Local government elections are set to get underway in New South Wales on Saturday, December 4, 2021 and The Greek Herald has compiled this list of all the candidates of Greek heritage who will be in the running in your council electorate.
Among the over 3,800 candidates are roughly 55 people of Greek heritage running in 128 local government councils.
Bayside Council:
- Theo Farasopoulos, Ward 1, Independent, Councillor
- Constance Gerakis (Connie Gerakis), Ward 3, Independent, Councillor
- Vicky Roussos, Ward 3, Labor, Councillor
- Andrew Tsounis, Ward 3, Independent, Councillor
Andrew Tsounis is a first-generation Greek Australian running as an independent candidate for his community, which he has been a resident of for almost 20 years. He is passionate about protecting green spaces and taking a stance against overdevelopment.
- Fotios Koutsioukis, Ward 5, Independent, Councillor
- Ilias Tzortzis, Ward 5, Independent, Councillor
- Elizabeth Antonopoulos, Ward 5, Independent, Councillor
- Andrew George Pandelis (Andrew Pandelis), Ward 5, Independent, Councillor
Bogan Council:
- Anthony John Elias (Tony Elias), Councillor
Brewarrina Council:
- Angelo George Pippos (Angelo Pippos), Councillor
Angelo George Pippos was elected to Brewarrina Council in 2008. He has been on various committees including the Aged Care Committee, Big Sky Library, and the Tourism and Cultural Committee.
Canada Bay Council:
- Angelo Tsirekas, Canada Bay Ward, Our Local Community, Councillor and Mayor
Angelo Tsirekas started his service as a local councillor with Canada Bay Council in 1995, served as deputy mayor for three terms and was elected Mayor of the City of Canada Bay in 2002 and again as popularly elected Mayor in 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2017.
He has served as President and Vice-President of the Inner Metropolitan Regional Organisation Council, Director of the Inner Sydney Waste Board and the NSW Architects Registration Board.
Canterbury-Bankstown Council:
- Nicholas Hatzis, Canterbury Ward, Independent, Councillor
- Tina Flaskas, Canterbury Ward, Labor, Councillor
Cowra Council:
- Alexander Constantine Cozadinos (Alex Cozadinos), Cowra Ward, Councillor
Alex Cozadinos moved to the Cowra region a couple of years ago after living in Canberra and working as a Head Teacher of Science, as well as holding a number of representative positions with the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies.
If elected to council, Mr Cozadinos will focus on the growth of new and established locally owned businesses, the local farming community, mental health issues, as well as community-based groups that allow residents to feel safe and included.
Cumberland City Council:
- Stavros Christou (Steve Christou), Granville Ward, Our Local Community, Councillor
Steve Christou is an elected Councillor and Mayor of Cumberland City Council. He was elected on September 9, 2017 representing the Granville Ward after receiving a high Primary Vote of 43.5%.
Cr Christou has made numerous major achievements including the completion of the Granville Centre, Eric Tweedale Stadium, restoring Granville Town Hall and revamping Wentworthville Swimming Centre, in addition to countless community-focused programs and steadfast advocacy for the people of Cumberland amidst the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Georges River Council:
- Mary Cassimatis, Blakehurst Ward, Georges River Residents and Ratepayers Party, Councillor
- Sandy Hope Grekas (Sandy Grekas), Blakehurst Ward, Independent, Councillor
Sandy Grekas is a local mum and high school history teacher, having worked in both St George and Sutherland Shire schools. She has also proudly volunteered for the past 12 years with Oatley PS P&C, and is now the School Council President, as well as the P&C President at Port Hacking HS.
Sandy is running for Council because she wants to be a strong, independent advocate for the local community. She is committed to an open and transparent Council, responsible development and improving local facilities like sports grounds, recreation centres and playgrounds.
- Christopher Tofalakis, Kogarah Bay Ward, Georges River Residents and Ratepayers Party, Councillor
- Nickitas Katris (Nick Katris), Kogarah Bay Ward, Labor, Councillor
- Sam Stratikopoulos, Kogarah Bay Ward, Liberal, Councillor
- Michael Stephen Apokourastos (Michael Apokourastos), Mortdale Ward, Liberal, Councillor
- Nicholas Smerdely, Mortdale Ward, Liberal, Councillor
- Christina Petrakis Jamieson (Christina Jamieson), Mortdale Ward, Georges River Residents and Ratepayers Party, Councillor
Hunters Hill Council:
- Alison Jane Voulgaris (Alison Voulgaris), North Ward, Independent, Councillor
Inner West Council:
- Julie Helen Passas (Julie Passas), Ashfield – Djarrawunang (Magpie) Ward, Independent, Councillor
Julie Passas is from both Greek and Lebanese heritage and has lived in Ashfield and Summer Hill all of her life. She is a long-term councillor and is passionate about and committed to serving the community. Julie believes that rate paters are not only her constituents but also her neighbours
Julie is the vocal local of the Inner West Council, who believes in robust democratic debate no matter what the issue. She does not partake in political game playing but rather, focuses on local issues.
