A room full of community leaders, business figures and dignitaries gathered in Sydney’s CBD on Tuesday, March 3, for a welcome reception honouring Greece’s newly appointed Consul General in Sydney, George Skemperis, and the newly arrived Counsellor for Economic and Trade Affairs and Head of the Office for Economic and Commercial Affairs, Christina Stefanidou.
Hosted by Business Sydney in partnership with the Hellenic Club of Sydney and supported by the Dedes Waterfront Group, the reception took place at Events by Alpha, 238 Castlereagh Street, with guests invited to mark the beginning of the new diplomatic tenure – and to signal a renewed focus on cultural ties, community engagement and deeper economic collaboration between Greece and Australia.
Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou opened the evening by encouraging guests to move forward, connect, and embrace the moment – inviting attendees to share a hug for Sydney and another for Greece before the formalities began.
The reception then moved to a ceremonial opening, with guests standing for the Greek National Anthem followed by the Australian National Anthem, underscoring the dual identity and enduring bonds that have shaped Greek-Australian life for generations.
In welcoming the room, Nicolaou acknowledged a strong cross-section of public life and community leadership, including His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis (representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia), Courtney Houssos MLC (attending on behalf of the NSW Government), along with senior figures from across civic and community institutions, representatives of Greek Australian organisations, and Greek Australian media.
Nicolaou described the occasion as more than a formal welcome – framing it as a chance to strengthen relationships and expand trade, investment and cultural exchange.
“The ties between Greece and New South Wales and Sydney run deep,” he said, pointing to the community’s contribution across enterprise, education, tourism, shipping, and civic life. He emphasised that the reception was also about “creating new partnerships” and “looking ahead.”
Bishop Iakovos delivered a brief welcome on behalf of Archbishop Makarios, offering blessings for the new diplomatic appointments and reaffirming the Church’s ongoing support for initiatives that serve the Greek diaspora and strengthen the bonds between Australia and Greece.
Minister Houssos offered a welcome on behalf of the NSW Government, acknowledging the importance of the Greek Australian community to the state and noting the value of strong relationships between government, community and Greece’s representatives.
She said the NSW Government looked forward to continuing to foster cultural and economic ties, emphasising that diplomacy is supported not only through formal relationships, but also through the personal connections built within community life.
A proud house with deep Sydney history
Hellenic Club of Sydney President Nick Hatzistergos welcomed guests into what he described as the community’s “house” and “home,” outlining the building’s layered significance – both as a Greek Australian landmark and as part of broader Sydney heritage.
He recounted the site’s history dating back to the late 1800s, noting its earlier life as the Protestant Hall and the building’s long-standing role as a central gathering place for Greek Australian community life in the CBD. He also spoke candidly about the club’s challenges following COVID, crediting board unity and a strengthened partnership with the Dedes Waterfront Group as key to stabilising and rebuilding.
Hatzistergos announced that 2026 marks the Hellenic Club’s centenary, flagging plans for a centenary ball on 24 October 2026 at the Hyatt Regency, and encouraged non-members to consider joining—positioning membership not only as a benefit, but as participation in an institution that has served the diaspora for a century.
Consul General Skemperis: Humour, community connection, and priorities ahead
Taking the stage, Consul General Mr Skemperis combined humour with directness, reflecting on his first six months in Sydney as a period of intense engagement across community, government and business.
He spoke openly about the growing demand for consular services in recent years and acknowledged community frustration around processing times – flagging that addressing service delivery and improving public information are priorities for his tenure.
Skemperis noted that work is underway to strengthen capability and streamline processes, including closer collaboration with community organisations and better guidance for applicants to help reduce delays.
He also referenced preparations underway for several key cultural and diplomatic engagements in the months ahead, including the possibility of a visit by the Greek Prime Minister later in March, subject to international developments.
Trade Commissioner Stefanidou: A ‘matchmaking point’ for business
Trade Commissioner Christina Stefanidou, who has served in international postings for more than three decades and has recently arrived in Sydney, spoke about the strong appetite she has already observed within the Greek Australian community to remain closely connected with Greece.
She outlined the breadth of her office’s remit – covering not only Australia, but also New Zealand and Pacific jurisdictions – and described the Office for Economic and Commercial Affairs as a business matchmaking hub.
Stefanidou emphasised that the office supports companies seeking trade partners and connections, facilitating networking and information flows, and encouraged ongoing engagement with the community and industry leaders.
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks from Hellenic Club Board Member Christine Kanellakis, who acknowledged the speakers, organisers and community members for their role in making the reception a successful and meaningful occasion.
Following a brief Q&A, guests remained to share drinks and canapés, continuing conversations across community, government and business – many reflecting the same message that framed the evening: that the Greek Australian relationship is not only cultural and historical, but also forward-looking, practical, and built through people.
