A new era is unfolding at AHEPA Sydney & NSW, as Nia Gitsas steps into the presidency – the first woman to lead the organisation in New South Wales – at a moment many see as both a turning point and an opportunity for renewal.
Elected after a closely contested vote and following a period of internal challenges, Ms Gitsas represents a generational shift in leadership, one she describes as “an incredible honour” and a reflection of AHEPA’s growing commitment to inclusivity and progress.
In an interview with The Greek Herald, she outlined a vision focused on rebuilding trust, strengthening engagement and reimagining the organisation’s role in a changing community – with a particular emphasis on empowering younger Greek Australians and creating a more dynamic, forward-looking AHEPA grounded in education, culture and philanthropy.
You have been elected as the first female President of AHEPA NSW and Sydney. How does that feel? What are your plans for the future of the organisation?
It is an incredible honour to serve as the first female President of AHEPA NSW & Sydney. This milestone is both personally meaningful and symbolic of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity, progress, and the evolving role of women in leadership. I feel deeply grateful for the trust placed in me from the members, and I am inspired by the opportunity to build on the rich legacy of the association.
Please note there is also a female interim vice-president Charoulla Themistocleous, a dedicated educator of Modern Greek and a founding member of the Australian Hellenic Educators’ Association.
Looking ahead, my focus is on strengthening AHEPA’s impact across our community. The first big challenge is the Ode to Freedom exhibition commemorating 200 years from the Exodus of Messolonghi at NSW Parliament under the auspices of the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney and with the support of the Hon Steve Kamper, NSW Minister for Multiculturism.
AHEPA Sydney & NSW has signalled a renewed focus on philanthropy, education and culture. How would you describe this new chapter for the organisation, and why was now the right time for a reset?
Through our three newly formed Special Interest Groups (Education and Sports, Culture and Philanthropy), we will continue to promote Greek culture, empower the next generation, and foster greater civic participation. Ultimately, my vision is for AHEPA to remain a dynamic, inclusive, and forward‑looking organisation – one that honours its heritage while embracing the needs and aspirations of the future.
The introduction of clearer focus areas reflects a more structured approach. How does this new framework help AHEPA Sydney & NSW be more effective and relevant in 2026 and beyond?
The new framework – anchored by the three Special Interest Groups – allows us to operate in a more streamlined and efficient way, with each Special Interest Group driving targeted initiatives rather than dispersing our efforts across competing priorities. This clarity not only enhances our organisational effectiveness, but also ensures that our work remains relevant and responsive to the needs of our community in 2026 and beyond.
Importantly, I hope that the Special Interest Group model will create accessible entry points for younger members, especially those from a wide range of professional backgrounds whose skills and expertise can meaningfully contribute to AHEPA’s future. By empowering members to participate in areas that align with their interests and strengths, we foster deeper engagement, encourage fresh ideas, and build a more dynamic and sustainable organisation for the next generation.
Philanthropy has been positioned as a central pillar of the organisation. What role do you see AHEPA Sydney & NSW playing in addressing community needs, both locally and through broader causes?
Philanthropy is firmly embedded in AHEPA Sydney & NSW’s direction. The Special Interest Group Philanthropy High Tea on March 8 was an outstanding success, bringing the community together in a warm and inspiring celebration of generosity. The event raised an impressive $10,000 to support the cancer research projects of Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos, Head of RMIT’s Longevity and Chronic Diseases Program, reflecting the deep commitment of members, sponsors and supporters. I am really excited to see the new scopes they put forward.
Engaging younger Greek Australians is a challenge many community organisations face. How is AHEPA NSW re-thinking its approach to education, youth involvement and long-term membership?
Engaging younger Greek Australians is a challenge faced not only by AHEPA Sydney & NSW, but by many Greek associations across Australia and the diaspora more broadly. Shifting demographics, changing social habits and evolving expectations mean that traditional models of participation no longer resonate in the same way they once did. We need to rethink how we connect with younger generations in a more meaningful and relevant way.
I personally believe our approach should centre on education, inclusion and purpose. We need to give the opportunity to young Greek Australians to connect with their heritage with issues that matter to them today, such as leadership, civic responsibility, cultural identity and community service. We need to give them project-based involvement that will allow them to contribute their skills, ideas and perspectives from the outset.
