The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) proudly hosted the Dionysios Solomos Awards 2026, as part of the 44th Greek Festival of Sydney, recognising outstanding academic achievement in Modern and Classical Greek across New South Wales.
Held at The University of Sydney, the annual awards ceremony honoured top-performing students in the 2025 Higher School Certificate (HSC), alongside high-achieving students from the Community’s Afternoon and Saturday Greek Schools.
The initiative continues to promote excellence in Greek language studies, with the support of the NSW Education Standards Authority.
Named in honour of Greece’s national poet Dionysios Solomos, author of the Hymn to Freedom, the awards highlight the enduring significance of language as a cornerstone of cultural identity and heritage.
The ceremony was led by Master of Ceremonies Maria Kakali, with the national anthems of Greece and Australia performed by students of the GOCNSW Greek Afternoon and Saturday Schools.
Distinguished speakers included: George Skemperis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney; Con Apoifis, President of the GOCNSW; and Professor Vrasidas Karalis, Sir Nicholas Laurantus Chair in Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies at The University of Sydney.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Panayiota Varvaressos, who achieved 1st place in HSC Modern Greek Continuers.
Top achievers included:
- Kristy Diakou – 1st in Modern Greek Beginners
- Panagiota Varvaressos – 1st in Modern Greek Continuers
- George Moisidis – 1st in Modern Greek Extension
- William Chung – 1st in Classical Greek (Continuers & Extension)
Special awards were also presented to first-place achievers in each category, alongside the 2025 Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Modern Greek, recognising Highly Commended, Commended, and Merit recipients.
The success of the Dionysios Solomos Awards is made possible through the generous support of sponsors and community organisations committed to Greek language education. Special recognition was given to Jim Ronis OAM, major sponsor of the Dionysios Solomos Awards, and Harry Mavrolefteros, sponsor of the awards.
In addition, awards were presented in collaboration with community organisations, including:
- Hellenic Writers’ and Artists’ Association of Australia Inc., recognising primary school students for Conscientiousness and Diligence
- Vorion Dimon Spartis “Orea Eleni” of NSW and the Zakynthian Association of Sydney & NSW, presenting special awards to top HSC achievers
A representative from the NSW Department of Education Community Schools Language Programs presented recipients of the 2025 Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Modern Greek with Dionysios Solomos Awards.
The ceremony also honoured students from the GOCNSW Afternoon Schools, celebrating not only academic excellence but also dedication, perseverance, and a strong connection to Hellenic heritage.
These recognitions highlight the Community’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of Greek language learners and strengthening cultural identity within Australia.
In his opening address, Mr Apoifis, President of the GOCNSW, welcomed the audience and award recipients.
“It is with great pride that we gather here today to celebrate excellence in our language and culture. The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW plays a vital role in preserving our heritage here in Australia – our language, our traditions, and the achievements of our people,” Mr Apoifis said.
“Initiatives like the Dionysios Solomos Awards are essential in ensuring that our heritage remains strong, relevant, and connected to future generations. Through our young people, we see the future of Hellenism in Australia continuing to thrive.”
Mr Skemperis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney echoed this sentiment in his address.
“Learning the Greek language is important for two key reasons. Firstly, when you learn a new language, your mind opens – it broadens your thinking, deepens your understanding, and strengthens your ability to connect with the world. Secondly, without knowledge of the language, it is very difficult to truly understand Greece – its traditions, its history, and even its political life. Language is not just a means of communication; it is a gateway to culture, identity, and understanding,” Mr Skemperis said.
Professor Vrasidas Karalis also reflected on the broader meaning of Hellenism, stating: “As Isocrates once said, we do not call Greeks those who share the same origin, but those who share our culture. Greek identity is not defined solely by ancestry, but by language, education, and cultural values. It is something that can be embraced, learned, and lived – and this is what makes our culture timeless and universal.”
The Dionysios Solomos Awards continue to stand as a cornerstone of the Greek Festival of Sydney, reinforcing the importance of education, cultural continuity, and the celebration of Hellenic heritage in multicultural Australia.
 proudly hosted the Dionysios Solomos Awards 2026, as part of the 44th Greek Festival of Sydney.){kind=link}