Bill Papastergiadis OAM pays tribute to the late Nick Andrianakos

·

By Bill Papastergiadis OAM*

Nick Andrianakos was a giant amongst us. His relationship with me spanned a friendship, legal services and community benefactor. At all times, he was warm, generous and simply a delight to be around. His stories of his journey and success in Australia are the stuff of legends. 

From a suitcase on his arrival in Australia to billionaire. However, importantly, his financial success was not the measure of him. His compassion and generosity is what drove him. He had a deep appreciation of family and our community. He was proudest when he spoke about his children (Theo, Paul, Vicky and Christina) and grandchildren.

Nick was one of the first people I met when I became President of the Greek Community of Melbourne.  In fact, soon after that first meeting, I invited Nick for a coffee to discuss a vision we had to build a multi-purpose hall at Alphington Grammar. As we sat down 15 years ago and I explained the project, I said to Nick somewhat timidly, “do you think you could support the project, say with a donation of $250,000?”.  Nick immediately thrust his hand forward and I, without knowing the outcome of this, also extended my hand, to which Nick then replied “done.”  

That was it. A 5-minute conversation was all it took for Nick to be sold on a project for the betterment of our school program. However, this support underscored Nick’s passion for education. For him, he lamented not having finished high school in Greece. Nick could see the benefits that education brought and he wanted to invest in it for the benefit of others. 

Greek Australian billionaire Nikos Andrianakos passes away at 81
Nick Andrianakos. Photo: Athina Souli.

In that regard, Nick was so proud of his brother who was a leading medical doctor in Greece. I recall how he cried on the phone when I called him to extend my condolences a few years ago when his brother passed away. Nick was not afraid to show his emotions as his love for family was complete. That day, Nick said to me on the phone, “you cannot replace blood. My brother was my blood, and I feel lost without him.”

In recent years, Nick spent a large part of his time in Greece. He had acquired a hotel in Nafplio and when I asked a few months ago, whilst he showed me around the hotel, where he found the energy for the redevelopment, he replied, “I love the country of my birth and I want to support Greece as much as I can. It’s hard to do business here but its my duty.” Again, his motives were totally altruistic. Nick wanted to help others wherever he was.

Nick will remain forever with us through his legacy and the multi-purpose hall at Alphington Grammar, which proudly bears his name.

*President of the Greek Community of Melbourne

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

European Parliament rejects resumption of Turkey’s EU accession talks

The European Parliament voted on Wednesday, May 7, to maintain its position against restarting EU accession talks with Turkey.

Dirt bike rider shocked after being charged over burnout in front of police in Sutherland

Ryan Findanis, 22, was charged with reckless driving after pedestrians saw him ripping through a 10km/h shared zone on Eton St, Sutherland in his Subaru BRZ

Greek Australian Emmanuel Pavlis signs with GD Chaves in Portugal

Young Greek Australian Emmanuel Pavlis has signed with the first division Portuguese football club, GD Chaves.