for Feros Care. Justine Elliot, the Federal member for Richmond (who had been Minister for Ageing, in the Rudd federal government), launched George his passion. Justine spoke of Ruby’s dedication over five years to ensure that the story of her father was committed to the historical and public record. Justine took a great interest in Ruby’s book as she was writing it. She acknowledged that Ruby had also developed a passion for Feros Care, the organisation that her father first collected for.

Many of Ruby’s family and friends have been very generous and bought a copy of George his passion. Ruby is giving all the proceeds of the sale of the books to Feros Care. On the day of the launch, Ruby was able to present $6,000.00 to Feros Care from the sale of books.

It is now thirty years since George died, but his name lives on in the multi-award winning aged care facilities, which bear his name.
Many Kytherians gathered to celebrate the life of George Feros. George Poulos came all the way from Sydney to Byron Bay to represent the Kytherian World Heritage Trust and the Kytherian Association of Australia. George told the gathering how proud he is to be Kytherian. He was also proud that the Kytherian World Heritage Fund became involved in financing and printing the beautifully presented book, George, his passion. George continued: “it has been a year of Kytherian pride with the completion of Kytherian cinemas, Café and Museum at Grafton and Bingara. While these facilities are extraordinary, so are the facilities that have been established by Feros Care, on the basis of one Kytherian’s dream. It made me , and all other Kytherian’s doubly proud, when Ruby was able to continue her fathers financial support of Feros Care . The phrase “aspro prosopo” was on every Kytherian’s lips”.

Ruby thanked George for his own passion to see the stories about great Kytherians published. She acknowledged that without the passion of Kytherians such as George Poulos & Angelo Notaras, and the Board members of the Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust & Kytherian Association of Australia, such stories would not be published.

Other visitors from Sydney included Ruby’s cousin Stella Samios and her husband Nick along with Matina Samios and her husband Manuel. Both cousins have featured in Ruby’s book in many ways. The families used to come to Ruby’s rural property, near Gunning, to pick “horrta”.

Ruby’s relatives from Brisbane included her cousins Philip and Helen Feros, Rene Maras (daughter of Ruby’s uncle Tony) and her husband Nick, Rene Feros (wife of Ruby’s cousin, the late Jim Feros), Manuel and Marie Cassamatis, George and Irene Prineas and John and Crissy Feros and John’s sister Mary Morris.

Friends of Ruby travelled from as far afield as Melbourne, Brisbane, Newcastle, Wollongong, Kyogle, Gold Coast and Taree. One of Ruby’s friends, Julie, was present. Ruby taught Julie in her first year of teaching. Ruby and Julie have remained friends since 1966. Ruby was thrilled that so many people came to celebrate this special day with her.

Another feature of the launch was the performance of local band, The Yanx. The Yanx is comprised of four members: Jim Stephens (Keyboards and Songwriter /composer /arranger), Rusty Miller (Drums and Harmonica), Bill Conner (Guitar), Glen Whitehurst (Bass Guitar). Rusty Miller is a surfing ‘icon’ from the 1960’s. All members were attracted to Australia by the surf. Jim and Bill came to Australia from the United States in the 60’s and 70’s and to Byron Bay in the early 1970’s. Glen came to Australia from the USA sometime in the 1990’s, and to Byron Bay in the 2000’s. Jim Stephens wrote a song about George Feros in the early 1970’s. He named the song simply …. George. The band played the song at the launch. Most of the audience was profoundly moved by their rendition.

You can llink to Jim Stephens and Yanx music at:

http://jimstephensmusic.com

The song, George, is available to purchase and download on the website for .50 cents.

It took Ruby 5 years to research and write her book. Ruby said that her book is a story about one great Kytherian-Australian who did great things for the people of Australia.

Anyone interested in buying a copy of George his passion by Ruby M Feros

can contact Ruby M Feros by Email

or

can contact George Poulos by Email

Open full entry

16/6/2011

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Modern Portraits

Vasilis Kailas receiving his Eptanesian award

The Union of Ionian (Seven) Islands, on 29th May 2011, at 6:00 pm, in the Old Parliament House, Syntagma Square, Athens, conferred awards on 2 persons from each of 6 of the Ionian Islands, and 3 persons from Kythera. Greek Post will follow up this award, by issuing a postage stamp in each awardees honour.

The three from Kythera were, George Miller, Film Producer, Sydney Australia, Professor Nikos Petrochilos, Athens and Hora, Kythera, Greece and Vasilis Kailas, cinema and theatre actor, Athens, Greece.

Vasilis Kailas

Was a child prodigy of Greek cinema and theatre was born of Kytherian parents (from Mitata) in Athens, on June 16, 1953. He began his career is movies at a very young age, appearing in 1957 in the film The Last Lie. He very soon established a distinctive record as a young supporting actor. He also played lead roles in films such as Mary Plyta Loustrakos’, Salesman.

Watch cinema performances of Vasili as a child actor at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAeT-CUbwHg&feature=related

In 1985 he was the protagonist in the film She Graduated. He gained roles in 117 films, mainly Greek language, but also “foreign”. He has established a reputation as the child prodigy of Greek cinema. He may well be the most prolific child actor in world cinematic history? He later went on to a career in the theatre.

In forgoing cinema for the theatre he lost a chance to establish himself economically. He harbours no regrets, however. The golden age of Greek films has long past. But generations of Greek audiences continue to adore Vassilakis Kaili for his tragic and "afflicted" roles.

Many, or more correctly most child actor's around the world have found it difficult to maintain the same level of success in later life.

His personal adult life reflected many of the roles he played as a child in films. He struggled with poverty and hardship, but, by exercising resilience, has managed to overcome these challenges.

Today, he still works behind the cameras and the spotlight, providing a distinctive voice to many children's heroes. (See article, in Greek, below). He produces animated childrens programmes for cinema and televison.

Original version of this brief biography in Greek, as a .pdf:

VASILIS_KAILAS_biography.pdf

The Union of Ionian (Seven) Islands, on 29th May 2011, at 6:00 pm, in the Old Parliament House, Syntagma Square, Athens, conferred awards on 2 persons from each of 6 of the Ionian Islands, and 3 persons from Kythera. Greek Post will follow up this award, by issuing a postage stamp in each awardees honour.

The three from Kythera were, George Miller, Film Producer, Sydney Australia, Professor Nikos Petrochilos, Athens and Hora, Kythera, Greece and Vasilis Kailas, cinema and theatre actor, Athens, Greece.

Biography to mark the conferring of the Eptanesian award, as a .pdf:

Vasili_Kailas_Brief_biography.pdf

Filmography

Did you get a degree? (1985) [Andreas Dovas]
The Saint of Preveza (1982) [Father]
Vengos the mad bomber (1980)
The great storm of Love (1972)
Burning flesh (1971)
Intoxication of the flesh (1970)
Let the jury consider the (1969)
I want my child back (1969)
In our teacher ... with Love (1969) [Andreas Liapis] I will rock my heart (1968) [(small) Dimitri]
Dream elusive (1968)
Eradicated genera (1968) [(small) Bill Karatzoglou]
Family Corraface (1968) [Nicolis]
Humble and katafronemenos (1968)
In front of the gallows (1968)
Stay close to my beloved (1968)
Dew or noble (1967)
The hour of justice (1967)
What do you born poor (1967)
For the heart of the beautiful Helen (1967)
Sometimes they cry and the strong (1967) [(small) Andreas Geralis]
The Salesman (1967) [Kostas]
Isaiah dancing (1966) [Vassilakis]
You hurt my love (1966)
Winner (1965) [(small) Peter Ntavaris]
The Rebel (1965)
Slighter with my sweet (1965)
Angels without wings (1965)
I live for you (1965)
The Great Oath (1965)
Why have you forsaken (1965)
I am a miserable (1964) [Sunday]
Every port and sorrow (1964)
Persecuted of fate (1964)
Girl Pain (1964)
Storm in a child's heart (1964) [Yiannakis Kontovasilis]
The liar (1963) [Peter]
For a little tenderness (1963)
The brat (1963)
The Great Sin (1963)
Hearts in the Storm (1963)
The Prodigal (1963) [(small) Michalios] Midnight in the villa Nelli (1963)
The madcap (1963) [(small) Thanassis]
Wounded Hearts (1963) [Vassilakis]
A fool with a patent (1963)
Handyman and erimospitis (1963) [Yiannakis]
Two we drink on the cross of pain (1962) [(small)]
The bride run away ... (1962) [Kostakis Bakouris]
Lafina (1962) [Giannios]
The Greek and Love (1962)
Christmas bum (1972)
The loustrakos (1962) [(small) Vasilis Maras]
Makrykostaioi and Kontogiorgis (1960) [(a small weapon)]
Madalena (1960) [Pantelis Haridimos]
The lady our grandparent (1958) [Argyris]
The last lie (1958)

Series Vasilis has played

All the glory all through 1988 ET2
Kostis Palamas 1993 ET1
Folk tales from around the world ERT2 1982

BY http://www.espressonews.gr/,
BY http://homepage.mac.com/,
FROM AND 90lepta.com www.retrodb.gr

The other life of Vasilis Kailas.

Η άλλη ζωή του Βασίλη Καΐλα

From:

http://www.espressonews.gr/default.asp?pid=79&catid=16&artID=849476

Εμεινε στην ιστορία ως το παιδί-θαύμα του ελληνικού κινηματογράφου. Και όσο και αν άλλαξε, παραμένει ακόμη ένα άδολο «παιδί» αφού για την αγάπη του για το θέατρο έχει χάσει μέχρι τώρα πολλά λεφτά. Και όμως, δεν το μετανιώνει. Τον Βασιλάκη Καΐλα τον λατρέψαμε μέσα από τους «πονεμένους» ρόλους του... Τα χρόνια πέρασαν, το κλάμα στέρεψε, οι χρυσές εποχές του καλού κινηματογράφου έσβησαν, όχι όμως και ο γλυκός λουστράκος που τόσο αγαπήσαμε. Τόσο στην ταινία όσο και στην προσωπική του ζωή πάλεψε με τη φτώχεια και τις κακουχίες, αλλά δεν το έβαλε κάτω και τα κατάφερε... Σήμερα, στα 55 του χρόνια πλέον, εξακολουθεί να δουλεύει πίσω από τις κάμερες και τα φώτα της δημοσιότητας χαρίζοντας τη χαρακτηριστική φωνή του σε πολλούς παιδικούς ήρωες. Ο χρόνος του ελάχιστος, αλλά η «Espresso» κατάφερε και συνάντησε τον μικρό αδελφό της Μανταλένας, σε ένα στούντιο στο Μαρούσι, όπου βρίσκεται κλεισμένος τουλάχιστον δώδεκα ώρες την ημέρα προκειμένου να ολοκληρώσει έγκαιρα ένα ακόμη επεισόδιο παιδικής σειράς. Με το χαμόγελο στα χείλη μάς άνοιξε την καρδιά του και μίλησε για τη ζωή του, τους μεγάλους ηθοποιούς που αγάπησε και τον αγάπησαν, αλλά και για όλα εκείνα τα δύσκολα χρόνια που οι άνθρωποι ήταν μια αγαπημένη οικογένεια.

«Η ιστορία του Βασιλάκη ξεκίνησε ξαφνικά. Από τη μία στιγμή στην άλλη. Οταν ήμουν τεσσάρων ετών, το 1957, είχα την τύχη να μένω με τους γονείς μου στην ίδια πολυκατοικία με την Ελλη Λαμπέτη και τον Δημήτρη Χορν. Μια μέρα, καθώς έπαιζα στην είσοδο της πολυκατοικίας, άνοιξα την πόρτα για να μπει ένας κύριος. Ηταν ο Κακογιάννης που είχε έρθει από το εξωτερικό για να γυρίσει την ταινία “Το τελευταίο ψέμα”. Με πλησίασε, με ρώτησε πως με λένε και ανέβηκε έπειτα στο διαμέρισμα της Λαμπέτη» θυμάται ο Βασίλης Καΐλας και συνεχίζει: «Εκεί, της είπε ότι συνάντησε στην είσοδο ένα αγοράκι, το οποίο ήθελε να παίξει στην ταινία που ετοίμαζαν. Της είπε ότι ήμουν κάτι ξεχωριστό. Ετσι κατέβηκαν μαζί κάτω, με βρήκαν και πήγαμε στον πατέρα μου για να του μιλήσουν. Τον έπεισαν κι έτσι έπαιξα για πρώτη φορά στο “Τελευταίο ψέμα”».

Οι γονείς του τον συνόδεψαν στα γυρίσματα, τα οποία για εκείνον ήταν απλώς ένα παιχνίδι. «Ημουν μόλις τεσσάρων ετών και δεν καταλάβαινα τι έκανα. Μου έλεγαν θα πεις αυτό, με αυτό τον τρόπο και το έκανα, καθώς έτσι διασκέδαζα» λέει και προσθέτει: «Επειτα ήρθε ένας μικρός ρόλος, ο ρόλος του μικρού Αργύρη στο “Η κυρά μας η μαμή” με τη Γεωργία Βασιλειάδου, που κλήθηκε για να με ξεματιάσει» συνεχίζει χαμογελώντας και βυθίζεται στις αναμνήσεις του. «Ωραία χρόνια, και ανέμελα. Είχα την τιμή να δουλέψω με μεγάλους ηθοποιούς, μεγαθήρια, που δυστυχώς “έφυγαν”. Θυμάμαι τα γυρίσματα της ταινίας “Μανταλένα”, όπου έπαιζα τον αδελφό της Αλίκης Βουγιουκλάκη. Στο νησί τότε δεν υπήρχε ρεύμα, τα γυρίσματα ήταν εξαντλητικά, αλλά είχα δίπλα μου έναν μεγάλο κύριο. Τον ηθοποιό Παντελή Ζερβό που έπαιζε τον παπά. Είχε λατρεία με το ψάρεμα και κάθε πρωί πριν από το γύρισμα ντυνόταν με τα ράσα, έβαζε τα γένια και πηγαίναμε μαζί για ψάρεμα μέχρι να έρθει η ώρα μας. Ντυνόταν για να είναι έτοιμος... Ψαρεύαμε με κλωστή και παραμάνα... Επειτα ήρθε η ταινία που έγινα πολύ γνωστός, ο “Λουστράκος”. Τότε ήμουν επτά ετών και θυμάμαι ακόμη και σήμερα τα απαιτητικά και κουραστικά γυρίσματα».

Η ταινία «Λουστράκος» σφράγισε με την επιτυχία της την επαγγελματική πορεία του Βασίλη Καΐλα. «Εγινα γνωστός και οι άνθρωποι με αναγνώριζαν. Εγώ δεν ήθελα δημοσιότητα. Ημουν μικρό παιδί. Δεν μπορούσα να διαχειριστώ όλα αυτά που γίνονταν. Ηθελα την ησυχία μου. Με έβλεπαν στο δρόμο με τους γονείς μου και έλεγαν “ο κακόμοιρος ο Βασίλης”. Ο κόσμος τότε πείναγε, μιλάμε για φτώχεια και σε κάθε ταινία ταυτιζόταν και με έναν ηθοποιό» λέει και συνεχίζει: «Τότε η κλάψα ήταν ο καθρέφτης της κοινωνίας. Εβλεπαν στην ταινία το φτωχό αγόρι, τον Βασιλάκη Μάρα να δουλεύει λουστράκος για ένα πιάτο φαΐ και τον αγώνα του να σπουδάσει για να γίνει γιατρός κι έπαιρναν παράδειγμα για να κάνουν το ίδιο».

Μάλιστα, όπως μας αποκάλυψε, πριν από μερικά χρόνια όταν πήγε στο σχολείο της κόρης του για να ρωτήσει τον καθηγητή της πώς πάει στα μαθήματα, με έκπληξη άκουσε να του λέει ότι έγινε καθηγητής χάρη σε αυτή την ταινία. «Απίστευτο και όμως αληθινό. Πήρε κουράγιο από την ταινία, πάλεψε και τα κατάφερε. Σήμερα όμως πια, δεν ξέρω αν υπάρχει καθρέφτης. Ολα είναι πλέον διαφορετικά. Τότε υπήρχε αγάπη μεταξύ των ανθρώπων. Τους ένωνε ο αγώνας για ένα καλύτερο αύριο, μια καλύτερη ζωή».

Ο Βασίλης Καΐλας συμμετείχε συνολικά σε 117 ταινίες, όχι μόνο ελληνικές, αλλά και ξένες. Η πορεία του, ωστόσο, δεν ήταν εύκολη καθώς, όπως λέει ο ίδιος: «Επρεπε να πηγαίνω και σχολείο. Οι γονείς μου, που ήταν πάντα δίπλα μου, όπου και αν γίνονταν τα γυρίσματα, είχαν πάρει ειδική άδεια από το τότε υπουργείο Παιδείας κι έτσι πήγαινα σχολείο σε όποια περιοχή δούλευα. Ετσι τελείωσα το Δημοτικό και το εξατάξιο Γυμνάσιο, αλλά δεν συνέχισα... Είχα πλέον κουραστεί... Πήγα όμως στη Δραματική Σχολή. Γύριζα ταινίες, έπαιζα στο θέατρο με τον Χορν, την Παξινού, τον Μινωτή και άλλους μεγάλους ηθοποιούς. Μου άρεσε πολύ και όλοι με αγαπούσαν. Δεν θα ξεχάσω ποτέ τον Νίκο Μοσχονά που ήθελε να με πάρει μαζί του στην Αμερική, αλλά δεν με άφησε ο πατέρας μου. Ομως κάποια στιγμή όλα τελειώνουν. Ο ελληνικός κινηματογράφος έσβησε και όποιος είχε δουλέψει τότε με όλους αυτούς τους επαγγελματίες, δεν μπορούσε να συμμετέχει σε προχειροδουλειές. Η εποχή εκείνη δεν έχει καμία σχέση με την σημερινή πραγματικότητα. Σκέφτηκα τότε να φύγω μετά από παρότρυνση του θείου μου και να πάνω στην Ελβετία όπου θα μάθαινα τη δουλειά του ωρολογοποιού και να αναλάμβανα έπειτα το μαγαζί του. Το είπα στον πατέρα μου και τότε εκείνος μου είπε να κάνω ό,τι θέλω. Αλλά προτού αποφασίσω να ανέβω στο πατάρι και να πετάξω όλο το υλικό που είχε μαζέψει εκείνος από την καριέρα μου... “Εγώ, παιδί μου, δεν μπορώ να το κάνω. Αν θέλεις, πέταξέ τα εσύ” μου είπε και τρελάθηκα. Eτσι αποφάσισα να συνεχίσω...»

Ετσι, μετά από πολύ κόπο κατάφερε και ίδρυσε το παιδαγωγικό επιμορφωτικό θέατρο, το οποίο ανέβασε δεκάδες παραστάσεις με επαγγελματίες ηθοποιούς, όπως ο Αλέκος Αλεξανδράκης, η Νόνικα Γαληνέα και άλλοι. «Γι’ αυτή την αγάπη μου έχασα πολλά λεφτά. Αλλά δεν το μετανιώνω. Μετά ήρθαν οι μεταγλωττίσεις και οι επιλεγμένες δουλειές. Με τις μεταγλωττίσεις ξεκίνησα πριν από 25 χρόνια από την ΕΡΤ και συνεχίζω μέχρι σήμερα. Δίνω τη φωνή μου σε παιδικούς ήρωες και όχι μόνο. Μία από τις καλύτερες δουλειές μου ήταν “Το μικρό σπίτι στο λιβάδι”» αναφέρει και καταλήγει λέγοντας: «Ευτυχώς η ζωή μού τα ’φερε μια χαρά. Δόξα τω Θεώ. Εχω μια υπέροχη κόρη και μια υπέροχη γυναίκα. Το αστείο είναι ότι πάντα φοβόμουν να φλερτάρω λόγω δημοσιότητας. Πίστευα ότι οι γυναίκες δεν γνωρίζουν τον Βασίλη Καΐλα, αλλά τον Βασιλάκη των ταινιών. Ευτυχώς, η γυναίκα μου δεν ήξερε τι δουλειά έκανα καθώς δεν έβλεπε ταινίες. Οταν το κατάλαβε, ήταν αργά. Την είχε πατήσει...»


ΣΥΜΜΕΤΟΧΕΣ ΠΟΥ ΕΓΡΑΨΑΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ
(ΤΑΙΝΙΑ / ΡΟΛΟΣ ΠΟΥ ΥΠΟΔΥΘΗΚΕ / ΧΡΟΝΙΑ)

1. Η κυρά μας η μαμή / Αργύρης /1958
2. Το τελευταίο ψέμα / Βασιλάκης / 1958
3. Μανταλένα / Παντελής Χαρίδημος / 1960
4. Μακρυκωσταίοι και Κοντογιώργηδες / Μικρός με όπλο /1960
5. Λαφίνα / Γιαννιός / 1962
6. Δύο μάνες στο σταυρό του πόνου / Μικρός / 1962
7. Η νύφη το ’σκασε... / Κωστάκης Μπάκουρας / 1962
8. Ο λουστράκος / Μικρός Βασίλης Μαράς / 1962
9. Η ψεύτρα / Πέτρος / 1963
10. Πολυτεχνίτης και ερημοσπίτης / Γιαννάκης / 1963
11. Πληγωμένες καρδιές / Βασιλάκης / 1963
12. Ο άσωτος / Μικρός Μιχαλιός / 1963
13. Είμαι μια δυστυχισμένη / Κυριάκος / 1964
14. Θύελλα σε παιδική καρδιά / Γιαννάκης Κοντοβασίλης / 1964
15. Περιφρόνα με γλυκιά μου / «Σπουργιτάκι» / 1965
16. Ο νικητής / μικρός Πέτρος Ντάβαρης / 1965
17. Ησαΐα χόρευε / Βασιλάκης / 1966
18. Ο εμποράκος / Κωστής / 1967
19. Κάποτε κλαίνε και οι δυνατοί / Μικρός Ανδρέας Γεραλής / 1967
20. Θα κάνω πέτρα την καρδιά μου / Μικρός Δημήτρης / 1968
21. Ταπεινός και καταφρονεμένος / 1968
22. Ξεριζωμένη γενιά / Μικρός Βασίλης Καρατζόγλου / 1968
23. Οικογένεια Χωραφά / Νικολής / 1968
24. Στον δάσκαλό μας... με αγάπη / Ανδρέας Λιάπης / 1969
25. Βέγγος, ο τρελός καμικάζι / 1980
26. Πήρες πτυχίο / Ανδρέας Ντόβης 1985

ΓΙΟΥΛΗ ΣΤΑΡΙΔΑ
ΦΩΤ.: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΓΚΟΛΦΟΜΗΤΣΟΣ

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15/6/2011

Photos, Modern Portraits

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Descendants of Peter Feros. Cecile........... with ............

Cecile is a grandaughter of Peter Feros

Taken inside the Roxy Cinema on the morning of 9th April, 2011.

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13/6/2011

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Descendants of Peter Feros. Cecile........... with ............

Cecile is a grandaughter of Peter Feros

Taken outside the Roxy Cinema on the morning of 9th April, 2011.

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13/6/2011

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Descendants of Peter Feros. Sophie Zantiotis with Greg Moran of Inverell

Sophia is a great grandaughter of Peter Feros. She is an Advisor to the New South Wales Minister of the Arts in the State Parliament.

At the 75th Anniversary Ball, held on the evening of the 9th April, 2011, Roxy "complex", Bingara.

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13/6/2011

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Descendants of Peter Feros. Sophie Zantiotis with partner Orest Keywan

Sophia is a great grandaughter of Peter Feros. She is an Advisor to the New South Wales Minister of the Arts in the State Parliament. Orest is a multiple winner of the prestigious Sculpture by the Sea, held on the Bondi to Bronte cliff walk in Sydney.

At the 75th Anniversary Ball, held on the evening of the 9th April, 2011, Roxy "complex", Bingara.

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13/6/2011

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Descendants of Peter Feros. Cleon Prineas a great grandchild, with .........

Cleon is the son of Peter Prineas, author of Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the definitive history of the Roxy "complex".

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13/6/2011

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Descendants of Peter Feros. Grandson Peter Prineas, with great-grandaughter

and his niece..................At the 75th Anniversary Ball, held on the evening of the 9th April, 2011, Roxy "complex", Bingara.

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13/6/2011

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Descendants of Peter Feros. ..................................

outside the Roxy cinema on the morning of the 'big breakfast' hosted by the Lions Club, Bingara.

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13/6/2011

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Descendants of Peter Feros. Gathered at the Lions Club breakfast

Peters and Co Cafe (the Roxy Cafe), morning of the 10th April, 2011, Bingara.

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13/6/2011

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Descendants of Peter Feros. Dancing as a group at the 75th Anniversary Ball

held on the evening of the 9th April, 2011, Roxy "complex", Bingara.

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13/6/2011

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Descendants of Peter Feros. Children, grandchildren and spouses of John & Sophia

at the 75th Anniversary Ball, held on the evening of the 9th April, 2011, Roxy "complex", Bingara.

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13/6/2011

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Descendants of Peter Feros. great grandchildren

at the Roxy 75th Anniversary Ball, 9th April, 2011, Roxy "complex", Bingara.

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13/6/2011

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Descendants of Peter Feros. Great-grandaughters..............and ...............

They are the daughters of.......

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13/6/2011

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Descendants of Peter Feros. Sophia

at the Roxy 75th celebration Ball, 9th April, 2011. Sophia is a grand daughter of Peter Feros, and ..............a great-grandaughter.

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12/6/2011

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Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Descendants of Peter Feros. Grandson Dr John Prineas nurses great-great grandson Leon

at the Roxy 75th celebration Ball, 9th April, 2011. Leon is the son of great-grandaughter Eva-Marie Prineas.

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12/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Descendants of Peter Feros. Ioanni another of Eva-Marie Prineas' sons

very contented amongt the chaos of "breakfast-making" and Landline television filming, in the Peters and Co cafe, built by his great-great grandfather, Peter Feros. Ioanni is a grandson of Dr John and Rita Prineas.

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12/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Descendants of Peter Feros. Ioanni another of Eva-Marie Prineas' sons

very contented amongt the chaos of "breakfast-making" and Landline television filming, in the Peters and Co cafe, built by his great-great grandfather, Peter Feros. Ioanni is a grandson of Dr John and Rita Prineas.

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12/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Descendants of Peter Feros. Leon, great-great grandson

eating breakfast in the Peters and Co cafe, that great-great grandfather Peter Feros built. He is the son of Eva-Marie Prineas, and grandson of Dr John & Rita Prineas.

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12/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Descendants of Peter Feros. Eva-Marie Prineas with son Leon

Eva-Marie is an architect, daughter of Dr John & Rita Prineas, and a great grandaugher of one of the original owners of the Roxy Theatre, 1936, Peter Feros. Her son Leon is a great-great grandson of Peter Feros.

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12/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Descendants of Peter Feros. John and Rita Prineas

Dr John Prineas, (centre), is a grandson of one of the original owners of the Roxy Theatre, 1936, Peter Feros.

The gentleman on the left is Peter Prineas - 'Lolis' of Winston Hills. Peter is a family friend and a Mitiatoti, but his family is not related to the families 'Prineas 'Koutsafte' or Feros 'Katsehamos'.

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12/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Descendants of Peter Feros. John and Rita Prineas.

Dr John Prineas is a grandson of one of the original owners of the Roxy Theatre, 1936, Peter Feros.

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12/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Descendants of Peter Feros. Peter Prineas, George Feros and wife Chris Feros.

George is a son of one of the original owners of the Roxy Theatre, 1936, Peter Feros.

Peter Prineas, author of the definitive history of the Roxy, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, is a grandson of Peter Feros.

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12/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Descendants of Peter Feros. George Feros and wife Chris Feros.

George is a son of one of the original owners of the Roxy Theatre, 1936, Peter Feros.

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12/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Descendants of Peter Feros. Peter Flaskas and Mary Flaskas

Mary is the daughter of one of the original owners of the Roxy Theatre, 1936, Peter Feros..

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12/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Island Social Life

George Miller's Eptanesian award, accepted by Deputy Mayor of Kythera, Michaeli Protopsaltis

a fellow Mitatoti, and good friend.

Download a .pdf "report" of the Eptanesian Award to George Miller here:

George_Miller_background.pdf

Βραβείο στον Γιώργο Μηλιώτη - George Miller από την Ένωση Επτανησίων Η Ένωση Επτανησίων Ελλάδας, στο πλαίσιο βράβευσης σημαντικών προσωπικοτήτων των Ιονίων νήσων που τιμούν με το καλλιτεχνικό, πνευματικό και επιστημονικό έργο τους τον τόπο καταγωγής τους, τιμά στην Αθήνα την 29η Μαΐου 2011 & ώρα 18:00, στο Μέγαρο Παλαιάς Βουλής, Σταδίου 13 στην Αθήνα, με βραβείο και έκδοση προσωπικού γραμματοσήμου τον Ιατρό, σκηνοθέτη, σεναριογράφο και παραγωγό, Γιώργο Μηλιώτη - George Miller από τα Κύθηρα, που ζει και εργάζεται στην Αυστραλία.

The Union of Ionian (Seven) Islands, on 29th May 2011, at 6:00 pm, in the Old Parliament House, Syntagma Square, Athens, conferred awards on 2 persons from each of 6 of the Ionian Islands, and 3 persons from Kythera. Greek Post will follow up this award, by issuing a postage stamp in each awardees honour.

The three from Kythera were, Professor Nikos Petrochilos, Athens and Hora, Kythera, Greece, & Vasilis Kailas, cinema and theatre actor, Athens, Greece & George Miller, Film Producer, Sydney Australia.

Below is a brief profile of George Miller, and his achievements.

Ποιός είναι :

Ο Γιώργος Μηλιώτης ή George Miller γεννήθηκε στις 3 Μαρτίου 1945 στο Qyeensland της Αυστραλίας. Οι γονείς του Δημήτρης και Αγγέλα είχαν μεταναστεύσει εκεί από το χωριό Μητάτα των Κυθήρων. Το ζευγάρι παντρεύτηκε και εγκαταστάθηκε στο Tσιντσιλά και απέκτησε τέσσερις γιους. Οι δύο πρώτοι ο Γιώργος και ο Γιάννης ήταν οι μη ταυτόσημοι δίδυμοι. Αργότερα, γεννήθηκαν ο Χρήστος και Βασίλης.Γιώργος έμαθε τα πρώτα του γράμματα στο Ipswich Grammar School και αργότερα Γυμνάσιο Αρρένων του Σίδνεϊ, στη συνέχεια σπούδασε Ιατρική στο Πανεπιστήμιο της Νέας Νότιας Ουαλίας με τον δίδυμο αδελφό του Ιωάννη. Ενώ βρισκόταν στο τελευταίο έτος της το έτος της Ιατρική Σχολή (1971), ο Γιώργος και ο νεώτερος αδελφός του Chris έκανε μια μικρού μήκους ταινία που κέρδισε το πρώτο βραβείο σε μαθητικό διαγωνισμό. Το 1971, ο Γιώργος παρακολούθησε μαθήματα στο Film Workshop του Πανεπιστημίου της Μελβούρνης, όπου είχε συμφοιτητή τον Μπάιρον Κένεντι, με τον οποίο διαμόρφωσε μια μόνιμη φιλία. Το 1972, ολοκλήρωσε στο Σίδνεϊ St Vincent του Νοσοκομείου, ξοδεύοντας το χρόνο του σε σύντομες πειραματικές ταινίες. Η συνεργασία αυτή στη συνέχεια διατηρήθηκε για πολλά έργα. Εργάστηκε για λίγο ως ιατρός και στη συνέχεια αφιερώθηκε στο κινηματογράφο, γράφοντας σενάρια και σκηνοθετώντας ταινίες που έγιναν διεθνείς επιτυχίες.Το υπόβαθρο στην ιατρική του Γιώργου Μηλιώτη αντικατοπτρίζεται στους κύριους χαρακτήρες στις ταινίες Max Mad, Max Rockatansky. Είναι μια αναφορά στο βαρώνο Καρλ φον Rokitansky, ο οποίος ανέπτυξε τις πιο κοινή διαδικασία για την αφαίρεση των εσωτερικών οργάνων κατά τη νεκροψία, εξακολουθεί να ονομάζεται διαδικασία Rokitansky. Έγραψε και σκηνοθέτησε το Mad Max ταινίες με πρωταγωνιστή τον Μελ Γκίμπσον ( Mad Max , Mad Max 2 (γνωστή στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες, όπως The Road Warrior ), καθώς και Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome ) συνέγραψε το Babe και έγραψε και σκηνοθέτησε το Lorenzo’s Oil. Σκηνοθέτησε επίσης την ταινία : Οι Μάγισσες της Eastwick , με πρωταγωνιστή τον Τζακ Νίκολσον , Σούζαν Σάραντον , Σερ και Μισέλ Φάιφερ. Η τελευταία του ταινία, Happy Feet θεωρείται μια από τις καλύτερες ταινίες όσον αφορά στην σκηνοθεσία, την κίνηση της κάμερας και το μοντάζ. Η ταινία σάρωσε σε εισπράξεις και σε βραβεία.

Το 2007 βραβεύτηκε με το Όσκαρ καλύτερης ταινίας κινουμένων σχεδίων από την Αμερικανική Ακαδημία Κινηματογράφου. Επίσης η ταινία του Babe (1995) είχε βραβευθεί με το Όσκαρ καλύτερων εφέ, ενώ ο ίδιος ήταν υποψήφιος για το Όσκαρ σεναρίου για το φιλμ Lorenzo’s Oil, το 1992. Ο Γιώργος Μηλιώτης δηλώνει ότι λατρεύει την Ελλάδα και πως το γεγονός ότι είναι Ελληνικής καταγωγής τον βοήθησε να διακριθεί στον κινηματογράφο.Υπήρξε συμπαραγωγός και σκηνοθέτησε πολλές αναγνωρισμένες μίνι σειρές για την αυστραλιανή τηλεόραση συμπεριλαμβανομένης της : Η απόλυση (1983) και Η Cowra Breakout (1984).

Αν ρωτήσει κανείς σήμερα τον Δρ George Miller θα απαντήσει ότι όλες οι ταινίες του είναι ένα και το αυτό, αν επικεντρωμένες στην ανθρώπινη κοινωνία ή το ζωικό βασίλειο, άσχετα αν απλώνονται στην άμμο της αυστραλιανής Outback, τα προάστια της Ουάσιγκτον, DC, ή τα παγόβουνα της Ανταρκτικής. Παραγωγός του, νεκρή ηρεμία και της μίνι τηλεοπτικής σειράς Μπανγκόκ Hilton και το Βιετνάμ, όλες με πρωταγωνίστρια την Nicole Kidman, έπαιξε σημαντικό ρόλο στην πρόωρη ανάπτυξη της σταδιοδρομίας της. Ήταν επίσης και ο δημιουργός του Happy Feet, ένα μουσικό έπος για τη ζωή των πιγκουίνων στην Ανταρκτική που η κινηματογραφική εταιρεία Warner Bros κυκλοφόρησε τον Νοέμβριο του 2006. Το Happy Feet έφερε στον Miller την τέταρτη υποψηφιότητα, για Όσκαρ. Όπου τελικά κέρδισε το πρώτο του βραβείο στην κατηγορία της Καλύτερης Ταινίας Κινουμένων Σχεδίων.

Ο Miller είναι ο στυλοβάτης του Αυστραλιανού Ινστιτούτου Κινηματογράφου και του BIFF (Brisbane International Film Festival) καθώς και Φεστιβάλ Κινηματογράφου του Σίδνεϊ. Σήμερα εργάζεται πυρετωδώς για να ολοκληρώσει την ταινία του Happy Feet 2 και προετοιμάζει το πολυαναμενόμενο τρίτο Mad Max με προσωρινό τίτλο Mad Max: Fury Road.

Οι βραβεύσεις αναλυτικά :

1982: Κερδίζει για το The Road Warrior, Βραβείο Καλύτερης Σκηνοθεσίας και Καλύτερης Ταινίας Μοντάζ (από κοινού με άλλους) από το Ινστιτ. Κινηματογράφου της Αυστραλίας.

1987: Κέρδισε για το ΕΣΠΑΣΕ Η ΦΩΝΗ ΜΟΥ, Βραβείο Καλύτερης Ταινίας (παραγωγός), μοιράζεται με Doug Mitchell και Terry Hayes, από το Ινστιτ. Κινηματογράφου της Αυστραλίας.

1990: Κέρδισε για το ΦΛΕΡΤ, Βραβείο καλύτερης εικόνας (ως παραγωγός), που μοιράζεται με τον Doug Mitchell και Terry Hayes, από το Ινστιτούτο Κινηματογράφου της Αυστραλίας,

1993: Βραβείο 'Οσκαρ για το Lorenzo’s Oil, Καλύτερου Σεναρίου που μοιράζεται με τον συγγραφέα Νίκ Enright.

1996: Υποψηφιότητες για δύο Όσκαρ για το Bab, καλύτερης εικόνας (ως παραγωγός) και Καλύτερου Σεναρίου, μοιράζεται με τον συγγραφέα Chris Noonan.

1999: Έλαβε τιμητική διάκριση από το Πανεπιστήμιο της Νέας Νότιας Ουαλίας. 2007: Κέρδισε Όσκαρ για το Happy Feet, Best Animated

Feature. 2007: Κέρδισε βραβείο BAFTA για το Happy Feet, Best Animated Feature.

2007: Έλαβε το Queensland - Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες Βραβείο επιτεύγματος στο Queensland Expatriate βραβείο, στο Δωμάτιο Rainbow στη Νέα Υόρκη.

2007: Έλαβε το Βραβείο FIAPF για εξαιρετικές επιδόσεις στον κινηματογράφο στο Screen Βραβεία του Ειρηνικού της Ασίας.

2007 (Απρίλιος): σε επίτιμο Master of Arts από την αυστραλιανή Σχολή Κινηματογράφου Τηλεόρασης και Ραδιοφώνου.

2007: Έλαβε το Παγκόσμιο βραβείο AFI.

2008: Αναγορεύθηκε σε επίτιμο διδάκτορα από το Πανεπιστήμιο Griffith.

2009: Βραβείο του Γαλλικού Τάγματος Γραμμάτων και Τεχνών.

2010: Αναγορεύεται ως ο πρώτος μη - Αμερικανός σκηνοθέτης που έγινε «επίτιμο μέλος» της VES. (Visual Effects Society's) για τη μακρόχρονη συμβολή του στη βιομηχανία κινηματογράφου.

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11/6/2011

Photos, Island Social Life

Modern Portraits

Deputy Mayor of Kythera, Michaelis Protospaltis accepting the Eptanesian award

on behalf of fellow Mitatoti, George Miller.

Download a .pdf "report" of the Eptanesian Award to George Miller here:

George_Miller_background.pdf

Βραβείο στον Γιώργο Μηλιώτη - George Miller από την Ένωση Επτανησίων Η Ένωση Επτανησίων Ελλάδας, στο πλαίσιο βράβευσης σημαντικών προσωπικοτήτων των Ιονίων νήσων που τιμούν με το καλλιτεχνικό, πνευματικό και επιστημονικό έργο τους τον τόπο καταγωγής τους, τιμά στην Αθήνα την 29η Μαΐου 2011 & ώρα 18:00, στο Μέγαρο Παλαιάς Βουλής, Σταδίου 13 στην Αθήνα, με βραβείο και έκδοση προσωπικού γραμματοσήμου τον Ιατρό, σκηνοθέτη, σεναριογράφο και παραγωγό, Γιώργο Μηλιώτη - George Miller από τα Κύθηρα, που ζει και εργάζεται στην Αυστραλία.

The Union of Ionian (Seven) Islands, on 29th May 2011, at 6:00 pm, in the Old Parliament House, Syntagma Square, Athens, conferred awards on 2 persons from each of 6 of the Ionian Islands, and 3 persons from Kythera. Greek Post will follow up this award, by issuing a postage stamp in each awardees honour.

The three from Kythera were, Professor Nikos Petrochilos, Athens and Hora, Kythera, Greece, & Vasilis Kailas, cinema and theatre actor, Athens, Greece & George Miller, Film Producer, Sydney Australia.

Below is a brief profile of George Miller, and his achievements.

Ποιός είναι :

Ο Γιώργος Μηλιώτης ή George Miller γεννήθηκε στις 3 Μαρτίου 1945 στο Qyeensland της Αυστραλίας. Οι γονείς του Δημήτρης και Αγγέλα είχαν μεταναστεύσει εκεί από το χωριό Μητάτα των Κυθήρων. Το ζευγάρι παντρεύτηκε και εγκαταστάθηκε στο Tσιντσιλά και απέκτησε τέσσερις γιους. Οι δύο πρώτοι ο Γιώργος και ο Γιάννης ήταν οι μη ταυτόσημοι δίδυμοι. Αργότερα, γεννήθηκαν ο Χρήστος και Βασίλης.Γιώργος έμαθε τα πρώτα του γράμματα στο Ipswich Grammar School και αργότερα Γυμνάσιο Αρρένων του Σίδνεϊ, στη συνέχεια σπούδασε Ιατρική στο Πανεπιστήμιο της Νέας Νότιας Ουαλίας με τον δίδυμο αδελφό του Ιωάννη. Ενώ βρισκόταν στο τελευταίο έτος της το έτος της Ιατρική Σχολή (1971), ο Γιώργος και ο νεώτερος αδελφός του Chris έκανε μια μικρού μήκους ταινία που κέρδισε το πρώτο βραβείο σε μαθητικό διαγωνισμό. Το 1971, ο Γιώργος παρακολούθησε μαθήματα στο Film Workshop του Πανεπιστημίου της Μελβούρνης, όπου είχε συμφοιτητή τον Μπάιρον Κένεντι, με τον οποίο διαμόρφωσε μια μόνιμη φιλία. Το 1972, ολοκλήρωσε στο Σίδνεϊ St Vincent του Νοσοκομείου, ξοδεύοντας το χρόνο του σε σύντομες πειραματικές ταινίες. Η συνεργασία αυτή στη συνέχεια διατηρήθηκε για πολλά έργα. Εργάστηκε για λίγο ως ιατρός και στη συνέχεια αφιερώθηκε στο κινηματογράφο, γράφοντας σενάρια και σκηνοθετώντας ταινίες που έγιναν διεθνείς επιτυχίες.Το υπόβαθρο στην ιατρική του Γιώργου Μηλιώτη αντικατοπτρίζεται στους κύριους χαρακτήρες στις ταινίες Max Mad, Max Rockatansky. Είναι μια αναφορά στο βαρώνο Καρλ φον Rokitansky, ο οποίος ανέπτυξε τις πιο κοινή διαδικασία για την αφαίρεση των εσωτερικών οργάνων κατά τη νεκροψία, εξακολουθεί να ονομάζεται διαδικασία Rokitansky. Έγραψε και σκηνοθέτησε το Mad Max ταινίες με πρωταγωνιστή τον Μελ Γκίμπσον ( Mad Max , Mad Max 2 (γνωστή στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες, όπως The Road Warrior ), καθώς και Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome ) συνέγραψε το Babe και έγραψε και σκηνοθέτησε το Lorenzo’s Oil. Σκηνοθέτησε επίσης την ταινία : Οι Μάγισσες της Eastwick , με πρωταγωνιστή τον Τζακ Νίκολσον , Σούζαν Σάραντον , Σερ και Μισέλ Φάιφερ. Η τελευταία του ταινία, Happy Feet θεωρείται μια από τις καλύτερες ταινίες όσον αφορά στην σκηνοθεσία, την κίνηση της κάμερας και το μοντάζ. Η ταινία σάρωσε σε εισπράξεις και σε βραβεία.

Το 2007 βραβεύτηκε με το Όσκαρ καλύτερης ταινίας κινουμένων σχεδίων από την Αμερικανική Ακαδημία Κινηματογράφου. Επίσης η ταινία του Babe (1995) είχε βραβευθεί με το Όσκαρ καλύτερων εφέ, ενώ ο ίδιος ήταν υποψήφιος για το Όσκαρ σεναρίου για το φιλμ Lorenzo’s Oil, το 1992. Ο Γιώργος Μηλιώτης δηλώνει ότι λατρεύει την Ελλάδα και πως το γεγονός ότι είναι Ελληνικής καταγωγής τον βοήθησε να διακριθεί στον κινηματογράφο.Υπήρξε συμπαραγωγός και σκηνοθέτησε πολλές αναγνωρισμένες μίνι σειρές για την αυστραλιανή τηλεόραση συμπεριλαμβανομένης της : Η απόλυση (1983) και Η Cowra Breakout (1984).

Αν ρωτήσει κανείς σήμερα τον Δρ George Miller θα απαντήσει ότι όλες οι ταινίες του είναι ένα και το αυτό, αν επικεντρωμένες στην ανθρώπινη κοινωνία ή το ζωικό βασίλειο, άσχετα αν απλώνονται στην άμμο της αυστραλιανής Outback, τα προάστια της Ουάσιγκτον, DC, ή τα παγόβουνα της Ανταρκτικής. Παραγωγός του, νεκρή ηρεμία και της μίνι τηλεοπτικής σειράς Μπανγκόκ Hilton και το Βιετνάμ, όλες με πρωταγωνίστρια την Nicole Kidman, έπαιξε σημαντικό ρόλο στην πρόωρη ανάπτυξη της σταδιοδρομίας της. Ήταν επίσης και ο δημιουργός του Happy Feet, ένα μουσικό έπος για τη ζωή των πιγκουίνων στην Ανταρκτική που η κινηματογραφική εταιρεία Warner Bros κυκλοφόρησε τον Νοέμβριο του 2006. Το Happy Feet έφερε στον Miller την τέταρτη υποψηφιότητα, για Όσκαρ. Όπου τελικά κέρδισε το πρώτο του βραβείο στην κατηγορία της Καλύτερης Ταινίας Κινουμένων Σχεδίων.

Ο Miller είναι ο στυλοβάτης του Αυστραλιανού Ινστιτούτου Κινηματογράφου και του BIFF (Brisbane International Film Festival) καθώς και Φεστιβάλ Κινηματογράφου του Σίδνεϊ. Σήμερα εργάζεται πυρετωδώς για να ολοκληρώσει την ταινία του Happy Feet 2 και προετοιμάζει το πολυαναμενόμενο τρίτο Mad Max με προσωρινό τίτλο Mad Max: Fury Road.

Οι βραβεύσεις αναλυτικά :

1982: Κερδίζει για το The Road Warrior, Βραβείο Καλύτερης Σκηνοθεσίας και Καλύτερης Ταινίας Μοντάζ (από κοινού με άλλους) από το Ινστιτ. Κινηματογράφου της Αυστραλίας.

1987: Κέρδισε για το ΕΣΠΑΣΕ Η ΦΩΝΗ ΜΟΥ, Βραβείο Καλύτερης Ταινίας (παραγωγός), μοιράζεται με Doug Mitchell και Terry Hayes, από το Ινστιτ. Κινηματογράφου της Αυστραλίας.

1990: Κέρδισε για το ΦΛΕΡΤ, Βραβείο καλύτερης εικόνας (ως παραγωγός), που μοιράζεται με τον Doug Mitchell και Terry Hayes, από το Ινστιτούτο Κινηματογράφου της Αυστραλίας,

1993: Βραβείο 'Οσκαρ για το Lorenzo’s Oil, Καλύτερου Σεναρίου που μοιράζεται με τον συγγραφέα Νίκ Enright.

1996: Υποψηφιότητες για δύο Όσκαρ για το Bab, καλύτερης εικόνας (ως παραγωγός) και Καλύτερου Σεναρίου, μοιράζεται με τον συγγραφέα Chris Noonan.

1999: Έλαβε τιμητική διάκριση από το Πανεπιστήμιο της Νέας Νότιας Ουαλίας. 2007: Κέρδισε Όσκαρ για το Happy Feet, Best Animated

Feature. 2007: Κέρδισε βραβείο BAFTA για το Happy Feet, Best Animated Feature.

2007: Έλαβε το Queensland - Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες Βραβείο επιτεύγματος στο Queensland Expatriate βραβείο, στο Δωμάτιο Rainbow στη Νέα Υόρκη.

2007: Έλαβε το Βραβείο FIAPF για εξαιρετικές επιδόσεις στον κινηματογράφο στο Screen Βραβεία του Ειρηνικού της Ασίας.

2007 (Απρίλιος): σε επίτιμο Master of Arts από την αυστραλιανή Σχολή Κινηματογράφου Τηλεόρασης και Ραδιοφώνου.

2007: Έλαβε το Παγκόσμιο βραβείο AFI.

2008: Αναγορεύθηκε σε επίτιμο διδάκτορα από το Πανεπιστήμιο Griffith.

2009: Βραβείο του Γαλλικού Τάγματος Γραμμάτων και Τεχνών.

2010: Αναγορεύεται ως ο πρώτος μη - Αμερικανός σκηνοθέτης που έγινε «επίτιμο μέλος» της VES. (Visual Effects Society's) για τη μακρόχρονη συμβολή του στη βιομηχανία κινηματογράφου.

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11/6/2011

Photos, Modern Portraits

Island Social Life

Vasilis Kailas receiving his Eptanesian award

Upload the Eptanesian "report" and biography (in Greek) as a .pdf, here:

Vasili_Kailas_Brief_biography.pdf

Upload another brief "report" and biography (in Greek) as a .pdf, here:

VASILIS_KAILAS_biography.pdf

Βραβείο και γραμματόσημο για το Βασίλη Καϊλα από
την Ένωση Επτανησίων.

The Union of Ionian (Seven) Islands, on 29th May 2011, at 6:00 pm, in the Old Parliament House, Syntagma Square, Athens, conferred awards on 2 persons from each of 6 of the Ionian Islands, and 3 persons from Kythera. Greek Post will follow up this award, by issuing a postage stamp in each awardees honour.

The three from Kythera were, George Miller, Film Producer, Sydney Australia, Professor Nikos Petrochilos, Athens and Hora, Kythera, Greece and Vasilis Kailas, cinema and theatre actor, Athens, Greece.

Below is a brief profile of Vasilis Kailas, and his achievements. Vasilis is reponding to questions by Angelos Grammenos.

Η Ένωση Επτανησίων Ελλάδας, στο πλαίσιο βράβευσης σημαντικών και καταξιωμένων προσωπικοτήτων των Ιονίων Νήσων, που τιμούν με το καλλιτεχνικό, πνευματικό και επιστημονικό τους έργο τον τόπο καταγωγής τους, τιμά στην Αθήνα την 29η Μαΐου 2011 & ώρα 18:00, στο Μέγαρο Παλαιάς Βουλής, Σταδίου 13 στην Αθήνα, με βραβείο και έκδοση προσωπικού γραμματοσήμου τον ηθοποιό Βασίλη Καΐλα που έχει καταγωγή από τα Κύθηρα.

Με ευκαιρία την βράβευσή του, οι συνεργάτες της σελίδας μας "Heroic-ISLANDS", τον αναζήτησαν και του ζήτησαν να μας δώσει τη συνέντευξη που ακολουθεί.

- Βασίλη, που έχεις γεννηθεί ;

Γεννήθηκα στον Πειραιά το 1953, αλλά έχω καταγωγή από τα Μητάτα των Κύθηρων. Όταν ήμουν μόλις 10 ημερών οι γονείς μου μετακόμισαν στην Πλάκα. Έτσι λοιπόν μεγάλωσα στην Πλάκα με την ομορφιά που είχε εκείνη την εποχή. Στην οδό Βουλής όπου ήταν το σπίτι μου, στην ίδια πολυκατοικία έμενε η Έλλη Λαμπέτη και ο Δημήτρης Χορν.

- Το γεγονός αυτό έπαιξε κάποιο ρόλο στη
ζωή σου ;

Βεβαίως. Την εποχή εκείνη και συγκεκριμένα το έτος 1957 ο Μιχάλης Κακογιάννης άρχιζε τα γυρίσματα της ταινίας το τελευταίο ψέμα. Μια συνάντησή μας στην είσοδο της πολυκατοικίας ήταν μοιραία. Το παιδάκι της ταινίας ήμουν εγώ. Η αρχή είχε γίνει. Η μία ταινία διαδέχονταν την άλλη. Αναφέρω μερικές. Η κυρά μας η Μαμή – Μανταλένα – Λουστράκος – Εμποράκος – Άσωτος – Νικητής – Λαφίνα – Δυο μάνες στο σταυρό του πόνου – Καρδιές στην καταιγίδα – Υπόθεση Ντρέϋφους – Αλίκη στο Ναυτικό – Η Ψεύτρα – Οικογένεια Χωραφά – Θύελλα σε παιδική καρδιά – Μια Βραβείο και γραμματόσημο για το Βασίλη Καϊλα από σφαίρα για μένα - Ωρα της Δικαιοσύνης - ΄Ονειρο απατηλό. ΄Εχουμε μέλλον ως τις 117 ταινίες αλλά θα γέμιζε το βιογραφικό.

- Αλήθεια σε ποιά ηλικία άρχισες να παίζεις στι Θέατρο ;

Σε ηλικία 8 ετών πάτησα το πόδι μου στο θεατρικό σανίδι πλάϊ στον Δημήτρη Χόρν στο έργο Ταξιδιώτης χωρίς αποσκευές του Ανούιγ στο θέατρο Κεντρικόν.

Την επόμενη χρονιά έπαιξα στον Εθνικό Θέατρο με την Κατίνα Παξινού και τον Αλέξη Μινωτή στον έργο Μάκβεθ.

- Τι έκανες αργότερα ;

Τα χρόνια πέρναγαν και παρέα με τον Ελληνικό κινηματογράφο μεγάλωνα κι’εγώ. Η εφηβεία ήρθε και μαζί η δύση του Ελληνικού κινηματογράφου. Τέλειωσα το σχολείο και άρχισα να ονειρεύομαι το μέλλον μου. ΄Οχι τον μέλλον της καριέρας μου, το μέλλον της ζωής μου. Πολύ νωρίς όμως το όνειρο σταμάτησε, ήρθε η κλήση να παρουσιαστώ στο Πολεμικό Ναυτικό.

Μόλις τέλειωσα το στρατιωτικό, γράφτηκα στη Δραματική Σχολή του Γιώργου Θεοδοσιάδη όπου μετά από τριετή φοίτηση και εξετάσεις σε επιτροπή του Υπουργείου, πήρα την άδεια εξασκήσεως επαγγέλματος του ηθοποιού που δυστυχώς σήμερα δεν υπάρχει. Το 1979 που πήρα το πτυχίο μου, δούλεψα πλάϊ στον Αλέκο Αλεξανδράκη και τη Νόνικα Γαληνέα στον έργο Ο άντρας της Ζωής μου και την επόμενη σεζόν πάλι μαζί τους σε σκηνοθεσία Ανδρέα Βουτσινά στο έργο Μάρτυςκατηγορίας.

Πήρα μέρος στο Θεατρικό Φεστιβάλ Ιθάκης όπου απέσπασα το Β΄Βραβείο ανδρικού Ρόλου και είχα την τιμή να το πάρω από τα χέρια του Ευγένιο Ιονέσκο. Έχω λάβει μέρος σε πάρα πολλές παραστάσεις και αναφέρω μερικές. Αντιγόνη του Σοφοκή στο ρόλο του Αίμωνα – Μανδραγόρας του Μακιαβέλλι – Γενοβέφα – Κύκλος με την Κιμωλία – Φάουστ - Ονειρο Καλοκαιρινής Νύχτας - Μαλακώφ – Ειρήνη – Ο Γολγοθάς μιας Ορφανής κι’ ανύπανδρης Μητέρας – Πλούτος του Αριστοφάνη –Στο Θέατρο κάτω από τη Γέφυρα στο έργο Άνθρωποι και ποντίκια. Συνεργάσθηκα 6 χρόνια με την Ομάδα Σύγχρονης Τέχνης, όπου ανεβάσαμε έργα για παιδιά όπως η Χώρα των Πουλιών, διασκευή από τους Όρνιθες του Αριστοφάνη - Πέερ Γκιντ, Ο κύκλος με την κιμωλία κ.α. Στην τηλεόραση η παρουσία μου ήταν στην ΕΡΤ 1 στο Θέατρο της Δευτέρας στη σειρά Κωστής Παλαμάς και στη σειρά όλη η Χάρη όλη η Δόξα.

- Γνωρίζουμε ότι κάποια στιγμή έκανες επιτυχημένη στροφή προς την μεταγλώττιση. Θα μας πεις δυο λόγια ;

Η καριέρα μου στο μεταγλωτισμό άρχισε πολύ νωρίς, από τα χρόνια του Ελληνικού Κινηματογράφου όπου τα μέσα ηχογράφησης των εξωτερικών γυρισμάτων των ταινιών δεν μπορούσαν να πραγματοποιηθούν και γι’αυτό οι ηθοποιοί πήγαιναν στο στούντιο και ηχογραφούσαν τη φωνή τους. Αργότερα για λογαριαμό της ΕΡΤ ξεκίνησα στο στούντιο Cross με τη σειρά Ράντζι – Μάνιξ – Οικογένεια Γουόλτονς – Μικρό σπίτι στο λιβάδι κ.α. Όταν ο μεταγλωτισμός πέρασε και στα ιδιωτικά κανάλια ανέλαβα στην audio visual σκηνοθεσία για λογαριασμό των καναλιών ΕΡΤ 1, ΝΕΤ, STAR, MEGA, ALTER, NOVA.

Επίσης σκηνοθέτησα πλήθος σήριαλ που δεν ήταν κινούμενα σκίτσα με προέλευση Λατινικές Χώρες όπως Βραζιλία, Αργεντινή, Περού, Χιλή. Αναφέρω ενδεικτικά MILAGROS, MARIANNA κ.α. Πριν από ένα χρόνο οι συνάδελφοι, μου έκαναν την τιμή να με εκλέξουν πρόεδρο της Πανελλήνιας Ομοσπονδίας Θεάματος Ακροάματος (Π.Ο.Θ.Α.).

- Η Ένωση Επτανησίων Ελλάδας στις 29 Μαϊου 2011 πρόκειται να σε τιμήσει για την προσφορά σου και μάλιστα να εκδόσει και το προσωπικό σου γραμματόσημο. Πως αισθάνεσαι για αυτό το γεγονός;

Είμαι αρκετά ώριμος και δεν θα με ικανοποιούσε σε Heroic-ISLANDS: Βραβείο και γραμματόσημο για το Βασίλη Καϊλα από την Ένωση Επτανησίων Αναρτήθηκε από Agras στις 1:32 π.μ. Ετικέτες ΤΙΜΗΤΙΚΕΣ ΔΙΑΚΡΙΣΕΙΣ αυτή τη φάση της ζωής μου οποιοδήποτε βραβείο, γιατί γνωρίζω ότι οι περισσότερες βραβεύσεις είναι χωρίς αξία. Γίνονται συνήθως για να προβληθούν κάποιοι, άσχετα αν το αξίζουν ή όχι. Στη συγκεκριμένη όμως περίπτωση, παρά τις θέσεις μου, η πρόταση για την βράβευσή μου με βρήκε εντελώς απροετοίμαστο στην αρχή. Δεν σας κρύβω ότι αιφνιδιάστηκα και ένιωσα κάποια αμηχανία διότι με συγκίνησε ιδιαίτερα το γεγονός ότι με βραβεύουν οι αδελφοί μας Επτανήσιοι, ως Επτανήσιο από τα Κύθηρα. Το ίδιο νομίζω ότι θα ένοιωθε στη θέση μου ο κάθε Κυθήριος. Είναι μεγάλο πράγμα να σε βραβεύουν οι δικοί σου άνθρωποι.

Συνεπώς το συγκεκριμένο βραβείο απέκτησε αμέσως μια ιδιαίτερη αξία στην καρδιά μου και για το λόγο αυτό ευχαριστώ την Ένωση Επτανησίων Ελλάδας για την τιμή που μου έκανε και εύχομαι καλή επιτυχία στο έργο της.(Λ.Β.)

Download an Eptanesian "report" of the event as a .pdf, here:

Eptanesian_Islands_Awards_2011.pdf

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11/6/2011

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FB Old photographs

Award to George Miller, from the Union of Ionian Islands

Download a .pdf "report" of the Eptanesian Award to George Miller here:

George_Miller_background.pdf

Βραβείο στον Γιώργο Μηλιώτη - George Miller από την Ένωση Επτανησίων Η Ένωση Επτανησίων Ελλάδας, στο πλαίσιο βράβευσης σημαντικών προσωπικοτήτων των Ιονίων νήσων που τιμούν με το καλλιτεχνικό, πνευματικό και επιστημονικό έργο τους τον τόπο καταγωγής τους, τιμά στην Αθήνα την 29η Μαΐου 2011 & ώρα 18:00, στο Μέγαρο Παλαιάς Βουλής, Σταδίου 13 στην Αθήνα, με βραβείο και έκδοση προσωπικού γραμματοσήμου τον Ιατρό, σκηνοθέτη, σεναριογράφο και παραγωγό, Γιώργο Μηλιώτη - George Miller από τα Κύθηρα, που ζει και εργάζεται στην Αυστραλία.

The Union of Ionian (Seven) Islands, on 29th May 2011, at 6:00 pm, in the Old Parliament House, Syntagma Square, Athens, conferred awards on 2 persons from each of 6 of the Ionian Islands, and 3 persons from Kythera. Greek Post will follow up this award, by issuing a postage stamp in each awardees honour.

The three from Kythera were, Professor Nikos Petrochilos, Athens and Hora, Kythera, Greece, & Vasilis Kailas, cinema and theatre actor, Athens, Greece & George Miller, Film Producer, Sydney Australia.

Below is a brief profile of George Miller, and his achievements.

Ποιός είναι :

Ο Γιώργος Μηλιώτης ή George Miller γεννήθηκε στις 3 Μαρτίου 1945 στο Qyeensland της Αυστραλίας. Οι γονείς του Δημήτρης και Αγγέλα είχαν μεταναστεύσει εκεί από το χωριό Μητάτα των Κυθήρων. Το ζευγάρι παντρεύτηκε και εγκαταστάθηκε στο Tσιντσιλά και απέκτησε τέσσερις γιους. Οι δύο πρώτοι ο Γιώργος και ο Γιάννης ήταν οι μη ταυτόσημοι δίδυμοι. Αργότερα, γεννήθηκαν ο Χρήστος και Βασίλης.Γιώργος έμαθε τα πρώτα του γράμματα στο Ipswich Grammar School και αργότερα Γυμνάσιο Αρρένων του Σίδνεϊ, στη συνέχεια σπούδασε Ιατρική στο Πανεπιστήμιο της Νέας Νότιας Ουαλίας με τον δίδυμο αδελφό του Ιωάννη. Ενώ βρισκόταν στο τελευταίο έτος της το έτος της Ιατρική Σχολή (1971), ο Γιώργος και ο νεώτερος αδελφός του Chris έκανε μια μικρού μήκους ταινία που κέρδισε το πρώτο βραβείο σε μαθητικό διαγωνισμό. Το 1971, ο Γιώργος παρακολούθησε μαθήματα στο Film Workshop του Πανεπιστημίου της Μελβούρνης, όπου είχε συμφοιτητή τον Μπάιρον Κένεντι, με τον οποίο διαμόρφωσε μια μόνιμη φιλία. Το 1972, ολοκλήρωσε στο Σίδνεϊ St Vincent του Νοσοκομείου, ξοδεύοντας το χρόνο του σε σύντομες πειραματικές ταινίες. Η συνεργασία αυτή στη συνέχεια διατηρήθηκε για πολλά έργα. Εργάστηκε για λίγο ως ιατρός και στη συνέχεια αφιερώθηκε στο κινηματογράφο, γράφοντας σενάρια και σκηνοθετώντας ταινίες που έγιναν διεθνείς επιτυχίες.Το υπόβαθρο στην ιατρική του Γιώργου Μηλιώτη αντικατοπτρίζεται στους κύριους χαρακτήρες στις ταινίες Max Mad, Max Rockatansky. Είναι μια αναφορά στο βαρώνο Καρλ φον Rokitansky, ο οποίος ανέπτυξε τις πιο κοινή διαδικασία για την αφαίρεση των εσωτερικών οργάνων κατά τη νεκροψία, εξακολουθεί να ονομάζεται διαδικασία Rokitansky. Έγραψε και σκηνοθέτησε το Mad Max ταινίες με πρωταγωνιστή τον Μελ Γκίμπσον ( Mad Max , Mad Max 2 (γνωστή στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες, όπως The Road Warrior ), καθώς και Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome ) συνέγραψε το Babe και έγραψε και σκηνοθέτησε το Lorenzo’s Oil. Σκηνοθέτησε επίσης την ταινία : Οι Μάγισσες της Eastwick , με πρωταγωνιστή τον Τζακ Νίκολσον , Σούζαν Σάραντον , Σερ και Μισέλ Φάιφερ. Η τελευταία του ταινία, Happy Feet θεωρείται μια από τις καλύτερες ταινίες όσον αφορά στην σκηνοθεσία, την κίνηση της κάμερας και το μοντάζ. Η ταινία σάρωσε σε εισπράξεις και σε βραβεία.

Το 2007 βραβεύτηκε με το Όσκαρ καλύτερης ταινίας κινουμένων σχεδίων από την Αμερικανική Ακαδημία Κινηματογράφου. Επίσης η ταινία του Babe (1995) είχε βραβευθεί με το Όσκαρ καλύτερων εφέ, ενώ ο ίδιος ήταν υποψήφιος για το Όσκαρ σεναρίου για το φιλμ Lorenzo’s Oil, το 1992. Ο Γιώργος Μηλιώτης δηλώνει ότι λατρεύει την Ελλάδα και πως το γεγονός ότι είναι Ελληνικής καταγωγής τον βοήθησε να διακριθεί στον κινηματογράφο.Υπήρξε συμπαραγωγός και σκηνοθέτησε πολλές αναγνωρισμένες μίνι σειρές για την αυστραλιανή τηλεόραση συμπεριλαμβανομένης της : Η απόλυση (1983) και Η Cowra Breakout (1984).

Αν ρωτήσει κανείς σήμερα τον Δρ George Miller θα απαντήσει ότι όλες οι ταινίες του είναι ένα και το αυτό, αν επικεντρωμένες στην ανθρώπινη κοινωνία ή το ζωικό βασίλειο, άσχετα αν απλώνονται στην άμμο της αυστραλιανής Outback, τα προάστια της Ουάσιγκτον, DC, ή τα παγόβουνα της Ανταρκτικής. Παραγωγός του, νεκρή ηρεμία και της μίνι τηλεοπτικής σειράς Μπανγκόκ Hilton και το Βιετνάμ, όλες με πρωταγωνίστρια την Nicole Kidman, έπαιξε σημαντικό ρόλο στην πρόωρη ανάπτυξη της σταδιοδρομίας της. Ήταν επίσης και ο δημιουργός του Happy Feet, ένα μουσικό έπος για τη ζωή των πιγκουίνων στην Ανταρκτική που η κινηματογραφική εταιρεία Warner Bros κυκλοφόρησε τον Νοέμβριο του 2006. Το Happy Feet έφερε στον Miller την τέταρτη υποψηφιότητα, για Όσκαρ. Όπου τελικά κέρδισε το πρώτο του βραβείο στην κατηγορία της Καλύτερης Ταινίας Κινουμένων Σχεδίων.

Ο Miller είναι ο στυλοβάτης του Αυστραλιανού Ινστιτούτου Κινηματογράφου και του BIFF (Brisbane International Film Festival) καθώς και Φεστιβάλ Κινηματογράφου του Σίδνεϊ. Σήμερα εργάζεται πυρετωδώς για να ολοκληρώσει την ταινία του Happy Feet 2 και προετοιμάζει το πολυαναμενόμενο τρίτο Mad Max με προσωρινό τίτλο Mad Max: Fury Road.

Οι βραβεύσεις αναλυτικά :

1982: Κερδίζει για το The Road Warrior, Βραβείο Καλύτερης Σκηνοθεσίας και Καλύτερης Ταινίας Μοντάζ (από κοινού με άλλους) από το Ινστιτ. Κινηματογράφου της Αυστραλίας.

1987: Κέρδισε για το ΕΣΠΑΣΕ Η ΦΩΝΗ ΜΟΥ, Βραβείο Καλύτερης Ταινίας (παραγωγός), μοιράζεται με Doug Mitchell και Terry Hayes, από το Ινστιτ. Κινηματογράφου της Αυστραλίας.

1990: Κέρδισε για το ΦΛΕΡΤ, Βραβείο καλύτερης εικόνας (ως παραγωγός), που μοιράζεται με τον Doug Mitchell και Terry Hayes, από το Ινστιτούτο Κινηματογράφου της Αυστραλίας,

1993: Βραβείο 'Οσκαρ για το Lorenzo’s Oil, Καλύτερου Σεναρίου που μοιράζεται με τον συγγραφέα Νίκ Enright.

1996: Υποψηφιότητες για δύο Όσκαρ για το Bab, καλύτερης εικόνας (ως παραγωγός) και Καλύτερου Σεναρίου, μοιράζεται με τον συγγραφέα Chris Noonan.

1999: Έλαβε τιμητική διάκριση από το Πανεπιστήμιο της Νέας Νότιας Ουαλίας. 2007: Κέρδισε Όσκαρ για το Happy Feet, Best Animated

Feature. 2007: Κέρδισε βραβείο BAFTA για το Happy Feet, Best Animated Feature.

2007: Έλαβε το Queensland - Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες Βραβείο επιτεύγματος στο Queensland Expatriate βραβείο, στο Δωμάτιο Rainbow στη Νέα Υόρκη.

2007: Έλαβε το Βραβείο FIAPF για εξαιρετικές επιδόσεις στον κινηματογράφο στο Screen Βραβεία του Ειρηνικού της Ασίας.

2007 (Απρίλιος): σε επίτιμο Master of Arts από την αυστραλιανή Σχολή Κινηματογράφου Τηλεόρασης και Ραδιοφώνου.

2007: Έλαβε το Παγκόσμιο βραβείο AFI.

2008: Αναγορεύθηκε σε επίτιμο διδάκτορα από το Πανεπιστήμιο Griffith.

2009: Βραβείο του Γαλλικού Τάγματος Γραμμάτων και Τεχνών.

2010: Αναγορεύεται ως ο πρώτος μη - Αμερικανός σκηνοθέτης που έγινε «επίτιμο μέλος» της VES. (Visual Effects Society's) για τη μακρόχρονη συμβολή του στη βιομηχανία κινηματογράφου.

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Working Life

Vasilis Kailas, photographed at the audio-visual studio were he works, 2011

Vasili was a child prodigy of Greek cinema and theatre was born of Kytherian parents (from Mitata) in Athens, on June 16, 1953. He began his career is movies at a very young age, appearing in 1957 in the film The Last Lie. He very soon established a distinctive record as a young supporting actor. He also played lead roles in films such as Mary Plyta Loustrakos’, Salesman.

Watch cinema performances of Vasili as a child actor at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAeT-CUbwHg&feature=related

In 1985 he was the protagonist in the film She Graduated. He gained roles in 117 films, mainly Greek language, but also “foreign”. He has established a reputation as the child prodigy of Greek cinema. He later went on to a career in the theatre.

In forgoing cinema for the theatre he lost a chance to establish himself economically. He harbours no regrets, however. The golden age of Greek films has long past. But generations of Greek audiences continue to adore Vassilakis Kaili for his "afflicted" roles.

His personal life reflected many of the roles he played in films. He struggled with poverty and hardship, but, being resilient, has managed to overcome these challenges.

Today, he still works behind the cameras and the spotlight, providing a distinctive voice to many children's heroes. (See article, in Greek, below).

The Union of Ionian (Seven) Islands, on 29th May 2011, at 6:00 pm, in the Old Parliament House, Syntagma Square, Athens, conferred awards on 2 persons from each of 6 of the Ionian Islands, and 3 persons from Kythera. Greek Post will follow up this award, by issuing a postage stamp in each awardees honour.

The three from Kythera were, George Miller, Film Producer, Sydney Australia, Professor Nikos Petrochilos, Athens and Hora, Kythera, Greece and Vasilis Kailas, cinema and theatre actor, Athens, Greece.

Filmography

Did you get a degree? (1985) [Andreas Dovas]
The Saint of Preveza (1982) [Father]
Vengos the mad bomber (1980)
The great storm of Love (1972)
Burning flesh (1971)
Intoxication of the flesh (1970)
Let the jury consider the (1969)
I want my child back (1969)
In our teacher ... with Love (1969) [Andreas Liapis] I will rock my heart (1968) [(small) Dimitri]
Dream elusive (1968)
Eradicated genera (1968) [(small) Bill Karatzoglou]
Family Corraface (1968) [Nicolis]
Humble and katafronemenos (1968)
In front of the gallows (1968)
Stay close to my beloved (1968)
Dew or noble (1967)
The hour of justice (1967)
What do you born poor (1967)
For the heart of the beautiful Helen (1967)
Sometimes they cry and the strong (1967) [(small) Andreas Geralis]
The Salesman (1967) [Kostas]
Isaiah dancing (1966) [Vassilakis]
You hurt my love (1966)
Winner (1965) [(small) Peter Ntavaris]
The Rebel (1965)
Slighter with my sweet (1965)
Angels without wings (1965)
I live for you (1965)
The Great Oath (1965)
Why have you forsaken (1965)
I am a miserable (1964) [Sunday]
Every port and sorrow (1964)
Persecuted of fate (1964)
Girl Pain (1964)
Storm in a child's heart (1964) [Yiannakis Kontovasilis]
The liar (1963) [Peter]
For a little tenderness (1963)
The brat (1963)
The Great Sin (1963)
Hearts in the Storm (1963)
The Prodigal (1963) [(small) Michalios] Midnight in the villa Nelli (1963)
The madcap (1963) [(small) Thanassis]
Wounded Hearts (1963) [Vassilakis]
A fool with a patent (1963)
Handyman and erimospitis (1963) [Yiannakis]
Two we drink on the cross of pain (1962) [(small)]
The bride run away ... (1962) [Kostakis Bakouris]
Lafina (1962) [Giannios]
The Greek and Love (1962)
Christmas bum (1972)
The loustrakos (1962) [(small) Vasilis Maras]
Makrykostaioi and Kontogiorgis (1960) [(a small weapon)]
Madalena (1960) [Pantelis Haridimos]
The lady our grandparent (1958) [Argyris]
The last lie (1958)

Series Vasilis has played

All the glory all through 1988 ET2
Kostis Palamas 1993 ET1
Folk tales from around the world ERT2 1982

BY http://www.espressonews.gr/,
BY http://homepage.mac.com/,
FROM AND 90lepta.com www.retrodb.gr

The other life of Vasilis Kailas.

Η άλλη ζωή του Βασίλη Καΐλα

From:

http://www.espressonews.gr/default.asp?pid=79&catid=16&artID=849476

Εμεινε στην ιστορία ως το παιδί-θαύμα του ελληνικού κινηματογράφου. Και όσο και αν άλλαξε, παραμένει ακόμη ένα άδολο «παιδί» αφού για την αγάπη του για το θέατρο έχει χάσει μέχρι τώρα πολλά λεφτά. Και όμως, δεν το μετανιώνει. Τον Βασιλάκη Καΐλα τον λατρέψαμε μέσα από τους «πονεμένους» ρόλους του... Τα χρόνια πέρασαν, το κλάμα στέρεψε, οι χρυσές εποχές του καλού κινηματογράφου έσβησαν, όχι όμως και ο γλυκός λουστράκος που τόσο αγαπήσαμε. Τόσο στην ταινία όσο και στην προσωπική του ζωή πάλεψε με τη φτώχεια και τις κακουχίες, αλλά δεν το έβαλε κάτω και τα κατάφερε... Σήμερα, στα 55 του χρόνια πλέον, εξακολουθεί να δουλεύει πίσω από τις κάμερες και τα φώτα της δημοσιότητας χαρίζοντας τη χαρακτηριστική φωνή του σε πολλούς παιδικούς ήρωες. Ο χρόνος του ελάχιστος, αλλά η «Espresso» κατάφερε και συνάντησε τον μικρό αδελφό της Μανταλένας, σε ένα στούντιο στο Μαρούσι, όπου βρίσκεται κλεισμένος τουλάχιστον δώδεκα ώρες την ημέρα προκειμένου να ολοκληρώσει έγκαιρα ένα ακόμη επεισόδιο παιδικής σειράς. Με το χαμόγελο στα χείλη μάς άνοιξε την καρδιά του και μίλησε για τη ζωή του, τους μεγάλους ηθοποιούς που αγάπησε και τον αγάπησαν, αλλά και για όλα εκείνα τα δύσκολα χρόνια που οι άνθρωποι ήταν μια αγαπημένη οικογένεια.

