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

Capturing legacies: The proika exhibition’s emotional tribute to Greek migrants

On Wednesday, November 20, the proika exhibition opened to a crowd of eager guests at the Thematikos x MBO Tailors creative space.

Golden Era Gala: A reunion with a cause to combat brain and rare cancers

White Pearl Foundation and Cquence Foundation have announced the Golden Era Gala to be held at the Hyatt Regency Sydney on November 30.

Melbourne scientist Steven Petratos offers hope to thousands with multiple sclerosis

The image of Steven Petratos’ grandfather, confined to a chair with trembling hands, left an indelible mark on his childhood.

Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett to launch book on Nick Thyssen’s legacy

Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett, supporter of Greece and its diaspora, will launch the biography of Nick Thyssen (Nikos Theodosiadis).

Ithacans in Melbourne enjoy sell-out film screening to support archaeological preservation

On Sunday, at Palace Como in Melbourne, a sell-out crowd of 135 Ithacans and friends gathered to see the historical epic, The Return.

You May Also Like

Three generations of Pontians raise funds to preserve their ‘second home’ in Sydney

Three generations of proud Pontians supported Pontoxeniteas NSW's 'Winter Wonderland Fundraising Gala' for its 45-year-old Pontian House.

Greek Orthodox Community of SA pledges support for the Voice referendum

GOCSA today reaffirmed its commitment to the Uluru Statement and the call for a Voice for First Nations people.

Court hears John Peros suffered ‘no serious harm’ from Shandee’s Story podcast

In 2013, John Peros’ former girlfriend Shandee Blackburn, was attacked on her walk home from work in Mackay, suffering 23 stab wounds.