The King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List has recognised several Australians of Hellenic heritage for their outstanding contributions across community service, academia, multicultural affairs, veterans’ advocacy, architecture, health and philanthropy.
Announced by Governor-General Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, the 2026 Honours List recognises 948 Australians for exceptional service and achievement across the nation.
“As Governor-General and Chancellor of the Order of Australia, I am delighted to announce and congratulate the remarkable Australians receiving honours in the 2026 King’s Birthday list,” the Governor-General said.
“Our honours system recognises outstanding people who contribute so much to Australia. In our communities, in workplaces and across the country, recipients have made an exceptional contribution to Australia.”
Among those recognised this year are distinguished Australians of Hellenic heritage whose decades of service have left a lasting impact on both the wider Australian community and the Greek diaspora.
Professor Peter Parashos AM
Professor Peter Parashos was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for “significant service to dentistry, particularly endodontology, and to tertiary education.”
A highly respected figure in Australian dentistry, Professor Parashos spent more than three decades shaping dental education and specialist endodontic practice in Australia. At the Melbourne Dental School at the University of Melbourne, he served as Chair and Professor of Endodontics, Head of Restorative Dentistry, and Convenor of Postgraduate Endodontics.
Widely regarded as a leader in root canal therapy and dental trauma management, Professor Parashos trained generations of dentists and specialists while continuing clinical work at the Royal Dental Hospital Melbourne and in private specialist practice.
His contribution extended internationally through editorial roles with leading dental journals and extensive involvement with the Australian Society of Endodontology. He has also been recognised globally through honorary memberships and fellowships from prominent dental organisations in Australia and overseas.
Marika Calfas
Marika Calfas has been recognised for her significant contribution to Australia’s transport, shipping, logistics and infrastructure sectors.
Ms Calfas is the Chief Executive Officer of NSW Ports, overseeing the management and operation of the state’s key commercial gateways at Port Botany and Port Kembla, along with two major intermodal rail terminals.
Throughout her career, she has been widely acknowledged for her leadership within the infrastructure industry and for championing innovation and long-term planning across the freight and logistics sectors.
Her previous honours include the Progress Award from PIANC Australia and New Zealand in 2022, the Women’s Achievement in Infrastructure Award at the National Infrastructure Awards in 2018, and the Judy Raper Award for Leadership at the University of New South Wales Women in Engineering Awards in the same year.
Professor Matthaios Santamouris AM
Scientia Distinguished Professor Matthaios Santamouris was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for “significant service to architecture, to energy, and to environmental quality.”
Based at the University of New South Wales, Professor Santamouris is internationally recognised as one of the world’s leading experts in sustainable architecture, urban climate science and energy-efficient buildings. His research has focused heavily on combating urban heat, improving environmental quality in cities and developing low-energy building technologies.
Throughout his distinguished career, he has advised major international organisations including the United Nations and the World Health Organisation, while also contributing to global research on climate resilience and sustainable urban development. His academic influence is immense, with hundreds of scientific publications and one of the highest citation records in his field internationally.
Reacting to the honour, Professor Santamouris told The Greek Herald he felt “deeply honoured and profoundly grateful” for the recognition.
“This recognition is not something I see as belonging to me alone. It reflects the collective efforts of many colleagues, collaborators, students, and communities with whom I have had the privilege to work over the years,” he said.
“I have always believed that our work—whether in research, education, or public engagement—should ultimately serve people, improve lives, and help address the pressing challenges of our time.”
Professor Santamouris said Australia had provided “an environment where ideas can flourish, where collaboration is encouraged, and where there is a genuine commitment to innovation and progress.”
“I accept this honour with humility and with a renewed commitment to contribute as best I can,” he said.
The Very Reverend Dr John Chryssavgis AM
The Very Reverend Dr John Chryssavgis has been recognised for his distinguished contribution to the Orthodox Christian Church, academia and environmental advocacy.
Originally from Adelaide and raised in Sydney, Fr Chryssavgis relocated to the United States in 1995 and has since built an internationally respected career in theology and ecclesiastical leadership.
