The Hellenic Club Sydney held their Annual General Meeting on Sunday 24th of November at 12.30pm at the Beta Bar, in which they honoured the service of Mr Peter Andrews, Fred Salaras and John Grapsas.
The members below were made life members on Sunday and the other two existing life members, Steve Vlahos and Theo Papoulias, also received medallions on the day.
Peter Andrews:
– Board Member from 1973 – 1993
– Vice President: 1977 – 1979
– President: 1979, 1988- 1993
– Treasurer: 1981 – 1982 and 1983 – 1985.
Peter Andrews joined in 1968 and has served on the board of the Hellenic Club for over 20 years. He was instrumental in the visionary decision to purchase the Castlereagh St portion from the Australian Workers Union, where the Alpha and Beta Bar & Gallery now stands.
Panagiotis Androutsopoulos arrived in Australia in 1951 from Akrata as a 13 year old boy. He was unable to speak English or spell his own name. He was the founder of Andrews Meats, now Andrews Meat Industries.
“The success of the business was underpinned by Peter Andrew’s fundamental values of hard work, integrity, service, quality and people,” said John Camino, Vice President of the club, about Andrews.
John Camino then commended Andrews acquisition of 238 – 240 Castlereagh Street, which benefitted the future of the club, “It was those decisions, with the foresight, which have played an integral part in developing and progressing the Club.”
Fred Sarlas:
– Board member from 2001 – 2003
Joining the club in 1979, Fred Sarlas has been a continuous long standing member of the club for over 40 years and served on the Board of Directors between 2001-2003. In both capacities, Fred acquitted himself with distinction, selflessness & pride in the Club’s achievements.
“He (Fred) was not one for the limelight and has preferred to work in the background, but in doing so he has assisted & enabled others to accomplish deeds for which the credit is as much his as theirs,” said Nick Pappas, a board member of the Hellenic Club.
John Grapsas:
– Board member from 1986 – 2001
– Vice President: 1993-1994 and 1995-1998
John is one of the oldest members of the club, joining in 1962, and was repeatedly commended for the support he gave to the club mentally and financially.
Joining the board in 1986, he remained on the board for 15 years, as well as having the honour to be a consultant in the Hellenic Club.
George Katsaros, treasurer of the club, thanked him on behalf of the Council and Club Members for his long standing service, as well as being one of the key influencers for him joining the club.
The Hellenic clubs most recent accomplishments include bringing to Australia the Greek Presidential Guards (Evzones) to march on Anzac Day, honouring the Anzacs and Nurses who served in and through Greece.
The Hellenic Club has revitalised itself over the last decade with a sustainable organic strategy underpinned by the Alpha Restaurant and Beta Bar. In the near future, the club intends to further renovate two additional function levels to expand the community facilities. The Hellenic Club is still the only club created by immigrants that still has a presence in the Sydney CBD.