«Η ιστορία του Βασιλάκη ξεκίνησε ξαφνικά. Από τη μία στιγμή στην άλλη. Οταν ήμουν τεσσάρων ετών, το 1957, είχα την τύχη να μένω με τους γονείς μου στην ίδια πολυκατοικία με την Ελλη Λαμπέτη και τον Δημήτρη Χορν. Μια μέρα, καθώς έπαιζα στην είσοδο της πολυκατοικίας, άνοιξα την πόρτα για να μπει ένας κύριος. Ηταν ο Κακογιάννης που είχε έρθει από το εξωτερικό για να γυρίσει την ταινία “Το τελευταίο ψέμα”. Με πλησίασε, με ρώτησε πως με λένε και ανέβηκε έπειτα στο διαμέρισμα της Λαμπέτη» θυμάται ο Βασίλης Καΐλας και συνεχίζει: «Εκεί, της είπε ότι συνάντησε στην είσοδο ένα αγοράκι, το οποίο ήθελε να παίξει στην ταινία που ετοίμαζαν. Της είπε ότι ήμουν κάτι ξεχωριστό. Ετσι κατέβηκαν μαζί κάτω, με βρήκαν και πήγαμε στον πατέρα μου για να του μιλήσουν. Τον έπεισαν κι έτσι έπαιξα για πρώτη φορά στο “Τελευταίο ψέμα”».

Οι γονείς του τον συνόδεψαν στα γυρίσματα, τα οποία για εκείνον ήταν απλώς ένα παιχνίδι. «Ημουν μόλις τεσσάρων ετών και δεν καταλάβαινα τι έκανα. Μου έλεγαν θα πεις αυτό, με αυτό τον τρόπο και το έκανα, καθώς έτσι διασκέδαζα» λέει και προσθέτει: «Επειτα ήρθε ένας μικρός ρόλος, ο ρόλος του μικρού Αργύρη στο “Η κυρά μας η μαμή” με τη Γεωργία Βασιλειάδου, που κλήθηκε για να με ξεματιάσει» συνεχίζει χαμογελώντας και βυθίζεται στις αναμνήσεις του. «Ωραία χρόνια, και ανέμελα. Είχα την τιμή να δουλέψω με μεγάλους ηθοποιούς, μεγαθήρια, που δυστυχώς “έφυγαν”. Θυμάμαι τα γυρίσματα της ταινίας “Μανταλένα”, όπου έπαιζα τον αδελφό της Αλίκης Βουγιουκλάκη. Στο νησί τότε δεν υπήρχε ρεύμα, τα γυρίσματα ήταν εξαντλητικά, αλλά είχα δίπλα μου έναν μεγάλο κύριο. Τον ηθοποιό Παντελή Ζερβό που έπαιζε τον παπά. Είχε λατρεία με το ψάρεμα και κάθε πρωί πριν από το γύρισμα ντυνόταν με τα ράσα, έβαζε τα γένια και πηγαίναμε μαζί για ψάρεμα μέχρι να έρθει η ώρα μας. Ντυνόταν για να είναι έτοιμος... Ψαρεύαμε με κλωστή και παραμάνα... Επειτα ήρθε η ταινία που έγινα πολύ γνωστός, ο “Λουστράκος”. Τότε ήμουν επτά ετών και θυμάμαι ακόμη και σήμερα τα απαιτητικά και κουραστικά γυρίσματα».

Η ταινία «Λουστράκος» σφράγισε με την επιτυχία της την επαγγελματική πορεία του Βασίλη Καΐλα. «Εγινα γνωστός και οι άνθρωποι με αναγνώριζαν. Εγώ δεν ήθελα δημοσιότητα. Ημουν μικρό παιδί. Δεν μπορούσα να διαχειριστώ όλα αυτά που γίνονταν. Ηθελα την ησυχία μου. Με έβλεπαν στο δρόμο με τους γονείς μου και έλεγαν “ο κακόμοιρος ο Βασίλης”. Ο κόσμος τότε πείναγε, μιλάμε για φτώχεια και σε κάθε ταινία ταυτιζόταν και με έναν ηθοποιό» λέει και συνεχίζει: «Τότε η κλάψα ήταν ο καθρέφτης της κοινωνίας. Εβλεπαν στην ταινία το φτωχό αγόρι, τον Βασιλάκη Μάρα να δουλεύει λουστράκος για ένα πιάτο φαΐ και τον αγώνα του να σπουδάσει για να γίνει γιατρός κι έπαιρναν παράδειγμα για να κάνουν το ίδιο».

Μάλιστα, όπως μας αποκάλυψε, πριν από μερικά χρόνια όταν πήγε στο σχολείο της κόρης του για να ρωτήσει τον καθηγητή της πώς πάει στα μαθήματα, με έκπληξη άκουσε να του λέει ότι έγινε καθηγητής χάρη σε αυτή την ταινία. «Απίστευτο και όμως αληθινό. Πήρε κουράγιο από την ταινία, πάλεψε και τα κατάφερε. Σήμερα όμως πια, δεν ξέρω αν υπάρχει καθρέφτης. Ολα είναι πλέον διαφορετικά. Τότε υπήρχε αγάπη μεταξύ των ανθρώπων. Τους ένωνε ο αγώνας για ένα καλύτερο αύριο, μια καλύτερη ζωή».

Ο Βασίλης Καΐλας συμμετείχε συνολικά σε 117 ταινίες, όχι μόνο ελληνικές, αλλά και ξένες. Η πορεία του, ωστόσο, δεν ήταν εύκολη καθώς, όπως λέει ο ίδιος: «Επρεπε να πηγαίνω και σχολείο. Οι γονείς μου, που ήταν πάντα δίπλα μου, όπου και αν γίνονταν τα γυρίσματα, είχαν πάρει ειδική άδεια από το τότε υπουργείο Παιδείας κι έτσι πήγαινα σχολείο σε όποια περιοχή δούλευα. Ετσι τελείωσα το Δημοτικό και το εξατάξιο Γυμνάσιο, αλλά δεν συνέχισα... Είχα πλέον κουραστεί... Πήγα όμως στη Δραματική Σχολή. Γύριζα ταινίες, έπαιζα στο θέατρο με τον Χορν, την Παξινού, τον Μινωτή και άλλους μεγάλους ηθοποιούς. Μου άρεσε πολύ και όλοι με αγαπούσαν. Δεν θα ξεχάσω ποτέ τον Νίκο Μοσχονά που ήθελε να με πάρει μαζί του στην Αμερική, αλλά δεν με άφησε ο πατέρας μου. Ομως κάποια στιγμή όλα τελειώνουν. Ο ελληνικός κινηματογράφος έσβησε και όποιος είχε δουλέψει τότε με όλους αυτούς τους επαγγελματίες, δεν μπορούσε να συμμετέχει σε προχειροδουλειές. Η εποχή εκείνη δεν έχει καμία σχέση με την σημερινή πραγματικότητα. Σκέφτηκα τότε να φύγω μετά από παρότρυνση του θείου μου και να πάνω στην Ελβετία όπου θα μάθαινα τη δουλειά του ωρολογοποιού και να αναλάμβανα έπειτα το μαγαζί του. Το είπα στον πατέρα μου και τότε εκείνος μου είπε να κάνω ό,τι θέλω. Αλλά προτού αποφασίσω να ανέβω στο πατάρι και να πετάξω όλο το υλικό που είχε μαζέψει εκείνος από την καριέρα μου... “Εγώ, παιδί μου, δεν μπορώ να το κάνω. Αν θέλεις, πέταξέ τα εσύ” μου είπε και τρελάθηκα. Eτσι αποφάσισα να συνεχίσω...»

Ετσι, μετά από πολύ κόπο κατάφερε και ίδρυσε το παιδαγωγικό επιμορφωτικό θέατρο, το οποίο ανέβασε δεκάδες παραστάσεις με επαγγελματίες ηθοποιούς, όπως ο Αλέκος Αλεξανδράκης, η Νόνικα Γαληνέα και άλλοι. «Γι’ αυτή την αγάπη μου έχασα πολλά λεφτά. Αλλά δεν το μετανιώνω. Μετά ήρθαν οι μεταγλωττίσεις και οι επιλεγμένες δουλειές. Με τις μεταγλωττίσεις ξεκίνησα πριν από 25 χρόνια από την ΕΡΤ και συνεχίζω μέχρι σήμερα. Δίνω τη φωνή μου σε παιδικούς ήρωες και όχι μόνο. Μία από τις καλύτερες δουλειές μου ήταν “Το μικρό σπίτι στο λιβάδι”» αναφέρει και καταλήγει λέγοντας: «Ευτυχώς η ζωή μού τα ’φερε μια χαρά. Δόξα τω Θεώ. Εχω μια υπέροχη κόρη και μια υπέροχη γυναίκα. Το αστείο είναι ότι πάντα φοβόμουν να φλερτάρω λόγω δημοσιότητας. Πίστευα ότι οι γυναίκες δεν γνωρίζουν τον Βασίλη Καΐλα, αλλά τον Βασιλάκη των ταινιών. Ευτυχώς, η γυναίκα μου δεν ήξερε τι δουλειά έκανα καθώς δεν έβλεπε ταινίες. Οταν το κατάλαβε, ήταν αργά. Την είχε πατήσει...»


ΣΥΜΜΕΤΟΧΕΣ ΠΟΥ ΕΓΡΑΨΑΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ
(ΤΑΙΝΙΑ / ΡΟΛΟΣ ΠΟΥ ΥΠΟΔΥΘΗΚΕ / ΧΡΟΝΙΑ)

1. Η κυρά μας η μαμή / Αργύρης /1958
2. Το τελευταίο ψέμα / Βασιλάκης / 1958
3. Μανταλένα / Παντελής Χαρίδημος / 1960
4. Μακρυκωσταίοι και Κοντογιώργηδες / Μικρός με όπλο /1960
5. Λαφίνα / Γιαννιός / 1962
6. Δύο μάνες στο σταυρό του πόνου / Μικρός / 1962
7. Η νύφη το ’σκασε... / Κωστάκης Μπάκουρας / 1962
8. Ο λουστράκος / Μικρός Βασίλης Μαράς / 1962
9. Η ψεύτρα / Πέτρος / 1963
10. Πολυτεχνίτης και ερημοσπίτης / Γιαννάκης / 1963
11. Πληγωμένες καρδιές / Βασιλάκης / 1963
12. Ο άσωτος / Μικρός Μιχαλιός / 1963
13. Είμαι μια δυστυχισμένη / Κυριάκος / 1964
14. Θύελλα σε παιδική καρδιά / Γιαννάκης Κοντοβασίλης / 1964
15. Περιφρόνα με γλυκιά μου / «Σπουργιτάκι» / 1965
16. Ο νικητής / μικρός Πέτρος Ντάβαρης / 1965
17. Ησαΐα χόρευε / Βασιλάκης / 1966
18. Ο εμποράκος / Κωστής / 1967
19. Κάποτε κλαίνε και οι δυνατοί / Μικρός Ανδρέας Γεραλής / 1967
20. Θα κάνω πέτρα την καρδιά μου / Μικρός Δημήτρης / 1968
21. Ταπεινός και καταφρονεμένος / 1968
22. Ξεριζωμένη γενιά / Μικρός Βασίλης Καρατζόγλου / 1968
23. Οικογένεια Χωραφά / Νικολής / 1968
24. Στον δάσκαλό μας... με αγάπη / Ανδρέας Λιάπης / 1969
25. Βέγγος, ο τρελός καμικάζι / 1980
26. Πήρες πτυχίο / Ανδρέας Ντόβης 1985

ΓΙΟΥΛΗ ΣΤΑΡΙΔΑ
ΦΩΤ.: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΓΚΟΛΦΟΜΗΤΣΟΣ

Open full entry

8/6/2011

Photos, Working Life

Island Social Life

Eptanesian awardees, Vasilis Kailas,

(left, and then left to right), Foteini Darra, Eleutheria Aranitaki, Dyonisis Grammenos, & Dimitris Typaldos. At a ceremony held on 29th May 2011, at 6:00 pm, in the Old Parliament House, Syntagma Square, Athens.

Vasilis Kailas

Child prodigy of Greek cinema and theatre was born of Kytherian parents (from Mitata) in Athens, on June 16, 1953. He began his career is movies at a very young age, appearing in 1957 in the film The Last Lie. He very soon established a distinctive record as a young supporting actor. He also played lead roles in films such as Mary Plyta Loustrakos’, Salesman.

Watch cinema performances of Vasili as a child actor at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAeT-CUbwHg&feature=related

In 1985 he was the protagonist in the film She Graduated. He gained roles in 117 films, mainly Greek language, but also “foreign”. He has established a reputation as the child prodigy of Greek cinema. He later went on to a career in the theatre.

In forgoing cinema for the theatre he lost a chance to establish himself economically. He harbours no regrets, however. The golden age of Greek films has long past. But generations of Greek audiences continue to adore Vassilakis Kaili for his "afflicted" roles.

His personal life reflected many of the roles he played in films. He struggled with poverty and hardship, but, being resilient, has managed to overcome these challenges.

Today, he still works behind the cameras and the spotlight, providing a distinctive voice to many children's heroes. (See article, in Greek, below).

The Union of Ionian (Seven) Islands, on 29th May 2011, at 6:00 pm, in the Old Parliament House, Syntagma Square, Athens, conferred awards on 2 persons from each of 6 of the Ionian Islands, and 3 persons from Kythera. Greek Post will follow up this award, by issuing a postage stamp in each awardees honour.

Download an Eptanesian "report" of the event as a .pdf, here:

Eptanesian_Islands_Awards_2011.pdf

The three from Kythera were, George Miller, Film Producer, Sydney Australia, Professor Nikos Petrochilos, Athens and Hora, Kythera, Greece and Vasilis Kailas, cinema and theatre actor, Athens, Greece.

Filmography

Did you get a degree? (1985) [Andreas Dovas]
The Saint of Preveza (1982) [Father]
Vengos the mad bomber (1980)
The great storm of Love (1972)
Burning flesh (1971)
Intoxication of the flesh (1970)
Let the jury consider the (1969)
I want my child back (1969)
In our teacher ... with Love (1969) [Andreas Liapis] I will rock my heart (1968) [(small) Dimitri]
Dream elusive (1968)
Eradicated genera (1968) [(small) Bill Karatzoglou]
Family Corraface (1968) [Nicolis]
Humble and katafronemenos (1968)
In front of the gallows (1968)
Stay close to my beloved (1968)
Dew or noble (1967)
The hour of justice (1967)
What do you born poor (1967)
For the heart of the beautiful Helen (1967)
Sometimes they cry and the strong (1967) [(small) Andreas Geralis]
The Salesman (1967) [Kostas]
Isaiah dancing (1966) [Vassilakis]
You hurt my love (1966)
Winner (1965) [(small) Peter Ntavaris]
The Rebel (1965)
Slighter with my sweet (1965)
Angels without wings (1965)
I live for you (1965)
The Great Oath (1965)
Why have you forsaken (1965)
I am a miserable (1964) [Sunday]
Every port and sorrow (1964)
Persecuted of fate (1964)
Girl Pain (1964)
Storm in a child's heart (1964) [Yiannakis Kontovasilis]
The liar (1963) [Peter]
For a little tenderness (1963)
The brat (1963)
The Great Sin (1963)
Hearts in the Storm (1963)
The Prodigal (1963) [(small) Michalios] Midnight in the villa Nelli (1963)
The madcap (1963) [(small) Thanassis]
Wounded Hearts (1963) [Vassilakis]
A fool with a patent (1963)
Handyman and erimospitis (1963) [Yiannakis]
Two we drink on the cross of pain (1962) [(small)]
The bride run away ... (1962) [Kostakis Bakouris]
Lafina (1962) [Giannios]
The Greek and Love (1962)
Christmas bum (1972)
The loustrakos (1962) [(small) Vasilis Maras]
Makrykostaioi and Kontogiorgis (1960) [(a small weapon)]
Madalena (1960) [Pantelis Haridimos]
The lady our grandparent (1958) [Argyris]
The last lie (1958)

Series Vasilis has played

All the glory all through 1988 ET2
Kostis Palamas 1993 ET1
Folk tales from around the world ERT2 1982

BY http://www.espressonews.gr/,
BY http://homepage.mac.com/,
FROM AND 90lepta.com www.retrodb.gr

The other life of Vasilis Kailas.

Η άλλη ζωή του Βασίλη Καΐλα

From:

http://www.espressonews.gr/default.asp?pid=79&catid=16&artID=849476

Εμεινε στην ιστορία ως το παιδί-θαύμα του ελληνικού κινηματογράφου. Και όσο και αν άλλαξε, παραμένει ακόμη ένα άδολο «παιδί» αφού για την αγάπη του για το θέατρο έχει χάσει μέχρι τώρα πολλά λεφτά. Και όμως, δεν το μετανιώνει. Τον Βασιλάκη Καΐλα τον λατρέψαμε μέσα από τους «πονεμένους» ρόλους του... Τα χρόνια πέρασαν, το κλάμα στέρεψε, οι χρυσές εποχές του καλού κινηματογράφου έσβησαν, όχι όμως και ο γλυκός λουστράκος που τόσο αγαπήσαμε. Τόσο στην ταινία όσο και στην προσωπική του ζωή πάλεψε με τη φτώχεια και τις κακουχίες, αλλά δεν το έβαλε κάτω και τα κατάφερε... Σήμερα, στα 55 του χρόνια πλέον, εξακολουθεί να δουλεύει πίσω από τις κάμερες και τα φώτα της δημοσιότητας χαρίζοντας τη χαρακτηριστική φωνή του σε πολλούς παιδικούς ήρωες. Ο χρόνος του ελάχιστος, αλλά η «Espresso» κατάφερε και συνάντησε τον μικρό αδελφό της Μανταλένας, σε ένα στούντιο στο Μαρούσι, όπου βρίσκεται κλεισμένος τουλάχιστον δώδεκα ώρες την ημέρα προκειμένου να ολοκληρώσει έγκαιρα ένα ακόμη επεισόδιο παιδικής σειράς. Με το χαμόγελο στα χείλη μάς άνοιξε την καρδιά του και μίλησε για τη ζωή του, τους μεγάλους ηθοποιούς που αγάπησε και τον αγάπησαν, αλλά και για όλα εκείνα τα δύσκολα χρόνια που οι άνθρωποι ήταν μια αγαπημένη οικογένεια.

«Η ιστορία του Βασιλάκη ξεκίνησε ξαφνικά. Από τη μία στιγμή στην άλλη. Οταν ήμουν τεσσάρων ετών, το 1957, είχα την τύχη να μένω με τους γονείς μου στην ίδια πολυκατοικία με την Ελλη Λαμπέτη και τον Δημήτρη Χορν. Μια μέρα, καθώς έπαιζα στην είσοδο της πολυκατοικίας, άνοιξα την πόρτα για να μπει ένας κύριος. Ηταν ο Κακογιάννης που είχε έρθει από το εξωτερικό για να γυρίσει την ταινία “Το τελευταίο ψέμα”. Με πλησίασε, με ρώτησε πως με λένε και ανέβηκε έπειτα στο διαμέρισμα της Λαμπέτη» θυμάται ο Βασίλης Καΐλας και συνεχίζει: «Εκεί, της είπε ότι συνάντησε στην είσοδο ένα αγοράκι, το οποίο ήθελε να παίξει στην ταινία που ετοίμαζαν. Της είπε ότι ήμουν κάτι ξεχωριστό. Ετσι κατέβηκαν μαζί κάτω, με βρήκαν και πήγαμε στον πατέρα μου για να του μιλήσουν. Τον έπεισαν κι έτσι έπαιξα για πρώτη φορά στο “Τελευταίο ψέμα”».

Οι γονείς του τον συνόδεψαν στα γυρίσματα, τα οποία για εκείνον ήταν απλώς ένα παιχνίδι. «Ημουν μόλις τεσσάρων ετών και δεν καταλάβαινα τι έκανα. Μου έλεγαν θα πεις αυτό, με αυτό τον τρόπο και το έκανα, καθώς έτσι διασκέδαζα» λέει και προσθέτει: «Επειτα ήρθε ένας μικρός ρόλος, ο ρόλος του μικρού Αργύρη στο “Η κυρά μας η μαμή” με τη Γεωργία Βασιλειάδου, που κλήθηκε για να με ξεματιάσει» συνεχίζει χαμογελώντας και βυθίζεται στις αναμνήσεις του. «Ωραία χρόνια, και ανέμελα. Είχα την τιμή να δουλέψω με μεγάλους ηθοποιούς, μεγαθήρια, που δυστυχώς “έφυγαν”. Θυμάμαι τα γυρίσματα της ταινίας “Μανταλένα”, όπου έπαιζα τον αδελφό της Αλίκης Βουγιουκλάκη. Στο νησί τότε δεν υπήρχε ρεύμα, τα γυρίσματα ήταν εξαντλητικά, αλλά είχα δίπλα μου έναν μεγάλο κύριο. Τον ηθοποιό Παντελή Ζερβό που έπαιζε τον παπά. Είχε λατρεία με το ψάρεμα και κάθε πρωί πριν από το γύρισμα ντυνόταν με τα ράσα, έβαζε τα γένια και πηγαίναμε μαζί για ψάρεμα μέχρι να έρθει η ώρα μας. Ντυνόταν για να είναι έτοιμος... Ψαρεύαμε με κλωστή και παραμάνα... Επειτα ήρθε η ταινία που έγινα πολύ γνωστός, ο “Λουστράκος”. Τότε ήμουν επτά ετών και θυμάμαι ακόμη και σήμερα τα απαιτητικά και κουραστικά γυρίσματα».

Η ταινία «Λουστράκος» σφράγισε με την επιτυχία της την επαγγελματική πορεία του Βασίλη Καΐλα. «Εγινα γνωστός και οι άνθρωποι με αναγνώριζαν. Εγώ δεν ήθελα δημοσιότητα. Ημουν μικρό παιδί. Δεν μπορούσα να διαχειριστώ όλα αυτά που γίνονταν. Ηθελα την ησυχία μου. Με έβλεπαν στο δρόμο με τους γονείς μου και έλεγαν “ο κακόμοιρος ο Βασίλης”. Ο κόσμος τότε πείναγε, μιλάμε για φτώχεια και σε κάθε ταινία ταυτιζόταν και με έναν ηθοποιό» λέει και συνεχίζει: «Τότε η κλάψα ήταν ο καθρέφτης της κοινωνίας. Εβλεπαν στην ταινία το φτωχό αγόρι, τον Βασιλάκη Μάρα να δουλεύει λουστράκος για ένα πιάτο φαΐ και τον αγώνα του να σπουδάσει για να γίνει γιατρός κι έπαιρναν παράδειγμα για να κάνουν το ίδιο».

Μάλιστα, όπως μας αποκάλυψε, πριν από μερικά χρόνια όταν πήγε στο σχολείο της κόρης του για να ρωτήσει τον καθηγητή της πώς πάει στα μαθήματα, με έκπληξη άκουσε να του λέει ότι έγινε καθηγητής χάρη σε αυτή την ταινία. «Απίστευτο και όμως αληθινό. Πήρε κουράγιο από την ταινία, πάλεψε και τα κατάφερε. Σήμερα όμως πια, δεν ξέρω αν υπάρχει καθρέφτης. Ολα είναι πλέον διαφορετικά. Τότε υπήρχε αγάπη μεταξύ των ανθρώπων. Τους ένωνε ο αγώνας για ένα καλύτερο αύριο, μια καλύτερη ζωή».

Ο Βασίλης Καΐλας συμμετείχε συνολικά σε 117 ταινίες, όχι μόνο ελληνικές, αλλά και ξένες. Η πορεία του, ωστόσο, δεν ήταν εύκολη καθώς, όπως λέει ο ίδιος: «Επρεπε να πηγαίνω και σχολείο. Οι γονείς μου, που ήταν πάντα δίπλα μου, όπου και αν γίνονταν τα γυρίσματα, είχαν πάρει ειδική άδεια από το τότε υπουργείο Παιδείας κι έτσι πήγαινα σχολείο σε όποια περιοχή δούλευα. Ετσι τελείωσα το Δημοτικό και το εξατάξιο Γυμνάσιο, αλλά δεν συνέχισα... Είχα πλέον κουραστεί... Πήγα όμως στη Δραματική Σχολή. Γύριζα ταινίες, έπαιζα στο θέατρο με τον Χορν, την Παξινού, τον Μινωτή και άλλους μεγάλους ηθοποιούς. Μου άρεσε πολύ και όλοι με αγαπούσαν. Δεν θα ξεχάσω ποτέ τον Νίκο Μοσχονά που ήθελε να με πάρει μαζί του στην Αμερική, αλλά δεν με άφησε ο πατέρας μου. Ομως κάποια στιγμή όλα τελειώνουν. Ο ελληνικός κινηματογράφος έσβησε και όποιος είχε δουλέψει τότε με όλους αυτούς τους επαγγελματίες, δεν μπορούσε να συμμετέχει σε προχειροδουλειές. Η εποχή εκείνη δεν έχει καμία σχέση με την σημερινή πραγματικότητα. Σκέφτηκα τότε να φύγω μετά από παρότρυνση του θείου μου και να πάνω στην Ελβετία όπου θα μάθαινα τη δουλειά του ωρολογοποιού και να αναλάμβανα έπειτα το μαγαζί του. Το είπα στον πατέρα μου και τότε εκείνος μου είπε να κάνω ό,τι θέλω. Αλλά προτού αποφασίσω να ανέβω στο πατάρι και να πετάξω όλο το υλικό που είχε μαζέψει εκείνος από την καριέρα μου... “Εγώ, παιδί μου, δεν μπορώ να το κάνω. Αν θέλεις, πέταξέ τα εσύ” μου είπε και τρελάθηκα. Eτσι αποφάσισα να συνεχίσω...»

Ετσι, μετά από πολύ κόπο κατάφερε και ίδρυσε το παιδαγωγικό επιμορφωτικό θέατρο, το οποίο ανέβασε δεκάδες παραστάσεις με επαγγελματίες ηθοποιούς, όπως ο Αλέκος Αλεξανδράκης, η Νόνικα Γαληνέα και άλλοι. «Γι’ αυτή την αγάπη μου έχασα πολλά λεφτά. Αλλά δεν το μετανιώνω. Μετά ήρθαν οι μεταγλωττίσεις και οι επιλεγμένες δουλειές. Με τις μεταγλωττίσεις ξεκίνησα πριν από 25 χρόνια από την ΕΡΤ και συνεχίζω μέχρι σήμερα. Δίνω τη φωνή μου σε παιδικούς ήρωες και όχι μόνο. Μία από τις καλύτερες δουλειές μου ήταν “Το μικρό σπίτι στο λιβάδι”» αναφέρει και καταλήγει λέγοντας: «Ευτυχώς η ζωή μού τα ’φερε μια χαρά. Δόξα τω Θεώ. Εχω μια υπέροχη κόρη και μια υπέροχη γυναίκα. Το αστείο είναι ότι πάντα φοβόμουν να φλερτάρω λόγω δημοσιότητας. Πίστευα ότι οι γυναίκες δεν γνωρίζουν τον Βασίλη Καΐλα, αλλά τον Βασιλάκη των ταινιών. Ευτυχώς, η γυναίκα μου δεν ήξερε τι δουλειά έκανα καθώς δεν έβλεπε ταινίες. Οταν το κατάλαβε, ήταν αργά. Την είχε πατήσει...»


ΣΥΜΜΕΤΟΧΕΣ ΠΟΥ ΕΓΡΑΨΑΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ
(ΤΑΙΝΙΑ / ΡΟΛΟΣ ΠΟΥ ΥΠΟΔΥΘΗΚΕ / ΧΡΟΝΙΑ)

1. Η κυρά μας η μαμή / Αργύρης /1958
2. Το τελευταίο ψέμα / Βασιλάκης / 1958
3. Μανταλένα / Παντελής Χαρίδημος / 1960
4. Μακρυκωσταίοι και Κοντογιώργηδες / Μικρός με όπλο /1960
5. Λαφίνα / Γιαννιός / 1962
6. Δύο μάνες στο σταυρό του πόνου / Μικρός / 1962
7. Η νύφη το ’σκασε... / Κωστάκης Μπάκουρας / 1962
8. Ο λουστράκος / Μικρός Βασίλης Μαράς / 1962
9. Η ψεύτρα / Πέτρος / 1963
10. Πολυτεχνίτης και ερημοσπίτης / Γιαννάκης / 1963
11. Πληγωμένες καρδιές / Βασιλάκης / 1963
12. Ο άσωτος / Μικρός Μιχαλιός / 1963
13. Είμαι μια δυστυχισμένη / Κυριάκος / 1964
14. Θύελλα σε παιδική καρδιά / Γιαννάκης Κοντοβασίλης / 1964
15. Περιφρόνα με γλυκιά μου / «Σπουργιτάκι» / 1965
16. Ο νικητής / μικρός Πέτρος Ντάβαρης / 1965
17. Ησαΐα χόρευε / Βασιλάκης / 1966
18. Ο εμποράκος / Κωστής / 1967
19. Κάποτε κλαίνε και οι δυνατοί / Μικρός Ανδρέας Γεραλής / 1967
20. Θα κάνω πέτρα την καρδιά μου / Μικρός Δημήτρης / 1968
21. Ταπεινός και καταφρονεμένος / 1968
22. Ξεριζωμένη γενιά / Μικρός Βασίλης Καρατζόγλου / 1968
23. Οικογένεια Χωραφά / Νικολής / 1968
24. Στον δάσκαλό μας... με αγάπη / Ανδρέας Λιάπης / 1969
25. Βέγγος, ο τρελός καμικάζι / 1980
26. Πήρες πτυχίο / Ανδρέας Ντόβης 1985


ΓΙΟΥΛΗ ΣΤΑΡΙΔΑ
ΦΩΤ.: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΓΚΟΛΦΟΜΗΤΣΟΣ

Open full entry

8/6/2011

Photos, Island Social Life

Modern Portraits

Vasilis Kailas, at work in the studio, creating animated films

Child prodigy of Greek cinema and theatre was born of Kytherian parents (from Mitata) in Athens, on June 16, 1953. He began his career is movies at a very young age, appearing in 1957 in the film The Last Lie. He very soon established a distinctive record as a young supporting actor. He also played lead roles in films such as Mary Plyta Loustrakos’, Salesman.

Watch cinema performances of Vasili as a child actor at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAeT-CUbwHg&feature=related

In 1985 he was the protagonist in the film She Graduated. He gained roles in 117 films, mainly Greek language, but also “foreign”. He has established a reputation as the child prodigy of Greek cinema. He later went on to a career in the theatre.

In forgoing cinema for the theatre he lost a chance to establish himself economically. He harbours no regrets, however. The golden age of Greek films has long past. But generations of Greek audiences continue to adore Vassilakis Kaili for his "afflicted" roles.

His personal life reflected many of the roles he played in films. He struggled with poverty and hardship, but, being resilient, has managed to overcome these challenges.

Today, he still works behind the cameras and the spotlight, providing a distinctive voice to many children's heroes. (See article, in Greek, below).

Filmography

Did you get a degree? (1985) [Andreas Dovas]
The Saint of Preveza (1982) [Father]
Vengos the mad bomber (1980)
The great storm of Love (1972)
Burning flesh (1971)
Intoxication of the flesh (1970)
Let the jury consider the (1969)
I want my child back (1969)
In our teacher ... with Love (1969) [Andreas Liapis] I will rock my heart (1968) [(small) Dimitri]
Dream elusive (1968)
Eradicated genera (1968) [(small) Bill Karatzoglou]
Family Corraface (1968) [Nicolis]
Humble and katafronemenos (1968)
In front of the gallows (1968)
Stay close to my beloved (1968)
Dew or noble (1967)
The hour of justice (1967)
What do you born poor (1967)
For the heart of the beautiful Helen (1967)
Sometimes they cry and the strong (1967) [(small) Andreas Geralis]
The Salesman (1967) [Kostas]
Isaiah dancing (1966) [Vassilakis]
You hurt my love (1966)
Winner (1965) [(small) Peter Ntavaris]
The Rebel (1965)
Slighter with my sweet (1965)
Angels without wings (1965)
I live for you (1965)
The Great Oath (1965)
Why have you forsaken (1965)
I am a miserable (1964) [Sunday]
Every port and sorrow (1964)
Persecuted of fate (1964)
Girl Pain (1964)
Storm in a child's heart (1964) [Yiannakis Kontovasilis]
The liar (1963) [Peter]
For a little tenderness (1963)
The brat (1963)
The Great Sin (1963)
Hearts in the Storm (1963)
The Prodigal (1963) [(small) Michalios] Midnight in the villa Nelli (1963)
The madcap (1963) [(small) Thanassis]
Wounded Hearts (1963) [Vassilakis]
A fool with a patent (1963)
Handyman and erimospitis (1963) [Yiannakis]
Two we drink on the cross of pain (1962) [(small)]
The bride run away ... (1962) [Kostakis Bakouris]
Lafina (1962) [Giannios]
The Greek and Love (1962)
Christmas bum (1972)
The loustrakos (1962) [(small) Vasilis Maras]
Makrykostaioi and Kontogiorgis (1960) [(a small weapon)]
Madalena (1960) [Pantelis Haridimos]
The lady our grandparent (1958) [Argyris]
The last lie (1958)

Series Vasilis has played

All the glory all through 1988 ET2
Kostis Palamas 1993 ET1
Folk tales from around the world ERT2 1982

BY http://www.espressonews.gr/,
BY http://homepage.mac.com/,
FROM AND 90lepta.com www.retrodb.gr


The other life of Vasilis Kailas.

Η άλλη ζωή του Βασίλη Καΐλα

From:

http://www.espressonews.gr/default.asp?pid=79&catid=16&artID=849476

Εμεινε στην ιστορία ως το παιδί-θαύμα του ελληνικού κινηματογράφου. Και όσο και αν άλλαξε, παραμένει ακόμη ένα άδολο «παιδί» αφού για την αγάπη του για το θέατρο έχει χάσει μέχρι τώρα πολλά λεφτά. Και όμως, δεν το μετανιώνει. Τον Βασιλάκη Καΐλα τον λατρέψαμε μέσα από τους «πονεμένους» ρόλους του... Τα χρόνια πέρασαν, το κλάμα στέρεψε, οι χρυσές εποχές του καλού κινηματογράφου έσβησαν, όχι όμως και ο γλυκός λουστράκος που τόσο αγαπήσαμε. Τόσο στην ταινία όσο και στην προσωπική του ζωή πάλεψε με τη φτώχεια και τις κακουχίες, αλλά δεν το έβαλε κάτω και τα κατάφερε... Σήμερα, στα 55 του χρόνια πλέον, εξακολουθεί να δουλεύει πίσω από τις κάμερες και τα φώτα της δημοσιότητας χαρίζοντας τη χαρακτηριστική φωνή του σε πολλούς παιδικούς ήρωες. Ο χρόνος του ελάχιστος, αλλά η «Espresso» κατάφερε και συνάντησε τον μικρό αδελφό της Μανταλένας, σε ένα στούντιο στο Μαρούσι, όπου βρίσκεται κλεισμένος τουλάχιστον δώδεκα ώρες την ημέρα προκειμένου να ολοκληρώσει έγκαιρα ένα ακόμη επεισόδιο παιδικής σειράς. Με το χαμόγελο στα χείλη μάς άνοιξε την καρδιά του και μίλησε για τη ζωή του, τους μεγάλους ηθοποιούς που αγάπησε και τον αγάπησαν, αλλά και για όλα εκείνα τα δύσκολα χρόνια που οι άνθρωποι ήταν μια αγαπημένη οικογένεια.

«Η ιστορία του Βασιλάκη ξεκίνησε ξαφνικά. Από τη μία στιγμή στην άλλη. Οταν ήμουν τεσσάρων ετών, το 1957, είχα την τύχη να μένω με τους γονείς μου στην ίδια πολυκατοικία με την Ελλη Λαμπέτη και τον Δημήτρη Χορν. Μια μέρα, καθώς έπαιζα στην είσοδο της πολυκατοικίας, άνοιξα την πόρτα για να μπει ένας κύριος. Ηταν ο Κακογιάννης που είχε έρθει από το εξωτερικό για να γυρίσει την ταινία “Το τελευταίο ψέμα”. Με πλησίασε, με ρώτησε πως με λένε και ανέβηκε έπειτα στο διαμέρισμα της Λαμπέτη» θυμάται ο Βασίλης Καΐλας και συνεχίζει: «Εκεί, της είπε ότι συνάντησε στην είσοδο ένα αγοράκι, το οποίο ήθελε να παίξει στην ταινία που ετοίμαζαν. Της είπε ότι ήμουν κάτι ξεχωριστό. Ετσι κατέβηκαν μαζί κάτω, με βρήκαν και πήγαμε στον πατέρα μου για να του μιλήσουν. Τον έπεισαν κι έτσι έπαιξα για πρώτη φορά στο “Τελευταίο ψέμα”».

Οι γονείς του τον συνόδεψαν στα γυρίσματα, τα οποία για εκείνον ήταν απλώς ένα παιχνίδι. «Ημουν μόλις τεσσάρων ετών και δεν καταλάβαινα τι έκανα. Μου έλεγαν θα πεις αυτό, με αυτό τον τρόπο και το έκανα, καθώς έτσι διασκέδαζα» λέει και προσθέτει: «Επειτα ήρθε ένας μικρός ρόλος, ο ρόλος του μικρού Αργύρη στο “Η κυρά μας η μαμή” με τη Γεωργία Βασιλειάδου, που κλήθηκε για να με ξεματιάσει» συνεχίζει χαμογελώντας και βυθίζεται στις αναμνήσεις του. «Ωραία χρόνια, και ανέμελα. Είχα την τιμή να δουλέψω με μεγάλους ηθοποιούς, μεγαθήρια, που δυστυχώς “έφυγαν”. Θυμάμαι τα γυρίσματα της ταινίας “Μανταλένα”, όπου έπαιζα τον αδελφό της Αλίκης Βουγιουκλάκη. Στο νησί τότε δεν υπήρχε ρεύμα, τα γυρίσματα ήταν εξαντλητικά, αλλά είχα δίπλα μου έναν μεγάλο κύριο. Τον ηθοποιό Παντελή Ζερβό που έπαιζε τον παπά. Είχε λατρεία με το ψάρεμα και κάθε πρωί πριν από το γύρισμα ντυνόταν με τα ράσα, έβαζε τα γένια και πηγαίναμε μαζί για ψάρεμα μέχρι να έρθει η ώρα μας. Ντυνόταν για να είναι έτοιμος... Ψαρεύαμε με κλωστή και παραμάνα... Επειτα ήρθε η ταινία που έγινα πολύ γνωστός, ο “Λουστράκος”. Τότε ήμουν επτά ετών και θυμάμαι ακόμη και σήμερα τα απαιτητικά και κουραστικά γυρίσματα».

Η ταινία «Λουστράκος» σφράγισε με την επιτυχία της την επαγγελματική πορεία του Βασίλη Καΐλα. «Εγινα γνωστός και οι άνθρωποι με αναγνώριζαν. Εγώ δεν ήθελα δημοσιότητα. Ημουν μικρό παιδί. Δεν μπορούσα να διαχειριστώ όλα αυτά που γίνονταν. Ηθελα την ησυχία μου. Με έβλεπαν στο δρόμο με τους γονείς μου και έλεγαν “ο κακόμοιρος ο Βασίλης”. Ο κόσμος τότε πείναγε, μιλάμε για φτώχεια και σε κάθε ταινία ταυτιζόταν και με έναν ηθοποιό» λέει και συνεχίζει: «Τότε η κλάψα ήταν ο καθρέφτης της κοινωνίας. Εβλεπαν στην ταινία το φτωχό αγόρι, τον Βασιλάκη Μάρα να δουλεύει λουστράκος για ένα πιάτο φαΐ και τον αγώνα του να σπουδάσει για να γίνει γιατρός κι έπαιρναν παράδειγμα για να κάνουν το ίδιο».

Μάλιστα, όπως μας αποκάλυψε, πριν από μερικά χρόνια όταν πήγε στο σχολείο της κόρης του για να ρωτήσει τον καθηγητή της πώς πάει στα μαθήματα, με έκπληξη άκουσε να του λέει ότι έγινε καθηγητής χάρη σε αυτή την ταινία. «Απίστευτο και όμως αληθινό. Πήρε κουράγιο από την ταινία, πάλεψε και τα κατάφερε. Σήμερα όμως πια, δεν ξέρω αν υπάρχει καθρέφτης. Ολα είναι πλέον διαφορετικά. Τότε υπήρχε αγάπη μεταξύ των ανθρώπων. Τους ένωνε ο αγώνας για ένα καλύτερο αύριο, μια καλύτερη ζωή».

Ο Βασίλης Καΐλας συμμετείχε συνολικά σε 117 ταινίες, όχι μόνο ελληνικές, αλλά και ξένες. Η πορεία του, ωστόσο, δεν ήταν εύκολη καθώς, όπως λέει ο ίδιος: «Επρεπε να πηγαίνω και σχολείο. Οι γονείς μου, που ήταν πάντα δίπλα μου, όπου και αν γίνονταν τα γυρίσματα, είχαν πάρει ειδική άδεια από το τότε υπουργείο Παιδείας κι έτσι πήγαινα σχολείο σε όποια περιοχή δούλευα. Ετσι τελείωσα το Δημοτικό και το εξατάξιο Γυμνάσιο, αλλά δεν συνέχισα... Είχα πλέον κουραστεί... Πήγα όμως στη Δραματική Σχολή. Γύριζα ταινίες, έπαιζα στο θέατρο με τον Χορν, την Παξινού, τον Μινωτή και άλλους μεγάλους ηθοποιούς. Μου άρεσε πολύ και όλοι με αγαπούσαν. Δεν θα ξεχάσω ποτέ τον Νίκο Μοσχονά που ήθελε να με πάρει μαζί του στην Αμερική, αλλά δεν με άφησε ο πατέρας μου. Ομως κάποια στιγμή όλα τελειώνουν. Ο ελληνικός κινηματογράφος έσβησε και όποιος είχε δουλέψει τότε με όλους αυτούς τους επαγγελματίες, δεν μπορούσε να συμμετέχει σε προχειροδουλειές. Η εποχή εκείνη δεν έχει καμία σχέση με την σημερινή πραγματικότητα. Σκέφτηκα τότε να φύγω μετά από παρότρυνση του θείου μου και να πάνω στην Ελβετία όπου θα μάθαινα τη δουλειά του ωρολογοποιού και να αναλάμβανα έπειτα το μαγαζί του. Το είπα στον πατέρα μου και τότε εκείνος μου είπε να κάνω ό,τι θέλω. Αλλά προτού αποφασίσω να ανέβω στο πατάρι και να πετάξω όλο το υλικό που είχε μαζέψει εκείνος από την καριέρα μου... “Εγώ, παιδί μου, δεν μπορώ να το κάνω. Αν θέλεις, πέταξέ τα εσύ” μου είπε και τρελάθηκα. Eτσι αποφάσισα να συνεχίσω...»

Ετσι, μετά από πολύ κόπο κατάφερε και ίδρυσε το παιδαγωγικό επιμορφωτικό θέατρο, το οποίο ανέβασε δεκάδες παραστάσεις με επαγγελματίες ηθοποιούς, όπως ο Αλέκος Αλεξανδράκης, η Νόνικα Γαληνέα και άλλοι. «Γι’ αυτή την αγάπη μου έχασα πολλά λεφτά. Αλλά δεν το μετανιώνω. Μετά ήρθαν οι μεταγλωττίσεις και οι επιλεγμένες δουλειές. Με τις μεταγλωττίσεις ξεκίνησα πριν από 25 χρόνια από την ΕΡΤ και συνεχίζω μέχρι σήμερα. Δίνω τη φωνή μου σε παιδικούς ήρωες και όχι μόνο. Μία από τις καλύτερες δουλειές μου ήταν “Το μικρό σπίτι στο λιβάδι”» αναφέρει και καταλήγει λέγοντας: «Ευτυχώς η ζωή μού τα ’φερε μια χαρά. Δόξα τω Θεώ. Εχω μια υπέροχη κόρη και μια υπέροχη γυναίκα. Το αστείο είναι ότι πάντα φοβόμουν να φλερτάρω λόγω δημοσιότητας. Πίστευα ότι οι γυναίκες δεν γνωρίζουν τον Βασίλη Καΐλα, αλλά τον Βασιλάκη των ταινιών. Ευτυχώς, η γυναίκα μου δεν ήξερε τι δουλειά έκανα καθώς δεν έβλεπε ταινίες. Οταν το κατάλαβε, ήταν αργά. Την είχε πατήσει...»


ΣΥΜΜΕΤΟΧΕΣ ΠΟΥ ΕΓΡΑΨΑΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ
(ΤΑΙΝΙΑ / ΡΟΛΟΣ ΠΟΥ ΥΠΟΔΥΘΗΚΕ / ΧΡΟΝΙΑ)

1. Η κυρά μας η μαμή / Αργύρης /1958
2. Το τελευταίο ψέμα / Βασιλάκης / 1958
3. Μανταλένα / Παντελής Χαρίδημος / 1960
4. Μακρυκωσταίοι και Κοντογιώργηδες / Μικρός με όπλο /1960
5. Λαφίνα / Γιαννιός / 1962
6. Δύο μάνες στο σταυρό του πόνου / Μικρός / 1962
7. Η νύφη το ’σκασε... / Κωστάκης Μπάκουρας / 1962
8. Ο λουστράκος / Μικρός Βασίλης Μαράς / 1962
9. Η ψεύτρα / Πέτρος / 1963
10. Πολυτεχνίτης και ερημοσπίτης / Γιαννάκης / 1963
11. Πληγωμένες καρδιές / Βασιλάκης / 1963
12. Ο άσωτος / Μικρός Μιχαλιός / 1963
13. Είμαι μια δυστυχισμένη / Κυριάκος / 1964
14. Θύελλα σε παιδική καρδιά / Γιαννάκης Κοντοβασίλης / 1964
15. Περιφρόνα με γλυκιά μου / «Σπουργιτάκι» / 1965
16. Ο νικητής / μικρός Πέτρος Ντάβαρης / 1965
17. Ησαΐα χόρευε / Βασιλάκης / 1966
18. Ο εμποράκος / Κωστής / 1967
19. Κάποτε κλαίνε και οι δυνατοί / Μικρός Ανδρέας Γεραλής / 1967
20. Θα κάνω πέτρα την καρδιά μου / Μικρός Δημήτρης / 1968
21. Ταπεινός και καταφρονεμένος / 1968
22. Ξεριζωμένη γενιά / Μικρός Βασίλης Καρατζόγλου / 1968
23. Οικογένεια Χωραφά / Νικολής / 1968
24. Στον δάσκαλό μας... με αγάπη / Ανδρέας Λιάπης / 1969
25. Βέγγος, ο τρελός καμικάζι / 1980
26. Πήρες πτυχίο / Ανδρέας Ντόβης 1985


ΓΙΟΥΛΗ ΣΤΑΡΙΔΑ
ΦΩΤ.: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΓΚΟΛΦΟΜΗΤΣΟΣ

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8/6/2011

Photos, Modern Portraits

Vintage Portraits/ People

Vasilis Kailas

Child prodigy of Greek cinema and theatre was born of Kytherian parents (from Mitata) in Athens, on June 16, 1953. He began his career is movies at a very young age, appearing in 1957 in the film The Last Lie. He very soon established a distinctive record as a young supporting actor. He also played lead roles in films such as Mary Plyta Loustrakos’, Salesman.

Watch cinema performances of Vasili as a child actor at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAeT-CUbwHg&feature=related

In 1985 he was the protagonist in the film She Graduated. He gained roles in 117 films, mainly Greek language, but also “foreign”. He has established a reputation as the child prodigy of Greek cinema. He later went on to a career in the theatre.

In forgoing cinema for the theatre he lost a chance to establish himself economically. He harbours no regrets, however. The golden age of Greek films has long past. But generations of Greek audiences continue to adore Vassilakis Kaili for his "afflicted" roles.

His personal life reflected many of the roles he played in films. He struggled with poverty and hardship, but, being resilient, has managed to overcome these challenges.

Today, he still works behind the cameras and the spotlight, providing a distinctive voice to many children's heroes. (See article, in Greek, below).

Filmography

Did you get a degree? (1985) [Andreas Dovas]
The Saint of Preveza (1982) [Father]
Vengos the mad bomber (1980)
The great storm of Love (1972)
Burning flesh (1971)
Intoxication of the flesh (1970)
Let the jury consider the (1969)
I want my child back (1969)
In our teacher ... with Love (1969) [Andreas Liapis] I will rock my heart (1968) [(small) Dimitri]
Dream elusive (1968)
Eradicated genera (1968) [(small) Bill Karatzoglou]
Family Corraface (1968) [Nicolis]
Humble and katafronemenos (1968)
In front of the gallows (1968)
Stay close to my beloved (1968)
Dew or noble (1967)
The hour of justice (1967)
What do you born poor (1967)
For the heart of the beautiful Helen (1967)
Sometimes they cry and the strong (1967) [(small) Andreas Geralis]
The Salesman (1967) [Kostas]
Isaiah dancing (1966) [Vassilakis]
You hurt my love (1966)
Winner (1965) [(small) Peter Ntavaris]
The Rebel (1965)
Slighter with my sweet (1965)
Angels without wings (1965)
I live for you (1965)
The Great Oath (1965)
Why have you forsaken (1965)
I am a miserable (1964) [Sunday]
Every port and sorrow (1964)
Persecuted of fate (1964)
Girl Pain (1964)
Storm in a child's heart (1964) [Yiannakis Kontovasilis]
The liar (1963) [Peter]
For a little tenderness (1963)
The brat (1963)
The Great Sin (1963)
Hearts in the Storm (1963)
The Prodigal (1963) [(small) Michalios] Midnight in the villa Nelli (1963)
The madcap (1963) [(small) Thanassis]
Wounded Hearts (1963) [Vassilakis]
A fool with a patent (1963)
Handyman and erimospitis (1963) [Yiannakis]
Two we drink on the cross of pain (1962) [(small)]
The bride run away ... (1962) [Kostakis Bakouris]
Lafina (1962) [Giannios]
The Greek and Love (1962)
Christmas bum (1972)
The loustrakos (1962) [(small) Vasilis Maras]
Makrykostaioi and Kontogiorgis (1960) [(a small weapon)]
Madalena (1960) [Pantelis Haridimos]
The lady our grandparent (1958) [Argyris]
The last lie (1958)

Series Vasilis has played

All the glory all through 1988 ET2
Kostis Palamas 1993 ET1
Folk tales from around the world ERT2 1982

BY http://www.espressonews.gr/,
BY http://homepage.mac.com/,
FROM AND 90lepta.com www.retrodb.gr


The other life of Vasilis Kailas.

Η άλλη ζωή του Βασίλη Καΐλα

From:

http://www.espressonews.gr/default.asp?pid=79&catid=16&artID=849476

Εμεινε στην ιστορία ως το παιδί-θαύμα του ελληνικού κινηματογράφου. Και όσο και αν άλλαξε, παραμένει ακόμη ένα άδολο «παιδί» αφού για την αγάπη του για το θέατρο έχει χάσει μέχρι τώρα πολλά λεφτά. Και όμως, δεν το μετανιώνει. Τον Βασιλάκη Καΐλα τον λατρέψαμε μέσα από τους «πονεμένους» ρόλους του... Τα χρόνια πέρασαν, το κλάμα στέρεψε, οι χρυσές εποχές του καλού κινηματογράφου έσβησαν, όχι όμως και ο γλυκός λουστράκος που τόσο αγαπήσαμε. Τόσο στην ταινία όσο και στην προσωπική του ζωή πάλεψε με τη φτώχεια και τις κακουχίες, αλλά δεν το έβαλε κάτω και τα κατάφερε... Σήμερα, στα 55 του χρόνια πλέον, εξακολουθεί να δουλεύει πίσω από τις κάμερες και τα φώτα της δημοσιότητας χαρίζοντας τη χαρακτηριστική φωνή του σε πολλούς παιδικούς ήρωες. Ο χρόνος του ελάχιστος, αλλά η «Espresso» κατάφερε και συνάντησε τον μικρό αδελφό της Μανταλένας, σε ένα στούντιο στο Μαρούσι, όπου βρίσκεται κλεισμένος τουλάχιστον δώδεκα ώρες την ημέρα προκειμένου να ολοκληρώσει έγκαιρα ένα ακόμη επεισόδιο παιδικής σειράς. Με το χαμόγελο στα χείλη μάς άνοιξε την καρδιά του και μίλησε για τη ζωή του, τους μεγάλους ηθοποιούς που αγάπησε και τον αγάπησαν, αλλά και για όλα εκείνα τα δύσκολα χρόνια που οι άνθρωποι ήταν μια αγαπημένη οικογένεια.

«Η ιστορία του Βασιλάκη ξεκίνησε ξαφνικά. Από τη μία στιγμή στην άλλη. Οταν ήμουν τεσσάρων ετών, το 1957, είχα την τύχη να μένω με τους γονείς μου στην ίδια πολυκατοικία με την Ελλη Λαμπέτη και τον Δημήτρη Χορν. Μια μέρα, καθώς έπαιζα στην είσοδο της πολυκατοικίας, άνοιξα την πόρτα για να μπει ένας κύριος. Ηταν ο Κακογιάννης που είχε έρθει από το εξωτερικό για να γυρίσει την ταινία “Το τελευταίο ψέμα”. Με πλησίασε, με ρώτησε πως με λένε και ανέβηκε έπειτα στο διαμέρισμα της Λαμπέτη» θυμάται ο Βασίλης Καΐλας και συνεχίζει: «Εκεί, της είπε ότι συνάντησε στην είσοδο ένα αγοράκι, το οποίο ήθελε να παίξει στην ταινία που ετοίμαζαν. Της είπε ότι ήμουν κάτι ξεχωριστό. Ετσι κατέβηκαν μαζί κάτω, με βρήκαν και πήγαμε στον πατέρα μου για να του μιλήσουν. Τον έπεισαν κι έτσι έπαιξα για πρώτη φορά στο “Τελευταίο ψέμα”».

Οι γονείς του τον συνόδεψαν στα γυρίσματα, τα οποία για εκείνον ήταν απλώς ένα παιχνίδι. «Ημουν μόλις τεσσάρων ετών και δεν καταλάβαινα τι έκανα. Μου έλεγαν θα πεις αυτό, με αυτό τον τρόπο και το έκανα, καθώς έτσι διασκέδαζα» λέει και προσθέτει: «Επειτα ήρθε ένας μικρός ρόλος, ο ρόλος του μικρού Αργύρη στο “Η κυρά μας η μαμή” με τη Γεωργία Βασιλειάδου, που κλήθηκε για να με ξεματιάσει» συνεχίζει χαμογελώντας και βυθίζεται στις αναμνήσεις του. «Ωραία χρόνια, και ανέμελα. Είχα την τιμή να δουλέψω με μεγάλους ηθοποιούς, μεγαθήρια, που δυστυχώς “έφυγαν”. Θυμάμαι τα γυρίσματα της ταινίας “Μανταλένα”, όπου έπαιζα τον αδελφό της Αλίκης Βουγιουκλάκη. Στο νησί τότε δεν υπήρχε ρεύμα, τα γυρίσματα ήταν εξαντλητικά, αλλά είχα δίπλα μου έναν μεγάλο κύριο. Τον ηθοποιό Παντελή Ζερβό που έπαιζε τον παπά. Είχε λατρεία με το ψάρεμα και κάθε πρωί πριν από το γύρισμα ντυνόταν με τα ράσα, έβαζε τα γένια και πηγαίναμε μαζί για ψάρεμα μέχρι να έρθει η ώρα μας. Ντυνόταν για να είναι έτοιμος... Ψαρεύαμε με κλωστή και παραμάνα... Επειτα ήρθε η ταινία που έγινα πολύ γνωστός, ο “Λουστράκος”. Τότε ήμουν επτά ετών και θυμάμαι ακόμη και σήμερα τα απαιτητικά και κουραστικά γυρίσματα».

Η ταινία «Λουστράκος» σφράγισε με την επιτυχία της την επαγγελματική πορεία του Βασίλη Καΐλα. «Εγινα γνωστός και οι άνθρωποι με αναγνώριζαν. Εγώ δεν ήθελα δημοσιότητα. Ημουν μικρό παιδί. Δεν μπορούσα να διαχειριστώ όλα αυτά που γίνονταν. Ηθελα την ησυχία μου. Με έβλεπαν στο δρόμο με τους γονείς μου και έλεγαν “ο κακόμοιρος ο Βασίλης”. Ο κόσμος τότε πείναγε, μιλάμε για φτώχεια και σε κάθε ταινία ταυτιζόταν και με έναν ηθοποιό» λέει και συνεχίζει: «Τότε η κλάψα ήταν ο καθρέφτης της κοινωνίας. Εβλεπαν στην ταινία το φτωχό αγόρι, τον Βασιλάκη Μάρα να δουλεύει λουστράκος για ένα πιάτο φαΐ και τον αγώνα του να σπουδάσει για να γίνει γιατρός κι έπαιρναν παράδειγμα για να κάνουν το ίδιο».

Μάλιστα, όπως μας αποκάλυψε, πριν από μερικά χρόνια όταν πήγε στο σχολείο της κόρης του για να ρωτήσει τον καθηγητή της πώς πάει στα μαθήματα, με έκπληξη άκουσε να του λέει ότι έγινε καθηγητής χάρη σε αυτή την ταινία. «Απίστευτο και όμως αληθινό. Πήρε κουράγιο από την ταινία, πάλεψε και τα κατάφερε. Σήμερα όμως πια, δεν ξέρω αν υπάρχει καθρέφτης. Ολα είναι πλέον διαφορετικά. Τότε υπήρχε αγάπη μεταξύ των ανθρώπων. Τους ένωνε ο αγώνας για ένα καλύτερο αύριο, μια καλύτερη ζωή».

Ο Βασίλης Καΐλας συμμετείχε συνολικά σε 117 ταινίες, όχι μόνο ελληνικές, αλλά και ξένες. Η πορεία του, ωστόσο, δεν ήταν εύκολη καθώς, όπως λέει ο ίδιος: «Επρεπε να πηγαίνω και σχολείο. Οι γονείς μου, που ήταν πάντα δίπλα μου, όπου και αν γίνονταν τα γυρίσματα, είχαν πάρει ειδική άδεια από το τότε υπουργείο Παιδείας κι έτσι πήγαινα σχολείο σε όποια περιοχή δούλευα. Ετσι τελείωσα το Δημοτικό και το εξατάξιο Γυμνάσιο, αλλά δεν συνέχισα... Είχα πλέον κουραστεί... Πήγα όμως στη Δραματική Σχολή. Γύριζα ταινίες, έπαιζα στο θέατρο με τον Χορν, την Παξινού, τον Μινωτή και άλλους μεγάλους ηθοποιούς. Μου άρεσε πολύ και όλοι με αγαπούσαν. Δεν θα ξεχάσω ποτέ τον Νίκο Μοσχονά που ήθελε να με πάρει μαζί του στην Αμερική, αλλά δεν με άφησε ο πατέρας μου. Ομως κάποια στιγμή όλα τελειώνουν. Ο ελληνικός κινηματογράφος έσβησε και όποιος είχε δουλέψει τότε με όλους αυτούς τους επαγγελματίες, δεν μπορούσε να συμμετέχει σε προχειροδουλειές. Η εποχή εκείνη δεν έχει καμία σχέση με την σημερινή πραγματικότητα. Σκέφτηκα τότε να φύγω μετά από παρότρυνση του θείου μου και να πάνω στην Ελβετία όπου θα μάθαινα τη δουλειά του ωρολογοποιού και να αναλάμβανα έπειτα το μαγαζί του. Το είπα στον πατέρα μου και τότε εκείνος μου είπε να κάνω ό,τι θέλω. Αλλά προτού αποφασίσω να ανέβω στο πατάρι και να πετάξω όλο το υλικό που είχε μαζέψει εκείνος από την καριέρα μου... “Εγώ, παιδί μου, δεν μπορώ να το κάνω. Αν θέλεις, πέταξέ τα εσύ” μου είπε και τρελάθηκα. Eτσι αποφάσισα να συνεχίσω...»

Ετσι, μετά από πολύ κόπο κατάφερε και ίδρυσε το παιδαγωγικό επιμορφωτικό θέατρο, το οποίο ανέβασε δεκάδες παραστάσεις με επαγγελματίες ηθοποιούς, όπως ο Αλέκος Αλεξανδράκης, η Νόνικα Γαληνέα και άλλοι. «Γι’ αυτή την αγάπη μου έχασα πολλά λεφτά. Αλλά δεν το μετανιώνω. Μετά ήρθαν οι μεταγλωττίσεις και οι επιλεγμένες δουλειές. Με τις μεταγλωττίσεις ξεκίνησα πριν από 25 χρόνια από την ΕΡΤ και συνεχίζω μέχρι σήμερα. Δίνω τη φωνή μου σε παιδικούς ήρωες και όχι μόνο. Μία από τις καλύτερες δουλειές μου ήταν “Το μικρό σπίτι στο λιβάδι”» αναφέρει και καταλήγει λέγοντας: «Ευτυχώς η ζωή μού τα ’φερε μια χαρά. Δόξα τω Θεώ. Εχω μια υπέροχη κόρη και μια υπέροχη γυναίκα. Το αστείο είναι ότι πάντα φοβόμουν να φλερτάρω λόγω δημοσιότητας. Πίστευα ότι οι γυναίκες δεν γνωρίζουν τον Βασίλη Καΐλα, αλλά τον Βασιλάκη των ταινιών. Ευτυχώς, η γυναίκα μου δεν ήξερε τι δουλειά έκανα καθώς δεν έβλεπε ταινίες. Οταν το κατάλαβε, ήταν αργά. Την είχε πατήσει...»


ΣΥΜΜΕΤΟΧΕΣ ΠΟΥ ΕΓΡΑΨΑΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ
(ΤΑΙΝΙΑ / ΡΟΛΟΣ ΠΟΥ ΥΠΟΔΥΘΗΚΕ / ΧΡΟΝΙΑ)

1. Η κυρά μας η μαμή / Αργύρης /1958
2. Το τελευταίο ψέμα / Βασιλάκης / 1958
3. Μανταλένα / Παντελής Χαρίδημος / 1960
4. Μακρυκωσταίοι και Κοντογιώργηδες / Μικρός με όπλο /1960
5. Λαφίνα / Γιαννιός / 1962
6. Δύο μάνες στο σταυρό του πόνου / Μικρός / 1962
7. Η νύφη το ’σκασε... / Κωστάκης Μπάκουρας / 1962
8. Ο λουστράκος / Μικρός Βασίλης Μαράς / 1962
9. Η ψεύτρα / Πέτρος / 1963
10. Πολυτεχνίτης και ερημοσπίτης / Γιαννάκης / 1963
11. Πληγωμένες καρδιές / Βασιλάκης / 1963
12. Ο άσωτος / Μικρός Μιχαλιός / 1963
13. Είμαι μια δυστυχισμένη / Κυριάκος / 1964
14. Θύελλα σε παιδική καρδιά / Γιαννάκης Κοντοβασίλης / 1964
15. Περιφρόνα με γλυκιά μου / «Σπουργιτάκι» / 1965
16. Ο νικητής / μικρός Πέτρος Ντάβαρης / 1965
17. Ησαΐα χόρευε / Βασιλάκης / 1966
18. Ο εμποράκος / Κωστής / 1967
19. Κάποτε κλαίνε και οι δυνατοί / Μικρός Ανδρέας Γεραλής / 1967
20. Θα κάνω πέτρα την καρδιά μου / Μικρός Δημήτρης / 1968
21. Ταπεινός και καταφρονεμένος / 1968
22. Ξεριζωμένη γενιά / Μικρός Βασίλης Καρατζόγλου / 1968
23. Οικογένεια Χωραφά / Νικολής / 1968
24. Στον δάσκαλό μας... με αγάπη / Ανδρέας Λιάπης / 1969
25. Βέγγος, ο τρελός καμικάζι / 1980
26. Πήρες πτυχίο / Ανδρέας Ντόβης 1985


ΓΙΟΥΛΗ ΣΤΑΡΙΔΑ
ΦΩΤ.: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΓΚΟΛΦΟΜΗΤΣΟΣ

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8/6/2011

Photos, Vintage Portraits/ People

Life Stories

The other life of Vasils Kailas. Η άλλη ζωή του Βασίλη Καΐλα

Watch cinematic performances of Vasilis Kailas at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAeT-CUbwHg&feature=related

This article originally published at:

http://www.espressonews.gr/default.asp?pid=79&catid=16&artID=849476

Εμεινε στην ιστορία ως το παιδί-θαύμα του ελληνικού κινηματογράφου. Και όσο και αν άλλαξε, παραμένει ακόμη ένα άδολο «παιδί» αφού για την αγάπη του για το θέατρο έχει χάσει μέχρι τώρα πολλά λεφτά. Και όμως, δεν το μετανιώνει. Τον Βασιλάκη Καΐλα τον λατρέψαμε μέσα από τους «πονεμένους» ρόλους του... Τα χρόνια πέρασαν, το κλάμα στέρεψε, οι χρυσές εποχές του καλού κινηματογράφου έσβησαν, όχι όμως και ο γλυκός λουστράκος που τόσο αγαπήσαμε. Τόσο στην ταινία όσο και στην προσωπική του ζωή πάλεψε με τη φτώχεια και τις κακουχίες, αλλά δεν το έβαλε κάτω και τα κατάφερε... Σήμερα, στα 55 του χρόνια πλέον, εξακολουθεί να δουλεύει πίσω από τις κάμερες και τα φώτα της δημοσιότητας χαρίζοντας τη χαρακτηριστική φωνή του σε πολλούς παιδικούς ήρωες. Ο χρόνος του ελάχιστος, αλλά η «Espresso» κατάφερε και συνάντησε τον μικρό αδελφό της Μανταλένας, σε ένα στούντιο στο Μαρούσι, όπου βρίσκεται κλεισμένος τουλάχιστον δώδεκα ώρες την ημέρα προκειμένου να ολοκληρώσει έγκαιρα ένα ακόμη επεισόδιο παιδικής σειράς. Με το χαμόγελο στα χείλη μάς άνοιξε την καρδιά του και μίλησε για τη ζωή του, τους μεγάλους ηθοποιούς που αγάπησε και τον αγάπησαν, αλλά και για όλα εκείνα τα δύσκολα χρόνια που οι άνθρωποι ήταν μια αγαπημένη οικογένεια.

«Η ιστορία του Βασιλάκη ξεκίνησε ξαφνικά. Από τη μία στιγμή στην άλλη. Οταν ήμουν τεσσάρων ετών, το 1957, είχα την τύχη να μένω με τους γονείς μου στην ίδια πολυκατοικία με την Ελλη Λαμπέτη και τον Δημήτρη Χορν. Μια μέρα, καθώς έπαιζα στην είσοδο της πολυκατοικίας, άνοιξα την πόρτα για να μπει ένας κύριος. Ηταν ο Κακογιάννης που είχε έρθει από το εξωτερικό για να γυρίσει την ταινία “Το τελευταίο ψέμα”. Με πλησίασε, με ρώτησε πως με λένε και ανέβηκε έπειτα στο διαμέρισμα της Λαμπέτη» θυμάται ο Βασίλης Καΐλας και συνεχίζει: «Εκεί, της είπε ότι συνάντησε στην είσοδο ένα αγοράκι, το οποίο ήθελε να παίξει στην ταινία που ετοίμαζαν. Της είπε ότι ήμουν κάτι ξεχωριστό. Ετσι κατέβηκαν μαζί κάτω, με βρήκαν και πήγαμε στον πατέρα μου για να του μιλήσουν. Τον έπεισαν κι έτσι έπαιξα για πρώτη φορά στο “Τελευταίο ψέμα”».

Οι γονείς του τον συνόδεψαν στα γυρίσματα, τα οποία για εκείνον ήταν απλώς ένα παιχνίδι. «Ημουν μόλις τεσσάρων ετών και δεν καταλάβαινα τι έκανα. Μου έλεγαν θα πεις αυτό, με αυτό τον τρόπο και το έκανα, καθώς έτσι διασκέδαζα» λέει και προσθέτει: «Επειτα ήρθε ένας μικρός ρόλος, ο ρόλος του μικρού Αργύρη στο “Η κυρά μας η μαμή” με τη Γεωργία Βασιλειάδου, που κλήθηκε για να με ξεματιάσει» συνεχίζει χαμογελώντας και βυθίζεται στις αναμνήσεις του. «Ωραία χρόνια, και ανέμελα. Είχα την τιμή να δουλέψω με μεγάλους ηθοποιούς, μεγαθήρια, που δυστυχώς “έφυγαν”. Θυμάμαι τα γυρίσματα της ταινίας “Μανταλένα”, όπου έπαιζα τον αδελφό της Αλίκης Βουγιουκλάκη. Στο νησί τότε δεν υπήρχε ρεύμα, τα γυρίσματα ήταν εξαντλητικά, αλλά είχα δίπλα μου έναν μεγάλο κύριο. Τον ηθοποιό Παντελή Ζερβό που έπαιζε τον παπά. Είχε λατρεία με το ψάρεμα και κάθε πρωί πριν από το γύρισμα ντυνόταν με τα ράσα, έβαζε τα γένια και πηγαίναμε μαζί για ψάρεμα μέχρι να έρθει η ώρα μας. Ντυνόταν για να είναι έτοιμος... Ψαρεύαμε με κλωστή και παραμάνα... Επειτα ήρθε η ταινία που έγινα πολύ γνωστός, ο “Λουστράκος”. Τότε ήμουν επτά ετών και θυμάμαι ακόμη και σήμερα τα απαιτητικά και κουραστικά γυρίσματα».

Η ταινία «Λουστράκος» σφράγισε με την επιτυχία της την επαγγελματική πορεία του Βασίλη Καΐλα. «Εγινα γνωστός και οι άνθρωποι με αναγνώριζαν. Εγώ δεν ήθελα δημοσιότητα. Ημουν μικρό παιδί. Δεν μπορούσα να διαχειριστώ όλα αυτά που γίνονταν. Ηθελα την ησυχία μου. Με έβλεπαν στο δρόμο με τους γονείς μου και έλεγαν “ο κακόμοιρος ο Βασίλης”. Ο κόσμος τότε πείναγε, μιλάμε για φτώχεια και σε κάθε ταινία ταυτιζόταν και με έναν ηθοποιό» λέει και συνεχίζει: «Τότε η κλάψα ήταν ο καθρέφτης της κοινωνίας. Εβλεπαν στην ταινία το φτωχό αγόρι, τον Βασιλάκη Μάρα να δουλεύει λουστράκος για ένα πιάτο φαΐ και τον αγώνα του να σπουδάσει για να γίνει γιατρός κι έπαιρναν παράδειγμα για να κάνουν το ίδιο».

Μάλιστα, όπως μας αποκάλυψε, πριν από μερικά χρόνια όταν πήγε στο σχολείο της κόρης του για να ρωτήσει τον καθηγητή της πώς πάει στα μαθήματα, με έκπληξη άκουσε να του λέει ότι έγινε καθηγητής χάρη σε αυτή την ταινία. «Απίστευτο και όμως αληθινό. Πήρε κουράγιο από την ταινία, πάλεψε και τα κατάφερε. Σήμερα όμως πια, δεν ξέρω αν υπάρχει καθρέφτης. Ολα είναι πλέον διαφορετικά. Τότε υπήρχε αγάπη μεταξύ των ανθρώπων. Τους ένωνε ο αγώνας για ένα καλύτερο αύριο, μια καλύτερη ζωή».

Ο Βασίλης Καΐλας συμμετείχε συνολικά σε 117 ταινίες, όχι μόνο ελληνικές, αλλά και ξένες. Η πορεία του, ωστόσο, δεν ήταν εύκολη καθώς, όπως λέει ο ίδιος: «Επρεπε να πηγαίνω και σχολείο. Οι γονείς μου, που ήταν πάντα δίπλα μου, όπου και αν γίνονταν τα γυρίσματα, είχαν πάρει ειδική άδεια από το τότε υπουργείο Παιδείας κι έτσι πήγαινα σχολείο σε όποια περιοχή δούλευα. Ετσι τελείωσα το Δημοτικό και το εξατάξιο Γυμνάσιο, αλλά δεν συνέχισα... Είχα πλέον κουραστεί... Πήγα όμως στη Δραματική Σχολή. Γύριζα ταινίες, έπαιζα στο θέατρο με τον Χορν, την Παξινού, τον Μινωτή και άλλους μεγάλους ηθοποιούς. Μου άρεσε πολύ και όλοι με αγαπούσαν. Δεν θα ξεχάσω ποτέ τον Νίκο Μοσχονά που ήθελε να με πάρει μαζί του στην Αμερική, αλλά δεν με άφησε ο πατέρας μου. Ομως κάποια στιγμή όλα τελειώνουν. Ο ελληνικός κινηματογράφος έσβησε και όποιος είχε δουλέψει τότε με όλους αυτούς τους επαγγελματίες, δεν μπορούσε να συμμετέχει σε προχειροδουλειές. Η εποχή εκείνη δεν έχει καμία σχέση με την σημερινή πραγματικότητα. Σκέφτηκα τότε να φύγω μετά από παρότρυνση του θείου μου και να πάνω στην Ελβετία όπου θα μάθαινα τη δουλειά του ωρολογοποιού και να αναλάμβανα έπειτα το μαγαζί του. Το είπα στον πατέρα μου και τότε εκείνος μου είπε να κάνω ό,τι θέλω. Αλλά προτού αποφασίσω να ανέβω στο πατάρι και να πετάξω όλο το υλικό που είχε μαζέψει εκείνος από την καριέρα μου... “Εγώ, παιδί μου, δεν μπορώ να το κάνω. Αν θέλεις, πέταξέ τα εσύ” μου είπε και τρελάθηκα. Eτσι αποφάσισα να συνεχίσω...»

Ετσι, μετά από πολύ κόπο κατάφερε και ίδρυσε το παιδαγωγικό επιμορφωτικό θέατρο, το οποίο ανέβασε δεκάδες παραστάσεις με επαγγελματίες ηθοποιούς, όπως ο Αλέκος Αλεξανδράκης, η Νόνικα Γαληνέα και άλλοι. «Γι’ αυτή την αγάπη μου έχασα πολλά λεφτά. Αλλά δεν το μετανιώνω. Μετά ήρθαν οι μεταγλωττίσεις και οι επιλεγμένες δουλειές. Με τις μεταγλωττίσεις ξεκίνησα πριν από 25 χρόνια από την ΕΡΤ και συνεχίζω μέχρι σήμερα. Δίνω τη φωνή μου σε παιδικούς ήρωες και όχι μόνο. Μία από τις καλύτερες δουλειές μου ήταν “Το μικρό σπίτι στο λιβάδι”» αναφέρει και καταλήγει λέγοντας: «Ευτυχώς η ζωή μού τα ’φερε μια χαρά. Δόξα τω Θεώ. Εχω μια υπέροχη κόρη και μια υπέροχη γυναίκα. Το αστείο είναι ότι πάντα φοβόμουν να φλερτάρω λόγω δημοσιότητας. Πίστευα ότι οι γυναίκες δεν γνωρίζουν τον Βασίλη Καΐλα, αλλά τον Βασιλάκη των ταινιών. Ευτυχώς, η γυναίκα μου δεν ήξερε τι δουλειά έκανα καθώς δεν έβλεπε ταινίες. Οταν το κατάλαβε, ήταν αργά. Την είχε πατήσει...»


ΣΥΜΜΕΤΟΧΕΣ ΠΟΥ ΕΓΡΑΨΑΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ
(ΤΑΙΝΙΑ / ΡΟΛΟΣ ΠΟΥ ΥΠΟΔΥΘΗΚΕ / ΧΡΟΝΙΑ)

1. Η κυρά μας η μαμή / Αργύρης /1958
2. Το τελευταίο ψέμα / Βασιλάκης / 1958
3. Μανταλένα / Παντελής Χαρίδημος / 1960
4. Μακρυκωσταίοι και Κοντογιώργηδες / Μικρός με όπλο /1960
5. Λαφίνα / Γιαννιός / 1962
6. Δύο μάνες στο σταυρό του πόνου / Μικρός / 1962
7. Η νύφη το ’σκασε... / Κωστάκης Μπάκουρας / 1962
8. Ο λουστράκος / Μικρός Βασίλης Μαράς / 1962
9. Η ψεύτρα / Πέτρος / 1963
10. Πολυτεχνίτης και ερημοσπίτης / Γιαννάκης / 1963
11. Πληγωμένες καρδιές / Βασιλάκης / 1963
12. Ο άσωτος / Μικρός Μιχαλιός / 1963
13. Είμαι μια δυστυχισμένη / Κυριάκος / 1964
14. Θύελλα σε παιδική καρδιά / Γιαννάκης Κοντοβασίλης / 1964
15. Περιφρόνα με γλυκιά μου / «Σπουργιτάκι» / 1965
16. Ο νικητής / μικρός Πέτρος Ντάβαρης / 1965
17. Ησαΐα χόρευε / Βασιλάκης / 1966
18. Ο εμποράκος / Κωστής / 1967
19. Κάποτε κλαίνε και οι δυνατοί / Μικρός Ανδρέας Γεραλής / 1967
20. Θα κάνω πέτρα την καρδιά μου / Μικρός Δημήτρης / 1968
21. Ταπεινός και καταφρονεμένος / 1968
22. Ξεριζωμένη γενιά / Μικρός Βασίλης Καρατζόγλου / 1968
23. Οικογένεια Χωραφά / Νικολής / 1968
24. Στον δάσκαλό μας... με αγάπη / Ανδρέας Λιάπης / 1969
25. Βέγγος, ο τρελός καμικάζι / 1980
26. Πήρες πτυχίο / Ανδρέας Ντόβης 1985


ΓΙΟΥΛΗ ΣΤΑΡΙΔΑ
ΦΩΤ.: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΓΚΟΛΦΟΜΗΤΣΟΣ

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8/6/2011

People, Life Stories

Notable Kytherians

Vasilis Kailas

[[picture:"Βασίλης Καϊλας 1.jpg" ID:19151]]

Child prodigy of Greek cinema and theatre was born of Kytherian parents (from Mitata) in Athens, on June 16, 1953. He began his career is movies at a very young age, appearing in 1957 in the film The Last Lie. He very soon established a distinctive record as a young supporting actor. He also played lead roles in films such as Mary Plyta Loustrakos’, Salesman.

