Our History
The story of how our community came together and continues to thrive
1982
Silogos Skalohoriton of Melbourne was formally established in 1982, created by Skalohori families who wished to preserve their village identity, traditions, and sense of belonging after settling in Melbourne. At a time when distance from the homeland was deeply felt, Silogos Skalohoriton became a place where language, memory, and shared values could be carried forward together. From its earliest days, the club existed not simply as an organisation, but as an extension of village life — a way for people to remain connected to Skalohori and to one another.
George Stavrinos
George Stavrinos
From Skalohori to Melbourne - The Story Begins.
The story of Silogos Skalohoriton of Melbourne begins with the vision, initiative, and leadership of , whose commitment to preserving the heritage and traditions of Lesvos left an enduring mark on Melbourne's Greek community.
Recently transcribed and meeting notes provide valuable insight into the origins of the club and clearly identify George Stavrinos as the driving force behind its establishment. Recognising the need for an organisation that would unite people with roots in Skalohori, preserve their cultural identity, and strengthen community bonds, he took the first steps towards transforming that vision into reality.
George Stavrinos initially approached George Karageorgiou, Stelios Giatzizoglou, and Haralambos Hatzigiannelis to discuss the concept of forming a club for Skalohorites in Melbourne. Together, they sought the views of Parashos Karaoglanis who expressed his strong support for the vision and its importance to the community.
Committee
Founding Committee
Following these discussions, it was agreed to , where George Anestou, Strati Stavrinos, Stavros Passas, Ignatios Karagiannis and Stavros Alexellis joined to further develop and advance the initiative. It was there that the nine community members gathered and each contributed $10 to establish the club's first funds. From those humble beginnings in 1982, Silogos Skalohoriton of Melbourne was born. These documents reveal not only the practical beginnings of the club but also the determination and leadership of the man who inspired its creation.
The prominence of George Stavrinos within Melbourne's Greek community extended far beyond the founding of Silogos Skalohoriton. Born in 1936 to parents from Filia, Lesvos, he migrated to Melbourne in 1959 and devoted more than six decades to promoting the culture, history, and traditions of his . Throughout his life, he remained deeply connected to Lesvos and worked tirelessly to strengthen those connections for future generations.
His leadership qualities were recognised early. During the 1960s, he became the youngest President of the Lesvian Association "Pittakos", before later serving as President of the Palesviaki Enosis of Melbourne and Victoria and the Pan Lesvian Federation of Australia and New Zealand. In each role, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to preserving the heritage of Lesvos and supporting the Greek-Australian community.
George Stavrinos became one of the most respected ambassadors of Lesvos culture in Australia. He organised cultural tours, historical exhibitions, commemorative events, and book launches that documented and celebrated the migration journey from Lesvos to Australia. Through these initiatives, he ensured that the stories, traditions, and achievements of earlier generations would not be forgotten.
The paint a compelling picture of a man who possessed not only vision but also the ability to unite people behind a common purpose. While the success and longevity of the club have been built through the collective efforts of countless members, volunteers, and committees over more than four decades, the evidence leaves little doubt that the original idea and momentum came from George Stavrinos.
Today, every gathering, celebration, cultural event, membership renewal, undertaken by the club can be traced back to the vision first championed by George Stavrinos and those who joined him at that inaugural meeting. The organisation they established has become a lasting institution that continues to connect generations of Skalohorites and their descendants while preserving the traditions and values of their ancestral village.
George Stavrinos passed away in February 2022, but his contribution to the Greek-Australian community and to Silogos Skalohoriton of Melbourne remains profound. His legacy is assured not only through the organisations he led and the cultural initiatives he championed, but through the enduring strength of the club whose creation he inspired.
As we reflect on the history of Silogos Skalohoriton of Melbourne, we honour George Stavrinos as a visionary founder, dedicated community leader, proud Lesvos man, and a man whose love for his homeland helped create an institution that continues to serve and unite our community today.
To our founding club members — thank you. Your vision built more than a club; it created a home away from home for generations of Skalohorites in Melbourne, and a legacy that will live on as long as this club exists.
Past Presidents
Past Committee Members
Behind every successful club are the people who quietly kept it going — year after year, meeting after meeting. Our past committee members gave their time, energy, and hearts to the club, ensuring that its traditions were upheld, its members were cared for, and its future was protected. Their sustained commitment and dedication over many years is a testament to the strength of our community, and we are deeply grateful to each and every one of them.
ALEXELLIS, Despina; ALEXELLIS, Nick; ALEXELLIS, Panagiotis; ALEXELLIS, Stavros; ANESTOU, George; BATSAKAS, Costas; GIATZITZIGLOU, Stelios; GOUNARI, Efi; HAITAS, Frantzeska; HAITAS, George; HATZIGIANELLIS, Haralambos; HATZIGIANELLIS, Nick; HRISAFIS, Emmanouil; HRYSOSTOMOU, Dimitri; IATROPOULOS, George; KALFADELLIS, Stratis; KALOGEROPOULOS, Evagelia; KARAGEORGIOU, George; KARAGEORGIOU, Theodoros; KARAGIANNIS, George; KARAGIANNIS, Ignatios; KEHAGIAS, Haralambos; KEHAGIAS, Pantellis; KOURATSONAS, Manoli; KOUTSPELIS, Christos; LIMNEOS, Fotios; LOUBROS, Antonis; NINAS, Christos; PANAGENAS, Tolis; PAPAGEORGIOU, Anthoula; PAPAGEORGIOU, Penny; STAVRINOS, George; STAVRINOS, Stratis; STEFANOU, John; STEFANOU, Kosta; TIKELLIS, George; TIKELLIS, Sokratis; VATOS, Lambros
Over the decades, successive committees have taken on the responsibility of protecting what was built before them, ensuring the club remained active, compliant, and welcoming as generations changed and the community evolved.
Today, Silogos Skalohoriton of Melbourne stands as a living bridge between past and present: grounded in its origins, shaped by service, and sustained by the ongoing commitment of its members to remember where they come from and to carry that legacy forward.
Looking Forward
In more recent years, Silogos Skalohoriton has experienced a period of renewal, with committees focusing on strengthening governance, reconnecting with members, and creating meaningful opportunities for people to come together. Communications consistently emphasise honouring the foundations of the club while looking ahead to the future — especially to the children, who are seen as the living continuation of the Skalohori story.
The Founding Club Members, Past Presidents & Past Committee Members lists have been compiled with great care and respect. If you have any questions, please feel free to share your feedback or contact a member of the committee directly.