Kytherian Youth Association (KYA) (est.1970)
Kytherian Association of Australia Sub-Committee
kya@kytherianassociation.com.au
georgiagalanos@bigpond.com
Mission
To create social events and engage with cultural initiatives that foster meaningful connections amongst Kytherian and non-Kytherian young adults. We honour and celebrate the rich heritage, traditions and ‘kefi’ of the island of Kythera whilst respecting its people and our ancestors. By preserving and sharing the Kytherian culture, we aim to recognise our past to strengthen our community for present and future generations.
Our Objectives
The KYA aims to pursue and achieve the following purposes:
- To encourage, foster, promote, develop, and assist in the formation of friendships and networking amongst Kytherians and Non-Kytherians in the community.
- To recognise and preserve Kytherian and Greek history and culture for the diaspora of Kytherians and Greeks.
- To encourage positive social wellbeing and fellowship amongst Kytherians and Non-Kytherians in the community.
- To co-operate and engage with other youth and Greek associations and organisations, not confined by geographical boundaries, whose objectives align with and are similar to those of this association.
- To function under the KAA and as a not-for-profit association and a charity, complying with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Act 2012 (Cth).
A Legacy Reimagined: The Revival of the KYA
The KYA, originally known as the Kytherian Younger Set in 1970, was established by James Raissis and quickly became a cornerstone of Sydney’s Greek youth culture. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, it was the heartbeat of the community with its iconic New Year’s Eve Bash standing out as the event of the year, attracting crowds of 600 to 1,000 attendees annually. Over the decades, dedicated KYA committees curated a dynamic calendar of events, including cruises, ski trips, Halloween parties, camps, and their legendary end-of-year celebrations.
Fast forward to 2017, a new generation of the Kytherian youth rekindled the flame of the KYA with a renewed sense of energy and creativity. This resulted in the KYA making its official return in 2021, launching a vibrant function at Bungalow 8 in Barangaroo. Unfortunately, due to restrictions induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, plans for future events were temporarily paused.
Momentum returned in December 2024 with Elysian Lounge – VIP Greek Paradise, a spectacular event hosted in collaboration with the Kalymnian and Lemnian Youth Associations. Held at the exclusive Gitano in Double Bay, this glamorous night united Greek youth in a lush, vivacious setting, featuring live bouzouki, back-to-back DJs, mezze canapés, and a $6,000 bar tab that kept the celebrations flowing and the drinks pouring!
Building on that success, the KYA successfully began 2025 with Aphro House – a bold and vibrant social event held at Pelicano in Potts Point. Inspired by Aphrodite, the goddess born on Kythera, the evening embraced the island’s divine heritage through a variety of house music, afrobeat, and modern Greek music with immersive lighting, and a stylish crowd that filled the venue. This event cemented the KYA’s presence as a revitalised and contemporary force in Sydney’s Greek youth social scene!
The KYA continues to deliver dynamic events for young people aged 18 to 30 within the Greek-Australian diaspora. We are proud to collaborate with other youth and Greek associations to foster community spirit and create unforgettable experiences!
Stay updated on all our news and future events on our Instagram @kytherian_youth_association or our Facebook @KYA – Kytherian Youth Association — the best is yet to come!
Kytherian Youth Association Committee 2025
Committee Members
President: Anne-Marie Aroney
Vice-President: Nathan Vagias
Treasurer: Emmanuel Aroney
Secretary: Christine Karabalis
Social Media Coordinator: Athanasia Stratikopoulos
General Committee: Christyn Cordato
General Committee: Curtis Sioulas
General Committee: Politimi Tzannes
Contact the KYA
Email: kytherianyouthassoc@gmail.com
Facebook: KYA – Kytherian Youth Association
Instagram: @kytherian_youth_association