On Thursday, February 16, the Greek Australian Society (GAS) held its first meeting of the newly-elected Board, electing its first female President in Ellie Stamatelatos for the next two-year term.
Sydney-based Miss Stamatelatos previously served in the Greek Australian community as President of Hellsoc UNSW, and currently serves as Adviser to the NSW Minister for Health.
Peter Dracakis was elected as Vice President, while returned members John Georgaklis and George Mpliokas were appointed Treasurer and Secretary, respectively.
Outgoing President, George Psihoyios, remains on the General Committee, as does returned member Constance Piperides.
Melbourne-based GAS Mentoring Program mentee, Apollonas Karakaidos, and Sydney-based mentors, Eleni Tatsis and Stella Drivas, were also elected to the Board for the first time.
The appointments follow the recent GAS Annual General Meeting (AGM) on January 30, where more than 50 Greek Australians and Philhellenes took part nationwide, and also saw the election of GAS’ first Brisbane-based Board member in Mr Dracakis.
For the first time, the GAS Board includes representatives from three Australian states, increasing the national outreach and highlighting continued organisational expansion across Australia.
Outgoing President, George Psihoyios, said: “I wish to acknowledge and pay tribute to those that I served alongside with in the inaugural 2021-2023 GAS Board and supported me in my capacity as GAS’ inaugural President and as a fellow co-founder.”
“I am absolutely thrilled to not only have Ms Stamatelatos elected to our 2023-2025 Board, but I am also comforted by her humble and considerate acceptance of our Board’s unanimous nomination for the role of President,” he said.
“I wish Ellie all the very best and commit myself to working closely alongside her and the GAS team.”
Incoming President, Ellie Stamatelatos, said: “I am humbled and honoured to be appointed President of this esteemed community organisation that has only grown from strength to strength in recent years.”
“I look forward to working collaboratively with our members and the wider Greek Australian community to continue to preserve and promote our rich cultural heritage while also addressing the evolving nature of our community,” she said.
“Together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive and cohesive future where everyone who identifies as Greek Australian feels welcomed and valued.”
