The Cyprus Community of NSW has announced the launch of a new online Volunteer Hub to connect members and the wider public with charitable initiatives supported by the community in Australia and abroad, following the strong response to the recent Australia–Cyprus Achievement Awards.
The announcement follows the awards evening held on 26 February at the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, which drew nearly 200 guests despite strong winds and heavy rain.
The elegant celebration of Cypriot achievement and community spirit, accompanied by traditional Cypriot music, recognised outstanding members of the community while also highlighting the growing role of younger generations through the Jack Passaris Memorial Award and the Chrysanthi Kyriacou medals.
In the weeks following the event, the Community reported a significant increase in enquiries from people interested in joining the organisation and volunteering in charitable initiatives.
To coordinate this growing interest, the Community has launched a Volunteer Hub on its website, allowing members and the wider public to register and participate in community and charitable activities.
Honorary President Michael Kyriacou said the Volunteer Hub is designed to be accessible to people of all ages who care about their community.
“This initiative is open to everyone. People can contribute as little or as much as they like — by lending a hand, spreading the word or simply helping out where they can,” he said.
“It’s about making it easy for people to get involved and make a difference.”
Honorary Secretary Kyriakos Panayi said the new platform will also make it easier for people to participate in charitable activities.
“Members and anyone keen to help can go online, see where help is needed and register to volunteer. They can also suggest charities they would like the Community to support,” he said.
The Cyprus Community currently supports more than a dozen charitable initiatives in Australia and overseas, reflecting its commitment to service, culture and social support.
One such initiative is A Touch of Kindness, founded by community member Con Theocharides. Each Wednesday at Martin Place in Sydney, volunteers provide food, clothing and support to more than 500 people experiencing hardship.
The Community also supports Greek language education and traditional dance programmes for young people, welfare activities for elderly members and charitable organisations such as the Steve Waugh Foundation, which assists families living with rare diseases.
Other volunteer opportunities being developed include participation in archaeological excavations and cultural heritage projects in Cyprus, reflecting the Community’s growing engagement with cultural and academic institutions.
Interest in volunteering has already begun to grow among younger members, with students from the Cyprus Community dancing school stepping forward to assist in upcoming charitable activities.
Mr Kyriacou said the initiative reflects a broader shift in how the Community sees its role.
“Community is about helping each other, but it is also about helping the broader Australian society,” he said.
“In the past, community organisations often focused mainly on social gatherings, dancing and cultural events. Those things are important, but they cannot be the only purpose of a community organisation.”
Mr Kyriacou said the Community is evolving to reflect the expectations of a new generation.
“Our new, more dynamic community is far more engaging, inclusive and innovative. We are listening to our stakeholders — they want different facilities, different services and new opportunities,” he said.
“People don’t simply want to join an organisation to eat, drink and listen to music. They want to be engaged. They want to contribute, learn, travel, network and connect with opportunities both in Australia and overseas.
“Families also want their children to learn about life in Australia — about empathy, caring for others, being less self-centred and more community-minded.
“It’s about building connections and creating opportunities for people to contribute, help others, learn and be part of a living, growing community.
“We are not stale and we are not living in the past. We honour our pioneers and preserve our heritage, but we must also remain relevant and inclusive.”
Community representatives said the Volunteer Hub also reflects the organisation’s broader role in strengthening connections between Australia and Cyprus through cultural, educational and charitable initiatives.
They added that the initiative forms part of a broader renewal within the organisation, focused on engagement, openness and creating meaningful opportunities for members and the wider community to participate.
For further information or to register as a volunteer, visit www.thecyprusclub.org.au/volunteer
