The Cyprus Community of New South Wales will host its inaugural Australia Cyprus Achievement Awards this month, marking a landmark new national event celebrating service, contribution and gratitude to Australia.
The Awards will be presented as part of the Community’s first Australia Thanksgiving Gathering, to be held on Thursday, 26 February 2026, at the Chau Chak Wing Museum, located at the University of Sydney.
The event will recognise Australians — including individuals and families — whose work and service have enriched the social, cultural, humanitarian, intellectual and civic life of the nation, while reflecting the enduring values of the Cypriot community.
Honorary President of the Cyprus Community of NSW, Michael Peters Kyriacou, said the Awards honour more than a century of Cypriot contribution to Australia and provide a moment to publicly express gratitude to the country that welcomed successive generations of migrants.
“This is a moment to say thank you — to Australia, and to the Australians who have quietly helped build our society through service, integrity and commitment to others,” Mr Kyriacou said.
“The Australia Cyprus Achievement Awards recognise people who lead without seeking recognition, whose impact extends well beyond their own community, and whose values strengthen Australia as a nation.”
A date of shared historical significance
The choice of February 26 holds deep symbolic meaning for both Australia and Cyprus.
On 26 February 1788, key foundations of modern Australia were established, including the colony’s first civil court and early structures of civil society. On 26 February 1959, the London–Zurich Agreements were signed, paving the way for the independence of the Republic of Cyprus.
The shared date reflects a moment of beginnings for both nations and underpins the Cyprus Community’s decision to hold the Australia Thanksgiving Gathering and Achievement Awards annually on this day.
An invitation to the community
Honorary Assistant Secretary of the Cyprus Community of NSW, Andrew Paschali, described the gathering as a national moment of reflection and unity.
“This is our first Australia Thanksgiving Gathering — a time of gratitude, reflection and pride,” he said.
“It is an opportunity for families, including children and grandchildren, to come together and celebrate Australia, while honouring achievers who have made a lasting difference to our Community and to the nation.”
The Awards will be presented annually and are open to any Australian resident who has made an outstanding contribution to the social, cultural, economic, scientific or intellectual life of Australia, promoting national cohesion and wellbeing.
Members, friends and supporters of the Cyprus Community are warmly encouraged to attend and participate in what is set to become a signature annual event on the national calendar.
Event Details
- Event: Australia Cyprus Achievement Awards & Australia Thanksgiving Gathering
- Venue: Chau Chak Wing Museum, The University of Sydney
- Date: Thursday, 26 February 2026
- Time: 6.30pm
- Bookings: www.thecyprusclub.org.au/awards
