The Hellenic Initiative Australia celebrates a decade of achievements in Greece

·

On Monday, March 18, at ANZ’s Melbourne headquarters, The Hellenic Initiative Australia (THI Australia) held its first in a series of events to celebrate a decade of remarkable achievement in Greece.

Special guests and supporters heard messages from distinguished speakers including the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and THI’s Global Chair, Andrew N Liveris AO.

melbourne guests
Melbourne guests. Photo: THI Australia.

Speaking from Greece, the Prime Minister noted that Greek Australians were an integral part of Hellenism and among Greece’s best ambassadors by upholding and projecting the culture, values and traditions of Greece throughout Australia.

The Hellenic Initiative has assembled among the most prominent members of the Greek Australian diaspora and I send you my heartfelt thanks for the generous support of crisis relief and development programs in Greece,” the Greek Prime Minister said.

THI Australia could not have asked for a stronger endorsement on the occasion of its 10th anniversary. THI Australia also wishes to acknowledge the achievements of the Greek Government for repositioning Greece on the world stage.

Kathy Karabatsas
Kathy Karabatsas, the MC of the event. Photo: THI Australia.

It was on the invitation of Andrew N Liveris AO that more than 150 leaders of the Greek Australian community first assembled in March 2014 to discuss how to best mobilise support for Greece in that nation’s moment of acute need. Mr Liveris emphasised that THI would continue to unite the global Greek diaspora in support of Greece and that there was much more to be done.

Nick Pappas AM, THI Australia’s President, spoke passionately about the motivation that underpinned THI and reiterated the importance of uniting the Greek diaspora.

Nick Pappas
Nick Pappas. Photo: THI Australia.

“The Hellenic Initiative was born of crisis relief, and that is still one of its essential drivers to this day, but it has become much more than that. THI has become a sturdy, transnational plank upon which diaspora Hellenism may now rest, upon which it may be nurtured, from which it may be drawn upon and through which it may be expressed,” he noted.

“Ten years on, that commitment and passion across the globe has not waned; rather, it has blossomed. Particularly in Australia, and even more so in Melbourne, Greece’s antipodean epicentre.”

An important corporate supporter of THI’s journey over the past 10 years has been ANZ and Tammy Medard, Managing Director Institutional Australia & PNG, ANZ, spoke about the importance of this relationship.

Later in the evening, guests heard from an eminent panel of Greek Australian leaders comprising George Savvides AM, Chair SBS, Andrew Demetriou, former AFL CEO, and Terry Paule, Chairman Findex.

Tammy Medard, ANZ
Tammy Medard, ANZ. Photo: THI Australia.

The inspiring discussion on Greece, Philanthropy and the Diaspora was moderated by Helen Mantzis, Director of the Hellenic Museum in Melbourne.

A highlight of the discussion was hearing the panellists share the profound impact of their Greek heritage on their personal and professional lives.

The event provided an opportunity for guests to support one of THI Australia’s trusted partner charities in Greece, Pediatric Trauma Care, and the organisation sincerely thank all guests who purchased the identified medical equipment for several hospitals in Greece on the night. Equipment ranged from neonatal cribs, defibrillators and a portable ultrasound scanner.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Melina Haritopoulou-Sinanidou: Redefining what it means to be a woman in Neuroscience

From Athens to Australia to the cutting edge of spinal cord research, Melina Haritopoulou-Sinanidou has never taken the easy road.

PRONIA responds to allegations by President of Victoria’s Greek Elderly Federation

PRONIA has responded to serious allegations made by John Kostoulias, President of the Federation of Greek Elderly Citizen Clubs in Victoria

The Cyprus War of Liberation: Honouring the sacrifice for a united and free island

It was to be a bloody cruel war, as the dwindling might of a fading empire became desperate to retain its global status.

Greek Rock to take over Sydney with rousing concert

The realm of Greek Rock is set to take centre stage in Sydney as IHO NYX prepares to thrill with a lively concert.

‘Speak Greek in March’ campaign sees GCM students visit Melbourne Zoo

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) City’s school unit successfully organised an educational excursion to the Melbourne Zoo.

You May Also Like

Professor Anastasios Tamis set to launch book on the history of Arcadians in Australia

Professor Anastasios Tamis' book, The Children of Pan: Arcadians in Australia, to launch on April 8 at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba.

‘Incredible athlete’: Philippoussis on Tsitsipas ahead of Australian Open quarter final

Mark Philippoussis said he believes Stefanos Tsitsipas will have "an advantage" when he plays his Australian Open quarter final tonight.

10th Greek Street Fair in Burwood set to be bigger than ever

Greek dancing performances, live Greek music, food trucks and more at the annual Greek Street Fair Burwood on Sunday, from 11am to 5pm.