Watch cinema performances of Vasili as a child actor at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAeT-CUbwHg&feature=related

In 1985 he was the protagonist in the film She Graduated. He gained roles in 117 films, mainly Greek language, but also “foreign”. He has established a reputation as the child prodigy of Greek cinema. He may well be the most prolific child actor in world cinematic history? He later went on to a career in the theatre.

In forgoing cinema for the theatre he lost a chance to establish himself economically. He harbours no regrets, however. The golden age of Greek films has long past. But generations of Greek audiences continue to adore Vassilakis Kaili for his tragic and "afflicted" roles.

Many, or more correctly most child actor's around the world have found it difficult to maintain the same level of success in later life.

His personal adult life reflected many of the roles he played as a child in films. He struggled with poverty and hardship, but, by exercising resilience, has managed to overcome these challenges.

[[picture:"1.bmp" ID:19154]]

Vasili pictured in 2011, standing outside the audio-visual studio, were he now works.

Today, he still works behind the cameras and the spotlight, providing a distinctive voice to many children's heroes. (See article, in Greek, below). He produces animated childrens programmes for cinema and televison.

Original version of this brief biography in Greek, as a .pdf:

VASILIS_KAILAS_biography.pdf

The Union of Ionian (Seven) Islands, on 29th May 2011, at 6:00 pm, in the Old Parliament House, Syntagma Square, Athens, conferred awards on 2 persons from each of 6 of the Ionian Islands, and 3 persons from Kythera. Greek Post will follow up this award, by issuing a postage stamp in each awardees honour.

The three from Kythera were, George Miller, Film Producer, Sydney Australia, Professor Nikos Petrochilos, Athens and Hora, Kythera, Greece and Vasilis Kailas, cinema and theatre actor, Athens, Greece.

[[picture:"Vasilis Kailas receiving award.jpg" ID:19210]]

Vasilis Kailas making his speech of acceptance. Angelos Grammenos stands next to him

Biography to mark the conferring of the Eptanesian award, as a .pdf:

Vasili_Kailas_Brief_biography.pdf

[[picture:"Vassilis Kailas Foteini Darra Eleutheria Aranitaki Dyonisis Grammenos & Dimitris Typaldos.jpg" ID:19153]]

Vasilis Kailas, (left, and then left to right, with fellow Eptanesian awardees), Foteini Darra, Eleutheria Aranitaki, Dyonisis Grammenos & Dimitris Typaldos at the 29th May ceremony.

Filmography

Did you get a degree? (1985) [Andreas Dovas]
The Saint of Preveza (1982) [Father]
Vengos the mad bomber (1980)
The great storm of Love (1972)
Burning flesh (1971)
Intoxication of the flesh (1970)
Let the jury consider the (1969)
I want my child back (1969)
In our teacher ... with Love (1969) [Andreas Liapis] I will rock my heart (1968) [(small) Dimitri]
Dream elusive (1968)
Eradicated genera (1968) [(small) Bill Karatzoglou]
Family Corraface (1968) [Nicolis]
Humble and katafronemenos (1968)
In front of the gallows (1968)
Stay close to my beloved (1968)
Dew or noble (1967)
The hour of justice (1967)
What do you born poor (1967)
For the heart of the beautiful Helen (1967)
Sometimes they cry and the strong (1967) [(small) Andreas Geralis]
The Salesman (1967) [Kostas]
Isaiah dancing (1966) [Vassilakis]
You hurt my love (1966)
Winner (1965) [(small) Peter Ntavaris]
The Rebel (1965)
Slighter with my sweet (1965)
Angels without wings (1965)
I live for you (1965)
The Great Oath (1965)
Why have you forsaken (1965)
I am a miserable (1964) [Sunday]
Every port and sorrow (1964)
Persecuted of fate (1964)
Girl Pain (1964)
Storm in a child's heart (1964) [Yiannakis Kontovasilis]
The liar (1963) [Peter]
For a little tenderness (1963)
The brat (1963)
The Great Sin (1963)
Hearts in the Storm (1963)
The Prodigal (1963) [(small) Michalios] Midnight in the villa Nelli (1963)
The madcap (1963) [(small) Thanassis]
Wounded Hearts (1963) [Vassilakis]
A fool with a patent (1963)
Handyman and erimospitis (1963) [Yiannakis]
Two we drink on the cross of pain (1962) [(small)]
The bride run away ... (1962) [Kostakis Bakouris]
Lafina (1962) [Giannios]
The Greek and Love (1962)
Christmas bum (1972)
The loustrakos (1962) [(small) Vasilis Maras]
Makrykostaioi and Kontogiorgis (1960) [(a small weapon)]
Madalena (1960) [Pantelis Haridimos]
The lady our grandparent (1958) [Argyris]
The last lie (1958)

Series Vasilis has played

All the glory all through 1988 ET2
Kostis Palamas 1993 ET1
Folk tales from around the world ERT2 1982

BY http://www.espressonews.gr/,
BY http://homepage.mac.com/,
FROM AND 90lepta.com www.retrodb.gr

[[picture:"2.bmp" ID:19152]]

The other life of Vasilis Kailas.

Η άλλη ζωή του Βασίλη Καΐλα

From:

http://www.espressonews.gr/default.asp?pid=79&catid=16&artID=849476

Εμεινε στην ιστορία ως το παιδί-θαύμα του ελληνικού κινηματογράφου. Και όσο και αν άλλαξε, παραμένει ακόμη ένα άδολο «παιδί» αφού για την αγάπη του για το θέατρο έχει χάσει μέχρι τώρα πολλά λεφτά. Και όμως, δεν το μετανιώνει. Τον Βασιλάκη Καΐλα τον λατρέψαμε μέσα από τους «πονεμένους» ρόλους του... Τα χρόνια πέρασαν, το κλάμα στέρεψε, οι χρυσές εποχές του καλού κινηματογράφου έσβησαν, όχι όμως και ο γλυκός λουστράκος που τόσο αγαπήσαμε. Τόσο στην ταινία όσο και στην προσωπική του ζωή πάλεψε με τη φτώχεια και τις κακουχίες, αλλά δεν το έβαλε κάτω και τα κατάφερε... Σήμερα, στα 55 του χρόνια πλέον, εξακολουθεί να δουλεύει πίσω από τις κάμερες και τα φώτα της δημοσιότητας χαρίζοντας τη χαρακτηριστική φωνή του σε πολλούς παιδικούς ήρωες. Ο χρόνος του ελάχιστος, αλλά η «Espresso» κατάφερε και συνάντησε τον μικρό αδελφό της Μανταλένας, σε ένα στούντιο στο Μαρούσι, όπου βρίσκεται κλεισμένος τουλάχιστον δώδεκα ώρες την ημέρα προκειμένου να ολοκληρώσει έγκαιρα ένα ακόμη επεισόδιο παιδικής σειράς. Με το χαμόγελο στα χείλη μάς άνοιξε την καρδιά του και μίλησε για τη ζωή του, τους μεγάλους ηθοποιούς που αγάπησε και τον αγάπησαν, αλλά και για όλα εκείνα τα δύσκολα χρόνια που οι άνθρωποι ήταν μια αγαπημένη οικογένεια.

«Η ιστορία του Βασιλάκη ξεκίνησε ξαφνικά. Από τη μία στιγμή στην άλλη. Οταν ήμουν τεσσάρων ετών, το 1957, είχα την τύχη να μένω με τους γονείς μου στην ίδια πολυκατοικία με την Ελλη Λαμπέτη και τον Δημήτρη Χορν. Μια μέρα, καθώς έπαιζα στην είσοδο της πολυκατοικίας, άνοιξα την πόρτα για να μπει ένας κύριος. Ηταν ο Κακογιάννης που είχε έρθει από το εξωτερικό για να γυρίσει την ταινία “Το τελευταίο ψέμα”. Με πλησίασε, με ρώτησε πως με λένε και ανέβηκε έπειτα στο διαμέρισμα της Λαμπέτη» θυμάται ο Βασίλης Καΐλας και συνεχίζει: «Εκεί, της είπε ότι συνάντησε στην είσοδο ένα αγοράκι, το οποίο ήθελε να παίξει στην ταινία που ετοίμαζαν. Της είπε ότι ήμουν κάτι ξεχωριστό. Ετσι κατέβηκαν μαζί κάτω, με βρήκαν και πήγαμε στον πατέρα μου για να του μιλήσουν. Τον έπεισαν κι έτσι έπαιξα για πρώτη φορά στο “Τελευταίο ψέμα”».

Οι γονείς του τον συνόδεψαν στα γυρίσματα, τα οποία για εκείνον ήταν απλώς ένα παιχνίδι. «Ημουν μόλις τεσσάρων ετών και δεν καταλάβαινα τι έκανα. Μου έλεγαν θα πεις αυτό, με αυτό τον τρόπο και το έκανα, καθώς έτσι διασκέδαζα» λέει και προσθέτει: «Επειτα ήρθε ένας μικρός ρόλος, ο ρόλος του μικρού Αργύρη στο “Η κυρά μας η μαμή” με τη Γεωργία Βασιλειάδου, που κλήθηκε για να με ξεματιάσει» συνεχίζει χαμογελώντας και βυθίζεται στις αναμνήσεις του. «Ωραία χρόνια, και ανέμελα. Είχα την τιμή να δουλέψω με μεγάλους ηθοποιούς, μεγαθήρια, που δυστυχώς “έφυγαν”. Θυμάμαι τα γυρίσματα της ταινίας “Μανταλένα”, όπου έπαιζα τον αδελφό της Αλίκης Βουγιουκλάκη. Στο νησί τότε δεν υπήρχε ρεύμα, τα γυρίσματα ήταν εξαντλητικά, αλλά είχα δίπλα μου έναν μεγάλο κύριο. Τον ηθοποιό Παντελή Ζερβό που έπαιζε τον παπά. Είχε λατρεία με το ψάρεμα και κάθε πρωί πριν από το γύρισμα ντυνόταν με τα ράσα, έβαζε τα γένια και πηγαίναμε μαζί για ψάρεμα μέχρι να έρθει η ώρα μας. Ντυνόταν για να είναι έτοιμος... Ψαρεύαμε με κλωστή και παραμάνα... Επειτα ήρθε η ταινία που έγινα πολύ γνωστός, ο “Λουστράκος”. Τότε ήμουν επτά ετών και θυμάμαι ακόμη και σήμερα τα απαιτητικά και κουραστικά γυρίσματα».

Η ταινία «Λουστράκος» σφράγισε με την επιτυχία της την επαγγελματική πορεία του Βασίλη Καΐλα. «Εγινα γνωστός και οι άνθρωποι με αναγνώριζαν. Εγώ δεν ήθελα δημοσιότητα. Ημουν μικρό παιδί. Δεν μπορούσα να διαχειριστώ όλα αυτά που γίνονταν. Ηθελα την ησυχία μου. Με έβλεπαν στο δρόμο με τους γονείς μου και έλεγαν “ο κακόμοιρος ο Βασίλης”. Ο κόσμος τότε πείναγε, μιλάμε για φτώχεια και σε κάθε ταινία ταυτιζόταν και με έναν ηθοποιό» λέει και συνεχίζει: «Τότε η κλάψα ήταν ο καθρέφτης της κοινωνίας. Εβλεπαν στην ταινία το φτωχό αγόρι, τον Βασιλάκη Μάρα να δουλεύει λουστράκος για ένα πιάτο φαΐ και τον αγώνα του να σπουδάσει για να γίνει γιατρός κι έπαιρναν παράδειγμα για να κάνουν το ίδιο».

Μάλιστα, όπως μας αποκάλυψε, πριν από μερικά χρόνια όταν πήγε στο σχολείο της κόρης του για να ρωτήσει τον καθηγητή της πώς πάει στα μαθήματα, με έκπληξη άκουσε να του λέει ότι έγινε καθηγητής χάρη σε αυτή την ταινία. «Απίστευτο και όμως αληθινό. Πήρε κουράγιο από την ταινία, πάλεψε και τα κατάφερε. Σήμερα όμως πια, δεν ξέρω αν υπάρχει καθρέφτης. Ολα είναι πλέον διαφορετικά. Τότε υπήρχε αγάπη μεταξύ των ανθρώπων. Τους ένωνε ο αγώνας για ένα καλύτερο αύριο, μια καλύτερη ζωή».

Ο Βασίλης Καΐλας συμμετείχε συνολικά σε 117 ταινίες, όχι μόνο ελληνικές, αλλά και ξένες. Η πορεία του, ωστόσο, δεν ήταν εύκολη καθώς, όπως λέει ο ίδιος: «Επρεπε να πηγαίνω και σχολείο. Οι γονείς μου, που ήταν πάντα δίπλα μου, όπου και αν γίνονταν τα γυρίσματα, είχαν πάρει ειδική άδεια από το τότε υπουργείο Παιδείας κι έτσι πήγαινα σχολείο σε όποια περιοχή δούλευα. Ετσι τελείωσα το Δημοτικό και το εξατάξιο Γυμνάσιο, αλλά δεν συνέχισα... Είχα πλέον κουραστεί... Πήγα όμως στη Δραματική Σχολή. Γύριζα ταινίες, έπαιζα στο θέατρο με τον Χορν, την Παξινού, τον Μινωτή και άλλους μεγάλους ηθοποιούς. Μου άρεσε πολύ και όλοι με αγαπούσαν. Δεν θα ξεχάσω ποτέ τον Νίκο Μοσχονά που ήθελε να με πάρει μαζί του στην Αμερική, αλλά δεν με άφησε ο πατέρας μου. Ομως κάποια στιγμή όλα τελειώνουν. Ο ελληνικός κινηματογράφος έσβησε και όποιος είχε δουλέψει τότε με όλους αυτούς τους επαγγελματίες, δεν μπορούσε να συμμετέχει σε προχειροδουλειές. Η εποχή εκείνη δεν έχει καμία σχέση με την σημερινή πραγματικότητα. Σκέφτηκα τότε να φύγω μετά από παρότρυνση του θείου μου και να πάνω στην Ελβετία όπου θα μάθαινα τη δουλειά του ωρολογοποιού και να αναλάμβανα έπειτα το μαγαζί του. Το είπα στον πατέρα μου και τότε εκείνος μου είπε να κάνω ό,τι θέλω. Αλλά προτού αποφασίσω να ανέβω στο πατάρι και να πετάξω όλο το υλικό που είχε μαζέψει εκείνος από την καριέρα μου... “Εγώ, παιδί μου, δεν μπορώ να το κάνω. Αν θέλεις, πέταξέ τα εσύ” μου είπε και τρελάθηκα. Eτσι αποφάσισα να συνεχίσω...»

Ετσι, μετά από πολύ κόπο κατάφερε και ίδρυσε το παιδαγωγικό επιμορφωτικό θέατρο, το οποίο ανέβασε δεκάδες παραστάσεις με επαγγελματίες ηθοποιούς, όπως ο Αλέκος Αλεξανδράκης, η Νόνικα Γαληνέα και άλλοι. «Γι’ αυτή την αγάπη μου έχασα πολλά λεφτά. Αλλά δεν το μετανιώνω. Μετά ήρθαν οι μεταγλωττίσεις και οι επιλεγμένες δουλειές. Με τις μεταγλωττίσεις ξεκίνησα πριν από 25 χρόνια από την ΕΡΤ και συνεχίζω μέχρι σήμερα. Δίνω τη φωνή μου σε παιδικούς ήρωες και όχι μόνο. Μία από τις καλύτερες δουλειές μου ήταν “Το μικρό σπίτι στο λιβάδι”» αναφέρει και καταλήγει λέγοντας: «Ευτυχώς η ζωή μού τα ’φερε μια χαρά. Δόξα τω Θεώ. Εχω μια υπέροχη κόρη και μια υπέροχη γυναίκα. Το αστείο είναι ότι πάντα φοβόμουν να φλερτάρω λόγω δημοσιότητας. Πίστευα ότι οι γυναίκες δεν γνωρίζουν τον Βασίλη Καΐλα, αλλά τον Βασιλάκη των ταινιών. Ευτυχώς, η γυναίκα μου δεν ήξερε τι δουλειά έκανα καθώς δεν έβλεπε ταινίες. Οταν το κατάλαβε, ήταν αργά. Την είχε πατήσει...»


ΣΥΜΜΕΤΟΧΕΣ ΠΟΥ ΕΓΡΑΨΑΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ
(ΤΑΙΝΙΑ / ΡΟΛΟΣ ΠΟΥ ΥΠΟΔΥΘΗΚΕ / ΧΡΟΝΙΑ)

1. Η κυρά μας η μαμή / Αργύρης /1958
2. Το τελευταίο ψέμα / Βασιλάκης / 1958
3. Μανταλένα / Παντελής Χαρίδημος / 1960
4. Μακρυκωσταίοι και Κοντογιώργηδες / Μικρός με όπλο /1960
5. Λαφίνα / Γιαννιός / 1962
6. Δύο μάνες στο σταυρό του πόνου / Μικρός / 1962
7. Η νύφη το ’σκασε... / Κωστάκης Μπάκουρας / 1962
8. Ο λουστράκος / Μικρός Βασίλης Μαράς / 1962
9. Η ψεύτρα / Πέτρος / 1963
10. Πολυτεχνίτης και ερημοσπίτης / Γιαννάκης / 1963
11. Πληγωμένες καρδιές / Βασιλάκης / 1963
12. Ο άσωτος / Μικρός Μιχαλιός / 1963
13. Είμαι μια δυστυχισμένη / Κυριάκος / 1964
14. Θύελλα σε παιδική καρδιά / Γιαννάκης Κοντοβασίλης / 1964
15. Περιφρόνα με γλυκιά μου / «Σπουργιτάκι» / 1965
16. Ο νικητής / μικρός Πέτρος Ντάβαρης / 1965
17. Ησαΐα χόρευε / Βασιλάκης / 1966
18. Ο εμποράκος / Κωστής / 1967
19. Κάποτε κλαίνε και οι δυνατοί / Μικρός Ανδρέας Γεραλής / 1967
20. Θα κάνω πέτρα την καρδιά μου / Μικρός Δημήτρης / 1968
21. Ταπεινός και καταφρονεμένος / 1968
22. Ξεριζωμένη γενιά / Μικρός Βασίλης Καρατζόγλου / 1968
23. Οικογένεια Χωραφά / Νικολής / 1968
24. Στον δάσκαλό μας... με αγάπη / Ανδρέας Λιάπης / 1969
25. Βέγγος, ο τρελός καμικάζι / 1980
26. Πήρες πτυχίο / Ανδρέας Ντόβης 1985

ΓΙΟΥΛΗ ΣΤΑΡΙΔΑ
ΦΩΤ.: ΔΗΜΗΤΡΗΣ ΓΚΟΛΦΟΜΗΤΣΟΣ

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8/6/2011

People, Notable Kytherians

Life Stories

Award to George Miller, film producer, from the Union of Ionian Islands

[[picture:"George Miller.jpg" ID:19164]]

Download a .pdf "report" of the Eptanesian Award to George Miller here:

George_Miller_background.pdf

Βραβείο στον Γιώργο Μηλιώτη - George Miller από την Ένωση Επτανησίων Η Ένωση Επτανησίων Ελλάδας, στο πλαίσιο βράβευσης σημαντικών προσωπικοτήτων των Ιονίων νήσων που τιμούν με το καλλιτεχνικό, πνευματικό και επιστημονικό έργο τους τον τόπο καταγωγής τους, τιμά στην Αθήνα την 29η Μαΐου 2011 & ώρα 18:00, στο Μέγαρο Παλαιάς Βουλής, Σταδίου 13 στην Αθήνα, με βραβείο και έκδοση προσωπικού γραμματοσήμου τον Ιατρό, σκηνοθέτη, σεναριογράφο και παραγωγό, Γιώργο Μηλιώτη - George Miller από τα Κύθηρα, που ζει και εργάζεται στην Αυστραλία.

The Union of Ionian (Seven) Islands, on 29th May 2011, at 6:00 pm, in the Old Parliament House, Syntagma Square, Athens, conferred awards on 2 persons from each of 6 of the Ionian Islands, and 3 persons from Kythera. Greek Post will follow up this award, by issuing a postage stamp in each awardees honour.

The three from Kythera were, Professor Nikos Petrochilos, Athens and Hora, Kythera, Greece, & Vasilis Kailas, cinema and theatre actor, Athens, Greece & George Miller, Film Producer, Sydney Australia.

Below is a brief profile of George Miller, and his achievements.

Ποιός είναι :

Ο Γιώργος Μηλιώτης ή George Miller γεννήθηκε στις 3 Μαρτίου 1945 στο Qyeensland της Αυστραλίας. Οι γονείς του Δημήτρης και Αγγέλα είχαν μεταναστεύσει εκεί από το χωριό Μητάτα των Κυθήρων. Το ζευγάρι παντρεύτηκε και εγκαταστάθηκε στο Tσιντσιλά και απέκτησε τέσσερις γιους. Οι δύο πρώτοι ο Γιώργος και ο Γιάννης ήταν οι μη ταυτόσημοι δίδυμοι. Αργότερα, γεννήθηκαν ο Χρήστος και Βασίλης.Γιώργος έμαθε τα πρώτα του γράμματα στο Ipswich Grammar School και αργότερα Γυμνάσιο Αρρένων του Σίδνεϊ, στη συνέχεια σπούδασε Ιατρική στο Πανεπιστήμιο της Νέας Νότιας Ουαλίας με τον δίδυμο αδελφό του Ιωάννη. Ενώ βρισκόταν στο τελευταίο έτος της το έτος της Ιατρική Σχολή (1971), ο Γιώργος και ο νεώτερος αδελφός του Chris έκανε μια μικρού μήκους ταινία που κέρδισε το πρώτο βραβείο σε μαθητικό διαγωνισμό. Το 1971, ο Γιώργος παρακολούθησε μαθήματα στο Film Workshop του Πανεπιστημίου της Μελβούρνης, όπου είχε συμφοιτητή τον Μπάιρον Κένεντι, με τον οποίο διαμόρφωσε μια μόνιμη φιλία. Το 1972, ολοκλήρωσε στο Σίδνεϊ St Vincent του Νοσοκομείου, ξοδεύοντας το χρόνο του σε σύντομες πειραματικές ταινίες. Η συνεργασία αυτή στη συνέχεια διατηρήθηκε για πολλά έργα. Εργάστηκε για λίγο ως ιατρός και στη συνέχεια αφιερώθηκε στο κινηματογράφο, γράφοντας σενάρια και σκηνοθετώντας ταινίες που έγιναν διεθνείς επιτυχίες.Το υπόβαθρο στην ιατρική του Γιώργου Μηλιώτη αντικατοπτρίζεται στους κύριους χαρακτήρες στις ταινίες Max Mad, Max Rockatansky. Είναι μια αναφορά στο βαρώνο Καρλ φον Rokitansky, ο οποίος ανέπτυξε τις πιο κοινή διαδικασία για την αφαίρεση των εσωτερικών οργάνων κατά τη νεκροψία, εξακολουθεί να ονομάζεται διαδικασία Rokitansky. Έγραψε και σκηνοθέτησε το Mad Max ταινίες με πρωταγωνιστή τον Μελ Γκίμπσον ( Mad Max , Mad Max 2 (γνωστή στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες, όπως The Road Warrior ), καθώς και Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome ) συνέγραψε το Babe και έγραψε και σκηνοθέτησε το Lorenzo’s Oil. Σκηνοθέτησε επίσης την ταινία : Οι Μάγισσες της Eastwick , με πρωταγωνιστή τον Τζακ Νίκολσον , Σούζαν Σάραντον , Σερ και Μισέλ Φάιφερ. Η τελευταία του ταινία, Happy Feet θεωρείται μια από τις καλύτερες ταινίες όσον αφορά στην σκηνοθεσία, την κίνηση της κάμερας και το μοντάζ. Η ταινία σάρωσε σε εισπράξεις και σε βραβεία.

Το 2007 βραβεύτηκε με το Όσκαρ καλύτερης ταινίας κινουμένων σχεδίων από την Αμερικανική Ακαδημία Κινηματογράφου. Επίσης η ταινία του Babe (1995) είχε βραβευθεί με το Όσκαρ καλύτερων εφέ, ενώ ο ίδιος ήταν υποψήφιος για το Όσκαρ σεναρίου για το φιλμ Lorenzo’s Oil, το 1992. Ο Γιώργος Μηλιώτης δηλώνει ότι λατρεύει την Ελλάδα και πως το γεγονός ότι είναι Ελληνικής καταγωγής τον βοήθησε να διακριθεί στον κινηματογράφο.Υπήρξε συμπαραγωγός και σκηνοθέτησε πολλές αναγνωρισμένες μίνι σειρές για την αυστραλιανή τηλεόραση συμπεριλαμβανομένης της : Η απόλυση (1983) και Η Cowra Breakout (1984).

Αν ρωτήσει κανείς σήμερα τον Δρ George Miller θα απαντήσει ότι όλες οι ταινίες του είναι ένα και το αυτό, αν επικεντρωμένες στην ανθρώπινη κοινωνία ή το ζωικό βασίλειο, άσχετα αν απλώνονται στην άμμο της αυστραλιανής Outback, τα προάστια της Ουάσιγκτον, DC, ή τα παγόβουνα της Ανταρκτικής. Παραγωγός του, νεκρή ηρεμία και της μίνι τηλεοπτικής σειράς Μπανγκόκ Hilton και το Βιετνάμ, όλες με πρωταγωνίστρια την Nicole Kidman, έπαιξε σημαντικό ρόλο στην πρόωρη ανάπτυξη της σταδιοδρομίας της. Ήταν επίσης και ο δημιουργός του Happy Feet, ένα μουσικό έπος για τη ζωή των πιγκουίνων στην Ανταρκτική που η κινηματογραφική εταιρεία Warner Bros κυκλοφόρησε τον Νοέμβριο του 2006. Το Happy Feet έφερε στον Miller την τέταρτη υποψηφιότητα, για Όσκαρ. Όπου τελικά κέρδισε το πρώτο του βραβείο στην κατηγορία της Καλύτερης Ταινίας Κινουμένων Σχεδίων.

Ο Miller είναι ο στυλοβάτης του Αυστραλιανού Ινστιτούτου Κινηματογράφου και του BIFF (Brisbane International Film Festival) καθώς και Φεστιβάλ Κινηματογράφου του Σίδνεϊ. Σήμερα εργάζεται πυρετωδώς για να ολοκληρώσει την ταινία του Happy Feet 2 και προετοιμάζει το πολυαναμενόμενο τρίτο Mad Max με προσωρινό τίτλο Mad Max: Fury Road.

Οι βραβεύσεις αναλυτικά :

1982: Κερδίζει για το The Road Warrior, Βραβείο Καλύτερης Σκηνοθεσίας και Καλύτερης Ταινίας Μοντάζ (από κοινού με άλλους) από το Ινστιτ. Κινηματογράφου της Αυστραλίας.

1987: Κέρδισε για το ΕΣΠΑΣΕ Η ΦΩΝΗ ΜΟΥ, Βραβείο Καλύτερης Ταινίας (παραγωγός), μοιράζεται με Doug Mitchell και Terry Hayes, από το Ινστιτ. Κινηματογράφου της Αυστραλίας.

1990: Κέρδισε για το ΦΛΕΡΤ, Βραβείο καλύτερης εικόνας (ως παραγωγός), που μοιράζεται με τον Doug Mitchell και Terry Hayes, από το Ινστιτούτο Κινηματογράφου της Αυστραλίας,

1993: Βραβείο 'Οσκαρ για το Lorenzo’s Oil, Καλύτερου Σεναρίου που μοιράζεται με τον συγγραφέα Νίκ Enright.

1996: Υποψηφιότητες για δύο Όσκαρ για το Bab, καλύτερης εικόνας (ως παραγωγός) και Καλύτερου Σεναρίου, μοιράζεται με τον συγγραφέα Chris Noonan.

1999: Έλαβε τιμητική διάκριση από το Πανεπιστήμιο της Νέας Νότιας Ουαλίας. 2007: Κέρδισε Όσκαρ για το Happy Feet, Best Animated

Feature. 2007: Κέρδισε βραβείο BAFTA για το Happy Feet, Best Animated Feature.

2007: Έλαβε το Queensland - Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες Βραβείο επιτεύγματος στο Queensland Expatriate βραβείο, στο Δωμάτιο Rainbow στη Νέα Υόρκη.

2007: Έλαβε το Βραβείο FIAPF για εξαιρετικές επιδόσεις στον κινηματογράφο στο Screen Βραβεία του Ειρηνικού της Ασίας.

2007 (Απρίλιος): σε επίτιμο Master of Arts από την αυστραλιανή Σχολή Κινηματογράφου Τηλεόρασης και Ραδιοφώνου.

2007: Έλαβε το Παγκόσμιο βραβείο AFI.

2008: Αναγορεύθηκε σε επίτιμο διδάκτορα από το Πανεπιστήμιο Griffith.

2009: Βραβείο του Γαλλικού Τάγματος Γραμμάτων και Τεχνών.

2010: Αναγορεύεται ως ο πρώτος μη - Αμερικανός σκηνοθέτης που έγινε «επίτιμο μέλος» της VES. (Visual Effects Society's) για τη μακρόχρονη συμβολή του στη βιομηχανία κινηματογράφου.

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8/6/2011

People, Life Stories

Life Stories

Award to Kytherian actor Vasilis Kailas from the Union of Ionian Islands

[[picture:"Vasilis Kailas receiving award.jpg" ID:19166]]

Vasilis Kailas receiving his Eptanesian award

Upload the Eptanesian "report" and biography (in Greek) as a .pdf, here:

Vasili_Kailas_Brief_biography.pdf

Upload another brief "report" and biography (in Greek) as a .pdf, here:

VASILIS_KAILAS_biography.pdf

Βραβείο και γραμματόσημο για το Βασίλη Καϊλα από
την Ένωση Επτανησίων.

The Union of Ionian (Seven) Islands, on 29th May 2011, at 6:00 pm, in the Old Parliament House, Syntagma Square, Athens, conferred awards on 2 persons from each of 6 of the Ionian Islands, and 3 persons from Kythera. Greek Post will follow up this award, by issuing a postage stamp in each awardees honour.

The three from Kythera were, George Miller, Film Producer, Sydney Australia, Professor Nikos Petrochilos, Athens and Hora, Kythera, Greece and Vasilis Kailas, cinema and theatre actor, Athens, Greece.

Below is a brief profile of Vasilis Kailas, and his achievements. Vasilis is reponding to questions by Angelos Grammenos.

Η Ένωση Επτανησίων Ελλάδας, στο πλαίσιο βράβευσης σημαντικών και καταξιωμένων προσωπικοτήτων των Ιονίων Νήσων, που τιμούν με το καλλιτεχνικό, πνευματικό και επιστημονικό τους έργο τον τόπο καταγωγής τους, τιμά στην Αθήνα την 29η Μαΐου 2011 & ώρα 18:00, στο Μέγαρο Παλαιάς Βουλής, Σταδίου 13 στην Αθήνα, με βραβείο και έκδοση προσωπικού γραμματοσήμου τον ηθοποιό Βασίλη Καΐλα που έχει καταγωγή από τα Κύθηρα.

Με ευκαιρία την βράβευσή του, οι συνεργάτες της σελίδας μας "Heroic-ISLANDS", τον αναζήτησαν και του ζήτησαν να μας δώσει τη συνέντευξη που ακολουθεί.

- Βασίλη, που έχεις γεννηθεί ;

Γεννήθηκα στον Πειραιά το 1953, αλλά έχω καταγωγή από τα Μητάτα των Κύθηρων. Όταν ήμουν μόλις 10 ημερών οι γονείς μου μετακόμισαν στην Πλάκα. Έτσι λοιπόν μεγάλωσα στην Πλάκα με την ομορφιά που είχε εκείνη την εποχή. Στην οδό Βουλής όπου ήταν το σπίτι μου, στην ίδια πολυκατοικία έμενε η Έλλη Λαμπέτη και ο Δημήτρης Χορν.

- Το γεγονός αυτό έπαιξε κάποιο ρόλο στη
ζωή σου ;

Βεβαίως. Την εποχή εκείνη και συγκεκριμένα το έτος 1957 ο Μιχάλης Κακογιάννης άρχιζε τα γυρίσματα της ταινίας το τελευταίο ψέμα. Μια συνάντησή μας στην είσοδο της πολυκατοικίας ήταν μοιραία. Το παιδάκι της ταινίας ήμουν εγώ. Η αρχή είχε γίνει. Η μία ταινία διαδέχονταν την άλλη. Αναφέρω μερικές. Η κυρά μας η Μαμή – Μανταλένα – Λουστράκος – Εμποράκος – Άσωτος – Νικητής – Λαφίνα – Δυο μάνες στο σταυρό του πόνου – Καρδιές στην καταιγίδα – Υπόθεση Ντρέϋφους – Αλίκη στο Ναυτικό – Η Ψεύτρα – Οικογένεια Χωραφά – Θύελλα σε παιδική καρδιά – Μια Βραβείο και γραμματόσημο για το Βασίλη Καϊλα από σφαίρα για μένα - Ωρα της Δικαιοσύνης - ΄Ονειρο απατηλό. ΄Εχουμε μέλλον ως τις 117 ταινίες αλλά θα γέμιζε το βιογραφικό.

- Αλήθεια σε ποιά ηλικία άρχισες να παίζεις στι Θέατρο ;

Σε ηλικία 8 ετών πάτησα το πόδι μου στο θεατρικό σανίδι πλάϊ στον Δημήτρη Χόρν στο έργο Ταξιδιώτης χωρίς αποσκευές του Ανούιγ στο θέατρο Κεντρικόν.

Την επόμενη χρονιά έπαιξα στον Εθνικό Θέατρο με την Κατίνα Παξινού και τον Αλέξη Μινωτή στον έργο Μάκβεθ.

- Τι έκανες αργότερα ;

Τα χρόνια πέρναγαν και παρέα με τον Ελληνικό κινηματογράφο μεγάλωνα κι’εγώ. Η εφηβεία ήρθε και μαζί η δύση του Ελληνικού κινηματογράφου. Τέλειωσα το σχολείο και άρχισα να ονειρεύομαι το μέλλον μου. ΄Οχι τον μέλλον της καριέρας μου, το μέλλον της ζωής μου. Πολύ νωρίς όμως το όνειρο σταμάτησε, ήρθε η κλήση να παρουσιαστώ στο Πολεμικό Ναυτικό.

Μόλις τέλειωσα το στρατιωτικό, γράφτηκα στη Δραματική Σχολή του Γιώργου Θεοδοσιάδη όπου μετά από τριετή φοίτηση και εξετάσεις σε επιτροπή του Υπουργείου, πήρα την άδεια εξασκήσεως επαγγέλματος του ηθοποιού που δυστυχώς σήμερα δεν υπάρχει. Το 1979 που πήρα το πτυχίο μου, δούλεψα πλάϊ στον Αλέκο Αλεξανδράκη και τη Νόνικα Γαληνέα στον έργο Ο άντρας της Ζωής μου και την επόμενη σεζόν πάλι μαζί τους σε σκηνοθεσία Ανδρέα Βουτσινά στο έργο Μάρτυςκατηγορίας.

Πήρα μέρος στο Θεατρικό Φεστιβάλ Ιθάκης όπου απέσπασα το Β΄Βραβείο ανδρικού Ρόλου και είχα την τιμή να το πάρω από τα χέρια του Ευγένιο Ιονέσκο. Έχω λάβει μέρος σε πάρα πολλές παραστάσεις και αναφέρω μερικές. Αντιγόνη του Σοφοκή στο ρόλο του Αίμωνα – Μανδραγόρας του Μακιαβέλλι – Γενοβέφα – Κύκλος με την Κιμωλία – Φάουστ - Ονειρο Καλοκαιρινής Νύχτας - Μαλακώφ – Ειρήνη – Ο Γολγοθάς μιας Ορφανής κι’ ανύπανδρης Μητέρας – Πλούτος του Αριστοφάνη –Στο Θέατρο κάτω από τη Γέφυρα στο έργο Άνθρωποι και ποντίκια. Συνεργάσθηκα 6 χρόνια με την Ομάδα Σύγχρονης Τέχνης, όπου ανεβάσαμε έργα για παιδιά όπως η Χώρα των Πουλιών, διασκευή από τους Όρνιθες του Αριστοφάνη - Πέερ Γκιντ, Ο κύκλος με την κιμωλία κ.α. Στην τηλεόραση η παρουσία μου ήταν στην ΕΡΤ 1 στο Θέατρο της Δευτέρας στη σειρά Κωστής Παλαμάς και στη σειρά όλη η Χάρη όλη η Δόξα.

- Γνωρίζουμε ότι κάποια στιγμή έκανες επιτυχημένη στροφή προς την μεταγλώττιση. Θα μας πεις δυο λόγια ;

Η καριέρα μου στο μεταγλωτισμό άρχισε πολύ νωρίς, από τα χρόνια του Ελληνικού Κινηματογράφου όπου τα μέσα ηχογράφησης των εξωτερικών γυρισμάτων των ταινιών δεν μπορούσαν να πραγματοποιηθούν και γι’αυτό οι ηθοποιοί πήγαιναν στο στούντιο και ηχογραφούσαν τη φωνή τους. Αργότερα για λογαριαμό της ΕΡΤ ξεκίνησα στο στούντιο Cross με τη σειρά Ράντζι – Μάνιξ – Οικογένεια Γουόλτονς – Μικρό σπίτι στο λιβάδι κ.α. Όταν ο μεταγλωτισμός πέρασε και στα ιδιωτικά κανάλια ανέλαβα στην audio visual σκηνοθεσία για λογαριασμό των καναλιών ΕΡΤ 1, ΝΕΤ, STAR, MEGA, ALTER, NOVA.

Επίσης σκηνοθέτησα πλήθος σήριαλ που δεν ήταν κινούμενα σκίτσα με προέλευση Λατινικές Χώρες όπως Βραζιλία, Αργεντινή, Περού, Χιλή. Αναφέρω ενδεικτικά MILAGROS, MARIANNA κ.α. Πριν από ένα χρόνο οι συνάδελφοι, μου έκαναν την τιμή να με εκλέξουν πρόεδρο της Πανελλήνιας Ομοσπονδίας Θεάματος Ακροάματος (Π.Ο.Θ.Α.).

- Η Ένωση Επτανησίων Ελλάδας στις 29 Μαϊου 2011 πρόκειται να σε τιμήσει για την προσφορά σου και μάλιστα να εκδόσει και το προσωπικό σου γραμματόσημο. Πως αισθάνεσαι για αυτό το γεγονός;

Είμαι αρκετά ώριμος και δεν θα με ικανοποιούσε σε Heroic-ISLANDS: Βραβείο και γραμματόσημο για το Βασίλη Καϊλα από την Ένωση Επτανησίων Αναρτήθηκε από Agras στις 1:32 π.μ. Ετικέτες ΤΙΜΗΤΙΚΕΣ ΔΙΑΚΡΙΣΕΙΣ αυτή τη φάση της ζωής μου οποιοδήποτε βραβείο, γιατί γνωρίζω ότι οι περισσότερες βραβεύσεις είναι χωρίς αξία. Γίνονται συνήθως για να προβληθούν κάποιοι, άσχετα αν το αξίζουν ή όχι. Στη συγκεκριμένη όμως περίπτωση, παρά τις θέσεις μου, η πρόταση για την βράβευσή μου με βρήκε εντελώς απροετοίμαστο στην αρχή. Δεν σας κρύβω ότι αιφνιδιάστηκα και ένιωσα κάποια αμηχανία διότι με συγκίνησε ιδιαίτερα το γεγονός ότι με βραβεύουν οι αδελφοί μας Επτανήσιοι, ως Επτανήσιο από τα Κύθηρα. Το ίδιο νομίζω ότι θα ένοιωθε στη θέση μου ο κάθε Κυθήριος. Είναι μεγάλο πράγμα να σε βραβεύουν οι δικοί σου άνθρωποι.

Συνεπώς το συγκεκριμένο βραβείο απέκτησε αμέσως μια ιδιαίτερη αξία στην καρδιά μου και για το λόγο αυτό ευχαριστώ την Ένωση Επτανησίων Ελλάδας για την τιμή που μου έκανε και εύχομαι καλή επιτυχία στο έργο της.(Λ.Β.)

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8/6/2011

People, Life Stories

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Toni Risson sipping on a milkshake

with husband Glenn in the foreground.

Toni is the author of Aphrodite and the Mixed Grill, the only full length book on the Greek cafes ever published in Australia.

On the evening of the 9th April, 2011, after the Roxy Cafe was officially opened, during the 75th Anniversary Ball.

Milkshakes and strawberry and lime "spiders" (syrup + icecream + soda water) were served up to a throng of very willing customers.

Toni and Glenn have been great supporters of the Roxy "complex".


About Aphrodite and the Mixed Grill: Greek Cafés in Twentieth Century

The Greek cafe is a shared chapter in the histories of Greece and Australia. Milk bars and cafes enabled generations of Greek immigrants to establish themselves in their adopted homeland, and their shops became part of the social fabric of Australia. But that chapter is almost over.

Aphrodite and the Mixed Grill: Greek Cafés in Twentieth Century, Australia celebrates the role Greek cafés played in Australian culture. It relates stories about emigrating and buying into Greek cafe, coming to Australia as a cafe bride, growing up in a shop, and going through hard times, fun times, wartime, and day-to-day prejudice. It explains the food on a typical menu, the fate of villages on islands like Kythera, and why cafes have now all but melted into history.

The first edition was beautifully produced in a soft cover, its 200 pages are jam-packed with colour photographs of Greek cafes, including Katoomba's Paragon Cafe, Gundagai's Niagara Cafe, and the dozen predominantly Kytherian cafes that dominated the Ipswich streetscape in the 1940's and 50's.

Toni Risson is a UQP childrens author, an Ipswich historian and a University of Queensland Medallist. This book is the culmnation of’ four years of research.

A second edition will be available for purchase in early 2012.

At that time you can make enquiries by:

Contacting Toni Risson by email here: t.risson@mail.com

or phone (07) 33811525 or 0439664291

Order by sending, name, address and cheque/money order to

Toni Risson
130 Woodend Road
Woodend, 4305.

$49.50 (incl. GST)

Plus $11.00 (Postage and handling).

You can also order by contacting the Kytherian World Heritage Fund

Contact KWHF by email here

"Aphrodite and the Mixed Grill began with a small project recording the stories of three older Greek ladies whose husbands had cafés in Ipswich in the 1950s. I became so passionate about the story of the Greek café, and had such an enthusiastic response from other Greek people associated with cafés, that Aphrodite grew into a 240 A4-page book jam-packed with sepia photographs of cafés and their proprietors.

It is a high-quality production.

The Greek café is an Aussie icon and I believe that mine is the first book dedicated solely to this wonderful story."

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3/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Looking over the front counter from a customers point of view

On the evening of the 9th April, 2011, after the Roxy Cafe was officially opened, during the 75th Anniversary Ball.

Milkshakes and strawberry and lime "spiders" (syrup + icecream + soda water) were served up to a throng of very willing customers.

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3/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Sitting at the front of the cafe enjoying refreshments

on the evening of the 9th April, 2011, after the Roxy Cafe was officially opened, during the 75th Anniversary Ball.

Milkshakes and strawberry and lime "spiders" (syrup + icecream + soda water) were served up to a throng of very willing customers.

This "shot" is taken looking back out onto the entrance of the Roxy Cafe, and the main street.

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3/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Willing customers filled the Roxy Cafe

on the evening of the 9th April, 2011, after it was officially opened, during the 75th Anniversary Ball.

Milkshakes and strawberry and lime "spiders" (syrup + icecream + soda water) were served.

This "shot" is taken from the front looking towards the back of the cafe.

It was standing room only.

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3/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Some of the old cafe tricks, like juggling

re-surfaced in the course of serving the customers. George C Poulos is the exponent. Milkshakes and "spiders" were served to a throng of eager customers after the Roxy Cafe was officially opened.

At the 75th Anniversary Ball, Bingara, 9th April, 2011.

The female "shop assistant" is Judy Gianneas.

She proved to be the most efficient shop assistant of the crew.

One of the keen customers, top left, is former Premier of the state of New South Wales, Bob Carr.

It was a Labor government under his administration that made the first subtantial grant, that led to the "complete" renovation, restoration, and extension of the Roxy "complex".

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3/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The milkshakes and "spiders" were in very heavy demand

once the Roxy Cafe was officially opened on the night of the 9th April, 2011, at the 75th Anniversary Ball.

Prospective customers line up to be served.

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3/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Landline microphone, with camera crew not far away

recording events on the evening of the 9th April, 2011, after the Roxy Cafe was officially opened, during the 75th Anniversary Ball.

Milkshakes and strawberry and lime "spiders" (syrup + icecream + soda water) were served up to a throng of very willing customers.

This "shot" is taken from the front along the serving counter. The historic scale is in the foreground.

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3/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Landline crew in action

taking movie action, as well as still photography at the Lions Club breakfast, held in Peters and Co cafe, the Roxy Cafe, on the morning of the 10th April, 2011.

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3/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Transcript of the LANDLINE programme. A Night at the Roxy

A report of the 75th Anniversary celebration weekend, for the Roxy "complex", Bingara. 9th & 10th April, 2011.

Broadcast: 8th May 2011

Reporter: Pip Courtney

ANNE KRUGER, PRESENTER: If you're of a certain age then the words "Greek" and "cafe" will bring back a host of memories. Remember sliding into the booth for a milkshake, ordering a mixed grill and a milky coffee? Or maybe it was an ice cream sundae after going to the pictures. There was a time when most country towns had at least one Greek cafe. Open all hours, seven days a week, they were known for their generous serves and competitive prices.

Sadly, few of the original cafes remain. But the New South Wales country town of Bingara is proud to announce that its Greek cafe, the Roxy, has been reborn. To celebrate, the proud town threw a party, the biggest since the Roxy first opened 75 years ago.

PIP COURTNEY, REPORTER: In its 75 years, the Roxy's been a cafe, a memorabilia shop and a Chinese restaurant. But no role's more memorable than that of Greek cafe which it played between 1936 and 1965.

JOHN WEARNE, FORMER MAYOR, BINGARA: People would come into town and they'd have lunch at one of the Greek cafes, then they'd send their kids to the matinee to see Tom Mix or Gene Audrey in the afternoon, and then they'd go back and have dinner in one of the Greek cafes - they would have called it tea in those days, I think - and then they would have gone to the movie.

PIP COURTNEY: In the middle decades of the last century, Greek cafes were a feature on a lot of main streets throughout Australia.

TONI RISSON, AUTHOR, 'APHRODITE & THE MIXED GRILL': Some towns had 10 of them, even quite small towns, and these were the social hubs of the communities, it's where you spent your time, it's where you met your friends. Really, they were the McDonald's of their time. They were all through Sydney, Brisbane, we had lots in Brisbane, but they've all gone, long gone.

PIP COURTNEY: What was on the menu? Was it Greek food?

TONI RISSON: OK, definitely not Greek food. They - the Greek proprietors were very good at finding out what Australians wanted. They gave them lots of it, very cheap, any hour of the day or night.

CON FARDOULY, FORMER GREEK CAFE OWNER: Ham and eggs, steak and eggs, fish and chips - the three basic things.

PIP COURTNEY: And what were the opening hours?

CON FARDOULY: Opening hours - they were open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most of them had staff or they lived above or at the back of the premises, and everybody knew, didn't matter what time they came to town, if they knocked on the door, they'd be served, yeah. Because the fires never went out, I don't think.

PIP COURTNEY: It's been 46 years since the Roxy's kitchens plated up anything off the Greek menu.

It was a one-off breakfast service to celebrate the launch of the refurbished cafe.

The Roxy had closed its doors in 1965 and was turned into a memorabilia shop. In the late '80s, the kitchens fired up again, Chinese style. It was a far cry from the Art Deco gem that first opened for business in 1936.

Then the cafe and the Roxy Theatre next door were the grand dream of three Greek migrants.

SANDY MCNAUGHTON, GWYDIR SHIRE COUNCIL: Unfortunately for the partners, their involvement in the Roxy complex was short-lived and they actually filed for bankruptcy within a few months of the Roxy opening.

JOHN WEARNE: It is just mind-boggling, the investment they made. In a year probably just after the depression, I've heard 300,000 pounds mentioned. Now if it was now that would equate to many millions of dollars in today's figures.

But one thing we do know is when it comes to an overcapitalisation, that's got to be right up there among the biggest I've ever seen. To build something like this, a complex like this in a small town, which already had an existing cinema and two other Greek cafes to go in competition with was out of all proportion to the size of the place. And it was just our absolute luck that they did it.

PETER PRINEAS, GRANDSON OF ROXY FOUNDER: Even though they failed, they built something lasting. You've got to remember that stories of failure are bread and butter to Australians. I mean, what else do they like? I mean, look at Burke and Wills, look at Ned Kelly, look at Gallipoli, and now we've got another one, a beaut story. Not only have we have got a good Australian failure, but we've got a Greek tragedy as well.

PIP COURTNEY: The Roxy was built by Emmanuel Aroni, George Saltis and Peter Ferris, Peter Prineas' grandfather.

PETER PRINEAS: My grandfather was a careful man. And if it'd been only up to him, I don't think the buildings would've been built, to tell you the truth. Or if they had been built, they wouldn't have been so grand. Because, you know, he would've been more careful with the expenditure. It possibly was magnificent folly in spending so much, but we got the benefit of it now, so let's not worry too much about that.

PIP COURTNEY: In 2008, the local council bought the cafe, planning to restore and show it off. But not on its own. You see, next door was the Roxy Theatre. After being empty for 40 years, it had been restored to its full art deco glory.

Council figured together, the theatre and the cafe would make a great cultural and tourism double act.

Federal, state and local governments contributed $1.2 million to the theatre's restoration.

BOB CARR, FORMER NSW PREMIER: If you lift a heritage building like this and find what we call adaptive reuse, then you send some lifeblood through the whole community. And that's happened here, it's happened here. It's been a boost to the community, it's mobilised the community, it's brought people into the town and it's held people here who might otherwise have drifted away.

PIP COURTNEY: The theatre reopened in 2004.

JOHN WEARNE: It's probably regenerated this community economically, culturally, locally. In just about every way that you can imagine, this community's gone forward as a result of it ... the community uses it for everything. They have dinners, they have dances, they have weddings. They even have funeral services occasionally. The school uses it widely.

PIP COURTNEY: What about for artistic endeavours like the theatre, like a cinema. Is it still used for that too?

JOHN WEARNE: Oh, yeah. We get some excellent performing art shows here. John Wood, who everybody knows as ... from Blue Heelers has almost adopted this place as his own. If we've got an arts patron, it would be John Wood.

JOHN WOOD, ACTOR: It's such a beautiful building, and, like, the interior is just - you know, it's one of the best interiors in the country. And it's actually a really nice theatre to play.

PIP COURTNEY: It's hoped the cafe's faithful restoration will build on the theatre's success.

JOHN WEARNE: I'm absolutely over the moon. The cafe will give us another dimension. We'll actually improve significantly the operating potential of the theatre.

SANDY MCNAUGHTON, GWYDIR SHIRE COUNCIL: So it will be very much a homecoming, if you like. It's coming back to something that was just so familiar that is no longer just on anybody's doorstep. So in terms of tourism, I think it'll have a huge impact.

PIP COURTNEY: The million-dollar renovation of the cafe has taken several years.

SANDY MCNAUGHTON: It was incredibly exciting when we did pull up the carpet to reveal the original terrazzo floor, and equally exciting when we started stripping the paint across the front of the facade to find the original etched glass, which is incredibly rare.

PIP COURTNEY: The wooden booths were long gone, ripped out and dumped.

SANDY MCNAUGHTON: The gentleman who owned the cafe and lived here had the foresight when he sold it to the Chinese restaurant proprietor, who didn't want any of this panelling or cubicles, to go and store it in his shed instead of it going on the tip.

PIP COURTNEY: The neon sign was found in a paddock, where it had been for 40 years.

SANDY MCNAUGHTON: The grandchildren of one of the original founders of the Roxy have paid for the restoration of the sign. The glass has again been hand-blown by a master craftsman, and it just looks absolutely amazing.

PIP COURTNEY: When word got out what was happening, memorabilia started arriving.

JOHN FEROS, CAFE KID: There's a wonderful glass backlit sign which shows the prices from our dad's cafe called the Treasury Cafe which ran in the '50s and '60s in Brisbane. It lay underneath our house for a long time until my brother Harry discovered it.

PIP COURTNEY: Not all of the Roxy's original interiors and restaurant-wear could be found. But Sandy McNaughton uncovered the next best thing: the chattels of a Greek cafe in Inverell that closed in 2000.

SANDY MCNAUGHTON: We were able to purchase all of this tables and chairs and the counters and the fridges and the shelving, which because it was exactly the same era, just fitted in so beautifully into our restoration.

PIP COURTNEY: Con Fardouly ran the Inverell cafe.

CON FARDOULY: It's lovely to see it again because a lot of them have disappeared. And this'll be lovely icon to come back and just refresh memory, what it looked like. But I don't want the work involved with (inaudible).

PIP COURTNEY: To let the world know the Roxy renovation was done, council planned the biggest celebration the town had seen in 75 years when the Roxy opened.

There to smash a few plates and reflect on the impact of Greek immigration was Bob Carr.

BOB CARR: For some reason, the Greek migration to Australia stands out as one of the happiest migration stories of all time, and it's told very largely through the cafes and the cinemas that penniless Greeks ended up establishing. It's a very interesting strand of the great Australian story.

PIP COURTNEY: Greek migration was driven by poverty, and curiously, Greeks from the small island of Kythira dominated the cafe culture here.

CON FARDOULY: They were forced to because they were absolutely starving. And the country was so poor and the people, to survive, had to look further than their little islands.

TONI RISSON: They saw places like America and Australia as a land of opportunity and so they came to make their fortunes, mostly intending to go home then when they - you know, sort of rich as kings and go back, but after they lived in Australian communities for 20 years, there was no going back.

PIP COURTNEY: Why did they move into cafes?

CON FARDOULY: Well, you didn't have to be skilled to feed people. And if there's one thing a Greek knows, it's how to appreciate food and how to be hospitable.

PIP COURTNEY: Bingara's main street was transformed for the celebration. The number of Greeks in the crowd, including former cafe owners and the kids of cafe owners showed just how important the Roxy's restoration is to the Greeks.

JOHN WEARNE: The partnership being forged with the Greek community, particularly descendants from Kythira, will raise the Roxy to new dimensions and years to come it will serve as a memorial to the massive contribution that Greek people have made to the development of rural and regional Australia and continue to make.

PIP COURTNEY: John Wearne believes Bingara will become a Mecca for the Greek community.

After the big reveal it was time for a walk down memory lane milkshake.

VOX POP: I think it's wonderful and it's more wonderful because my husband just made me a chocolate milkshake with double ice cream and malt and I haven't had one for 34 years.

VOX POP II: I love the cafe. I love it. It's very authentic. My father had a cafe very, very similar to this one. And we had a theatre very similar to this one. But our theatre burnt down and they were lucky they kept this one.

VOX POP III: Well I think it makes Bingara a bit special and a bit different to other towns, and I think that's pretty important. Every town's got to have its own identity.

VOX POP: I grew up in a country town. The cafe on a Friday afternoon was where we went as a treat. So, yeah, this brings back great memories, it's fantastic.

PIP COURTNEY: The Roxy weekend drew hundreds of people to town. The theatre was packed with people watching newsreels and old movies. In the crowd was Tony Risson, the author of a book on Greek cafes. She's delighted the Roxy's got people talking.

TONI RISSON: I think we're only just really at the beginning now of understanding about things like Greek cafes and how important they've been. And the more - I hope the more that people understand, the more they'll keep cafes like the Niagara in Gundagai, the Paragon in Katoomba, they'll go to those places and patronise them because otherwise we'll lose the ones that we have.

PIP COURTNEY: She says while the Roxy was welcomed back, sadly, Queensland's wild January weather destroyed two Greek cafes - one in Tully and one in Chinchilla.

There are two more phases to the Roxy's restoration. First, the cafe needs an operator; and then, there's the massive space upstairs.

(Pip venture's upstairs with Roxy Theatre and Museum Manager, Sandy McNaughton).

SANDY McNAUGHTON: We're going to open it up to the community, so this'll be used by members of the general public for conferences. It will also be available for meetings as well as being an educational and research facility for school groups.

PIP COURTNEY: Now you've got rooms up here. What are you going to use them for?

SANDY McNAUGHTON: We've got three rooms at the front of the cafe that will be dedicated to our museum.

And as you can see, at the moment it's pretty much a blank canvas.

PIP COURTNEY: What do you want in here?

SANDY McNAUGHTON: What we want to see in the next phase is to engage a museum professional and they're going to be charged with the very enviable task of fitting out the museum. And what we're hoping is that anybody who's had an association with Greek cafes and they have retained something, whether it be advertising material, crockery or cutlery or glassware or anything, that they would like to see that that can actually go on display and be held at The Roxy for generations to come so that the story of the Greek cafe can be told for generations to come.

PIP COURTNEY: When the cafe's kitchen's cooking up a storm and the museum's filled, the Roxy might just become a tourist icon all over again. That's the dream, anyway.

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2/6/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Bob Carr attends Roxy restoration

Inverell Times

12 Apr, 2011

Photograph: Bob Carr, with wife Helena

BINGARA’S main street was filled with almost 400 people on Saturday night including former NSW premier Bob Carr.

They were there to celebrate the 75th birthday of the Roxy Theatre and the opening of the Roxy Café.

Restoration work started at the Roxy following a $100,000 grant from the NSW Government while Mr Carr was premier.

Senator John Williams was also there on the weekend and said Bingara is an example of how small Australian towns can develop a niche marketing plan and attract visitors from around the world.
Senator Williams officially opened the refurbished Roxy Cafe.
“The original owners from Kythera, Greece, would be delighted to see their legacy living on and the Greek community’s strong link with Bingara which has been nurtured over the years,” Senator Williams said.

“When it was first decided to restore the Roxy, no doubt there were plenty of critics of the then Bingara Shire Council for what they believed was a waste of money.

“But the council’s belief in the project, and that shown by Gwydir Shire Council, has resulted in a superb complex which is the envy of many larger towns and cities.”

The theatre has been the venue for everything from cinema, conferences and weddings to live stage shows.

The Roxy café dream started in 2008 when the former café premises was purchased and then restored at a cost of $1.213 million.
The next venture is a Roxy museum.

“I congratulate the community for now embracing this concept and positioning Bingara as a must visit town,” Senator Williams said.

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30/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Paul Mercurio’s latest role as ‘New England North West’ ambassador takes him from art deco Greek cafés to wineries, waterfalls and wildlife

Strictly north west

Open Road (NRMA Magazine May Issue) pp. 66-67

Section: TAKE A BREAK NORTH WEST New England

Written by Mary Kiley

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

NW_NewEngland.pdf

Paul Mercurio’s latest role as ‘New England North West’ ambassador takes him from art deco Greek cafés to wineries, waterfalls and wildlife

When Sandy McNaughton moved to Bingara “for love”, she admits it was a bit of a shock to the system. With a population of 1300 people, the tiny town seems to be the antithesis of her cosmopolitan, coffee-swigging home city of Melbourne. But Sandy, who relocated to the New England area in 2004 to be with her country-dwelling husband, has been conducting another love affair of sorts for most of her married life. Not surprisingly, given her background, it’s with a café.

In 1999, Bingara council acquired the Roxy, a beautiful 1930s art deco theatre that had been sitting dormant for 40 years. After being painstakingly restored to its former glory, it was re-opened in May 2004 and now hosts everything from school graduation ceremonies to films to performances by professional artists and theatre companies.

Acclaimed Aussie actor John Wood declared it a national treasure. But, as lovely as the theatre is, there was one thing lacking – and for the past seven years, Sandy has worked to set things right.

The original owners of the Roxy were three partners from the Greek island of Kythera and the original complex included a Greek café. Sandy was determined to restore and re-open the café, along with an upstairs museum dedicated to commemorating and celebrating the contribution made by Greek immigrants to Australia.

“What I hope we’re able to achieve is to tell the story of the Greeks who came to rural Australia and the contribution they made,” says Sandy. “[It’s a story that] seems to resonate with so many people because they grew up in these small towns. And so many people who grew up in cities talk about going on trips and stopping and going to Greek cafés. They’ve touched many people’s lives over generations.”

After its official re-opening in April, the café is now back in business. So whether you remember the glory days of the Greek café and want to reminisce or are just keen to have a uniquely Australian experience, the Roxy complex is well worth a visit.

And, if you do make the trip to Bingara, it’s also worth taking the time to explore the rest of the north-west New England area, which is at its best and most beautiful in the cooler months. Stretching from the New England Highway to the edge of the outback, the region incorporates such areas as Tamworth, Inverell, Moree, Narrabri, Armidale, Glen Innes and the Great Dividing Range. It covers thousands of kilometres in NSW and offers a wide range of activities.

While most people are familiar with Tamworth’s country music festival, they may not be aware of the area’s many other attractions. Whether you’re into food and wine, the arts, agriculture, wildlife or just kicking back in a tranquil, relaxing atmosphere among friendly folk, you’re bound to find something to suit your tastes.

Home of the University of New England, Armidale has something to offer art, nature and wine buffs alike. A trip to the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) is an eye-opener, especially for anyone who thinks all the best artwork is only to be found in the big city galleries. Upcoming shows include ‘Hinton and the Sea’ and ‘pARTicipate’, an interactive exhibition in which the visitors generate the display. If you do plan to visit the gallery, be sure to book one of the fun and fascinating guided showroom tours
www.neram.com.au

NERAM is a hop, skip and a jump from the Museum of Printing and the Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place and, once you’ve overdosed on artwork, feast your eyes on the natural beauty of the stunning Dangar Falls before feasting your mouth on one of the delectable offerings from Peterson’s Winery or sampling the wares of one of the other local vineyards.

Paul Mercurio, New England North West Ambassador

Known for its quality produce, the area recently gained a new fan, Paul Mercurio, who is now the New England North West Ambassador. A lover of good food, Paul says he “always walks away inspired” after talking to the locals. “They always have fantastic stories,” he enthuses. “I love hearing about where [the produce] has come from and who’s making it and sharing in their passion and hardship.”

And there have been hardships indeed, with large portions of the area being affected by the December floods. But rather than pity or charity, the locals would rather people offered their support by visiting the area and enjoying themselves. So whether it’s seeking sapphires in Inverell, taking a trip to a pecan farm or a dip in a hot Artesian pool in Moree, or going to an agricultural show in Gunnedah or Narrabri, you’re bound to find something to entice and excite you in New England. And who knows? It may be the beginning of a beautiful love story…

Getting there

Fly to Narrabri, Moree or Tamworth regional airports

From Sydney, head to Newcastle and on to the New England Highway, Maitland, then along the Kamilaroi Highway and arrive at the southernmost part of New England, Quirindi, in around four hours.

Tamworth is approximately five hours along the New England Highway and Moree will take you approximately 7.5 hours.

For more information about events and to download maps of the area, go to
www.newenglandnorthwest.com.au

Typical attractions.

Attractions in May

Whip cracking ? Caber tossing ? Scare crow making ? It’s all on offer in the New England area in May and June

MAY

April 28-May 1

Kick up your heels – and your kilts – at the Australian Celtic Festival in Glen Innes. Centred round the Standing Stones, the festival includes parades, strongman events, music, dancing, Celtic foods and more.
www.australiancelticfestival.com

May 28-29

Whip cracking, egg catching, dog highjumping – it’s all happening at the Narrabri Show. Narrabri Showground.
www.narrabrishow.com.au

May 29

Watch celebrity chef cooking demos and sample a vast array of regional produce at the Moree On a Plate festival of food, art and wine. Moree Secondary College.
www.moreeonaplate.com.au

JUNE

June 11-13

Go boating at the Keepit Kool Regatta, Lake Keepit State Park, Gunnedah.

June 25

See a top Scot performer when Marion Martin portrays three formidable female singers in ‘Hips, Harmony and Hitler’ at the Roxy Theatre, Bingara.

June 25

Try local produce and help local causes at Uralla’s Unique Markets. Only stallholders who make it, bake it or grow it themselves are allowed to have stalls and money raised goes to charities in the area.

Photographs (in the .pdf):

Paul Mercurio reveals the breadth of his passion for New England produce.

Dangar Falls has water plunging 30m over a basalt wall.

Café culture: Sandy McNaughton (right) worked to ensure the Roxy (above) paid tribute to its first Greek owners from the island of Kythera.

Open full entry

30/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Flag display in situ in the Roxy Cafe

at the Lions Club breakfast, on the morning of 10th April, 2011.

The Kytherian World Heritage Fund has since donated flags, a flag stand, and flag poles to the Roxy "complex", to maintain "on site", permanently.

Open full entry

30/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

A flag display also featured in the 75th Anniversary celebrations

held in the Roxy "complex" Bingara, on the weekend of the 9th and 10th April, 2011.

In fact two flag displays were utilised.

This marked the first time that "heraldic accoutrements" of this kind have been used at the Roxy.

On the 10th April, a flag display also featured prominently in the Roxy Cafe, for the Lions Club breakfast.

The Kytherian World Heritage Fund has since donated flags, a flag stand, and flag poles to the Roxy, to maintain "on site", permanently.

Open full entry

30/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The icon stand and icon of Saint George was not part of the raffle

It was on "display" to accentuate a religious connection with the 75th Anniversary "panayiri" - celebration with (some) religious connotation.

Australian visitors were very intrigued by the icon on display.

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Bill Kouvousis examining the raffle prizes

including some interesting, and as it turned out, highly sought after, "silent auction" prizes.

In the background, Andrew Psomas Coroneo, famous Kytherian "man about town" converses with Dr John Prineas, a grandson of one of the original owners of the Roxy "complex", Peter Feros.

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

A raffle was conducted in order to defray various expenses

associated with the staging of the 75th Anniversary celebrations, held at the Roxy "complex" Bingara, on the 9th and 10th April, 2011.

The raffle was an initiative of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, which has been a key "driver" for eliciting support for the Roxy "complex" from Kytherian and Hellenic groups in Australia and in Greece and Europe.

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Rick Hutton, former owner of the IGA supermarket in Bingara

with Sandy McNaughton, Manager of the Roxy. Both were instrumental in the sucess of the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy "complex".

The Roxy "complex" was first officially opened in 1936.

The celebrations held on the 9th and 10th of April, 2011, were a raging success.

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Rick Hutton, former owner of the IGA supermarket in Bingara

officiated at a great number of events, discharging his duties with his usual aplomb.

His dress code can best be described as "always splendiferously dapper" - assuming that the word "spendiferous" exists? Note the bow tie?

He was master of ceremonies or "moderator" for talks given by John Wood and Peter McCarthy (Makarthis).

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Bingara is a town that attracts vintage cars

Roxy Museum Committee members Peter McCarthy (Makarthis) and George C Poulos, with vintage car outside the Imperial Hotel, Bingara. George is on the left, Peter on the right.

Members of the Inverell Transport Museum drove to Bingara to put the vehicles on display.

History of the Inverell Transport Museum

Inverell Transport Museum was formed to display Veteran, Classic and Antique vehicles for the locals and visitor to our district. Inverell is classed a one of the most progressive antique car clubs in the state. A virtually new building of 3800 square metres of concrete construction was made available by Inverell Shire Council. Financial assistance was freely given by the local council, the Business Enterprise Centre, and local service clubs. An area of 3ha is available for our annual car show. Groups of car enthusiasts from Queensland, NSW and Victoria are make use of the museum for their tours. with teas and meals available by prior booking.

Collections

The museum collection consists of 120 vehicles and 60 motor cycles, ultra light aircraft, as well as WW2 aircraft engine/cutaways, WW2 jeeps and several trucks. The cars are from America, England, Europe and Australia.

A number of events were organised to compliment the 75th Anniversary Ball.

See below, the -

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Koovousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Another view of the magnificent vintage "Packard"

with a view back to the Roxy.

Roxy Manager, Sandy McNaughton can be seen engaged in conversation with excited visitors, in the background.

Members of the Inverell Transport Museum drove to Bingara to put the vehicles on display.

History of the Inverell Transport Museum

Inverell Transport Museum was formed to display Veteran, Classic and Antique vehicles for the locals and visitor to our district. Inverell is classed a one of the most progressive antique car clubs in the state. A virtually new building of 3800 square metres of concrete construction was made available by Inverell Shire Council. Financial assistance was freely given by the local council, the Business Enterprise Centre, and local service clubs. An area of 3ha is available for our annual car show. Groups of car enthusiasts from Queensland, NSW and Victoria are make use of the museum for their tours. with teas and meals available by prior booking.

Collections

The museum collection consists of 120 vehicles and 60 motor cycles, ultra light aircraft, as well as WW2 aircraft engine/cutaways, WW2 jeeps and several trucks. The cars are from America, England, Europe and Australia.

A number of events were organised to compliment the 75th Anniversary Ball.

See below, the -

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Koovousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

A proud owner parks his vintage car in the display

outside the Roxy "complex", Bingara, on the weekend of the 9th and 10th of April, 2011.

They were part of the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy, marking its grand opening in 1936.

Members of the Inverell Transport Museum drove to Bingara to put the vehicles on display.

History of the Inverell Transport Museum

Inverell Transport Museum was formed to display Veteran, Classic and Antique vehicles for the locals and visitor to our district. Inverell is classed a one of the most progressive antique car clubs in the state. A virtually new building of 3800 square metres of concrete construction was made available by Inverell Shire Council. Financial assistance was freely given by the local council, the Business Enterprise Centre, and local service clubs. An area of 3ha is available for our annual car show. Groups of car enthusiasts from Queensland, NSW and Victoria are make use of the museum for their tours. with teas and meals available by prior booking.

Collections

The museum collection consists of 120 vehicles and 60 motor cycles, ultra light aircraft, as well as WW2 aircraft engine/cutaways, WW2 jeeps and several trucks. The cars are from America, England, Europe and Australia.

A number of events were organised to compliment the 75th Anniversary Ball.

See below, the -

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Koovousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Two more antique cars of rare beauty

lined up outside the Roxy "complex", in the nothwestern New South Wales town of Bingara, on the weekend of the 9th and 10th April, 2011.

Members of the Inverell Transport Museum drove to Bingara to put the vehicles on display.

History of the Inverell Transport Museum

Inverell Transport Museum was formed to display Veteran, Classic and Antique vehicles for the locals and visitor to our district. Inverell is classed a one of the most progressive antique car clubs in the state. A virtually new building of 3800 square metres of concrete construction was made available by Inverell Shire Council. Financial assistance was freely given by the local council, the Business Enterprise Centre, and local service clubs. An area of 3ha is available for our annual car show. Groups of car enthusiasts from Queensland, NSW and Victoria are make use of the museum for their tours. with teas and meals available by prior booking.

Collections

The museum collection consists of 120 vehicles and 60 motor cycles, ultra light aircraft, as well as WW2 aircraft engine/cutaways, WW2 jeeps and several trucks. The cars are from America, England, Europe and Australia.

A number of events were organised to compliment the 75th Anniversary Ball.

See below, the -

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Koovousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

This vintage car really caught my eye

Members of the Inverell Transport Museum drove to Bingara to put the vehicles on display.

History of the Inverell Transport Museum

Inverell Transport Museum was formed to display Veteran, Classic and Antique vehicles for the locals and visitor to our district. Inverell is classed a one of the most progressive antique car clubs in the state. A virtually new building of 3800 square metres of concrete construction was made available by Inverell Shire Council. Financial assistance was freely given by the local council, the Business Enterprise Centre, and local service clubs. An area of 3ha is available for our annual car show. Groups of car enthusiasts from Queensland, NSW and Victoria are make use of the museum for their tours. with teas and meals available by prior booking.

Collections

The museum collection consists of 120 vehicles and 60 motor cycles, ultra light aircraft, as well as WW2 aircraft engine/cutaways, WW2 jeeps and several trucks. The cars are from America, England, Europe and Australia.

A number of events were organised to compliment the 75th Anniversary Ball.

See below, the -

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Koovousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Some of the vintage cars on display were rare gems

This one in particular, right down to its colour, seemed to "fit" the Roxy to a "t".

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

A display of vintage cars, brought to the Roxy for the 75th Anniversary

weekend, 9th and 10th of April, 2011, was also a highlight.

Members of the Inverell Transport Museum drove to Bingara to put the vehicles on display.

This photograph captures the moment when the cars started to line up, and reverse back into place along the whole length of the Roxy "complex".


History of the Inverell Transport Museum

Inverell Transport Museum was formed to display Veteran, Classic and Antique vehicles for the locals and visitor to our district. Inverell is classed a one of the most progressive antique car clubs in the state. A virtually new building of 3800 square metres of concrete construction was made available by Inverell Shire Council. Financial assistance was freely given by the local council, the Business Enterprise Centre, and local service clubs. An area of 3ha is available for our annual car show. Groups of car enthusiasts from Queensland, NSW and Victoria are make use of the museum for their tours. with teas and meals available by prior booking.

Collections

The museum collection consists of 120 vehicles and 60 motor cycles, ultra light aircraft, as well as WW2 aircraft engine/cutaways, WW2 jeeps and several trucks. The cars are from America, England, Europe and Australia.

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Bill Kouvousis at the 75th Anniversary Ball, Roxy

Bingara, northwestern New South Wales

In 1958, Bill Kouvousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. The remarkable film he produced, The Christmas Spirit, offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

This film was screened on the weekend of the 9th and 10th April 2011.

This was one of a number of events organised to compliment the 75th Anniversary Ball.

See below, the -

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Kouvousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Christmas Spirit. In 1958, Bill Koovousis

documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas.

This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

The film was screened on the weekend of the 9th and 10th April, 2011, to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the opening of the Roxy "complex" in Bingara, northwestern NSW.

A number of events were organised to compliment the 75th Anniversary Ball.

See below, the -

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Koovousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

A scene featuring Fred Astaire from the film Roberta

which was screened as one of the many events staged on the weekend of the 9th and 10th April, 2011, to celbrate the 75th Anniversary of the opening of the Roxy "complex:, Bingara.

A number of other events were also organised to compliment the Anniversary Ball.

See below, the -

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Koovousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

One of the many events staged on the weekend was the screening of Roberta

the first movie to screen at the newly opened Roxy cinema in 1936.

It starred Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire.

A number of other events were organised to compliment the Anniversary Ball.

See below, the -

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Koovousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

A number of "Aussies" were very also very excited by the beautiful venue

and the educational talks and multi-media events that were held as an adjunct to the "grand" 75th Anniversary Ball.

A number of events were organised to compliment the Anniversary Ball.

See below, the -

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Koovousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

A number of Kytherians were very excited by the beautiful venue

and the educational talks and multi-media events that were held as an adjunct to the "grand" 75th Anniversary Ball.

Left to right:

Georgina Comino, Michelle Vellis (partly obscured), Tynea Datos, Erenie Crones, Angelo Crones, Irene Souris, Maria Bockos, & Anna Poulos.

A number of events were organised to compliment the Anniversary Ball.

See below, the -

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Koovousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

John Wood, veteran Australian actor of television and stage

mesmerised a capacity audience with stories about his acting career, relationships with the public, and above all his "love affair" with the Roxy cinema - "one of the great venues to play in, in Australia".

John Wood's Kytherian-Greek alias is Yianni Ksilo.

BIOGRAPHY

Born 14 July 1946 (1946-07-14) (age 64)
Melbourne, Australia
Occupation Actor, writer
Years active 1967 – present

Known for his leading roles in Rafferty's Rules (1987–1990) and in Blue Heelers (1994–2006)

John Wood (born 14 July 1946 in Melbourne) is a Gold Logie Award-winning Australian actor, best known for his role as Senior Sergeant Tom Croydon in the Seven Network's long running police drama Blue Heelers.

TV career

Wood began his acting career in 1967, where he had a guest role in Bellbird, an Australian television series. He then appeared in several Australian drama series and mini-series in minor roles. John also wrote eleven episodes of the series Prisoner. It wasn't until 1987 that John Wood became a well-known actor, taking the lead in Rafferty's Rules, as magistrate Michael Rafferty. Wood twice won a Logie for "Most Outstanding Actor" for his role in the show during its four seasons.

