On Friday, July 11, the Greek Community Club in Lakemba, Sydney was filled with warmth, respect and heartfelt emotion as the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) hosted a special farewell reception for the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yannis Mallikourtis, and his wife, Christiana Stavrou.
Organised with meticulous care, the evening brought together a vibrant cross-section of the Greek Australian community – students, educators, community leaders and dignitaries – in a celebration of service, culture, and enduring friendships formed over the past three years.
Among the many honoured guests in attendance were Nicholas Varelas, Deputy High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia; the Hon Zhi Soon MP, Federal Member for Banks; the Hon Ash Ambihaipahar MP, Federal Member for Barton; Anastasia Christofilopoulou, First Secretary for Public Diplomacy, Consulate General of Greece in Sydney; and Bilal El-Hayek, Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown Council.
From the very beginning, the event spotlighted the youth, who stood front and centre as symbols of legacy and continuity. Students from GOCNSW’s Greek Afternoon and Saturday Schools proudly opened the night with a stirring rendition of the Greek and Australian national anthems, setting a powerful and emotional tone.
Later in the evening, two high school students shared poignant words in honour of Mr Mallikourtis. “You encouraged us to feel proud of our Greek language and homeland even though we are far away,” said Lia Pappas, while Emmanuel Kasadelis recited a moving farewell poem.
President of the Sydney University Greek Society (SUGS), Argyris Kallos, also gave a speech in Greek and English, thanking Mr Mallikourtis for the “intense passion behind his participation in student events” such as commemorations for the Polytechnic Uprising in 1973.
Youth engagement continued through art and creativity. One of the winners of the 43rd Greek Festival of Sydney’s Youth Arts Competition, Kosta Giitsidis, created an original painting as a tribute to the Consul General. Though Kosta could not attend, Nia Karteris, Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney, presented the gift, highlighting Mr Mallikourtis’ connection with the younger generation. Additionally, students presented a handmade token of appreciation created during their Greek language lessons.
A video slideshow highlighting Mr Mallikourtis’ past three years of support and collaboration with the GOCNSW also added a nice touch to the evening, drawing laughter from the crowd as fond memories were evoked.
In his remarks, GOCNSW President Harry Danalis reflected on the deep connection the Consul General had built with the Greek Australian community over his three-year tenure, and his active involvement in cultural and education initiatives. He noted that Mr Mallikourtis went above and beyond his official duties, attending a wide range of events – often even those he wasn’t formally invited to – simply out of genuine interest and support.
Mr Mallikourtis, visibly moved, reflected deeply on his time in Australia: “As a Greek diplomat who has never visited Australia before… I feel that I understood Greece much better from here.”
He continued: “The Greeks are a success story here in Australia, and their success is because they integrated very well… but also maintained their distinct characteristics, and they’re very proud of both homelands.”
The Consul General also praised the GOCNSW for its tireless efforts in promoting Greek culture beyond superficial stereotypes. He acknowledged the work of President Mr Danalis, Secretary Ms Karteris, Treasurer Chris Belerhas and others, highlighting their commitment to showcasing a richer and more nuanced understanding of Greek identity.
Mr Mallikourtis said that through events like the Greek Festival and the Greek Film Festival the GOCNSW has succeeded in presenting Greece not just as a tourist destination, but as a civilisation with deep cultural and historical roots – something he hadn’t expected to rediscover while living 15,000 kilometres from home.
He also spoke of the impact Australia had on his worldview, praising the country’s egalitarian values: “In Australia, you gain respect based on your accomplishments and achievements and not your title. It’s a society based on merit… This is something I take back.”
Political leaders echoed these sentiments. The Honourable Mark Coure MP, Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, praised the Consul General’s unwavering presence: “Your time in Sydney has been nothing but remarkable… you have really kept that Hellenic spirit alive and well and thriving here in New South Wales.”
The High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis delivered a particularly personal farewell, describing Mr Mallikourtis not just as a distinguished colleague, but as a dear friend. Despite being on holiday in Melbourne, he flew back especially to attend the event, underscoring the depth of their friendship.
Mr Sammoutis reflected on Mr Mallikourtis’ unique bond with Cyprus, noting that he had “by choice, served his military service in Cyprus” – a gesture that, Sammoutis said, “honours us.”
With humour and heartfelt sincerity, the High Commissioner expressed his hope that Mr Mallikourtis would soon be promoted to Ambassador and serve in another diaspora community as vibrant and dynamic as Australia’s, while also finally enjoying more time with his family in Greece.
“We don’t say goodbye,” he concluded. “I’m sure our paths will cross again.”
As the evening drew to a close, students from the community’s Greek dance program, under instruction by Paroula Thurban, took to the stage with a joyful, traditional performance that encapsulated the spirit of the night – honouring the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the future.
As Mr Mallikourtis prepares to return to Greece, one message rang loud and clear from all who spoke: his legacy will live on in the vibrant youth he empowered and the bridges he built between Greece and Australia.
“As your journey now takes you to new horizons,” MC Vicki Tomaras concluded, “know that your presence will be missed, but your legacy will remain. You leave behind a community stronger, prouder, and more united.”
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
