From a young age, Paris Cockinos started messing around with drones and instantly knew there was a chance for him to grow his passion into a successful business idea.
With a $10,000 loan from his father, Cockinos purchased six drones and within two weeks had sold the lot. By Christmas of 2012, at the ripe age of 19, he’d sold 100 drones and a business was born.
Now, Cockinos of Sphere Drones has his eyes set on a $100 million revenue company that is riding the wave of commercial drones in Australia. Already he counts among his clients Rio Tinto, Fortescue Mining and Surf Life Saving Australia.
“There are 2200 organisations in Australia with licences to operate drones in Australia… and 700 people are being trained every month to become drone pilots. The market potential is enormous,” Cockinos told The Australian.
There are 2200 organisations in Australia with licences to operate drones in Australia.
A recent report by Deloitte Access Economics commissioned by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications found the growth of the drone sector is expected to deliver significant cost savings to businesses of about $9.3 billion over the next 20 years, with $2.95 billion of efficiencies in agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries, $2.4 billion in mining and $1.34 billion in construction.
As companies cotton on to the benefits, they are increasingly looking not just for the drones themselves but also training and support, maintenance and advice.
That’s where Sphere Drones comes in, The Australian reports. The company is building out a holistic solutions business that helps companies ramp up the benefits from running fleets of drones. So far they have assisted 3000 corporate clients in that journey.
Surf Life Saving Australia has been a particularly large contract, growing from a trial of 30 drones for shark monitoring and swimmer safety to 190 drones today.
But to deal with the changing times and new clients jumping onto the drone bandwagon, Cockinos’ business has had to undergo a significant overhaul of operations.
Surf Life Saving Australia has a fleet of 190 drones to monitor for emergencies and sharks. Photo: The Australian.
“We were using Excel to collect our customer records and information was everywhere,” Cockinos told The Australian.
Now all customer data is centralised in Salesforce, giving not only a holistic view of the entire customer base across the range of services Sphere Drones provides, but also insights into how to convert customers into higher-value services.
“We’re capturing mounds of data on our customers that allows us to follow up with them to ensure they are being looked after,” Cockinos said in the interview.
“If someone comes to us looking for a new part, or a specific technical product to fit to meet a purpose, that gives us an in to have a deeper conversation about their wider needs. Everyone knows that whatever information goes into the system will power the next stage of growth.”
And speaking of growth, even with COVID, Sphere Drones is growing at 30 to 40 percent this year, and is forecast to beat that next year. All profits have been ploughed back into the business and the company is exploring a capital raise to build out its managed services platform.
On this day, the Greek public remembers composer and musical theorist Manos Hadjidakis. Widely considered one of the greatest Greek songwriters of all time, his legacy has been maintained through modern Greek music in the second half of the 20th and into the 21st century.
Born in the northern town of Xanthi, Greece, on October 23, 1925, his love for music came from an early age, starting piano lessons at age four.
In 1943, he met the revered surrealist poet, Nikos Gatsos, who would go on to become his favourite lyricist and work with him on the vast majority of his vocal compositions.
Composer and musical theorist, Manos Hadjidakis.
Hadjidakis is mainly responsibly for helping usher in a new era of Greek music in the post-WWII era, elevating the earthiest strains of Greek folk and popular song into respected art forms.
In the process, he found tremendous popular success in his home country, chiefly through his work as a pop songwriter, and became familiar to international audiences through his movie soundtracks.
The critically acclaimed personality received an Academy Award in 1960, for Best Original Song for his song Never on Sunday from the film of the same name.
Dying in Athens on 15 June 1994 at the age of 68, from acute pulmonary edema, the City of Athens dedicated Technopolis in his memory in 1999.
Stefanos Tsitsipas pulled out of the Wimbledon warm-up event in Halle, Germany, on Monday because of personal reasons after surrendering a two-set lead in his defeat against Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s French Open final.
Tsitsipas outplayed the Serbian world number one for the first two sets at Roland Garros, but his maiden Grand Slam final ended in defeat, ultimately losing 7-6(6) 6-2 3-6 2-6 4-6 in a gruelling contest over four hours and 11 minutes.
Greece’s Tsitsipas accepted a wild card into the ATP 500 grasscourt event in Halle and was also scheduled to play doubles with his younger brother Petros.
Stefanos Tsitsipas pulled out of the Wimbledon warm-up event in Halle, Germany.
“He will be replaced by lucky loser Yannick Hanfmann in the singles draw,” the ATP said.
The 22-year-old revealed in an emotional social media post on Monday that he had learned of the death of his paternal grandmother only five minutes before the French Open final.
“Five minutes before entering the court my very beloved grandmother lost her battle for life,” Tsitsipas wrote on Facebook.
“A wise woman whose faith in life, and willingness to give and provide can’t be compared to any other human being that I have ever met.
The meeting between Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erogan, in Brussels on the sidelines of the NATO Summit “broke the ice” between the two countries, Greek government sources said on Monday.
The two NATO allies agreed “to leave behind the tension of 2020, despite the very important disagreements that exist,” the same sources said after the meeting, adding that the climate was positive.
The two sides agreed to avoid provocations that could lead to “situations that will be difficult to manage.”
The Greek side, according to the same sources, has every intention to advance the positive agenda that was recently formulated jointly by the competent Deputy Foreign Ministers (Kostas Frangogiannis and Sedat Onal).
Kyriakos Mitsotakis (left) and Recep Tayyip Erdogan (right) meet at NATO to discuss Greece-Turkey relations.
At the same time, the talks on the delimitation of maritime zones, must continue in the context of international law.
