The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia (HMSA), in collaboration with the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), hosted its annual Gala Ball on Saturday, October 11, at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne – a glittering evening of philanthropy, culture and community in support of Agapi Care, a long-standing not-for-profit organisation in Victoria that provides services for people living with disabilities.
Guests enjoyed a vibrant program of speeches, a live auction, traditional dance performances and live music, all in celebration of compassion, unity, and Hellenic spirit. The evening was emceed by Dr Billy Stoupas, Specialist General Practitioner and long-time advocate for community health.
Opening the evening, HMSA President Professor Marinis Pirpiris reflected on the Society’s mission to bring the medical community together for the common good.
“Our service extends beyond our hospitals and clinics – it flowers into the Hellenic diaspora. Every donation, every gesture of care, is who we are: people united and generous, driven by filotimo and filoxenia,” he said.
Professor Pripinis also spoke movingly of his late brother, who had special needs, praising Agapi Care’s work as “a vital part of our community, allowing people to rise, be heard and be included.”
Representing the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta delivered a spiritual message on healing and dignity, reminding guests that “true greatness is not measured by what we build or own, but by what we give and how we serve others.”
Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Dimitra Georgantzoglou, congratulated organisers for “showcasing the pivotal role of Agapi Care” and praised its “humane approach to those in need,” describing it as a model of care that should be celebrated and supported.
Parliamentarians Nick Staikos MP and Georgie Crozier MP also addressed guests, acknowledging the community’s enduring legacy of service and collaboration, with Ms Crozier calling the evening “a powerful example of generosity of heart and spirit.”
Agapi, Caritas, Charity – The Greek roots of giving
President of the GCM, Bill Papastergiadis OAM, drew on classical philosophy to explain the deep Hellenic origins of compassion and charity.
“The word Agapi – selfless, sacrificial love – was translated centuries ago into Latin as Caritas, from which the English word charity comes. So Agapi, Caritas and Charity are one and the same, all stemming from Greek. Tonight’s fundraising embodies that ancient ideal – that true virtue lies in giving, not for recognition, but because it’s right,” Papastergiadis said.
He commended the collaboration between the HMSA, the GCM and Agapi Care as “a contemporary example of an ancient Greek perspective on helping others.”
In a heartfelt address, Agapi Care CEO Mary Gakopoulos outlined the organisation’s 37-year legacy of providing culturally responsive support to people with disabilities and their families.
Founded in 1987 by a group of Greek Australian parents who believed their children deserved equal rights and community inclusion, Agapi Care has since supported over 3,000 individuals and 1,500 families through programs ranging from disability services to emergency food relief, domestic violence support, and mental health care.
“We believe a person is not defined by their disability,” Ms Gakopoulos said. “We look at each individual first — at their abilities and what they can offer to their community. Not all disabilities are visible, and our role is to help people find belonging and independence.”
She added that community-led fundraising had enabled Agapi Care to deliver non-government-funded programs that promote education, trust-building and culturally appropriate outreach for those often at the margins of mainstream support systems.
“What we do is not just translation,” she concluded. “It’s about transformation.”
Two leading members of Australia’s medical community were recognised on the night for their outstanding service.
A/Prof. Magdalena Simonis AM and A/Prof. Vicki Kotsirilos AM both received awards “in recognition and appreciation of their dedication and valued contribution to community service, advocacy and public health.”
Their achievements – spanning decades of leadership in clinical practice, education, gender equity, environmental health and public advocacy – embody the core mission of the HMSA to merge professional excellence with community service.
As the night continued, guests took to the dance floor to the sounds of Anagennisi Band and enjoyed performances in traditional costume by O Periklis Dance Group.
The evening’s live auction, conducted by Dimitri Damanios, Sales Consultant and Auctioneer at Buxton Real Estate, helped raise vital funds to expand Agapi Care’s services – a testament to the enduring generosity and unity of Melbourne’s Hellenic community.
About the Hellenic Medical Society of Australia
Founded in 2016, the HMSA brings together medical and health professionals of Hellenic heritage to promote collaboration, education, mentorship and philanthropy. Through its events and outreach, HMSA fosters excellence in medicine while championing community wellbeing and cultural connection.
For more information visit: www.hellenicmedicalsociety.com.au.
The Greek Herald was proud to be a media partner of the Hellenic Medical Society Gala Ball 2025.
