On Saturday, March 22, The Hellenic Initiative (THI) Australia marked its 10th anniversary with a spectacular Gala Dinner at the Grand Ballroom of the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney.
The evening was a heartfelt tribute to a decade of philanthropy towards the plight of the Greek people, uniting dignitaries, friends, and supporters in a shared mission for social and economic renewal for Greece.
A moving and uplifting moment of the night was the presentation of the Inaugural THI Australia Honouree Award to Nick Politis AM, recognising his outstanding contributions to THI Australia and beyond.
Guests were privileged to hear from an esteemed lineup of speakers, including The Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic (via video address), His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia, Andrew N Liveris AO, THI’s Global Chair, Dr Chara Tziouvara, President, Doctors of the World Greece, and THI Australia President Nick Pappas AM and Directors Professor Helen Zorbas AO and George Giovas. Past director Betty Ivanoff served as MC for the evening.
During his welcome address, THI Australia President Mr Pappas expressed immense pride in the organisation’s journey.
“I look around the room and I see all that is good about modern Australia. Sons and daughters, grandsons and granddaughters of many who left a well-trodden land with very little, but who gave their all to a new land they came to love as much as their own,” Mr Pappas said.
Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on the Greek diaspora’s unbreakable bond with its homeland, forged through a shared history of resilience and generosity.
“Born of a crisis, The Hellenic Initiative has united the Greek diaspora in support of its homeland and Australia remains one of the most important and dynamic parts of this global effort,” said THI Australia Director, Professor Zorbas.
On receiving the Inaugural THI Australia Honouree Award from THI’s Global Chair, Mr Liveris, an emotional Mr Politis thanked THI Australia’s board and management, expressing his fervent hope that others would continue to support Greece and its people in the years to come.
A particularly moving moment came from Dr Tziouvara, President of Doctors of the World Greece, one of THI Australia’s trusted charity partners, who said in closing, “It is truly moving to see the love and commitment of the Greek diaspora – all of you – who, even though you are far from home, ease the pain through your incredible actions. You are making such a profound impact on the lives of those facing daily hardships.”
The evening concluded with a captivating live performance from Kostas Karafotis, supported by violinist Georgia Rappou, which left guests in extremely high spirits.
As THI Australia embarks on its second decade, the Gala Dinner reaffirmed that its mission to support those in need in Greece remains stronger than ever.
Aided by the support of the Greek Australian community, THI Australia will continue to stand by the people of Greece as it delivers innovative and impactful programs across the health, social services, education, employment and art & culture sectors.
