The Athenian Association of New South Wales hosted a deeply moving Athenian Hellenic Achievement Awards luncheon on Sunday, November 23, bringing together distinguished guests, community leaders and families for an afternoon dedicated to honouring outstanding service, heritage and contribution within the Greek Australian community.
Held in a warm, celebratory atmosphere accompanied by live music and traditional dancing, the event showcased the enduring values of Hellenism – philotimo, generosity, cultural preservation and service to community – carried proudly across generations.
A warm welcome and blessing
Master of Ceremonies Paul Bessiris, joined by Stella Sorotou, officially opened the ceremony, welcoming guests and outlining the timeless significance of honouring contributors to Hellenic culture.
Mr Bessiris reflected that from ancient times, Greeks publicly celebrated achievement in the arts, athletics, thought and community life – a tradition the Athenian Association continues today in the diaspora.
A long list of distinguished guests was acknowledged, including: His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia; Athanasios Lambrou, Head of Public Diplomacy Office, representing the Consul General of Greece in Sydney; Nikolaos Varellas, Deputy High Commissioner for the Republic of Cyprus in Australia; Cr. Edward McDougall, Mayor of Bayside Council; Presidents and representatives of major Greek community organisations; and cultural, academic and media leaders across NSW.
His Grace Bishop Christodoulos offered remarks on behalf of Archbishop Makarios and blessed the food, setting the tone for a meaningful afternoon ahead.
Presidential address: The vision of the Athenian Association
President of the Athenian Association, Cathy Valis, delivered a heartfelt address highlighting the mission of the awards: to acknowledge individuals who not only succeed personally but elevate Hellenism and community life around them.
Her message underscored the importance of collective heritage, intergenerational continuity and the responsibility of Greek organisations to elevate those who serve with integrity and devotion.
Official speeches from dignitaries
A series of formal speeches followed, including:
- Mr Lambrou, who conveyed congratulations from the Consul General of Greece and emphasised the role of community organisations in sustaining language and culture.
- Mr Varellas, representing Cyprus, who spoke on the shared Hellenic spirit across the diaspora.
- Cr. McDougall, Mayor of Bayside, who praised the Greek community’s vibrancy and contribution to the broader Australian multicultural landscape.
Honouring Irene Anesti: A lifetime of philanthropy
The first major presentation of the day recognised Irene Anesti, a revered figure in Greek Australian philanthropic life.
Born on the island of Leipsoi, Irene migrated to Australia in 1960 and built a life defined by service. Her mother’s motto – “We look first after the kosmos, then the neighbour, and only lastly after ourselves” – became the guiding principle of her life.
Her decades of contribution include:
- Founding member of the Ippokratis Chapter of AHEPA
- Founding board member of the Greek Community Home for the Aged
- Honorary Life President of Sydney Olympic SFC Ladies Committee (since 1985)
- Former President and now Honorary President of OEEGA NSW
- More than $500,000 raised for the Children’s Cancer Institute under her leadership
Her humility is legendary – upon receiving the OAM in 2015, she was “genuinely shocked,” unable to recall the countless acts of service she had offered.
Due to health reasons, Mrs Anesti was unable to attend. Christine Manolakos, President of OEEGA NSW, accepted the award on her behalf, delivering warm words of gratitude.
Cultural performance by Joanna Perris Dance School
The event shifted into celebration with a lively performance by students of the Joanna Perris Dance School, drawing applause from guests and highlighting the cultural pride that remains at the heart of the community.
Honouring Aristeidis “Ari” Hatzigeorgiou: A chef who feeds the community
The second award of the afternoon honoured Aristeidis Hatzigeorgiou, a chef whose culinary leadership has touched virtually every corner of the Greek community.
Born in Gouménissa, Kilkis, Aris developed a passion for cooking early, excelling through culinary school and serving as a chef for NATO units and the Greek Army. His professional journey spanned Greece and Cyprus, and included founding his own nutritional catering company, “Dietalife,” serving institutions across Thessaloniki.
Arriving in Australia in 2017, Aris quickly became a central figure in Greek Australian community life. His achievements include:
- Revitalising the beloved taverna To Koutouki in Leichhardt
- Leading the kitchen operations for the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW Community Club since 2019
- Catering for an extraordinary range of Hellenic organisations, festivals, charities and cultural bodies
- Providing hospitality at moments of celebration, grief, fellowship and communal gathering
When asked how he built his reputation from scratch in a new country, his answer was simple and telling: “I think like a chef, not a businessman.”
President Ms Valis and President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW Harry Danalis presented the award, followed by remarks from Aris, who was met with enthusiastic applause.
Festivities: Music, flowers and community spirit
Live music by Music Lovers carried the afternoon from formal ceremony to joyful celebration.
Guests enjoyed dessert, dancing and the opportunity to support the association through raffle tickets and the purchase of handcrafted floral arrangements created by committee member Antigone.
The raffle prizes – donated by community businesses, artists and supporters – included designer jewellery, electronics, artwork, dining vouchers and Christmas gift hampers. Donors were invited to draw the winning numbers, adding to the camaraderie and excitement.
A heartfelt conclusion
As the event drew to a close, Mr Bessiris thanked all attendees, performers, donors and committee members who made the celebration possible.
“We have had the privilege to celebrate the contributions of two exemplary members of our community,” he said. “As we continue to uphold our traditions, I wish you all a blessed and joyful afternoon.”
Guests returned to the dance floor as Music Lovers played the final set, closing an afternoon marked by unity, pride and celebration of Hellenic excellence.