In 1994 Wood landed a leading role in Blue Heelers as Tom Croydon. This show became a big hit in Australia. As well as starring in the show, he also wrote several episodes. The show was finally cancelled in 2006, and Wood is one of only two actors (the other being Julie Nihill) to star in Blue Heelers from its beginning in 1994 to its end in 2006, although Wood is the only character to be seen in every single episode. Wood also wrote three episodes for the series.

Wood was a contestant in the 2004 edition of the Australian Dancing with the Stars. In 2007, Wood appeared on Channel Ten's tele-movie, Joanne Lees - Murder in the Outback, where he played barrister Grant Algie. He currently hosts Channel Nine's travel series Wine Me, Dine Me.

In 2009, Wood has appeared in the drama The Cut on ABC1, in the historical, dramatised documentary, Rogue Nation, (as Governor Bligh) and in Channel Nine's drama-series Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities playing Murray Farquhar.

In 2010, he had a recurring role in Offspring.

Notable television roles

Rafferty's Rules (1987–1990) as Michael Rafferty
Blue Heelers (1994–2006) as Tom Croydon
Dancing with the Stars (2004) as contestant
The Einstein Factor (2006 – present) as brains trust (panelist)
Joanne Lees - Murder in the Outback (2007) as Grant Algie
The Cut (2009) as Bill Telford
Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities (2009) as Murray Farquhar
Rogue Nation (2009) as Governor Bligh
Offspring (2010) as Gareth

Theatre

Wood is also an experienced stage actor. Notable roles include The Club, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, ART, Born Yesterday, The Elocution of Benjamin Franklin, Chess (the musical), Love Letters, Blood Relations (1987), The Real Inspector Hound’’, Strange Bedfellow The Musical and Stephen Sewell's It Just Stopped (2006).

Awards

John Wood has won several TV Week Logie Awards over the years, and has also been nominated for several.

In 1988 and 1989, Wood received the TV Week Logie Award for 'Most Outstanding Actor' for his work on Rafferty's Rules.[1][2] In 2006, he was nominated in the same catergory for his role in Blue Heelers.

Wood was nominated for the Gold Logie for most popular personality on Australian television every year from 1997 to 2007. After nine consecutive Gold Logie nominations without a win, he was awarded the prize in 2006.[3]

Wood has won the 'Most Popular Actor' award twice (in 2005 and 2006) and been nominated another seven consecutive times (1997–2003) for his role in Blue Heelers.

References

1. John Wood–1988 Logie Awards
2. John Wood–1989 Logie Awards
3. John Wood–Gold Logie Award–2006

Links

John Wood at the Internet Movie Database

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Movie_Database

John Wood–Australian Broadcasting Corporation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Broadcasting_Corporation


A number of events were organised to compliment the Anniversary Ball.

See below, the -

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Koovousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

John Wood, veteran Australian actor of television and stage

mesmerised a capacity audience with stories about his acting career, relationships with the public, and above all his "love affair" with the Roxy cinema - "one of the great venues to play in, in Australia".

John Wood's Kytherian-Greek alias is Yianni Ksilo.

A number of events were organised to compliment the Anniversary Ball.

See below, the -

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Koovousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

John Wood, veteran Australian television and stage actor

mesmerised a capacity audience with stories about his acting career, relationships with the public, and above all his "love affair" with the Roxy cinema - "one of the great venues to play in, in Australia".

IMDb biography for JOHN WOOD

Date of Birth 14 July 1946, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Mini Biography

'The mind of an artist, the body of a labourer' is the way a CES vocational guidance officer described John Wood in the 1960s - and promptly sent him off to start a job as a brickie's labourer! While they're words John has never forgotten, he's certainly proven them wrong. Born in Melbourne in 1946 into a working class family, acting was just not something anyone did professionally.

While he obviously had a natural talent, John's passion for acting saw him fail his secondary school Leaving Certificate. At 16, he landed a role in the school production of The Fish, a farce by Yves Gabrol. Unfortunately the play was at his old school, and John put so much time into the production that he neglected to sit for his final exams at his new school!

Convinced he needed a 'real job', John joined the Victorian Railways as a clerk. Thankfully his ex-English teacher, John Ellis, returned from overseas and, with wife Lois, formed the Melbourne Youth Theatre, a drama group for people under 26. John performed in its first production Brecht's Caucasian Chalk Circle, then Eh?, a comedy by Henry Livings, directed by Max Gillies. Lois Ellis gave John the push he needed, one day handing him an entry form into NIDA. He was accepted and at 21, John and his girlfriend, Leslie (now his wife of nearly 30 years), moved to Sydney in 1967.

NIDA usually required entrants to have at least that missing Leaving Certificate, but luckily they made an exception for John and even granted him a scholarship - of $6 a fortnight. To pay the bills, he worked the lights at Neutral Bay's Music Hall and was overawed by stars such as Benita Collings - but felt deep down that Chekhov and Shakespeare were more his style.

Yet fresh out of NIDA in 1969, he landed a guest role on Channel Seven's half-hour series "Barrier Reef" (1971). His first stage role was as Happy in Death of a Salesman at the Old Tote (now the Sydney Theatre Company), which toured NSW. On New Year's Eve 1970, John and Leslie married. They now have two adult daughters: Meg and Lexie. John, Leslie and baby Meg moved back to Melbourne in 1974 to be near her grandparents.

John had signed a 12-month contract with the Melbourne Theatre Company, performing in plays such as Jumpers, Last of the Knucklemen and All My Sons. Then the writer in him reared its head and John decided to 'give up acting for a while' and applied for a Literature Board Grant in 1975. As fate would have it, he was immediately offered the role of Sugar Renfrey on the ABC TV production of "Power Without Glory" (1976) - John snapped it up and sent back the grant from the Literature Board!

His ABC appearance spawned offers to appear on shows such as "Bellbird" (1967), Lawson's Mates, "The Truckies" (1978) (for which he wrote his first TV script), "Catspaw" (1978) and End of Summer in the late 1970s. Then came a strange chain of events. John fell out with MTC over his TV appearances and he tired of playing 'silly roles' in the soaps. He turned to writing again and completed 15 episodes of Cop Shop, 15 of Prisoner and 15 of The Sullivans. In 1981, he got a gig in an Adelaide production, Lulu, with Judy Davis.

The following year he moved to Adelaide and began acting with Jim Sharman's 12-man Lighthouse Company. They performed the world premiere of Patrick White's Signal Driver. In 1983, the company toured Sydney, successfully performing Twelfth Night and Netherwood '.

As a direct result of the plays, John was offered the lead role of magistrate Michael Rafferty in "Rafferty's Rules" (1987) on Channel Seven. He filmed the pilot in 1984 and starred in the hit drama until 1989. In 1988 and 1989 John won TV Week Logie Awards for Most Outstanding Actor for his portrayal of Rafferty. Despite the show's success, it was a relief to move on and back to Melbourne and his loved ones.

John seized the opportunity to get back on the stage, appearing in Chess, The Musical, Love Letters, Away, A Flea In Her Ear, Another Time, King of Country, Jonah, The Trackers of Oxyrhyncus, Brittanicus and For Julia from 1990 to 1992. In 1993, John got another incredible opportunity. Tired of waiting, he was about to accept a role in the soap, Paradise Beach, when the offer to make the pilot of "Blue Heelers" (1994) finally came through.

Recognising Blue Heelers' potential to be a huge hit, he jumped at the chance to star as Sergeant Tom Croydon of the Mount Thomas police. Shooting the drama in Melbourne also enabled John - for the first time in years - to be based with his family at their country property about 40 minutes out of Melbourne. Keen to combine his writing and acting, John has written three episodes of Blue Heelers in the past few years and has also managed to combine several theatre roles with his regular work on the hit drama.

In 1998 he played Jock in the Melbourne Theatre Company's five-week season of The Club. In 1999 he played Harry Brock in the MTC's Born Yesterday with Alison Whyte and several actors from former cop shows, including Gil Tucker, Terence Donovan and John McTernan. John won the Green Room Award for Best Actor for that performance. In the same year John played the headwaiter in She Loves Me with Blue Heelers co-star Lisa McCune. John always has creative ideas circulating in his head and he currently has several projects on the brew, including a children's television series, a sitcom, a stage play and a movie.

In 1998 he became a board member of the Playbox Theatre Company and in 1999 became a spokesperson for Friendship Day, run by the Starlight Foundation. His wife Leslie is councillor for the Shire of Yarra Ranges and is the Labor candidate for the seat of Monbulk in the next State Election.

Trivia

John Wood graduated from NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Arts) in Australia, and became a well-known and capable character actor in both films and television. He has been acting since the early 1970's.
Won Logie for Most Popular Actor (May 2005)
After ten years of unsuccessful nominations for the Gold Logie award, John finally won his first Gold Logie on Sunday May 7th, 2006.
Won the Gold Logie (Most Popular Personality on Australian Television) in 2006 after being unsuccessfully nominated every year from 1997 to 2006.

Personal Quotes

(During his Gold Logie acceptance speech at the 2006 TV Week Logie Awards) "Too much, too soon."

Where Are They Now

(October 2010) Performing "Strange Bedfellows" at the Regent Cinemas, Albury NSW.

*****************************************************

A number of events were organised to compliment the Anniversary Ball.

See below, the -

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Koovousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Sandy McNaughton. Manager, Roxy Complex, Bingara, New South Wales

outlining a number of historical facts about the Roxy complex in Bingara.

A number of events were organised to compliment the Anniversary Ball.

See below, the -

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Koovousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Sandy McNaughton. Manager, Roxy Complex, Bingara, New South Wales

outlining a number of historical facts about the Roxy complex in Bingara.

Note that the auditorium was packed.

A number of events were organised to compliment the Anniversary Ball.

See below, the -

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Koovousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Sandy McNaughton. Manager, Roxy Complex, Bingara, New South Wales

outlining a number of historical facts about the Roxy complex in Bingara.

A number of events were organised to compliment the Anniversary Ball.

See below, the -

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Koovousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Bob Kirk, one time owner of the Roxy cafe, a great Roxy benefactor

and one of the patrons of the breakfast in Peters and Co newly renovated cafe on the Sunday morning (10th April), after the Anniversary Ball.

It too many shifts to cater for all those who booked. Breakfast did not finish until lunch time.

See below, the -

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Koovousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Some of the many patrons that attended

the breakfast in Peters and Co newly renovated cafe on the Sunday morning (10th April), after the Anniversary Ball.

It too many shifts to cater for all those who booked. Breakfast did not finish until lunch time.

Angelo and Erinie Crones are seen sitting with Kathy Kepreotis in the second booth.

and See below, the -

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Koovousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Lions Club volunteers kept on working frantically to feed all

the patrons who gathered for breakfast in Peters and Co newly renovated cafe on the Sunday morning (10th April), after the Anniversary Ball.

It too many shifts to cater for all those who booked. Breakfast did not finish until lunch time.

See below, the -

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Koovousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Lions Clubs volunteers serving the many patrons who attended

the breakfast in Peters and Co newly renovated cafe on the Sunday morning (10th April), after the Anniversary Ball.

It too many shifts to cater for all those who booked. Breakfast did not finish until lunch time.

See below, the -

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Koovousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Exterior of Peters and Co cafe in preparation for the Lions Club breakfast

on the Sunday morning (10th April), after the Anniversary Ball.

See below, the -

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Koovousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Jenny dominates the street corner outside Peters and Co cafe

the Roxy Cafe, on the morning of the Lions Club breakfast in the cafe.

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29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Jenny doing her "triple carry" trick

whilst the stalwarts from the www.kythera-family.net "logo" look on approvingly.

Open full entry

29/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Owner of Jenny the donkey, Johnny Wade

provided "rides" for all who requested them, along the pavement outside the Roxy Cinema and Roxy Cafe.

Jenny lent a very "Greek" and "Kytherian" essence to proceedings, helping to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the opening of the Roxy "complex" with some style.

Open full entry

28/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Triple "passengers" were no problem for Jenny the donkey

she handled the weight with ease, and looked like she was really enjoying the challenge.

Meanwhile Pip Courtney, and her crew from the ABC Television series Landline, are working away feverishly in the background, filming the Roxy mega-events of the weekend of the 9th and 10th of April, 2010.

Open full entry

28/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

George C Poulos riding a very friendly Jenny the donkey

outside the Roxy Cinema and Roxy Cafe, Bingara, northwestern New South Wales.

The geurnesy George is wearing is not that of the Swans AFL team, or St George NRL team, but the might "Pireauty" soccer team OLYMPIAKOS.

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28/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

"Jenny" the donkey enlivened festivities on both days

of the weekend to celebrate the opening of the Roxy "complex" in 1936, which was commemorated in Bingara on the weekend of the 9th and 10th April, 2011.

Jenny" was provided by local, Johnny Wade. (In the blue shirt).

Jenny's temperament was inpeccable.

That is until the smoke alarm "went off" in the Roxy Cinema.

With this strange sound, Jenny "bolted", down the street, with Johhny Wade's son "in tow", unable to restrain the animal.

Only the intercession of Andrew Psomas Coroneos, using some arcane Kytherian donkey magic trick involving the animals ears, caused Jenny to stop.

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28/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Nick Papadopoulos with daughter Steffie Papadopoulos, Sydney.

Both travelled to Bingara, with wife and mother Anna Arsenis and son & brother Austin, to enjoy the festivities of the 75th Anniversary of the Roxy "complex", Bingara.

The Roxy was originally opened in 1936.

Open full entry

28/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Nick Papadopoulos, Steffie Papadopoulos, Anna Arsenis and Austin Papadopoulos, Sydney

Annie is the owner and editor of the new Greek-Australian magazine, and a great supporter of Greek-Australian and Greek-Kytherian causes.

Open full entry

28/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Trudi Ambrose, Tamworth, John Wood, Tania Hooper, Tamworth

John Wood (aka as Yianni Ksilo) was master of ceremonies on the night.

Open full entry

28/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Donna, Rene and David Inman of Moree

outside the Peters and Co cafe - the Roxy Cafe - in Bingara, northwestern New South Wales.

They were there for the 75th Anniversary celebrations of the the opening of the Roxy Complex - 1936.

Held on the weekend of the 9th and 10th April, 2000.

David Inman, a former Bingara local, installed the air-conditioning facilities for the Roxy renovation.

Open full entry

28/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Erik Ozols, Bingara, Chris Houston of Moree and James Aroney of Sydney

Erik owns the Imperial Hotel, Bingara.

James is one of the grandchildren of an original owner of the Roxy "complex" - Emmanuel Theodoropoulos Aroney.

All attended the 75th Anniversary Ball, held in Bingara on the 9th April, 2011.

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28/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Emmanuel Aroney, Peter Prineas & John (Ioannes) Feros

(Left to right).

John is a son of one of the original owners Peter Feros.

Peter Prineas, author of the superb book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, is a grandson of Peter Feros.

Emmanuel Aroney is a grandson of another original co-owner, Emanuel Theodoropoulos Aroney.

Open full entry

28/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Emmanuel Aroney, Bob Kirk, James Aroney and Peter Aroney

(Left to right). The Aroney brothers are the grandchildren of one of the original owners of the Roxy "complex", and they donated a substantial amount to restore the original Peters and Co neon shop front sign, and have it replaced in its original position

Greek Flavour to Roxy Event

Northern Daily Leader

Monday, April 11, 2011, page 7

Story and photo: Anna Rose

Download a .pdf copy of this article here:

GreekflavourtoRoxyeventApril112011.pdf

Bingara is experiencing “an arts-led economic revival” – and thriving on it – if the weekend’s 75th anniversary celebrations of the Roxy are any yardstick.

On Saturday night close to 400 people did just what they do on the Greek island of Kythera.

They gathered in the town’s main street where they ate, drank, danced and made merry until the wee hours of yesterday.

The majority of those present were of Greek descent, and were delighted to witness the official unveiling of the historic Roxy café, adjacent to the magnificent art-deco theatre built by three Kytherians in 1936.

In official speeches leading up to the opening, former councillor and mayor of the then Bingara and later Gwydir shire councils, John
Wearne, addressed the gathering.

“The development of the Roxy and its surrounding buildings has more than served this arts-led revival for the town, ”Mr Wearne said.
“While many small towns are struggling for survival, Bingara is thriving. “That struggle is often due to their inability to find that
special thing that’s quintessentially theirs, and to seek out one or more outstanding promotable features unique to their own area.

“In our case, the Roxy has supplied us with a set of opportunities which has completely swung the fortunes of the town around.”

Among the revellers were descendants of the three original forward-thinking businessmen – Peter Feros, George Psaltis and Emanuel Aroney.

Peter Prineas, the grandson of Mr Feros, is the author of a book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, which features a chapter on the creation of the Roxy.

Mr Aroney’s grandsons – Emanuel, Peter and James, and their families, all made a connection with Bingara that will last a lifetime.

Among those celebrating the Roxy’s anniversary was former NSW premier Bob Carr and wife Helena. Mr Carr was the premier when the
original $100,000 funding was allocated to begin work restoring the Roxy.

While many people say it’s best not to dwell on the past, Bingara and its newfound Greek friends may tell you different.

Open full entry

28/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

One of the photographers from

the ABC's Landline programme on the 75th Roxy celebrations, outside Peters and Co cafe, the Roxy Cafe, Bingara, on the evening of the 9th April, 2011.

This is one of the few moments over several days, where they actually found a moment to relax.

Landline:

A Night at the Roxy

Published: 08/05/2011 .

If you're of a certain age then the words 'Greek' and 'cafe' will bring back a host of memories. Remember sliding into the booth for a milkshake, ordering a mixed grill and a milky coffee after going to the pictures? There was a time when most country towns had at least one Greek cafe known for their generous serves and competitive prices. Sadly few of the original cafes remain, but the New South Wales country town of Bingara is proud to announce that its Greek cafe, the Roxy, has been reborn.

Open full entry

28/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

One of the photographers from

the ABC's Landline programme on the 75th Roxy celebrations, outside Peters and Co cafe, the Roxy Cafe, Bingara, on the evening of the 9th April, 2011.

This is one of the few moments over several days, where they actually found a moment to relax.

Landline:

A Night at the Roxy

Published: 08/05/2011 .

If you're of a certain age then the words 'Greek' and 'cafe' will bring back a host of memories. Remember sliding into the booth for a milkshake, ordering a mixed grill and a milky coffee after going to the pictures? There was a time when most country towns had at least one Greek cafe known for their generous serves and competitive prices. Sadly few of the original cafes remain, but the New South Wales country town of Bingara is proud to announce that its Greek cafe, the Roxy, has been reborn.

Open full entry

28/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The two camera men who shot the footage for

the ABC's Landline programme on the 75th Roxy celebrations, outside Peters and Co cafe, the Roxy Cafe, Bingara, on the evening of the 9th April, 2011.

This is one of the few moments over several days, where they actually found a moment to relax.

Landline:

A Night at the Roxy

Published: 08/05/2011 .

If you're of a certain age then the words 'Greek' and 'cafe' will bring back a host of memories. Remember sliding into the booth for a milkshake, ordering a mixed grill and a milky coffee after going to the pictures? There was a time when most country towns had at least one Greek cafe known for their generous serves and competitive prices. Sadly few of the original cafes remain, but the New South Wales country town of Bingara is proud to announce that its Greek cafe, the Roxy, has been reborn.

Open full entry

28/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Reporter Pip Courtney, from the ABC television series, Landline

programme, on the 75th Roxy celebrations, outside Peters and Co cafe, the Roxy Cafe, Bingara, on the evening of the 9th April, 2011.

She is on the job, "all wired up for sound".

She covered the entire Roxy event, for a number of days, with two Landline camera men.

Landline:

A Night at the Roxy

Published: 08/05/2011

Reporter: Pip Courtney.

If you're of a certain age then the words 'Greek' and 'cafe' will bring back a host of memories. Remember sliding into the booth for a milkshake, ordering a mixed grill and a milky coffee after going to the pictures? There was a time when most country towns had at least one Greek cafe known for their generous serves and competitive prices. Sadly few of the original cafes remain, but the New South Wales country town of Bingara is proud to announce that its Greek cafe, the Roxy, has been reborn.

Open full entry

28/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Three very diligent Gwydir Shire Council and Bingara and district residents

still manning the "ticket gate", as the speeches were underway.

The volunteers in all areas, and at all levels, performed superbly on the night.

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28/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Gwydir Shire Council employees and other volunteers from Bingara

and the surrounding districts, performed many functions on the afternoon and into the evening. This included issuing tickets of entry and attendance "bracelets" at the "gate".

Here builder Tim Russell and his wife, Ann, negotiate entry.

Open full entry

28/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Gwydir Shire Council employees who performed brilliantly

organising the 75th Anniversary Ball, held to celebrate the opening in 1936 of the Roxy "complex", Bingara.

Black Dress - Mrs Leeah Daley (Organisational Development Director)
Green Dress - Ms Tracey Carr (Organisational Development Administration Assistant)
Red Wrap - Ms Kellie Gill (General Managers Personal Assistant)
Red Dress - Mrs Louise Campbell (Gwydir Web and Graphic Design)
Black Dress - Mrs Rebecca Mack (Promotion and Tourism Team Leader)
Black Jacket - Ms Michelle Bowrey (Risk Management and Human Resources Officer)

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28/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Erenie Crones and Helen Psaltis

at the 75th Anniversary Ball, celebrating the opening of the Roxy "compplex" in 1936.

Both are Kytherians and both live in Sydney.

Erenie is on the left.

She is the wife of Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trustee, Angelo Crones.

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28/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Angelo Crones and Theo Poulos, at the 75th Roxy Anniversary Ball.

Angelo, on the left, is a Trustee on the Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust. Theo Poulos, Kapitanios, is a Board Member of the Kytherian Association of Australia.

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28/5/2011

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Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Bob Carr, former Premier of NSW, wife Helena, (left) and reporter Pip Courtney of

the ABC's Landline programme on the 75th Roxy celebrations, outside Peters and Co cafe, the Roxy Cafe, Bingara, on the evening of the 9th April, 2011.

Landline:

A Night at the Roxy

Published: 08/05/2011

Reporter: Pip Courtney.

If you're of a certain age then the words 'Greek' and 'cafe' will bring back a host of memories. Remember sliding into the booth for a milkshake, ordering a mixed grill and a milky coffee after going to the pictures? There was a time when most country towns had at least one Greek cafe known for their generous serves and competitive prices. Sadly few of the original cafes remain, but the New South Wales country town of Bingara is proud to announce that its Greek cafe, the Roxy, has been reborn.

Open full entry

27/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The three architects involved in the Roxy restoration, all received awards on the evening

From left to right: David Huntley, Tony Deakin & Michael McPhillips

Magoffin Deakin Architects
Dangar Street
Armidale 2350

Email Magoffin Deakin

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27/5/2011

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Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The guests enjoyed themselves thoroughly on the night of the Roxy Ball

Frances Young, National Party Senator John Williams, Nancy Capel, Editor of the Bingara Advocate, (and wife to John), and David Young, (husband to Frances). All in a very convivial mood.

Frances Young was Frances Hanton, descendent from an old Gold Mining family, and David's grandfather came to Bingara at about the turn of the last century to teach at Upper Bingara. So both are from "long established" Bingara families.

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27/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The two main streets of Bingara became a field of broken plates

across which the guests walked...and danced.....and danced...

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27/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

And then the band would switch back to playing Greek music

and the frenetic Greek dancing would resume.

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27/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The modern dancing got very frenzied at time

inspired by brilliant playing from the band.

Here Graham “Blue” McManus of Bingara, unselfconsciously dances with the Roxy Information Centre's own, Jenny Mead.

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27/5/2011

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When the dancing switched to modern, one of the real stars

was local Graham “Blue” McManus.

He had a captured and enraptured audience, and at the end of the "bracket" he achieved a standing ovation.

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27/5/2011

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The beautifully restored Peters and Co cafe, the Roxy Cafe

made a beautiful backdrop to the lively display of Greek dancing.

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27/5/2011

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George Cassim again

involving himself in a duet with one of the dancers from the Greek Orthodox Community of Lakema, group.

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27/5/2011

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And the dancers just kept on circling

dancing to the beat of the Greek music

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27/5/2011

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Builder, Tim Russell, responsible for the $750,000 renovation of the Roxy Cafe and Roxy Museum

with delightful wife, Ann, also got into the swing of the dancing.

Tim Russell is the CEO of Dominico Blue:

4326 Bundarra Rd
INVERELL 2360
NSW
AUSTRALIA

ABN: 68 716 442 733 NSW lic: 203388C

M: 0412748923

P: 02 67214424

F: 02 67214424

E: Email, Dominico Blue

W: www.dominicobluebuilding.com.au


When you visit the Dominico Blue web-site you will find many building projects that the company has undertaken in north western New South Wales (NSW).

From a Kytherian and Hellenic point of view, the most important is a refurbishment and extension to the Roxy Complex in Bingara, NSW - including the Roxy Cafe, on the ground floor, and the Roxy Museum on the first floor, above the cafe.

The Roxy Project

The brief for this project was to refurbish and reinstate the existing building next to the Roxy Theatre back its former glory - the 1936 Peters & Co, Greek Cafe. The building interior obviously had been totally removed and used for several different purposes over the years. Fortunately some of the former internal wall panelling had been found in a farmer's shed, and photo's indicated the extent of work that was required. The cafe is now ready for operation and the Greek community is more than happy to have this building restored and operational. It has become a Kytherian and Hellenic memorial, sacred site, and pilgrimage site. A proud addition to the Kytherian and Hellenic heritage in Australia.

Project Cost: $750k

Roxy Website Main Page

Roxy Theatre, Main Page

Roxy Café, Main Page

Roxy Museum, Main Page

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the Book

Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

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26/5/2011

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Michelle Vellis (nee, Comino)

one of the Greek dance "leaders" on the night.

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26/5/2011

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"Staid" accountant, George Cassim

really embraced the spirit of the evening.

Here he dances with plates balanced on his head.

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26/5/2011

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Ultimately, everybody

"got into" the Greek dancing.

Note the smashed plates on the ground.

By the end of the evening, everyone eas dancing on a bed of smashed plates.

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26/5/2011

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And the older people too

"got into" the Greek dancing.

In this case leads the dancing.

Note the smashed plates on the ground.

By the end of the evening, everyone eas dancing on a bed of smashed plates.

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26/5/2011

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And the young people too

"got into" the Greek dancing.

Note the smashed plates on the ground.

By the end of the evening, everyone eas dancing on a bed of smashed plates.

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26/5/2011

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Even the master of ceremonies, John Wood, (aka Yianni Ksilo)

"got into" the Greek dancing.

Note the smashed plates on the ground.

By the end of the evening, everyone eas dancing on a bed of smashed plates.

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26/5/2011

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The "dance floor", the two intersecting main streets of Bingara

was rarely empty, during the 75th Anniversary Ball, staged to celebrate the opening of the Roxy "complex", in 1936.

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26/5/2011

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The 400 guests particpated whole-heartedly in the dancing

creating great sweeping circles across Bingara's main streets.

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26/5/2011

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The two male Greek dancers continued to dazzle the audience

particularly with the backwards lunging manoeuvre, depicted in the photograph.

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26/5/2011

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Then two of the Greek dancers really put on a show

of sophisticated and advanced Greek dancing.

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26/5/2011

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The boys put on a superb display of Greek dancing

which included many spectaculat leaps, and other displays of athleticism.

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26/5/2011

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The Greek dancing display was masterful

as performed by the group that dances under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Community, Lakemba, NSW.

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26/5/2011

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A brilliant display of Greek dancing

performed on the night by a performers who perform under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Community, Lakemba.

John Wood (aka, Yianni Ksilos), the master of ceremonies for the evening, looks on approvingly.

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26/5/2011

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The brilliant Greek dancing group who dance under the auspices

of the Greek Orthodox Community, Lakemba.

Back row: left to right: Christian Katsikaros , Eleana Megalokonomos, Manolis Luxford.

Front row: left to right: Yang Chen, Marcus Megalokonomos and Michael Loupis.

Yang is a cousin of Eleana and Marcus Megalokonomos.

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26/5/2011

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A great deal of the

The dancers in the photograph are from Left to Right: Manolis Luxford, Christian Katsikaros, Eleana Megalokonomos, Michael Loupis and Marcus Megalokonomos

They danced during the Official Ceremony, and then led the dancing after the official launch of the Peters and C (Roxy Cafe).

Marcus Megalokonomos was the group's leader during his "foray" to Bingara, and the "Roxy adventure".

Marcus Megalokonomos' brief biography:

Marcus is a 20 year old university student currently in his final year of a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS. To date, he has produced a range of news and feature stories for print, radio, television and web on diverse issues including sport, the environment, social justice and the arts.

Outside of his studies he pursues a passionate love of his culture through Greek dance and theatre. He is a member of the performing dance group of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW under the
instruction of Paroula Thurban and a member of the management
committee of Take Away Theatre, a community-based group bringing relevant and contemporary explorations of multicultural Australia to the stage.

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26/5/2011

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The logistics for preparing the food seem even more impressive

when viewed from the vantage point of the stairs leading to the first floor Roxy Museum.

Most serving staff on the night were volunteers.

The occasion was the 75th Anniversary celebration of the Roxy complex - which was established in 1936 - held in Bingara, in north western New South Wales, on the 9th April, 2011.

The event was a Gala Ball, held on the street outside the Roxy "complex".

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24/5/2011

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Four of the volunteers, outside Peters and Co cafe

the Roxy Cafe - who acted as waiting staff on a "grand" evening of celebration.

The occasion was the 75th Anniversary celebration of the Roxy complex - which was established in 1936 - held in Bingara, in north western New South Wales, on the 9th April, 2011.

The event was a Gala Ball, held on the street outside the Roxy "complex".

In the photograph - Left to Right: Gary Foster, Keith McCartney, Faye McCartney and Alister Lemin.

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24/5/2011

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The staff, many of them volunteers, just kept on working

in order to feed the multitudes.

Plates and cutlery have been set up in the Cinema foyer.

The occasion was the 75th Anniversary celebration of the Roxy complex - which was established in 1936 - held in Bingara, in north western New South Wales, on the 9th April, 2011.

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24/5/2011

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Meanwhile the staff, most of them volunteers worked tirelessly

in order to feed the multitudes.

Plates and cutlery have been set up in the Cinema foyer.

The occasion was the 75th Anniversary celebration of the Roxy complex - which was established in 1936 - held in Bingara, in north western New South Wales, on the 9th April, 2011.

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24/5/2011

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The guests mingled freely on the evening

Outside the Peters and Co, (Roxy Cafe).

The "kefi" (atmosphere) was convivial and tremendous.

Senator John Williams, National Party Senator, is on the far right, facing the camera.

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23/5/2011

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It was a significant logistics exercise to prepare and serve 400 meals

The meal was prepared by volunteers.

The guests ate heartily.

The 75th Anniversary celebration Ball for the Roxy "complex", Bingara, northwest New South Wales, was held on on the 9th April, 2011.

The "kefi" was tremendous.

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23/5/2011

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A high view of the lay-out showing some of the 400 people

seated in the main street of Bingara. The occasion was the 75th Anniversary celebration of the Roxy complex - which was established in 1936 - held in Bingara, in north western New South Wales, on the 9th April, 2011.

The "kefi" generated was tremendous.

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23/5/2011

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Kefi galore on the streets of Bingara

during the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy "complex" opening. (1936).

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23/5/2011

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Having 400 guests seated in the main street of a country town

is bound to generate much "kefi". And that's exactly what happened at the 75th Anniversary Ball, staged to celebrate the opening in 1936, of the Roxy "complex" in Bingara, New South Wales.

The mix of locals, Australians from other towns and cities, and Greeks and Kytherians, with a deep interest in their "shop-keeping" history, made for a wonderful evening.

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23/5/2011

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Sotiris Prineas played keyboards

helping to generate great "kefi" - social atmosphere - at the Ball to celebrate both the offical opening of the restored and renovated Peters and Co cafe - the Roxy Cafe - and the the 75th Anniversary of the opening of the Roxy "complex" (1936).

He plays in a Brisbane-based band called Ha Va Le.

Other band members include:

Dimitrios Prineas—Bouzouki & vocals

Giorgos Karonis ----Percussions & Drums

Giorgos Gaydov----Clarinet & Sax

Jose Alturo Vides----Violin &Trumpet

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23/5/2011

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Giorgos Gaydov playing up a storm on clarinet

and generating great "kefi" - social atmosphere - at the Ball to celebrate both the offical opening of the restored and renovated Peters and Co cafe - the Roxy Cafe - and the the 75th Anniversary of the opening of the Roxy "complex" (1936).

He plays in a Brisbane-based band called Ha Va Le.

Other band members include:

Dimitrios Prineas—Bouzouki & vocals

Giorgos Karonis ----Percussions & Drums

Jose Alturo Vides----Violin &Trumpet

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23/5/2011

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Giorgos Karanis beats out a fine rhythm on drums

Ready to generate great "kefi" - social atmosphere - at the Ball to celebrate both the offical opening of the restored and renovated Peters and Co cafe - the Roxy Cafe - and the the 75th Anniversary of the opening of the Roxy "complex" (1936.

Giorgos plays for a Brisbane-based band called Ha Va Le.

Other band members include:

Dimitrios Prineas—Bouzouki & vocals

Giorgos Gaydov----Clarinet & Sax

Jose Alturo Vides----Violin &Trumpet

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23/5/2011

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Jose Alturo Vides fiddles a fine Grecian tune on the violin

Ready to generate great "kefi" - social atmosphere - at the Ball to celebrate both the offical opening of the restored and renovated Peters and Co cafe - the Roxy Cafe - and the the 75th Anniversary of the opening of the Roxy "complex" (1936.

Other band members included:

Dimitrios Prineas—Bouzouki & vocals

Giorgos Karonis ----Percussions & Drums

Giorgos Gaydov----Clarinet & Sax

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23/5/2011

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After the official opening of the Roxy Cafe

and the rush on milkshakes and "spiders", the band got ready to play.

Here band leader, Dimitri Prineas, tunes "up" - ready to create "kefi" - group atmosphere.

His band is called Ha Va Le.

Band members include:

Dimitrios Prineas—Bouzouki & vocals

Giorgos Karonis ----Percussions & Drums

Giorgos Gaydov----Clarinet & Sax

Jose Alturo Vides----Violin &Trumpet

His paratsoukli (Kytherian / Greek nickname) is Karapatis.

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23/5/2011

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Two of the architects also enjoyed milkshake and

on the evening of 9th April, 2010 - the launch of the renovated Peters and Co - Roxy Cafe - and Roxy Museum, which is located upstairs from the Cafe.

It is accessible by a stairs and a lift.

Michael McPhillips architect, is facing the camera, on the left.

David Huntley, Scots-born, has his back towards us.

Both are either principals of or work at the offices of

Magoffin & Deakin Pty Ltd
128 Dangar St,
Armidale,
NSW, 2350

Michael's Japanese wife, Mihoko Noda, is sitting to the right of picture.

Noone could possibly complain that the Roxy complex "project" is not a "multicultural" one.

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23/5/2011

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The first milkshake on the night was served to Bob and Elva Kirk

Bob & Elva had a business located at the Roxy for many years, selling antiques and memorabilia.

Bob has been a great benefactor to the Roxy.

Bob kept many of the fittings, and the original neon sign from the cafe, after they had been removed fromn the cafe.

Some of the original fittings have been reinstated in the restored cafe.

The neon sign has also been restored and reinstated.

Bob has been a long time supporter of the Bingara Historical Society, serving for many years on the Executive of that organisation.

If you make the "pilgrimage" to see the Roxy "complex" - a visit to the building that houses the Bingaras Historical Society, is also very rewarding.

This photograph has also appeared with the following story that I wrote for the Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth:

BINGARA is experiencing “an arts-led economic revival” – and thriving on it – if the weekend’s 75th anniversary celebrations of the Roxy are any yardstick.

On Saturday night close to 400 people did just what they do on the Greek island of Kythera.

They gathered in the town’s main street where they ate, drank, danced and made merry until the wee hours of Sunday.
The majority of those present were of Greek descent, and were delighted to witness the official unveiling of the historic Roxy café, adjacent to the magnificent art deco theatre built by three Kytherian in 1936.

In official speeches leading up to the opening, former councillor and mayor of the then Bingara and later Gwydir shire councils, John Wearne, addressed the gathering.

“The development of the Roxy and its surrounding buildings has more than served this arts-led revival for the town,”Mr Wearne said.
“While many small towns are struggling for survival, Bingara is thriving.

“That struggle is often due to their inability to find that special thing that’s quintessentially theirs, and to seek out one or more outstanding promotable features unique to their own area.
“In our case, the Roxy has supplied us with a set of opportunities which has completely swung the fortunes of the town around.”
Among the revellers were descendants of the three original forward-thinking businessmen – Peter Feros, George Psaltis and Emanuel Aroney.

Peter Prineas, the grandson of Peter Feros, is the author of a book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, which features a chapter on the creation of the Roxy.

Emanuel Aroney’s grandsons – Emanuel, Peter and James, and their families, all made a connection with Bingara that will last a lifetime.
Among those celebrating the Roxy’s anniversary was former NSW premier Bob Carr and wife Helena. Mr Carr was the premier when the original $100,000 funding was allocated to begin work restoring the Roxy.

While many people say it’s best not to dwell on the past, Bingara and its newfound Greek friends may tell you different.

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23/5/2011

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Milkshake container, specially produced by Gwydir Shire Council

and carrying the ROXY "logo", for sale and distribution, at the 75th Anniversary celebrations, 9th April 2011, held in the north western New South Wales town of Bingara.

The celebrations marked the grand opening of the restored and renovated Peters and Co - Roxy Cafe.

The Roxy milkshake containers are now a permanent item for sale in the Information Centre, housed in the same Roxy complex, and renovated to the same style.

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23/5/2011

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The front counter of Peters and Co cafe - the Roxy Cafe

Bingara, New South Wales.

On the night of the grand opening of the restored and renovated cafe - 9th April, 2011 - a milling throng clamoured at this counter to be served with milkshakes and strawberry and lime "spiders".

The occasion also marked the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Roxy "complex" - which included a cinema and a guest house.

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23/5/2011

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The soda fountains in situ in the Peters and Co cafe - the Roxy Cafe

Bingara, New South Wales.

Raspberry & lime "spiders" were served along with milkshakes on the evening of 9th April, 2011 - the official opening of the restored and renovated Roxy Cafe.

The event also celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the Roxy "complex" in 1936, which included a cinema and a guest house.

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23/5/2011

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Milk shake containers, stacked next to the multiple milk-shaker

at Peters and Co cafe - the Roxy cafe, Bingara, New South Wales.

All were put to good use on the evening of 9th April, 2011, with the grand opening of the cafe.

This celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the opening of the Roxy "complex", which, as well as the cafe, included a cinema, and a guest house. (Opened 1936).

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23/5/2011

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Milkshake containers and ice cream soda glasses

stacked on the shelves at Peters and Co cafe - the Roxy Cafe, Bingara, New South Wales.

They would be put to good use on the evening of the grand opening, with a number of Kytherians and Hellenes, serving milkshakes and spiders.

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22/5/2011

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Peter McCarthy (Makarthis) preparing a "lime spider" for eager customers

as George C Poulos, surveys the cafe scene, and recalls past experiences in "cafes such as this".

Until recently, Peter and wife Deanna were proprietors of a coffee shop and sandwich bar in Inverell called Oslo's on Otho.

Peter is a diligent Hellenic and Kytherian researcher and historian, and is, along with George, a member of the Roxy Museum Committee.

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22/5/2011

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Con Fardoulis, long time proprietor of a cafe in Inverell

shows that he has retained all the skills required to make & serve milkshakes

He is using one of the multiple milk-shake mixers from the 60's and 70's.

Milkshakes and "spiders" were served to all after the "Roxy" Cafe was officially opened.

Waiters and waitresses included, Con Fardoulis, George C Poulos, Peter McCarthy (Makarthis), Judy Gianneas, and Peter Gianneas.

Prices were $5 each, but $15 if you wished to retain the metal milkshake container especially designed and imprinted with a "Roxy" logo for the occasion.

Demand for both milkshakes and containers was "overwhelming".

The size of the milling throng can be gauged by the number of customers waiting to be served - reflected in the mirror, behind Con.

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22/5/2011

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Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia

Senator John Williams, National Party Senator, and John Coulton, Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, [left to right] - ready to usher the 400 guests at the 75th Anniversary Ball, into the renovated Peters and Co (Roxy cafe).

This occurred after the playing of the four (4) National Anthems.

The cafe had been hidden from view by sheets of plastic until that time.

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21/5/2011

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Senator John Williams, National Party Senator, and John Coulton

Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, open the doors to Peters and Co cafe (the Roxy cafe), for the first time.

This occurred after the playing of the four (4) National Anthems.

The cafe had been hidden from view by sheets of plastic until that time.

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21/5/2011

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Senator John Williams, National Party Senator, officially opening

the door to Peters and Co (the Roxy cafe).

Immediately after the official speeches, and the playing of the four (4) national athems.

The cafe had been hidden by plastic sheeting until that time.

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21/5/2011

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Diaspora Working Life

Mark Drolc, graphic designer, with George, his passion

a book written about her father, by Ruby Brown Feros.

Mark is the preferred graphic designer and book compositor for the Kytherian World Heritage Fund.

He always strives for excellence, and makes an effort above an beyond the "call of duty".

In the case of George, his passion, Mark, at his own initiative, drove down to the Brown family property near Gunning, in south western New South Wales, to collate the photographs for the book, and get a "good" feel for the content.

He has designed a number of books for the KWHF in the past, and is currently working on three more.

On the Mark Design

Level 1, 135-137 Harris Street
Pyrmont 2009
NSW

p: +61 2 9566 1577
m: 0420 520 684
f: +61 2 9566 4495

Email On the Mark Design

http://onthemarkdesign.com.au/

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The audience all facing the Roxy "complex", as four national anthems are played

- the national anthem of Australia in 1936 (God Save the Queen), the national anthem of Australia (1974 - to date), the national anthem of Greece, and the "national anthem" of Kythera.

On the occasion of the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy Theatre, Cafe & Museum, Bingara, NSW, evening of 9th April, 2011.

David Inman had just pressed the remote to activate speakers placed on top of the Roxy Theatre.

David had paid to install the speakers in order for the sound to be broadcast out into the street.

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14/5/2011

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David Inman and John Wood standing to attention as they listen to

the playing of four national anthems: the national anthem of Australia in 1936 (God Save the Queen), the national anthem of Australia (1974 - to date), the national anthem of Greece, and the "national anthem" of Kythera.

On the occasion of the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy Theatre, Cafe & Museum, Bingara, NSW, evening of 9th April, 2011.

David had just pressed the remote to activate speakers placed on top of the Roxy Theatre.

David had paid to install the speakers in order for the sound to be broadcast out into the street.

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14/5/2011

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David Inman pressing the remote control to activate

the playing of four national anthems: the national anthem of Australia in 1936 (God Save the Queen), the national anthem of Australia (1974 - to date), the national anthem of Greece, and the "national anthem" of Kythera.

On the occasion of the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy Theatre, Cafe & Museum, Bingara, NSW, evening of 9th April, 2011.

David had paid to install speakers on top of the Roxy Theatre in order that the sound could be broadcast out into the street.

Master of ceremonies John Wood, looks on.

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14/5/2011

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The master of ceremonies on the night was the inimitable John Wood

His relaxed easy going style laid a great platform for the informality that characterised the entire evening.

John had established his fame as the police sergeant in the Australian TV series, Blue Healers.

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13/5/2011

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After the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the Roxy,

the young pilot Sotiris Prineas, prepares his air craft, ready for take-off.

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13/5/2011

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Band master, Dimitri Prineas, arriving at Bingara airport from Bisbane

He and his crew arrived in a 6-seater Cessna aeroplane piloted by Dimitri's son.

Photograph: Dimitri Prineas, with band member Arturo Vides, at Bingara airport.

Band members included:

Dimitrios Prineas—Bouzouki & vocals

Giorgos Karonis ----Percussions & Drums

Giorgos Gaydov----Clarinet & Sax

Jose Alturo Vides----Violin &Trumpet

Paratsoukli is Karapatis.

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13/5/2011

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Meanwhile, the band, Ha Va Le Greek Party Band, arrived

by 6-seater Cessna aeroplane, from Brisbane, piloted by Dimitri's son, Sotiris Prineas.

Photograph: Sandy McNaughton's husband, Mark Byrne, with one of the Ha Va Le Greek Band members, at Bingara airport.

Band members included:

Dimitrios Prineas—Bouzouki & vocals

Giorgos Karonis ----Percussions & Drums

Giorgos Gaydov----Clarinet & Sax

Jose Alturo Vides----Violin &Trumpet

Paratsoukli is Karapatis.

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13/5/2011

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The sound system, being set up by the indispensible Martin Hansford

of Wombat Tracks Audio. Martin always displays true professionalism, and extraordinary enthusiasm and commitment to The Roxy

The bar staff are setting up in the background.

The seats are prepared in readiness for the audience to hear a number of lively and impassioned speeches.

Actor, John Wood, (now known in Kytherian circles as Yanni Ksilos), was the perfect master of ceremonies.

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13/5/2011

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Tables set up in readiness for the 75th Anniversary Ball

outside the Roxy complex in Bingara, NSW.

400 guests would be seated for the Ball, and "invasion" that the town could just barely cope with.

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13/5/2011

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Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Seating arrangements in place, on the street outside the Roxy complex

Bingara...in readiness for the 75th Anniversary Ball. 400 people attended, booking out accomodation not only in Bingara itself, but in 5-6 adjoining towns, like Barraba, Warialda, Delungara, Manilla & Inverell.

The street was blocked off and a Greek style celebration (panayiri) was soon to be "unleashed" on Bingara.

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13/5/2011

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Greek Flags being erected on the street poles outside the Roxy complex, Bingara

...in readiness for the 75th Anniversary Ball.

The street was blocked off and a Greek style celebration (panayiri) was held there.

The Gwydir Shire Council "backed" the event "all the way", by applying personnel and rescources (such as the "cherry pickers" pictured), to ensure the event had plenty of colour, character, and ambience.

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13/5/2011

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Greek Flags being erected on the street poles outside the Roxy complex, Bingara

...in readiness for the 75th Anniversary Ball.

The street was blocked off and a Greek style celebration (panayiri) was held there.

Open full entry

13/5/2011

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George C Poulos speaking at

the 75th Anniversary Ball. It was held "on the street", outside the Roxy Theatre, Cafe & Museum, on the evening of the 9th April, 2011.

George has been a "believer" in the Roxy, from the moment he first stepped into the building.

He delivered a very rousing speech on the Roxy, and Bingara, and the Kytherian and Hellenic involvement in the Roxy, later in the evening.

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13/5/2011

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Senator John Williams, National Party Senator delivering a speech

... at the 75th Anniversary celebrations of the Roxy Cinema, Cafe & Museum, Bingara, New South Wales.

9th & 10th April, 2011

Speech of Senator John Williams


Welcome distinguished guests, ladies and gentleman and those from the Greek community. It’s wonderful to have you here tonight. I do have ties with Bingara. When I went into politics a few years ago I soon learnt that you have to be friends with the media and of course the one piece of the media and one fear in politics was the Bingara Advocate. So, I got to know the lady that owns it and I married her two years ago. I don’t know if it has helped my political career or not.

I do pay special attention to former premier Bob Carr and his wife for being here tonight. I’m sure Bob you would rather be here in a nice atmosphere in Bingara than in Macquarie Street these days as it is a different atmosphere there.

It’s wonderful ladies and gentlemen how the three tiers of government have come forward together to restore the Roxy Theatre. And what it is going to do for Bingara in many, many years to come. Both the funding from the federal government and the State Government and the foresight of the local people here in Bingara to restore such a magnificent building .and here tonight we celebrate the 75 years of the Roxy. Imagine in 125 years time when it is 200 years old and there’s no doubt it will stand for that long - and longer. I hope there’s a population of Bingara of about 10,000 people. Living in a country town and community like Bingara is wonderful. There’s even plenty of water and people can sit back and say “well we are celebrating the 200 years of The Roxy Theatre.”

Looking back at what the Greek people did for Australia…the first immigrant from Greece came here in 1852 and many in the 1880’s and anyone who has lived in regional Australia like I have been fortunate to do all my life, will know about the Greek cafes - the wonderful service, the wonderful food and the wonderful people. I’m disappointed that my good friend Mina Coroneo is not here tonight with his wife, Eleni, who have been away and feeling a bit offbeat but he will soon be fine in the near future; my good friend George Souris and his wife Vassi. The one thing about George is if he sits with you, front row, you run the risk of getting hit with the hands when they fly around but everyone who knows George and what a wonderful man he is and now a Minister in the new Government he will do a great job there.

It’s just a tremendous part of history what the Greek people have done for our nation. Helping to build the culture, working, going to war for the defence of our nation and many coming out here after the Second World War with basically very little and nothing. What do they do? They saw a land of opportunity. They worked hard. They delivered the goods and services with a smile on their faces and became successful. And to me that is what life is about in Australia- a land of opportunity where people are prepared to work hard, invest well and save and there’s the success we see so much through the Greek community here tonight.

Ladies and gentleman, I live 70 km away but it’s wonderful to come down to Bingara on a frequent basis and it’s great to go to the Roxy Theatre. John I’ve been there when you provided so many laughs and so much entertainment. It’s a wonderful theatre and there will be a lot more entertainment and fun to come out of it. Enjoy your evening, thank you to everyone who have put so much into, not only the restoration, but the Tourist Information Centre, The Council and the theatre itself- a wonderful facility that is the envy of so many in Australia. Let’s enjoy it and especially tonight.

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12/5/2011

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John Wearne AM, delivering a speech at

... the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy Cinema, Cafe & Museum lanch, Bingara, New South Wales. 9th April, 2011.

THANK YOU JOHN WOOD, AND GOOD EVENING EVERYBODY.

WHAT A PLEASURE IT IS TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SAY A FEW WORDS ON SUCH A MEMORABLE OCCASION AS THIS.
MANY OF YOU WILL BE WELL ACQUAINTED WITH THE HISTORY OF THE ORIGINAL DEVELOPMENT IN 1936 OF WHAT WE COULD NOW EASILY CALL THE ROXY CENTRE.

LESS SPECTACULAR , BUT ALMOST AS FASCINATING , IS THE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS BEGINNING IN THE LATE 1990’S THAT LED TO THE RESTORATION OF THE THEATRE , THUS SETTING IN PLACE A FURTHER CHAIN OF DEVELOPMENT ENCOMPASSING THE CAFÉ AND UPSTAIRS RESIDENCE , AND WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY CULMINATE IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TAFE TRADE TRAINING CENTRE ATTACHED TO THE WESTERN END OF THE CAFÉ.

I MUST NOW CONFESS TO A RECURRING NIGHTMARE IN WHICH SANDY McNAUGHTON SUDDENLY SAYS “ WOULDN’T IT BE GREAT IF WE PURCHASED THE FORMER ROXY GUEST HOUSE AROUND THE CORNER TO GIVE US SOME EXTRA ACCOMMODATION”. AT WHICH I REPLY “ NOW SETTLE DOWN SANDY - HAVE YOU TAKEN YOUR PILLS YET TODAY ?”
BUT , HONESTLY , THE ROXY JOURNEY REALLY DID OCCUR VIA A SERIES OF IDEAS BEGINNING WITH “WOULDN’T IT BE GREAT IF ?”

IT BEGAN WHEN NANCY MACINNES AND OTHER COMMUNITY ADVOCATES SAID “WOULDN’T IT BE GREAT IF THE ROXY THEATRE COULD BE RESTORED , AT WHICH MAYOR PETER PANKHURST , GENERAL MANAGER PHIL HARVEY AND OTHERS REPLIED “IT WOULD!”

AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME ARTS NORTH WEST REGIONAL ARTS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER JACK RITCHIE APPROACHED PREMIER BOB CARR , WHO WAS ALSO MINISTER FOR THE ARTS , AND HIS ASSISTANT ARTS MINISTER BOB DEBUS , AND SAID “ WOULDN’T IT BE GREAT IF WE COULD ESTABLISH A CINEMA RESTORATION FUND ?”

AND , WHEN THEY DID , THE WHEELS WERE SET IN MOTION.
WE WERE LUCKY ON A NUMBER OF FRONTS. THE CINEMA AT BOWRAVILLE WAS ALREADY UNDER RESTORATION , AND THE ROXY WAS OBVIOSLY AVAILABLE AND A PRIME CANDIDATE, GIVEN ITS ALMOST UNIQUE HERITAGE VALUE. LUCKY ALSO THAT AN ARCHITECT WITH THE ABILITIES OF TONY DEAKIN WAS AVAILABLE AS NEARBY AS ARMIDALE.

THE MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH OCCURRED WHEN , AT THE VERY FIRST “FLICKS IN THE STICKS” SEMINAR AT DARLING HARBOUR , PREMIER BOB CARR ANNOUNCED A GRANT OF $100,000 FOR THE ROXY. I WELL REMEMBER MICHAEL GOSS FROM THE MINISTRY RINGING ME AND SAYING - “JOHN - THAT IS BY FAR THE BIGGEST GRANT WE HAVE EVER GIVEN TO A SMALL TOWN”. I THINK HE WAS NEARLY CRYING!

THAT WAS THE REAL BEGINNING , AS THE COUNCIL NOW HAD THE CONFIDENCE TO PURCHASE THE THEATRE. WE WERE ALSO INCREDIBLY FORTUNATE THAT IT WAS PROBABLY THE GOLDEN AGE OF SUPPORT FOR THE ARTS GENERALLY IN NEW SOUTH WALES , AND THE STATE GOVERNMENT CONTINUED TO FUND THE DEVELOPMENTAL PHASES OF THE PROJECT OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS THROUGH THEIR ARTS CAPITAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM. AS AN ASIDE , I WOULD HAVE TO SAY THAT FUNDING FOR ARTS PROJECTS SUCH AS THE ROXY HAS DETERIORATED NOWADAYS TO THE EXTENT THAT, IN THE RECENT STATE ELECTION , NEITHER OF THE MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES EVEN PUT OUT AN ARTS POLICY. WE WERE LUCKY INDEED!

OUR MAYOR HAS ALREADY RECOGNISED THE MAJOR ROLE THAT BOB CARR PLAYED THROUGH WHAT WAS VIRTUALLY HIS PERSONAL PATRONAGE OF THE ROXY , AND THAT IS WHY IT IS SO SIGNIFICANT THAT HE IS HERE WITH US THIS EVENING.
THE FINAL ICING ON THE CAKE CAME WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT BY THE HOWARD FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF THE REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM , AND , WITH THE VIGOROUS ASSISTANCE OF OUR THEN LOCAL MEMBER STUART ST. CLAIR , A GRANT OF $300,000 SAW THE RESTORATION “OVER THE LINE”.

SO…….IN THE INTERVENING YEARS , WHAT HAS ALL THIS MEANT TO BINGARA? WHAT IMPACT TO THE COMMUNITIES QUALITY OF LIFE HAS IT DELIVERED?

WHEN YOU CONSIDER HOW BINGARA HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED FROM A SMALL, RELATIVELY ORDINARY TOWN TO A VIBRANT , LIVELY PLACE WITH AN INCREASING POPULATION WITH SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE , MUCH OF OUR SUCCESS MUST GO DOWN TO THE ROXY. ALL SMALL TOWNS NEED “AN EDGE” TO SURVIVE - SOMETHING UNIQUE TO THEM THAT THEY NEED TO SEEK OUT.

IN OUR CASE WE COULD ALMOST CLAIM AN ARTS-LED ECONOMIC REVIVAL.

THE ROXY IS NOT ONLY A MECCA FOR VISITORS ; A CINEMA ; A PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE THAT ATTRACTS THE VERY BEST ENTERTAINMENT ; A M,USEUM THAT TRANSPORTS PEOPLE BACK TO ANOTHER TIME ; OR A CONFERENCE AND SEMINAR CENTRE NOW BEING USED CONSISTENTLY BY REGIONAL GROUPS. IT HAS BEEN ACCEPTED BY THIS COMMUNITY AS ITS TOWN HALL OR CIVIC CENTRE AND IS USED FOR VIRTUALLY ALL TYPES OF FUNCTIONS.

AND NOW TO THE PRESENT.

THE PARTNERSHIPS BEING FORGED WITH THE GREEK COMMUNITY , ESPECIALLY DESCENDANTS FROM KYTHERA , WILL RAISE THE ROXY TO NEW DIMENSIONS. IN YEARS TO COME IT WILL SERVE AS A MEMORIAL TO THE MASSIVE CONTRIBUTION THAT GREEK PEOPLE HAVE MADE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AND REGIONAL AUSTRALIA , AND CONTINUE TO MAKE. IT WILL GIVE PEOPLE OF MY GENERATION THE OPPORTUNITY TO TURN BACK THE TIME TO A PLACE WE GREW UP IN , AND A CULTURE THAT SHAPED OUR LIVES.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR MAKING THAT HAPPEN.

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12/5/2011

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Speech by the Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council, John Coulton

..... at the 75th Anniversary celebrations of the Roxy Theatre, Cafe, and Museum, Bingara, New South Wales.

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all our guests, whi have gathered here today for this celebration.

And I acknowledge the presence among us of the following distinguished guests.

Senator John Williams, National Senator

Mr Richard Torbay

Tania Chamber, Chief Executive of Screen NSW

John Wearne AM, President of the North West Theatre Company

Dr Victor Kepreotis, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia

Mr Angelo Crones, member of the Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust

Cr Barry Johnston OAM, Mayor, Inverell Shire Council

Mr Peter Prineas, Author of the definitive history of The Roxy “Katsehamos and the Great Idea”

Mrs Mari Metzke, Manager, Royal Australian Historical Society

Mrs Toni Risson, author, Aphrodite and the Mixed Grill

Mrs Nina Conomos, Senior Curriculum Adviser, Community Languages, Department of Education NSW

It is a wonderful to see the Hon. Bob Carr here. His presence is very significant. Mr Carr performed the official opening in 2004 and his personal patronage of the refurbishment of The Roxy whilst Premier was instrumental in the realization of the restoration of The Roxy Theatre. It is also lovely to see Mrs Carr here again.

I would also like to acknowledge the amazing foresight shown by the Bingara Council when they took the first step in purchasing The Roxy Theatre and restoring it.

The Roxy was built by three Greek immigrants from the island of Kythera. Today it is a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience: one that made an outstanding contribution to the development of Australia.

Greek cafés changed the course of Australia’s cultural history and left a significant legacy on our culinary and cultural landscape.

In his PHD thesis Kevin Cork advised us that: "If we are to remember these Greeks for their contributions to Australia's social, architectural and technological advancement, then it is imperative that there be Greek landmarks which are acknowledged at local and state level - ones that point to the achievements of the Greek-Australian cinema exhibitors... We cannot allow their histories to be forgotten, not when they provided services that positively affected millions of people, firstly, through their refreshment rooms and, secondly, through their picture theatres."

This is the intention of the Gwydir Shire Council. The Roxy will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural associations between people and place. It will provide opportunities for the celebration of Greek traditions that became embedded in Australia.

We are deeply indebted to many governments, institutions, and people. Among them:

The Federal Government for the grant of $750, 000 for the restoration of The Roxy café back to its original splendour.

The Roxy is a fitting memorial and living monument to the life and work of Hellenes and Kytherians in Australia. The Roxy is destined to become a sacred site and pilgrimage destination for Hellenes and Kytherians in Australia and the rest of the world.

The Kytherian Association of Australia

We are particulary honoured to welcome Dr Victor Kepreotis, the President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, together with a number of his committee members including Mr George Vardas; Mr George Poulos; Mr Theo Poulos; Mr Michael Mallos; Mr Angelo Andrew

The Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust

It gives me great pleasure to welcome Mr Angelo Crones from the Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust and to have this opportunity to thank the Trust for their generous contribution towards the Museum.

Nicholas Anthony Aroney, born in Kythera, migrated to Australia where he became a café proprietor and property investor. In his will he stipulated that a Trust be established in his name and bequeathed a substantial legacy to be applied to the preservation and enhancement of Hellenic and Kytherian language, religion and culture in perpetuity.

Since the Trust was inaugurated in 1988 it has been highly effective in funding high quality projects such as The Roxy Museum which was the recipient of $25,000 towards its development.

The Roxy Museum will become a place of national and international significance that collects, conserves and protects the important cultural associations between people and place.

The wider Kytherian and Hellenic community.
We are particularly delighted to see so many friends of Greek descent here. We are proud to have formally established a sister-city relationship with Kythera.

Heritage Branch, Department of Planning NSW

The most recent grant that the Gwydir Shire Council has been fortunate to receive will go towards the restoration of the etched glass on the façade of the café. We have been informed that this is an exquisite example of this type of work, one that is highly significant and extremely rare. We are very pleased that the Director of the Heritage Branch NSW, Petula Samios is here this evening, and take this opportunity to thank the Department for their generous assistance.

Royal Australian Historical Society

We thank the Society for their contribution, interest and support and are pleased that the Manager of the Society, Mrs Mari Metzke is here with us this evening.

I would also like to make the following Presentations:

There are many people who were instrumental in the restoration of The Roxy Café.

I invite the architects from Magoffin and Deakin to come up on the stage, and would like to make a presentation to:

Tony Deakin OAM, Michael McPhillips and David Huntley

I also invites the builders from Dominico Blue Building to come up on the stage, to accept this presentation:

Tim Russell, John Layton, Phil Poulsen
Unfortunately Doug Dunlop was not able to be here this evening.


I have further thank you's to deliver for donations to the Cafe and Museum:

There are a number of private benefactors whose contribution to the restoration project was significant. They include:

George & Lorraine Poulos. George was a member of The Roxy Café Project Restoration Committee

James, Peter, Manuel Aroney and families for restoring the original Peters and Co neon sign.

Others whose contribution is to be applauded include Mr and Mrs Bob Kirk, Mr Nick Politis, Ms Carolyn Rose, Mr Con Fardouly and Ms Dorothy Fardouly, Mr Gordon Fletcher, Mr and Mrs Peter Gianneas and Mr David Inman

Additionally I would like to thank the staff of the Gwydir Shire Council who worked tirelessly to make the event this weekend such a success

The indispensible Martin Hansford of Wombat Tracks Audio, for his professionalism, enthusiasm and extraordinary commitment to The Roxy

The Roxy volunteers, without whose invaluable contribution we would not be able to open the doors. We thank them for their dedication and their tireless efforts in ensuring that every event held at The Roxy is a success.

Thank you all very much.

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12/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Speech by Victor Kepreotis at the 75th Anniversary celebrations of the Roxy

April 9th and 10th, held in Bingara, New South Wales.

Victor Kepreotis is the long-standing President of the Kytherian Association of Australia.

President’s Address at Bingara Ball, 9/4/2011

As President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, now in its 89th year, I would like to congratulate all those responsible in the Bingara Shire Council who had the vision in 1999 to buy the Roxy building and plan to restore it to its former glory. Also many thanks to the Gwydir Shire Council members and staff who raised the funding with the help of the Community of Bingara, the Federal Government, the NSW State Government and the Trustees of the Estate of the Late Nicholas Anthony Aroney, that included the Late Professor Manuel James Aroney AM OBE, the Late Peter Comino, Leo Comino, and Mr Angelo Crones who is with us today.

The Greek Community and in particular the Kytherian Greeks, are truly indebted to all of you who have had a hand in preserving and bringing back to life this symbol of Greek settlement in Australia. Kythera is one of the small islands of Greece, 25 miles long and 12 miles wide that could not support its own population, so migration began in 1856 into the gold fields of NSW. When word would get back to Kythera that this was the ‘land of milk and honey’, fathers brought out their sons and uncles brought out their nephews, especially in the 1900’s and 1920’s.

So a familiar pattern emerged in many towns in country NSW and up to the sugar cane fields of Queensland, where the setting up of a Greek café serving breakfast, lunch and dinner at tables was a training ground for the immigrants.

Many were like my father, who came out as a 15 year old boy and not knowing any English, went to his older brother and uncle in Nowra where he would wash dishes and graduate to serving tables, slowly learning the language in sometimes slave - like conditions. Eventually they would buy the business or move to the next country town and set up their own café.

Others were like the partnerships of Peters & Co that included Emanuel Theo Aroney, George Psaltis and Peter Feros, whose grandson Peter Feros is here today and has written a book about the Great Idea of his grandfather making a success of oneself. These men expanded the successful café concept to include this Roxy complex, in particular the cinema and having the café opening late for the patrons to have supper and get togethers.

My 87 yr old mother and her 6 brothers and sisters were all born not far from here in Werris Creek and still talks about their café with billiard rooms above, and her travels to Quirindi and Tamworth. This story is repeated from Swan Hill in south-west NSW to Mackay in Queensland. However, here in Bingara stands one of the best examples of those entrepreneurial ventures.

Again, full credit to all of you involved in reviving the original meeting place for the townfolk to get together, have a yarn, food and some entertainment.

But just as significant is the concept of the Roxy Museum and Educational Centre focusing on Greek (Kytherian) settlement in country NSW and Queensland. This is because Kytherian Greeks were among the first Greeks to settle here and their cafes and picture theatres changed the course of Australia’s cultural and culinary landscape.

So I very much look forward to stepping 50 yrs back in time, where the efforts of people like my parents and the parents and grandparents of many of you here today, can be acknowledged and put on show for us and future generations to have an appreciation of the struggles, hardships and sacrifices they endured for us, their families here and back in Greece and Kythera.

Thank you very much.

Victor Kepreotis

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12/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Landline programme on ABC TV

Australian-Kytherians & Australian-Hellenes note.

A reminder that the Greek invasion of Bingara is on Landline, on ABC TV Channel 2, on Sunday 8 May 2011 at noon!

The programme is a comprehensive review of events that occurred in Bingara, NSW - namely: the grand opening of the "Kytherian" Roxy Cafe and Roxy Museum held on 9th & 10th April, 2011.

The Landline team was so impressed with events on the weekend, that the time devoted to the event has been extended to 16 minutes.

DON'T MISS IT!!!
www.abc.net.au/landline

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

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2/5/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Current Affairs

Landline programme on Roxy events screening soon.

Australian-Kytherians & Australian-Hellenes note.

A reminder that the Greek invasion of Bingara is on Landline, on ABC TV Channel 2, on Sunday 8 May 2011 at noon!

The programme is a comprehensive review of events that occurred in Bingara, NSW - namely: the grand opening of the "Kytherian" Roxy Cafe and Roxy Museum held on 9th & 10th April, 2011.

The Landline team was so impressed with events on the weekend, that the time devoted to the event has been extended to 16 minutes.

DON'T MISS IT!!!

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

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2/5/2011

Culture, Current Affairs

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Greek flavour to Roxy event

Northern Daily Leader

Monday, April 11, 2011, page 7

Story and photo: Anna Rose

Download a .pdf copy of this article here:

GreekflavourtoRoxyeventApril112011.pdf

Bingara is experiencing “an arts-led economic revival” – and thriving on it – if the weekend’s 75th anniversary celebrations of the Roxy are any yardstick.

On Saturday night close to 400 people did just what they do on the Greek island of Kythera.

They gathered in the town’s main street where they ate, drank, danced and made merry until the wee hours of yesterday.

The majority of those present were of Greek descent, and were delighted to witness the official unveiling of the historic Roxy café, adjacent to the magnificent art-deco theatre built by three Kytherians in 1936.

In official speeches leading up to the opening, former councillor and mayor of the then Bingara and later Gwydir shire councils, John
Wearne, addressed the gathering.

“The development of the Roxy and its surrounding buildings has more than served this arts-led revival for the town, ”Mr Wearne said.
“While many small towns are struggling for survival, Bingara is thriving. “That struggle is often due to their inability to find that
special thing that’s quintessentially theirs, and to seek out one or more outstanding promotable features unique to their own area.

“In our case, the Roxy has supplied us with a set of opportunities which has completely swung the fortunes of the town around.”

Among the revellers were descendants of the three original forward-thinking businessmen – Peter Feros, George Psaltis and Emanuel Aroney.

Peter Prineas, the grandson of Mr Feros, is the author of a book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, which features a chapter on the creation of the Roxy.

Mr Aroney’s grandsons – Emanuel, Peter and James, and their families, all made a connection with Bingara that will last a lifetime.

Among those celebrating the Roxy’s anniversary was former NSW premier Bob Carr and wife Helena. Mr Carr was the premier when the
original $100,000 funding was allocated to begin work restoring the Roxy.

While many people say it’s best not to dwell on the past, Bingara and its newfound Greek friends may tell you different.

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23/4/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Hunt on to find proprietor to run revamped eatery

Northern Daily Leader

Saturday, April 2, 2011 - page 47

Article available here as a .pdf:

/download/Hunt_on_to_find_proprietor_to_run_revamped_eatery.pdf

The hunt is on for a new proprietor to run the refurbished café at the Roxy Theatre. The theatre, which includes one of the few surviving exponents of the Greek café culture in rural NSW, is celebrating its 75th anniversary next Friday.

“We’ll be having an official launch of the café on April 9
and 10,” Roxy Theatre manager Sandy McNaughton said.

A Museum of Greek Settlement is also being incorporated within the
refurbishment. “We’re now seeking further funding for the museum,” Ms McNaughton said.

The theatre was bought by Gwydir Shire Council in 1999; the cafe was bought by the council in 2007.

The theatre was restored in 2003 and reopened in 2004; the café’s restoration process started in February 2010 and was “nearly finished – we’re just waiting on the lights”, Ms McNaughton said.

“We’ve relocated the tourist information centre as well, to incorporate a stairwell and lift as part of the restoration (of the café).”

She said the theatre had “suspended some shows and screenings” while the café restoration was under way.

The Roxy Theatre was built in 1936. The art decostyled café, called Peters & Co Café, was run by three Greek immigrants from the island of Kythera – Peter Feros, George Psaltis and Emanuel Aroney.

“The café shut down in the 1960s and it became a Chinese restaurant,” Ms McNaughton said. “We’re trying to restore it as faithfully as we can, back to its original state.”

Ms McNaughton said she had an original table and three chairs and the original sign from the front of the café which had been restored, plus some of the original booths. “We also have reinstated counters from a café in Inverell,” she said.

“The historical and heritage aspect is essential.

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22/4/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafe Scene revived

Northern Daily Leader

Saturday, April 2, 2011 - pages 45, 46 & 47

Article available here as a .pdf:

Cafe_scene_revived_Northern_Daily_Leader_April_2_2011.pdf

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22/4/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

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Greek cafe a culturally significant site

Greek cafes were the pre-cursor to the country's fast-food industry and mostly served everything but Greek food.

The once-ubiquitous "mixed grill" has become part of Australia's official cultural heritage.

Greek cafes were the pre-cursor to the country's fast-food industry and mostly served everything but Greek food.

They were found in many country towns... and often provided employment for extended families.

Now one such cafe has been recognised by the Heritage Board of New South Wales, as part of a broadening of

the criteria for culturally significant sites.

Peggy Giakoumelos reports.

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22/4/2011

Audio/Video, Diaspora Interviews

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Guests get taste of new-old cafe

Northern Daily Leader

leaderxtra

Tuesday, April 19, 2011, page 12

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Guests_get_taste_of_new-old_cafe_s.pdf

The first two milkshakes at the newly-launched Peters & Co (Roxy) Cafe in Bingara were consumed by local residents Bob and Elva Kirk when the gala launch party was held earlier this month. The Kirks purchased the cafe, which was originally opened on March 28, 1936, in the mid- 1960s. They lived with their young family in the upstairs area and operated a memorabilia shop downstairs.

In 1989 the Kirks sold it to Peter Yuen, who operated it as a Chinese restaurant for the next two decades before it was purchased by Gwydir Shire Council in 2007.

Thanks to a $750,000 heritage grant in 2009, work began on restoring the magnificent art deco cafe to its original splendour. Instead of the builders, Dominico Blue Builders, of Armidale, having to reproduce the original cafe, most of the original fittings and fixtures were utilised, thanks to Mr Kirk’s “bowerbird” tendencies.

He had kept most of the furnishings from the cafe and adjacent Roxy Theatre’s in storage when he was custodian of the building, so it was only fitting that Mr and Mrs Kirk were first up at the milkshake counter at the Saturday night opening.

Creating the frothy delights for the couple and other guests were former Inverell cafe operators Con Fardouly and Peter & Judy Gianneas, as well as Peter McCarthy and George Poulos.

The gala ball in Bingara’s Maitland St attracted 400 patrons, the majority of whom were of Greek descent. Several of those were direct descendants of the cafe’s builders: Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros and George Psaltis.

A Greek band, Ha Va Le, created the atmosphere, along with the performing dance troupe from the Greek Orthodox community of NSW, Lakemba, under the direction of Paroula Thurban.

Special guests at the dinner included Senator John Williams, former NSW premier Bob Carr, Gwydir Shire Council mayor John Coulton, actor John Wood, who performed MC duties for the evening, and Kytherian Association of Australia president Dr Victor Kepreotis.

Also at the weekend, the Greek museum, housed above the historic cafe and theatre, was launched. This will become a place of national significance that traces the story of Greek immigration to Australia, and the history of Greek cafes as they spread across our nation to major cities and became ingrained in the culture of small country towns.

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21/4/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Roxy Picture Show Man: John Wood (aka Yiannis Xylos)

Left to right: Angelo Crones, Aroney Trustee, Theo Poulos, Committee, Kytherian Association of Australia, and John Wood

This article was also published in the Hellenic Herald, Sydney, Tuesday 19 April, 2011, page 23

Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Picture_Show_Man_George_Vardas_s.pdf

At the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Roxy Theatre, the renown Australian actor John Wood (Senior Sergeant Tom Croydon from Blue Heelers) acted as Master of Ceremonies during the Gala Ball and also presented a special screening of an episode of “As Australian As” on the Bio Channel that featured the restored Roxy Theatre in Bingara.

John’s love affair with the Roxy goes back to when he appeared in the David Williamson play The Club five years ago in Bingara. For John, the Roxy Theatre and its magnificent Art deco architecture and ambience and its quaint rural setting is one of the stories that makes him appreciate what it means to be “as Australian as”. In an interview given by John when he was in Bingara for the making of the documentary, he commented that what also really appealed to himwas the human element behind the building of the Roxy Cafe in 1936 by the three Kytherian Greeks.

John Wood was sufficiently impressed by the efforts of Sandy McNaughton and the local community in the restoration project that he remarked at the time that he was looking forward to receiving his invitation to the opening.

Well John Wood did get an invite and he was a hit at the Ball. Affectionately renamed Yiannis Xylos, John took to his Greek persona with aplomb. As the night of the ball wore on and into Sunday the relative quiet of this country town was punctuated from time to time by calls of “yiassou Yianni”. We even got to hear John Wood’s Greek mafioso accent – imagine a cross between Robert De Niro and Con the Fruiterer.

Yiannis spoke eloquently at the opening and mingled with locals and Greek-Australian visitors to the town. He also revealed another passion of his, that of the campaign for the raising and partial restoration of Australia’s first battleship, the Monitor-class HMAS Cerberus, which lies partially submerged in Half Moon Bay in Victoria. But that’s another story.

Our weekend at Bingara was truly enriched by making the acquaintance of John (Yiannis) Wood.

George Vardas

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21/4/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Roxy Picture Show Man: John Wood (aka Yiannis Xylos)

John Wood appearing in an episode of “As Australian As” featuring the Roxy Theatre

This article was also published in the Hellenic Herald, Sydney, Tuesday 19 April, 2011, page 23

Download a copy of this article as a .pdf:

Picture_Show_Man_George_Vardas_s.pdf

At the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Roxy Theatre, the renown Australian actor John Wood (Senior Sergeant Tom Croydon from Blue Heelers) acted as Master of Ceremonies during the Gala Ball and also presented a special screening of an episode of “As Australian As” on the Bio Channel that featured the restored Roxy Theatre in Bingara.

John’s love affair with the Roxy goes back to when he appeared in the David Williamson play The Club five years ago in Bingara. For John, the Roxy Theatre and its magnificent Art deco architecture and ambience and its quaint rural setting is one of the stories that makes him appreciate what it means to be “as Australian as”. In an interview given by John when he was in Bingara for the making of the documentary, he commented that what also really appealed to himwas the human element behind the building of the Roxy Cafe in 1936 by the three Kytherian Greeks.

John Wood was sufficiently impressed by the efforts of Sandy McNaughton and the local community in the restoration project that he remarked at the time that he was looking forward to receiving his invitation to the opening.

Well John Wood did get an invite and he was a hit at the Ball. Affectionately renamed Yiannis Xylos, John took to his Greek persona with aplomb. As the night of the ball wore on and into Sunday the relative quiet of this country town was punctuated from time to time by calls of “yiassou Yianni”. We even got to hear John Wood’s Greek mafioso accent – imagine a cross between Robert De Niro and Con the Fruiterer.

Yiannis spoke eloquently at the opening and mingled with locals and Greek-Australian visitors to the town. He also revealed another passion of his, that of the campaign for the raising and partial restoration of Australia’s first battleship, the Monitor-class HMAS Cerberus, which lies partially submerged in Half Moon Bay in Victoria. But that’s another story.

Our weekend at Bingara was truly enriched by making the acquaintance of John (Yiannis) Wood.

