The Voices of Paniyiri

For this special episode of The Voices of Paniyiri Podcast, we welcome Adrian Schrinner to celebrate 50 years of Paniyiri and reflect on what the festival means to Brisbane and its people. The Lord Mayor shares his thoughts on the importance of multicultural festivals in shaping the identity of our city, embracing and preserving culture, and bringing communities together through food, music, dance...

John Elisseos and Kerry Raiti from AHEPA join The Voices of Paniyiri to share insights into the organisation’s long-standing role within the Greek community and its involvement in Paniyiri over the years.  From supporting cultural preservation and community initiatives to working behind the scenes at one of Queensland’s biggest festivals, they reflect on the pride, purpose, and de...

In this episode of The Voices of Paniyiri, we sit down with Evi Patounas and George Savva from the Colossus PanRhodesian Society to celebrate the spirit, traditions and legacy of the Rhodian community in Brisbane.  From preserving culture and strengthening community connections to their long-standing involvement in Paniyiri, Evi and George share stories of pride, passion and the importance of...

Sophie Drivas and Andrew Fox from NAB, alongside George Samios from Madd Loans, join us to share their connection to Paniyiri and the importance of supporting community events. They discuss what it means to be long-standing partners of the festival, how these collaborations help Paniyiri grow, and why backing culture, tradition, and community matters for future generations. A conversation about pa...

Anthony Katsanevas and Herc Kaselakis from the Cretan Association of Queensland share their passion for preserving Cretan culture in Brisbane and their Association’s long-standing involvement in Paniyiri. From music, dance, and tradition to the hard work behind the scenes, they reflect on what it means to represent Crete at one of Queensland’s most iconic cultural festivals. See omnyst...

Katy Papoutsakis and Elleni Comino join us to share the behind-the-scenes story of Paniyiri—where the real work happens long before and after the festival weekend. With decades of service as Accountant and Administrator for the Greek Community, they reflect on what it takes to deliver one of Brisbane’s most iconic cultural events year after year. A powerful insight into dedication, pla...

We’re joined by Stathi Efstathis and George Yanardasis from the Kastellorizian Association, two passionate contributors to Paniyiri since its early days. They reflect on the Association’s role in preserving Kastellorizian culture in Brisbane, the evolution of the festival, and the strong sense of community behind it all. From lifelong friendships to Stathi’s unwavering dedication...

George Keskinidas from the Pan Macedonian Association of Queensland shares the journey, reflecting on years of involvement in Paniyiri and the role the Association plays in preserving and showcasing Macedonian culture in Brisbane. From traditions and community spirit to the dedication behind the scenes, this episode highlights the passion that continues to keep Paniyiri thriving year after year. S...

Michael Anastas and Emmanuel Kokkoris join us to dive into one of Paniyiri’s most energetic traditions—the Greek Community Beer Tents. From friendly rivalry and behind-the-scenes teamwork to decades of leadership and family involvement, they share stories that highlight the passion and pride behind this iconic festival feature. Emmanuel also reflects on his connection through The Coffe...

The Greek Orthodox Parish & Community of the Dormition of the Theotokos in South Brisbane has been a proud pillar of Brisbane’s Greek community for over 50 years. In this episode of The Voices of Paniyiri , Irene Cayas shares her connection to the Southside Parish, their experiences with Paniyiri, and the important role their community has played in supporting the festival over the years...

In this episode of The Voices of Paniyiri , we’re joined by Olympic Soccer Club past President Peter Ioannidis. Peter shares the club’s rich history, its deep connection to the Greek community in Brisbane, and what it takes to run one of the biggest and most vibrant tents at Paniyiri. From behind-the-scenes efforts to proud traditions, this episode celebrates community, culture, and th...

Bico Athanasas and John Lazarou join us to share stories from more than 25 years behind the Main Stage microphones at Paniyiri. As the voices that have welcomed crowds, introduced performers, and helped shape the festival’s atmosphere, they reflect on unforgettable moments, behind-the-scenes experiences, and the energy that makes Paniyiri so special. A fun, heartfelt look at the sound, spiri...

The Chios Association’s iconic octopus is one of Paniyiri’s most recognisable traditions, drawing crowds year after year. In this episode of The Voices of Paniyiri , Jack Conias and Luke Fotinos share the story behind the Chios Association’s long-standing involvement in the festival, spanning generations over the past 50 years. A conversation about tradition, community, and one o...

