The Monash Council has once again recognised outstanding individuals shaping their community, with the announcement of the 2025 Sir John Monash Awards during a formal ceremony at Monash University’s Alexander Theatre last week.
Among this year’s recipients was Dimosthenis Manasis, who was honoured under the ‘Multicultural Champion’ category for his ongoing dedication to celebrating cultural diversity through dance and community engagement.
Recognising community excellence
Each year, the Sir John Monash Awards celebrate residents and groups within the municipality who go above and beyond to make a difference.
Monash Mayor Paul Klisaris praised the recipients, saying:
“Since the Sir John Monash Awards started in 2014, we have had the pleasure of recognising over 500 people and groups who go the extra mile, dedicating themselves to our community. The awards recognise the contributions people give to others and are aptly named after Sir John Monash — one of Australia’s greatest heroes.”
A lifetime commitment to cultural connection
For Dimosthenis, this marks his third recognition through the awards program, having previously received High Commendations for the same category in 2017 and 2018.
Through his family’s MANASIS School of Greek Dance and Culture, Dimosthenis has spent decades fostering cross-cultural understanding and unity. His school has participated in and coordinated countless events, including the Clayton Community Festival, Live at Warrawee, and the Apokries Carnival Season Processions, as well as co-organising the inaugural Oakleigh Glendi over a decade ago.
Entirely self-funded, these initiatives have showcased Greek folk dance to wider audiences by collaborating with diverse cultural communities across Melbourne.
National and international recognition
As Australia’s only full-time professional Greek dance instructor, Dimosthenis has integrated Hellenic culture into spaces not traditionally associated with it — from local councils and government events to the AFL, NRL, A-League, major expos, philanthropic fundraisers, and performances with Indigenous Australian artists.
In 2024, he led the school’s first formal international project, “Destination Patrida”, a self-funded $300,000 tour of Greece. The initiative was officially recognised by DFAT, Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, and numerous government representatives.
During the tour, both Dimosthenis and the school were formally inducted as members of UNESCO’s Council of International Dance (CID) at its 61st World Congress — making MANASIS the only Greek cultural organisation in Australia to achieve this honour.
Bridging communities through dance
Beyond the stage, MANASIS has hosted Multicultural Folkloric Dance Concerts that bring together performers from diverse cultural and faith backgrounds. These events, attended by dignitaries including former Premiers and MPs, are entirely coordinated by Dimosthenis, who manages all artistic, technical, and financial elements.
His efforts have fostered understanding, harmony, and mutual respect among communities — particularly among youth.