George Vardas

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20/4/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

George Vardas, author of this article, in an Art Deco moment

75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF THE ROXY

The Greeks return to Bingara

Written by George Vardas, the Cultural Officer and Library Director, Kytherian Association of Australia

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Greeks_Return_to_Bingara _1_George_Vardas.pdf

By now most readers are familiar with the Roxy story. How in 1936 three intrepid Kytherian-born entrepreneurs, Peter Feros, George Psaltis and Emmanuel Aroney built a fabulous Art Deco theatre, three independent retail premises, a café and guest house - their “Palace of Dreams” - in the small rural township of Bingara in the New England area of New South Wales.

In his delightful book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, in which he chronicles the history of the Roxy, Peter Prineas recalls the efforts by a local businessman, Victor Peacocke who operated the rival Regent Theatre, to try and influence local authorities in opposing the plans for the Roxy. At one point, in a letter to his local MP in September 1934, Peacocke warned of the “Greek invasion into our little burg”.

Well, that ‘prophecy’ finally came true on the weekend of 9-10 April 2011 when Bingara celebrated in grand style the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Roxy Theatre and the adjoining Peters Café. The Greeks descended upon Bingara en masse, and showed the locals how to party.

The town of Bingara (pronounced ‘bin-gara’) is situated on the banks of the beautiful Gwydir River. Seven hours by road from Sydney along the New England Highway and at the end of the Fossickers Way, Bingara - derived from an Aboriginal word meaning “shallow water’ - is a quaint and picturesque country town.

I had been looking forward to this for weeks and drove up with George Cassim and Chris Tsolakis. The long drive was made more enjoyable by us listening to an eclectic though slightly incongruous mix of music by the likes of Mikis Theodorakis, the Jersey Boys, Cabaret Balkan, Roy Orbison, Vicky Moscholiou, Nikos Xylouris and Blondie. But it did not stop there. We wanted to make an entrance. And sure enough just as dusk had set in bemused locals were confronted by three rowdy Greeks driving up and down the main street several times to the strains of Theodorakis’ Zorba the Greek blaring out. The Greek ‘invasion’ was well and truly on.

There was also a special dimension to my first trip to Bingara. My father, John Vardas, came to Australia when he was 19. Like many who came before him, and after, John followed the well-travelled route through country New South Wales to work in established cafes and restaurants, mostly operated by Kytherians, before making enough to return to Sydney to open his own business. The Greek café and milk bar culture had a strong presence in rural and regional NSW in those years. John recalls that during the war years he passed through Bingara and may have even stayed the night.

This was the essential Greek migration experience and we were about to relive one of its more interesting chapters.

The Roxy first opened to the public on Saturday 28 March 1936. It was a landmark building. According to the Bingara Advocate at the time, “no event in the history of Bingara had caused more interest or excitement” as the opening night horde took over the street such that “long before opening time, it was impossible to wind one’s way through the crowd in front of the main entrance.”

75 years later and the clock was turned back with the celebrations and the official re-launch of the refurbished Peters Café, together with a preview of the site of the Roxy Museum that will be integrated into the venue. Then followed the Black Tie Gala Ball to recall the glamour of the 1930s.

The scene of the panayiri at the intersection of Cunningham and Maitland Streets could have been easily mistaken for the plateia of Mitata or any other village on Kythera. Alright, perhaps the black ties and long gowns were a slight give-away, but the kefi was certainly there as was the brilliant music of the Kytherian band “Havana” entertained the crowd.

The locals were fantastic. On the first day, local businessman Rick Hutton introduced the various speakers inside the Roxy and gained loud applause for his equally loud suits and bow ties. He made the point that country towns are dying and in the Roxy the locals have placed high hopes for a renaissance in tourism and the performing arts as people travel to Bingara to be part of the Roxy phenomenon.

The vivacious and energetic Roxy Manager, Sandy McNaughton, spoke with passion about the effort to restore the Roxy and described how she had been overwhelmed by the response of the Greek community.

As Sandy explained, the Roxy is a story about big ideas which had its humble beginnings in Kythera. Bingara was a sort of frontier town in the 1930s and yet it was witness to the creation of a Greek landmark which symbolized the Greek-Australian migration experience. The restoration efforts that went into the re-birth of Peters Café as a café and refreshment room were nothing short of miraculous. Sandy noted in particular the efforts of locals Bob and Elva Kirk who had the foresight, after selling the freehold land upon which the café was operated to a Chinese restaurateur in 1989, to retain much of the interior of the café which otherwise would have been stripped and thrown out. To the restorers’ delight, the Kirks had managed to hang on to original wood panelling, a section of booths or cubicles including the original table tops, marble shelving, a glass window panel and decorative etched glass panes. They even had the original neon sign.

The Greek café is a quintessential Australian phenomenon that changed the cultural and culinary landscape forever and was in fact described by some as the “Trojan Horse” for the Americanization of Australian food tastes. Peters Café is a vivid, living reminder of that part of our collective history.

Visitors were then treated to a newsreel from 1936 entitled “A Year to Remember” that presented an overview of the events in the year the Roxy was opened. A highlight was the showing of the first film ever screened at The Roxy, Roberta, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as well as cartoons from the period. As Roxy manager Sandy McNaughton had previously commented, the screenings would be like a “step back in time when going to the cinema was an event in itself”.

In the afternoon, the street in front of the Roxy was converted into a open dining room, with white table-clothed tables, a special menu, olive branches and tea lights to create that special Mediterranean ambience in a rural outback setting.

After the official speeches, the ribbon was cut and patrons were able to enter the café and enjoy a milk shake. Not a thick shake or some latter day milky abomination. But a real milk shake with country milk, dollops of ice cream and rich flavor, made by experts such as Con Fardouleys, Peter Makarthis and even our own George Poulos. A milk shake to die for.

And then came the food and the dancing. Roast lamb, goat, spanakopita, zorba the greek, zembekika, plate smashing, olive branches , kefi and an Australian acting icon Yiannis Xylo (aka John Wood) all came together under a starry-lit night in a fantastic celebration of a dream come true. A troupe of Greek dancers in traditional costume performed a range of Greek dances. The Roxy complex, a palace of dreams from a bygone age, had come alive.

Greek dancing also took over the square, followed by the inevitable smashing of plates. This was possibly the most un-Kytherian thing of the night: paying money to buy plates only to send them hurtling into the ground. But it made for good vision as the film crew from ABC’s Landline program captured the celebrations and the dancing and the kefi. It was as though Bingara meets Mitata.

It was truly a memorable and great weekend. 75 years ago three young men from Kythera had a dream. Although their initial venture ended in bankruptcy, their dreams were realised even more than they could have imagined with the re-birth of the Roxy complex in Bingara in all its Art Deco glory.

Kythera now has a new adopted town. Although not on the island, the township of Bingara will remain in our hearts and minds forever.

George Vardas

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19/4/2011

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Copious amounts of food on the dinner plates as served at the...

...75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF THE ROXY

The Greeks return to Bingara

Written by George Vardas, the Cultural Officer and Library Director, Kytherian Association of Australia

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Greeks_Return_to_Bingara _1_George_Vardas.pdf

By now most readers are familiar with the Roxy story. How in 1936 three intrepid Kytherian-born entrepreneurs, Peter Feros, George Psaltis and Emmanuel Aroney built a fabulous Art Deco theatre, three independent retail premises, a café and guest house - their “Palace of Dreams” - in the small rural township of Bingara in the New England area of New South Wales.

In his delightful book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, in which he chronicles the history of the Roxy, Peter Prineas recalls the efforts by a local businessman, Victor Peacocke who operated the rival Regent Theatre, to try and influence local authorities in opposing the plans for the Roxy. At one point, in a letter to his local MP in September 1934, Peacocke warned of the “Greek invasion into our little burg”.

Well, that ‘prophecy’ finally came true on the weekend of 9-10 April 2011 when Bingara celebrated in grand style the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Roxy Theatre and the adjoining Peters Café. The Greeks descended upon Bingara en masse, and showed the locals how to party.

The town of Bingara (pronounced ‘bin-gara’) is situated on the banks of the beautiful Gwydir River. Seven hours by road from Sydney along the New England Highway and at the end of the Fossickers Way, Bingara - derived from an Aboriginal word meaning “shallow water’ - is a quaint and picturesque country town.

I had been looking forward to this for weeks and drove up with George Cassim and Chris Tsolakis. The long drive was made more enjoyable by us listening to an eclectic though slightly incongruous mix of music by the likes of Mikis Theodorakis, the Jersey Boys, Cabaret Balkan, Roy Orbison, Vicky Moscholiou, Nikos Xylouris and Blondie. But it did not stop there. We wanted to make an entrance. And sure enough just as dusk had set in bemused locals were confronted by three rowdy Greeks driving up and down the main street several times to the strains of Theodorakis’ Zorba the Greek blaring out. The Greek ‘invasion’ was well and truly on.

There was also a special dimension to my first trip to Bingara. My father, John Vardas, came to Australia when he was 19. Like many who came before him, and after, John followed the well-travelled route through country New South Wales to work in established cafes and restaurants, mostly operated by Kytherians, before making enough to return to Sydney to open his own business. The Greek café and milk bar culture had a strong presence in rural and regional NSW in those years. John recalls that during the war years he passed through Bingara and may have even stayed the night.

This was the essential Greek migration experience and we were about to relive one of its more interesting chapters.

The Roxy first opened to the public on Saturday 28 March 1936. It was a landmark building. According to the Bingara Advocate at the time, “no event in the history of Bingara had caused more interest or excitement” as the opening night horde took over the street such that “long before opening time, it was impossible to wind one’s way through the crowd in front of the main entrance.”

75 years later and the clock was turned back with the celebrations and the official re-launch of the refurbished Peters Café, together with a preview of the site of the Roxy Museum that will be integrated into the venue. Then followed the Black Tie Gala Ball to recall the glamour of the 1930s.

The scene of the panayiri at the intersection of Cunningham and Maitland Streets could have been easily mistaken for the plateia of Mitata or any other village on Kythera. Alright, perhaps the black ties and long gowns were a slight give-away, but the kefi was certainly there as was the brilliant music of the Kytherian band “Havana” entertained the crowd.

The locals were fantastic. On the first day, local businessman Rick Hutton introduced the various speakers inside the Roxy and gained loud applause for his equally loud suits and bow ties. He made the point that country towns are dying and in the Roxy the locals have placed high hopes for a renaissance in tourism and the performing arts as people travel to Bingara to be part of the Roxy phenomenon.

The vivacious and energetic Roxy Manager, Sandy McNaughton, spoke with passion about the effort to restore the Roxy and described how she had been overwhelmed by the response of the Greek community.

As Sandy explained, the Roxy is a story about big ideas which had its humble beginnings in Kythera. Bingara was a sort of frontier town in the 1930s and yet it was witness to the creation of a Greek landmark which symbolized the Greek-Australian migration experience. The restoration efforts that went into the re-birth of Peters Café as a café and refreshment room were nothing short of miraculous. Sandy noted in particular the efforts of locals Bob and Elva Kirk who had the foresight, after selling the freehold land upon which the café was operated to a Chinese restaurateur in 1989, to retain much of the interior of the café which otherwise would have been stripped and thrown out. To the restorers’ delight, the Kirks had managed to hang on to original wood panelling, a section of booths or cubicles including the original table tops, marble shelving, a glass window panel and decorative etched glass panes. They even had the original neon sign.

The Greek café is a quintessential Australian phenomenon that changed the cultural and culinary landscape forever and was in fact described by some as the “Trojan Horse” for the Americanization of Australian food tastes. Peters Café is a vivid, living reminder of that part of our collective history.

Visitors were then treated to a newsreel from 1936 entitled “A Year to Remember” that presented an overview of the events in the year the Roxy was opened. A highlight was the showing of the first film ever screened at The Roxy, Roberta, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as well as cartoons from the period. As Roxy manager Sandy McNaughton had previously commented, the screenings would be like a “step back in time when going to the cinema was an event in itself”.

In the afternoon, the street in front of the Roxy was converted into a open dining room, with white table-clothed tables, a special menu, olive branches and tea lights to create that special Mediterranean ambience in a rural outback setting.

After the official speeches, the ribbon was cut and patrons were able to enter the café and enjoy a milk shake. Not a thick shake or some latter day milky abomination. But a real milk shake with country milk, dollops of ice cream and rich flavor, made by experts such as Con Fardouleys, Peter Makarthis and even our own George Poulos. A milk shake to die for.

And then came the food and the dancing. [See food plate, as lead photo in this entry]. Roast lamb, goat, spanakopita, zorba the greek, zembekika, plate smashing, olive branches , kefi and an Australian acting icon Yiannis Xylo (aka John Wood) all came together under a starry-lit night in a fantastic celebration of a dream come true. A troupe of Greek dancers in traditional costume performed a range of Greek dances. The Roxy complex, a palace of dreams from a bygone age, had come alive.

Greek dancing also took over the square, followed by the inevitable smashing of plates. This was possibly the most un-Kytherian thing of the night: paying money to buy plates only to send them hurtling into the ground. But it made for good vision as the film crew from ABC’s Landline program captured the celebrations and the dancing and the kefi. It was as though Bingara meets Mitata.

It was truly a memorable and great weekend. 75 years ago three young men from Kythera had a dream. Although their initial venture ended in bankruptcy, their dreams were realised even more than they could have imagined with the re-birth of the Roxy complex in Bingara in all its Art Deco glory.

Kythera now has a new adopted town. Although not on the island, the township of Bingara will remain in our hearts and minds forever.

George Vardas

The writer in an Art Deco moment

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19/4/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Roxy Milkshake container. Specially made for...

....the 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF THE ROXY

The Greeks return to Bingara

Written by George Vardas, the Cultural Officer and Library Director, Kytherian Association of Australia

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Greeks_Return_to_Bingara _1_George_Vardas.pdf

By now most readers are familiar with the Roxy story. How in 1936 three intrepid Kytherian-born entrepreneurs, Peter Feros, George Psaltis and Emmanuel Aroney built a fabulous Art Deco theatre, three independent retail premises, a café and guest house - their “Palace of Dreams” - in the small rural township of Bingara in the New England area of New South Wales.

In his delightful book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, in which he chronicles the history of the Roxy, Peter Prineas recalls the efforts by a local businessman, Victor Peacocke who operated the rival Regent Theatre, to try and influence local authorities in opposing the plans for the Roxy. At one point, in a letter to his local MP in September 1934, Peacocke warned of the “Greek invasion into our little burg”.

Well, that ‘prophecy’ finally came true on the weekend of 9-10 April 2011 when Bingara celebrated in grand style the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Roxy Theatre and the adjoining Peters Café. The Greeks descended upon Bingara en masse, and showed the locals how to party.

The town of Bingara (pronounced ‘bin-gara’) is situated on the banks of the beautiful Gwydir River. Seven hours by road from Sydney along the New England Highway and at the end of the Fossickers Way, Bingara - derived from an Aboriginal word meaning “shallow water’ - is a quaint and picturesque country town.

I had been looking forward to this for weeks and drove up with George Cassim and Chris Tsolakis. The long drive was made more enjoyable by us listening to an eclectic though slightly incongruous mix of music by the likes of Mikis Theodorakis, the Jersey Boys, Cabaret Balkan, Roy Orbison, Vicky Moscholiou, Nikos Xylouris and Blondie. But it did not stop there. We wanted to make an entrance. And sure enough just as dusk had set in bemused locals were confronted by three rowdy Greeks driving up and down the main street several times to the strains of Theodorakis’ Zorba the Greek blaring out. The Greek ‘invasion’ was well and truly on.

There was also a special dimension to my first trip to Bingara. My father, John Vardas, came to Australia when he was 19. Like many who came before him, and after, John followed the well-travelled route through country New South Wales to work in established cafes and restaurants, mostly operated by Kytherians, before making enough to return to Sydney to open his own business. The Greek café and milk bar culture had a strong presence in rural and regional NSW in those years. John recalls that during the war years he passed through Bingara and may have even stayed the night.

This was the essential Greek migration experience and we were about to relive one of its more interesting chapters.

The Roxy first opened to the public on Saturday 28 March 1936. It was a landmark building. According to the Bingara Advocate at the time, “no event in the history of Bingara had caused more interest or excitement” as the opening night horde took over the street such that “long before opening time, it was impossible to wind one’s way through the crowd in front of the main entrance.”

75 years later and the clock was turned back with the celebrations and the official re-launch of the refurbished Peters Café, together with a preview of the site of the Roxy Museum that will be integrated into the venue. Then followed the Black Tie Gala Ball to recall the glamour of the 1930s.

The scene of the panayiri at the intersection of Cunningham and Maitland Streets could have been easily mistaken for the plateia of Mitata or any other village on Kythera. Alright, perhaps the black ties and long gowns were a slight give-away, but the kefi was certainly there as was the brilliant music of the Kytherian band “Havana” entertained the crowd.

The locals were fantastic. On the first day, local businessman Rick Hutton introduced the various speakers inside the Roxy and gained loud applause for his equally loud suits and bow ties. He made the point that country towns are dying and in the Roxy the locals have placed high hopes for a renaissance in tourism and the performing arts as people travel to Bingara to be part of the Roxy phenomenon.

The vivacious and energetic Roxy Manager, Sandy McNaughton, spoke with passion about the effort to restore the Roxy and described how she had been overwhelmed by the response of the Greek community.

As Sandy explained, the Roxy is a story about big ideas which had its humble beginnings in Kythera. Bingara was a sort of frontier town in the 1930s and yet it was witness to the creation of a Greek landmark which symbolized the Greek-Australian migration experience. The restoration efforts that went into the re-birth of Peters Café as a café and refreshment room were nothing short of miraculous. Sandy noted in particular the efforts of locals Bob and Elva Kirk who had the foresight, after selling the freehold land upon which the café was operated to a Chinese restaurateur in 1989, to retain much of the interior of the café which otherwise would have been stripped and thrown out. To the restorers’ delight, the Kirks had managed to hang on to original wood panelling, a section of booths or cubicles including the original table tops, marble shelving, a glass window panel and decorative etched glass panes. They even had the original neon sign.

The Greek café is a quintessential Australian phenomenon that changed the cultural and culinary landscape forever and was in fact described by some as the “Trojan Horse” for the Americanization of Australian food tastes. Peters Café is a vivid, living reminder of that part of our collective history.

Visitors were then treated to a newsreel from 1936 entitled “A Year to Remember” that presented an overview of the events in the year the Roxy was opened. A highlight was the showing of the first film ever screened at The Roxy, Roberta, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as well as cartoons from the period. As Roxy manager Sandy McNaughton had previously commented, the screenings would be like a “step back in time when going to the cinema was an event in itself”.

In the afternoon, the street in front of the Roxy was converted into a open dining room, a special menu, olive branches and tea lights to create that special Mediterranean ambience in a rural outback setting.

After the official speeches, the ribbon was cut and patrons were able to enter the café and enjoy a milk shake. Not a thick shake or some latter day milky abomination. But a real milk shake with country milk, dollops of ice cream and rich flavor, made by experts such as Con Fardouleys, Peter Makarthis and even our own George Poulos. A milk shake to die for.

And then came the food and the dancing. Roast lamb, goat, spanakopita, zorba the greek, zembekika, plate smashing, olive branches , kefi and an Australian acting icon Yiannis Xylo (aka John Wood) all came together under a starry-lit night in a fantastic celebration of a dream come true. A troupe of Greek dancers in traditional costume performed a range of Greek dances. The Roxy complex, a palace of dreams from a bygone age, had come alive.

Greek dancing also took over the square, followed by the inevitable smashing of plates. This was possibly the most un-Kytherian thing of the night: paying money to buy plates only to send them hurtling into the ground. But it made for good vision as the film crew from ABC’s Landline program captured the celebrations and the dancing and the kefi. It was as though Bingara meets Mitata.

It was truly a memorable and great weekend. 75 years ago three young men from Kythera had a dream. Although their initial venture ended in bankruptcy, their dreams were realised even more than they could have imagined with the re-birth of the Roxy complex in Bingara in all its Art Deco glory.

Kythera now has a new adopted town. Although not on the island, the township of Bingara will remain in our hearts and minds forever.

George Vardas

The writer in an Art Deco moment

Open full entry

19/4/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Tables laid out in the plattiea for 400 seated guests

75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF THE ROXY

The Greeks return to Bingara

Written by George Vardas, the Cultural Officer and Library Director, Kytherian Association of Australia

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Greeks_Return_to_Bingara _1_George_Vardas.pdf

By now most readers are familiar with the Roxy story. How in 1936 three intrepid Kytherian-born entrepreneurs, Peter Feros, George Psaltis and Emmanuel Aroney built a fabulous Art Deco theatre, three independent retail premises, a café and guest house - their “Palace of Dreams” - in the small rural township of Bingara in the New England area of New South Wales.

In his delightful book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, in which he chronicles the history of the Roxy, Peter Prineas recalls the efforts by a local businessman, Victor Peacocke who operated the rival Regent Theatre, to try and influence local authorities in opposing the plans for the Roxy. At one point, in a letter to his local MP in September 1934, Peacocke warned of the “Greek invasion into our little burg”.

Well, that ‘prophecy’ finally came true on the weekend of 9-10 April 2011 when Bingara celebrated in grand style the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Roxy Theatre and the adjoining Peters Café. The Greeks descended upon Bingara en masse, and showed the locals how to party.

The town of Bingara (pronounced ‘bin-gara’) is situated on the banks of the beautiful Gwydir River. Seven hours by road from Sydney along the New England Highway and at the end of the Fossickers Way, Bingara - derived from an Aboriginal word meaning “shallow water’ - is a quaint and picturesque country town.

I had been looking forward to this for weeks and drove up with George Cassim and Chris Tsolakis. The long drive was made more enjoyable by us listening to an eclectic though slightly incongruous mix of music by the likes of Mikis Theodorakis, the Jersey Boys, Cabaret Balkan, Roy Orbison, Vicky Moscholiou, Nikos Xylouris and Blondie. But it did not stop there. We wanted to make an entrance. And sure enough just as dusk had set in bemused locals were confronted by three rowdy Greeks driving up and down the main street several times to the strains of Theodorakis’ Zorba the Greek blaring out. The Greek ‘invasion’ was well and truly on.

There was also a special dimension to my first trip to Bingara. My father, John Vardas, came to Australia when he was 19. Like many who came before him, and after, John followed the well-travelled route through country New South Wales to work in established cafes and restaurants, mostly operated by Kytherians, before making enough to return to Sydney to open his own business. The Greek café and milk bar culture had a strong presence in rural and regional NSW in those years. John recalls that during the war years he passed through Bingara and may have even stayed the night.

This was the essential Greek migration experience and we were about to relive one of its more interesting chapters.

The Roxy first opened to the public on Saturday 28 March 1936. It was a landmark building. According to the Bingara Advocate at the time, “no event in the history of Bingara had caused more interest or excitement” as the opening night horde took over the street such that “long before opening time, it was impossible to wind one’s way through the crowd in front of the main entrance.”

75 years later and the clock was turned back with the celebrations and the official re-launch of the refurbished Peters Café, together with a preview of the site of the Roxy Museum that will be integrated into the venue. Then followed the Black Tie Gala Ball to recall the glamour of the 1930s.

The scene of the panayiri at the intersection of Cunningham and Maitland Streets could have been easily mistaken for the plateia of Mitata or any other village on Kythera. Alright, perhaps the black ties and long gowns were a slight give-away, but the kefi was certainly there as was the brilliant music of the Kytherian band “Havana” entertained the crowd.

The locals were fantastic. On the first day, local businessman Rick Hutton introduced the various speakers inside the Roxy and gained loud applause for his equally loud suits and bow ties. He made the point that country towns are dying and in the Roxy the locals have placed high hopes for a renaissance in tourism and the performing arts as people travel to Bingara to be part of the Roxy phenomenon.

The vivacious and energetic Roxy Manager, Sandy McNaughton, spoke with passion about the effort to restore the Roxy and described how she had been overwhelmed by the response of the Greek community.

As Sandy explained, the Roxy is a story about big ideas which had its humble beginnings in Kythera. Bingara was a sort of frontier town in the 1930s and yet it was witness to the creation of a Greek landmark which symbolized the Greek-Australian migration experience. The restoration efforts that went into the re-birth of Peters Café as a café and refreshment room were nothing short of miraculous. Sandy noted in particular the efforts of locals Bob and Elva Kirk who had the foresight, after selling the freehold land upon which the café was operated to a Chinese restaurateur in 1989, to retain much of the interior of the café which otherwise would have been stripped and thrown out. To the restorers’ delight, the Kirks had managed to hang on to original wood panelling, a section of booths or cubicles including the original table tops, marble shelving, a glass window panel and decorative etched glass panes. They even had the original neon sign.

The Greek café is a quintessential Australian phenomenon that changed the cultural and culinary landscape forever and was in fact described by some as the “Trojan Horse” for the Americanization of Australian food tastes. Peters Café is a vivid, living reminder of that part of our collective history.

Visitors were then treated to a newsreel from 1936 entitled “A Year to Remember” that presented an overview of the events in the year the Roxy was opened. A highlight was the showing of the first film ever screened at The Roxy, Roberta, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as well as cartoons from the period. As Roxy manager Sandy McNaughton had previously commented, the screenings would be like a “step back in time when going to the cinema was an event in itself”.

In the afternoon, the street in front of the Roxy was converted into a open dining room with white table-clothed tables, a special menu, olive branches and tea lights to create that special Mediterranean ambience in a rural outback setting. [Photograph at the beginning of this article].

After the official speeches, the ribbon was cut and patrons were able to enter the café and enjoy a milk shake. Not a thick shake or some latter day milky abomination. But a real milk shake with country milk, dollops of ice cream and rich flavor, made by experts such as Con Fardouleys, Peter Makarthis and even our own George Poulos. A milk shake to die for.

And then came the food and the dancing. Roast lamb, goat, spanakopita, zorba the greek, zembekika, plate smashing, olive branches , kefi and an Australian acting icon Yiannis Xylo (aka John Wood) all came together under a starry-lit night in a fantastic celebration of a dream come true. A troupe of Greek dancers in traditional costume performed a range of Greek dances. The Roxy complex, a palace of dreams from a bygone age, had come alive.

Greek dancing also took over the square, followed by the inevitable smashing of plates. This was possibly the most un-Kytherian thing of the night: paying money to buy plates only to send them hurtling into the ground. But it made for good vision as the film crew from ABC’s Landline program captured the celebrations and the dancing and the kefi. It was as though Bingara meets Mitata.

It was truly a memorable and great weekend. 75 years ago three young men from Kythera had a dream. Although their initial venture ended in bankruptcy, their dreams were realised even more than they could have imagined with the re-birth of the Roxy complex in Bingara in all its Art Deco glory.

Kythera now has a new adopted town. Although not on the island, the township of Bingara will remain in our hearts and minds forever.

George Vardas

The writer in an Art Deco moment

Open full entry

19/4/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Movietone News. 1936. A Year to Remember.

Screened at 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF THE ROXY

The Greeks return to Bingara

Written by George Vardas, the Cultural Officer and Library Director, Kytherian Association of Australia

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Greeks_Return_to_Bingara _1_George_Vardas.pdf

By now most readers are familiar with the Roxy story. How in 1936 three intrepid Kytherian-born entrepreneurs, Peter Feros, George Psaltis and Emmanuel Aroney built a fabulous Art Deco theatre, three independent retail premises, a café and guest house - their “Palace of Dreams” - in the small rural township of Bingara in the New England area of New South Wales.

In his delightful book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, in which he chronicles the history of the Roxy, Peter Prineas recalls the efforts by a local businessman, Victor Peacocke who operated the rival Regent Theatre, to try and influence local authorities in opposing the plans for the Roxy. At one point, in a letter to his local MP in September 1934, Peacocke warned of the “Greek invasion into our little burg”.

Well, that ‘prophecy’ finally came true on the weekend of 9-10 April 2011 when Bingara celebrated in grand style the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Roxy Theatre and the adjoining Peters Café. The Greeks descended upon Bingara en masse, and showed the locals how to party.

The town of Bingara (pronounced ‘bin-gara’) is situated on the banks of the beautiful Gwydir River. Seven hours by road from Sydney along the New England Highway and at the end of the Fossickers Way, Bingara - derived from an Aboriginal word meaning “shallow water’ - is a quaint and picturesque country town.

I had been looking forward to this for weeks and drove up with George Cassim and Chris Tsolakis. The long drive was made more enjoyable by us listening to an eclectic though slightly incongruous mix of music by the likes of Mikis Theodorakis, the Jersey Boys, Cabaret Balkan, Roy Orbison, Vicky Moscholiou, Nikos Xylouris and Blondie. But it did not stop there. We wanted to make an entrance. And sure enough just as dusk had set in bemused locals were confronted by three rowdy Greeks driving up and down the main street several times to the strains of Theodorakis’ Zorba the Greek blaring out. The Greek ‘invasion’ was well and truly on.

There was also a special dimension to my first trip to Bingara. My father, John Vardas, came to Australia when he was 19. Like many who came before him, and after, John followed the well-travelled route through country New South Wales to work in established cafes and restaurants, mostly operated by Kytherians, before making enough to return to Sydney to open his own business. The Greek café and milk bar culture had a strong presence in rural and regional NSW in those years. John recalls that during the war years he passed through Bingara and may have even stayed the night.

This was the essential Greek migration experience and we were about to relive one of its more interesting chapters.
The Roxy first opened to the public on Saturday 28 March 1936. It was a landmark building. According to the Bingara Advocate at the time, “no event in the history of Bingara had caused more interest or excitement” as the opening night horde took over the street such that “long before opening time, it was impossible to wind one’s way through the crowd in front of the main entrance.”

75 years later and the clock was turned back with the celebrations and the official re-launch of the refurbished Peters Café, together with a preview of the site of the Roxy Museum that will be integrated into the venue. Then followed the Black Tie Gala Ball to recall the glamour of the 1930s.

The scene of the panayiri at the intersection of Cunningham and Maitland Streets could have been easily mistaken for the plateia of Mitata or any other village on Kythera. Alright, perhaps the black ties and long gowns were a slight give-away, but the kefi was certainly there as was the brilliant music of the Kytherian band “Havana” entertained the crowd.

The locals were fantastic. On the first day, local businessman Rick Hutton introduced the various speakers inside the Roxy and gained loud applause for his equally loud suits and bow ties. He made the point that country towns are dying and in the Roxy the locals have placed high hopes for a renaissance in tourism and the performing arts as people travel to Bingara to be part of the Roxy phenomenon.

The vivacious and energetic Roxy Manager, Sandy McNaughton, spoke with passion about the effort to restore the Roxy and described how she had been overwhelmed by the response of the Greek community.

As Sandy explained, the Roxy is a story about big ideas which had its humble beginnings in Kythera. Bingara was a sort of frontier town in the 1930s and yet it was witness to the creation of a Greek landmark which symbolized the Greek-Australian migration experience. The restoration efforts that went into the re-birth of Peters Café as a café and refreshment room were nothing short of miraculous. Sandy noted in particular the efforts of locals Bob and Elva Kirk who had the foresight, after selling the freehold land upon which the café was operated to a Chinese restaurateur in 1989, to retain much of the interior of the café which otherwise would have been stripped and thrown out. To the restorers’ delight, the Kirks had managed to hang on to original wood panelling, a section of booths or cubicles including the original table tops, marble shelving, a glass window panel and decorative etched glass panes. They even had the original neon sign.

The Greek café is a quintessential Australian phenomenon that changed the cultural and culinary landscape forever and was in fact described by some as the “Trojan Horse” for the Americanization of Australian food tastes. Peters Café is a vivid, living reminder of that part of our collective history.

Visitors were then treated to a newsreel from 1936 entitled “A Year to Remember” that presented an overview of the events in the year the Roxy was opened. A highlight was the showing of the first film ever screened at The Roxy, Roberta, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as well as cartoons from the period. As Roxy manager Sandy McNaughton had previously commented, the screenings would be like a “step back in time when going to the cinema was an event in itself”.

In the afternoon, the street in front of the Roxy was converted into a open dining room, a special menu, olive branches and tea lights to create that special Mediterranean ambience in a rural outback setting.

After the official speeches, the ribbon was cut and patrons were able to enter the café and enjoy a milk shake. Not a thick shake or some latter day milky abomination. But a real milk shake with country milk, dollops of ice cream and rich flavor, made by experts such as Con Fardouleys, Peter Makarthis and even our own George Poulos. A milk shake to die for.

And then came the food and the dancing. Roast lamb, goat, spanakopita, zorba the greek, zembekika, plate smashing, olive branches , kefi and an Australian acting icon Yiannis Xylo (aka John Wood) all came together under a starry-lit night in a fantastic celebration of a dream come true. A troupe of Greek dancers in traditional costume performed a range of Greek dances. The Roxy complex, a palace of dreams from a bygone age, had come alive.

Greek dancing also took over the square, followed by the inevitable smashing of plates. This was possibly the most un-Kytherian thing of the night: paying money to buy plates only to send them hurtling into the ground. But it made for good vision as the film crew from ABC’s Landline program captured the celebrations and the dancing and the kefi. It was as though Bingara meets Mitata.

It was truly a memorable and great weekend. 75 years ago three young men from Kythera had a dream. Although their initial venture ended in bankruptcy, their dreams were realised even more than they could have imagined with the re-birth of the Roxy complex in Bingara in all its Art Deco glory.
Kythera now has a new adopted town. Although not on the island, the township of Bingara will remain in our hearts and minds forever.

George Vardas

The writer in an Art Deco moment

Open full entry

19/4/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Poster of Roberta, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers

The first movie shown at the Roxy Cinema, Bingara

The Greeks Return to Bingara

75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF THE ROXY

Written by George Vardas, the Cultural Officer and Library Director, Kytherian Association of Australia

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Greeks_Return_to_Bingara _1_George_Vardas.pdf

By now most readers are familiar with the Roxy story. How in 1936 three intrepid Kytherian-born entrepreneurs, Peter Feros, George Psaltis and Emmanuel Aroney built a fabulous Art Deco theatre, three independent retail premises, a café and guest house - their “Palace of Dreams” - in the small rural township of Bingara in the New England area of New South Wales.

In his delightful book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, in which he chronicles the history of the Roxy, Peter Prineas recalls the efforts by a local businessman, Victor Peacocke who operated the rival Regent Theatre, to try and influence local authorities in opposing the plans for the Roxy. At one point, in a letter to his local MP in September 1934, Peacocke warned of the “Greek invasion into our little burg”.

Well, that ‘prophecy’ finally came true on the weekend of 9-10 April 2011 when Bingara celebrated in grand style the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Roxy Theatre and the adjoining Peters Café. The Greeks descended upon Bingara en masse, and showed the locals how to party.

The town of Bingara (pronounced ‘bin-gara’) is situated on the banks of the beautiful Gwydir River. Seven hours by road from Sydney along the New England Highway and at the end of the Fossickers Way, Bingara - derived from an Aboriginal word meaning “shallow water’ - is a quaint and picturesque country town.

I had been looking forward to this for weeks and drove up with George Cassim and Chris Tsolakis. The long drive was made more enjoyable by us listening to an eclectic though slightly incongruous mix of music by the likes of Mikis Theodorakis, the Jersey Boys, Cabaret Balkan, Roy Orbison, Vicky Moscholiou, Nikos Xylouris and Blondie. But it did not stop there. We wanted to make an entrance. And sure enough just as dusk had set in bemused locals were confronted by three rowdy Greeks driving up and down the main street several times to the strains of Theodorakis’ Zorba the Greek blaring out. The Greek ‘invasion’ was well and truly on.

There was also a special dimension to my first trip to Bingara. My father, John Vardas, came to Australia when he was 19. Like many who came before him, and after, John followed the well-travelled route through country New South Wales to work in established cafes and restaurants, mostly operated by Kytherians, before making enough to return to Sydney to open his own business. The Greek café and milk bar culture had a strong presence in rural and regional NSW in those years. John recalls that during the war years he passed through Bingara and may have even stayed the night.

This was the essential Greek migration experience and we were about to relive one of its more interesting chapters.

The Roxy first opened to the public on Saturday 28 March 1936. It was a landmark building. According to the Bingara Advocate at the time, “no event in the history of Bingara had caused more interest or excitement” as the opening night horde took over the street such that “long before opening time, it was impossible to wind one’s way through the crowd in front of the main entrance.”

75 years later and the clock was turned back with the celebrations and the official re-launch of the refurbished Peters Café, together with a preview of the site of the Roxy Museum that will be integrated into the venue. Then followed the Black Tie Gala Ball to recall the glamour of the 1930s.

The scene of the panayiri at the intersection of Cunningham and Maitland Streets could have been easily mistaken for the plateia of Mitata or any other village on Kythera. Alright, perhaps the black ties and long gowns were a slight give-away, but the kefi was certainly there as was the brilliant music of the Kytherian band “Havana” entertained the crowd.

The locals were fantastic. On the first day, local businessman Rick Hutton introduced the various speakers inside the Roxy and gained loud applause for his equally loud suits and bow ties. He made the point that country towns are dying and in the Roxy the locals have placed high hopes for a renaissance in tourism and the performing arts as people travel to Bingara to be part of the Roxy phenomenon.

The vivacious and energetic Roxy Manager, Sandy McNaughton, spoke with passion about the effort to restore the Roxy and described how she had been overwhelmed by the response of the Greek community.

As Sandy explained, the Roxy is a story about big ideas which had its humble beginnings in Kythera. Bingara was a sort of frontier town in the 1930s and yet it was witness to the creation of a Greek landmark which symbolized the Greek-Australian migration experience. The restoration efforts that went into the re-birth of Peters Café as a café and refreshment room were nothing short of miraculous. Sandy noted in particular the efforts of locals Bob and Elva Kirk who had the foresight, after selling the freehold land upon which the café was operated to a Chinese restaurateur in 1989, to retain much of the interior of the café which otherwise would have been stripped and thrown out. To the restorers’ delight, the Kirks had managed to hang on to original wood panelling, a section of booths or cubicles including the original table tops, marble shelving, a glass window panel and decorative etched glass panes. They even had the original neon sign.

The Greek café is a quintessential Australian phenomenon that changed the cultural and culinary landscape forever and was in fact described by some as the “Trojan Horse” for the Americanization of Australian food tastes. Peters Café is a vivid, living reminder of that part of our collective history.

Visitors were then treated to a newsreel from 1936 entitled “A Year to Remember” that presented an overview of the events in the year the Roxy was opened. A highlight was the showing of the first film ever screened at The Roxy, Roberta, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as well as cartoons from the period. As Roxy manager Sandy McNaughton had previously commented, the screenings would be like a “step back in time when going to the cinema was an event in itself”.

In the afternoon, the street in front of the Roxy was converted into a open dining room, a special menu, olive branches and tea lights to create that special Mediterranean ambience in a rural outback setting.

After the official speeches, the ribbon was cut and patrons were able to enter the café and enjoy a milk shake. Not a thick shake or some latter day milky abomination. But a real milk shake with country milk, dollops of ice cream and rich flavor, made by experts such as Con Fardouleys, Peter Makarthis and even our own George Poulos. A milk shake to die for.

And then came the food and the dancing. Roast lamb, goat, spanakopita, zorba the greek, zembekika, plate smashing, olive branches , kefi and an Australian acting icon Yiannis Xylo (aka John Wood) all came together under a starry-lit night in a fantastic celebration of a dream come true. A troupe of Greek dancers in traditional costume performed a range of Greek dances. The Roxy complex, a palace of dreams from a bygone age, had come alive.

Greek dancing also took over the square, followed by the inevitable smashing of plates. This was possibly the most un-Kytherian thing of the night: paying money to buy plates only to send them hurtling into the ground. But it made for good vision as the film crew from ABC’s Landline program captured the celebrations and the dancing and the kefi. It was as though Bingara meets Mitata.

It was truly a memorable and great weekend. 75 years ago three young men from Kythera had a dream. Although their initial venture ended in bankruptcy, their dreams were realised even more than they could have imagined with the re-birth of the Roxy complex in Bingara in all its Art Deco glory.

Kythera now has a new adopted town. Although not on the island, the township of Bingara will remain in our hearts and minds forever.

George Vardas

The writer in an Art Deco moment

Open full entry

19/4/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Greeks Return to Bingara

75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF THE ROXY

Written by George Vardas, the Cultural Officer and Library Director, Kytherian Association of Australia

Download a .pdf version of this article here:

Greeks_Return_to_Bingara _1_George_Vardas.pdf

By now most readers are familiar with the Roxy story. How in 1936 three intrepid Kytherian-born entrepreneurs, Peter Feros, George Psaltis and Emmanuel Aroney built a fabulous Art Deco theatre, three independent retail premises, a café and guest house - their “Palace of Dreams” - in the small rural township of Bingara in the New England area of New South Wales.

In his delightful book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, in which he chronicles the history of the Roxy, Peter Prineas recalls the efforts by a local businessman, Victor Peacocke who operated the rival Regent Theatre, to try and influence local authorities in opposing the plans for the Roxy. At one point, in a letter to his local MP in September 1934, Peacocke warned of the “Greek invasion into our little burg”.

Well, that ‘prophecy’ finally came true on the weekend of 9-10 April 2011 when Bingara celebrated in grand style the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Roxy Theatre and the adjoining Peters Café. The Greeks descended upon Bingara en masse, and showed the locals how to party.

The town of Bingara (pronounced ‘bin-gara’) is situated on the banks of the beautiful Gwydir River. Seven hours by road from Sydney along the New England Highway and at the end of the Fossickers Way, Bingara - derived from an Aboriginal word meaning “shallow water’ - is a quaint and picturesque country town.

I had been looking forward to this for weeks and drove up with George Cassim and Chris Tsolakis. The long drive was made more enjoyable by us listening to an eclectic though slightly incongruous mix of music by the likes of Mikis Theodorakis, the Jersey Boys, Cabaret Balkan, Roy Orbison, Vicky Moscholiou, Nikos Xylouris and Blondie. But it did not stop there. We wanted to make an entrance. And sure enough just as dusk had set in bemused locals were confronted by three rowdy Greeks driving up and down the main street several times to the strains of Theodorakis’ Zorba the Greek blaring out. The Greek ‘invasion’ was well and truly on.

There was also a special dimension to my first trip to Bingara. My father, John Vardas, came to Australia when he was 19. Like many who came before him, and after, John followed the well-travelled route through country New South Wales to work in established cafes and restaurants, mostly operated by Kytherians, before making enough to return to Sydney to open his own business. The Greek café and milk bar culture had a strong presence in rural and regional NSW in those years. John recalls that during the war years he passed through Bingara and may have even stayed the night.

This was the essential Greek migration experience and we were about to relive one of its more interesting chapters.

The Roxy first opened to the public on Saturday 28 March 1936. It was a landmark building. According to the Bingara Advocate at the time, “no event in the history of Bingara had caused more interest or excitement” as the opening night horde took over the street such that “long before opening time, it was impossible to wind one’s way through the crowd in front of the main entrance.”

75 years later and the clock was turned back with the celebrations and the official re-launch of the refurbished Peters Café, together with a preview of the site of the Roxy Museum that will be integrated into the venue. Then followed the Black Tie Gala Ball to recall the glamour of the 1930s.

The scene of the panayiri at the intersection of Cunningham and Maitland Streets could have been easily mistaken for the plateia of Mitata or any other village on Kythera. Alright, perhaps the black ties and long gowns were a slight give-away, but the kefi was certainly there as was the brilliant music of the Kytherian band “Havana” entertained the crowd.

The locals were fantastic. On the first day, local businessman Rick Hutton introduced the various speakers inside the Roxy and gained loud applause for his equally loud suits and bow ties. He made the point that country towns are dying and in the Roxy the locals have placed high hopes for a renaissance in tourism and the performing arts as people travel to Bingara to be part of the Roxy phenomenon.

The vivacious and energetic Roxy Manager, Sandy McNaughton, spoke with passion about the effort to restore the Roxy and described how she had been overwhelmed by the response of the Greek community.

As Sandy explained, the Roxy is a story about big ideas which had its humble beginnings in Kythera. Bingara was a sort of frontier town in the 1930s and yet it was witness to the creation of a Greek landmark which symbolized the Greek-Australian migration experience. The restoration efforts that went into the re-birth of Peters Café as a café and refreshment room were nothing short of miraculous. Sandy noted in particular the efforts of locals Bob and Elva Kirk who had the foresight, after selling the freehold land upon which the café was operated to a Chinese restaurateur in 1989, to retain much of the interior of the café which otherwise would have been stripped and thrown out. To the restorers’ delight, the Kirks had managed to hang on to original wood panelling, a section of booths or cubicles including the original table tops, marble shelving, a glass window panel and decorative etched glass panes. They even had the original neon sign.

The Greek café is a quintessential Australian phenomenon that changed the cultural and culinary landscape forever and was in fact described by some as the “Trojan Horse” for the Americanization of Australian food tastes. Peters Café is a vivid, living reminder of that part of our collective history.

Visitors were then treated to a newsreel from 1936 entitled “A Year to Remember” that presented an overview of the events in the year the Roxy was opened. A highlight was the showing of the first film ever screened at The Roxy, Roberta, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as well as cartoons from the period. As Roxy manager Sandy McNaughton had previously commented, the screenings would be like a “step back in time when going to the cinema was an event in itself”.

In the afternoon, the street in front of the Roxy was converted into a open dining room, with white table-clothed tables, a special menu, olive branches and tea lights to create that special Mediterranean ambience in a rural outback setting.

After the official speeches, the ribbon was cut and patrons were able to enter the café and enjoy a milk shake. Not a thick shake or some latter day milky abomination. But a real milk shake with country milk, dollops of ice cream and rich flavor, made by experts such as Con Fardouleys, Peter Makarthis and even our own George Poulos. A milk shake to die for.

And then came the food and the dancing. Roast lamb, goat, spanakopita, zorba the greek, zembekika, plate smashing, olive branches , kefi and an Australian acting icon Yiannis Xylo (aka John Wood) all came together under a starry-lit night in a fantastic celebration of a dream come true. A troupe of Greek dancers in traditional costume performed a range of Greek dances. The Roxy complex, a palace of dreams from a bygone age, had come alive.

Greek dancing also took over the square, followed by the inevitable smashing of plates. This was possibly the most un-Kytherian thing of the night: paying money to buy plates only to send them hurtling into the ground. But it made for good vision as the film crew from ABC’s Landline program captured the celebrations and the dancing and the kefi. It was as though Bingara meets Mitata.

It was truly a memorable and great weekend. 75 years ago three young men from Kythera had a dream. Although their initial venture ended in bankruptcy, their dreams were realised even more than they could have imagined with the re-birth of the Roxy complex in Bingara in all its Art Deco glory.

Kythera now has a new adopted town. Although not on the island, the township of Bingara will remain in our hearts and minds forever.

George Vardas

The writer in an Art Deco moment

Open full entry

19/4/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

A night at the ROXY

FEATURE. Neos Kosmos, Saturday 19 March 2011, pp. 16-17

Penni Pappas takes a trip down memory lane as the
Roxy is restored to her former beauty after 75 years

Download a .pdf version of this article at:

Neos Kosmos ROXY article 20th March 2011.pdf

Note that the original photographs of the Roxy, which are displayed in this feature, are from the book Katsehamos and the Great Idea © Peter Prineas. They are reproduced here, with many thanks.

It’s almost impossible for a Greek Australian family not to have been touched by the Greek cafe culture or the shop keeping generation. From snack bars, to cafes, to fish’n’chip shops to burger bars, last century the Greek Australian’s had it covered.

It’s the contribution Greek migrants made to cafe culture that is extraordinary. The stories that came out of this time will ring true with so many second and third generation Greek Australians as at some point our auntie made us a spider after school, we snacked on a potato cake between meals and we fondly remember stocking up on sandwiches from the shop for a trip to the beach.

The story of the Roxy is no different, but the full story is something else. In 1936, three Greek Australians from Kythera, were inspired by a megali ithea (big idea) to build a magnificent art deco cinema, the Roxy Theatre with the Roxy cafe Peters & Co Cafe adjoining. The three partners were Peter Feros, Emanuel Aroney and George Psaltis.

George Poulos, a Trustee on the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, told Neos Kosmos the history of this cultural hub. “They [the three original owners] really overextended themselves,” explained Poulos. “They decided to build a guesthouse. They thought that when the farmers came to the cinema that they would all stay in the guesthouse and have this luxurious weekend, eating in the cafe etc etc. It was overcapitalised by 2000 percent.”

And the Kytherian gentlemen had a determined opponent, a one Mr Victor Peacocke, the owner of the Regent Theatre. “Mr Peacocke had a small theatre in Bingara and decided he wouldn’t his Regent Theatre, then they had this incredible cinema war where prices got cheaper and cheaper and eventually the poor Greeks went broke. “It was a little bit like a Greek Gallipoli story but they’ve left us with this legacy that we’ll never forget.”

The legacy left behind is something that is significant on a number of levels. Greek cafes changed the course of Australia’s cultural history and left a significant legacy on our culinary and cultural landscape. The restoration of the Roxy captures the spirit of a community that has triumphed over years of drought and economic downturns. It is a celebration of what can be achieved by people who believe in their rural community and its future.

Poulos told Neos Kosmos about all the significant factors the Roxy represents to not only Greek Australian heritage but to Australian culture and the town of Bingara. “The Roxy is the heart of Bingara. Because of the Roxy, Bingara has reinvented itself and hooked into the broad stream of Australian culture. The town has reinvigorated itself through the first major grant received by the New South Wales government.

“Secondly, at the back of the Roxy cafe will be a TAFE centre for young people to learn how to be in the hospitality trade, in the cinema trade. So instead of having limited opportunities in a small country town they are introduced to these industries. “For the Greek Australians like me, I was brought up in a cafe, so when I walk into that shop - even when I talk about it - I get goosebumps because it’s a memorial of how I grew up and what my father suffered for 30 or 40 years.”

Poulos told Neos Kosmos that it was then Bingara Shire Council (later, Gwydir Shire Council) who purchased the Roxy, but also wrote to local, state and federal government to gain funding to not only refurbish the original cinema, but to purchase the cafe and turn it back into the original Greek cafe. Also, to create what will be the only cafe museums in Australia, a Greek Australian museum.

The museum has been set up to highlight the influence Greek migrants had on the cafe culture and the cultural and culinary diversity in Australia. The museum will be a dedication to the history of Greek settlement in country Austraila. It will become a place of national and international significance that collects, conserves and protects the important cultural associations between people and place.

The Roxy will stand as a “pilgrimage point for every Greek Australian in the country and for every Hellene in the world,” said Poulos. He has already received interest from people in Athens and America who want to come visit. “It’s a memorial for all that cafe culture, that shop keeping generation, that whole generation out of which most of the current wealth for Greek Australians originated. The Roxy is also a memorial to the Hellenic influence in Australian history,” he said.

The 75th anniversary of the Roxy will be celebrated on the weekend of April 9 and 10 with the official launch of the Peters & Co Cafe and the Roxy museum, film screenings in the Roxy Theatre and historic tours of the Roxy. On the Saturday night, a panagiri type festival will be held with the black-tie gala ball with a twist. Alongside Greek band Ha Va Le, people will take to the streets dancing, singing and smashing plates.

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18/4/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY

Bingara Advocate, page 1, 13th April, 2011

Download a .pdf version here:

Bingara_Advocate_April_13_2011s.pdf

In what will go down in history as one of the Roxy’s finest moments, the 75th anniversary of Roxy Café came alive with a grand Greek celebration on Bingara’s very own main street.

The proceedings of April 9 and 10 included tours of the Roxy complex, documentaries and a presentation from Greek Historian Peter McCarthy but it is the Greek Gala Ball that has been dubbed a success with the Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams officially reopening the refurbished Roxy Cafe.

“Bingara is an example of how small Australian towns can develop a niche marketing plan and attract visitors from around the world,” said Senator Williams. "The original owners from Kythera, Greece, would be delighted to see their legacy living on and the Greek community's strong link with Bingara which has been nurtured over the years,” he said.

The original Roxy Theatre opened in 1936 and in celebrating its 75th birthday drew a crowd of 380 guests from around the country including former Premier Bob Carr who provided the original funding for the refurbishment of the Roxy Theatre.

Other special guests included Richard Torbay, George Poulos, Victor Kepreotis, Kathy Kepreotis, George Vardas, Theo Poulos, Angelo Andrew, Michael Mallos and the many Greek guests who made the trip to Bingara to join in on the celebration of the Roxy Greek Cafe.

The official launch of the cafe came with presentations from Mayor John Coulton, President of North West Theatre Company, John Wearne, President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, Dr Victor Kepreotis, and concluded with the official launching speech from Senator John Williams. Former television star John Wood chaired the presentations which including a small presentation to the architect and builders who refurbished the cafe.

"When it was first decided to restore the Roxy, no doubt there were plenty of critics of the then Bingara Shire Council for what they believed was a waste of money. But the Council's belief in the project, and that shown by Gwydir Shire Council, has resulted in a superb complex which is the envy of many larger towns and cities,” said Senator Williams.

“The Howard coalition government started the ball rolling with funding of $340,000 for the restoration and air-conditioning of the theatre. The theatre has been the venue for everything from cinema, conferences and weddings to live stage shows.

“The Roxy café dream started in 2008 when the former café premises were purchased and then restored at an overall cost of $1.213 million. The next venture is a Roxy Museum. “I congratulate the community for now embracing this concept and positioning Bingara as a 'must visit' town", Senator Williams said.

Senator Williams along with Mayor John Coulton opened the doors of the Cafe and invited guests inside to enjoy a milkshake. Bob Kirk and his wife Elva were the first to be served and enjoyed a milkshake on the original booth seats of the Cafe.

The Greek Gala ball which featured after the official launch included a three course meal, entertainment by Ha Va La and a performance by Greek dancers in traditional costume, performing a range of Kytherian dances, led by Marcus Megalakonomos.

Ha Va La, travelled down from Brisbane in a 6-seater aircraft. They are led by Dimitrios Prineas, on Bouzouki & vocals. Giorgos Karonis plays Percussions & Drums, Giorgos Gaydov, Clarinet & Sax and Jose Alturo Vides, Violin &Trumpet.

Guests enjoyed themselves by hitting the dance floor early in the night to join the troupe of dancers in some traditional Greek dancing. In traditional Greek style the smashing of plates was a enjoyed by the many guest with a blanket of smashed plaster plates covering the intersection of Maitland and Cunningham.

The 75th anniversary of the Roxy and the re-opening of the Roxy Café was celebrated in true Greek style and is only the beginning of many celebrations to come for this grand complex.

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18/4/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Documents

Media Release 75th Anniversary Celebrations

OFFICIAL LAUNCH PETERS CAFÉ & MUSEUM

SATURDAY 9TH + SUNDAY 10TH APRIL 2011

BINGARA, NSW

Upload a pdf version of the Media Release, here:

ROXY_MEDIA_RELEASE.pdf

There is nothing remarkable about a story regarding the demise of a Greek café in rural Australia. There is something quite extraordinary however, about such a café being brought back to life.

Forty-five years since serving its last mixed grill, The Roxy Café in Bingara, northern New South Wales, has been faithfully restored to its original splendour.

On Saturday 9th April and Sunday 10th April, The Roxy will celebrate its 75th Anniversary with the launch of the refurbished café and preview of the site of a museum that will be integrated into the venue.

The Roxy was built by three Greek partners from the island of Kythera. Opening in 1936, The Roxy complex boasted an architecturally striking art deco cinema, café, three independent retail premises and a guest house.

The venue operated as a cinema until 1958 when it shut down and spent the next forty years virtually lying dormant. The Roxy Theatre was purchased by the then-Bingara Shire Council in 1999 and fully restored.

In 2004, The Roxy theatre was re-opened to the public as a cinema, performing arts venue and multi-purpose function centre that includes a variety of conferences, seminars, weddings and private functions.

In 2009, the Gwydir Shire Council was the recipient of a substantial grant from the Department of Heritage, Environment, Water and the Arts to restore the art deco café adjoining the cinema and incorporate a museum.

The museum will be dedicated to the history of Greek settlement in country Australia (with a focus on NSW and Queensland). It will become a place of national and international significance that collects, conserves and protects the important cultural associations between people and place. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek café and cinema operators to ensure the impact they made on the daily lives of millions of people is not forgotten.

The next stage of the project will be to complete the fit-out of museum which is currently a ‘blank canvass.’ With the museum yet to be established, it is the café that will be the star of the show on the 9th and 10th April.

What is particularly unique about the café restoration is the number of fixtures and fittings from the original café that have been brought back to life. Wood paneling, mirrors, cubicles, tables and chairs, as well as the spectacular neon sign that hung under the awning in the 1930s, have all been reinstated.

Greek cafés changed the course of Australia’s cultural history and left a significant legacy on our culinary and cultural landscape. Very few Greek cafes operate as they did 50 years ago. Even fewer complexes that incorporate a functioning cinema and café remain. Once complete, The Roxy may be the only original purpose built theatre with adjoining café operating in New South Wales, possibly in Australia.

The town of Bingara has a great deal to celebrate by launching the café. It is important to note, that while the doors to the café will be thrown open to the public over the April weekend, it will not begin trading commercially until a later date when a suitable operator has been appointed.

The shared narrative of The Roxy’s history exemplifies the Greek migration experience: one that made an outstanding contribution to the development of Australia. It is therefore fitting that following the official launch of the café, a Gala Ball be held. Bringing the glamour of the 1930’s back to Bingara, the Black Tie Gala Ball will be an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity.

Paying homage to Hollywood’s Golden Age, a superb selection of screenings will light up the silver screen over the weekend. Highlights will include well-known actor John Wood presenting the television episode he filmed featuring The Roxy, as well as the first film ever screened at The Roxy opening in 1936. Roberta, starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

The 75th Anniversary Celebrations on the 9th and 10th April will be a step back in time into Australia’s future by celebrating an icon to be enjoyed by generations to come.


Enquiries:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager,
The Roxy
Locked Bag 5,
Bingara 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

tel: (02) 67 240 003
mob: 0427 241 582

e-mail:

ROXY

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18/4/2011

History, Documents

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Programme for the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the Roxy

******HOME PAGE FOR THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS******

Download a .pdf version of the Programme here:

Roxy_75th_anniversary_9+10_April_2011S.pdf

See links to other information, press cuttings & photographs about the 75th Anniversary celebrations at the end of this entry

THE ROXY – 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CELEBRATE THE REBIRTH OF AN ICON
9TH + 10TH APRIL 2011

EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS

OFFICIAL LAUNCH
PETER’S & CO CAFÉ &
THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION
IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

FILM SCREENINGS

PRESENTATIONS

HISTORIC TOURS

GALA BALL


HISTORIC TOURS OF ROXY

9TH & 10TH APRIL

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy as a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience. The tour includes a visual presentation that examines the important role played by the cinemas and cafés established by Greek immigrants and the outstanding contribution they made to the development of Australia.


FILM SCREENINGS

9TH & 10TH APRIL

The glitter and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age will come to life in Bingara with a weekend of screenings that celebrate the history of The Roxy while setting it firmly in the context of the town of Bingara, northern NSW.

Come and be swept away by a selection of classic footage and unexpected delights that will take you back in time and light up the silver screen.


OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW AND QUEENSLAND

6PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

The official launch of the fully restored art deco Peter’s & Co Café and preview of the site of the new museum.

GALA BALL

7:30PM

SAT 9TH APRIL

Bringing the glitz and glamour of the 1930s back to Bingara, the 75th Anniversary Gala Ball will be an evening of feasting and festivity. Commencing with a Greek banquet accompanied by a performance of traditional Greek music, guests will be invited to dance the night away to the hypnotic Hellenic rhythms of one of the best Greek bands performing in Australia today. No Greek celebration would be complete without the time-honoured custom of the smashing of plates and the Gala Ball will be no exception. This event will be Black Tie.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SATURDAY 9TH APRIL

FILM SCREENINGS

The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

John Wood is one of Australia’s most recognised and well-loved actors, best known for his role in Blue Heelers. Approached by Foxtel Television to appear in a series entitled As Australian As, the actor chose to feature the story of The Roxy and discuss the unique relationship he shares with the venue.

The Christmas Spirit

In 1958, Bill Koovousis documented the community of Bingara banding together to rebuild the home of a family lost by fire on the eve of Christmas. This remarkable film offers an extraordinary insight into life in a rural town and uniquely captures the spirit of Australians “old and new.”

Roberta

The first film ever screened at The Roxy at the official opening in March 1936. Starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Irene Dunn and Randolph Scott, Roberta features a lively romantic plot, fabulous sets (the three-level salon set required the world’s largest camera crane), memorable music (including Smoke Gets in Your Eyes) and above all, incomparable dance magic to match the score. “The most pleasant moments in Roberta” Time reported, “arrive when Astaire and Rogers turn the story upside down and dance on it.”

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at history of The Roxy

LAUNCH OF PETER’S & CO CAFÉ & THE MUSEUM OF GREEK IMMIGRATION IN RURAL NSW & QLD

6PM

The official launch of the fully restored Café and preview of site of the new museum

GREEK GALA BALL

7:30PM

Dance the night away with an unforgettable evening of Greek feasting and festivity

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS - SUNDAY 10TH APRIL

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S CAFÉ

Enjoy breakfast at the Café from 8:30am. Bookings for breakfast are essential

HISTORIC TOURS

A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at The Roxy

FILM SCREENINGS

Cartoons and footage from 1936, Roberta, The Roxy and Other Souvenirs

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by historian Peter McCarthy: The origins of the name style of Peters Cafes with the establishment of Oyster Saloons and Cafes in the New England and North West of NSW. This encompasses the establishment of The Sydney Oyster Saloon and S. Peter & Co at Inverell in 1899 by Peter Phacheas (Fatseas) to the Peters Cafe at the Roxy Theatre Bingara. Also included the association of Peters Ice Cream with Greek Cafes.

Peter McCarthy to be presented with a copy of the Heritage Australia award-winning book, Life in Australia, by a Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, for outstanding research efforts.

Drawing of the Raffle Prizes, and finalising of the Silent Auction prizes.

TICKETS

75TH ANNIVERSARY GALA BALL

$55

(includes meal – alcohol is available to purchase)

HISTORIC TOUR OF THE ROXY

$10

FILM SCREENINGS + PRESENTATIONS

$10

BREAKFAST AT PETER’S & CO CAFÉ

SUN 10TH APRIL

$15 (includes set menu – bookings essential)


TICKETS & EVENT BOOKINGS

Bookings for all events for the Celebrations are available through

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

INFORMATION

For all 75th Anniversary Celebration enquiries please

e-mail: ROXY

or contact:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager
The Roxy
Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA NSW 2404

T: (02) 67 242 066
F: (02) 67 241 771
M: 0427 241 582

E: ROXY

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is available in the town of Bingara, as well as the neighbouring towns of Warialda, Barraba and Inverell. For enquiries regarding accommodation, please contact the

Bingara Tourist Information Centre
Jenny Mead
Tourist Officer, Bingara

Gwydir Shire Council
Locked Bag 5
BINGARA 2404
NSW
AUSTRALIA

T: 02 67240066

E: Bingara Tourism & Information

HOW TO GET THERE

Bingara is located approximately 600kms north of Sydney and 500kms south of Brisbane in the New England Tablelands. It is central in the New England North West region, between the major towns of Tamworth, Armidale, Inverell, Moree and Narrabri.

75th ANNIVERSARY ORGANISATION

The 75th Anniversary Celebration has been organised by an inspired group of friends and volunteers of The Roxy working in conjunction with the Gwydir Shire Council.

LEADING INTO THE EVENT

Media Release Roxy's 75th Anniversary

Neos Kosmos article on Katsehamos and the Great Idea

A Night at the ROXY. Neos Kosmos

Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust donates $25,000 to Roxy Museum

Roxy turns 75. The Senior News

Bingara_Advocate_March_23_04_2011.pdf

REPORTING THE EVENT

Happy 75th Birthday ROXY. Bingara Advocate

Αυστραλία: Γιόρτασαν όλοι μαζί την προσφορά των Ελλήνων


PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EVENT


WEBLINKS

Roxy Theatre, Gwydir Shire

http://www.gwydirshire.com/roxy.html

Roxy Theatre

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24


Roxy Café
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1


Roxy Museum
http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17535&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3


Restoration of Kytherian and Hellenic Sacred sites

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17857&pageflip=3


Buffer Map of the distances from Bingara to major cities of Kytherian and Hellenic population

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=5-56&cid=20&did=18529&pageflip=1

Download a .pdf version of the buffer map here:

/download/BingaraBufferDistance 20110208.pdf

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18/4/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Roxy Turns 75

Bingara's Greek heritage will be a focus when the town celebrates the 75th anniversary of one of its icon buildings, the Roxy, on the 9th & 10th April.

Download the article as a .pdf here:

Roxy_in _the_Senior.pdf

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5/4/2011

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Diaspora Social Life

George, his passion into the National Library, Canberra

Ruby brown places George his passion on deposit at the National Library, Canberra, accompanied by her niece, Lauren Brown, (right) who is volunteers coordinator National Library. The third woman, is part of the legal deposit team at the Library.

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7/3/2011

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Life Stories

George, his passion, at the National Library, Canberra

[[picture:"National Library Legal deposit PHOTO 1.jpg" ID:18710]]

Ruby brown places George his passion on deposit at the National Library, Canberra, accompanied by her niece, Lauren Brown, (right) who is volunteers coordinator National Library. The third woman, is part of the legal deposit team at the Library.

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7/3/2011

People, Life Stories

Diaspora Social Life

Distinguished guests who attended the launch of Jim Saltis's book

My Four Homes, held on Wednesday, 8th December, 2010, at The Greeks from Egypt Club, 140-142, McEvoy Street, Alexandria, Sydney.

Left to right, author Peter Prineas, George Comino with wife Despina, (known as Dez, (nee) Londy)), and John Mageros.

Purchase the book, here

Download an interview with Jim Saltis on SBS Radio, Australia, here:

jim-saltis.mp3

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7/2/2011

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Diaspora Social Life

A youth table, at the launch of Jim Saltis's book

My Four Homes, at the official Book Launch, held on Wednesday, 8th December, 2010, at The Greeks from Egypt Club, 140-142, McEvoy Street, Alexandria, Sydney.

Purchase the book, here

Download an interview with Jim Saltis on SBS Radio, Australia, here:

jim-saltis.mp3

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7/2/2011

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Diaspora Social Life

Another table of distinguished guests at the launch of Jim Saltis's book

my Four Homes, at the official Book Launch, held on Wednesday, 8th December, 2010, at The Greeks from Egypt Club, 140-142, McEvoy Street, Alexandria, Sydney.

At the second far table from left to right are Dr John Prineas, (in front) wife, Rita Prineas, John Poulos. Far corner Mr Con Saltis.

Front table (front, seated) Mrs Hellene Coroneo, next to husband, Professor Minas Coroneo.

Purchase the book, here

Download an interview with Jim Saltis on SBS Radio, Australia, here:

jim-saltis.mp3

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7/2/2011

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Diaspora Social Life

Distinguished guests whon attended the launch of Jim Saltis's book

my Four Homes, at the official Book Launch, held on Wednesday, 8th December, 2010, at The Greeks from Egypt Club, 140-142, McEvoy Street, Alexandria, Sydney.

At the centre table from left to right are Matina Samios, and (far side) Kathy Samios, Angelo Notaras, Professor George Leontsinis, and Kytherian Assocaition of Australia, President, Victor Kepreotis.

Purchase the book, here

Download an interview with Jim Saltis on SBS Radio, Australia, here:

jim-saltis.mp3

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7/2/2011

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Diaspora Social Life

George C Poulos extolling the virtues of Jim Saltis's book,

my Four Homes, at the official Book Launch, held on Wednesday, 8th December, 2010, at The Greeks from Egypt Club, 140-142, McEvoy Street, Alexandria, Sydney.

George regards the book as an extremely important contribution to Kytherian world history, as it provides deep insights as to how Kytherians lived in Alexandria, Egypt during the 1930-1950's period. History that is very difficult to access eleswhere.

Purchase the book, here

Download an interview with Jim Saltis on SBS Radio, Australia, here:

jim-saltis.mp3


George C Poulos on why My Four Homes is an important book.

Being a “baby boomer”, and eldest child of Kytherian-Greek immigrants to Australia, from the 1950’s, I grew up as a Greek-Australian “café kid”. I share “café kid” experiences with thousands of others from my generation; standing up on a banana box to receive money for fruit, vegetables, chocolates, milk shakes, lollies, from customers, making orange “squash” (juice) from fresh oranges, arranging apples in “artistic” stacks, washing potatoes in large tubs, working late to help serve the audiences that exited the next door cinema, who feeling a bit “peckish”, wanted to make a late night “snack” purchase. Weekends spent working in the shop, whilst the Australian children played sport. Trying desperately to disown my “wog” heritage, so that I could more readily “fit into” Anglo-Australian culture. You could fill a book with “café kid” experiences.

But what knowledge could I have about the experiences of previous generations of Greeks and Kytherians, who lived a very different life, in various, very different countries? How did the Kytherians and Greeks who had emigrated to Smyrna and other parts of Turkey live, in the period from the 19th century, to 1922? How did the Kytherians and Greeks who had immigrated to various parts of Egypt, including “Hellenic” enclaves in cities such as Alexandria live, in the period to 1956?

Jim Saltis has “filled a book”, book, My Four Homes, with Alexandrian experiences. This constitutes a very significant achievement. Jim manages to convey, in a deeply evocative way, how a Kytherian-Greek-Egyptian lived in Alexandria, in the 1930’s, and 40’s. What was it like growing up in an Arabic milieu? What was the look, and “feel” and smell of Alexandria? How well did the various “foreign” children intermingle. What was it like going to school there? What was it like travelling around the city, and going to the shops, and the cinemas? What was the relationship between the various families? What were some of the life stories of persons from these families? What kinds of houses did Greeks live in? What was the standard of living? What if, like Jim’s father, the Greeks were employed in occupations that were seasonal, or dependent on the patronage of English garrisons? What if, at times, there was not enough food on the table?

What were frequent visits back to Kythera like for Jim and his young siblings? What did Kythera seem like through the eyes of a young Kytherian-Greek-Egyptian? How did the contrast between the two cultures, the Greek and the Egyptian, influence Jim’s reaction to Kythera? Why did his grandfather seem to act in such strange ways towards him?

I could go on asking these question, but if I do, I will spoil your enjoyment of Jim’s story. The important thing is that Jim has managed to commit his story to the written word, and hence managed to achieve a number of important things. He has managed to preserve his experiences for posterity, and for the enjoyment of future generations. He has managed to communicate his experience. Now a “café kid” can understand; can “know”, what a “Alex” kid “went through”, and the 3GG kids, (third generation Greeks), the next generation, will have access to this knowledge as well. Greeks, particularly Greeks of the diaspora, must continue to chronicle their experiences and their stories. When “Greek” stories are retained, explained, and maintained, the Hellenic spirit is regained.

That is why when the opportunity arose to print and publish an English version of Jim’s story, my fellow Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, Angelo Notaras, and I, rushed in to help foster, finance, and promote the book.

Congratulations Jim, on a story well told. I hope that your efforts encourage other members of your generation, whatever their life circumstances, to chronicle their experiences and their stories. It is so important.

George C Poulos

Trustee, Kytherian World Heritage Fund
Public Relations Officer, Kytherian Association of Australia
Editor, www.kythera-family.net

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7/2/2011

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Diaspora Social Life

John Andrews, son of Tina Andrews

delivering a speech in honour of his "stepfather" at the official Book Launch, for Jim Saltis's book, My Four Homes, held on Wednesday, 8th December, 2010, at The Greeks from Egypt Club, 140-142, McEvoy Street, Alexandria, Sydney.

John's speech concentrated on Jim's humble and "easy-to-live-with" character. He was very proud, that with the help of his mother, Jim had succeeded in publishing, My Four Homes.

Purchase the book, here

Download an interview with Jim Saltis on SBS Radio, Australia, here:

jim-saltis.mp3

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7/2/2011

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Diaspora Social Life

Tina Andrews. Jim Saltis's companion. Behind every great man is an even greater woman

at the official Book Launch, for Jims book, My Four Homes, held on Wednesday, 8th December, 2010, at The Greeks from Egypt Club, 140-142, McEvoy Street, Alexandria, Sydney.

Tina accompanied Jim on a return trip to Alexandria, and encouraged him to print and publish the book. She was always a great inspiration behind the scene. She was also a brilliant organiser of the Book Launch evening.

Purchase the book, here

Download an interview with Jim Saltis on SBS Radio, Australia, here:

jim-saltis.mp3

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7/2/2011

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Diaspora Social Life

Guy Saltis, Jim Saltis's son, delivering a tribute to his father

at the official Book Launch, for Jims book, My Four Homes, held on Wednesday, 8th December, 2010, at The Greeks from Egypt Club, 140-142, McEvoy Street, Alexandria, Sydney.

Guy's speech was very moving. He appreciated the deep insights into his fathers character that reading the book afforded him.

Purchase the book, here

Download an interview with Jim Saltis on SBS Radio, Australia, here:

jim-saltis.mp3

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7/2/2011

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Diaspora Social Life

Anna Arsenis with Tina Andrews grand daughter

at the official Book Launch, of Jim Saltis, My Four Homes, held on Wednesday, 8th December, 2010, at The Greeks from Egypt Club, 140-142, McEvoy Street, Alexandria, Sydney.

Anna, who has worked extensively in the Greek media, in particular with Greek newspapers, typeset and designed the book. She worked indefatiguably at her work, and produced a brilliant product.

Elaine Andrew is the daughter of John and Natassa Andrew of Maroubra and the grand daughter of Tina And the late Peter Andrew of Randwick.

Purchase the book, here

Download an interview with Jim Saltis on SBS Radio, Australia, here:

jim-saltis.mp3

Open full entry

7/2/2011

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Diaspora Social Life

Jim Saltis, with SBS Radio Presenter Dimitrios Kametopoulos

At the official Book Launch, held on Wednesday, 8th December, 2010, at The Greeks from Egypt Club, 140-142, McEvoy Street, Alexandria, Sydney.

Purchase the book, here

Dimitri has previously broadcast a interview with Jim Saltis on SBS Radio.

Download an interview with Jim Saltis on SBS Radio, Australia, here:

jim-saltis.mp3


Dimitrios KAMETOPOULOS fulfills many duties in the Greek Australian world.

He is Head Teacher
NSW Department of Education
Marrickville Intensive English Centre (I.E.C.)
c/o Marrickville High School
Northcote Street,
Marrickville, 2204
Sydney, NSW, Australia
*Tel: (+61 2 ) 9550 0251 {8.30am-4.45pm}
*Fax: (+61 2 ) 9560 8079

Also,

Assistant Supervisor
NSW Department of Education
Saturday School of Community Languages (S.S.C.L.)
Liverpool Boys High School Centre (L.B.H.S.)
Forbes Street,
Liverpool 2170
Sydney, NSW, Australia
*Tel/Fax: (+61 2) 9822 5420 {7.45am-2.00pm-Saturdays}
Answering Machine/Fax operating continuously

Languages taught at SSCL-LBHS:
Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Modern Greek, Turkish & Vietnamese

MOBILE CONTACT:

*Mob: 0414 714807 after 3.30pm daily or all weekend
- from outside Australia (+ 61 414 714807)

EMAIL CONTACTS:

Work email

School email

Personal email

Note that the Special Broadcasting Service, SBS, has an English speaking interview program.

It goes to air daily 6am-7am and 5pm-6pm on 1107AM.

The Greek program is broadcast daily 7am-8am and 6pm-7pm on 1107AM.

Alexandros Catharios is the Head of the Greek program. Often interviews can be done on the Greek program as well. Sometimes what we occurs, if the Greek interviewee has difficulties in Greek, then the interview is conducted in English and the radio presenters do a synopsis in Greek prior to the interview, during or after.

Check the guide on

www.sbs.com.au/radio

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7/2/2011

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Diaspora Social Life

Author of My Four Homes, Jim Saltis, with special guest Lorenzo Montessini.

At the official Book Launch, held on Wednesday, 8th December, 2010, at The Greeks from Egypt Club, 140-142, McEvoy Street, Alexandria, Sydney.

Purchase the book, here

Lorenzo was special guest and keynote speaker. He is also the Chairman of the Australian Friends of Bibliotheca Alexandrina. He had previously delivered to the Library in Alexandria, the Greek version of Jim's book, and has now undertaken to place the English version of the book on deposit there as well.

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7/2/2011

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Diaspora Social Life

Jim Saltis, author of the book My Four Homes

delivering his speech at the official Book Launch, held on Wednesday, 8th December, 2010, at The Greeks from Egypt Club, 140-142, McEvoy Street, Alexandria, Sydney.

Purchase the book, here

Download an interview with Jim Saltis on SBS Radio, Australia, here:

jim-saltis.mp3

Jim's Speech:

I was told that there is an expectation from me to deliver a speech which should not be too short or too long. Definitely not a tutorial and if possible entertaining. I will try to abide by these parameters.
I take the liberty of reading from a prepared script rather than risk the indignity of revealing evidence for my mental demise.

I thank you all for turning up tonight despite the lectures, the school concerts and the preparations for the Festive season; I also wish to thank the Kytherian World Heritage Fund for their decision to publish my book. I thank them for this and I admit the book, had it been a cinematographic expression, would have attracted an R, Restricted classification. Yet it contains no rude words, or gratuitous pornography.

