The Athenian Association of NSW Inc. has today announced the winners of the Athenian Hellenic Achievement Award for 2020 and 2021.
“The Athenian Hellenic Achievement Award recognises those individuals and organisations making a positive contribution to Hellenic culture, language and the community from the Diaspora and from the wider community within Australia,” President of the Association, Cathy Valis, said.
“The Award celebrates achievement and contribution in continuing the Greek culture, language and community engagement of future Australian Greek generations. It is important that we recognise such people and admire those brave enough to create a difference.”
Greece is well recognised as having laid the foundations of western civilisation that the world lives by today. The golden age of classical Athens delivered lasting contributions in the Arts, Medicine, Law, Politics, Education, Language and the Sciences.
The 2021 Award will be presented to Mr Harry Danalis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW).
Mr Danalis has a made a significant contribution to the Greek Community over many years in his role
as President of GOCNSW.
In addition, the 2020 Award will also be awarded this year. It goes to Dr Panagiotis Diamadis, current Secretary of AHEPA NSW. Dr Diamadis is well recognised for his long-standing contribution as a historian of Greek immigration to Australia, documenting the stories that have shaped the community.
This Award was unable to be awarded last year due to the COVID restrictions.
Mrs Valis said: “We seek nominations from the community beginning in April each year and determine every nominee’s qualification via a set of standards including ethics and the actual contribution that they have been nominated for.”
The Athenian Association of NSW Inc. believes this Award is a window on the Greek community of Australia and the programmes and events that are shaping the diaspora.
The Association encourages people from all parts of Greece and Australia to become members of the Association and to further our Hellenic ideals.
The Awards will be presented at the annual Athenian Association Lunch to be held at The Grand Roxy, at Brighton Le Sands on 5 June 2022.
