By Zoe Anastassiades
The Hellenic Club and HACCI NSW hosted an event at The Hellenic Club, Beta Bar, to honour the appointment of The Honourable Arthur Sinodinos, as the first Greek/Australian Ambassador to the United States.
All proceeds of the event went to The Cancer Council Australia and St Andrews Theological College.
Master of Ceremonies John Mangos moderated the event and welcomed The Honourable Arthur Sinodinos to address the attendees.
The Consul General for Greece Christos Karras, Hellenic Club President Nick Hatzistergos and HACCI NSW President George Mavrakis all spoke highly of the Ambassador’s character and rapport across party members.
Nick Hatzistergos described the Ambassador’s intellect, “as downright scary.”
Arthur Sinodinos, born in Newcastle and the son of Greek immigrants studied a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Newcastle and notably was Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Howard.
Mr Sinodinos worked across various offices in Australian government.
READ MORE: The Greek Herald’s EXCLUSIVE Interview with Arthur Sinodinos
The event included a Q&A section where guests had the opportunity to question the Ambassador on his new role, what he hopes to achieve and how he will maintain Australia’s relationship with President Trump.
Whilst the Ambassador knows “our power is much greater together than apart” he is not naive to the difficulties he will face with current trade tensions between the United States and China.
Mr Sinodinos said: “Some of the rules are being undermined.”
However, the Ambassador vowed to work diligently with the United States Government and the community in, “continuing to persuade people about trade and openness,” and “actually meet some of the people that have been affected by change.”
Mr Sinodinos plans to utilise his Greek heritage as he makes his way to the White House next year, as he said: “We carry around in our bones thousands of years of history and the main ingredients of democracy.”
Which will no doubt be useful when negotiating with President Trump.
The Hellenic Club, HACCI NSW and all the guests in attendance were able to raise $8,220 for The Cancer Council Australia and St Andrews Theological College.