Cultural preservation cannot rely on nostalgia alone. How will AHEPA Sydney & NSW promote Greek culture in ways that resonate with contemporary, multicultural Australia?
In a contemporary, multicultural Australia, Greek culture must be lived, shared and re‑interpreted in ways that speak to today’s communities and future generations. While honouring our history remains essential, our focus should equally be on relevance, inclusion and participation.
I firmly believe that a central part of this approach is creating genuine opportunities for younger people and actively supporting them. Personally, I will advocate for AHEPA Sydney & NSW to give young Greek Australians the space, trust and resources to contribute their voices, ideas and skills – whether through cultural projects, education initiatives, leadership pathways or creative expression. When younger generations are empowered to shape how culture is presented and experienced, it becomes dynamic rather than static.
By investing in youth, embracing modern forms of storytelling and encouraging cross‑cultural engagement, I believe Greek culture will remain meaningful, accessible and forward‑looking -resonating not only with those of Greek heritage, but with the wider Australian society as a whole.
For readers interested in getting involved, what activities or events does AHEPA NSW have planned in the near future?
The most significant and immediate opportunity is the Ode to Freedom exhibition commemorating 200 years from the Exodus of Messolonghi, being presented at NSW Parliament from 5 to 28 May, weekdays 9:00am-5:00pm with free entry. This exhibition under the auspices of the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney and with the support of the Hon Steve Kamper, NSW Minister for Multiculturism, represents a major cultural and historical initiative for our organisation, bringing together art, history and democratic values and underlying the deep connections between Australia and Greece, in one of the state’s most important civic spaces.
We strongly encourage Greek Australians – and the wider public alike – to visit Ode to Freedom during this period. It is not only the centrepiece of our current program of activities, but also a gateway to understanding AHEPA Sydney & NSW’s mission to promote Greek heritage, historical awareness and civic engagement.
How important is collaboration with other Greek, Cypriot and multicultural organisations in NSW, and what does meaningful partnership look like under this renewed direction?
I am of the opinion that collaboration with other Greek and multicultural organisations in NSW is absolutely essential to AHEPA’s renewed direction. Our community is strongest when we work collectively, share resources, and amplify each other’s initiatives. Meaningful partnerships go beyond symbolic gestures – they involve open communication, joint planning, and a shared commitment to advancing cultural, educational, and social outcomes for all communities we serve. It also aligns with our desire to engage younger generations, who value collaboration, inclusivity, and cross‑cultural connection. By working closely with other organisations, we ensure that AHEPA remains relevant, outward‑looking, and deeply connected to the fabric of modern Australian society.
AHEPA Sydney & NSW has experienced well-documented internal challenges in recent years. How has that period informed the organisation’s focus on unity, governance and moving forward?
Without a doubt, AHEPA has endured significant hardships in recent years, particularly during the period of court cases that placed considerable strain on the organisation. These challenges have tested our resilience and unity, and without a doubt disappointed many of our members who decided to distance themselves. Restructuring the association and forming the three Special Interest Groups (Educations & Sports, Culture and Philanthropy) was a step to try and make the organisation more efficient and set a restart button.
For members and supporters who may have stepped back in recent years, what would you say to reassure them about AHEPA NSW’s stability, direction and leadership today?
For those members and supporters who may have stepped back in recent years, I want to reassure them that my vision for the organisation is to operate with full transparency. We have emerged from past challenges and I am committed to do everything I can to rebuild trust and strengthening our organisation.
As a younger member, I come to this role free from past conflicts – neutral, open‑minded, and focused solely on the future. My hope is that they will see in me a fresh face and an inclusive approach that they can believe in again. I am deeply committed to fostering an environment where every member feels respected, valued, and welcomed back.
Finally, what message would you like to share with the Greek Australian community about AHEPA NSW’s role, relevance and vision moving forward?
My personal message to the Greek Australian community is simple: our greatest strength lies in our unity. As AHEPA Sydney & NSW continues to expand its philanthropic impact, cultural engagement and educational initiatives, none of this progress is possible without the collective support, shared vision and active participation of the members and the community. By standing together – across generations, backgrounds and local communities – we ensure that our Greek values not only endure but continue to uplift and inspire younger generations.
