The Cyprus Community of New South Wales has announced the finalists for the inaugural Australia Cyprus Achievement Awards, recognising individuals and families whose contributions have enriched the social, cultural, intellectual, and humanitarian life of Australia while reflecting the enduring values of the Cypriot community.
The Community’s Honorary President, Mr Michael Peters Kyriacou, said the Awards honour more than a century of Cypriot contribution to Australia.
“For over a hundred years, Australia has welcomed people from Cyprus who made this country their home and contributed significantly to the building of modern Australia,” Mr Kyriacou said.
“The sacrifices, efforts and achievements of those who helped build our Community, strengthen our links with Cyprus, and shape the Australia of today were driven by quiet, determined individuals and families.
“They represent values of civic duty, integrity and service that are too often overlooked.
“This Award is not only about Cypriots. It is our way of honouring all Australians who have enriched the life of this country – and whose impact extends well beyond Australia.”
Mr Neofitos Stavrou
Among the shortlisted finalists is Mr Neofitos Stavrou, a Cyprus-born Sydney resident recognised for his lifelong commitment to the Greek and Cypriot Australian communities through philanthropy, mentorship, civic engagement, and distinguished service to the Greek Orthodox Church of Australia as a senior cantor and teacher.
Mr Kyriacou described Mr Stavrou as representing “the very best of our Community.”
“He is a quiet achiever. Without fanfare or demands, he has earned the respect of his peers, community leaders, business, public and private institutions, and public representatives. He is admired for his integrity, generosity, and devotion.”
Formally trained as a cantor in Cyprus before migrating to Australia more than seven decades ago, Mr Stavrou carried with him Cyprus’s history, language, and traditions, including the rich heritage of Byzantine chant and sacred music. Throughout his life, he has preserved and transmitted these cultural foundations across generations and borders.
Professionally, Mr Stavrou made a significant contribution to Australia’s commercial and cultural life by introducing Cypriot and Greek wines and cuisine, representing major producers including Hatzipavlou and ETKO Wines, Achaia Clauss of Patras, and leading French champagne houses.
For decades, he has donated generously to charities, schools, and churches, supporting educational and community initiatives with discretion and humility. Despite more than 70 years in Australia, he continues to work, mentor and serve the community quietly and with dignity. His philanthropic efforts have been recognised through multiple honours.
Through steadfast advocacy, civic leadership and personal example, Mr Stavrou has strengthened the enduring bonds between Cyprus, Greece, and Australia.
Professor Dick Green
Also shortlisted is Emeritus Professor Dick Green, the internationally renowned Australian archaeologist and philhellene whose scholarship has built enduring bridges between Australia, Cyprus, and Greece.
Mr Kyriacou said he first met Professor Green in the early 1990s through the late Professor Basil Hennessy, united by a passion for Cyprus and its contribution to European civilisation.
“Professor Green has told the story of Cyprus to the world – its history, culture, and archaeology – and in doing so has elevated global understanding of humanity’s shared heritage. We are indebted to him for a lifetime of scholarship and cultural diplomacy.”
Professor Green has rendered distinguished service to the Republic of Cyprus, and beyond, through outstanding scholarship in Cypriot archaeology and history, and through his significant contribution to strengthening relations between Cyprus and Australia.
His internationally acclaimed leadership of the excavations at the Theatre of Kato Paphos represents a landmark achievement in the study of the ancient world.
“Younger generations of the Cypriot community have benefited deeply from Professor Green’s work and will continue to do so for generations to come,” Mr Kyriacou said.
“Through his scholarship, our youth better understand their history, where their families come from, and the values they carry as descendants of Cyprus.”
Beyond academia, Professor Green has strengthened people-to-people links between Cyprus and Australia, exemplifying the highest ideals of public service, civic responsibility, and scholarship.
The Theocharides Family
The third shortlisted finalist is the Theocharides family, recognised for their extraordinary humanitarian work supporting people experiencing homelessness in Sydney.
Through quiet leadership and genuine commitment, Con Theocharides and his family established the charity A Touch of Kindness, without publicity or expectation of recognition.
Born in Sydney to parents who migrated from Limassol, Cyprus, Mr Theocharides grew up immersed in values of community service and cultural responsibility. His grandparents were dedicated to preserving traditions and passing on values of humility, generosity, and service.
The charity now provides food, clothing and care to more than 500 people each week, operating from Martin Place as a trusted and enduring presence on Sydney’s streets.
Backed by a dedicated network of volunteers and supporters – many of Cypriot descent – A Touch of Kindness delivers assistance with compassion and dignity, grounded in the belief that homelessness does not discriminate and is never self-inflicted.
“Their charity is blind to religion, politics and background,” Mr Kyriacou said.
“It is humanity at its best – kindness delivered on an industrial scale, yet with a deeply personal touch.”
The Theocharides family exemplifies giving back to Australia through exemplary service while reflecting Cyprus’s enduring values of hospitality, solidarity, and care.
A legacy of service
Mr Kyriacou said all finalists share a defining quality: service without self-promotion and civic duty without expectation of return.
“Each nominee represents the best in us – quiet, persistent achievers who lead by example. They are role models for our youth and reflect the values that strengthen Australia as a nation.”
He noted that the Cyprus Community, established in 1929, was founded to support one another at a time when Cyprus was losing its people and Australia was gaining them.
“What our pioneers did to help build modern Australia – and to help one another find a home, a partner, a business, medical care, education, and opportunity – continues almost a century later. That legacy deserves to be acknowledged and held up as a model for future generations.”
Awards presentation
The Australia Cyprus Achievement Award will be announced at a major Australia Thanksgiving Gathering to be held on Thursday, 26 February 2026, at The Chau Chak Wing Museum, The University of Sydney.
The date of 26 February holds particular symbolic significance for both Australia and Cyprus. On 26 February 1788, key foundations of modern Australia were laid, including the establishment of the colony’s first civil court and early structures of civil society. Decades later, on 26 February 1959, the London–Zurich Agreements were signed, paving the way for the independence of the Republic of Cyprus.
The shared date reflects a moment of beginnings for both nations and underpins the Cyprus Community’s decision to hold its Australia Thanksgiving Gathering and Achievement Awards annually on 26 February, celebrating resilience, progress and the enduring contribution of community members to Australian society.
The Community’s Honorary Assistant Secretary, Mr Andrew Paschali, described the event as:
“The Community’s first Australia Thanksgiving Gathering – a moment of gratitude, reflection, and national pride. A time to say thank you to Australia, and to acknowledge achievers who have made a difference to our Community, to Australia, and who have reinforced our enduring links with Cyprus.”
The Awards will be presented annually and are open to any Australian resident who has made an outstanding contribution to the social, cultural, economic, scientific or intellectual life of Australia, promoting national cohesion and wellbeing. The Award will be presented annually at the Cyprus Community’s Australia Thanksgiving Gathering.
Members and friends of the Cyprus Community are warmly invited to attend with their children and grandchildren to celebrate Australia, and the Australians who quietly build bridges and make a lasting difference.
Attendance & bookings
Mr Kyriacou encouraged members and compatriots to attend with family and friends.
“We invite all our members to stand together, thank our compatriots for what they have achieved, and give thanks to Australia for providing such unique opportunities to excel and to give back.”
Venue: The Chau Chak Wing Museum, The University of Sydney
Date: Thursday, 26 February 2026
Time: 6.30 pm
Bookings: www.thecyprusclub.org.au/awards
