Pictured is the open fire used for cooking that would have been found in a traditional Ithacan home. Whilst most now use electric and portable gas appliances, these open cooking areas can still be found in the kitchens of many of the old homes on the island. The mortar and pestle and baking dishes pictured are sill used today in the preparation of traditional dishes.Cooking and food is an intrinsic part of Ithacan culture and plays an important role in maintaining identity and traditions for the Melbourne's Ithacan community. Recipes and particular cooking techniques are passed on from generation to generation. A coloured photograph of the typical kitchen copper pans and cooking utensils used in a traditional Ithacan kitchen.

Photographed from left, Evgenia Raftopoulos and Nina Black (Mavrokefalos) collecting money for the 1943 - 44 Lord Mayor's Bush Fire Appeal. The bush fires raged across Victoria and in particular in areas very close to Melbourne's rural fringe such as Beaumaris. Members of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society joined other groups to collect funds for this worthy cause. Both ladies were very active in the community. Since it was established in 1917, the Ithacan Philanthropic Society has supported and continues to support many worthy causes both in Greece and Australia . A black and white photograph of two ladies dressed in Greek national costume collecting money for a cause. A little child is putting money in one of the tins while a lady watches on.