“Language, memory and music: the threads that keep us connected across oceans.”
While currently in Athens, Pan-Laconian Society members Chrysoula Melissinakis and Panagiotis Mavraidis were invited to share their story on Greek national radio. On 15 December 2025, they appeared on “Kouventes Makrines” (Long-Distance Conversations), broadcast by the Voice of Greece, offering listeners a thoughtful and heartfelt account of their journey from Greece to Adelaide and their ongoing commitment to Hellenism abroad.
Broadcast from the studios of the Voice of Greece, Chrysoula and Panagiotis spoke candidly about the decision they made 14 years ago to migrate to Australia, a decision they say they have never regretted. Their reflections touched on the challenges of beginning a new life, the opportunities they encountered, and the enduring importance of Greek language and culture in their everyday lives.
A central theme of the discussion was Greek-language education in Adelaide. Chrysoula, who teaches Greek to both children and aduls, spoke about the joy and responsibility of passing on the language, and about education as a living link between generations and homelands.
They also spoke with pride about the Greek Museum of Adelaide, which they founded five years ago. The museum has become a focal point for community memory and cultural storytelling, and they shared their current efforts to secure a permanent home for the collection, an important next step in ensuring its future.
The conversation also highlighted Melodia Adelaide, the Greek-language radio station created and run by Panagiotis. Through music, interviews and community programming, Melodia Adelaide continues to connect Greek Australians with each other, with Greece, and with the wider Hellenic world.
The interview serves as a powerful reminder of the vitality of the Greek diaspora and the impact of individuals who quietly and steadily build cultural bridges across continents. We warmly congratulate Chrysoula Melissinakis and Panagiotis Mavraidis for representing our community with insight, generosity and pride.
Members and friends are encouraged to listen to the full interview online, available via the Voice of Greece on-demand platform:
https://vog.ert.gr/ondemand/kouventes-makrines-me-ti-xrysoula-melissinaki-kai-ton-panagioti-mayraeidi-apo-tin-adelaida-15-12-25/
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