A plaque in honour of the late Michael Galanakis was unveiled at the Greek Community Home for the Aged in Earlwood, Sydney on Thursday, December 7.
Mr Galanakis, a migrant from the Greek island of Crete, passed away on November 29, 2019 in Sydney at the age of 92.
The plaque honoured Mr Galanakis after he bequeathed in his will a significant amount of funds to the Earlwood aged care home, which is run by the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW).
During the unveiling ceremony on Thursday, the GOCNSW President Harry Danalis explained how he had been working closely for the past two years with lawyer and Chairman at St Basil’s NSW / ACT, James Jordan, to interpret Mr Galanakis’ will and execute his wishes.
Ultimately, it was decided that some of Mr Galanakis’ assets would be given to his family, whilst the remainder would be donated to the Greek Community Home for the Aged to improve its services and facilities.
In his speech, Mr Jordan said whilst the legal situation was “very difficult” there was a “good conclusion.”
“We, the Greek community here in Sydney, aren’t used to making bequests. This gentleman from Crete, came out in the 50s, uneducated, thought it was a good thing to make a bequest to a community group,” Mr Jordan explained, while encouraging others to consider supporting aged care homes as well.
After the unveiling, the plaque will remain on display at the Greek Community Home for the Aged.