He currently serves as Archdeacon of the Ecumenical Throne, while also holding positions as Professor of Theology at Holy Cross School of Theology in Boston and Executive Director of the Huffington Ecumenical Institute.
Fr Chryssavgis completed his studies in Athens and Oxford and is widely known for his scholarly work exploring Orthodox spirituality, ecological theology and the role of faith in contemporary public life. He has authored numerous books and publications on theology, spirituality and environmental responsibility.
Panagiotis (Peter) Andrinopoulos OAM
Panagiotis (Peter) Andrinopoulos received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for “service to the Greek community of Melbourne.”
Mr Andrinopoulos has dedicated decades to supporting Greek Australians through welfare services, cultural initiatives and historical preservation projects. His work with PRONIA and the Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh and Districts focused heavily on assisting vulnerable members of the community, particularly elderly migrants and new arrivals.
He also played a major role in cultural and commemorative projects, serving with the Australian Hellenic Memorial and helping coordinate Melbourne’s Antipodes Festival. In addition, he authored publications highlighting Greek history and the contribution of Greek women, ensuring important stories from the diaspora and homeland were preserved for future generations.
Speaking to The Greek Herald, Mr Andrinopoulos said he felt “deeply grateful and honoured” to receive the recognition.
“I thank those that nominated and supported me. I pay special thanks to my parents Nikolaos and Marianna, my wife Dimitra, my late good friend Peter Jasonides and my Year 9 teacher Mr Browne who all shaped and influenced my life,” he said.
“My professional and volunteer work has always been about helping and connecting people. To this end, I encourage all both old and young to see how they can help and connect others around them.”
Dr Constantine George Berbatis OAM
Western Australian community leader and pharmacist Dr Constantine George Berbatis received an OAM for “service to the community of Perth.”
Dr Berbatis has made major contributions to pharmacy, public health and the Hellenic community over more than 50 years. Professionally, he helped pioneer Australia’s adverse drug reaction reporting system and worked extensively on national pharmacy research projects aimed at improving patient safety and healthcare delivery.
Alongside his medical and scientific work, he has been a central figure in Perth’s Greek community, serving the Hellenic Community of Western Australia, the Hellenic Council of Western Australia and the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA. He has also been a longstanding supporter of Greek education and cultural initiatives.
“Being named an Australian Honours recipient is a deeply humbling experience that represents the culmination of a lifelong commitment to the health, safety, and community of Western Australians,” Dr Berbatis told The Greek Herald.
“It is a profound privilege to see decades of work – from establishing the nation’s adverse drug reaction reporting system to fostering the growth of the Hellenic community – recognised as part of the broader Australian story.
“This honour belongs not just to me, but to the colleagues, family, and community members who supported these initiatives in pharmacy, public health, and philanthropy.”
Rachel Marie Condos-Fields OAM
Rachel Marie Condos-Fields was awarded an OAM for “service to youth, and to the community.”
Condos-Fields has spent decades working in youth empowerment, humanitarian aid and leadership development, particularly through her involvement with World Youth International. Since first volunteering in Nepal in 1999, she has supported numerous education and community initiatives aimed at improving opportunities for disadvantaged young people.
She has also played significant leadership roles in Australian sport, governance and mentoring programs, including supporting female athletes and emerging leaders. In recent years, she founded WattleNest, a platform connecting athletes with businesses to support career development beyond sport.
Speaking to The Greek Herald, she described receiving the honour as “both humbling and deeply emotional.”
“I have never done this work seeking recognition; the focus has always been on the people, communities and causes I have been privileged to support,” she said.
“Perhaps most of all, I think of my yiayia. She was a true community champion who believed deeply in helping others and giving back wherever she could.
“For me, the OAM is not a finish line. It is a reminder of the responsibility we all have to contribute to our communities and to create opportunities for others.”
Peter Dourios OAM
Peter Dourios received an OAM for “service to the Greek community of Melbourne.”
