AHEPA Australia held its 70th National Convention in Canberra from March 14 to 16, with over 50 delegates in attendance, both in person and via Zoom, representing Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory.
The event took place at the Hellenic Club of Canberra at Woden, with business sessions held at the Hellenic Club in the City.
Among the distinguished attendees were Stavros Venizelos, Ambassador of Greece to Australia, and Antonis Sammoutis, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia.
They both acknowledged the significant contributions of Greek Australians in Canberra, emphasising how generations of Greek Australians have enriched local communities with cultural traditions, and have remained dedicated to democracy, prosperity, and peace.
They also highlighted AHEPA’s core values, including individual excellence, support for education, philanthropy, family, and civic responsibility.
Sophia Notaras, National President of AHEPA Australia, expressed her pride in the convention’s success, commending the members for their harmonious and productive discussions.
“It is a testament to the resilience and invaluable community work performed by AHEPA that after 90 years, it remains active across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory,” she said.
The convention reflected on AHEPA’s rich history, recalling the days when members travelled interstate or even to Greece for conventions, enjoying both business and camaraderie.
While there have been differing opinions over the years, the respect for AHEPA’s values remains strong across all members, regardless of their location.
One of the key outcomes of the convention was an agreement to review the organisation’s constitution, with efforts to unify and strengthen the National Lodge moving forward.
Members also discussed strategies to restore cooperation across all states and territories, aiming to reignite the spirit of the original AHEPA.
With strong support from the Hellenic Club and ACT members, the 70th National Convention set the stage for AHEPA’s continued growth and success, ensuring it will thrive for years to come.
