The Cretan Association of Sydney & New South Wales Limited

ADVANCING EDUCATION AND CULTURE We operated a dancing school and provided a facility whereby traditional Cretan dancing and Cretan musical instruments can be taught to children. Students performed traditional Cretan dances and played Cretan musical instruments at various events throughout the year; We held various events throughout the year that were held to educate members, youth and the wider public on the customs and culture of Crete. Events included dinner dances, tavern nights, lectures and presentations; We celebrated, commemorated and honoured various national and international days of significance, namely ANZAC day, the Battle of Crete, the Holocaust of Arkadi, Greek National Day, Ohi Day as well as others; and We attended and subsidised participation in the international World Cretan Council convention which consisted of various historical, cultural and educational components. ADVANCING SOCIAL OR PUBLIC WELFARE We held raffles and auctions in support of the disadvantaged as well as for other not for profit organisations; We made donations of food and supplies to soup kitchens and organisations that provide food, services and aid to the homeless and disadvantaged members of society; and We organised programs whereby our members and the wider public could assist in supporting the disadvantaged and other not for profit organisations such as Easter egg collections, Christmas toy drives as well as collecting groceries and clothing that were also delivered to various charities and not for profit organisations across Sydney. PROMOTING RECONCILIATION, MUTUAL RESPECT AND TOLERANCE BETWEEN GROUPS IN AUSTRALIA We attended, held or assisted in the organisation of various events held to commemorate the Battle of Crete, 1941. Events include an annual joint wreath laying ceremony at the Martin Place Cenotaph, a presentation and commemorative evening at the Anzac Memorial, and two memorial church services. These events commemorate this important part of both Greece and Australia s history and celebrate the enduring friendship that continues between the GreekAustralian community and the descendants of ANZACs, therefore promoting dialogue, mutual respect and tolerance between these two groups of individuals; and We attended and subsidised participation in the annual national Cretan Federation convention which promotes dialogue, mutual respect, collaboration and the building of connections between persons of Cretan descent from all around Australia.