In addition, Mitsotakis raised the issue of refugees, saying Greece is willing to cooperate with Turkey, to “avoid a repeat of provocations” such those that occurred in Evros in March 2020.
In this context, Mitsotakis conveyed that it would be a sign of good will for Turkey to accept the 1,450 immigrants, whose asylum applications have been rejected by the Greek authorities. The Greek request for the returns has been pending since last January, while the European Commission has also intervened, without result.
Erdogan spoke at a think tank event later in the day. Source: Reuters / Ekathimerini.
For his part, Erdogan said in a video address to a think tank event later that day, that a revival of dialogue with fellow NATO member Greece to resolve long-standing disputes will serve “stability and prosperity” in the region.
“I believe that reviving the channels of dialogue between (Turkey) and our neighbor and ally, Greece, and the resolution of bilateral issues will … serve the stability and prosperity of our region,” Erdogan said.
On Twitter, Mitsotakis agreed but stressed that although “differences” between both countries remain, “Greece and Turkey are neighbors and cooperation on issues of common interest is to the benefit of all. Dialogue therefore is always important.”
With Greek delicacies, traditional dances performed by young students and heartfelt speeches Adelaide’s community commemorated on Saturday, 12 June the 200th Anniversary from the beginning of the Greek War of Independence in an event hosted by Federal Member for Adelaide, Steve Georganas MP at St Anthony’s Community Centre in Prospect.
In his speech, delivered in Greek, Steve Georganas welcomed the attendees and explained that as an Australian politician of Greek heritage he felt it was his duty to his constituents to organise an event for this historical milestone.
“This is not a political gathering. We are here today to commemorate those who lost their lives fighting for freedom and celebrate our common roots and heritage,” said Georganas.
Steve Georganas delivering his speech.Greek Orthodox Church of St Anthony Community Centre. Image: Supplied
“We should also acknowledge all those first Greek migrants to Australia who made their own little, personal revolutions. They established a new life far away from home and fought to keep the Hellenic language, faith and culture alive for their children and grandchildren.”
“Australia is our home and I am proud to be representing a population of 14.000 Greeks in my electorate. The Hellenic spirit needs to live on through the new generations,” he said.
L to R: Alexandra Vakitsidou, member of the Community of Port Adelaide; Tom Koutsantonis MP; Steve Georganas MP; Prof. Andreas Evdokiou, Andrea Michaels MP. Photo: The Greek Herald/Argyro Vourdoumpa
In attendance were Tom Koutsantonis MP, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure & Transport; Andrea Michaels MP, Member for Enfield; Tony Zappia MP, Member for Makinand Prof. Andreas Evdokiou, President of the Cyprus Community of SA as well as other state politicians and representatives of community organisations.
Photo: The Greek Herald/Argyro Vourdoumpa
In his address, Tom Koutsantonis MP gave a brief account of the facts that led to the Greek War of Independence and spoke about the passion of Hellenes for freedom which inspired an entire generation of intellectuals, poets and philosophers.
“Lord Byron wrote a poem which became a best seller in the UK and this is where he found the money to fund the resistance,” said Koutsantonis before he went on to read Byron’s poem, The Isles of Greece.
Event attendees.
Koutsantonis also spoke about the Greek Genocide in history and the role of religion in the preservation of the Hellenic culture.
Andrea Michaels MP, expressed her gratitude that in a difficult year Adelaide’s community is able to celebrate the Hellenic culture and thanked St Anthony’s Parish priest, Fr Nicholas and the volunteers for their efforts.
The event concluded with Greek dances from students of St George College and the Messinian Association of SA and a moving video presentation put together by Unley High School Students.
A spate of suicides has sparked a crisis meeting of high-level NSW school executives as teachers struggle to connect troubled students with psychiatric services, The Daily Telegraph reports.
The roundtable was called by Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell, to urgently thrash out how to bridge the divide between schools and trained mental health professionals.
It comes during a time where several school-aged suicide clusters have emerged in the past two months.
According to The Daily Telegraph, three teenagers from the Riverina took their own lives last month.
A suicide cluster in the Illawarra has claimed four young lives, including a 16-year-old boy and 17-year-old girl from a Wollongong public school, an 18-year-old from a Wollongong private school and a 16-year-old from Kiama Downs.
The meeting to discuss these teen suicides included the heads of all three school sectors — newly appointed Secretary of the Department of Education, Georgina Harrison, Catholic Schools NSW chief executive, Dallas McInerney, and Association of Independent Schools of NSW chief executive, Geoff Newcombe — as well as NSW Teachers Federation boss, Angelo Gavrielatos, Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell, Health Minister, Brad Hazzard, and Mental Health Minister, Bronnie Taylor.
There was broad consensus it must be easier for schools to refer students struggling from mental ill-health to appropriate clinical care in order to avoid more tragedies.
NSW Education Minister, Sarah Mitchell, was also in attendance at the meeting. Photo: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles.
“It is quite apparent the relationship between schools and health services is not as strong as it should be,” Mr Gavrielatos told The Daily Telegraph.
“The meeting recognised we are dealing with serious health matters beyond the remit and capacity of schools. The growing incidence of mental health distress manifesting in our schools is of great concern.”
While there were no concrete outcomes from the meeting, there was unanimous agreement more must be done.
Greece has sent a letter of complaint to the President of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), Aleksander Ceferin, over the name being used by the North Macedonia team on their national soccer jersey during Euro 2020.
Greek Sports Minister, Lefteris Avgenakis, signed the letter of Greece’s objection after it became clear the team’s jersey had a badge which read ