On August 23 at the Pontian Brotherhood of South Australia’s community hall in Adelaide, Pontian leaders came together to reflect on the achievements of the Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia and future proof their 36-year-old grassroots-led community organisation.
Outgoing President, Esta Paschalidis-Chilas, said: “I wanted my term as President to continue our decade long youth development effort, enhance our cultural pride, advance political engagement and strengthen the future of our Federation.”
The last two years saw an opportunity for over 200 people to travel to Tasmania and thank their Members of Parliament and community leaders for having the integrity to recognise the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocide.
Important steps were taken to further develop unity across Australia by warmly welcoming back Pontiaki Estia Melbourne and Pontian Brotherhood of Saint George Western Australia. This grows the number of Members to nine across Australia and extends the Federation’s support and partnership effort to Perth.
“With no public funding and the pure drive of our volunteer Committee of Management and our Members
at large, we have driven sustainability and a values based culture. Something we do as a committed group of community leaders,” Ms Paschalidis-Chilas said.
In a fresh and contemporary approach, the newly elected Executive Committee for 2025- 2027 will be taking a shared approach in some functions. This new way of working will ensure succession of the Federation’s youth, bring incoming leaders with new ideas and deepens commitment to true collaboration.
The Committee of Management will be led by Co-Presidents, Maria Anthony and Peter Papoulidis. Both long standing leaders from Sydney who provide continuity, energy and vision.
“As we enter an important phase of our Federation’s history, we are excited to continue the transition to our next generation. With an expanded Executive team and immediate past President staying on as Secretary, we are very well equipped to continue the work of those we came before us,” Ms Anthony and Mr Papoulidis said.
The Vice Presidency will be held by Harry Tsairis from Melbourne, a 27-year-old leader who is new to the Executive Committee.
The Secretary function will be carried out by Ms Paschalidis-Chilas with a new Executive leader, 25-year-old Myrto Makridis from Melbourne serving as Assistant Secretary.
The important area of Treasury will be shared by Angie Triandafilou from Canberra and Harry Tsipidis from Sydney, both established community leaders from our Member organisations and new to the Executive Committee.
The Federation’s Event Manager will be Voula Tsahouridis from Melbourne, also serving on the Executive Committee for the first time.
“The 2023-2025 Executive Committee and all our Member Representatives have done a stellar job in developing such a broad base of interest in our Federation. I could not be more excited to see what we achieve with the increased capability we have using a shared leadership model and with the contribution of our two new members,” Ms Paschalidis-Chilas said.
This year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) marked the retirement of Peter Stefanidis.
“After 20 years on the Federation, I have seen it on the brink of vanishing, yet I leave it with thriving and committed youth, a progressive Committee and a leadership second to none in the Greek community,” Mr Stefanidis said.
“It has been an honour to have served my people and my culture and I thank every one of my brothers and sisters for believing in me and the Federation. I can not wait to see what the future holds for the Pontian community in Australia.”
The 2025 AGM provided a meaningful opportunity to spend time with Pontian members in Adelaide, who have done an outstanding job enhancing the Brotherhood’s community hall with a new car park and commemorative pavers.
“As a past President of the Federation and the outgoing Vice President, it was my joy to welcome everyone to the Brotherhood. These visits uplift us all and reaffirm our commitment to the relationships forged through our Federation,” Mr Tavlaridis, President of the Pontian Brotherhood of South Australia, said.