I must also mention that I am grateful for the help, advice and encouragement I received from Professor Emanuel Aroney, the indefatigable duo of George Poulos and Angelo Notaras who made the courageous decision to publish this book. George Poulos who carried out a very pedantic edit and the artistic designer, and typesetter, well known for her literary contribution to the Hellenism in Australia, Anna Arsenis.

I also acknowledge the presence of Mr Lorenzo Montessini who is the representative in Australia of the world’s famous and most modern bibliotheque, the Alexandrine Library. Mr Montessini accepted our invitation to attend the launching and to transmit a copy of the book for inclusion in the exhibits of this unique library, which incidentally prides itself on its association with the Hellenistic period that followed the conquests of the Macedonian Greek, Alexander the great. I emphasize that he was not an Athenian Greek or a Spartan Greek or a Theban Greek. He was Greek who spoke Greek and believed in he Olympian dodekatheon, known as Iskandar to the Egyptians, and to countries as far afield as Afghanistan.

The book is about us, the millions of Geeks who travelled to the four corners of the world to seek liberation from the curse of poverty, political persecution, and religious confrontations, failed ambitions, or to seek a romantic escapade and new adventures. The majority of us succeeded spectacularly in our adopted countries. We were predominately economic refugees seeking a better geographic address than the one we acquired through the accident of birth.

The common wisdom is that our success is a consequence of hard work which is true. Also contributing to the success, were the opportunities in the new country. Undoubtedly our grandfathers who for some reason never migrated and lived on the island (of Kythera), worked much harder than us for a plate a fava, a couple of slices of dry bread and few ounces of olive oil... The national economic pie in this lucky country was much bigger then and was partitioned into large portions to the five something million who lived on this island continent, the only country that expands and must expand over a whole continent.

I will not talk about my book, leaving the critique to you, the readers. What I tried to do was make a sincere attempt to describe the morality of the era and its influence on our lives, the risks we experienced because of the non existence of organised labour Unions and the absence of Social Security.

My Four Homes is not my first foray into writing. My first book, which is ready for publication is entitled Efxes katares kai exorkismi (Blessings, curses and exorcisms.) It is a novel, and like My Four Homes its backdrop is Alexandria, although the tale could have happened in any country.

I often hear older people complaining that we were born too early, meaning of course that the new generations have a better life than we did. But I have no complaints about the time in which I was born. I belong to a generation that witnessed the splitting of the atom, the landing on the moon, the eradication of polio, typhoid, tuberculosis, advances in lung and cardiac surgery, the acceptance of leucotomy, and above all, the extended quality and longevity life. The social revolution that was triggered by the Pill, Viaga and vasectomy, and the abolition of the concept that a woman is a lesser human being destined to be an unpaid servant to man and family.

I hope you will enjoy reading “My Four Homes” as much as I did writing it.

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7/2/2011

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Diaspora Working Life

Professor John Prineas. Medical pioneer awarded.

Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Reporter: Branwen Morgan
ABC

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Professor John Prineas has spent almost fifty years conducting research into MS (Source: MS Research Australia/YouTube)

Australia Day honours Doctors from various fields of medicine have been recognised in today's Australia Day Honours list.

Professor John Prineas, who specialises in neurology, has been made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his multiple sclerosis (MS) research.

Prineas has spent almost fifty years trying to understand the basis of the disease, in which nerve cells are gradually destroyed by a process called demyelination. MS affects an estimated 2 million people around the world and causes gradual disability.

Prineas, now an Honorary Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Sydney, where he was also a young medical student, says he is absolutely delighted to receive this honour.
"It is not just for me; it's a recognition of the all people and the groups I've worked with. And it's a terrific thing for the neurologists in Sydney," says Prineas.

The first of Prineas's seminal discoveries was published in 1979 in the journal Science. He produced evidence that the myelin sheath that coats and protects a nerve cell - like insulation tape - can regenerate.

In 1993, he demonstrated that the cells which make myelin, called oligodendrocytes, are recruited to sites of damage. These observations around the capacity of the nervous system to repair itself underpin today's 'remyelination' therapies for MS.
But it's his love of microscopes and desire to observe everything under a lens that has changed the course of MS research.

"We used to think that MS was an autoimmune condition, where the body's own immune system turns on itself and destroys the myelin," says Prineas. "But by examining tissue from people who have died when the disease is in its very early stages, we've shown that the myelin is not targeted in this way; rather the oligodendrocytes are committing suicide by apoptosis [programmed cell death]. And we don't know the trigger for this. So, now we have a whole new set of questions."

In 2009, Prineas was the first Australian to receive the biennial MS International Federation Charcot Award for lifetime achievement in research into the understanding or treatment of multiple sclerosis. He has treated a multitude of patients during his clinical career and authored more than 80 peer-reviewed scientific papers.

Open full entry

2/2/2011

Photos, Diaspora Working Life

Current Affairs

Award for medical research pioneer, Professor John Prineas

[[picture:"Professor John Prineas.jpg" ID:18515]]

Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Reporter: Branwen Morgan
ABC

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Professor John Prineas has spent almost fifty years conducting research into MS (Source: MS Research Australia/YouTube)

Australia Day honours Doctors from various fields of medicine have been recognised in today's Australia Day Honours list.

Professor John Prineas, who specialises in neurology, has been made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his multiple sclerosis (MS) research.

Prineas has spent almost fifty years trying to understand the basis of the disease, in which nerve cells are gradually destroyed by a process called demyelination. MS affects an estimated 2 million people around the world and causes gradual disability.

Prineas, now an Honorary Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Sydney, where he was also a young medical student, says he is absolutely delighted to receive this honour.
"It is not just for me; it's a recognition of the all people and the groups I've worked with. And it's a terrific thing for the neurologists in Sydney," says Prineas.

The first of Prineas's seminal discoveries was published in 1979 in the journal Science. He produced evidence that the myelin sheath that coats and protects a nerve cell - like insulation tape - can regenerate.

In 1993, he demonstrated that the cells which make myelin, called oligodendrocytes, are recruited to sites of damage. These observations around the capacity of the nervous system to repair itself underpin today's 'remyelination' therapies for MS.
But it's his love of microscopes and desire to observe everything under a lens that has changed the course of MS research.

"We used to think that MS was an autoimmune condition, where the body's own immune system turns on itself and destroys the myelin," says Prineas. "But by examining tissue from people who have died when the disease is in its very early stages, we've shown that the myelin is not targeted in this way; rather the oligodendrocytes are committing suicide by apoptosis [programmed cell death]. And we don't know the trigger for this. So, now we have a whole new set of questions."

In 2009, Prineas was the first Australian to receive the biennial MS International Federation Charcot Award for lifetime achievement in research into the understanding or treatment of multiple sclerosis. He has treated a multitude of patients during his clinical career and authored more than 80 peer-reviewed scientific papers.

Open full entry

2/2/2011

Culture, Current Affairs

Diaspora Social Life

George Feros. Dustkjacket of the book, George, his passion

Ruby Brown Feros's love devotion, and surrender in writing the book, George, his passion

Purchase the book here

In June 2006, I contacted long term contributor to www.kythera-family.net, Peter Tsicalas, to ask him whether he would write an essay on the Kytherian presence in northern New South Wales (NSW), for a book I was proposing to edit. Peter lives in Montecollum, near Mullumbimby and Byron Bay. He politely declined my offer, but suggested that if I wanted to do something really useful, why not contact a woman called Ruby Brown, (nee, Feros), who was working on the biography of her father, George. Peter gave me Ruby’s email address.
George Feros, Peter Tsicalas advised, was a Greek & Kytherian Australian who had obtained the funding to establish superior aged care facilities in north eastern NSW. Having been interested in Kytherian history for more than 30 years, and the incumbent editor of www.kythera-family.net, a hub of Kytherian information, for 5 years, I was surprised that I had not heard of George Feros. Who was George Feros?
I made contact with Ruby, and she elaborated on her fathers achievements. Soon after, we met in Goulburn, NSW, which lies …….kilometres from the Brown-Feros family property, and she provided me with a copy of the very thick manuscript she had been working on.
Meanwhile, the Organising Committee of Kytheraismos Institute was preparing for the Second International Symposium of Kytheraismos, to be held at the Hellenic Club in Canberra from the 15-17th September, 2006. I asked Ruby to consider presenting a paper at the Conference, and she took up the offer. She was scheduled to speak after the two “stars” of the Conference, Vikki Fraioli, and Terry Keramaris from California, USA, and I was very concerned that she would be unnerved or upstaged by their presentation. I needn’t have worried.
Ruby’s speech, delivered with great verve and confidence, concentrated on a number of key themes. The first of these was pride. “I am truly proud of my Kytherian heritage,” she began, “ and I would like to share with you the endeavours of my father”. “I am very proud of Feros Care, the organisation bearing the name of my father….George’s story is one great Australian story, or more precisely, a story about one man’s passion to do great things for…Australia”.
A second theme was the celebration of the unconventional, the eccentric, the radical. Before she spoke, a portrait of George Feros, had been placed to the side of the podium. The audience, of about 250 people, were overwhelmed and confronted by it. That portrait appears on the front cover of this book. You could almost “feel” the audience striving to understand what the portrait of that “wild man”, had to do with a conference on Kytherian identity. Kytherians were mild, conservative people.
“George had strong convictions by which he lived,” Ruby observed. “He did things his way. Convention was not part of George’s way of living. Every day in the last 20 years of George’s life, he would mount his bike and ride off”. What George did next, is recounted in the remainder of this book. I won’t preempt what you will discover there about George. Be assured however, it is unconventional.
A third minor, but significant theme, is typically Kytherian. Young children, wrenched from their mothers arms, removed from their homes, and sent off, halfway around the world. “From when he left in 1923, George never returned to Kythera. He told me many times how much he missed his dear mother, and how he cried many times, because he was unable to see her again”. Jim Miller, father of George Miller, my own father, Con, and three of his brothers Dimitri, Minas & Peter, were amongst thousands of other Greeks & Kytherians of that generation, destined never to see their mother’s again.
The fourth theme that Ruby stressed was the need to preserve the Greek and Kytherian heritage. “If this story is not preserved”, Ruby asserted, “then a grave injustice will have occurred, and the history of Australia will be all the poorer”. Thankfully this story is now written……. I trust those who read it will be fired up to continue the passion of people like George Feros to do great things…”. “Kytherians”, she concluded, “I charge you to keep the dream alive – let us always be proud of our heritage”.

It became clear to me immediately that Ruby’s aspirations and those of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund (KWHF) are congruent. The “mission” of the KWHF is to understand, explain, preserve, maintain and enhance, Kytherian history, culture, artefacts, ethos & heritage. Under its aegis fall, www.kythera-family.net, Kytherian Photography & Realia, and Kytherian Publishing & Media. It is through the latter arm that the printing and publication of this superb book has been undertaken.
The KWHF is a concept devised by Angelo Notaras and George C Poulos in 2003. It arose out of their perception that a "Kytherian Renaissance" had gathered momentum throughout the latter part of the 20th century. It was evident to them that a plethora of projects had emerged designed to preserve the Kytherian heritage.
The renaissance was driven by numerous associations, institutions, and individuals on a number of fronts, and a number of continents. Some groups, such as the Society of Kytherian Studies, based in Athens, under the stewardship of Professor Nikos Petrochilos, had become well established and well organised. They had been working inexorably and diligently on the preservation of the Kytherian heritage for many years. The Society has published 17 books with an intrinsic Kytherian theme. Other organisations which played a significant role, included the Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust, Sydney, the Institute of Kytheraismos, Athens, the Kythera Cultural Association, Potamos, Kythera, and George N Leontsinis, Professor of History at Athens University. Numerous archaeologists and archaeological institutions, have also served to raise the profile of Kythera around the world.
To read more about the unified spirit of kytheraismos impelling the KWHF, see www.kythera-family.net/GeorgeCPoulosPhilosophies.

The organisations mentioned above are well established. It is inevitable that their endeavours will help preserve and enhance the Kytherian and Hellenic heritage. It is often the contribution of passionate, diligent, assertive and dogged individuals, like Ruby Brown, however, who give me the most pleasure. They work in isolation, are under-resourced, and commit themselves to significant expenses. Ruby Feros must be commended for the love and devotion that she has invested in this book.

To reiterate the conclusions that Ruby arrived at in her speech to the Kytheraismos Conference in September 2006. The history of Australia has been enriched by telling George Feros’s story. It will inspire others to “follow their passions”, and to strive to achieve great things”. And Kytherians, will be encouraged to “keep the dream alive, and always remain, proud of their heritage”.

George Feros.

May his memory be eternal

Ayion to mimni sou.

Open full entry

2/2/2011

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

George Feros. George, his passion

Author: Ruby Brown (nee, Feros)

When Published: 2010

Publisher: Kytherian World Heritage Fund. Kytherian Publishing and Media.

ISBN: 9780646500423

Dewey Number: 994.00489

Cost: $50 + $10 postage and handling.

(Up to three copies can be posted at the same time for the same cost of postage.)

Available: Phone Ruby Brown Ferros on 0427 484 002

or

Emal: Email, Ruby Brown Feros

You can also purchase the book by sending payment to:

Kytherian World Heritage Fund
PO Box 513
Rozelle NSW 2039

Make all cheques payable to:
KAA. Kytherian World Heritage Fund

CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED! Phone, or email details.

Enquiries: George C. Poulos
Ph: 61 2 9388 8320

e: Contact George here

Angelo Notaras p: 61 2 9810 0194 ext.711

f: 61 2 9810 6691

e: Contact Angelo here

Description: 368 pages
Superb quality hardback book, printed on 130 gsm art paper. Dust jacket.
Colour photographs
Bibliography, Index.

George his passion. An Overview

Kytherians are proud. They are proud of their race, and their achievements.

One Kytherian of whom we should all be proud, is the late George Feros.

George, a ‘loveable eccentric’, was a humble man. He lived most of his seventy-eight years in Byron Bay. The story of George’s exploits has been recorded in a book, George his Passion, written by his daughter, Ruby. He was proud to be a Kytherian-Australian.
George was born in Mitata in 1902. He immigrated to Australia when he was twenty, and like a lot of Kytherians of his generation, he never returned to the ‘old country’ as he called it. George told me he was a stow-a-way on a fishing trawler on his way from Athens to Port Said.

Ruby M Feros (also known as Ruby M Brown) has chosen to write under her Kytherian birth name. Ruby is an accomplished author having written her first book in 1983. Since then she has written on a variety of food related topics. Ruby likens George his Passion to a doctoral thesis. It took her five years to research and write the book. Ruby said she hadn’t written for a year when her friend challenged her to write more. Once she took up the challenge to tell George’s story, she fell in love with his passion, and began to write about him, rather than simply relate his exploits.

In the foreword to George his Passion, Nick Towers wrote, “George Feros, like the lighthouse, was hard to miss in Byron Bay. When I arrived from the U K in the late 1960s, they both shone very different beacons. One was an elegant white fixture on the Cape, the other a selfless beacon of charity, manifested as a very strange man, with his bell and moneybox. First impressions – a beggar collecting for himself to buy shoes and clothing. On a closer inspection it was clear that the writing on the moneybox said he was collecting for a nursing home. When in 1968 I asked him where in fact the nursing home was, he replied it was still a dream and with the help of God it would get built. I will always remember those piercing eyes that went straight through me. I instantly knew that he was genuine. I also knew that there was no sidestepping his moneybox, without possible detriment to my very own soul. Thankfully the dollar was still in note form and not really expected to be poked through the small slit in the moneybox. Everybody gave a coin, some only a few cents. I was one of the latter”.

Ruby asserts in the opening chapter of her book that if this story of George his Passion had not been written, a grave injustice would have occurred, and the history of Australia would have been all the poorer. It would have been poorer in more ways than one. George was on a mission to raise money for aged care in his local area of Byron Bay on the far north coast of NSW. In the early 1970s there were no aged care facilities in Byron Bay and George set out single-handedly to raise funds to ensure that one was built.

Ruby believes that most Kytherians have a project or a mission. George was a man with a mission. His only mission was to raise money for aged care. How George set about doing this is the story of her book. Convention was not part of George’s way of life. The reader will be able to learn some of the unusual methods George employed to raise the necessary funds.

Ruby had tried for about two years to find someone who would publish her book about her father. She met a man called Geoff, through her friend Lorraine. Sadly Geoff’s body succumbed to the ravages of cancer. Ruby believes that when one door closes, another opens. Another door opened for Ruby when she met George C Poulos through the Kytheraismos Conference in Canberra, on 16 September 2006.

George C Poulos is a Kytherian who also is proud of his heritage. He too is passionate to see works published about notable Kytherians. Ruby says her book would never have been published without George C Poulos and his driving force and enthusiasm.

To learn about how George Feros lived his life, you will need to read George his Passion. Ruby is donating the profits of her book to Feros Care, the aged care facility that her father raised funds for. She said that by purchasing a copy of the book, you will be in some small way contributing to the ongoing work her father pioneered. Ruby said that when she was writing her book, her friend Lorraine said to her she had hoped the book would do well, and would be financially beneficial to Ruby in her retirement. Ruby explained to Lorraine how she wanted George’s dream to stay alive and said she was writing the book in that hope. She knew George would not have approved of it any other way.

When Ruby spoke about the work of her father at the Kytheraismos Conference, she challenged all Kytherians to be proud of their heritage and to keep the dream alive.

George’s story is about one man’s passion to do great things for the citizens of Australia. Ruby says writing her book has become one of her passions. If you have a passion for what you are doing the enjoyment is multiplied.

Feros Care Ltd started out as a small acorn. When you plant an acorn, as George did, you don’t know how big the oak will grow. The final size doesn’t matter; the acorn has to be planted first. You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. It is interesting that the first two letters of the word goal are GO. Some people just dream of worthy accomplishments, others wake up and do them. George tirelessly worked to see his acorn grow into a big tree. Feros Care now provides a range of aged care services. From the efforts of one man, grew a large not-for-profit organization that helps to care for people in their senior years.

George his Passion is a must for your reading list, and for your library. Again, to purchase the book,

Phone Ruby Brown Ferros on 0427 484 002

or

Emal: Email, Ruby Brown Feros

Remember by purchasing this book you are keeping the Kytherian dream alive and helping a worthwhile charity.

Open full entry

2/2/2011

Photos, Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

Life Stories

Ruby Brown Feros's, love devotion and surrender

in writing the book, George, his passion


George, his passion

Purchase the book here


[[picture:"George Wrap-around cover s.jpg" ID:18513]]

In June 2006, I contacted long term contributor to www.kythera-family.net, Peter Tsicalas, to ask him whether he would write an essay on the Kytherian presence in northern New South Wales (NSW), for a book I was proposing to edit. Peter lives in Montecollum, near Mullumbimby and Byron Bay. He politely declined my offer, but suggested that if I wanted to do something really useful, why not contact a woman called Ruby Brown, (nee, Feros), who was working on the biography of her father, George. Peter gave me Ruby’s email address.
George Feros, Peter Tsicalas advised, was a Greek & Kytherian Australian who had obtained the funding to establish superior aged care facilities in north eastern NSW. Having been interested in Kytherian history for more than 30 years, and the incumbent editor of www.kythera-family.net, a hub of Kytherian information, for 5 years, I was surprised that I had not heard of George Feros. Who was George Feros?
I made contact with Ruby, and she elaborated on her fathers achievements. Soon after, we met in Goulburn, NSW, which lies …….kilometres from the Brown-Feros family property, and she provided me with a copy of the very thick manuscript she had been working on.
Meanwhile, the Organising Committee of Kytheraismos Institute was preparing for the Second International Symposium of Kytheraismos, to be held at the Hellenic Club in Canberra from the 15-17th September, 2006. I asked Ruby to consider presenting a paper at the Conference, and she took up the offer. She was scheduled to speak after the two “stars” of the Conference, Vikki Fraioli, and Terry Keramaris from California, USA, and I was very concerned that she would be unnerved or upstaged by their presentation. I needn’t have worried.
Ruby’s speech, delivered with great verve and confidence, concentrated on a number of key themes. The first of these was pride. “I am truly proud of my Kytherian heritage,” she began, “ and I would like to share with you the endeavours of my father”. “I am very proud of Feros Care, the organisation bearing the name of my father….George’s story is one great Australian story, or more precisely, a story about one man’s passion to do great things for…Australia”.
A second theme was the celebration of the unconventional, the eccentric, the radical. Before she spoke, a portrait of George Feros, had been placed to the side of the podium. The audience, of about 250 people, were overwhelmed and confronted by it. That portrait appears on the front cover of this book. You could almost “feel” the audience striving to understand what the portrait of that “wild man”, had to do with a conference on Kytherian identity. Kytherians were mild, conservative people.
“George had strong convictions by which he lived,” Ruby observed. “He did things his way. Convention was not part of George’s way of living. Every day in the last 20 years of George’s life, he would mount his bike and ride off”. What George did next, is recounted in the remainder of this book. I won’t preempt what you will discover there about George. Be assured however, it is unconventional.
A third minor, but significant theme, is typically Kytherian. Young children, wrenched from their mothers arms, removed from their homes, and sent off, halfway around the world. “From when he left in 1923, George never returned to Kythera. He told me many times how much he missed his dear mother, and how he cried many times, because he was unable to see her again”. Jim Miller, father of George Miller, my own father, Con, and three of his brothers Dimitri, Minas & Peter, were amongst thousands of other Greeks & Kytherians of that generation, destined never to see their mother’s again.
The fourth theme that Ruby stressed was the need to preserve the Greek and Kytherian heritage. “If this story is not preserved”, Ruby asserted, “then a grave injustice will have occurred, and the history of Australia will be all the poorer”. Thankfully this story is now written……. I trust those who read it will be fired up to continue the passion of people like George Feros to do great things…”. “Kytherians”, she concluded, “I charge you to keep the dream alive – let us always be proud of our heritage”.

It became clear to me immediately that Ruby’s aspirations and those of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund (KWHF) are congruent. The “mission” of the KWHF is to understand, explain, preserve, maintain and enhance, Kytherian history, culture, artefacts, ethos & heritage. Under its aegis fall, www.kythera-family.net, Kytherian Photography & Realia, and Kytherian Publishing & Media. It is through the latter arm that the printing and publication of this superb book has been undertaken.
The KWHF is a concept devised by Angelo Notaras and George C Poulos in 2003. It arose out of their perception that a "Kytherian Renaissance" had gathered momentum throughout the latter part of the 20th century. It was evident to them that a plethora of projects had emerged designed to preserve the Kytherian heritage.
The renaissance was driven by numerous associations, institutions, and individuals on a number of fronts, and a number of continents. Some groups, such as the Society of Kytherian Studies, based in Athens, under the stewardship of Professor Nikos Petrochilos, had become well established and well organised. They had been working inexorably and diligently on the preservation of the Kytherian heritage for many years. The Society has published 17 books with an intrinsic Kytherian theme. Other organisations which played a significant role, included the Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust, Sydney, the Institute of Kytheraismos, Athens, the Kythera Cultural Association, Potamos, Kythera, and George N Leontsinis, Professor of History at Athens University. Numerous archaeologists and archaeological institutions, have also served to raise the profile of Kythera around the world.
To read more about the unified spirit of kytheraismos impelling the KWHF, see www.kythera-family.net/GeorgeCPoulosPhilosophies.

The organisations mentioned above are well established. It is inevitable that their endeavours will help preserve and enhance the Kytherian and Hellenic heritage. It is often the contribution of passionate, diligent, assertive and dogged individuals, like Ruby Brown, however, who give me the most pleasure. They work in isolation, are under-resourced, and commit themselves to significant expenses. Ruby Feros must be commended for the love and devotion that she has invested in this book.

To reiterate the conclusions that Ruby arrived at in her speech to the Kytheraismos Conference in September 2006. The history of Australia has been enriched by telling George Feros’s story. It will inspire others to “follow their passions”, and to strive to achieve great things”. And Kytherians, will be encouraged to “keep the dream alive, and always remain, proud of their heritage”.

George Feros.

May his memory be eternal

Ayion to mimni sou.

Open full entry

2/2/2011

People, Life Stories

Bibliography

George, his passion

[[picture:"Cover George s.jpg" ID:18512]]

Author: Ruby Brown (nee, Feros)

When Published: 2010

Publisher: Kytherian World Heritage Fund. Kytherian Publishing and Media.

ISBN: 9780646500423

Dewey Number: 994.00489

Cost: $50 + $10 postage and handling.

(Up to three copies can be posted at the same time for the same cost of postage.)

Available: Phone Ruby Brown Ferros on 0427 484 002

or

Emal: Email, Ruby Brown Feros

You can also purchase the book by sending payment to:

Kytherian World Heritage Fund
PO Box 513
Rozelle NSW 2039

Make all cheques payable to:
KAA. Kytherian World Heritage Fund

CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED! Phone, or email details.

Enquiries: George C. Poulos
Ph: 61 2 9388 8320

e: Contact George here

Angelo Notaras p: 61 2 9810 0194 ext.711

f: 61 2 9810 6691

e: Contact Angelo here

Description: 368 pages
Superb quality hardback book, printed on 130 gsm art paper. Dust jacket.
Colour photographs
Bibliography, Index.

George his passion. An Overview

Kytherians are proud. They are proud of their race, and their achievements.

One Kytherian of whom we should all be proud, is the late George Feros.

George, a ‘loveable eccentric’, was a humble man. He lived most of his seventy-eight years in Byron Bay. The story of George’s exploits has been recorded in a book, George his Passion, written by his daughter, Ruby. He was proud to be a Kytherian-Australian.
George was born in Mitata in 1902. He immigrated to Australia when he was twenty, and like a lot of Kytherians of his generation, he never returned to the ‘old country’ as he called it. George told me he was a stow-a-way on a fishing trawler on his way from Athens to Port Said.

Ruby M Feros (also known as Ruby M Brown) has chosen to write under her Kytherian birth name. Ruby is an accomplished author having written her first book in 1983. Since then she has written on a variety of food related topics. Ruby likens George his Passion to a doctoral thesis. It took her five years to research and write the book. Ruby said she hadn’t written for a year when her friend challenged her to write more. Once she took up the challenge to tell George’s story, she fell in love with his passion, and began to write about him, rather than simply relate his exploits.

In the foreword to George his Passion, Nick Towers wrote, “George Feros, like the lighthouse, was hard to miss in Byron Bay. When I arrived from the U K in the late 1960s, they both shone very different beacons. One was an elegant white fixture on the Cape, the other a selfless beacon of charity, manifested as a very strange man, with his bell and moneybox. First impressions – a beggar collecting for himself to buy shoes and clothing. On a closer inspection it was clear that the writing on the moneybox said he was collecting for a nursing home. When in 1968 I asked him where in fact the nursing home was, he replied it was still a dream and with the help of God it would get built. I will always remember those piercing eyes that went straight through me. I instantly knew that he was genuine. I also knew that there was no sidestepping his moneybox, without possible detriment to my very own soul. Thankfully the dollar was still in note form and not really expected to be poked through the small slit in the moneybox. Everybody gave a coin, some only a few cents. I was one of the latter”.

Ruby asserts in the opening chapter of her book that if this story of George his Passion had not been written, a grave injustice would have occurred, and the history of Australia would have been all the poorer. It would have been poorer in more ways than one. George was on a mission to raise money for aged care in his local area of Byron Bay on the far north coast of NSW. In the early 1970s there were no aged care facilities in Byron Bay and George set out single-handedly to raise funds to ensure that one was built.

Ruby believes that most Kytherians have a project or a mission. George was a man with a mission. His only mission was to raise money for aged care. How George set about doing this is the story of her book. Convention was not part of George’s way of life. The reader will be able to learn some of the unusual methods George employed to raise the necessary funds.

Ruby had tried for about two years to find someone who would publish her book about her father. She met a man called Geoff, through her friend Lorraine. Sadly Geoff’s body succumbed to the ravages of cancer. Ruby believes that when one door closes, another opens. Another door opened for Ruby when she met George C Poulos through the Kytheraismos Conference in Canberra, on 16 September 2006.

George C Poulos is a Kytherian who also is proud of his heritage. He too is passionate to see works published about notable Kytherians. Ruby says her book would never have been published without George C Poulos and his driving force and enthusiasm.

To learn about how George Feros lived his life, you will need to read George his Passion. Ruby is donating the profits of her book to Feros Care, the aged care facility that her father raised funds for. She said that by purchasing a copy of the book, you will be in some small way contributing to the ongoing work her father pioneered. Ruby said that when she was writing her book, her friend Lorraine said to her she had hoped the book would do well, and would be financially beneficial to Ruby in her retirement. Ruby explained to Lorraine how she wanted George’s dream to stay alive and said she was writing the book in that hope. She knew George would not have approved of it any other way.

When Ruby spoke about the work of her father at the Kytheraismos Conference, she challenged all Kytherians to be proud of their heritage and to keep the dream alive.

George’s story is about one man’s passion to do great things for the citizens of Australia. Ruby says writing her book has become one of her passions. If you have a passion for what you are doing the enjoyment is multiplied.

Feros Care Ltd started out as a small acorn. When you plant an acorn, as George did, you don’t know how big the oak will grow. The final size doesn’t matter; the acorn has to be planted first. You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. It is interesting that the first two letters of the word goal are GO. Some people just dream of worthy accomplishments, others wake up and do them. George tirelessly worked to see his acorn grow into a big tree. Feros Care now provides a range of aged care services. From the efforts of one man, grew a large not-for-profit organization that helps to care for people in their senior years.

George his Passion is a must for your reading list, and for your library. Again, to purchase the book,

Phone Ruby Brown Ferros on 0427 484 002

or

Emal: Email, Ruby Brown Feros

Remember by purchasing this book you are keeping the Kytherian dream alive and helping a worthwhile charity.

Open full entry

2/2/2011

Culture, Bibliography

Guestbook

Koula Anousas - Sydney Australia

This is a great site I am proud of my Kytherian heritage My grandmother Kyriakoula Koula Anousas maiden name Feros was from Mitata She married Stelios Anousas Her parents my great grandparents were Nikos Feros and Stavroula Feros maiden name Prineas I have been to Kythera twice and love the island very much It is a beautiful island

Open full entry

30/1/2011

Guestbook

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

George C Poulos, with a borrowed ten-gallon hat

at the opening of the Roxy (Peters) cafe, and Roxy Museum, Bingara, New South Wales, Dec 3, 2010.

He is standing under the Peters sign, which was restored at a cost of $6000 by Emanuel Aroney and his brothers, grandsons of one of the original owners.

Dec 3, 2010. "Roxy" buiding works opened for viewing for the first time.

*Note that the Official Opening will occur on the weekend of the 9th & 10th April, 2011. Do find the time, and make the effort to attend.

The building works for the Roxy "complex", in Bingara, have now been completed, at a cost of three quarters of a million dollars. The Roxy complex now consists of a Tourist Information Centre, a Cinema & multi-purpose theatre, dance hall, & function centre, a Café, and a Museum.

From 2004- to date, Greek-Australians (G-A) and Kytherian-Australians (K-A), (and Kytherians - worldwide) have gained more than $3.3 million in funding from Anglo-Australian sources (3 tiers of Government), to establish what are G-A and K-A heritage, memorial, pilgrimage, and “sacred” sites. These grants have been applied to new construction and refurbishment of a very large building.

The Roxy Complex is a (massive) living, working memorial to G-A’s (1817-to date), and K-A’s (1854 – to date), who engaged in what Hugh Gilchrist called the “shop-keeping” phenomenon. Its history has been well documented by another Project part-financed by the Aroney Trust, Peter Prineas’ book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

This Project is unique in Australia and the world. It has no equivalent. Kevin Cork called G-A & K-A cinema’s in Australia “Parthenons down under”. This is a very apt description of the Roxy site. But it is now the supreme, Parthenon down under. It has to be seen to be believed.

G-A’s & K-A’s have been extremely lucky to win the equivalent of 3 Lotto prizes, and to have Anglo-Australians build and renovate this G-A & K-A memorial for them.

It is now time for G-A’s and K-A’s to make a small contribution to their memorial – and to build on their / our luck.

The Roxy Committee have not called for funds at this stage, however 3 Kytherian families, recognising the extreme importance of the Roxy site, have pre-emptively stepped up, and donated funds. These include Emanual Aroney and his brothers (grandsons of one of the original owners), $6000 to restore the original neon sign. Nick Politis, $5000 towards the Museum, and George & Lorraine Poulos, $15,000 towards the Museum. Many G-A’s and K-A’s have also already donated various pieces of “realia” (artefacts), such as malt-containers, milk-shakers, teapots, signage, doors, etc. This Museum is the perfect vehicle for ensuring that such important G-A and K-A realia is not lost to posterity, and can reach a wider audience.

The Museum comprises 4 small rooms, and a larger conference room (110 sq metres), on the first floor above the Cafe. It is accessible by stairs and a lift. It is fully renovated.

Funding to equip the Museum is far more difficult to obtain than building project funding. What is needed is technological equipment (television screens, computer(s) etc), and showcases to display the various pieces of realia.

It is important to ensure that when the complex and Museum opens it begins with a “bang” and not a “whimper”. Projects that begin with a whimper most often end up interred in shallow graves. In practical terms, if the 100,000’s of visitors who visit the Roxy every year, encounter an “empty” Museum, this has two results. Firstly their impressions of the Museum (and by extension, G-A’s and K-A’s) is diminished, and secondly, they tell another 30 friends and acquaintances that the Museum is not worth visiting.

It is incumbent on G-A and K-A individuals and institutions who / that have the economic wherewithal, to contribute as much as they possibly can, to ensure that the Roxy Museum functions at the highest possible level.

This is a world Hellenic and G-A and K-A Project of the first order. Please see you way clear to make a contribution to help establish the Roxy Museum. It is ostensibly a Helelenic and Kytherian Museum, of the first order.

Cheques can be made out to

Gwydir Shire Council

and sent to:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager, The Roxy
PO Box 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Open full entry

24/12/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

George C Poulos making a point somewhat emphatically to

Con Fardoulis of Inverell. Con's sister Helen, was married to George's first cousin, George Levantis, originally of Goulburn and later of Guilford in Sydney.

Sandy Mcnaughton, Manager of the Roxy, looks on.

Con had driven to Bingara on Dec 3, 2010, to view the building works for the Roxy Cafe (Peters cafe) and the Roxy Museum.

Dec 3, 2010. "Roxy" buiding works opened for viewing for the first time.

*Note that the Official Opening will occur on the weekend of the 9th & 10th April, 2011. Do find the time, and make the effort to attend.

The building works for the Roxy "complex", in Bingara, have now been completed, at a cost of three quarters of a million dollars. The Roxy complex now consists of a Tourist Information Centre, a Cinema & multi-purpose theatre, dance hall, & function centre, a Café, and a Museum.

From 2004- to date, Greek-Australians (G-A) and Kytherian-Australians (K-A), (and Kytherians - worldwide) have gained more than $3.3 million in funding from Anglo-Australian sources (3 tiers of Government), to establish what are G-A and K-A heritage, memorial, pilgrimage, and “sacred” sites. These grants have been applied to new construction and refurbishment of a very large building.

The Roxy Complex is a (massive) living, working memorial to G-A’s (1817-to date), and K-A’s (1854 – to date), who engaged in what Hugh Gilchrist called the “shop-keeping” phenomenon. Its history has been well documented by another Project part-financed by the Aroney Trust, Peter Prineas’ book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

This Project is unique in Australia and the world. It has no equivalent. Kevin Cork called G-A & K-A cinema’s in Australia “Parthenons down under”. This is a very apt description of the Roxy site. But it is now the supreme, Parthenon down under. It has to be seen to be believed.

G-A’s & K-A’s have been extremely lucky to win the equivalent of 3 Lotto prizes, and to have Anglo-Australians build and renovate this G-A & K-A memorial for them.

It is now time for G-A’s and K-A’s to make a small contribution to their memorial – and to build on their / our luck.

The Roxy Committee have not called for funds at this stage, however 3 Kytherian families, recognising the extreme importance of the Roxy site, have pre-emptively stepped up, and donated funds. These include Emanual Aroney and his brothers (grandsons of one of the original owners), $6000 to restore the original neon sign. Nick Politis, $5000 towards the Museum, and George & Lorraine Poulos, $15,000 towards the Museum. Many G-A’s and K-A’s have also already donated various pieces of “realia” (artefacts), such as malt-containers, milk-shakers, teapots, signage, doors, etc. This Museum is the perfect vehicle for ensuring that such important G-A and K-A realia is not lost to posterity, and can reach a wider audience.

The Museum comprises 4 small rooms, and a larger conference room (110 sq metres), on the first floor above the Cafe. It is accessible by stairs and a lift. It is fully renovated.

Funding to equip the Museum is far more difficult to obtain than building project funding. What is needed is technological equipment (television screens, computer(s) etc), and showcases to display the various pieces of realia.

It is important to ensure that when the complex and Museum opens it begins with a “bang” and not a “whimper”. Projects that begin with a whimper most often end up interred in shallow graves. In practical terms, if the 100,000’s of visitors who visit the Roxy every year, encounter an “empty” Museum, this has two results. Firstly their impressions of the Museum (and by extension, G-A’s and K-A’s) is diminished, and secondly, they tell another 30 friends and acquaintances that the Museum is not worth visiting.

It is incumbent on G-A and K-A individuals and institutions who / that have the economic wherewithal, to contribute as much as they possibly can, to ensure that the Roxy Museum functions at the highest possible level.

This is a world Hellenic and G-A and K-A Project of the first order. Please see you way clear to make a contribution to help establish the Roxy Museum. It is ostensibly a Helelenic and Kytherian Museum, of the first order.

Cheques can be made out to

Gwydir Shire Council

and sent to:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager, The Roxy
PO Box 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Open full entry

24/12/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Emanuel Aroney, standing under the Peters sign, Bingara,

New South Wales. with (from right to left), George Poulos, Emanuel Aroney himself, Richard Torbay the speaker of the New South Wales Parliament, a Roxy "enthusiast", and Peter Prineas, author of Katsehamos and the Great Idea, all pointing upwards to the sign.

Emanuel and his brothers paid $6000 to have the sign restored.

Dec 3, 2010. "Roxy" buiding works opened for viewing for the first time.

*Note that the Official Opening will occur on the weekend of the 9th & 10th April, 2011. Do find the time, and make the effort to attend.

The building works for the Roxy "complex", in Bingara, have now been completed, at a cost of three quarters of a million dollars. The Roxy complex now consists of a Tourist Information Centre, a Cinema & multi-purpose theatre, dance hall, & function centre, a Café, and a Museum.

From 2004- to date, Greek-Australians (G-A) and Kytherian-Australians (K-A), (and Kytherians - worldwide) have gained more than $3.3 million in funding from Anglo-Australian sources (3 tiers of Government), to establish what are G-A and K-A heritage, memorial, pilgrimage, and “sacred” sites. These grants have been applied to new construction and refurbishment of a very large building.

The Roxy Complex is a (massive) living, working memorial to G-A’s (1817-to date), and K-A’s (1854 – to date), who engaged in what Hugh Gilchrist called the “shop-keeping” phenomenon. Its history has been well documented by another Project part-financed by the Aroney Trust, Peter Prineas’ book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

This Project is unique in Australia and the world. It has no equivalent. Kevin Cork called G-A & K-A cinema’s in Australia “Parthenons down under”. This is a very apt description of the Roxy site. But it is now the supreme, Parthenon down under. It has to be seen to be believed.

G-A’s & K-A’s have been extremely lucky to win the equivalent of 3 Lotto prizes, and to have Anglo-Australians build and renovate this G-A & K-A memorial for them.

It is now time for G-A’s and K-A’s to make a small contribution to their memorial – and to build on their / our luck.

The Roxy Committee have not called for funds at this stage, however 3 Kytherian families, recognising the extreme importance of the Roxy site, have pre-emptively stepped up, and donated funds. These include Emanual Aroney and his brothers (grandsons of one of the original owners), $6000 to restore the original neon sign. Nick Politis, $5000 towards the Museum, and George & Lorraine Poulos, $15,000 towards the Museum. Many G-A’s and K-A’s have also already donated various pieces of “realia” (artefacts), such as malt-containers, milk-shakers, teapots, signage, doors, etc. This Museum is the perfect vehicle for ensuring that such important G-A and K-A realia is not lost to posterity, and can reach a wider audience.

The Museum comprises 4 small rooms, and a larger conference room (110 sq metres), on the first floor above the Cafe. It is accessible by stairs and a lift. It is fully renovated.

Funding to equip the Museum is far more difficult to obtain than building project funding. What is needed is technological equipment (television screens, computer(s) etc), and showcases to display the various pieces of realia.

It is important to ensure that when the complex and Museum opens it begins with a “bang” and not a “whimper”. Projects that begin with a whimper most often end up interred in shallow graves. In practical terms, if the 100,000’s of visitors who visit the Roxy every year, encounter an “empty” Museum, this has two results. Firstly their impressions of the Museum (and by extension, G-A’s and K-A’s) is diminished, and secondly, they tell another 30 friends and acquaintances that the Museum is not worth visiting.

It is incumbent on G-A and K-A individuals and institutions who / that have the economic wherewithal, to contribute as much as they possibly can, to ensure that the Roxy Museum functions at the highest possible level.

This is a world Hellenic and G-A and K-A Project of the first order. Please see you way clear to make a contribution to help establish the Roxy Museum. It is ostensibly a Helelenic and Kytherian Museum, of the first order.

Cheques can be made out to

Gwydir Shire Council

and sent to:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager, The Roxy
PO Box 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Open full entry

24/12/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Tim Russell, builder and principal of the building company Dominico Blue

aided by a workman, unveil the restored Peters sign, at the Roxy "complex", Bingara, New South Wales. Emanuel Aroney and his brothers, grandchildren of one of the original owners, paid $6000 to have the sign restored.

Dec 3, 2010. "Roxy" buiding works opened for viewing for the first time.

*Note that the Official Opening will occur on the weekend of the 9th & 10th April, 2011. Do find the time, and make the effort to attend.

The building works for the Roxy "complex", in Bingara, have now been completed, at a cost of three quarters of a million dollars. The Roxy complex now consists of a Tourist Information Centre, a Cinema & multi-purpose theatre, dance hall, & function centre, a Café, and a Museum.

From 2004- to date, Greek-Australians (G-A) and Kytherian-Australians (K-A), (and Kytherians - worldwide) have gained more than $3.3 million in funding from Anglo-Australian sources (3 tiers of Government), to establish what are G-A and K-A heritage, memorial, pilgrimage, and “sacred” sites. These grants have been applied to new construction and refurbishment of a very large building.

The Roxy Complex is a (massive) living, working memorial to G-A’s (1817-to date), and K-A’s (1854 – to date), who engaged in what Hugh Gilchrist called the “shop-keeping” phenomenon. Its history has been well documented by another Project part-financed by the Aroney Trust, Peter Prineas’ book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

This Project is unique in Australia and the world. It has no equivalent. Kevin Cork called G-A & K-A cinema’s in Australia “Parthenons down under”. This is a very apt description of the Roxy site. But it is now the supreme, Parthenon down under. It has to be seen to be believed.

G-A’s & K-A’s have been extremely lucky to win the equivalent of 3 Lotto prizes, and to have Anglo-Australians build and renovate this G-A & K-A memorial for them.

It is now time for G-A’s and K-A’s to make a small contribution to their memorial – and to build on their / our luck.

The Roxy Committee have not called for funds at this stage, however 3 Kytherian families, recognising the extreme importance of the Roxy site, have pre-emptively stepped up, and donated funds. These include Emanual Aroney and his brothers (grandsons of one of the original owners), $6000 to restore the original neon sign. Nick Politis, $5000 towards the Museum, and George & Lorraine Poulos, $15,000 towards the Museum. Many G-A’s and K-A’s have also already donated various pieces of “realia” (artefacts), such as malt-containers, milk-shakers, teapots, signage, doors, etc. This Museum is the perfect vehicle for ensuring that such important G-A and K-A realia is not lost to posterity, and can reach a wider audience.

The Museum comprises 4 small rooms, and a larger conference room (110 sq metres), on the first floor above the Cafe. It is accessible by stairs and a lift. It is fully renovated.

Funding to equip the Museum is far more difficult to obtain than building project funding. What is needed is technological equipment (television screens, computer(s) etc), and showcases to display the various pieces of realia.

It is important to ensure that when the complex and Museum opens it begins with a “bang” and not a “whimper”. Projects that begin with a whimper most often end up interred in shallow graves. In practical terms, if the 100,000’s of visitors who visit the Roxy every year, encounter an “empty” Museum, this has two results. Firstly their impressions of the Museum (and by extension, G-A’s and K-A’s) is diminished, and secondly, they tell another 30 friends and acquaintances that the Museum is not worth visiting.

It is incumbent on G-A and K-A individuals and institutions who / that have the economic wherewithal, to contribute as much as they possibly can, to ensure that the Roxy Museum functions at the highest possible level.

This is a world Hellenic and G-A and K-A Project of the first order. Please see you way clear to make a contribution to help establish the Roxy Museum. It is ostensibly a Helelenic and Kytherian Museum, of the first order.

Cheques can be made out to

Gwydir Shire Council

and sent to:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager, The Roxy
PO Box 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Open full entry

24/12/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Peters sign from the front of the cafe at Bingara

was taken from a paddock where it had been kept by Bob Kirk, and stored in Gwydir Council premises, ready for restoration.

This was completed in December 2010. The sign was officially unveiled on Dec 3, 2010.

Dec 3, 2010. "Roxy" buiding works opened for viewing for the first time.

*Note that the Official Opening will occur on the weekend of the 9th & 10th April, 2011. Do find the time, and make the effort to attend.

The building works for the Roxy "complex", in Bingara, have now been completed, at a cost of three quarters of a million dollars. The Roxy complex now consists of a Tourist Information Centre, a Cinema & multi-purpose theatre, dance hall, & function centre, a Café, and a Museum.

From 2004- to date, Greek-Australians (G-A) and Kytherian-Australians (K-A), (and Kytherians - worldwide) have gained more than $3.3 million in funding from Anglo-Australian sources (3 tiers of Government), to establish what are G-A and K-A heritage, memorial, pilgrimage, and “sacred” sites. These grants have been applied to new construction and refurbishment of a very large building.

The Roxy Complex is a (massive) living, working memorial to G-A’s (1817-to date), and K-A’s (1854 – to date), who engaged in what Hugh Gilchrist called the “shop-keeping” phenomenon. Its history has been well documented by another Project part-financed by the Aroney Trust, Peter Prineas’ book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

This Project is unique in Australia and the world. It has no equivalent. Kevin Cork called G-A & K-A cinema’s in Australia “Parthenons down under”. This is a very apt description of the Roxy site. But it is now the supreme, Parthenon down under. It has to be seen to be believed.

G-A’s & K-A’s have been extremely lucky to win the equivalent of 3 Lotto prizes, and to have Anglo-Australians build and renovate this G-A & K-A memorial for them.

It is now time for G-A’s and K-A’s to make a small contribution to their memorial – and to build on their / our luck.

The Roxy Committee have not called for funds at this stage, however 3 Kytherian families, recognising the extreme importance of the Roxy site, have pre-emptively stepped up, and donated funds. These include Emanual Aroney and his brothers (grandsons of one of the original owners), $6000 to restore the original neon sign. Nick Politis, $5000 towards the Museum, and George & Lorraine Poulos, $15,000 towards the Museum. Many G-A’s and K-A’s have also already donated various pieces of “realia” (artefacts), such as malt-containers, milk-shakers, teapots, signage, doors, etc. This Museum is the perfect vehicle for ensuring that such important G-A and K-A realia is not lost to posterity, and can reach a wider audience.

The Museum comprises 4 small rooms, and a larger conference room (110 sq metres), on the first floor above the Cafe. It is accessible by stairs and a lift. It is fully renovated.

Funding to equip the Museum is far more difficult to obtain than building project funding. What is needed is technological equipment (television screens, computer(s) etc), and showcases to display the various pieces of realia.

It is important to ensure that when the complex and Museum opens it begins with a “bang” and not a “whimper”. Projects that begin with a whimper most often end up interred in shallow graves. In practical terms, if the 100,000’s of visitors who visit the Roxy every year, encounter an “empty” Museum, this has two results. Firstly their impressions of the Museum (and by extension, G-A’s and K-A’s) is diminished, and secondly, they tell another 30 friends and acquaintances that the Museum is not worth visiting.

It is incumbent on G-A and K-A individuals and institutions who / that have the economic wherewithal, to contribute as much as they possibly can, to ensure that the Roxy Museum functions at the highest possible level.

This is a world Hellenic and G-A and K-A Project of the first order. Please see you way clear to make a contribution to help establish the Roxy Museum. It is ostensibly a Helelenic and Kytherian Museum, of the first order.

Cheques can be made out to

Gwydir Shire Council

and sent to:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager, The Roxy
PO Box 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Open full entry

24/12/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The original Peters cafe sign from the cafe in Bingara

found in Bob Kirk's paddock, Bingara. After all those years in the elements. it was still capable of restoration.

Emanuel Aroney and his brothers paid to have it restored, and it was proudly unveiled on Dec 3, 2010.

Dec 3, 2010. "Roxy" buiding works opened for viewing for the first time.

*Note that the Official Opening will occur on the weekend of the 9th & 10th April, 2011. Do find the time, and make the effort to attend.

The building works for the Roxy "complex", in Bingara, have now been completed, at a cost of three quarters of a million dollars. The Roxy complex now consists of a Tourist Information Centre, a Cinema & multi-purpose theatre, dance hall, & function centre, a Café, and a Museum.

From 2004- to date, Greek-Australians (G-A) and Kytherian-Australians (K-A), (and Kytherians - worldwide) have gained more than $3.3 million in funding from Anglo-Australian sources (3 tiers of Government), to establish what are G-A and K-A heritage, memorial, pilgrimage, and “sacred” sites. These grants have been applied to new construction and refurbishment of a very large building.

The Roxy Complex is a (massive) living, working memorial to G-A’s (1817-to date), and K-A’s (1854 – to date), who engaged in what Hugh Gilchrist called the “shop-keeping” phenomenon. Its history has been well documented by another Project part-financed by the Aroney Trust, Peter Prineas’ book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

This Project is unique in Australia and the world. It has no equivalent. Kevin Cork called G-A & K-A cinema’s in Australia “Parthenons down under”. This is a very apt description of the Roxy site. But it is now the supreme, Parthenon down under. It has to be seen to be believed.

G-A’s & K-A’s have been extremely lucky to win the equivalent of 3 Lotto prizes, and to have Anglo-Australians build and renovate this G-A & K-A memorial for them.

It is now time for G-A’s and K-A’s to make a small contribution to their memorial – and to build on their / our luck.

The Roxy Committee have not called for funds at this stage, however 3 Kytherian families, recognising the extreme importance of the Roxy site, have pre-emptively stepped up, and donated funds. These include Emanual Aroney and his brothers (grandsons of one of the original owners), $6000 to restore the original neon sign. Nick Politis, $5000 towards the Museum, and George & Lorraine Poulos, $15,000 towards the Museum. Many G-A’s and K-A’s have also already donated various pieces of “realia” (artefacts), such as malt-containers, milk-shakers, teapots, signage, doors, etc. This Museum is the perfect vehicle for ensuring that such important G-A and K-A realia is not lost to posterity, and can reach a wider audience.

The Museum comprises 4 small rooms, and a larger conference room (110 sq metres), on the first floor above the Cafe. It is accessible by stairs and a lift. It is fully renovated.

Funding to equip the Museum is far more difficult to obtain than building project funding. What is needed is technological equipment (television screens, computer(s) etc), and showcases to display the various pieces of realia.

It is important to ensure that when the complex and Museum opens it begins with a “bang” and not a “whimper”. Projects that begin with a whimper most often end up interred in shallow graves. In practical terms, if the 100,000’s of visitors who visit the Roxy every year, encounter an “empty” Museum, this has two results. Firstly their impressions of the Museum (and by extension, G-A’s and K-A’s) is diminished, and secondly, they tell another 30 friends and acquaintances that the Museum is not worth visiting.

It is incumbent on G-A and K-A individuals and institutions who / that have the economic wherewithal, to contribute as much as they possibly can, to ensure that the Roxy Museum functions at the highest possible level.

This is a world Hellenic and G-A and K-A Project of the first order. Please see you way clear to make a contribution to help establish the Roxy Museum. It is ostensibly a Helelenic and Kytherian Museum, of the first order.

Cheques can be made out to

Gwydir Shire Council

and sent to:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager, The Roxy
PO Box 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Open full entry

24/12/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Emanuel Aroney standing under the Peters sign

outside the cafe at Bingara, New South Wales, located next to the Roxy theatre, and below the Roxy Museum.

Emanuel and his two brothers donated the $6000 to restore the sign.

Dec 3, 2010. "Roxy" buiding works opened for viewing for the first time.

*Note that the Official Opening will occur on the weekend of the 9th & 10th April, 2011. Do find the time, and make the effort to attend.

The building works for the Roxy "complex", in Bingara, have now been completed, at a cost of three quarters of a million dollars. The Roxy complex now consists of a Tourist Information Centre, a Cinema & multi-purpose theatre, dance hall, & function centre, a Café, and a Museum.

From 2004- to date, Greek-Australians (G-A) and Kytherian-Australians (K-A), (and Kytherians - worldwide) have gained more than $3.3 million in funding from Anglo-Australian sources (3 tiers of Government), to establish what are G-A and K-A heritage, memorial, pilgrimage, and “sacred” sites. These grants have been applied to new construction and refurbishment of a very large building.

The Roxy Complex is a (massive) living, working memorial to G-A’s (1817-to date), and K-A’s (1854 – to date), who engaged in what Hugh Gilchrist called the “shop-keeping” phenomenon. Its history has been well documented by another Project part-financed by the Aroney Trust, Peter Prineas’ book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

This Project is unique in Australia and the world. It has no equivalent. Kevin Cork called G-A & K-A cinema’s in Australia “Parthenons down under”. This is a very apt description of the Roxy site. But it is now the supreme, Parthenon down under. It has to be seen to be believed.

G-A’s & K-A’s have been extremely lucky to win the equivalent of 3 Lotto prizes, and to have Anglo-Australians build and renovate this G-A & K-A memorial for them.

It is now time for G-A’s and K-A’s to make a small contribution to their memorial – and to build on their / our luck.

The Roxy Committee have not called for funds at this stage, however 3 Kytherian families, recognising the extreme importance of the Roxy site, have pre-emptively stepped up, and donated funds. These include Emanual Aroney and his brothers (grandsons of one of the original owners), $6000 to restore the original neon sign. Nick Politis, $5000 towards the Museum, and George & Lorraine Poulos, $15,000 towards the Museum. Many G-A’s and K-A’s have also already donated various pieces of “realia” (artefacts), such as malt-containers, milk-shakers, teapots, signage, doors, etc. This Museum is the perfect vehicle for ensuring that such important G-A and K-A realia is not lost to posterity, and can reach a wider audience.

The Museum comprises 4 small rooms, and a larger conference room (110 sq metres), on the first floor above the Cafe. It is accessible by stairs and a lift. It is fully renovated.

Funding to equip the Museum is far more difficult to obtain than building project funding. What is needed is technological equipment (television screens, computer(s) etc), and showcases to display the various pieces of realia.

It is important to ensure that when the complex and Museum opens it begins with a “bang” and not a “whimper”. Projects that begin with a whimper most often end up interred in shallow graves. In practical terms, if the 100,000’s of visitors who visit the Roxy every year, encounter an “empty” Museum, this has two results. Firstly their impressions of the Museum (and by extension, G-A’s and K-A’s) is diminished, and secondly, they tell another 30 friends and acquaintances that the Museum is not worth visiting.

It is incumbent on G-A and K-A individuals and institutions who / that have the economic wherewithal, to contribute as much as they possibly can, to ensure that the Roxy Museum functions at the highest possible level.

This is a world Hellenic and G-A and K-A Project of the first order. Please see you way clear to make a contribution to help establish the Roxy Museum. It is ostensibly a Helelenic and Kytherian Museum, of the first order.

Cheques can be made out to

Gwydir Shire Council

and sent to:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager, The Roxy
PO Box 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Open full entry

24/12/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

George Poulos presenting a cheque for $15,000 to Max Eastcott

the General Manager of Gwydir Shire Council.

The speaker of the New South Wales Parliament, Richard Torbay, a Roxy "enthusiast", looks on.

Dec 3, 2010. "Roxy" buiding works opened for viewing for the first time.

*Note that the Official Opening will occur on the weekend of the 9th & 10th April, 2011. Do find the time, and make the effort to attend.

The building works for the Roxy "complex", in Bingara, have now been completed, at a cost of three quarters of a million dollars. The Roxy complex now consists of a Tourist Information Centre, a Cinema & multi-purpose theatre, dance hall, & function centre, a Café, and a Museum.

From 2004- to date, Greek-Australians (G-A) and Kytherian-Australians (K-A), (and Kytherians - worldwide) have gained more than $3.3 million in funding from Anglo-Australian sources (3 tiers of Government), to establish what are G-A and K-A heritage, memorial, pilgrimage, and “sacred” sites. These grants have been applied to new construction and refurbishment of a very large building.

The Roxy Complex is a (massive) living, working memorial to G-A’s (1817-to date), and K-A’s (1854 – to date), who engaged in what Hugh Gilchrist called the “shop-keeping” phenomenon. Its history has been well documented by another Project part-financed by the Aroney Trust, Peter Prineas’ book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

This Project is unique in Australia and the world. It has no equivalent. Kevin Cork called G-A & K-A cinema’s in Australia “Parthenons down under”. This is a very apt description of the Roxy site. But it is now the supreme, Parthenon down under. It has to be seen to be believed.

G-A’s & K-A’s have been extremely lucky to win the equivalent of 3 Lotto prizes, and to have Anglo-Australians build and renovate this G-A & K-A memorial for them.

It is now time for G-A’s and K-A’s to make a small contribution to their memorial – and to build on their / our luck.

The Roxy Committee have not called for funds at this stage, however 3 Kytherian families, recognising the extreme importance of the Roxy site, have pre-emptively stepped up, and donated funds. These include Emanual Aroney and his brothers (grandsons of one of the original owners), $6000 to restore the original neon sign. Nick Politis, $5000 towards the Museum, and George & Lorraine Poulos, $15,000 towards the Museum. Many G-A’s and K-A’s have also already donated various pieces of “realia” (artefacts), such as malt-containers, milk-shakers, teapots, signage, doors, etc. This Museum is the perfect vehicle for ensuring that such important G-A and K-A realia is not lost to posterity, and can reach a wider audience.

The Museum comprises 4 small rooms, and a larger conference room (110 sq metres), on the first floor above the Cafe. It is accessible by stairs and a lift. It is fully renovated.

Funding to equip the Museum is far more difficult to obtain than building project funding. What is needed is technological equipment (television screens, computer(s) etc), and showcases to display the various pieces of realia.

It is important to ensure that when the complex and Museum opens it begins with a “bang” and not a “whimper”. Projects that begin with a whimper most often end up interred in shallow graves. In practical terms, if the 100,000’s of visitors who visit the Roxy every year, encounter an “empty” Museum, this has two results. Firstly their impressions of the Museum (and by extension, G-A’s and K-A’s) is diminished, and secondly, they tell another 30 friends and acquaintances that the Museum is not worth visiting.

It is incumbent on G-A and K-A individuals and institutions who / that have the economic wherewithal, to contribute as much as they possibly can, to ensure that the Roxy Museum functions at the highest possible level.

This is a world Hellenic and G-A and K-A Project of the first order. Please see you way clear to make a contribution to help establish the Roxy Museum. It is ostensibly a Helelenic and Kytherian Museum, of the first order.

Cheques can be made out to

Gwydir Shire Council

and sent to:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager, The Roxy
PO Box 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Open full entry

23/12/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Tim Russell, builder and principal of the company Dominico Blue

Tim put a great deal of love, devotion and surrender into the refurbishment of the Roxy "site".

This included not charging the job out at the correct industry cost - a form of very generous donation.

All persons associated with the Roxy site were very impressed not only by Tim's workmanship, but his beneficence as well.

We got to see the fruits of Tim's labour, on Dec 3, 2010 when the building works of the Roxy refurbishment were opened for viewing for the first time.

*Note that the Official Opening will occur on the weekend of the 9th & 10th April, 2011. Do find the time, and make the effort to attend.

The building works for the Roxy "complex", in Bingara, have now been completed, at a cost of three quarters of a million dollars. The Roxy complex now consists of a Tourist Information Centre, a Cinema & multi-purpose theatre, dance hall, & function centre, a Café, and a Museum.

From 2004- to date, Greek-Australians (G-A) and Kytherian-Australians (K-A), (and Kytherians - worldwide) have gained more than $3.3 million in funding from Anglo-Australian sources (3 tiers of Government), to establish what are G-A and K-A heritage, memorial, pilgrimage, and “sacred” sites. These grants have been applied to new construction and refurbishment of a very large building.

The Roxy Complex is a (massive) living, working memorial to G-A’s (1817-to date), and K-A’s (1854 – to date), who engaged in what Hugh Gilchrist called the “shop-keeping” phenomenon. Its history has been well documented by another Project part-financed by the Aroney Trust, Peter Prineas’ book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

This Project is unique in Australia and the world. It has no equivalent. Kevin Cork called G-A & K-A cinema’s in Australia “Parthenons down under”. This is a very apt description of the Roxy site. But it is now the supreme, Parthenon down under. It has to be seen to be believed.

G-A’s & K-A’s have been extremely lucky to win the equivalent of 3 Lotto prizes, and to have Anglo-Australians build and renovate this G-A & K-A memorial for them.

It is now time for G-A’s and K-A’s to make a small contribution to their memorial – and to build on their / our luck.

The Roxy Committee have not called for funds at this stage, however 3 Kytherian families, recognising the extreme importance of the Roxy site, have pre-emptively stepped up, and donated funds. These include Emanual Aroney and his brothers (grandsons of one of the original owners), $6000 to restore the original neon sign. Nick Politis, $5000 towards the Museum, and George & Lorraine Poulos, $15,000 towards the Museum. Many G-A’s and K-A’s have also already donated various pieces of “realia” (artefacts), such as malt-containers, milk-shakers, teapots, signage, doors, etc. This Museum is the perfect vehicle for ensuring that such important G-A and K-A realia is not lost to posterity, and can reach a wider audience.

The Museum comprises 4 small rooms, and a larger conference room (110 sq metres), on the first floor above the Cafe. It is accessible by stairs and a lift. It is fully renovated.

Funding to equip the Museum is far more difficult to obtain than building project funding. What is needed is technological equipment (television screens, computer(s) etc), and showcases to display the various pieces of realia.

It is important to ensure that when the complex and Museum opens it begins with a “bang” and not a “whimper”. Projects that begin with a whimper most often end up interred in shallow graves. In practical terms, if the 100,000’s of visitors who visit the Roxy every year, encounter an “empty” Museum, this has two results. Firstly their impressions of the Museum (and by extension, G-A’s and K-A’s) is diminished, and secondly, they tell another 30 friends and acquaintances that the Museum is not worth visiting.

It is incumbent on G-A and K-A individuals and institutions who / that have the economic wherewithal, to contribute as much as they possibly can, to ensure that the Roxy Museum functions at the highest possible level.

This is a world Hellenic and G-A and K-A Project of the first order. Please see you way clear to make a contribution to help establish the Roxy Museum. It is ostensibly a Helelenic and Kytherian Museum, of the first order.

Cheques can be made out to

Gwydir Shire Council

and sent to:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager, The Roxy
PO Box 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Open full entry

19/12/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

A scene from the film Roberta,

..the first film screened at the Roxy Cinema, in 1936.

The film starrred Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, seen here, conducting his band in the film.

The film was screened again on Dec 3, 2010 when the building works of the Roxy refurbishment were opened for viewing for the first time.

*Note that the Official Opening will occur on the weekend of the 9th & 10th April, 2011. Do find the time, and make the effort to attend.

The building works for the Roxy "complex", in Bingara, have now been completed, at a cost of three quarters of a million dollars. The Roxy complex now consists of a Tourist Information Centre, a Cinema & multi-purpose theatre, dance hall, & function centre, a Café, and a Museum.

From 2004- to date, Greek-Australians (G-A) and Kytherian-Australians (K-A), (and Kytherians - worldwide) have gained more than $3.3 million in funding from Anglo-Australian sources (3 tiers of Government), to establish what are G-A and K-A heritage, memorial, pilgrimage, and “sacred” sites. These grants have been applied to new construction and refurbishment of a very large building.

The Roxy Complex is a (massive) living, working memorial to G-A’s (1817-to date), and K-A’s (1854 – to date), who engaged in what Hugh Gilchrist called the “shop-keeping” phenomenon. Its history has been well documented by another Project part-financed by the Aroney Trust, Peter Prineas’ book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

This Project is unique in Australia and the world. It has no equivalent. Kevin Cork called G-A & K-A cinema’s in Australia “Parthenons down under”. This is a very apt description of the Roxy site. But it is now the supreme, Parthenon down under. It has to be seen to be believed.

G-A’s & K-A’s have been extremely lucky to win the equivalent of 3 Lotto prizes, and to have Anglo-Australians build and renovate this G-A & K-A memorial for them.

It is now time for G-A’s and K-A’s to make a small contribution to their memorial – and to build on their / our luck.

The Roxy Committee have not called for funds at this stage, however 3 Kytherian families, recognising the extreme importance of the Roxy site, have pre-emptively stepped up, and donated funds. These include Emanual Aroney and his brothers (grandsons of one of the original owners), $6000 to restore the original neon sign. Nick Politis, $5000 towards the Museum, and George & Lorraine Poulos, $15,000 towards the Museum. Many G-A’s and K-A’s have also already donated various pieces of “realia” (artefacts), such as malt-containers, milk-shakers, teapots, signage, doors, etc. This Museum is the perfect vehicle for ensuring that such important G-A and K-A realia is not lost to posterity, and can reach a wider audience.

The Museum comprises 4 small rooms, and a larger conference room (110 sq metres), on the first floor above the Cafe. It is accessible by stairs and a lift. It is fully renovated.

Funding to equip the Museum is far more difficult to obtain than building project funding. What is needed is technological equipment (television screens, computer(s) etc), and showcases to display the various pieces of realia.

It is important to ensure that when the complex and Museum opens it begins with a “bang” and not a “whimper”. Projects that begin with a whimper most often end up interred in shallow graves. In practical terms, if the 100,000’s of visitors who visit the Roxy every year, encounter an “empty” Museum, this has two results. Firstly their impressions of the Museum (and by extension, G-A’s and K-A’s) is diminished, and secondly, they tell another 30 friends and acquaintances that the Museum is not worth visiting.

It is incumbent on G-A and K-A individuals and institutions who / that have the economic wherewithal, to contribute as much as they possibly can, to ensure that the Roxy Museum functions at the highest possible level.

This is a world Hellenic and G-A and K-A Project of the first order. Please see you way clear to make a contribution to help establish the Roxy Museum. It is ostensibly a Helelenic and Kytherian Museum, of the first order.

Cheques can be made out to

Gwydir Shire Council

and sent to:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager, The Roxy
PO Box 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Open full entry

19/12/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Peters Milk Bar sign, outside the Roxy Cafe, Bingara, NSW

The sign has been created by a "foil" technique, for which there is only 1 or 2 practioner's in Australia.

To restore the sign,above the entrance to the cafe, and the pillar at the front of the cafe, will cost $67,000.

The teechnique is so attractive and unique, that the Roxy Committee has been encouraged to apply for a grant, to undertake restoration of the signage.

This will create another 67,000 reasons why the Roxy heritage site will never be closed down!

Dec 3, 2010. Buiding works opened for viewing for the first time.

*Note that the Official Opening will occur on the weekend of the 9th & 10th April, 2011. Do find the time, and make the effort to attend.

The building works for the Roxy "complex", in Bingara, have now been completed, at a cost of three quarters of a million dollars. The Roxy complex now consists of a Tourist Information Centre, a Cinema & multi-purpose theatre, dance hall, & function centre, a Café, and a Museum.

From 2004- to date, Greek-Australians (G-A) and Kytherian-Australians (K-A), (and Kytherians - worldwide) have gained more than $3.3 million in funding from Anglo-Australian sources (3 tiers of Government), to establish what are G-A and K-A heritage, memorial, pilgrimage, and “sacred” sites. These grants have been applied to new construction and refurbishment of a very large building.

The Roxy Complex is a (massive) living, working memorial to G-A’s (1817-to date), and K-A’s (1854 – to date), who engaged in what Hugh Gilchrist called the “shop-keeping” phenomenon. Its history has been well documented by another Project part-financed by the Aroney Trust, Peter Prineas’ book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

This Project is unique in Australia and the world. It has no equivalent. Kevin Cork called G-A & K-A cinema’s in Australia “Parthenons down under”. This is a very apt description of the Roxy site. But it is now the supreme, Parthenon down under. It has to be seen to be believed.

G-A’s & K-A’s have been extremely lucky to win the equivalent of 3 Lotto prizes, and to have Anglo-Australians build and renovate this G-A & K-A memorial for them.

It is now time for G-A’s and K-A’s to make a small contribution to their memorial – and to build on their / our luck.

The Roxy Committee have not called for funds at this stage, however 3 Kytherian families, recognising the extreme importance of the Roxy site, have pre-emptively stepped up, and donated funds. These include Emanual Aroney and his brothers (grandsons of one of the original owners), $6000 to restore the original neon sign. Nick Politis, $5000 towards the Museum, and George & Lorraine Poulos, $15,000 towards the Museum. Many G-A’s and K-A’s have also already donated various pieces of “realia” (artefacts), such as malt-containers, milk-shakers, teapots, signage, doors, etc. This Museum is the perfect vehicle for ensuring that such important G-A and K-A realia is not lost to posterity, and can reach a wider audience.

The Museum comprises 4 small rooms, and a larger conference room (110 sq metres), on the first floor above the Cafe. It is accessible by stairs and a lift. It is fully renovated.

Funding to equip the Museum is far more difficult to obtain than building project funding. What is needed is technological equipment (television screens, computer(s) etc), and showcases to display the various pieces of realia.

It is important to ensure that when the complex and Museum opens it begins with a “bang” and not a “whimper”. Projects that begin with a whimper most often end up interred in shallow graves. In practical terms, if the 100,000’s of visitors who visit the Roxy every year, encounter an “empty” Museum, this has two results. Firstly their impressions of the Museum (and by extension, G-A’s and K-A’s) is diminished, and secondly, they tell another 30 friends and acquaintances that the Museum is not worth visiting.

It is incumbent on G-A and K-A individuals and institutions who / that have the economic wherewithal, to contribute as much as they possibly can, to ensure that the Roxy Museum functions at the highest possible level.

This is a world Hellenic and G-A and K-A Project of the first order. Please see you way clear to make a contribution to help establish the Roxy Museum. It is ostensibly a Helelenic and Kytherian Museum, of the first order.

Cheques can be made out to

Gwydir Shire Council

and sent to:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager, The Roxy
PO Box 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Open full entry

19/12/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Full length view of the sign on the pillar at the front of the Roxy cafwe, Bingara

The sign has been created by a "foil" technique, for which there is only 1 or 2 practioner's in Australia.

To restore the pillar, and the sign above the entrance to the cafe will cost $67,000.

The teechnique is so attractive and unique, that the Roxy Committee has been encouraged to apply for a grant, to undertake restoration of the signage.

This will create another 67,000 reasons why the Roxy heritage site will never be closed down!

Dec 3, 2010. Buiding works opened for viewing for the first time.

*Note that the Official Opening will occur on the weekend of the 2nd & 3rd April, 2011. Do find the time, and make the effort to attend.

The building works for the Roxy "complex", in Bingara, have now been completed, at a cost of three quarters of a million dollars. The Roxy complex now consists of a Tourist Information Centre, a Cinema & multi-purpose theatre, dance hall, & function centre, a Café, and a Museum.

From 2004- to date, Greek-Australians (G-A) and Kytherian-Australians (K-A), (and Kytherians - worldwide) have gained more than $3.3 million in funding from Anglo-Australian sources (3 tiers of Government), to establish what are G-A and K-A heritage, memorial, pilgrimage, and “sacred” sites. These grants have been applied to new construction and refurbishment of a very large building.

The Roxy Complex is a (massive) living, working memorial to G-A’s (1817-to date), and K-A’s (1854 – to date), who engaged in what Hugh Gilchrist called the “shop-keeping” phenomenon. Its history has been well documented by another Project part-financed by the Aroney Trust, Peter Prineas’ book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

This Project is unique in Australia and the world. It has no equivalent. Kevin Cork called G-A & K-A cinema’s in Australia “Parthenons down under”. This is a very apt description of the Roxy site. But it is now the supreme, Parthenon down under. It has to be seen to be believed.

G-A’s & K-A’s have been extremely lucky to win the equivalent of 3 Lotto prizes, and to have Anglo-Australians build and renovate this G-A & K-A memorial for them.

It is now time for G-A’s and K-A’s to make a small contribution to their memorial – and to build on their / our luck.

The Roxy Committee have not called for funds at this stage, however 3 Kytherian families, recognising the extreme importance of the Roxy site, have pre-emptively stepped up, and donated funds. These include Emanual Aroney and his brothers (grandsons of one of the original owners), $6000 to restore the original neon sign. Nick Politis, $5000 towards the Museum, and George & Lorraine Poulos, $15,000 towards the Museum. Many G-A’s and K-A’s have also already donated various pieces of “realia” (artefacts), such as malt-containers, milk-shakers, teapots, signage, doors, etc. This Museum is the perfect vehicle for ensuring that such important G-A and K-A realia is not lost to posterity, and can reach a wider audience.

The Museum comprises 4 small rooms, and a larger conference room (110 sq metres), on the first floor above the Cafe. It is accessible by stairs and a lift. It is fully renovated.

Funding to equip the Museum is far more difficult to obtain than building project funding. What is needed is technological equipment (television screens, computer(s) etc), and showcases to display the various pieces of realia.

It is important to ensure that when the complex and Museum opens it begins with a “bang” and not a “whimper”. Projects that begin with a whimper most often end up interred in shallow graves. In practical terms, if the 100,000’s of visitors who visit the Roxy every year, encounter an “empty” Museum, this has two results. Firstly their impressions of the Museum (and by extension, G-A’s and K-A’s) is diminished, and secondly, they tell another 30 friends and acquaintances that the Museum is not worth visiting.

It is incumbent on G-A and K-A individuals and institutions who / that have the economic wherewithal, to contribute as much as they possibly can, to ensure that the Roxy Museum functions at the highest possible level.

This is a world Hellenic and G-A and K-A Project of the first order. Please see you way clear to make a contribution to help establish the Roxy Museum. It is ostensibly a Helelenic and Kytherian Museum, of the first order.

Cheques can be made out to

Gwydir Shire Council

and sent to:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager, The Roxy
PO Box 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Open full entry

19/12/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The sign on the front pillar of Peters Cafe (the Roxy Cafe) in Bingara, NSW

The sign has been created by a "foil" technique, for which there is only 1 or 2 practioner's in Australia.

To restore the pillar, and the sign above the entrance to the cafe will cost $67,000.

The teechnique is so attractive and unique, that the Roxy Committee has been encouraged to apply for a grant, to undertake restoration of the signage.

This will create another 67,000 reasons why the Roxy heritage site will never be closed down!

Dec 3, 2010. Buiding works opened for viewing for the first time.

*Note that the Official Opening will occur on the weekend of the 2nd & 3rd April, 2011. Do find the time, and make the effort to attend.

The building works for the Roxy "complex", in Bingara, have now been completed, at a cost of three quarters of a million dollars. The Roxy complex now consists of a Tourist Information Centre, a Cinema & multi-purpose theatre, dance hall, & function centre, a Café, and a Museum.

From 2004- to date, Greek-Australians (G-A) and Kytherian-Australians (K-A), (and Kytherians - worldwide) have gained more than $3.3 million in funding from Anglo-Australian sources (3 tiers of Government), to establish what are G-A and K-A heritage, memorial, pilgrimage, and “sacred” sites. These grants have been applied to new construction and refurbishment of a very large building.

The Roxy Complex is a (massive) living, working memorial to G-A’s (1817-to date), and K-A’s (1854 – to date), who engaged in what Hugh Gilchrist called the “shop-keeping” phenomenon. Its history has been well documented by another Project part-financed by the Aroney Trust, Peter Prineas’ book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

This Project is unique in Australia and the world. It has no equivalent. Kevin Cork called G-A & K-A cinema’s in Australia “Parthenons down under”. This is a very apt description of the Roxy site. But it is now the supreme, Parthenon down under. It has to be seen to be believed.

G-A’s & K-A’s have been extremely lucky to win the equivalent of 3 Lotto prizes, and to have Anglo-Australians build and renovate this G-A & K-A memorial for them.

It is now time for G-A’s and K-A’s to make a small contribution to their memorial – and to build on their / our luck.