Tom Drakopoulos and Leo Tsimpikas join us to reflect on their decades-long involvement in Paniyiri, from its beginnings as Ekthesis ’76 through to the festival we know today. Tom shares insights from the original organising committee and his ongoing work with the Cultural Committee, while both Tom and Leo recall their time as early main stage MCs—welcoming crowds and bringing the festi...

Jan Adamopoulos and Mary Poteri from The Peloponnesian Association “O Morias” of Queensland join us to share how their community helps preserve the traditions and identity of the Peloponnese in Brisbane. They reflect on the association’s long-standing involvement in Paniyiri, from volunteering to sharing cultural heritage, and the importance of keeping regional Greek stories aliv...

In this episode of Voices of Paniyiri , Laki and Benetta sit down with the unforgettable Effie Stefanidies, a long-time supporter and beloved entertainer of Paniyiri Greek Festival. Known for her sharp wit, humour and vibrant stage presence, Effie reflects on her decades of involvement in the festival — from bringing comedy and character to the stage, to championing Greek culture through ent...

Emmanuel Drivas and Apostoli Bellas from the Zaraketon Association join us to share their passion for preserving and celebrating regional Greek heritage through Paniyiri. They discuss the Association’s role in bringing a vibrant cultural presence to the festival each year, along with the importance of community and tradition. Emmanuel also reflects on his connection through The Coffee Club a...

George Orfanos, Principal of the Greek School, and Stergos Papastergos, long-time Greek dancing teacher and founding member of the Hellenic Dancers, join us to share their decades of dedication to culture and education. They reflect on the importance of preserving the Greek language, the evolution of traditional dance in Brisbane, and how Paniyiri continues to inspire younger generations to stay c...

John Sikalas and Jonathan Iconomidas from the Pan Koakos Association join us to share their experiences and long-standing involvement in Paniyiri. They reflect on the Association’s role in celebrating Greek culture, heritage, and community through the festival, and the stories behind their ongoing commitment over many years. A behind-the-scenes look at tradition, dedication, and cultural pri...

Kath Rose and Wendy Lacey join us to reflect on their pivotal roles in transforming Paniyiri into the large-scale cultural festival it is today. From marketing and storytelling to operations and behind-the-scenes planning, they share how their work helped shape the festival’s growth from 2000 onwards. A conversation about vision, teamwork, and becoming part of the “big Greek family.&rd...

Desley Lagos and Anna Raftopoulos from the Ladies Auxiliary of St George join us to share the heartwarming story of their long-standing involvement in Paniyiri. For years, the Ladies Auxiliary have played a vital behind-the-scenes role—preparing traditional Greek food, preserving family recipes, and embodying the spirit of filoxenia . A conversation about community, friendship, tradition, an...

Freda Valassakis, President of the Greek Community, and Andy Tambakis, long-time General Manager of the Greek Club, join us to reflect on their decades of involvement in shaping Paniyiri. They share behind-the-scenes stories, leadership insights, and how the festival has grown into one of Brisbane’s most iconic cultural celebrations. A conversation about legacy, community, and the spirit of...

In this episode of The Voices of Paniyiri , we’re joined by Stathi Zambas and Joanna Vasiliou from the Cypriot Association of Brisbane. They share the history of the association, the importance of preserving Cypriot culture within the wider Hellenic community, and their involvement in Paniyiri over the years. A celebration of culture, connection, and keeping traditions alive across generatio...

In this episode of The Voices of Paniyiri , we’re joined by Freda Valassakis, President of the Greek Community, and Andy Tambakis, long-time General Manager of the Greek Club. Together, they share their insights on the growth of Paniyiri, the leadership and vision behind its success, and how the festival has evolved into one of Brisbane’s most iconic cultural celebrations. A behind-the...

Join us on Voices of Paniyiri as we welcome Agapi Kalligeros and George Kassos, two passionate members of the Greek Orthodox Youth Association (GOYA). From their early days as participants to becoming leaders, they share how GOYA has shaped their connection to culture, community and Paniyiri Greek Festival. We explore their experiences, the role of youth in keeping traditions alive, and the lastin...