- Bill Passas, Ashfield – Djarrawunang (Magpie) Ward, Independent, Councillor
- John Stamolis, Balmain – Baludarri (Leather Jacket) Ward, Independent, Councillor
John Stamolis was born in Adelaide and move to Balmain in 1986. He studied maths and statistics at the University of Adelaide and has obtained qualifications in management and finance in Sydney.
He is a professional statistician. He worked for the Australian Bureau of Statistics for 20 years. He has also served on the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC).
- Zoi Tsardoulias, Marrickville – Midjuburi (Lillypilly) Ward, Labor, Councillor
- Marika Kontellis, Marrickville – Midjuburi (Lillypilly) Ward, The Greens, Councillor
- Melinda Dimitriades, Marrickville – Midjuburi (Lillypilly) Ward, Independent, Councillor
Melinda Dimitriades was raised in Earlwood to Greek-born migrants and has continued to work and live in the Inner West over much of the past two decades. Melinda is a passionate advocate for older people and wants to be part of creating relationships and community activities that engage all generations and cultural backgrounds.
She is interested in all levels of government leading the charge to create good policies and work with business to address climate change, environmental impacts and smart building design. She believes that everyone should have access to green space and sky, and that you can’t just buy your way into everything.
- Markela Panegyres, Stanmore – Damun (Port Jackson Fig) Ward, Socialist Alliance, Councillor
Kiama Council:
- Anthony Varayiannis (Tony Varayiannis), Kiama Ward, Councillor
Lismore Council:
- Alexander Paul Coronakes (Alexander Coronakes), Lismore Ward, Independent, Councillor
Liverpool City Council:
- Ellie Robertson (Kritsotakis), South Ward, Independent, Councillor
Born to Greek parents, Ellie Robertson is also living with a significant physical disability, getting about in a motorised wheelchair. Having previously run for elections, Ellie’s background is in customer service with the Public Service. Ellie was later engaged by the Government to promote disability rights via speaking engagements at workshops and conferences, appearing in YouTube videos, and TV segments.
Ellie currently serves on several committees that include the Executive Board of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association NSW, 3 Liverpool City Council committees as well as Board Member of South-West Scripture.
Mid-Coast Council:
- Phillip John Costa (Phillip Costa), Mid-Coast Ward, Labor, Councillor
Phillip Costa is a former teacher and School Principal of public schools in the Oaks and Buxton. This makes him passionate about funding for education, including early childhood education.
Costa was a Labor Party member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 2007 until 2011, representing the electorate of Wollondilly. He served as Minister for Water and Minister for Corrective Services.
Mid-Western Council:
- Alex Karavas, Mid-Western Ward, Independent, Councillor
- Andrew Andrews, Mid-Western Ward, Independent, Councillor
North Sydney Council:
- Steven Houvardas, Cammeraygal Ward, Independent, Councillor
- John Lepouris, St Leonards Ward, Independent, Councillor
Parramatta Council:
- Nicholas Nikolaidis, North Rocks Ward, Labor, Councillor
Randwick City Council:
- Anthony Andrews, Central Ward, Independent, Councillor
Anthony Andrews was first elected to Randwick City Council in 2000 and has resided in the area for almost 40 years. Some of his key objectives as Councillor have been no more parking meters, the continuation of the Maroubra Beach promenade to South Maroubra, and the introduction of residential-based parking schemes, among many other things.
Cr Andrews has also been on several committees including, but not limited to, the Australia Day Committee, the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils and the Community Affairs Committee.
- Georgia Anastasopoulos, South Ward, Independent, Councillor
- Harry Stavrinos, West Ward, Our Local Community, Councillor
Harry Stavrinos was first elected to Randwick City Council in 2012 and has resided in the area for over 11 years. As Councillor, some of his key objectives include opposing inappropriate overdevelopment in the area, tackling parking and traffic issues and keeping local streets clean of rubbish and graffiti.
