In a move that marks a milestone for the Hellenic Australian professional community, the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry National Federation (HACCI NF) announced that HACCI NSW has officially joined the National Federation, further solidifying the connection of Hellenic-Australian business communities across the nation.
The announcement was made by the outgoing HACCI NF Council Chair (and HACCI Victoria Board Chair) Fotini Kypraios, who passed the helm of the rotating HNF Council Chair to HACCI WA President, Dr Elena Limnios, during her speech at the end of the 2024 HACCI Excellence Awards ceremony.
“When we come together, we achieve more than we ever could on our own,” Ms Kypraios said.
“This has been vividly demonstrated through our events and the broadening of our network that now includes all active HACCI chambers across Australia, united and communicating more effectively than ever before.”
Expanding global and national reach
HACCI NSW was part of the initial discussions that led to the formation of the HACCI National Federation in February 2023; the chamber represents a vibrant community of businesses and professionals of Hellenic heritage in New South Wales. Its decision to join the National Federation comes as an effective form of acknowledgement of the significant work HACCI NF has done in a relatively small period of time.
During 2024 alone, HACCI NF has signed MoUs with the Greece’s leading Industry, Commerce, and Export Organisations: the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Athens (ACCI), Piraeus (PCCI), Thessaloniki (TCCI), Rethymnon (RCCI), the National Chamber Network of Women Entrepreneurs (EEDEGE), and the Greek Exporters Association (SEVE).
These relationships have enabled HACCI to offer its members unprecedented access to international markets and collaborative opportunities.
In May, HNF hosted a series of events in Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, and Melbourne, showcasing The Ellinikon, Europe’s largest urban renewal project currently in development in Athens. This extremely successful roadshow caught the interest of prospective investors from all over Australia, cementing HNF’s status as the most trusted liaison between Greece and Australia’s business communities.
Introducing the HACCI National Federation’s new Leadership
During her speech at the HACCI Excellence Awards, HACCI NF Inaugural Council Chair Ms Kypraios praised her successor to the Federation’s rotating leadership role, Dr Limnios, and highlighted her pivotal role in the Ellinikon roadshow success.
A distinguished figure from Western Australia, Dr Limnios brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to this role, having significantly contributed to HACCI’s initiatives, including spearheading the celebrated ‘The Ellinikon’ urban renewal project roadshow. Her vision and dedication were crucial in showcasing this landmark development to 400 participants across Australia, bolstering HACCI’s reputation for hosting influential and impactful events.
“Now more than ever, HACCIs across Australia are working in unison, empowering our members to thrive within a supportive and interconnected business community,” Dr Limnios said, inviting all Greek Australians in business to join the Federation’s mission, celebrate the Hellenic spirit, and engage with this dynamic national network.
“With this spirit of unity, we look forward to exciting developments for our members in 2025 and beyond.”
Dr. Limnios thanked the leadership and collaborative spirit demonstrated by member states, which has been instrumental in creating a unified national approach.
“Having worked for over 15 years in the mutual and co-operative space with some of Australia’s largest member-owned businesses, I commend the HNF members and their leaders for fostering such exceptional ‘συνεννόηση’ – a true ‘meeting of the minds.’ This cohesion is rare, powerful, and something we are all committed to preserving,” she said.
Dr Limnios emphasised that 2025 promises further strategic advancements, with the Federation committed to strengthening its governance structure and building a unified voice for Hellenic Australian businesses.
“We are dedicated to our common purpose: empowering Greek Australian business through collaboration and connectivity across Australia. We invite Greek Australian business communities in other states to connect with us and establish local chambers that contribute to our national collective. The recent re-invigoration of HACCI NSW is something we have been encouraging and we warmly welcome them to the Federation,” Dr Limnios said.
“Together, we celebrate the contributions and achievements of Greek Australians, enhancing networking opportunities that promote collaboration domestically and with our peers in Greece.”
Enhancing connections through national collaborations
These two significant developments in the HACCI National Federation organisation are complemented by the welcoming of Alex Demetriou as the new Chair of HACCI South Australia, succeeding inaugural chair Kostas Koutsonas.
Mr Demetriou, a Partner in Charge at KPMG Australia, brings his expertise in accelerating business growth to HACCI, promising to inject new energy and ideas into the Federation’s initiatives.
To celebrate these achievements and the vibrant community spirit, the 2024 HACCI Excellence Awards Gala Ball was enhanced by the presence of prominent Hellenic wine growers from South Australia, illustrating the power of the national HACCI Chamber network and the caliber of opportunities that arise from such collaborations.
Looking forward
HACCI Victoria is set to launch a new website, currently under development, which will feature member-only access to resources, a directory, and the HACCI AGORA — a platform designed to foster national and international collaborations. Additionally, HACCI has refined its membership offerings based on stakeholder feedback, allowing members to tailor their involvement and maximise their engagement with the chamber’s activities.
As the chamber where legacy meets innovation, HACCI continues to drive towards the future, creating more opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and succeed.
HACCI National Federation Council Chair: Dr Elena Limnios (HACCI WA President)
HACCI NF Council Members:
- (HACCI NSW President) George Mavrakis
- (HACCI NT Chair) Angela Tomazos
- (HACCI SA Chair) Alex Demetriou
- (HACCI Victoria Chair) Fotini Kypraios
