Message from the Premier of Queensland:

Townsville will once again host all things Greek this October with the 2011 Xstrata Greekfest.

The festival, now in its 12th year, brings together the community to celebrate the unique culture of both traditional and modern Greece. From music, dancing, competitions, entertainment, rides, fireworks and food, Greekfest gives us an excellent opportunity to appreciate the preservation of the Greek culture in Queensland.

As a state, we have a proud and vibrant multicultural heritage, and our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. This also contributes to our state’s social, cultural and intellectual endeavours.

That’s why the Queensland Government is a proud supporter of the 2011 Xstrata Greekfest.

In line with the government’s Toward Q2 initiative, community events support safe and caring communities. They bring in business, create jobs, attract tourists, fuel growth and prosperity and give a tremendous sense of pride for the local host communities.

Greekfest will certainly provide a unique opportunity for North Queensland and visitors to the region to immerse themselves in this cross cultural celebration.

I encourage you to enjoy all that the rich Greek culture has to offer.

Anna Bligh MP
Premier of Queensland

Message from the Townsville Mayor:

I am delighted to welcome the 2011 Xstrata Greek Fest to Riverway again this year. In its twelfth year, Greek Fest is a wonderful event in our calendar and our community continues to support and enjoy the event year after year.

The event provides our community and visitors the opportunity to embrace both Greek and Australian cultures in a great location. The Ross River is the perfect backdrop for a weekend of Greek cuisine, traditions and non-stop music and dance.

Riverway will come alive with the unique sounds of traditional and Modern Greek music. There will be plenty of competitions, entertainment, rides, fireworks and celebration. There is something for the whole family and I encourage everyone to head along for a great weekend!

Townsville City Council is proud to be a major sponsor of the Xstrata Greek Fest and we have formed a special relationship with the event organizers who contribute to the community throughout the year.

I’d like to congratulate the hard-working team from the Xstrata Greek Fest on the excellent program of entertainment, food and activities that they have planned for this year. As council also delivers community events, we are well aware of the amount of effort that goes in behind the scenes.

I hope everyone enjoys the Greek hospitality at Riverway during Xstrata Greek Fest 2011.












Cr Les Tyrell OAM
Mayor of Townsville City Council

Message from Festival Co-ordinator:

Riverway will come alive again on 13-14 October 2012 when we will bring to you the culture, music, dance and flavours of Greece at our annual Greek Fest. It will be our 13th festival and what a fantastic journey it has been to reach this important milestone.

It is our fourth year with partner Xstrata who is our naming sponsor and with whom we share a commitment to stage a wonderful event. We would also like to thank the Queensland Government and Townsville City Council for their ongoing support, and all our other most valued sponsors. Without them, we would not be able to cover the ever escalating costs involved in staging this event and be able to bring it to you free of charge.

On behalf of the festival committee, may I give special thanks to all the volunteers, the Hellenic Dancing School, our artists and guests who came from all over Australia and all members of the Greek Community for their dedication and enthusiasm to make Xstrata Greek Fest a vibrant celebration of Hellenic culture to share with you all.

I thank the Festival Committee who works tirelessly for many months to organise the festival in an endeavour to bring you a variety of acts and activities which appeal to everyone young and old. Join us at Riverway on the 13th and 14th of October to help celebrate Xstrata Greek Fest 2012.

Yiassas,












BILL MALANDRIS
President/Festival Co-ordinator

Message from the President of the Townsville Greek Community:

It is with great pride that we are able to bring to you once again another Greek Festival to show-case our Greek Culture for all to enjoy. It is a weekend that the Members of the Townsville Greek Community look forward to every year.

It is wonderful for our children to carry on our culture and traditions so that it won’t disappear as the years go on. Most children are now second, third, fourth and fifth generation Greeks and it is great that they have the opportunity with this festival to experience the Greek Culture of their forefathers who migrated to this beautiful country of Australia many years ago.

As president of the Townsville Greek Orthodox Community, I would like to congratulate and thank all of the volunteers who put in a tremendous effort. This includes the Hellenic Dancing School, Members of the Townsville Greek Community and members of the Burdekin Greek Community. In particular I would like to congratulate the Townsville Greek and Cultural Festivals Organising Committee for their hard work and dedication over the whole year to provide such a unique event for North Queensland.

This is our twelfth festival and it has grown immensely over the years. I thank Xstrata, the Queensland Government, the Townsville City Council and all our other sponsors for without their support we would not have been able to stage this festival and maintain free admission for the general public.

I hope you join us at Riverway where we can enjoy the Greek hospitality, music, food, dancing and friendship.

Yassou,












DIMITRIOS MANOLIS
President of the Townsville Greek Community

Message from the Festival's Naming Sponsor:

The Xstrata Greek Fest is well established in the community and cultural spirit of Townsville, and Xstrata is extremely pleased to again be the naming sponsor of this year’s Xstrata Greek Fest – showcasing Greek culture, music, dance and sumptuous cuisine.

Our congratulations to the hard working and dedicated committee who have again, put together a program covering a wide and varied range of activities – there is something for everyone. To the committee, our thanks. Your commitment to and enthusiasm for this festival, is an excellent promotion of your culture and of tremendous value to the Townsville community.

Given such professionalism and enthusiasm, it is very easy for Xstrata to partner with The Greek Fest, continuing Xstrata's commitment to our vibrant community through its Corporate Social Involvement programs.

Enjoy the Xstrata Greek Fest 2011!












MARK ROBERTS
General Manager – Refinery, Port and Logistics
Xstrata Copper