The Roxy Committee have not called for funds at this stage, however 3 Kytherian families, recognising the extreme importance of the Roxy site, have pre-emptively stepped up, and donated funds. These include Emanual Aroney and his brothers (grandsons of one of the original owners), $6000 to restore the original neon sign. Nick Politis, $5000 towards the Museum, and George & Lorraine Poulos, $15,000 towards the Museum. Many G-A’s and K-A’s have also already donated various pieces of “realia” (artefacts), such as malt-containers, milk-shakers, teapots, signage, doors, etc. This Museum is the perfect vehicle for ensuring that such important G-A and K-A realia is not lost to posterity, and can reach a wider audience.

The Museum comprises 4 small rooms, and a larger conference room (110 sq metres), on the first floor above the Cafe. It is accessible by stairs and a lift. It is fully renovated.

Funding to equip the Museum is far more difficult to obtain than building project funding. What is needed is technological equipment (television screens, computer(s) etc), and showcases to display the various pieces of realia.

It is important to ensure that when the complex and Museum opens it begins with a “bang” and not a “whimper”. Projects that begin with a whimper most often end up interred in shallow graves. In practical terms, if the 100,000’s of visitors who visit the Roxy every year, encounter an “empty” Museum, this has two results. Firstly their impressions of the Museum (and by extension, G-A’s and K-A’s) is diminished, and secondly, they tell another 30 friends and acquaintances that the Museum is not worth visiting.

It is incumbent on G-A and K-A individuals and institutions who / that have the economic wherewithal, to contribute as much as they possibly can, to ensure that the Roxy Museum functions at the highest possible level.

This is a world Hellenic and G-A and K-A Project of the first order. Please see you way clear to make a contribution to help establish the Roxy Museum. It is ostensibly a Helelenic and Kytherian Museum, of the first order.

Cheques can be made out to

Gwydir Shire Council

and sent to:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager, The Roxy
PO Box 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Open full entry

19/12/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The stairwell area of the Roxy, Bingara, NSW

Again, all the art deco finishes are "in keeping" with the rest of the building.

Superb!

Dec 3, 2010. Buiding works opened for viewing for the first time.

*Note that the Official Opening will occur on the weekend of the 9th & 10th April, 2011. Do find the time, and make the effort to attend.

The building works for the Roxy "complex", in Bingara, have now been completed, at a cost of three quarters of a million dollars. The Roxy complex now consists of a Tourist Information Centre, a Cinema & multi-purpose theatre, dance hall, & function centre, a Café, and a Museum.

From 2004- to date, Greek-Australians (G-A) and Kytherian-Australians (K-A), (and Kytherians - worldwide) have gained more than $3.3 million in funding from Anglo-Australian sources (3 tiers of Government), to establish what are G-A and K-A heritage, memorial, pilgrimage, and “sacred” sites. These grants have been applied to new construction and refurbishment of a very large building.

The Roxy Complex is a (massive) living, working memorial to G-A’s (1817-to date), and K-A’s (1854 – to date), who engaged in what Hugh Gilchrist called the “shop-keeping” phenomenon. Its history has been well documented by another Project part-financed by the Aroney Trust, Peter Prineas’ book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

This Project is unique in Australia and the world. It has no equivalent. Kevin Cork called G-A & K-A cinema’s in Australia “Parthenons down under”. This is a very apt description of the Roxy site. But it is now the supreme, Parthenon down under. It has to be seen to be believed.

G-A’s & K-A’s have been extremely lucky to win the equivalent of 3 Lotto prizes, and to have Anglo-Australians build and renovate this G-A & K-A memorial for them.

It is now time for G-A’s and K-A’s to make a small contribution to their memorial – and to build on their / our luck.

The Roxy Committee have not called for funds at this stage, however 3 Kytherian families, recognising the extreme importance of the Roxy site, have pre-emptively stepped up, and donated funds. These include Emanual Aroney and his brothers (grandsons of one of the original owners), $6000 to restore the original neon sign. Nick Politis, $5000 towards the Museum, and George & Lorraine Poulos, $15,000 towards the Museum. Many G-A’s and K-A’s have also already donated various pieces of “realia” (artefacts), such as malt-containers, milk-shakers, teapots, signage, doors, etc. This Museum is the perfect vehicle for ensuring that such important G-A and K-A realia is not lost to posterity, and can reach a wider audience.

The Museum comprises 4 small rooms, and a larger conference room (110 sq metres), on the first floor above the Cafe. It is accessible by stairs and a lift. It is fully renovated.

Funding to equip the Museum is far more difficult to obtain than building project funding. What is needed is technological equipment (television screens, computer(s) etc), and showcases to display the various pieces of realia.

It is important to ensure that when the complex and Museum opens it begins with a “bang” and not a “whimper”. Projects that begin with a whimper most often end up interred in shallow graves. In practical terms, if the 100,000’s of visitors who visit the Roxy every year, encounter an “empty” Museum, this has two results. Firstly their impressions of the Museum (and by extension, G-A’s and K-A’s) is diminished, and secondly, they tell another 30 friends and acquaintances that the Museum is not worth visiting.

It is incumbent on G-A and K-A individuals and institutions who / that have the economic wherewithal, to contribute as much as they possibly can, to ensure that the Roxy Museum functions at the highest possible level.

This is a world Hellenic and G-A and K-A Project of the first order. Please see you way clear to make a contribution to help establish the Roxy Museum. It is ostensibly a Helelenic and Kytherian Museum, of the first order.

Cheques can be made out to

Gwydir Shire Council

and sent to:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager, The Roxy
PO Box 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Open full entry

13/12/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The toilets on the first floor

A great deal of care has been taken to ensure that the art deco finishes have been maintained, even in the toilets.

This is a truly authentic restoration.

Dec 3, 2010. Building works opened for viewing for the first time.

*Note that the Official Opening will occur on the weekend of the 9th & 10th April, 2011. Do find the time, and make the effort to attend.

The building works for the Roxy "complex", in Bingara, have now been completed, at a cost of three quarters of a million dollars. The Roxy complex now consists of a Tourist Information Centre, a Cinema & multi-purpose theatre, dance hall, & function centre, a Café, and a Museum.

From 2004- to date, Greek-Australians (G-A) and Kytherian-Australians (K-A), (and Kytherians - worldwide) have gained more than $3.3 million in funding from Anglo-Australian sources (3 tiers of Government), to establish what are G-A and K-A heritage, memorial, pilgrimage, and “sacred” sites. These grants have been applied to new construction and refurbishment of a very large building.

The Roxy Complex is a (massive) living, working memorial to G-A’s (1817-to date), and K-A’s (1854 – to date), who engaged in what Hugh Gilchrist called the “shop-keeping” phenomenon. Its history has been well documented by another Project part-financed by the Aroney Trust, Peter Prineas’ book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

This Project is unique in Australia and the world. It has no equivalent. Kevin Cork called G-A & K-A cinema’s in Australia “Parthenons down under”. This is a very apt description of the Roxy site. But it is now the supreme, Parthenon down under. It has to be seen to be believed.

G-A’s & K-A’s have been extremely lucky to win the equivalent of 3 Lotto prizes, and to have Anglo-Australians build and renovate this G-A & K-A memorial for them.

It is now time for G-A’s and K-A’s to make a small contribution to their memorial – and to build on their / our luck.

The Roxy Committee have not called for funds at this stage, however 3 Kytherian families, recognising the extreme importance of the Roxy site, have pre-emptively stepped up, and donated funds. These include Emanual Aroney and his brothers (grandsons of one of the original owners), $6000 to restore the original neon sign. Nick Politis, $5000 towards the Museum, and George & Lorraine Poulos, $15,000 towards the Museum. Many G-A’s and K-A’s have also already donated various pieces of “realia” (artefacts), such as malt-containers, milk-shakers, teapots, signage, doors, etc. This Museum is the perfect vehicle for ensuring that such important G-A and K-A realia is not lost to posterity, and can reach a wider audience.

The Museum comprises 4 small rooms, and a larger conference room (110 sq metres), on the first floor above the Cafe. It is accessible by stairs and a lift. It is fully renovated.

Funding to equip the Museum is far more difficult to obtain than building project funding. What is needed is technological equipment (television screens, computer(s) etc), and showcases to display the various pieces of realia.

It is important to ensure that when the complex and Museum opens it begins with a “bang” and not a “whimper”. Projects that begin with a whimper most often end up interred in shallow graves. In practical terms, if the 100,000’s of visitors who visit the Roxy every year, encounter an “empty” Museum, this has two results. Firstly their impressions of the Museum (and by extension, G-A’s and K-A’s) is diminished, and secondly, they tell another 30 friends and acquaintances that the Museum is not worth visiting.

It is incumbent on G-A and K-A individuals and institutions who / that have the economic wherewithal, to contribute as much as they possibly can, to ensure that the Roxy Museum functions at the highest possible level.

This is a world Hellenic and G-A and K-A Project of the first order. Please see you way clear to make a contribution to help establish the Roxy Museum. It is ostensibly a Helelenic and Kytherian Museum, of the first order.

Cheques can be made out to

Gwydir Shire Council

and sent to:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager, The Roxy
PO Box 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Open full entry

13/12/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Museum Room, on the first floor, in the area at the front of the building.

One of 4 smaller rooms which along with the larger Conference Centre will comprise the Museum area.

The display case is from a Greek-Australian cafe that has closed down.

Hopefully the Roxy heritage site will never be closed down!

Dec 3, 2010. Buiding works opened for viewing for the first time.

*Note that the Official Opening will occur on the weekend of the 2nd & 3rd April, 2011. Do find the time, and make the effort to attend.

The building works for the Roxy "complex", in Bingara, have now been completed, at a cost of three quarters of a million dollars. The Roxy complex now consists of a Tourist Information Centre, a Cinema & multi-purpose theatre, dance hall, & function centre, a Café, and a Museum.

From 2004- to date, Greek-Australians (G-A) and Kytherian-Australians (K-A), (and Kytherians - worldwide) have gained more than $3.3 million in funding from Anglo-Australian sources (3 tiers of Government), to establish what are G-A and K-A heritage, memorial, pilgrimage, and “sacred” sites. These grants have been applied to new construction and refurbishment of a very large building.

The Roxy Complex is a (massive) living, working memorial to G-A’s (1817-to date), and K-A’s (1854 – to date), who engaged in what Hugh Gilchrist called the “shop-keeping” phenomenon. Its history has been well documented by another Project part-financed by the Aroney Trust, Peter Prineas’ book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

This Project is unique in Australia and the world. It has no equivalent. Kevin Cork called G-A & K-A cinema’s in Australia “Parthenons down under”. This is a very apt description of the Roxy site. But it is now the supreme, Parthenon down under. It has to be seen to be believed.

G-A’s & K-A’s have been extremely lucky to win the equivalent of 3 Lotto prizes, and to have Anglo-Australians build and renovate this G-A & K-A memorial for them.

It is now time for G-A’s and K-A’s to make a small contribution to their memorial – and to build on their / our luck.

The Roxy Committee have not called for funds at this stage, however 3 Kytherian families, recognising the extreme importance of the Roxy site, have pre-emptively stepped up, and donated funds. These include Emanual Aroney and his brothers (grandsons of one of the original owners), $6000 to restore the original neon sign. Nick Politis, $5000 towards the Museum, and George & Lorraine Poulos, $15,000 towards the Museum. Many G-A’s and K-A’s have also already donated various pieces of “realia” (artefacts), such as malt-containers, milk-shakers, teapots, signage, doors, etc. This Museum is the perfect vehicle for ensuring that such important G-A and K-A realia is not lost to posterity, and can reach a wider audience.

The Museum comprises 4 small rooms, and a larger conference room (110 sq metres), on the first floor above the Cafe. It is accessible by stairs and a lift. It is fully renovated.

Funding to equip the Museum is far more difficult to obtain than building project funding. What is needed is technological equipment (television screens, computer(s) etc), and showcases to display the various pieces of realia.

It is important to ensure that when the complex and Museum opens it begins with a “bang” and not a “whimper”. Projects that begin with a whimper most often end up interred in shallow graves. In practical terms, if the 100,000’s of visitors who visit the Roxy every year, encounter an “empty” Museum, this has two results. Firstly their impressions of the Museum (and by extension, G-A’s and K-A’s) is diminished, and secondly, they tell another 30 friends and acquaintances that the Museum is not worth visiting.

It is incumbent on G-A and K-A individuals and institutions who / that have the economic wherewithal, to contribute as much as they possibly can, to ensure that the Roxy Museum functions at the highest possible level.

This is a world Hellenic and G-A and K-A Project of the first order. Please see you way clear to make a contribution to help establish the Roxy Museum. It is ostensibly a Helelenic and Kytherian Museum, of the first order.

Cheques can be made out to

Gwydir Shire Council

and sent to:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager, The Roxy
PO Box 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Open full entry

13/12/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Museum Conference Room, located above the Roxy Cafe

This is accessible by stairway, and by a lift.

As well as this Conference Room - another 4 smaller rooms will comprise the Muesum area.

Dec 3, 2010. Buiding works opened for viewing for the first time.

*Note that the Official Opening will occur on the weekend of the 9th & 10th April, 2011. Do find the time, and make the effort to attend.

The building works for the Roxy "complex", in Bingara, have now been completed, at a cost of three quarters of a million dollars. The Roxy complex now consists of a Tourist Information Centre, a Cinema & multi-purpose theatre, dance hall, & function centre, a Café, and a Museum.

From 2004- to date, Greek-Australians (G-A) and Kytherian-Australians (K-A), (and Kytherians - worldwide) have gained more than $3.3 million in funding from Anglo-Australian sources (3 tiers of Government), to establish what are G-A and K-A heritage, memorial, pilgrimage, and “sacred” sites. These grants have been applied to new construction and refurbishment of a very large building.

The Roxy Complex is a (massive) living, working memorial to G-A’s (1817-to date), and K-A’s (1854 – to date), who engaged in what Hugh Gilchrist called the “shop-keeping” phenomenon. Its history has been well documented by another Project part-financed by the Aroney Trust, Peter Prineas’ book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

This Project is unique in Australia and the world. It has no equivalent. Kevin Cork called G-A & K-A cinema’s in Australia “Parthenons down under”. This is a very apt description of the Roxy site. But it is now the supreme, Parthenon down under. It has to be seen to be believed.

G-A’s & K-A’s have been extremely lucky to win the equivalent of 3 Lotto prizes, and to have Anglo-Australians build and renovate this G-A & K-A memorial for them.

It is now time for G-A’s and K-A’s to make a small contribution to their memorial – and to build on their / our luck.

The Roxy Committee have not called for funds at this stage, however 3 Kytherian families, recognising the extreme importance of the Roxy site, have pre-emptively stepped up, and donated funds. These include Emanual Aroney and his brothers (grandsons of one of the original owners), $6000 to restore the original neon sign. Nick Politis, $5000 towards the Museum, and George & Lorraine Poulos, $15,000 towards the Museum. Many G-A’s and K-A’s have also already donated various pieces of “realia” (artefacts), such as malt-containers, milk-shakers, teapots, signage, doors, etc. This Museum is the perfect vehicle for ensuring that such important G-A and K-A realia is not lost to posterity, and can reach a wider audience.

The Museum comprises 4 small rooms, and a larger conference room (110 sq metres), on the first floor above the Cafe. It is accessible by stairs and a lift. It is fully renovated.

Funding to equip the Museum is far more difficult to obtain than building project funding. What is needed is technological equipment (television screens, computer(s) etc), and showcases to display the various pieces of realia.

It is important to ensure that when the complex and Museum opens it begins with a “bang” and not a “whimper”. Projects that begin with a whimper most often end up interred in shallow graves. In practical terms, if the 100,000’s of visitors who visit the Roxy every year, encounter an “empty” Museum, this has two results. Firstly their impressions of the Museum (and by extension, G-A’s and K-A’s) is diminished, and secondly, they tell another 30 friends and acquaintances that the Museum is not worth visiting.

It is incumbent on G-A and K-A individuals and institutions who / that have the economic wherewithal, to contribute as much as they possibly can, to ensure that the Roxy Museum functions at the highest possible level.

This is a world Hellenic and G-A and K-A Project of the first order. Please see you way clear to make a contribution to help establish the Roxy Museum. It is ostensibly a Helelenic and Kytherian Museum, of the first order.

Cheques can be made out to

Gwydir Shire Council

and sent to:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager, The Roxy
PO Box 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Open full entry

13/12/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Roxy cafe, Bingara, NSW. Now complete.

You can gauge the massive size of the cafe from this photograph. The flooring at the front is the original terrazzo.

Dec 3, 2010. Buiding works opened for viewing for the first time.

*Note that the Official Opening will occur on the weekend of the 9th & 10th April, 2011. Do find the time, and make the effort to attend.

The building works for the Roxy "complex", in Bingara, have now been completed, at a cost of three quarters of a million dollars. The Roxy complex now consists of a Tourist Information Centre, a Cinema & multi-purpose theatre, dance hall, & function centre, a Café, and a Museum.

From 2004- to date, Greek-Australians (G-A) and Kytherian-Australians (K-A), (and Kytherians - worldwide) have gained more than $3.3 million in funding from Anglo-Australian sources (3 tiers of Government), to establish what are G-A and K-A heritage, memorial, pilgrimage, and “sacred” sites. These grants have been applied to new construction and refurbishment of a very large building.

The Roxy Complex is a (massive) living, working memorial to G-A’s (1817-to date), and K-A’s (1854 – to date), who engaged in what Hugh Gilchrist called the “shop-keeping” phenomenon. Its history has been well documented by another Project part-financed by the Aroney Trust, Peter Prineas’ book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

This Project is unique in Australia and the world. It has no equivalent. Kevin Cork called G-A & K-A cinema’s in Australia “Parthenons down under”. This is a very apt description of the Roxy site. But it is now the supreme, Parthenon down under. It has to be seen to be believed.

G-A’s & K-A’s have been extremely lucky to win the equivalent of 3 Lotto prizes, and to have Anglo-Australians build and renovate this G-A & K-A memorial for them.

It is now time for G-A’s and K-A’s to make a small contribution to their memorial – and to build on their / our luck.

The Roxy Committee have not called for funds at this stage, however 3 Kytherian families, recognising the extreme importance of the Roxy site, have pre-emptively stepped up, and donated funds. These include Emanual Aroney and his brothers (grandsons of one of the original owners), $6000 to restore the original neon sign. Nick Politis, $5000 towards the Museum, and George & Lorraine Poulos, $15,000 towards the Museum. Many G-A’s and K-A’s have also already donated various pieces of “realia” (artefacts), such as malt-containers, milk-shakers, teapots, signage, doors, etc. This Museum is the perfect vehicle for ensuring that such important G-A and K-A realia is not lost to posterity, and can reach a wider audience.

The Museum comprises 4 small rooms, and a larger conference room (110 sq metres), on the first floor above the Cafe. It is accessible by stairs and a lift. It is fully renovated.

Funding to equip the Museum is far more difficult to obtain than building project funding. What is needed is technological equipment (television screens, computer(s) etc), and showcases to display the various pieces of realia.

It is important to ensure that when the complex and Museum opens it begins with a “bang” and not a “whimper”. Projects that begin with a whimper most often end up interred in shallow graves. In practical terms, if the 100,000’s of visitors who visit the Roxy every year, encounter an “empty” Museum, this has two results. Firstly their impressions of the Museum (and by extension, G-A’s and K-A’s) is diminished, and secondly, they tell another 30 friends and acquaintances that the Museum is not worth visiting.

It is incumbent on G-A and K-A individuals and institutions who / that have the economic wherewithal, to contribute as much as they possibly can, to ensure that the Roxy Museum functions at the highest possible level.

This is a world Hellenic and G-A and K-A Project of the first order. Please see you way clear to make a contribution to help establish the Roxy Museum. It is ostensibly a Helelenic and Kytherian Museum, of the first order.

Cheques can be made out to

Gwydir Shire Council

and sent to:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager, The Roxy
PO Box 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Open full entry

13/12/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Long, impressive, fully integrated frontage of the Roxy heritage site, Bingara NSW

December 2010, was the first month that the entire frontage has featured a fully integrated art deco design.

Dec 3, 2010. Buiding works opened for viewing for the first time.

*Note that the Official Opening will occur on the weekend of the 9th & 10th April, 2011. Do find the time, and make the effort to attend.

The building works for the Roxy "complex", in Bingara, have now been completed, at a cost of three quarters of a million dollars. The Roxy complex now consists of a Tourist Information Centre, a Cinema & multi-purpose theatre, dance hall, & function centre, a Café, and a Museum.

From 2004- to date, Greek-Australians (G-A) and Kytherian-Australians (K-A), (and Kytherians - worldwide) have gained more than $3.3 million in funding from Anglo-Australian sources (3 tiers of Government), to establish what are G-A and K-A heritage, memorial, pilgrimage, and “sacred” sites. These grants have been applied to new construction and refurbishment of a very large building.

The Roxy Complex is a (massive) living, working memorial to G-A’s (1817-to date), and K-A’s (1854 – to date), who engaged in what Hugh Gilchrist called the “shop-keeping” phenomenon. Its history has been well documented by another Project part-financed by the Aroney Trust, Peter Prineas’ book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea.

This Project is unique in Australia and the world. It has no equivalent. Kevin Cork called G-A & K-A cinema’s in Australia “Parthenons down under”. This is a very apt description of the Roxy site. But it is now the supreme, Parthenon down under. It has to be seen to be believed.

G-A’s & K-A’s have been extremely lucky to win the equivalent of 3 Lotto prizes, and to have Anglo-Australians build and renovate this G-A & K-A memorial for them.

It is now time for G-A’s and K-A’s to make a small contribution to their memorial – and to build on their / our luck.

The Roxy Committee have not called for funds at this stage, however 3 Kytherian families, recognising the extreme importance of the Roxy site, have pre-emptively stepped up, and donated funds. These include Emanual Aroney and his brothers (grandsons of one of the original owners), $6000 to restore the original neon sign. Nick Politis, $5000 towards the Museum, and George & Lorraine Poulos, $15,000 towards the Museum. Many G-A’s and K-A’s have also already donated various pieces of “realia” (artefacts), such as malt-containers, milk-shakers, teapots, signage, doors, etc. This Museum is the perfect vehicle for ensuring that such important G-A and K-A realia is not lost to posterity, and can reach a wider audience.

The Museum comprises 4 small rooms, and a larger conference room (110 sq metres), on the first floor above the Cafe. It is accessible by stairs and a lift. It is fully renovated.

Funding to equip the Museum is far more difficult to obtain than building project funding. What is needed is technological equipment (television screens, computer(s) etc), and showcases to display the various pieces of realia.

It is important to ensure that when the complex and Museum opens it begins with a “bang” and not a “whimper”. Projects that begin with a whimper most often end up interred in shallow graves. In practical terms, if the 100,000’s of visitors who visit the Roxy every year, encounter an “empty” Museum, this has two results. Firstly their impressions of the Museum (and by extension, G-A’s and K-A’s) is diminished, and secondly, they tell another 30 friends and acquaintances that the Museum is not worth visiting.

It is incumbent on G-A and K-A individuals and institutions who / that have the economic wherewithal, to contribute as much as they possibly can, to ensure that the Roxy Museum functions at the highest possible level.

This is a world Hellenic and G-A and K-A Project of the first order. Please see you way clear to make a contribution to help establish the Roxy Museum. It is ostensibly a Helelenic and Kytherian Museum, of the first order.

Cheques can be made out to

Gwydir Shire Council

and sent to:

Sandy McNaughton
Manager, The Roxy
PO Box 5
Bingara NSW 2404

Open full entry

13/12/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

Athanasios Emanuel Protopsaltis

My father, Athanasios Emanuel Protopsaltis, nickname Blaveri, was born on the idyllic village of Mitata on the Aphrodite’s island of Kythera at the turn of the twentieth century 1900. We know very little of his childhood. He attended school for two years and at the tender age of nine he was shipped off to Piraeus to earn his own living. His first job was washing glasses and crockery at a taverna in Troumba, an area near the harbour, famous for its small-time criminals and deviants.

He soon resigned from that job and used his meagre savings to buy a ticket for a trip to Alexandria, Egypt, where his sister lived with her husband Dimitris Tsaloumas and his brother Yiannis who was married to the sister of Dimitris Tsaloumas, our aunty Anthipi.
His stay in Alexandria was short because he found a well paying job at a classy bakery/restaurant at the small township of Damanhur.

The situation in Greece was chaotic and divisive. King Constantine insisted that Greece must remain neutral in the WW1 not so much for the benefit that neutrality would bring to the country, but mainly because he was pro- German.

Venizelos, who was a shrewd politician, maintained that joining the Allies would be more beneficial because with their aid we would be able to repel the Ottomans from Asia Minor and realise the “Big Idea” of spreading our Nation on both sides of the Aegean Sea. He went to Thessaloniki where he created a new government of the “New Hellas” and a Greek Army “The Defence”.

My father left his job in Egypt, travelled at his own expense to Thessaloniki, presented himself to the Enlistment Bureau, lied about his age and served as a soldier for the Greek National Army until the catastrophe of Smyrna in 1922.

Dad remained a loyal Venizelikos throughout his life. I remember when Venizelos died in Paris in 1936 my father came home from work clutching a black bordered newspaper, crying like a child.
- What happened, why are you crying? Did your mother die? asked my perplexed mother.
_ Worse than that. Venizelos died.

My father was above all proud that he was Greek. He always wore his war medals on Independence Day, the “OXI” day on the 28th of October, and since he came to Australia, on the Anzac Day.

You can read more about my father, and our familys' subsequent life in Alexandria, Egypt, by reading my book, My Four Homes.

When Published: 2009

Publisher: Kytherian World Heritage Fund

Price: $25

Available: Jim Saltis Ph. 93999767, and

Email Jim Saltis

and Kytherian Association

Email KAA

Description: The English translation of ΤΑ ΤΕΣΣΕΡΑ ΣΠΙΤΙΑ. ΜΥ FOUR HOMES

Open full entry

9/11/2010

Photos, Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

Diaspora Working Life

ΤΑ ΤΕΣΣΕΡΑ ΣΠΙΤΙΑ. ΜΥ FOUR HOMES.

Author: Protopsaltis Dimitris ( Jim Saltis)

When Published: September 2004

Publisher: STAFILIDIS PUBLICATIONS Athens GREECE.

Available: Jim Saltis Ph. 93999767, and

Email Jim Saltis

and Kytherian Association

Email KAA

A book by Dimitris Protopsaltis ( Blaveri), known in Australia as Jim Saltis

PRICE: $25.00

The book is about growing up in the dynamic Greek community of Alexandria, Egypt during the Depression and right through the affluence that the WW2 brought to the city. It is narrative about the second Hellenistic époque in the History of this glorious city. Although it appears to be autobiographical it is in reality a mosaic of people that the author encountered during his growing up in Egypt. Their own and the author’s “ yom assal yom basal” as the Egyptians say, days of honey and days of onion. It is written in the distinctive Greek Alexandrine dialect, daringly sincere to the point of embarrassment.

The following independent anonymous critique describes the mood of this compacted literary attempt.


THE FOUR HOMES
Alexandria as I lived it (1926 till 1949)


Australia became his second country but Alexandria took roots to his heart and his memories of the twenty-three years that he lived there, are deeply etched in his memory and his heart and signposted his subsequent journey.

Dimitris Protopsaltis, a Greek from Egypt, remembers and reminisces the good and bad moments when he lived in a country so much different from Greece, a country filled with mystery and wisdom, where a mixture of civilisations is trying to coexist, struggling for a better tomorrow.

In a period of upheaval and a period of critical historic developments, a Greek from Egypt is confronted with the common destiny of all the foreigners in Egypt, the expulsion and uprooting. In his troubled childhood when the affluence and the poverty alternate following the historical developments, the romanticism, the eros, the friendship, refuses to submit to the harsh reality. They remain lively sentiments creating the heroes (real people) that are approachable and ordinary with human dimensions.

The conditions that the author lived are familiar to the Greeks from Egypt. But the manner that he is presenting them is simple yet at the same time gently he renders them a possession for everyone. The reader together with the author lives as an adolescent, an adult and attains manhood in Alexandria of yesterday that never returns.

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29/10/2010

Photos, Diaspora Working Life

Documents

Britain's Greek Islands

Front cover of the book:

Published October 2009
Soft cover, 415 pages, bibliog., notes, index.
ISBN 9780980672213
Published by Plateia Press

'BRITAIN'S GREEK ISLANDS' was launched by Associate Professor Vrasidas Karalis of the Department of Modern Greek at Sydney University's Nicholson Museum on 14 October 2009. Professor Karalis has described the book as 'a labour of love, meticulously researched' and 'a fascinating personal account of the Seven Islands which were "British" before becoming Greek'.

The book tells the story of five decades in the early nineteenth century when the British ruled Kythera and the Ionian Islands. It is a very readable history, painstakingly assembled from hundreds of hand-written letters and documents, most previously unpublished.

It conveys the texture and detail of life, society and politics in the island of Cerigo (Kythera) and the Ionian Islands (then known as Corfu, Paxo, Santa Maura, Ithaca, Cephalonia and Zante) and illuminates important but largely forgotten events.

Based on extensive research in the archives, and illustrated with maps, photographs and historic prints, 'Britain's Greek Islands' reveals the sometimes turbulent relations that existed in the Protectorate named the 'United States of the Ionian Islands'.

The narrative is placed within the wider history of Europe and the Near East, from the Napoleonic Wars, through the Greek War of Independence, the Crimean War, and conflicts over the 'Eastern Question' that resonate to this day.


ORDERS AND INQUIRIES

By post: Plateia Press 32 Calder Road Darlington NSW 2008 AUSTRALIA.

Email: pprineas@ozemail.com.au

Telephone: 61 2 9319 1513

Mobile: 0429 322 857.

RETAIL PRICE
AUD$38.50 (plus postage and packing)

PAYMENT
Australia - Visa, Mastercard, cheque or money order
Overseas - Visa, Mastercard, international transfer or money order

'BRITAIN'S GREEK ISLANDS' is also available from selected bookshops, including Gleebooks and Abbeys in Sydney.

Open full entry

26/10/2010

History, Documents

Diaspora Social Life

"BRITAIN'S GREEK ISLANDS"

Published October 2009
Soft cover, 415 pages, bibliog., notes, index.
ISBN 9780980672213
Published by Plateia Press

'BRITAIN'S GREEK ISLANDS' was launched by Associate Professor Vrasidas Karalis of the Department of Modern Greek at Sydney University's Nicholson Museum on 14 October 2009. Professor Karalis has described the book as 'a labour of love, meticulously researched' and 'a fascinating personal account of the Seven Islands which were "British" before becoming Greek'.

The book tells the story of five decades in the early nineteenth century when the British ruled Kythera and the Ionian Islands. It is a very readable history, painstakingly assembled from hundreds of hand-written letters and documents, most previously unpublished.

It conveys the texture and detail of life, society and politics in the island of Cerigo (Kythera) and the Ionian Islands (then known as Corfu, Paxo, Santa Maura, Ithaca, Cephalonia and Zante) and illuminates important but largely forgotten events.

Based on extensive research in the archives, and illustrated with maps, photographs and historic prints, 'Britain's Greek Islands' reveals the sometimes turbulent relations that existed in the Protectorate named the 'United States of the Ionian Islands'.

The narrative is placed within the wider history of Europe and the Near East, from the Napoleonic Wars, through the Greek War of Independence, the Crimean War, and conflicts over the 'Eastern Question' that resonate to this day.


ORDERS AND INQUIRIES

By post: Plateia Press 32 Calder Road Darlington NSW 2008 AUSTRALIA.

Email: pprineas@ozemail.com.au

Telephone: 61 2 9319 1513

Mobile: 0429 322 857.

RETAIL PRICE
AUD$38.50 (plus postage and packing)

PAYMENT
Australia - Visa, Mastercard, cheque or money order
Overseas - Visa, Mastercard, international transfer or money order

'BRITAIN'S GREEK ISLANDS' is also available from selected bookshops, including Gleebooks and Abbeys in Sydney.

Open full entry

26/10/2010

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

Jim Saltis, depicted on the front cover of the book My Four Homes

In the foreground, scenes from his beloved city of Alexandria.

Author: Jim Saltis

When Published: 2009

Publisher: Kytherian World Heritage Fund

Price: $25

Available: Jim Saltis Ph. 93999767, and

Email Jim Saltis

and Kytherian Association

Email KAA

Description: The English translation of ΤΑ ΤΕΣΣΕΡΑ ΣΠΙΤΙΑ. ΜΥ FOUR HOMES

Background, and an appraisal, by George C Poulos

Being a “baby boomer”, and eldest child of Kytherian-Greek immigrants to Australia, from the 1950’s, I grew up as a Greek-Australian “café kid”. I share “café kid” experiences with thousands of others from my generation; standing up on a banana box to receive money for fruit, vegetables, chocolates, milk shakes, lollies, from customers, making orange “squash” (juice) from fresh oranges, arranging apples in “artistic” stacks, washing potatoes in large tubs, working late to help serve the audiences that exited the next door cinema, who feeling a bit “peckish”, wanted to make a late night “snack” purchase. Weekends spent working in the shop, whilst the Australian children played sport. Trying desperately to disown my “wog” heritage, so that I could more readily “fit into” Anglo-Australian culture. You could fill a book with “café kid” experiences.
.
But what knowledge could I have about the experiences of previous generations of Greeks and Kytherians, who lived a very different life, in various, very different countries? How did the Kytherians and Greeks who had emigrated to Smyrna and other parts of Turkey live, in the period from the 19th century, to 1922? How did the Kytherians and Greeks who had immigrated to various parts of Egypt, including “Hellenic” enclaves in cities such as Alexandria live, in the period to 1956?

Jim Saltis has “filled a book”, book, My Four Homes, with Alexandrian experiences. This constitutes a very significant achievement. Jim manages to convey, in a deeply evocative way, how a Kytherian-Greek-Egyptian lived in Alexandria, in the 1930’s, and 40’s. What was it like growing up in an Arabic milieu? What was the look, and “feel” and smell of Alexandria? How well did the various “foreign” children intermingle. What was it like going to school there? What was it like travelling around the city, and going to the shops, and the cinemas? What was the relationship between the various families? What were some of the life stories of persons from these families? What kinds of houses did Greeks live in? What was the standard of living? What if, like Jim’s father, the Greeks were employed in occupations that were seasonal, or dependent on the patronage of English garrisons? What if, at times, there was not enough food on the table?

What were frequent visits back to Kythera like for Jim and his young siblings? What did Kythera seem like through the eyes of a young Kytherian-Greek-Egyptian? How did the contrast between the two cultures, the Greek and the Egyptian, influence Jim’s reaction to Kythera? Why did his grandfather seem to act in such strange ways towards him?

I could go on asking these question, but if I do, I will spoil your enjoyment of Jim’s story. The important thing is that Jim has managed to commit his story to the written word, and hence managed to achieve a number of important things. He has managed to preserve his experiences for posterity, and for the enjoyment of future generations. He has managed to communicate his experience. Now a “café kid” can understand; can “know”, what a “Alex” kid “went through”, and the 3GG kids, (third generation Greeks), the next generation, will have access to this knowledge as well. Greeks, particularly Greeks of the diaspora, must continue to chronicle their experiences and their stories. When “Greek” stories are retained, explained, and maintained, the Hellenic spirit is regained.

That is why when the opportunity arose to print and publish an English version of Jim’s story, my fellow Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, Angelo Notaras, and I, rushed in to help foster, finance, and promote the book.

Congratulations Jim, on a story well told. I hope that your efforts encourage other members of your generation, whatever their life circumstances, to chronicle their experiences and their stories. It is so important.

George C Poulos

Trustee, Kytherian World Heritage Fund

Public Relations Officer, Kytherian Association of Australia

Editor, www.kythera-family.net

Open full entry

24/10/2010

Photos, Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

Bibliography

My Four Homes

[[picture:"Front Cover My Four Homes.jpg" ID:18083]]

Author: Jim Saltis

When Published: 2009

Publisher: Kytherian World Heritage Fund

Price: $25

Available: Jim Saltis Ph. 93999767, and

Email Jim Saltis

and Kytherian Association

Email KAA

Description: The English translation of ΤΑ ΤΕΣΣΕΡΑ ΣΠΙΤΙΑ. ΜΥ FOUR HOMES

Download an interview with Jim Saltis on SBS Radio, Australia, here:

jim-saltis.mp3

Jims speech at the Book Launch

Background, and an appraisal, by George C Poulos

Being a “baby boomer”, and eldest child of Kytherian-Greek immigrants to Australia, from the 1950’s, I grew up as a Greek-Australian “café kid”. I share “café kid” experiences with thousands of others from my generation; standing up on a banana box to receive money for fruit, vegetables, chocolates, milk shakes, lollies, from customers, making orange “squash” (juice) from fresh oranges, arranging apples in “artistic” stacks, washing potatoes in large tubs, working late to help serve the audiences that exited the next door cinema, who feeling a bit “peckish”, wanted to make a late night “snack” purchase. Weekends spent working in the shop, whilst the Australian children played sport. Trying desperately to disown my “wog” heritage, so that I could more readily “fit into” Anglo-Australian culture. You could fill a book with “café kid” experiences.
.
But what knowledge could I have about the experiences of previous generations of Greeks and Kytherians, who lived a very different life, in various, very different countries? How did the Kytherians and Greeks who had emigrated to Smyrna and other parts of Turkey live, in the period from the 19th century, to 1922? How did the Kytherians and Greeks who had immigrated to various parts of Egypt, including “Hellenic” enclaves in cities such as Alexandria live, in the period to 1956?

Jim Saltis has “filled a book”, book, My Four Homes, with Alexandrian experiences. This constitutes a very significant achievement. Jim manages to convey, in a deeply evocative way, how a Kytherian-Greek-Egyptian lived in Alexandria, in the 1930’s, and 40’s. What was it like growing up in an Arabic milieu? What was the look, and “feel” and smell of Alexandria? How well did the various “foreign” children intermingle. What was it like going to school there? What was it like travelling around the city, and going to the shops, and the cinemas? What was the relationship between the various families? What were some of the life stories of persons from these families? What kinds of houses did Greeks live in? What was the standard of living? What if, like Jim’s father, the Greeks were employed in occupations that were seasonal, or dependent on the patronage of English garrisons? What if, at times, there was not enough food on the table?

What were frequent visits back to Kythera like for Jim and his young siblings? What did Kythera seem like through the eyes of a young Kytherian-Greek-Egyptian? How did the contrast between the two cultures, the Greek and the Egyptian, influence Jim’s reaction to Kythera? Why did his grandfather seem to act in such strange ways towards him?

I could go on asking these question, but if I do, I will spoil your enjoyment of Jim’s story. The important thing is that Jim has managed to commit his story to the written word, and hence managed to achieve a number of important things. He has managed to preserve his experiences for posterity, and for the enjoyment of future generations. He has managed to communicate his experience. Now a “café kid” can understand; can “know”, what a “Alex” kid “went through”, and the 3GG kids, (third generation Greeks), the next generation, will have access to this knowledge as well. Greeks, particularly Greeks of the diaspora, must continue to chronicle their experiences and their stories. When “Greek” stories are retained, explained, and maintained, the Hellenic spirit is regained.

That is why when the opportunity arose to print and publish an English version of Jim’s story, my fellow Trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, Angelo Notaras, and I, rushed in to help foster, finance, and promote the book.

Congratulations Jim, on a story well told. I hope that your efforts encourage other members of your generation, whatever their life circumstances, to chronicle their experiences and their stories. It is so important.

George C Poulos

Trustee, Kytherian World Heritage Fund

Public Relations Officer, Kytherian Association of Australia

Editor, www.kythera-family.net

Open full entry

24/10/2010

Culture, Bibliography

Modern Landscapes

kythera fires 2010...

More courageous people of kythera assisting in trying to stop the fire spreading to homes of the village ....

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5/9/2010

Photos, Modern Landscapes

Modern Landscapes

kythera fires 2010..

locals of mitata bravely fighting the fires to save the village...well done to all...bravo sas....

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5/9/2010

Photos, Modern Landscapes

Modern Landscapes

fires of kythera 2010...

great skills of these pilots of the water planes as they fly in low to pour sea water over a little church in the mitata area....

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5/9/2010

Photos, Modern Landscapes

Modern Landscapes

'' to close for comfort ''

this house survived the onslaught of the fires , this was near the village of viaradika, but constant fire fighting and water bombings prevented any major damage.....

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2/9/2010

Photos, Modern Landscapes

Modern Landscapes

fires of kythera 2010...

fighting the recent fires in kythera, these locals from Mitata use what ever they can to stop the fires reaching the village... it was three days of heartache for the whole island....

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2/9/2010

Photos, Modern Landscapes

Modern Landscapes

Fire behind Miata, over Viarathika August 2010

The cloud of smoke completely shrouds the village of Viarathika, beind Mitata.

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26/8/2010

Photos, Modern Landscapes

Modern Landscapes

The fires in Mitata, August 2010

Fires approach the village.

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18/8/2010

Photos, Modern Landscapes

Modern Landscapes

The fires in Mitata, August 2010

The burnt out landscape.

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18/8/2010

Photos, Modern Landscapes

Modern Landscapes

The fires in Mitata, August 2010

The burnt out landscape in the valley north of Mitata

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18/8/2010

Photos, Modern Landscapes

Blogs

FIRES ON KYTHERA AUGUST 2010

Dear Friends of Kythera,

Over the last few days fires have been burning in the east of Kythera. They started up on the mountain next to Agia Moni, and yesterday they reached the village of Mitata, coming very close to the houses. So far there seems to have been minimal damage to houses but the losses of olive groves, bee hives and vineyards are huge. The historic mountain of Paliokastro appears to have been burnt out completely. You can view dozens of photos by going to the first link below, and the movies of the fire are linked below them.

James Prineas

Photos by George Poulos and Aphrodite Feros:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=195042&id=530120368&l=4bd380ae85

Photos by Oliver Payton:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=195038&id=530120368&l=1910c609fe

Photos by James Prineas:
Of the fires:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=194794&id=530120368&l=d05d3d6e6f
Of the aftermath:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=194878&id=530120368&l=75cd699fc2

Movies:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VDCNZGY93w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfvpW99onqY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxklkEnZpCQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gl1Ht4Vpq4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9glLPr0_GE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xxEsbx7r8Q

Picture below by Stephen Trifyllis
[[picture:"IMG_5462.jpg" ID:17969]]

Pictures below by James Prineas
[[picture:"IMG_5570.jpg" ID:17935]] [[picture:"IMG_5519.jpg" ID:17936]] [[picture:"IMG_5462.jpg" ID:17937]]

Open full entry

17/8/2010

Culture, Blogs

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Restoration and Development of Kytherian Sacred sites

From The Kytherian, Newsletter of the Kytherian Association of Australia. July 2010

Bingara is a small north-west NSW town, that lies within Gwydir Shire. Population, 1300. The map shows the location of the town in relationship to the North West of NSW, the NSW coastline, and the Queensland border. Bingara is a 7 hour drive from both Sydney and Brisbane, and about 3½ hours drive to the larger coastal towns. In 1936, three Kytherians, Peter John Feros, Katsehamos, (Mitata), George Ernest (Proto)Psaltis, Katsavias, (Frilingianika), and Emanuel Theodoropoulos Aronis, known as Emanuel Aroney, (Aroniadika), inspired by a “megalo ithea”, built a magnificent art deco Cinema, the the Roxy Theatre. Adjoining it they also built a well furnished café, the Roxy Café. This traded under the name Peters and Co. Peters and Co signs are still displayed on the shop fronts of numerous former Kytherian cafes throughout NSW. Behind both buildings, the partners also built a large guesthouse.
The story of how the Roxy came to be built is well told by the grandson of Peter Feros, Peter Prineas, in his superbly written book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea. More recently the Roxy has been the subject of an article in the June issue of the Magazine of the Royal Historical Society, The_Roxy_RAHS_Magazine_June_2010.pdf, and featured prominently in the first of the Fox Bio Channel programmes ‘As Australian As’, during May. The programme was written and narrated by Australian actor John Woods.
Those who have read Katsehamos and the Great Idea will know that, gross over-capitalisation, and a determined opponent, Victor Peacocke, who operated the Regent Theatre, and a subsequent discount price war, that broke out between the two groups, bankrupted the Kytherians.
The Roxy Theatre passed through various hands, and various uses, until 1958, when it closed down. The (then) Bingara Council purchased the Theatre in 1999. The Roxy Café was operated by various Greek and Kytherian owners until the mid 1960’s, when it was turned into a memorabilia shop. It morphed into a Chinese restaurant for twenty years, until it was purchased by the Gwydir Council in 2008.
The Roxy Theatre successfully obtained funding from the three tiers of Government, and the Roxy was transformed into a veritable “palace of dreams” – in Kevin Cork’s phraseology – a ‘parthenon down under”. Triumphantly opened in 2004, it is one of the most beautiful Art Deco theatres in Australia.
In November 2009 the Gwydir Council was the recipient of a grant for $750,000 through the Department of Heritage, Environment, Water and Arts, under the Australian Government Jobs Fund.
The staged project is multi-faceted and includes: the restoration of the Kytherian art deco café to its original splendour; a medium scale conference facility upstairs above the café; a museum that celebrates the story of immigration and acknowledges the significance of the Greek café, and the relocation of the Tourist Information Centre into the Roxy building. (Coincidently, in the very location where another Kytherian, Dr Archie Kalokerinos, maintained a doctor’s surgery for more than a decade.)
The second stage of the project will see the incorporation of a trade training centre offering Certificate III Level Hospitality Training run in conjunction with the Gwydir Learning Region, the Department of Education and Training, and TAFE NSW. The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations will fund this training centre.
Architectural firm, Magoffin and Deakin from Armidale, were the architects for the Roxy Theatre (2003), and are also the architects for the Roxy Café and Roxy Museum (2010).

Hellenic & Kytherian Sacred Sites, & pilgrimage destinations

Most Greek-Australians are not aware that a Hellenic Museum exists in Australia, in the CBD of Melbourne Victoria. It is housed in the opulent Mint Building in William Street. It has been operating for 1½ years. The money to fund the Museum was donated by one Greek Australian benefactor, Spiros Stamoulis.
The word Roxy in its Greek and Persian origins means bright, dawn, star. But the Roxy is greater than a bright star. Governments have paid Greek and Kytherian Australians the ultimate tribute, by spending more than $3 million over 7 years on creating what can best be described as Hellenic and Kytherian Sacred Sites and pilgrimage destinations.
Recently a group of Greeks and Kytherians from the local area, visited the sacred sites. They included, photo from left - right: George Kallitsis, John Calokerinos, Judy Gianneas, Peter Gianneas, Dorothy Fardouly, Con Fardouly, Paul Calokerinos. Peter Gianneas owned the Black and Green Bar, and then Pete's Place, Inverell. George Kallitsis, owns Universal Commercial and Catering Equipment - Newtown and Barraba. Paul Calokerinos owns the Canberra Cafe, Manilla.
They were all stunned by the monetary investment expended on the Roxy Theatre, by the beauty of the building, by the "reverence" that many residents of the town have for the Theatre, and the Greek-Australian heritage preserved there. They were also deeply appreciative of Sandy McNaughton’s (Manager of the Roxy) hospitality. Con Fardouly was moved to write a letter of appreciation. I am certain, that once Hellenes and Kytherians see and utilise the “sacred sites”, they will be equally moved by the experience.
The Roxy currently attracts over 12,000 patrons and visitors annually to numerous events and activities held there. The Roxy projects will guarantee the delivery of further economic benefits to the town through an increase in tourism, as well as the employment opportunities on offer.
Much of the original equipment in the café has been located. Some has been generously donated by local residents, and north western Kytherians. Sandy McNaughton has also tracked down and purchased many tables, chairs, booths, refrigeration units, and café artefacts, to install in the café, and display in the Museum. Most came from Kytherian café’s in the region.

How can Kytherians help make these sacred sites even better?

The original neon sign has been found. Already, one Kytherian family, grandchildren of Emanuel Aroney, an original Roxy owner, have agreed to pay to restore this unique sign.
Do you have any café artefacts that will eventually be lost? Do you have Greek costumes, or other “realia”? Consider placing them on loan, or donating them to the Roxy.
Are you qualified in Museum and Gallery management? Do you have other expertise? Consider donating some time?
Are you at school or university and need to do a project on this subject. Venture to Bingara, and fulfil your requirements there?
The Government funding has not included to date electronic and computer equipment to fit out the Museum. Can you donate equipment? Are you part of a Hellenic organisation that can?
This is a chance to make a real difference.
Contact Sandy McNaughton, mob: 0427241 582 or Email, here. Kytherians Peter Prineas, Peter McArthy (Delungra, married to Deanna Psaros), & George C Poulos are also on the Roxy Museum Committee. John Wearne, former Councillor & Mayor, and Peter A Jones, President of the Bingara District Historical Society, are the local representatives. .

Central Web-links:

Roxy Theatre:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=2177&pageflip=24

Roxy Café

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17330&pageflip=1

Roxy Museum

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=117-119&cid=191&did=17831&pageflip=1


Katsehamos and the Great Idea:

http://www.kythera-family.net/index.php?nav=6-82&cid=123&did=9989&pageflip=3

Open full entry

7/7/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

John Wearne AM

John was instrumental in ensuring that Bingara Council (later Gwydir Council) purchased the Hellenic and Kytherian "sacred sites", and pilgrimage destinations, the Roxy Theatre", Roxy Cafe), and Roxy Museum.

He is a great Philhellene and Philokytherian.

He is on the Committee of the Roxy Museum. Other members of the Committee include Sandy McNaughton, Manager of the Roxy,
mob: 0427241 582 or Email, Roxy, and Peter A Jones, President of the Bingara District Historical Society. Kytherians Peter Prineas, Peter McArthy (Delungra, married to Deanna Fatseas), & George C Poulos, make up the membership of the Committee.

John Wearne was born in Bingara and has had a lifetime’s experience in community organisations. Until the proclamation of the new Gwydir Shire Council he had served for 17 years on Bingara Shire Council, including five as Mayor. He was then elected to Gwydir Shire Council in September 2004, a position he continues to occupy today. His local government career includes 8 years representing the North West/New England area on the Executive of the Shires Association of New South Wales including 2 years as State President between 1995 and 1997. Nationally, he served two terms as Senior Vice- President of the Australian Local Government Association.

He holds a number of positions, and is currently:

a Director of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme and chairs the Scheme’s Investment Committee;

a Director of Local Government Financial Services;

a Director of Beyond Empathy Limited;

a Trustee of the Bluett Awards Trust and

Patron of a number of organisations including the Shires Association of NSW.

He was a Board member of the Australia Day Council of NSW for ten years and also had a major role on the NSW Centenary of Federation Committee.

In the transport field, he was previously Chair of the NSW Local Government Roads and Transport Committee, held the National transport portfolio for the Australian Local Government Association and was a delegate to Austroads and the Australian Ministerial Transport Council. He also represented local government on the NSW RTA Advisory Council, and chaired the ALGA National Local Roads Committee following prominent involvement in the Rural Roads Congresses at Moree, Mildura and Toowoomba. From 1999 to 2005 he was a Commissioner on the National Road Transport Commission and the National Transport Commission, which develops and makes recommendations to all State, Territory and Federal Ministers on regulatory reform of the road, rail and other transport systems.

Positions he holds in the Arts include Chair of the NSW Arts Infrastructure Advisory Committee, Chair of the NSW Museums Committee, Deputy Chair of the Arts North West Regional Arts Board and Deputy Chair of Q Theatre Company based in Penrith.

Previous positions held include 5 years as a Director of Greening Australia (NSW), 5 years as a Director of Country Energy, 5 years as a member of the National Rural Communities Program Advisory Committee and 4 years as a Director of Teletask. He also chaired the successful Country Summits in Tamworth (1996) and Wagga Wagga (1998).

John Wearne was awarded an AM in 2000 for service to Local Government and to the community through conservation, arts and sporting organisations, and a Centenary Medal in 2003 for his services to the NSW Centenary of Federation Committee.

April 2006

LINKS:

What's On at The Roxy? Gwydir Shire Council

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

Open full entry

21/6/2010

Photos, Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

Documents

Bingara within the north west of New South Wales.

Map shows the location of Bingara, in relationship to the North West of New South Wales, the New South Wales coastline, and the Queensland border.

The Kytherian "sacred sites", Roxy Theatre, Roxy Cafe, and Roxy Museum are located in Bingara.

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Roxy CAFE Main Page

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page

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21/6/2010

History, Documents

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

The Roxy Theatre, Cafe and Museum in Bingara

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12/6/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Greek cafe restoration 'As Australian As'

Photograph: Left to Right: Author, Anna Rose (formerly of Bingara), with John Wood.

By Anna Rose

Popular Australian actor John Wood has been in love with the small northwest town of Bingara for the past five years.

He first visited Bingara as part of a national tour with fellow actors in the David Williamson play, The Club, and was knocked out by the local hospitality and effervescent welcome.

He also fell in love with the town’s magnificent Roxy Theatre which was packed to the rafters for their performance.

Since then John’s returned on numerous occasions and enjoys fitting in with the locals and taking in the delights of the area.

Proof positive of his commitment to the town was screened on Pay Television’s the Bio Channel during May — his take on what it means to be ‘As Australian As’.

During the 30-minute documentary, the actor explored what makes him proud to be Australian and what places, events, or happenings embody the spirit of Australia.

One of these was the Roxy Cafe restoration project in Bingara.

John was proud to show off the ‘Gem of the New England’ to the rest of Australia.

A special screening of the documentary was held recently on the big screen at the Roxy Theatre with a number of locals in attendance.

Many had connections with the original Roxy cafe, including Mervyn Hall, who was a skinny 18-year-old kid when he worked with Jim Loulias and his family in 1965.

Joan Bull, one of Bingara’s favourite senior citizens, recalls attending the opening night at the Roxy Theatre and ‘married the man I came to the theatre with that night’.

John Wood said he was looking forward to receiving his invitation to the grand opening of the cafe.

The North West Magazine is a supplementary insert in the following newspapers: Barraba Gazette, Bingara Advocate, Coonabaraban Time, Coonamble Times, Gooniwindi Argus, Gunnedah independent, Manilla Express, Moree Champion, Mudgee Guardian, Narrabri Courier, Quirindi Advocate, Tamworth Times, Warialda Standard.


Out of the Wood-work

By Helen Ganska

From: PerthNow

May 08, 2010

A new series sees John wood baring his love for preserving the heritage.

Actor John Wood remembers the importance of tradition in three stories that are related by their respect for the significance of the past in Foxtel’s Bio channel’s series, As Australian As.

Other eminent figures who share their experiences that shaped their sense of our national identity include sports and business woman, Catherine Freeman, fashion designer Alex Perry, former Australian of the year Professor Fiona Stanley, political journalist George Negus and journalist, public sector employee and author, Anne Summers.

Wood opens the episode standing by his red MG TF roadster car and talks about watching the 1956 Olympics on a TV in a shop window – but struggled to see why he was one of the 10 Australians selected for this project.

“When I was phoned about this project I couldn’t think of things that would make me particularly Australian – but basically they told me to talk about something that interested me – and then there were plenty of things that sprung to mind,” he says.

“The thing that came from it was my interest in preserving our heritage – I would love to do more – maybe a heritage series – it would great be fun to do and now that you mention it I might phone and suggest it.

“There are places that I would like to show people such as New Norcia in WA and Bruce Rock – places that I went to with the play, The Club.”

In Wood’s episode he talks about restoring veteran cars, the naval vessel the Cerberus and the Roxy Picture Palace.

“The two things that really interested me most were the Roxy at Bingara (in NSW) and the Cerberus – two polar opposites in a sense,” he explains.

“Both are very important heritage wise, but one has been preserved (the Roxy) and the other one is in great danger of disappearing (the Cerberus).

“And if one good things comes from watching this series – would be saving the Cerberus – it is a very important ship.

“It is the first flag ship of the Australian navy – and it is the only one left – and in some ways it is understandable as it was obsolete and no longer useful – the lucky thing was that it was sunk in such shallow water in Phillip Bay – and not just towed out and sunk in the Bass Strait – then the only people who would see it would be divers.

“But there are places all over Australia that would be terribly interesting to go to and talk about.”

A line that Wood feels Australians are very good at saying is “so what” when it comes to preserving history.

“I think there is an element of this “so what” attitude in relation to all sorts of things – being in Queensland at the moment (for the David Williamson play, Let the Sunshine), it is a developer’s paradise, and has been for some time, and thinking back to the Joh Bjelke-Petersen time when buildings were surreptitiously knocked down in the middle of the night in protest – that’s part of the so-what attitude,” he said.

“The thing too about driving through hundreds of acres of scrub plains and tearing it all up – it is extraordinary.

“We do have a very laissez-faire and blasé attitude to what we have and what we need to preserve.

“We don’t take these things seriously enough.”

Wood has seen the episode with George Negus and found out a little gem.

“I know George to say hello to – but I certainly knew nothing about his passion for football and I had no idea that he was a champion player as a kid,” he said.

“And an interesting mix of people too.”

AS AUSTRALIAN AS, MON, 7.30PM, BIO

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11/6/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Greek cafe restoration ‘As Australian As’

Photograph: Left to Right: John Wood, Jennifer Monie, and her mother, Joan Bull, with Sandy McNaughton.

By Anna Rose

Popular Australian actor John Wood has been in love with the small northwest town of Bingara for the past five years.

He first visited Bingara as part of a national tour with fellow actors in the David Williamson play, The Club, and was knocked out by the local hospitality and effervescent welcome.

He also fell in love with the town’s magnificent Roxy Theatre which was packed to the rafters for their performance.

Since then John’s returned on numerous occasions and enjoys fitting in with the locals and taking in the delights of the area.

Proof positive of his commitment to the town was screened on Pay Television’s the Bio Channel during May — his take on what it means to be ‘As Australian As’.

During the 30-minute documentary, the actor explored what makes him proud to be Australian and what places, events, or happenings embody the spirit of Australia.

One of these was the Roxy Cafe restoration project in Bingara.

John was proud to show off the ‘Gem of the New England’ to the rest of Australia.

A special screening of the documentary was held recently on the big screen at the Roxy Theatre with a number of locals in attendance.

Many had connections with the original Roxy cafe, including Mervyn Hall, who was a skinny 18-year-old kid when he worked with Jim Loulias and his family in 1965.

Joan Bull, one of Bingara’s favourite senior citizens, recalls attending the opening night at the Roxy Theatre and ‘married the man I came to the theatre with that night’.

John Wood said he was looking forward to receiving his invitation to the grand opening of the cafe.

The North West Magazine is a supplementary insert in the following newspapers: Barraba Gazette, Bingara Advocate, Coonabaraban Time, Coonamble Times, Gooniwindi Argus, Gunnedah independent, Manilla Express, Moree Champion, Mudgee Guardian, Narrabri Courier, Quirindi Advocate, Tamworth Times, Warialda Standard.


Out of the Wood-work

By Helen Ganska

From: PerthNow

May 08, 2010

A new series sees John wood baring his love for preserving the heritage.

Actor John Wood remembers the importance of tradition in three stories that are related by their respect for the significance of the past in Foxtel’s Bio channel’s series, As Australian As.

Other eminent figures who share their experiences that shaped their sense of our national identity include sports and business woman, Catherine Freeman, fashion designer Alex Perry, former Australian of the year Professor Fiona Stanley, political journalist George Negus and journalist, public sector employee and author, Anne Summers.

Wood opens the episode standing by his red MG TF roadster car and talks about watching the 1956 Olympics on a TV in a shop window – but struggled to see why he was one of the 10 Australians selected for this project.

“When I was phoned about this project I couldn’t think of things that would make me particularly Australian – but basically they told me to talk about something that interested me – and then there were plenty of things that sprung to mind,” he says.

“The thing that came from it was my interest in preserving our heritage – I would love to do more – maybe a heritage series – it would great be fun to do and now that you mention it I might phone and suggest it.

“There are places that I would like to show people such as New Norcia in WA and Bruce Rock – places that I went to with the play, The Club.”

In Wood’s episode he talks about restoring veteran cars, the naval vessel the Cerberus and the Roxy Picture Palace.

“The two things that really interested me most were the Roxy at Bingara (in NSW) and the Cerberus – two polar opposites in a sense,” he explains.

“Both are very important heritage wise, but one has been preserved (the Roxy) and the other one is in great danger of disappearing (the Cerberus).

“And if one good things comes from watching this series – would be saving the Cerberus – it is a very important ship.

“It is the first flag ship of the Australian navy – and it is the only one left – and in some ways it is understandable as it was obsolete and no longer useful – the lucky thing was that it was sunk in such shallow water in Phillip Bay – and not just towed out and sunk in the Bass Strait – then the only people who would see it would be divers.

“But there are places all over Australia that would be terribly interesting to go to and talk about.”

A line that Wood feels Australians are very good at saying is “so what” when it comes to preserving history.

“I think there is an element of this “so what” attitude in relation to all sorts of things – being in Queensland at the moment (for the David Williamson play, Let the Sunshine), it is a developer’s paradise, and has been for some time, and thinking back to the Joh Bjelke-Petersen time when buildings were surreptitiously knocked down in the middle of the night in protest – that’s part of the so-what attitude,” he said.

“The thing too about driving through hundreds of acres of scrub plains and tearing it all up – it is extraordinary.

“We do have a very laissez-faire and blasé attitude to what we have and what we need to preserve.

“We don’t take these things seriously enough.”

Wood has seen the episode with George Negus and found out a little gem.

“I know George to say hello to – but I certainly knew nothing about his passion for football and I had no idea that he was a champion player as a kid,” he said.

“And an interesting mix of people too.”

AS AUSTRALIAN AS, MON, 7.30PM, BIO

Open full entry

11/6/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

John Wood returns to share his love of the Roxy

Photograph: Roxyphile, John Wood on a previous visit to Bingara, with Roxy theatre’s Manager, Sandy McNaughton.

The Bingara Advocate, Tuesday, May 25, 2010. (Page 1 and page 3).

Additional Photos and story by Anna Rose

One of Australia’s best loved actors, John Wood, was the VIP in Bingara for a special screening on Tuesday night at the town’s Roxy Theatre.

As Australian As, a 10-part series shown on pay TV’s Bio Channel, has featured Bingara and the Roxy Theatre, and the soon-to-be restored Roxy Cafe, adjoining the theatre.

John Wood was one of 10 prominent Australians invited by the Bio Channel to tell the story, event, incident or experience that makes him appreciate what it means to be “as Australian as”.
He said “the human element” behind the building of the Roxy Cafe in 1936, by the three Kytherian Greeks, was what appealed to him. “That’s it for me — the essence of humanity that surrounds the place,” John said.

“And Sandy McNaughton is such a champion of the building. It’s amazing the stuff she has sourced for the restoration project. I am looking forward to receiving my invitation to the opening.” The actor first visited Bingara about five years ago on a national tour with fellow performers in The Club — and fell in love with the place. He’s since been back about four times.

One of Bingara’s distinguished senior citizens, Joan Bull, was at the opening of the Roxy Theatre back in 1936 — and “married the man I came to the theatre with, that night", she told viewers from the big Roxy screen.

Another Bingara local at the screening, Mervyn Hall, was just a gangly 18-year-old kid in 1960, working at the Roxy Cafe alongside the Greek owner, Jim Loulias and his family.

Another local in attendance, Bob Kirk, was saluted for his massive contribution to the project. He and wife Elva, who lived above the cafe for 24 years, “gifted” for a very nominal sum, the majority of original fittings and fixtures being used in the cafe restoration project.

John Wood said he felt the exposure given to Bingara on the Bio Channel would have an impact, although he wasn’t sure of the extent.

“It would be tremendous if the series was picked up by one of the commercial channels, or perhaps the ABC, so it could be shown to a wider audience,” he said.

(More photos of the screening on page 3 [in the Newspaper]).


Out of the Wood-work

By Helen Ganska

From: PerthNow

May 08, 2010

A new series sees John wood baring his love for preserving the heritage.

Actor John Wood remembers the importance of tradition in three stories that are related by their respect for the significance of the past in Foxtel’s Bio channel’s series, As Australian As.

Other eminent figures who share their experiences that shaped their sense of our national identity include sports and business woman, Catherine Freeman, fashion designer Alex Perry, former Australian of the year Professor Fiona Stanley, political journalist George Negus and journalist, public sector employee and author, Anne Summers.

Wood opens the episode standing by his red MG TF roadster car and talks about watching the 1956 Olympics on a TV in a shop window – but struggled to see why he was one of the 10 Australians selected for this project.

“When I was phoned about this project I couldn’t think of things that would make me particularly Australian – but basically they told me to talk about something that interested me – and then there were plenty of things that sprung to mind,” he says.

“The thing that came from it was my interest in preserving our heritage – I would love to do more – maybe a heritage series – it would great be fun to do and now that you mention it I might phone and suggest it.

“There are places that I would like to show people such as New Norcia in WA and Bruce Rock – places that I went to with the play, The Club.”

In Wood’s episode he talks about restoring veteran cars, the naval vessel the Cerberus and the Roxy Picture Palace.

“The two things that really interested me most were the Roxy at Bingara (in NSW) and the Cerberus – two polar opposites in a sense,” he explains.

“Both are very important heritage wise, but one has been preserved (the Roxy) and the other one is in great danger of disappearing (the Cerberus).

“And if one good things comes from watching this series – would be saving the Cerberus – it is a very important ship.

“It is the first flag ship of the Australian navy – and it is the only one left – and in some ways it is understandable as it was obsolete and no longer useful – the lucky thing was that it was sunk in such shallow water in Phillip Bay – and not just towed out and sunk in the Bass Strait – then the only people who would see it would be divers.

“But there are places all over Australia that would be terribly interesting to go to and talk about.”

A line that Wood feels Australians are very good at saying is “so what” when it comes to preserving history.

“I think there is an element of this “so what” attitude in relation to all sorts of things – being in Queensland at the moment (for the David Williamson play, Let the Sunshine), it is a developer’s paradise, and has been for some time, and thinking back to the Joh Bjelke-Petersen time when buildings were surreptitiously knocked down in the middle of the night in protest – that’s part of the so-what attitude,” he said.

“The thing too about driving through hundreds of acres of scrub plains and tearing it all up – it is extraordinary.

“We do have a very laissez-faire and blasé attitude to what we have and what we need to preserve.

“We don’t take these things seriously enough.”

Wood has seen the episode with George Negus and found out a little gem.

“I know George to say hello to – but I certainly knew nothing about his passion for football and I had no idea that he was a champion player as a kid,” he said.

“And an interesting mix of people too.”

AS AUSTRALIAN AS, MON, 7.30PM, BIO

Open full entry

10/6/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Renovations in the Roxy Cafe, April 2010. Conversion from its prior use as a Chinese Cafe

In 2009, the Gwydir Shire Council and the Bingara Historical Society were successful in their joint application for Federal funding to reinstate the Greek café within the Roxy building.

A grant of $750,000 was announced for the restoration of the Roxy original Greek art deco café, construction of a conference centre on the first floor and restoration of the art deco shopfront.

16 persons were appointed to a Committee to oversee the restoration and renovation work. Representatives were drawn from the Gwydir Council, architects from Magoffin & Deakin (Armidale), Bingara residents and community groups, Greek/Kytherian Australians, and the Roxy management. The first meeting was held in December 2009.

Minutes of the the first Committee Meeting, December 2009

The Roxy Café Restoration Project is underway, and is on course to meet the June 30 deadline for completion. Until this time there will be very few events held at The Roxy.

The $750,000 granted by the Federal Government for the Roxy cafe renovation must be spent by June 30, 2010 General Manager, Max Eastcott advised last week’s council meeting, held in Warialda. The project is to create a Greek café reminiscent of one operating in the 1930s, similar to the Paragon Café in Katoomba, he said.

Councillors David Rose and Catherine Egan were nominated as the two Shire Councillors on the project management committee. The committee will work with Armidale based Heritage Architect, Tony Deakin to complete the design work and monitor the progress of the work and the overall budget. It will also have some input into plans for the future of the Roxy complex.

Councillors raised the issue of a business plan, Cr Egan asking “would it not be wise to have a business plan in place for the completion of the project?” Organisational Development Director, Leeah Daley assured Cr Egan that there would be a business plan in place when the building is completed.

General Manager, Max Eastcott advised council that if the trade training component gains government funding, that aspect of the project, which involves students studying commercial cookery, will need to be worked into the plan.

The tourist office will be relocated to permit a lift to be installed to provide disabled access to the first floor of the building. The plan is to see the office move to the premises currently occupied by the Barraba Veterinary Clinic. Mr Eastcott commented that finding a suitable space for the veterinary practice is proving difficult.

Cr Egan suggested that the Warialda Information Centre is extremely generous in proportions saying, “If we need as much space as we have in the Warialda Information Centre, why can’t the tourist office go to the emporium and set up there?” Mrs Daley said she thought “that would be a perfect scenario.”

However, Cr David Rose was not at all supportive, suggesting that buying the emporium would be only the start and that such a move would take far more money to achieve than the current grant.

Open full entry

23/5/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Roxy restoration in full swing

Photograph. (left to right). Max Eastcott, General Manager, Gwydir Shire Council, Tony Deakin, Magoffin and Deakin, Architects, and Councillor John Coulton, Mayor, Gwydir Shire Council.

Bingara Advocate, Tuesday April 20, 2010, page 3

Building work on the Roxy Café Restoration Project has commenced and is well and truly underway. The Gwydir Shire Council has finalised project plans in conjunction with architectural firm Magoffin and Deakin from Armidale. The plans comprise the restoration of the original café adjoining the theatre, as well as the first floor over the café which will incorporate conference facilities and a museum.

Tim Russell, proprietor of Domenico Blue Building from Inverell has been awarded the building contract. Mr Russell has enthusiastically embraced his appointment stating “This is the most exciting project that I have been associated with to date. The Roxy is an extraordinary building both architecturally and historically.”

Understanding the positive economic and social effects that the project will deliver to Bingara and the wider Shire, Mr Russell notes, “projects like this don’t come along everyday. I am extremely proud to be a part of this development which will have an enduring impact and ensure long-lasting benefits, not just for Bingara, but for the entire region.”

This is not Mr Russell’s first contract in Bingara. His company, Domenico Blue, was responsible for extension work that took place at Touriandi Lodge last year. He recognizes the drive and can-do attitude of the town stating, “The Gwydir Shire Council and the community are to be congratulated for their resourcefulness and foresight in undertaking this project.”

Local electrician Michael Hayes from Hayes Electrical is happy to have been awarded the electrical contracty, noting, “The project is good for the town, It’s good that this contract has been awarded locally.”

As a result of the construction work being carried out, the Bingara Tourist Information Centre has been temporarily relocated to the Gwydir Shire Council offices in Maitland St. As the building work does not impinge directly on the theatre, Tourist information Officer, Jenny Mead, is still able to conduct tours of the facility.

“It is wonderfully exciting showing people through The Roxy while explaining what the restoration project entails” says Jenny. “Countless people reminisce about their associations with Greek cafés and enthusiastically express their desire to return to see the finished product.”

And while that finished product is still some time away, the project is moving at a rapid pace. Apart from a North West Theatre Companyproduction of Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat to be held in June, The Roxy will not holding events until later in the year.

In the meantime, the community is invited to participate in the project. To achieve the highest standards and quality that The Roxy commands, the fixtures and fittings installed will come from, or faithfully match as closely as possible, those of the art deco period in 1936 when The Roxy was built.

While the project has been funded by the Department of Heritage, Environment Water and the Arts under the Australian Government Jobs Fund, some members of he community may wish to contribute to the on-going success of the project.

We are therefore seeking contributions by asking the community to consider lending or donating art deco furniture and memorabilia associated with the period. This may consist of furniture, mirrors, display cabinets, photographs or other items that may be gathering dust somewhere in the back of the shed. All contributions will be acknowledged. Please contact Sandy McNaughton mob: 0427241 582 or Email Roxy, here, for further information.

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22/5/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Vintage Landscapes

Reverse side of Mitata Postcard

The back of an old postcard depicting Mitata. Source unknown. The front side of this postcard is also in the category on the site. Would anyone like to have a go at translating this?

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3/5/2010

Photos, Vintage Landscapes

Vintage Landscapes

Mitata Vintage Postcard

An old Postcard depicting Mitata. Source unknown. The reverse side of this postcard is also in the category on the site.

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3/5/2010

Photos, Vintage Landscapes

Documents

Plans for the Roxy Cafe, the Tourist Information Centre, and the Roxy Museum

PLANS. .pdf versions.

PLANS_Ground_Floor.pdf

PLANS_First_Floor.pdf

PLANS_Elevations_Exteriors.pdf

PLANS_Section_Diagrams.pdf

The $1.4 million Grant

The Australian federal government approved a grant of $1.4 million dollars in November 2009, to Gwydir Shire Council, in order to restore the Roxy Cafe, the Tourist Information Centre, and to create a Roxy Museum, which will be a "Greek-Australian" Museum, and ostensibly a "Kytherian-Australian" Museum.

This will be the only Greek-Australian Museum outside of Melbourne, Victoria.

It will also be the only operational "Kytherian Museum" in Australia, and the World. [The Kytherian Museum in Hora, Kythera, is closed as of 2010.]

This expenditure of $1.4 million, must be added to a previous expenditure, by various Local, State, and Federal Governments, of $1.6 million, to restore the Roxy Theatre.

It is extraordinary that in a town of 1300 residents, such large sums of money have been expended on these projects.

Lets not be under any illusions about this. The Roxy Cinema, Roxy Cafe, and Roxy Boarding House, are "Kytherian" creations. This has been well researched by Peter Prineas, and beautifully explicated in his book Katsehamos and the Great Idea. All are "Kytherian" heritage structures of the first order.

They will all soon be restored to high levels of design excellence, and become living memorials to Kytherian heritage in Australia.

Open full entry

24/4/2010

History, Documents

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Plans for the Roxy Cafe, the Tourist Information Centre, and the Roxy Museum

PLANS. .pdf versions.

PLANS_Ground_Floor.pdf

PLANS_First_Floor.pdf

PLANS_Elevations_Exteriors.pdf

PLANS_Section_Diagrams.pdf

The $1.4 million Grant

The Australian federal government approved a grant of $1.4 million dollars in November 2009, to Gwydir Shire Council, in order to restore the Roxy Cafe, the Tourist Information Centre, and to create a Roxy Museum, which will be a "Greek-Australian" Museum, and ostensibly a "Kytherian-Australian" Museum.

This will be the only Greek-Australian Museum outside of Melbourne, Victoria.

It will also be the only operational "Kytherian Museum" in Australia, and the World. [The Kytherian Museum in Hora, Kythera, is closed as of 2010.]

This expenditure of $1.4 million, must be added to a previous expenditure, by various Local, State, and Federal Governments, of $1.6 million, to restore the Roxy Theatre.

It is extraordinary that in a town of 1300 residents, such large sums of money have been expended on these projects.

Lets not be under any illusions about this. The Roxy Cinema, Roxy Cafe, and Roxy Boarding House, are "Kytherian" creations. This has been well researched by Peter Prineas, and beautifully explicated in his book Katsehamos and the Great Idea. All are "Kytherian" heritage structures of the first order.

They will all soon be restored to high levels of design excellence, and become living memorials to Kytherian heritage in Australia.

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23/4/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Roxy Museum to celebrate Greek immigration

Roxy Museum entry, Associations Page. Call for Donations

The museum will include photographs such as the one above. This photo was taken inside the Roxy Café around 1960 when it was managed by Jim Loulias. It features Bingara local Merv Hall (left), and Steven Loulias, Jim’s son (right), taken around Christmas.

What's On at The Roxy?

A number of Greek visitors travelled to Bingara in February, to witness first hand, the exciting developments of the Roxy Café. The visitors included Con and Dorothy Fardouly from Inverell; Peter and Judy Gianneas, formerly of Pete’s Place in Inverell; Paul Kalokerinos and his son John from the Canberra Café in Manilla, and George Kallitsis from Universal Catering in Sydney and Barraba.

As Greek café proprietors themselves, they all share a particular interest in the exciting future of the Roxy. They recognise that the Roxy is a symbol that epitomizes the Greek migration experience.The visitors share the collective experience of Greeks immigrants es¬tablishing cafes in rural Australia; either through their parents, as in the case of Con and Dorothy Fardouly, or first hand, as in the case of Peter Gianneas and Paul Kalokerinos, who immigrated to Australia over 50 years ago.

Many people will remember a visit to the Fardouly café in Inverell. Located in Byron St, it was an institution for generations whose memories readily evoke the treasured experience of visiting the café and all that it entailed. The fixtures and fittings from the Fardouly café will be reinstated in the Roxy Café which will serve to ensure that the Roxy is restored as faithfully as possible in keeping with cafés of the period.

Museum

The Fardouly’s story, along with those of other Greek proprietors from the region, will feature in the Roxy Café Museum which will be located upstairs over the café. The museum will be housed in the rooms that originally served as the sleeping quarters for the management and staff when it was built in 1936.

The Roxy Museum will celebrate Greek immigration to rural Australia. It will pay tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Greek Cafe by recognising the significant contribution Greek immigrants made to the changing landscape of rural Australia. The museum will also serve as a research and education centre accessible to school groups from Kindergarten - Year 12, tertiary students, and members of the public.