Cr Stavrinos has also been a delegate on several committees including, but not limited to, the Community Affairs Committee, the Multicultural Advisory Committee and the Business Awards Committee.
- Angelina Stratigos, West Ward, Our Local Community, Councillor
- Alexandra Luxford, West Ward, Labor, Councillor
Alexandra Luxford was first elected to Randwick City Council in 2017 and has resided in the area for 50 years. Her key objectives as Councillor have been to be a strong voice for the community, to stop overdevelopment, to protect Randwick’s green spaces and to promote cultural diversity.
Cr Luxford has been a Delegate on the Australia Day Committee, the Community Affairs Committee, the Sport Committee and the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils Committee. She has also been Chairperson of the Multicultural Advisory Committee.
City of Ryde Council:
- Antonia Gerdina Courtelis (Antonia Courtelis), Central Ward, Liberal, Councillor
Snowy Monaro Council:
- Olivier Kapetanakos, Snowy Monaro Ward, Independent, Councillor
Strathfield Council:
- Helen Apostle, Strathfield Ward, Strathfield Independents, Councillor
Sutherland Council:
- Theoharis Strangas (Haris Strangas), C Ward, Liberal, Councillor
City of Sydney Council:
- Philip Thalis, Sydney Ward, Clover Moore Independent Team, Councillor
Councillor Professor Philip Thalis is a Registered Architect ARAIA and Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects LFRAIA, with 30 years’ experience in the design of public space, urban design, multiple housing, infrastructure and heritage adaptation.
First elected to Council in 2016, Philip is currently Deputy Chair of the Transport, Heritage and Planning Committee, the Chair of the Local Pedestrian, Cycling and Traffic Calming Committee and a member of the Central Sydney Planning Committee and Green Square Advisory Committee.
- Angela Vithoulkas, Sydney Ward, The Small Business Party, Councillor and Mayor
During her time on Council, Angela Vithoulkas has filled the role of Deputy Chairperson of the City of Sydney Economic Development and Business Sub-Committee. She is also the first Australian Greek woman to be elected to the City of Sydney, an achievement formally recognised by the European Council.
Angela is committed to ensuring that Sydney becomes a smart city using technology that will transform the city and improve the amenity of residents, businesses and visitors. She is also actively involved with Sydney’s small business and start-up community.
Willoughby Council:
- Angelo Arthur Rozos (Angelo Rozos), Middle Harbour Ward, Independent, Councillor and Mayor
Angelo Rozos has been a Willoughby City Councillor for almost nine years. He grew up in Willoughby and raises his young family in the area with his wife Megan.
In his role as Middle Harbour Ward Councillor, Rozos has championed upgrades at Willoughby Park and surrounding ovals. He has a passion for developing open space, playgrounds and parks and is a supporter of small businesses and local sporting groups.
- Megan Louise Rozos (Megan Rozos), Middle Harbour Ward, Independent, Councillor
Wollongong Council:
- Marie Glykis, Ward 2, Independent, Councillor and Mayor
- Andrew Anthony, Ward 2, Sustainable Australia Party, Councillor and Mayor
Born and raised in Wollongong, Andrew Anthony has been a passionate campaigner for the environment and social justice in the community. Andrew is a strong believer in grassroots democracy and community participation in decision making. Before serving a term on Council from 2004-2008, and was convenor of his local Neighbourhood Committee and volunteered his time on a number of council committees.
As a councillor Andrew was an avid supporter of council’s Bushcare and Environmental Sustainability projects and hopes to continue the fight for sensible sustainable planning in Wollongong and safeguarding the Illawarra escarpment and foreshore from overdevelopment.
Waverley Council:
- Paula Lexine Masselos (Paula Masselos), Lawson Ward, Labor, Councillor
Paula Masselos was the first woman of Greek heritage to be elected Mayor of Waverley in September 2019. She is a highly experienced and award-winning strategist and communicator with a career spanning almost 35 years. She has held a number of senior positions including Director SBS Radio. She was also the Director of Education in the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.
Paula was also Chair of Sydney’s Carnivale Multicultural Arts Festival and served for six years as a Community Relations Commissioner in NSW. She was on the National Women’s Advisory Council and shaped multicultural TV broadcasting as a member of the Ethnic Television Review Panel.
*NOTE: the above candidates were identified by surname. If you believe you should be on this list, please email us at info@foreignlanguage.com.au.