For more than five decades, Mr Dourios has dedicated himself to Greek Australian community organisations, veterans’ advocacy and grassroots volunteer work. His involvement began with South Melbourne Hellas Football Club during a transformative period for Greek Australian football and community identity in Melbourne.
He later became heavily involved in welfare and support organisations for seniors and veterans, particularly through the Australian Hellenic Ex-Servicemen and Reservists Association, where he has served since 1990. He has also supported church and community fundraising initiatives across Melbourne’s Greek community.
Speaking emotionally to The Greek Herald, Mr Dourios reflected on his decades of service.
“I am so honoured, and it brings me great joy. I have served our community as much as I could,” he said.
“What makes me happier is hearing the name of Greece being heard rather than my own.”
Esta Paschalidis-Chilas OAM
Ghestimani “Esta” Paschalidis-Chilas was awarded an OAM for “service to the multicultural community of New South Wales.”
A highly respected social worker, multicultural advocate and community leader, Ms Paschalidis-Chilas has spent more than three decades supporting migrants, refugees and vulnerable communities across Sydney.
As CEO of Canterbury City Community Centre (4Cs), she oversees programs assisting culturally diverse communities through social support, settlement services, women’s programs, seniors’ activities and community development initiatives. Under her leadership, the organisation has become a major hub for social inclusion and multicultural engagement in Sydney’s south-west.
She has also remained deeply connected to her Pontian heritage through leadership roles with Pontian organisations in Australia.
“My career allows me to connect with and support people from diverse backgrounds, many of whom have been newcomers to Australia,” she told The Greek Herald.
“Assisting people to settle well in Australia means a lot to me personally too, especially being a child of post-war migrants from Greece.”
She said her commitment to service was shaped by her family’s refugee history from Pontos.
“I feel my culture proudly and in honour of my paternal grandparents Thanasis & Ghestimani, who were forced to flee Pontos and settle in Greece as refugees,” she said.
“When a person like me is bestowed such an honour, I believe it helps us tell the whole story of modern Australia.”
Andrew Peter Satsia OAM
Canberra lawyer and community leader Andrew Peter Satsia received an OAM for “service to the community of Canberra.”
Mr Satsia has been instrumental in the development and governance of the Hellenic Club of Canberra, one of the capital’s largest and most influential community organisations. Over more than two decades, he has served in multiple leadership positions including President, Vice-President, Secretary and Director.
Beyond the club, he has remained closely involved with the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra and District, as well as Greek language education initiatives. Professionally, he has built a prominent legal career as principal of several Canberra-based legal and conveyancing firms.
“I see an OAM less as a personal achievement and more as a team accomplishment recognising the many people I have had the privilege to work alongside over the years,” he told The Greek Herald.
“One of the things I am most proud of is my involvement with the dedicated directors and senior staff of the Hellenic Club of Canberra.
“The Club continues to preserve and share the culture, values, heritage and Hellenism of our forefathers while contributing positively to the wider Canberra community.”
Matthew Vertzonis OAM CSM RFD
Matthew Vertzonis was awarded an OAM for “service to veterans and their families.”
A Lieutenant Colonel in the Australian Army Reserve for 46 years, Mr Vertzonis has dedicated much of his life to military service, veterans’ advocacy and community education.
Following his military career, he became deeply involved with the Returned and Services League and veterans’ support organisations, helping former servicemen and women navigate wellbeing support, social connection and Department of Veterans’ Affairs claims.
He also played a major role in the creation of the Willoughby Memorial Park in Sydney, an educational and commemorative space honouring veterans and designed to teach younger generations about military service and sacrifice.
“It’s nice to be recognised for whatever you do,” he told The Greek Herald.
“But there are a lot of people like me who help out in the veterans community.
“I take it as a form of recognition in the wider community of the support that not just me but lots of others provide to our defence veterans.”
Reflecting on his ongoing work, he added: “While my health is still good, I’ll be working with the RSL and the veteran community.”
As investiture ceremonies are held around the country in coming months, this year’s honours once again highlight the enormous contribution Greek Australians continue to make across every sphere of Australian life – from academia and medicine to multiculturalism, community leadership and public service.