Popular

Merv Hall worked at the Roxy Café for a number of years and was around 18 years old when the photo at right was taken. Merv recalls Saturday evenings when The Roxy Café was the most frequented in town. He recounts how it was so popular that queues would form outside on the street. Patrons only gained admission when a table inside became available.

Among other selections, patrons enjoyed the fresh fruit freezes and banana splits served with wafer cones, crushed nuts and a variety of toppings. Being multi-skilled, Merv not only worked at a number of cafés in the town, but he also worked as an usher at the Regent when it was run by Bill Kouvousis. It was a common sight to see Merv roaming the aisles serving choc tops from a wooden tray hanging from his neck at interval.

Apart from this photo, very few old photos of the Roxy have come to light. We are seeking further photos and memorabilia and would appeal to anyone who may have my relevant material to include in the collection that will be housed in the museum.

The story of the Greek Café is a shared chapter in the histories of Greece and Australia, a chapter that is almost over. Very few Greek cafes operate as they did 50 years ago. Even fewer sites that incorporate a functioning cinema and café remain. We welcome any contributions to ensure that the story continues to be shared, and that it continues to live on for years to come.

From the Bingara Advocate, Tuesday March 30, 2010, page 5.

Open full entry

23/4/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Peter Prineas, author of Katsehamos and the Great Idea

....with one of the original Roxy cafe booths obtained from Bob Kirk.

These will be restored and installed in the renovation currently underway at the Roxy Cafe, Bingara, in north western New South Wales.

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22/4/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Treasures from the Roxy Cafes past

....return to complete restoration project.

Bingara Advocate. Tuesday March 2, 2010.

Photograph: Bob Kirk pictured with a table from the Roxy cafe.

In 1936 upon entering the Roxy Café, the regular patron would have been met with quite a sight. Strolling across the stunning terrazzo floor before selecting a booth, patrons would find themselves surrounded by beautiful maple panelling with mirror in-lays which lined the walls. Above the panelling, customers could gaze upon a series of tapestries depicting lavish scenes from the Italian Renaissance.

The Gwydir Shire Council has recently acquired a number of items that came out of the original Roxy Café from Bob and Elva Kirk. The pieces had been in storage in the Kirk’s shed for over twenty years. They will be restored and reinstated in the Café.

Bob and Elva Kirk purchased The Roxy Café in 1965. The building comprised the original Café on the ground floor and a residence on the first floor. The Kirks lived upstairs and housed a collection of memorabilia on the ground floor.

The collection comprised items that were sourced locally and included two brass serviette rings brought back from Egypt by a local soldier serving in WW1, among many others.

Mr and Mrs Kirk purchased the freehold title of the Café from the Fader Estate. The café had been in operation until several months prior to the change of ownership. A series of Greeks, including Harry Vanges, Jim Loulias, and a young man nicknamed “Mosquito’, had operated the café.

Mr and Mrs Kirk sold the premises to Mr Peter Yeum in 1989, who operated a Chinese restaurant on the site until it was purchased by the Gwydir Shire Council in 2007.

The collection of pieces stored in the Kirk’s shed included wood panelling, section of booths or cubicles including the original table tops, marble shelving, a glass window panel and decorative etched glass panes.

A remarkable piece to be reinstated includes the original neon sign that hung under the awning at the entrance to the Café.

Another piece of note is a wooden menu stand complete with ‘historical’ graffiti. Several patrons took it upon themselves to leave their mark by signing their names and including the dates, 1927 and 1928.

Mr and Mrs Kirk are to be congratulated on having the foresight to retain these significant pieces that will form a vital component of the restoration of the Roxy Café.

In particular, the Kirks are to be commended for “gifting” the pieces for a very reasonable sum. The Gwydir Shire Council appreciates the co-operative spirit the Kirks have demonstrated, and thanks them for this invaluable contribution.

Greek Cafes changed the course of Australia’s cultural history and left a significant legacy on our culinary and cultural landscape.
The Roxy Café will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural associations between people and place. It will provide opportunities for the celebration of Greek traditions that became embedded in Australia.

The work carried out in the restoration will be undertaken to best protect the significant fabric of the place with minimal disturbance to ensure the culturally significant aspects of the place are respected, retained and preserved.

A PHD thesis was undertaken by Kevin Cork entitled Parthenons Down Under. Greek Motion Picture Exhibitors in NSW 1915 - 1960, a topic never before explored in Australian history.

In his thesis Kevin Cork advised us that:
“If we are to remember these Greeks for their contributions to Australia’s social, architectural and technological advancement, then it is imperative that there be Greek landmarks which are acknowledged at local and state level - ones that point to the achievements of the Greek-Australian cinema exhibitors who are the subject of this thesis. We cannot allow their histories to be forgotten, not when they provided services that positively af¬fected millions of people, firstly, through their refreshment rooms and, secondly, through their picture theatres.”

Mr and Mrs Kirk’s generous contribution to the café, embodies these sentiments. They are to be complimented for their example of committed community members, dedicated to preserving the history, culture and social fabric of our Shire.

The Shire is grateful for their support which will greatly add to the success of returning the Roxy Café to its original splendour to live on for generations to come.

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22/4/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Documents

Con Fardouly's Thank you letter.

After a Kytherian-Greek & Australian Greek, visit to the Roxy Theatre, Bingara, NSW.

Con was obviously very moved by the experience.

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22/4/2010

History, Documents

Diaspora Working Life

George Miller awarded France’s most prestigious artistic award, the Order of Arts and Letters.

Sydney, 10.03.2010

Honoured: Oscar-winning director George Miller. (Getty Images: Lucas Dawson )

Director George Miller was awarded France’s most prestigious artistic award, the Order of Arts and Letters. Miller received the award, known in France as Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, by French ambassador to Australia Michel Filhol at the opening of the French Film Festival in Sydney on Tuesday night.

The director of iconic films such as Mad Max, Babe and Happy Feet joined an elite group of artists outside France to receive the award, including Martin Scorsese, Clint Eastwood, Robert Redford, Meryl Streep and Steven Spielberg.

The Order of France was established over 50 years ago to recognise people who have made significant contributions to the arts.

George Miller

More detailed Biography

Miller was born in Brisbane, Queensland, to Greek immigrant parents: Dimitri (Jim) Castrisios Miliotis and Angela Balson. Dimitri Miliotis was from the Greek island of Kythera and he anglicised his "nickname" to Miller, and adopted it as his surname when he emigrated to Australia; the Balson family were Greek refugees from Anatolia. The couple married and settled in Chinchilla and had four sons. The first two were the non-identical twins George and John, and later, Chris and Bill Miller arrived.

George attended Ipswich Grammar School and later Sydney Boys High School, then studied medicine at the University of New South Wales with his twin brother John. While in his final year at medical school (1971), George and his younger brother Chris made a one minute short film that won them first prize in a student competition.

In 1971, George attended a Film Workshop at Melbourne University where he met fellow student, Byron Kennedy, with whom he formed a lasting friendship. In 1972, Miller completed his residency at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital, spending his time-off crewing on short experimental films. The pair collaborated on numerous works after that.

Miller wrote and directed the Mad Max movies starring Mel Gibson (Mad Max, Mad Max 2 (known in the United States as The Road Warrior), and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome); co-wrote Babe and wrote and directed its sequel; and co-wrote (with Nick Enright) and directed Lorenzo’s Oil. He also directed The Witches of Eastwick, starring Jack Nicholson, Susan Sarandon, Cher and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Miller co-produced and co-directed many acclaimed miniseries for Australian television including The Dismissal (1983) and The Cowra Breakout (1984).

Miller’s role as producer of Flirting, Dead Calm and the TV mini-series Bangkok Hilton and Vietnam, all starring Nicole Kidman, was instrumental in the early development of her career.

Miller was also the creator of Happy Feet, a musical epic about the life of penguins in Antarctica.The Warner Bros. produced film was released in November 2006. As well as being a runaway box office success, Happy Feet has also brought Miller his fourth Academy Award nomination, and his first win in the category of Best Animated Feature.

Miller is the Patron of the Australian Film Institute and the BIFF (the Brisbane International Film Festival) and a co-patron of the Sydney Film Festival.

He is currently working as director for the upcoming film Happy Feet 2. On October 24th, 2009, Miller also confirmed that his next project will be the highly-anticipated third Mad Max sequel, currently titled Mad Max: Fury Road.

Sources: kythera-family.net, Wikipedia, Big Pond News

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12/4/2010

Photos, Diaspora Working Life

Life Stories

France honours Greek –Australian director George Miller

Sydney, 10.03.2010

[[picture:"George Miller.jpg" ID:17507]]

Honoured: Oscar-winning director George Miller. (Getty Images: Lucas Dawson )

Director George Miller was awarded France’s most prestigious artistic award, the Order of Arts and Letters. Miller received the award, known in France as Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, by French ambassador to Australia Michel Filhol at the opening of the French Film Festival in Sydney on Tuesday night.

The director of iconic films such as Mad Max, Babe and Happy Feet joined an elite group of artists outside France to receive the award, including Martin Scorsese, Clint Eastwood, Robert Redford, Meryl Streep and Steven Spielberg.

The Order of France was established over 50 years ago to recognise people who have made significant contributions to the arts.

George Miller

More detailed Biography

Miller was born in Brisbane, Queensland, to Greek immigrant parents: Dimitri (Jim) Castrisios Miliotis and Angela Balson. Dimitri Miliotis was from the Greek island of Kythera and he anglicised his "nickname" to Miller, and adopted it as his surname when he emigrated to Australia; the Balson family were Greek refugees from Anatolia. The couple married and settled in Chinchilla and had four sons. The first two were the non-identical twins George and John, and later, Chris and Bill Miller arrived.

George attended Ipswich Grammar School and later Sydney Boys High School, then studied medicine at the University of New South Wales with his twin brother John. While in his final year at medical school (1971), George and his younger brother Chris made a one minute short film that won them first prize in a student competition.

In 1971, George attended a Film Workshop at Melbourne University where he met fellow student, Byron Kennedy, with whom he formed a lasting friendship. In 1972, Miller completed his residency at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital, spending his time-off crewing on short experimental films. The pair collaborated on numerous works after that.

Miller wrote and directed the Mad Max movies starring Mel Gibson (Mad Max, Mad Max 2 (known in the United States as The Road Warrior), and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome); co-wrote Babe and wrote and directed its sequel; and co-wrote (with Nick Enright) and directed Lorenzo’s Oil. He also directed The Witches of Eastwick, starring Jack Nicholson, Susan Sarandon, Cher and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Miller co-produced and co-directed many acclaimed miniseries for Australian television including The Dismissal (1983) and The Cowra Breakout (1984).

Miller’s role as producer of Flirting, Dead Calm and the TV mini-series Bangkok Hilton and Vietnam, all starring Nicole Kidman, was instrumental in the early development of her career.

Miller was also the creator of Happy Feet, a musical epic about the life of penguins in Antarctica.The Warner Bros. produced film was released in November 2006. As well as being a runaway box office success, Happy Feet has also brought Miller his fourth Academy Award nomination, and his first win in the category of Best Animated Feature.

Miller is the Patron of the Australian Film Institute and the BIFF (the Brisbane International Film Festival) and a co-patron of the Sydney Film Festival.

He is currently working as director for the upcoming film Happy Feet 2. On October 24th, 2009, Miller also confirmed that his next project will be the highly-anticipated third Mad Max sequel, currently titled Mad Max: Fury Road.

Sources: kythera-family.net, Wikipedia, Big Pond News

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12/4/2010

People, Life Stories

Vintage Portraits/ People

Group photo Mitata

From the collection of Fofo and Brettos Sklavos

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13/3/2010

Photos, Vintage Portraits/ People

Vintage Portraits/ People

Group photo Mitata in the 1960s?

From the collection of Fofo and Brettos Sklavos.

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13/3/2010

Photos, Vintage Portraits/ People

Island Churches & Icons

Procession in Mitata

This picture is from the collection of Fofo and Brettos Sklavos of Mitata. It was probably taken in the 1960 and shows a procession of children, officials and a priest walking up the road at the edge of Mitata with the council building at the back.

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13/3/2010

Photos, Island Churches & Icons

Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Roxy Café on track for exciting future

ROXY CAFE, INFORMATION CENTRE, AND GREEK-AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM DEVELOPMENT, 2010

THIS IS THE Roxy CAFE - MAIN PAGE

Roxy MUSEUM Main Page. Overview of the history of the Roxy, published in the Royal Historical Society magazine

Roxy THEATRE Main Page

Katsehamos and the Great Idea, the BOOK, Main Page


Additional links:

What's On at The Roxy?

Kytherian Australians from the surrounding district vist the Roxy, Bingara

Treasures from the Roxy Cafes past return to complete restoration project. Bob Kirk

Roxy Museum to celebrate Greek immigration

Plans for the Roxy Cafe, the Tourist Information Centre, and the Roxy Museum

Former Cafe Proprietors:

Harry Vangis


This article:

The Bingara Advocate, Tuesday February 16, 2010. Front Page

Sandy McNaughton, Manager of the Roxy Theatre, with George C Poulos. Various Kytherian artefacts are laid out in front them, including a donkey saddle.

The book of Panayiotis Fatseas photographs, (edited by John Stathatos), is opened at the page depicting Peter Prineas grandmother. Peter wrote the book, Katsehamos and the Great Idea, which lent the Roxy, an international prominence.

The Roxy Café Restoration Project is underway, and is on course to meet the June 30 dead¬line for completion.
The Gwydir Shire Council is pleased with the progress to date for the $750,000 project. In 2009, the Council was the recipient of the funds through the Department of Heritage, Environment, Water and the Arts under the Australian Government Jobs Fund. The grant ensures that the project will not require an additional financial contribution from the Gwydir Council and will therefore come at no cost to ratepayers.
The staged project is multi-faceted and includes:
• the restoration of the Greek art deco café to its original splendour
• a medium scale conference facility upstairs above the café
• a museum that celebrates the story of immigration and acknowledges the significance of the Greek Café
• the relocation of the Tourist Information Centre
Stage 2 will see the incorporation of a Trade Training Centre offering Certificate III Level Hospitality Training run in conjunction with the Gwydir Learning Region, the Department of Education and Training and TAFE NSW. This Training Facility will be funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
The incorporation of the Trade Training Centre will offer students the opportunity to carry out the practical hours of training required as a necessary component of their course, as well as providing potential future employment opportunities.
It has become apparent that the Tourist Information Centre has outgrown its current location. It is fundamental that the Centre remain within the Roxy complex, with the site occupied by the Veterinarian (Vet) currently proposed. Council is mindful of the important service provided by the Vet and negotiations are continuing to determine a suitable outcome that will not impact on the community in this regard.
A Roxy Café Restoration Project Management Committee has been formed and has met on two occasions. The Committee is made up of Councillors and staff from the Gwydir Shire, as well as representatives from the community including Ben Gardiner, Veterinarian; Rick Hutton, Vision 2020; Peter Jones, Bingara and District Historical Society; Nancy MacInnes and John Wearne, North West Theatre Company.
Representatives from the Greek community include Peter Prineas, author and grandson of Roxy Founder Peter Feros. George Poulos, cultural administrator and cultural trustee of the Kytherian World Heritage Fund, and Public Relations Officer of the Kytherian Association of Australia, is also a Committee member.
Both Mr Prineas and Mr Poulos have travelled to Bingara to attend the Committee meetings, and both have enthusiastically expressed the staunch support and commitment of the Kytherian community, to this exciting project.
Architectural firm Magoffin and Deakin from Armidale has been officially appointed. Heritage Architect Anthony Deakin was responsible for the restoration of the Roxy Theatre, and has willingly accepted the appointment. Mr Deakin brings a sound knowledge, history and understanding of the building, as well as being a great supporter of the project.
The plans for the proposed restoration are currently on display in the windows of the Roxy Café. The Gwydir Shire Council welcomes feedback and invites members of the community to provide comments on the plans. All comments must be in writing, and addressed to: Max Eastcott, General Manager, Gwydir Shire Council. PO Box 5, Bingara, NSW, 2404.
Comments must be received by February 26, 2010. Those received after this date will not be considered.
The “Greek Café” is broadly regarded as a quintessentially Australian phenomenon. Greek Cafes changed the course of Australia’s cultural history and left a significant legacy on our culinary and cultural landscape. Over time, those remaining have been considerably modified, while the majority have been relegated to memory, or oblivion.
The story of the Greek Café is a shared chapter in the histories of Greece and Australia, a chapter that is almost over. Very few Greek cafes operate as they did 50 years ago. Even fewer complexes that incorporate a functioning cinema and café remain.
The Roxy Café will become a place of national significance that conserves and protects the important cultural associations between people and place. It will provide opportunities for the celebration of Greek traditions that became embedded in Australia. It was the Greek café that enabled generations of Greek immigrants to ‘infiltrate’ the culture of their new land. And it was the cafes that changed the way Australians think about themselves.
The work carried out in the restoration will be undertaken to best protect the significant fabric of the place, with minimal disturbance, to ensure the culturally significant aspects of the place are respected, retained and preserved.
The restoration of the Café will include the re-instatement of original furniture of the period, that has been acquired for the purpose, including a 35ft counter with original soda fountain, original tables and chairs currently in use in the meeting room at The Roxy, as well as custom-made display cabinets and shelving from 1936.
The Roxy currently attracts over 12,000 annually to numerous events and activities held there. The restoration project will guarantee the delivery of further economic benefits to the town through an increase in tourism, as well as the employment opportunities on offer.
The Roxy will become a place of great historical significance that exhibits local distinctiveness and a sense of place. Its civic pride and confidence in its heritage, in its cultural facilities and collections is destined to attract people from all walks of life, all wanting to share this unique experience.

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13/3/2010

Photos, Cafes, Shops & Cinemas

Diaspora Working Life

Tap-dancing penguins return in Happy Feet 2

Kytherian, George Miller, at an event to launch the start of filming of Happy Feet 2 in Sydney

Picture: Peter Rae

Sydney Morning Herald

February 5, 2010

Hot and steamy conditions would frighten off most penguins, but not the batch tap-dancing and thumping around energetically in Sydney weather yesterday to give a taste of the sequel to one of Australia's most successful films.

The reason was they hadn't become penguins yet. They were still humans, but clad in all-black bodysuits – covered in what resembled tiny white lightbulbs – that help facilitate the technological wizardry that will transform them into animated penguins for Happy Feet 2.

During filming, "not only do we watch the dancers live, but if I look at the computer they are penguins live", filmmaker George Miller said at the launch of the sequel's production in Sydney's Fox Studios yesterday. "And not only that, they're in Antarctica".

"This is the exactly technology that drove Avatar, that drove Lord of the Rings."

Choosing Sydney to make the film is a boon to the local film industry, which has done it tough in a hard economic climate. The NSW Premier, Kristina Keneally, said the choice was "terrific for our economy, terrific for our film industry ... it's supporting over 500 jobs locally over three years".

Happy Feet, about a tap-dancing penguin who succeeds against the odds, earned about $US384 million at the box office worldwide and won the 2007 Oscar for best animated feature.

Actors Robin Williams and Elijah Wood return as starring voices and both were on site yesterday but behind closed doors. Miller said the movie had "a different story – a lot of new characters".

The filmmaker said the movie industry was moving towards the intersection of arts and technology. Avatar – the biggest-earning film ever, with gross earnings topping $2.1 billion – had "shown us the way. And there's no reason that this can't be done in this country.

"In NSW and Australia I do believe we've been too lazy. We've let others steal the march. And now it's changing."

Miller pointed to what he called "the most advanced motion-capture studio in the world" at the vast CarriageWorks precinct in the inner city suburb of Eveleigh, a new studio reportedly set up under a deal in which Miller's production company leases the premises from the NSW government for a year.

Motion-capture technology enables people's movements to be filmed then fused onto computer-generated characters to enhance their real-life naturalism.

Miller, who came to prominence as the director of Mad Max three decades ago, will also use the studio to work on his planned fourth instalment in the franchise, Fury Road.

"There will be a huge amount of production going through there if we can keep it in this country," he said. "Everyone thought cinema was dead and now we're getting the kind of movies you're seeing now."

Keneally said the state government invested $5.7 million in 34 local film or television projects in the last six months of last year. "That generated $69 million in expenditure – a good return on investment, growing this industry in NSW."

Open full entry

5/2/2010

Photos, Diaspora Working Life

Current Affairs

Tap-dancing penguins return in Happy Feet 2

[[picture:"George Miller at Happy Feet 2.jpg" ID:17201]]

Kytherian, George Miller, at an event to launch the start of filming of Happy Feet 2 in Sydney

Picture: Peter Rae

Sydney Morning Herald

February 5, 2010

Hot and steamy conditions would frighten off most penguins, but not the batch tap-dancing and thumping around energetically in Sydney weather yesterday to give a taste of the sequel to one of Australia's most successful films.

The reason was they hadn't become penguins yet. They were still humans, but clad in all-black bodysuits – covered in what resembled tiny white lightbulbs – that help facilitate the technological wizardry that will transform them into animated penguins for Happy Feet 2.

During filming, "not only do we watch the dancers live, but if I look at the computer they are penguins live", filmmaker George Miller said at the launch of the sequel's production in Sydney's Fox Studios yesterday. "And not only that, they're in Antarctica".

"This is the exactly technology that drove Avatar, that drove Lord of the Rings."

Choosing Sydney to make the film is a boon to the local film industry, which has done it tough in a hard economic climate. The NSW Premier, Kristina Keneally, said the choice was "terrific for our economy, terrific for our film industry ... it's supporting over 500 jobs locally over three years".

Happy Feet, about a tap-dancing penguin who succeeds against the odds, earned about $US384 million at the box office worldwide and won the 2007 Oscar for best animated feature.

Actors Robin Williams and Elijah Wood return as starring voices and both were on site yesterday but behind closed doors. Miller said the movie had "a different story – a lot of new characters".

The filmmaker said the movie industry was moving towards the intersection of arts and technology. Avatar – the biggest-earning film ever, with gross earnings topping $2.1 billion – had "shown us the way. And there's no reason that this can't be done in this country.

"In NSW and Australia I do believe we've been too lazy. We've let others steal the march. And now it's changing."

Miller pointed to what he called "the most advanced motion-capture studio in the world" at the vast CarriageWorks precinct in the inner city suburb of Eveleigh, a new studio reportedly set up under a deal in which Miller's production company leases the premises from the NSW government for a year.

Motion-capture technology enables people's movements to be filmed then fused onto computer-generated characters to enhance their real-life naturalism.

Miller, who came to prominence as the director of Mad Max three decades ago, will also use the studio to work on his planned fourth instalment in the franchise, Fury Road.

"There will be a huge amount of production going through there if we can keep it in this country," he said. "Everyone thought cinema was dead and now we're getting the kind of movies you're seeing now."

Keneally said the state government invested $5.7 million in 34 local film or television projects in the last six months of last year. "That generated $69 million in expenditure – a good return on investment, growing this industry in NSW."

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5/2/2010

Culture, Current Affairs

Great Walls

Mitata wall

Part of the wall surrounding the newly-refurbished windmill at Mitata

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20/1/2010

Photos, Great Walls

Great Walls

Church wall

The wall at Aghios Georgios in Mitata frames the beautiful valley view below

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20/1/2010

Photos, Great Walls

Great Walls

Old Wall with Plaster

A common site on Kythera...

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15/1/2010

Photos, Great Walls

Great Walls

Walls surrounding Maria & Donkey

Maria and donkey leave the ruin of their windmill above Mitata, surrounded by their walls...

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15/1/2010

Photos, Great Walls

Great Walls

Mitata Cemetery Wall

Taken on a late summer's afternoon at the Mitata cemetery.

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15/1/2010

Photos, Great Walls

Great Walls

Wall with Paliokastro in the background

taken on the road going down from Mitata to the the spring or "breesi". the top of the house was whitewashed, and in the back the haunting mountain of Paliokastro.

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15/1/2010

Photos, Great Walls

Bibliography

'BRITAIN'S GREEK ISLANDS Kythera and the Ionian Islands 1809 to 1864' by Peter Prineas

[[picture:" %22Britain's Greek Islands%22 cov. image 66kb.jpg" ID:18088]]

Published October 2009
Soft cover, 415 pages, bibliog., notes, index.
ISBN 9780980672213
Published by Plateia Press
http://peterprineas.com.au/britains-greek-islands/

'BRITAIN'S GREEK ISLANDS' was launched by Associate Professor Vrasidas Karalis of the Department of Modern Greek at Sydney University's Nicholson Museum on 14 October 2009. Professor Karalis has described the book as 'a labour of love, meticulously researched' and 'a fascinating personal account of the Seven Islands which were "British" before becoming Greek'.

The book tells the story of five decades in the early nineteenth century when the British ruled Kythera and the Ionian Islands. It is a very readable history, painstakingly assembled from hundreds of hand-written letters and documents, most previously unpublished.

It conveys the texture and detail of life, society and politics in the island of Cerigo (Kythera) and the Ionian Islands (then known as Corfu, Paxo, Santa Maura, Ithaca, Cephalonia and Zante) and illuminates important but largely forgotten events.

Based on extensive research in the archives, and illustrated with maps, photographs and historic prints, 'Britain's Greek Islands' reveals the sometimes turbulent relations that existed in the Protectorate named the 'United States of the Ionian Islands'.

The narrative is placed within the wider history of Europe and the Near East, from the Napoleonic Wars, through the Greek War of Independence, the Crimean War, and conflicts over the 'Eastern Question' that resonate to this day.

'Britain's Greek Islands' tells the story of five decades in the nineteenth century when the British ruled Kythera and the Ionian Islands. It is a very readable history, painstakingly assembled from hundreds of hand-written letters and documents, most previously unpublished. The book conveys the texture and detail of life, society and politics in the island of Cerigo (Kythera) and the Ionian Islands and illuminates important but largely forgotten events. Based on extensive research in the archives, and illustrated with maps, photographs and historic prints, 'Britain's Greek Islands' reveals the sometimes turbulent relations that existed in the Protectorate named the 'United States of the Ionian Islands'. The narrative is placed within the wider history of Europe and the Near East, from the Napoleonic Wars, through the Greek War of Independence, the Crimean War, and conflicts over the 'Eastern Question' that resonate to this day.

'A labour of love, meticulously researched. A fascinating personal account of the Seven Islands which were "British" before becoming Greek.' – Vrasidas Karalis, Department of Modern Greek, University of Sydney.

'Prineas paints a lively portrait of the history of the United States of the Ionian Islands, as the British named their protectorate. He follows the often extravagant lifestyles of the state’s lord high commissioners who, believing that the British-style parliamentary system was unsuitable for its Ionian subjects, oversaw a highly undemocratic political regime, centred in Corfu, which became increasingly unpopular with the islands’ elites and wider populations. ... Much more than the history of one small island, Britain’s Greek Islands is a worthy contribution to the study of the history of the Ionian Islands and Greek history in general.' – Damian Mac Con Ulladh, Athens News

'Here is a bit of the British Empire we did not know about – The United States of the Ionian Islands, no less. The Islanders were used to changes of sovereignty. Over the centuries they had been ruled by the Venetians (before there was an Italy), then France (as part of Napoleon’s mega-trip), then England (in its “protective” role). The Islands then pass to the newly-born Greece, as we now know it. Maybe we need to be reminded that national sovereignty is not a constant, and is no longer determined by a European mono-power.' – Barry McMahon, South Sydney Herald

'Congratulations on an original, thorough and well-researched book, which will keep me interested for many weeks.'
– Jim Potts, Corfu

Listed in Books of the Month for January 2010. – Newsletter of the Hellenic Society Prometheas, Washington DC.


ORDERS AND INQUIRIES

By post: Plateia Press 32 Calder Road Darlington NSW 2008 AUSTRALIA.

Email: pprineas@ozemail.com.au

Telephone: 61 2 9319 1513

Mobile: 0429 322 857.

Or Contact the Kytherian Association of Australia & the Kytherian World Heritage Fund (KWHF):

Kytherian Association of Australia & KWHF

02 93888320

RETAIL PRICE
AUD$38.50 (plus postage and packing)

PAYMENT
Australia - Visa, Mastercard, cheque or money order
Overseas - Visa, Mastercard, international transfer or money order

'BRITAIN'S GREEK ISLANDS' is also available from selected bookshops, including Gleebooks and Abbeys in Sydney.

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5/12/2009

Culture, Bibliography

Cakes, Muffins & Loaves

Author: Ruby M Brown
When Published: 2007
Publisher: Orgran Natural Foods
A division of Roma Food Products
47-51 Aster Avenue
Carrum Downs VIC 3201
Australia
© Roma Food Products
Available: Good Bookstores, Health Food Stores, directly from Roma Foods, in Australia
Description: Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-9803371-0-5 Gluten Free

[[picture:"Cakes Muffins and Loaves.tif" ID:16547]]

This book was written by Ruby M Brown (nee Feros), in 2007 so that those requiring a gluten free diet could enjoy cakes, muffins and loaves. Recipes in the book feature a decorated gingerbread house, shortbread and almond bread - all gluten free of course.

Ruby M Brown is the author of many special diet books including Bread, Buns and Pancakes for those requiring a gluten free diet, which are also listed on the Kytherian site. Ruby is passionate about her Kytherian heritage. Ruby is soon to publish (due to the generosity of the Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust, and the Kytherian World Heritage Fund), a biography about the philanthropic work of her father George Feros.

24/3/2009

Diaspora Social Life

Cakes, Muffins & Loaves

Author: Ruby M Brown
When Published: 2007
Publisher: Orgran Natural Foods
A division of Roma Food Products
47-51 Aster Avenue
Carrum Downs VIC 3201
Australia
© Roma Food Products
Available: Good Bookstores, Health Food Stores, directly from Roma Foods, in Australia
Description: Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-9803371-0-5 Gluten Free

This book was written by Ruby M Brown (nee Feros), in 2007 so that those requiring a gluten free diet could enjoy cakes, muffins and loaves. Recipes in the book feature a decorated gingerbread house, shortbread and almond bread - all gluten free of course.

Ruby M Brown is the author of many special diet books including Bread, Buns and Pancakes for those requiring a gluten free diet, which are also listed on the Kytherian site. Ruby is passionate about her Kytherian heritage. Ruby is soon to publish (due to the generosity of the Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust, and the Kytherian World Heritage Fund), a biography about the philanthropic work of her father George Feros.

Open full entry

24/3/2009

Photos, Diaspora Social Life

Bibliography

Cakes, Muffins & Loaves

Author: Ruby M Brown
When Published: 2007
Publisher: Orgran Natural Foods
A division of Roma Food Products
47-51 Aster Avenue
Carrum Downs VIC 3201
Australia
© Roma Food Products
Available: Good Bookstores, Health Food Stores, directly from Roma Foods, in Australia
Description: Paperback
ISBN: 978-0-9803371-0-5 Gluten Free

[[picture:"Cakes Muffins and Loaves.tif" ID:16547]]

This book was written by Ruby M Brown (nee Feros), in 2007 so that those requiring a gluten free diet could enjoy cakes, muffins and loaves. Recipes in the book feature a decorated gingerbread house, shortbread and almond bread - all gluten free of course.

Ruby M Brown is the author of many special diet books including Bread, Buns and Pancakes for those requiring a gluten free diet, which are also listed on the Kytherian site. Ruby is passionate about her Kytherian heritage. Ruby is soon to publish (due to the generosity of the Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust, and the Kytherian World Heritage Fund), a biography about the philanthropic work of her father George Feros.

Open full entry

24/3/2009

Culture, Bibliography

Bibliography

Homestyle Cooking. Gluten Free. Breads, Buns & Pancakes.

Author: Ruby M Brown (nee, Feros)

When Published: 2008

Publisher: Orgran Natural Foods
A Division of Roma Food Products
47-53 Aster Avenue
Carrum Downs
Victoria 3201
Australia

http://www.orgran.com/

Available: All good bookshops in Australia

Description: 144 page paper back,

ISBN: 978-0-9803371-1-2

Photography: Kevin "Farmer" Brown, Ruby's husband

Art & Design: Jason Van Hees

[[picture:"Ruby Brown SMALL.JPG" ID:16280]]

This is the third of Ruby's Gluten free books.

The others are, Wheat free Cooking, and Gluten-free Cooking. She has also written many other books about Special Diets, the list of which is included in the brief biography below.

Ruby launched her new book - at Sydney’s third annual Gluten Free Food & Allergy Show, which was held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre from 15-16th November 2008.

The Gluten Free Food and Allergy Show focuses on gluten free foods and free-from foods for food intolerant people, and allergy advice and management of conditions for allergy sufferers.

Allergies and food intolerances now affect more than 20% of the Australian population. The event attracts thousands of sufferers and features more than 100 exhibitors and Australia’s top dieticians, specialists and speakers ever assembled.

The show is sponsored by Coles, Eskal, Nilfisk, Orgran, GSK, Breville, Hype Energy and the Mindd Foundation.

At the show you can:

· Sample gluten-free products

· Learn how to ‘Allergy-proof’ your home

· Speak with dietitians, naturopaths and nutritionists

· Massive selection of presentations across two rooms

· Discover healthy alternatives

· Breville cooking stage – featuring the bread queen cooking

The times this year were:

Saturday 15th November 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday 16th November 10:00am – 5:00pm

WHERE: Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, NSW


Ruby M Brown

Ruby is a qualified Food Technology Educator who has worked with students in all areas of Home Economics. She is a very skilled and dedicated teacher as well as a multi-talented culinary author.

She has been associated with Roma Foods for eight years, providing us with a vast repertoire of gluten free recipes and ideas.

Ruby has written many books in the area of special diets. She has been able to help many people through her publications,
Wheat-free Cooking 1990
Milk-free Cooking 1991
Diabetes Good Food Choices 1993
Low-sugar Cooking 1993
Good Food for Diabetes 1997
Diabetes Good Food Choices (revised) 2003
Gluten free Cooking 2005
Gluten Free Cakes, Muffins & Loaves 2007,
as well as the book reviewed here,
Breads, Buns & Pancakes, 2008.

Each Book features over 100 recipes with helpful text on the topic.

Ruby is the author of two very successful Country Kitchen books. Patonga Country Kitchen tells a story about her family and country property, nestled into the gentle slopes of the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales. In this book Ruby compiles the recipes created at her property which is now very well known for its Country Kitchen Products. She has written a biography about her father who emigrated to Australia in 1922, called, George, his passion, which will be published in 2009.

Her second book, The Explorer’s Country Kitchen is a sequel, with recipes from many different culinary styles.

Having written many text/workbooks for her students, Ruby has enthused her students with her teaching of culinary arts.

Coupled with a very interesting craft book called Decorated Eggs Ruby has written for magazines and journals and has taught healthy lifestyle programmes at Community Health Centres and she has been a guest speaker at national and international conferences.

Ruby has written for Everyday Health Magazine published by Roma Foods. In this magazine she extends to the readers her vast experience of being able to use Roma Food products and create innovative recipes.

Her two daughters are conversant with Special Diets and share her culinary interests. Both girls have contributed recipes in this book.

Ruby has a great love for the celebration of family life and enjoys entertaining at her country property.

Ruby’s husband Kevin did the photography for the book. Kevin is affectionately known as Farmer Brown. He has been semi-retired for many years, and enjoys photography as a hobby.

Following the success of Cakes, Muffins and Loaves Ruby has produced 147 recipes for Breads, Buns and Pancakes all using Roma Foods gluten free products.

Open full entry

13/12/2008

Culture, Bibliography

Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

Kytherian Ruby Brown (nee, Feros), stars at Sydney’s 3rd Annual Gluten Free Food & Allergy Show

Ruby launched her new book - Homestyle Cooking. Gluten Free. Breads, Buns & Pancakes.

This is the third of Ruby's Gluten free books.

Sydney’s third annual Gluten Free Food & Allergy Show was held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre from 15-16th November 2008.

The Gluten Free Food and Allergy Show focuses on gluten free foods and free-from foods for food intolerant people, and allergy advice and management of conditions for allergy sufferers.

Allergies and food intolerances now affect more than 20% of the Australian population. The event attracts thousands of sufferers and features more than 100 exhibitors and Australia’s top dieticians, specialists and speakers ever assembled.

The show is sponsored by Coles, Eskal, Nilfisk, Orgran, GSK, Breville, Hype Energy and the Mindd Foundation.

At the show you can:

· Sample gluten-free products

· Learn how to ‘Allergy-proof’ your home

· Speak with dietitians, naturopaths and nutritionists

· Massive selection of presentations across two rooms

· Discover healthy alternatives

· Breville cooking stage – featuring the bread queen cooking

The times this year were:

Saturday 15th November 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday 16th November 10:00am – 5:00pm

WHERE: Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, NSW

Ruby M Brown

Ruby is a qualified Food Technology Educator who has worked with students in all areas of Home Economics. She is a very skilled and dedicated teacher as well as a multi-talented culinary author.

She has been associated with Roma Foods for eight years, providing us with a vast repertoire of gluten free recipes and ideas.

Ruby has written many books in the area of special diets. She has been able to help many people through her publications,
Wheat-free Cooking 1990
Milk-free Cooking 1991
Diabetes Good Food Choices 1993
Low-sugar Cooking 1993
Good Food for Diabetes 1997
Diabetes Good Food Choices (revised) 2003
Gluten free Cooking 2005
Gluten Free Cakes, Muffins & Loaves 2007,
as well as the book reviewed here,
Breads, Buns & Pancakes, 2008.

Each Book features over 100 recipes with helpful text on the topic.

Ruby is the author of two very successful Country Kitchen books. Patonga Country Kitchen tells a story about her family and country property, nestled into the gentle slopes of the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales. In this book Ruby compiles the recipes created at her property which is now very well known for its Country Kitchen Products. She has written a biography about her father who emigrated to Australia in 1922, called, George, his passion, which will be published in 2009.

Her second book, The Explorer’s Country Kitchen is a sequel, with recipes from many different culinary styles.

Having written many text/workbooks for her students, Ruby has enthused her students with her teaching of culinary arts.

Coupled with a very interesting craft book called Decorated Eggs Ruby has written for magazines and journals and has taught healthy lifestyle programmes at Community Health Centres and she has been a guest speaker at national and international conferences.

Ruby has written for Everyday Health Magazine published by Roma Foods. In this magazine she extends to the readers her vast experience of being able to use Roma Food products and create innovative recipes.

Her two daughters are conversant with Special Diets and share her culinary interests. Both girls have contributed recipes in this book.

Ruby has a great love for the celebration of family life and enjoys entertaining at her country property.

Ruby’s husband Kevin did the photography for the book. Kevin is affectionately known as Farmer Brown. He has been semi-retired for many years, and enjoys photography as a hobby.

Following the success of Cakes, Muffins and Loaves Ruby has produced 147 recipes for Breads, Buns and Pancakes all using Roma Foods gluten free products.

Open full entry

13/12/2008

Photos, Diaspora Vintage Portraits/ People

Life Stories

Kytherian, Ruby Brown (nee, Feros) stars at Sydney’s 3rd Annual Gluten Free Food & Allergy Show

[[picture:"Ruby Brown SMALL.JPG" ID:16280]]

Ruby launched her new book - Homestyle Cooking. Gluten Free. Breads, Buns & Pancakes.

This is the third of Ruby's Gluten free books.

Sydney’s third annual Gluten Free Food & Allergy Show was held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre from 15-16th November 2008.

The Gluten Free Food and Allergy Show focuses on gluten free foods and free-from foods for food intolerant people, and allergy advice and management of conditions for allergy sufferers.

Allergies and food intolerances now affect more than 20% of the Australian population. The event attracts thousands of sufferers and features more than 100 exhibitors and Australia’s top dieticians, specialists and speakers ever assembled.

The show is sponsored by Coles, Eskal, Nilfisk, Orgran, GSK, Breville, Hype Energy and the Mindd Foundation.

At the show you can:

· Sample gluten-free products

· Learn how to ‘Allergy-proof’ your home

· Speak with dietitians, naturopaths and nutritionists

· Massive selection of presentations across two rooms

· Discover healthy alternatives

· Breville cooking stage – featuring the bread queen cooking

The times this year were:

Saturday 15th November 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday 16th November 10:00am – 5:00pm

WHERE: Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, NSW

Open full entry

13/12/2008

People, Life Stories

Diaspora Working Life

Ed Psaltis. Sailor.

Winner of the Sydney to Hobart Ocean Race. 1998. Ten year anniversary. 2008.

Eye of the storm

The Sydney Magzine. Issue 68, December 2008, pp. 42-51

Ten years after the most tragic events in the Sydney to Hobart’s history, the iconic race has moved on, writes Malcolm Knox

From a distance, the start of the
Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race looks as picturesque as a painters tableau, silent and graceful. Up close, it feels more like a rugby maul. There is yelling, sledging and sometimes a collision. Partly it is the combat of each yacht timing its run across the starting line; partly it is the congestion of more than 100 boats in Sydney Harbour.

The start of the 1998 race was typical. Barely had the starting gun tired at 1pm on Boxing Day than the 115-boat fleet’s biggest yacht, the 83-foot Nokia, crashed into two competitors less than halt its size:
Sword of Orion and Bright Morning Star. Accusations were shouted and red and yellow protest flags went up. The only boat ot the three to suffer moderate damage was Sword of Orion.

She was one of the best-crewed yachts in the race. Owned by Rob Kothe, she had as principal helmsman Admiral’s Cup sailor Steve Kulmar, a highly experienced yachtsman from Sydney’s northern beaches who’d sailed 16 Hobarts and five Fastnet races. Kothe and Kulmar had met for the first time that September, and Kothe had impressed the sailor with his professionalism. They started to put together an 11-strong crew that included an Englishman, Glyn Charles, 33, who had sailed in the Olympic Games and Admiral’s Cup as well as countless top-flight offsnore races; and a full-time sailing master, the “manager” of the boat, Sydney sailor Darren Senogles.

Among the crew was 24-year-old Sam Hunt, a junior member eager to learn. The professional ethic with which the Sword of Orion crew approached the race was typical of an era when the Hobart race was transforming from a “Corinthian” or amateur event into a professionalised, big-business one. Hunt embraced this fully, having wanted since he was a child to work his way into the elite ranks of offshore sailors who are known by skippers around the world and drawn on for crewing in the big "category one" races, such as the Fastnet off England, the big-budget racing off Newport, Rhode Island and Bermuda, and the Sydney to Hobart. Largely due to the rigours of the Hobart race, Australian offshore sailors are held in high esteem.

Sydney to Hobart sailors are generally versatile, able to squeeze into small boats of about 33 feet in
crews of six, or man maxis with crews of three times that, in more comfortable cabin conditions. But for the serious sailors, the three, four or five days it usually takes to sail the 1170 kilometres to Hobart are all about pushing themselves through sleep deprivation, seasickness and any number of unforeseen emergencies to race their boats quickly and safely.

Once Kothe and Kulmar had put their team together, they won the Hamilton Island regatta, a major lead-up to the race. Hunt remembers their serious team spirit mixed with family feeling. The day before the race, Kulmar and his wife, Libby, entertained crew and family at their Manly home.

Like the rest of the fleet, Sword of Orion’s crew had heard ominous if imprecise news from the pre-race weather briefing. Forecaster Ken Batt, from the Bureau of Meteorology, told the skippers there was a storm brewing further south, but due to the complex way in which different weather systems were converging, the three main models used for forecasts were in conflict. It was impossible, Batt said on the eve of the race, to know precisely how severe the storm would be. That there would be a storm was not in doubt; the only question mark was around its strength.

Once they turned out of the Heads, the crews were on a high. The 115-strong fleet tore down the east coast in the first 24 hours so fast that the leaders, Brindabella and Sayonara, were several hours ahead of race record time. The fleet was past Eden in a day — by comparison, in the tough 1984 race, the fleet had taken four days to get past the south-coast town.

The joy of high-speed racing was tempered, however, by the knowledge that the forces pulling the fleet south were connected to opposite forces awaiting them. The clockwise-spinning low pressure system forming up of the edge of Bass Strait was, like a spiral, perfectly balanced: the leg that was slinging the fleet south would soon be met by the rotation of the system pushing up the other way.

The first yacht to retire from the 1998 race was ABN Amro Challenge, skippered by former world champion lain Murray and navigated by Adrienne Cahalan, the Sydney yachtswoman who had achieved almost everything in world sailing, from 18-footers on Sydney Harbour up to Whitbread Round the World flyers. As a navigator, Cahalan was, and is, right at the cutting edge of weather forecasting technology and interpretation.

“It’s hard to imagine from today’s perspective, but we had no internet on board, none of the instant computerised information that we rely on now,” she says. “Instead, we had paper charts and a VHF radio with a fax machine pumping out weather faxes.” Not all boats had barometers.

In 1998, ABN Amro Challenge didn’t make it as far as the storm that was building down south. They were sailing near Batemans Bay late on the afternoon of the 26th when Cahalan had just picked up a weather fax, which showed the low developing in Bass Strait.
‘I was looking at it with lain, and we were saying there wasn’t much space between those isobars — it looked severe. We were flying south under a 30-knot northerly, and then, bang, the rudder sheared off.”

The jolt nearly tossed Cahalan overboard through the lifelines:
“We had to turn in to Batemans Bay and were the first boat ashore.”

Cahalan was fully aware, however, of what was developing. “Bass Strait is very shallow, and when the seas are big and the wind is blowing strong against the direction of the current, the waves can stand up and break like waves on a beach. By comparison, you can have 85-knot winds in the Atlantic Ocean and be reasonably comfortable because it’s deep water and all the waves are the same height coming from the same direction and not breaking. Boats that had retired and wanted to sail away from the worst of it sailed north, which meant getting beam-on [side-on] to the waves, which increased the chance of the boat being rolled.”

Meanwhile, during the night of the 26th and the morning of the 27th the fleet was flying. Even the older wooden yachts were well ahead of where they would usually be, and Ian Kiernan, the founder of Clean Up Australia and a veteran of a dozen Hobart’s, was aboard his vintage 37-footer, Canon Maris. Twenty-four hours into the race, Kiernan believes his boat was running second on handicap. Also up there was Winston Churchill, Richard Winning’s wooden veteran, which had been an entrant in the very first Hobart race 53 years before. There was a special affinity between Canon Maris and Winston Churchill, Kiernan recalls.
“They were treasured mates of ours, and embodied the qualities of mateship and helping each other that are the best things about this sport,” he says. “We were going like hammer and tongs to beat each other, as we would with any other boat, but it was always fair and tough competition.” As fair as it could be, of course, when father and son race against each other: on Kiernan’s boat was Jonathan Gibson, the son of John Gibson, a crewman on Winston Churchill who’d soon be involved in one of the most dramatic and tragic battles within the battle.

On a hunch, Kiernan had put some improved safety equipment on Canon Maris before the race; yet he had also lightened its weight, taking some equipment off. “I blame myself for what happened,” he says now. “I’d always carried a system of heavy line on the boat which would control the way the boat surfs when it’s going down a wave. We were lighter that year, and not getting that control. It’s fair to say that I always carry that heavier weight now.”

The turning point came with a ferocious suddenness on the race’s second afternoon. As it entered the funnel-like Bass Strait —known as “the paddock” — the fleet was met by winds from the south-west not only at the forecast 40 to 50 knots, but gusting to almost twice that strength. The sea’s surface was whipped white.

At 2pm on December 27, the boats did their “sked”, the twice-daily call-in. In a sked, the radio operator would ask each yacht for its position. It was forbidden for the yachts to give any more information — reporting weather conditions or anything else might give a competitive advantage to other yachts. But on Sword of Orion, Rob Kothe saw fit to break the rule, and for good reason: he reported that his crew was being mauled by winds gusting up to 78 knots.

The bombshell was registered by the entire fleet, all of whom were in severe winds and seas of up to 20 metres by then.

Ed Psaltis was skippering AFR Midnight Rambler, a 35-foot sloop he and Bob Thomas had bought only four weeks earlier. Psaltis was a second-generation Sydney to Hobart veteran; his father Bill was one of the best-known members of the sailing fraternity.

APR Midnight Rambler had been sucked into Bass Strait by the force of the cyclone with the rest of the fleet and was just off Gabo Island at the 2pm sked* (*slanguage for schedule(?) on December 27.

“When we heard Sword of Orion give the wind speed,” Psaltis says, “someone aboard said, ‘Hey, they’re not meant to do that.’ But I realised immediately that it was necessary for safety.”

AFR Midnight Rambler was close to both Sword of Orion and Winston Churchill, and bore the brunt of the storm. Being further southwest than much of the fleet, Psaltis decided to aim “high” into the wind, that is, in more of a southerly direction than most of the fleet, who were tempted to ease off towards New Zealand.

“It was a decision based purely on the direction of the waves coming at us,” Psaltis says. “If we’d headed away from the waves, we would have been beam-on and might have rolled. So we tried to attack the waves more directly. It wasn’t a racing decision; we weren’t racing, we were surviving. If our chances of surviving had been improved by turning around and heading north, we’d have done that.”

Having raced ahead of schedule into Bass Strait, the smaller boats were being pounded the worst. By 3pm rain was driving in like horizontal needles flung by the wind. On Canon Maris, Kiernan had had enough.
“I was off watch at the time and came up on deck,” he recalls. We were cascading down off huge waves in different directions. I said to [then the most experienced Hobart racer and navigator] Dick Hammond, ‘We’re going to roll this boat tonight.’ As a skipper, you have a huge responsibility to the people on board, and to the boat itself. I felt that even if we survived the night, we’d probably do great damage to this boat. So I said we should pull out. Dick growled, ‘Well, Ian, I agree.’"

One incident over the radio “put a dagger of icy fear in me”, Kiernan says: a mayday call from the Winston Churchill. “They were our mates, and we believed that they might all have been lost. Three of them died.” Jonathan Gibson, the member of Kiernan’s crew whose father was on Winston Churchill, would sail back to land and wait for several more hours, not knowing if his father was alive, before learning that he’d reached safety.

On Sword of Orion, the competitive drive, as strong as it was, also had to bow to nature. The crew had been fairly confident of racing on until about 3pm when wind gusts of an extraordinary 92 knots hit them and the irregular angles of the breaking waves, on average 12 metres high but up to 20 metres, put the yacht in constant danger of being rolled. When the barometer was down to 982 kpa — a massive drop in just a few hours — it flew off the wall with the force of a wave and smashed; Kothe and Kulmar decided it was time to retire from the race.
“It was a tough decision and a few of the guys were disappointed,” Hunt recalls. “It’s bad when you think of the time and effort you’ve all put in. But it’s the owner and skipper who make these decisions.”

The boom was lashed to the deck and the boat jibed ahead of the wind, not aiming for land so much as trying for the safest way to get out of the exploding low pressure system. Darren Senogles and Glyn Charles stayed on deck while the others went below to rest.

“I was lying on the middle of the floor sleeping on some sails,” Hunt says. Suddenly, at about 4pm, he was woken when everything went black and the boat was being pitched sideways down a massive wave. Then it rolled. The force of the capsizing motion bent the mast and wrapped it around the starboard side of the boat. After a few seconds the hull righted itself, but the crew below decks had been flung about like rag dolls, some sustaining minor injuries. Immediately, Hunt heard the sickening cry from above: “Man overboard.”

When the boat righted itself, Senogles discovered that Charles’ harness had broken and the Englishman was in the water with the boat drifting away from him in the wind and swell. Senogles told leading sailing writer Rob Mundle in his book Fatal Storm that he saw Charles try to swim a few strokes, labouring with an obvious injury, before losing sight of him.

“It’s self-explanatory what happened,” says Hunt, still emotional about the death of Charles. Senogles has found it hard to talk about the day, and politely declined the Sydney Magazine’s request for an interview.

After drifting on the sea for several hours more, Sword of Orion was located by a navy helicopter, and most of the surviving crew were winched up by a rescue team in the middle of the night while others stayed on board to get the boat to land. Glyn Charles’ body was never found.

There was mayhem in Bass Strait, with emergency services being swamped by calls and the navy called in. Winston Churchill had been abandoned. Three of its crew, Mike Bannister, Jim Lawler and John Dean, died during the night of the 27th when their life raft was rolled by a giant wave. John Gibson and John Stanley were the only two occupants of the raft to survive. On Business Post Naiad, one of the toughest handicappers in the race, skipper Bruce Guy died of a heart attack on board the boat and a crewman, Phil Skeggs, died on board from injuries sustained when the boat rolled. On the mid-fleet yachts there had been capsizes and rescues. In the space of a night, the fleet was decimated by nearly two-thirds.

Even for those boats that finished the race, the survival imperative overrode the racing instinct. AFR Midnight Rambler came through the terrible night of the 27th and progressed south. By the time Psaltis and his crew were alongside Tasmania, we had a lot of water down below, we were baling out constantly, we had no radio, no GPS, and were using only the compass to steer”.

Psaltis felt they were in a good position competitively, but it wasn’t until the high-frequency radio started working again off Bicheno that he realised the race had paled into insignificance.
“That was when we heard on ABC Radio that other boats had rolled, Winston Churchill had sunk and nine men were missing on its life rafts.”

Psaltis and his crew crossed the finishing line on the Derwent at dawn on December 30, tenth across the line and the winner of the race on handicap, the smallest yacht to win in a decade. Only 44 of the 115 starters got to Hobart; 24 boats were abandoned or later written off and 55 sailors were rescued. It was, says Psaltis, “the pinnacle of my career, a fantastic feeling, but mixed with terrible sadness. Jim Lawler had been a good friend of my father. When we were in Hobart, my father told me that Jim had died in the water. It was a tough conversation.”

Before 1998, in 53 years of the race, more than 35,000 sailors had contested the Sydney to Hobart. Only two had ever died from injuries sustained during the event and none had been lost overboard. The old saying about the race — wooden boats and iron men” — was confirmed by the 1998 event and enhanced by the heroics of the rescuers.

Nevertheless, changes were necessary, and 10 years on, this year’s race will carry the legacy of the 1998 event. The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) held its own investigation, and combined its findings with the recommendations made by the NSW Coroner, John Abernethy, to reform the race.

Matt Allen, now the commodore of the CYCA and a sailor in 20 Sydney to Hobart races, summarises the new requirements:

“Fifty percent of each crew must have done the Safety at Sea course, a theoretical and practical course involving life rafts and other safety equipment and what to do during aerial rescues. Two crew must have first-aid training. Half the crew must have completed a category one ocean race, and all must be 18 years old or over. Before the start, all skippers must attend the 8 am weather briefing. There is a lot more compulsory safety equipment, such as personal EPIRBs [Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons], personal strobes, and approved life vests. All yachts must carry a barometer.

“On Sydney Harbour before the race, all yachts must go past the starter with their storm sails up, to show they’re in working order. Then, during the race, all yachts must report their condition when they pass Green Cape and enter Bass Strait — just to give them pause to think and consider whether they’re ready for the rigours of the crossing.”
And then there is the “Sword of Orion” rule; “When winds are above 40 knots, it is mandatory for the boat to report those winds.”

These requirements have a financial cost, as well as changing the underlying character of the race. As Vanessa Dudley, a former world champion who is also editor of Australian Yachting magazine, says; “The overall experience has changed. The Hobart used to be the race that just came around at Christmas time, but now it’s a much bigger deal.
“There are a lot more full-time professional sailors and crews involved, and the cost of racing has gone up a lot. That’s the case with the sport generally, but the Hobart always used to be a very accessible race for ordinary club boats, unsponsored, with amateur sailors. It would be a shame it the race became inaccessible for dinghy sailors, like I was when I started.”

For all the skippers in the Sydney to Hobart race, preparation are now on more of a professional footing, whether they are full-time pros or not. They assemble their crews earlier, do more racing together day and night, improve their personal fitness, prepare their on-board weight carefully, and test out their boats as rigorously as possible.
Although the past few years have been relatively calm, every Hobart race is an endurance event by its nature and all sailors know that any given year could be another 1998.

But Matt Allen says the amateur spirit hasn’t been drained from the event.
“Love and War won the race on handicap two years ago, with an amateur crew and a 33-year-old boat. Of course it costs a lot to put together a line honours contender like Wild Oats XI, but you can still compete at any level. Yes, there used to be more crews that were dad and his sons and a few mates, but people take it more seriously now in a lot of respects, and that’s not a bad thing.”

In this year’s race, weather forecasting information available on the yachts makes 1998 seem like generations ago — which, in yachting terms, it is. Adrienne Cahalan will be navigating on one of the line honours favourites, Wild Oats XI. This will be her 17th Sydney to Hobart race.

Psaltis will be skippering another APR Midnight Rambler, the fourth yacht he has raced under that name. Kiernan will be sailing Canon Maris again, for the first time in the Hobart race since 1998. The reason he hasn’t done the race since then, he says, “apart from the fact that my family didn’t want me to do it again after that race”, is the need for a generous sponsor. This year, with Sanyo, he has managed that, and is racing again in a crew of six.

Hunt, now 34, achieved his dream of becoming a full-time sailor with a high reputation in all positions around the boat. Having spent most of his career doing the daredevil work on the bow, he has graduated towards the leadership positions on and around the helm. This year he will be on the brand-new 63-foot entrant Limit. But little, he says, was left to chance on Sword of Orion in 1998. Like other boats that got into trouble and lost sailors, it had one of the toughest and most gifted offshore racing crews. Yet so traumatic was that year that three of its crew decided not to race the Hobart again.

Not Hunt. “In 1999, Rob Kothe bought a new boat and called it Sword of Orion, giving it the same paint job as the old boat. Some of the guys had their doubts about that, but we went in the Hamilton Island regatta that year and raced together as a group. That was how we closed it all off.
‘A lot of good things have come out of ‘98. Ever since I was a kid, this race was one of the biggest things I could ever do in sailing. It still is. I’ve done the Fastnet and other ocean races overseas, but none of them is quite as big a test as the Hobart. And since ‘98, people have learnt to watch their safety all the time, down to the smallest detail. It’s safety first, all the time.”

Open full entry

4/12/2008

Photos, Diaspora Working Life

Life Stories

Ed Saltis. Winner of the Sydney to Hobart Ocean Race. 1998. Ten year anniversary. 2008.

[[picture:"Psaltis Ed Syd Mag 1.jpg" ID:16266]]

Eye of the storm

The Sydney Magzine. Issue 68, December 2008, pp. 42-51

Ten years after the most tragic events in the Sydney to Hobart’s history, the iconic race has moved on, writes Malcolm Knox

From a distance, the start of the
Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race looks as picturesque as a painters tableau, silent and graceful. Up close, it feels more like a rugby maul. There is yelling, sledging and sometimes a collision. Partly it is the combat of each yacht timing its run across the starting line; partly it is the congestion of more than 100 boats in Sydney Harbour.

The start of the 1998 race was typical. Barely had the starting gun tired at 1pm on Boxing Day than the 115-boat fleet’s biggest yacht, the 83-foot Nokia, crashed into two competitors less than halt its size:
Sword of Orion and Bright Morning Star. Accusations were shouted and red and yellow protest flags went up. The only boat ot the three to suffer moderate damage was Sword of Orion.

She was one of the best-crewed yachts in the race. Owned by Rob Kothe, she had as principal helmsman Admiral’s Cup sailor Steve Kulmar, a highly experienced yachtsman from Sydney’s northern beaches who’d sailed 16 Hobarts and five Fastnet races. Kothe and Kulmar had met for the first time that September, and Kothe had impressed the sailor with his professionalism. They started to put together an 11-strong crew that included an Englishman, Glyn Charles, 33, who had sailed in the Olympic Games and Admiral’s Cup as well as countless top-flight offsnore races; and a full-time sailing master, the “manager” of the boat, Sydney sailor Darren Senogles.

Among the crew was 24-year-old Sam Hunt, a junior member eager to learn. The professional ethic with which the Sword of Orion crew approached the race was typical of an era when the Hobart race was transforming from a “Corinthian” or amateur event into a professionalised, big-business one. Hunt embraced this fully, having wanted since he was a child to work his way into the elite ranks of offshore sailors who are known by skippers around the world and drawn on for crewing in the big "category one" races, such as the Fastnet off England, the big-budget racing off Newport, Rhode Island and Bermuda, and the Sydney to Hobart. Largely due to the rigours of the Hobart race, Australian offshore sailors are held in high esteem.

Sydney to Hobart sailors are generally versatile, able to squeeze into small boats of about 33 feet in
crews of six, or man maxis with crews of three times that, in more comfortable cabin conditions. But for the serious sailors, the three, four or five days it usually takes to sail the 1170 kilometres to Hobart are all about pushing themselves through sleep deprivation, seasickness and any number of unforeseen emergencies to race their boats quickly and safely.

Once Kothe and Kulmar had put their team together, they won the Hamilton Island regatta, a major lead-up to the race. Hunt remembers their serious team spirit mixed with family feeling. The day before the race, Kulmar and his wife, Libby, entertained crew and family at their Manly home.

Like the rest of the fleet, Sword of Orion’s crew had heard ominous if imprecise news from the pre-race weather briefing. Forecaster Ken Batt, from the Bureau of Meteorology, told the skippers there was a storm brewing further south, but due to the complex way in which different weather systems were converging, the three main models used for forecasts were in conflict. It was impossible, Batt said on the eve of the race, to know precisely how severe the storm would be. That there would be a storm was not in doubt; the only question mark was around its strength.

Once they turned out of the Heads, the crews were on a high. The 115-strong fleet tore down the east coast in the first 24 hours so fast that the leaders, Brindabella and Sayonara, were several hours ahead of race record time. The fleet was past Eden in a day — by comparison, in the tough 1984 race, the fleet had taken four days to get past the south-coast town.

The joy of high-speed racing was tempered, however, by the knowledge that the forces pulling the fleet south were connected to opposite forces awaiting them. The clockwise-spinning low pressure system forming up of the edge of Bass Strait was, like a spiral, perfectly balanced: the leg that was slinging the fleet south would soon be met by the rotation of the system pushing up the other way.

The first yacht to retire from the 1998 race was ABN Amro Challenge, skippered by former world champion lain Murray and navigated by Adrienne Cahalan, the Sydney yachtswoman who had achieved almost everything in world sailing, from 18-footers on Sydney Harbour up to Whitbread Round the World flyers. As a navigator, Cahalan was, and is, right at the cutting edge of weather forecasting technology and interpretation.

“It’s hard to imagine from today’s perspective, but we had no internet on board, none of the instant computerised information that we rely on now,” she says. “Instead, we had paper charts and a VHF radio with a fax machine pumping out weather faxes.” Not all boats had barometers.

In 1998, ABN Amro Challenge didn’t make it as far as the storm that was building down south. They were sailing near Batemans Bay late on the afternoon of the 26th when Cahalan had just picked up a weather fax, which showed the low developing in Bass Strait.
‘I was looking at it with lain, and we were saying there wasn’t much space between those isobars — it looked severe. We were flying south under a 30-knot northerly, and then, bang, the rudder sheared off.”

The jolt nearly tossed Cahalan overboard through the lifelines:
“We had to turn in to Batemans Bay and were the first boat ashore.”

Cahalan was fully aware, however, of what was developing. “Bass Strait is very shallow, and when the seas are big and the wind is blowing strong against the direction of the current, the waves can stand up and break like waves on a beach. By comparison, you can have 85-knot winds in the Atlantic Ocean and be reasonably comfortable because it’s deep water and all the waves are the same height coming from the same direction and not breaking. Boats that had retired and wanted to sail away from the worst of it sailed north, which meant getting beam-on [side-on] to the waves, which increased the chance of the boat being rolled.”

Meanwhile, during the night of the 26th and the morning of the 27th the fleet was flying. Even the older wooden yachts were well ahead of where they would usually be, and Ian Kiernan, the founder of Clean Up Australia and a veteran of a dozen Hobart’s, was aboard his vintage 37-footer, Canon Maris. Twenty-four hours into the race, Kiernan believes his boat was running second on handicap. Also up there was Winston Churchill, Richard Winning’s wooden veteran, which had been an entrant in the very first Hobart race 53 years before. There was a special affinity between Canon Maris and Winston Churchill, Kiernan recalls.
“They were treasured mates of ours, and embodied the qualities of mateship and helping each other that are the best things about this sport,” he says. “We were going like hammer and tongs to beat each other, as we would with any other boat, but it was always fair and tough competition.” As fair as it could be, of course, when father and son race against each other: on Kiernan’s boat was Jonathan Gibson, the son of John Gibson, a crewman on Winston Churchill who’d soon be involved in one of the most dramatic and tragic battles within the battle.

On a hunch, Kiernan had put some improved safety equipment on Canon Maris before the race; yet he had also lightened its weight, taking some equipment off. “I blame myself for what happened,” he says now. “I’d always carried a system of heavy line on the boat which would control the way the boat surfs when it’s going down a wave. We were lighter that year, and not getting that control. It’s fair to say that I always carry that heavier weight now.”

The turning point came with a ferocious suddenness on the race’s second afternoon. As it entered the funnel-like Bass Strait —known as “the paddock” — the fleet was met by winds from the south-west not only at the forecast 40 to 50 knots, but gusting to almost twice that strength. The sea’s surface was whipped white.

At 2pm on December 27, the boats did their “sked”, the twice-daily call-in. In a sked, the radio operator would ask each yacht for its position. It was forbidden for the yachts to give any more information — reporting weather conditions or anything else might give a competitive advantage to other yachts. But on Sword of Orion, Rob Kothe saw fit to break the rule, and for good reason: he reported that his crew was being mauled by winds gusting up to 78 knots.

The bombshell was registered by the entire fleet, all of whom were in severe winds and seas of up to 20 metres by then.

Ed Psaltis was skippering AFR Midnight Rambler, a 35-foot sloop he and Bob Thomas had bought only four weeks earlier. Psaltis was a second-generation Sydney to Hobart veteran; his father Bill was one of the best-known members of the sailing fraternity.

APR Midnight Rambler had been sucked into Bass Strait by the force of the cyclone with the rest of the fleet and was just off Gabo Island at the 2pm sked* (*slanguage for schedule(?) on December 27.

“When we heard Sword of Orion give the wind speed,” Psaltis says, “someone aboard said, ‘Hey, they’re not meant to do that.’ But I realised immediately that it was necessary for safety.”

AFR Midnight Rambler was close to both Sword of Orion and Winston Churchill, and bore the brunt of the storm. Being further southwest than much of the fleet, Psaltis decided to aim “high” into the wind, that is, in more of a southerly direction than most of the fleet, who were tempted to ease off towards New Zealand.

“It was a decision based purely on the direction of the waves coming at us,” Psaltis says. “If we’d headed away from the waves, we would have been beam-on and might have rolled. So we tried to attack the waves more directly. It wasn’t a racing decision; we weren’t racing, we were surviving. If our chances of surviving had been improved by turning around and heading north, we’d have done that.”

Having raced ahead of schedule into Bass Strait, the smaller boats were being pounded the worst. By 3pm rain was driving in like horizontal needles flung by the wind. On Canon Maris, Kiernan had had enough.
“I was off watch at the time and came up on deck,” he recalls. We were cascading down off huge waves in different directions. I said to [then the most experienced Hobart racer and navigator] Dick Hammond, ‘We’re going to roll this boat tonight.’ As a skipper, you have a huge responsibility to the people on board, and to the boat itself. I felt that even if we survived the night, we’d probably do great damage to this boat. So I said we should pull out. Dick growled, ‘Well, Ian, I agree.’"

One incident over the radio “put a dagger of icy fear in me”, Kiernan says: a mayday call from the Winston Churchill. “They were our mates, and we believed that they might all have been lost. Three of them died.” Jonathan Gibson, the member of Kiernan’s crew whose father was on Winston Churchill, would sail back to land and wait for several more hours, not knowing if his father was alive, before learning that he’d reached safety.

On Sword of Orion, the competitive drive, as strong as it was, also had to bow to nature. The crew had been fairly confident of racing on until about 3pm when wind gusts of an extraordinary 92 knots hit them and the irregular angles of the breaking waves, on average 12 metres high but up to 20 metres, put the yacht in constant danger of being rolled. When the barometer was down to 982 kpa — a massive drop in just a few hours — it flew off the wall with the force of a wave and smashed; Kothe and Kulmar decided it was time to retire from the race.
“It was a tough decision and a few of the guys were disappointed,” Hunt recalls. “It’s bad when you think of the time and effort you’ve all put in. But it’s the owner and skipper who make these decisions.”

The boom was lashed to the deck and the boat jibed ahead of the wind, not aiming for land so much as trying for the safest way to get out of the exploding low pressure system. Darren Senogles and Glyn Charles stayed on deck while the others went below to rest.

“I was lying on the middle of the floor sleeping on some sails,” Hunt says. Suddenly, at about 4pm, he was woken when everything went black and the boat was being pitched sideways down a massive wave. Then it rolled. The force of the capsizing motion bent the mast and wrapped it around the starboard side of the boat. After a few seconds the hull righted itself, but the crew below decks had been flung about like rag dolls, some sustaining minor injuries. Immediately, Hunt heard the sickening cry from above: “Man overboard.”

When the boat righted itself, Senogles discovered that Charles’ harness had broken and the Englishman was in the water with the boat drifting away from him in the wind and swell. Senogles told leading sailing writer Rob Mundle in his book Fatal Storm that he saw Charles try to swim a few strokes, labouring with an obvious injury, before losing sight of him.

“It’s self-explanatory what happened,” says Hunt, still emotional about the death of Charles. Senogles has found it hard to talk about the day, and politely declined the Sydney Magazine’s request for an interview.

After drifting on the sea for several hours more, Sword of Orion was located by a navy helicopter, and most of the surviving crew were winched up by a rescue team in the middle of the night while others stayed on board to get the boat to land. Glyn Charles’ body was never found.

There was mayhem in Bass Strait, with emergency services being swamped by calls and the navy called in. Winston Churchill had been abandoned. Three of its crew, Mike Bannister, Jim Lawler and John Dean, died during the night of the 27th when their life raft was rolled by a giant wave. John Gibson and John Stanley were the only two occupants of the raft to survive. On Business Post Naiad, one of the toughest handicappers in the race, skipper Bruce Guy died of a heart attack on board the boat and a crewman, Phil Skeggs, died on board from injuries sustained when the boat rolled. On the mid-fleet yachts there had been capsizes and rescues. In the space of a night, the fleet was decimated by nearly two-thirds.

Even for those boats that finished the race, the survival imperative overrode the racing instinct. AFR Midnight Rambler came through the terrible night of the 27th and progressed south. By the time Psaltis and his crew were alongside Tasmania, we had a lot of water down below, we were baling out constantly, we had no radio, no GPS, and were using only the compass to steer”.

Psaltis felt they were in a good position competitively, but it wasn’t until the high-frequency radio started working again off Bicheno that he realised the race had paled into insignificance.
“That was when we heard on ABC Radio that other boats had rolled, Winston Churchill had sunk and nine men were missing on its life rafts.”

Psaltis and his crew crossed the finishing line on the Derwent at dawn on December 30, tenth across the line and the winner of the race on handicap, the smallest yacht to win in a decade. Only 44 of the 115 starters got to Hobart; 24 boats were abandoned or later written off and 55 sailors were rescued. It was, says Psaltis, “the pinnacle of my career, a fantastic feeling, but mixed with terrible sadness. Jim Lawler had been a good friend of my father. When we were in Hobart, my father told me that Jim had died in the water. It was a tough conversation.”

Before 1998, in 53 years of the race, more than 35,000 sailors had contested the Sydney to Hobart. Only two had ever died from injuries sustained during the event and none had been lost overboard. The old saying about the race — wooden boats and iron men” — was confirmed by the 1998 event and enhanced by the heroics of the rescuers.

Nevertheless, changes were necessary, and 10 years on, this year’s race will carry the legacy of the 1998 event. The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) held its own investigation, and combined its findings with the recommendations made by the NSW Coroner, John Abernethy, to reform the race.

Matt Allen, now the commodore of the CYCA and a sailor in 20 Sydney to Hobart races, summarises the new requirements:

“Fifty percent of each crew must have done the Safety at Sea course, a theoretical and practical course involving life rafts and other safety equipment and what to do during aerial rescues. Two crew must have first-aid training. Half the crew must have completed a category one ocean race, and all must be 18 years old or over. Before the start, all skippers must attend the 8 am weather briefing. There is a lot more compulsory safety equipment, such as personal EPIRBs [Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons], personal strobes, and approved life vests. All yachts must carry a barometer.

“On Sydney Harbour before the race, all yachts must go past the starter with their storm sails up, to show they’re in working order. Then, during the race, all yachts must report their condition when they pass Green Cape and enter Bass Strait — just to give them pause to think and consider whether they’re ready for the rigours of the crossing.”
And then there is the “Sword of Orion” rule; “When winds are above 40 knots, it is mandatory for the boat to report those winds.”

These requirements have a financial cost, as well as changing the underlying character of the race. As Vanessa Dudley, a former world champion who is also editor of Australian Yachting magazine, says; “The overall experience has changed. The Hobart used to be the race that just came around at Christmas time, but now it’s a much bigger deal.
“There are a lot more full-time professional sailors and crews involved, and the cost of racing has gone up a lot. That’s the case with the sport generally, but the Hobart always used to be a very accessible race for ordinary club boats, unsponsored, with amateur sailors. It would be a shame it the race became inaccessible for dinghy sailors, like I was when I started.”

For all the skippers in the Sydney to Hobart race, preparation are now on more of a professional footing, whether they are full-time pros or not. They assemble their crews earlier, do more racing together day and night, improve their personal fitness, prepare their on-board weight carefully, and test out their boats as rigorously as possible.
Although the past few years have been relatively calm, every Hobart race is an endurance event by its nature and all sailors know that any given year could be another 1998.

But Matt Allen says the amateur spirit hasn’t been drained from the event.
“Love and War won the race on handicap two years ago, with an amateur crew and a 33-year-old boat. Of course it costs a lot to put together a line honours contender like Wild Oats XI, but you can still compete at any level. Yes, there used to be more crews that were dad and his sons and a few mates, but people take it more seriously now in a lot of respects, and that’s not a bad thing.”

In this year’s race, weather forecasting information available on the yachts makes 1998 seem like generations ago — which, in yachting terms, it is. Adrienne Cahalan will be navigating on one of the line honours favourites, Wild Oats XI. This will be her 17th Sydney to Hobart race.

Psaltis will be skippering another APR Midnight Rambler, the fourth yacht he has raced under that name. Kiernan will be sailing Canon Maris again, for the first time in the Hobart race since 1998. The reason he hasn’t done the race since then, he says, “apart from the fact that my family didn’t want me to do it again after that race”, is the need for a generous sponsor. This year, with Sanyo, he has managed that, and is racing again in a crew of six.

Hunt, now 34, achieved his dream of becoming a full-time sailor with a high reputation in all positions around the boat. Having spent most of his career doing the daredevil work on the bow, he has graduated towards the leadership positions on and around the helm. This year he will be on the brand-new 63-foot entrant Limit. But little, he says, was left to chance on Sword of Orion in 1998. Like other boats that got into trouble and lost sailors, it had one of the toughest and most gifted offshore racing crews. Yet so traumatic was that year that three of its crew decided not to race the Hobart again.

Not Hunt. “In 1999, Rob Kothe bought a new boat and called it Sword of Orion, giving it the same paint job as the old boat. Some of the guys had their doubts about that, but we went in the Hamilton Island regatta that year and raced together as a group. That was how we closed it all off.
‘A lot of good things have come out of ‘98. Ever since I was a kid, this race was one of the biggest things I could ever do in sailing. It still is. I’ve done the Fastnet and other ocean races overseas, but none of them is quite as big a test as the Hobart. And since ‘98, people have learnt to watch theip safety all the time, down to the smallest detail. It’s safety first, all the time.”

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4/12/2008

People, Life Stories

Modern Landscapes

A single arch bridge

I discovered this British-built single arch masonry bridge on the road from Friligianika to Mitata.

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3/9/2008

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Guestbook

Peter Thomas Psaltis (Protopsaltis) - Waukivory, NSW, Australia

Cousin Basil, your family history in the opening web page is a wonderful insight to so much, and generates a great many memories. Sadly I fear much of my own family history may be lost, and may rest with cousin Andonis who now lives in his father's family residence in Mitata, and with his mother, my Aunty Katarina. My father, John Anthony (Ianis Andonis) Psaltis (Protopsaltis), born 4/12/1900 was brought to Aus by older brother Spiros in 1920, married Alice Henderson in Wagga Wagga in 1940. As with so many others, my brother and I have been fortunate in the choice of our parents and in the paths they took in providing for us. Thank you for this website, I look forward to learning much from it.

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20/8/2008

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Windmill Hotel Mitata

Windmill Hotel Mitata

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12/8/2008

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Architecture

Windmill Hotel Mitata

Windmill Hotel Mitata

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12/8/2008

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Where to stay

New WindMill Hotel in Mitata

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The reconstructed windmill on the heights of Mitata (known to locals as Keramitianika) is surrounded by 7 exclusive apartments. The pool and the dining area, both beneath the mill itself, are a delight. The dining area also doubles as a quite bar for lazy evenings.

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[[picture:"DSC_4703.jpg" ID:15680]]

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12/8/2008

Tourist Information, Where to stay

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Windmill Hotel Mitata

Windmill Hotel Mitata

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12/8/2008

History, FB Old photographs

FB Old photographs

Windmill Hotel in Mitata, Kythera

Windmill Hotel in Mitata, Kythira

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12/8/2008

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Land Mitata

land at in mitata for sale