Gold Coast businessman George Mastrocostas has been officially sworn in as the Honorary Consul General of Greece in Queensland.
Mr Mastrocostas, head of the prolific private development and construction company Aniko Group, was sworn in at a private ceremony in Athens on January 5.
His appointment as the Honorary Consul General of Greece in Queensland underscores his dedication to fostering cultural exchange, strengthening economic ties, and facilitating collaboration between Greece and Queensland.
In his new role, he will actively engage in diplomatic relations, provide support to the Greek community in Queensland, and promote collaborations across diverse sectors, including trade, culture, and education.
Speaking on the significance of the occasion, Mr Mastrocostas said: “I am deeply honoured to have been entrusted to serve as the Honorary Consul General of Greece in Queensland.”
“This role allows me to build bridges and strengthen the ties between Greece and Queensland, contributing to the vibrant cultural, economic, and social exchange between the two regions,” he added.
In addition to his business and diplomatic roles, Mr Mastrocostas maintains a substantial impact as a Board Director for The Hellenic Initiative Australia. This global non-profit organisation is committed to mobilising Diaspora Greeks and Philhellenes in a collective mission to invest in and contribute to the future success of Greece through impactful programs. These initiatives encompass crisis relief efforts, support for entrepreneurship, and contributions to economic development in Greece.
Reflecting on his dual roles, Mastrocostas expressed enthusiasm and said, “Serving on the Board of The Hellenic Initiative Australia allows me to contribute to the broader efforts of supporting Greece’s development. The combination of my diplomatic role and involvement in philanthropy creates a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on both fronts.”
As Honorary Consul General, Mastrocostas is poised to play a pivotal role in strengthening the existing bonds and exploring new avenues of cooperation. His unique position as a business leader with a profound understanding of both the Australian and Greek cultures positions him to bridge gaps and facilitate meaningful connections.
As a dynamic leader in the development and construction industry, Mastrocostas’ Aniko Group has a development pipeline in excess of $2 billion. The company is one of the largest private developers on the Gold Coast.
Aniko Group has recently completed a $500 million transformation of Hope Island with the sale of more than 600 apartments and townhouses.
Over the last 15 years Aniko Group has delivered significant residential and commercial projects in Southeast Queensland, including the luxury car showroom on Bundall Road and a sold out residential apartment project at Labrador.
The company is set to embark on one of Queensland’s largest private projects early this year – a $2 billion, four-tower residential and mixed-use project called The Landmark, adjacent to Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.
The project will include a vibrant residential-resort destination that will include an integrated collection of residential apartments, offices, medical, a luxury hotel and a ground-floor retail and dining precinct.
Plans include three residential towers of 25, 30 and 40 storeys – and a further 53-level tower that will include a mix of hotel suites and private hotel branded residences.
Aniko Group has also commenced construction on its $120m apartment project at Chevron Island where it has achieved more than $100 million in sales.