By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Kallista is getting ready to celebrate its 100th birthday on Saturday 29 March 2025, the town will mark 100 years since it officially changed its name from South Sassafras to Kallista.
Thanks to a generous $10,000 grants from Community Bank Monbulk and District and Yarra Ranges Council, the celebration is promising to be a memorable event that highlights the town’s history, culture, and strong sense of community.
The centenary event will include a mix of historical reenactments and a lively community festival.
A committee member for the celebration, Julie Athanasiou said the day will feature a reenactment of the original naming ceremony from 1925.
The reenactment will include actors dressed in costumes from the time, portraying historical figures such as the famous poet C.J. Dennis – visitors will also have the chance to interact with these characters, helping to bring Kallista’s history to life.
“We’re really excited to bring history back to life,” Ms Athanasiou, said.
“The original event in 1925 was important for the community, and now, 100 years later, we want people to be a part of the celebration and feel connected to that moment.”
The event will kick off with the cutting of the ribbon at the original site, followed by a parade through the streets of Kallista, led by the police brass band.
There will be plenty of entertainment for all ages, including live music, a youth stage, and a writer’s panel at the Kallista Mechanics Hall, which has been a centre for the town’s creative community for many years.
Kallista has long been a home to artists and writers who are drawn to the village’s natural beauty and to celebrate this, the centenary event will include a writer’s panel featuring local authors and storytellers.
There will also be a community bush dance and a jazz performance in the evening, adding to the excitement of the day.
One of the highlights of the celebration will be the stunning light show in the evening.
Ms Athanasiou said that buildings throughout the town will be illuminated with photographs from Kallista’s past and present – the trees and heritage-listed buildings will also be lit up, creating a beautiful atmosphere for the evening events.
Ms Athanasiou, who has lived in Kallista for more than 14 years, said the centenary is about more than just celebrating the past.
“The natural environment and the creative community are what make Kallista so unique,” she said.
“People live here because of the beautiful forest, the fresh air, and the sense of being close to nature. There’s also a strong sense of community among artists and writers, which has made Kallista such a creative place over the years.”
The name Kallista, which means “most beautiful” in Greek, was chosen because of the area’s stunning natural surroundings.
The village was renamed to avoid confusion with nearby South Sassafras, and it quickly became a distinct and celebrated community.
The $10,000 grant from Yarra Ranges Council will cover the event’s logistics, including shuttle buses, venue hire, and advertising.
This support is essential for making the event run smoothly and accessible to all. The $10,000 grant from Community Bank Monbulk and District will go toward entertainment costs, including the youth stage, live music, and other performances to keep the energy high throughout the day.
“We’re so grateful for the generous support from Yarra Ranges Council and Community Bank Monbulk and District,” she said.
“Their funding has made it possible to create an event that will be fun for the whole community and show what makes Kallista so special.”
Ms Athanasiou, who has been involved in planning the event from the start, said she is most excited about bringing the community together.
“We want to provide something fun for families and everyone who loves Kallista,” she said.
“This is a chance to celebrate who we are, where we come from, and to be proud of the special place we call home.”
As the village prepares for its centenary celebration, the local committee is eager to see the whole community come together for this special occasion.
With lots of activities planned for all ages, Kallista’s 100th birthday will be a lively and inclusive event that highlights the town’s creativity and love for nature.
Further details about the event, including ways to get involved, will be shared in the coming months.
For now, Kallista residents are encouraged to save the date for March 29 2025 – the day the town celebrates 100 years of history, culture, and community.
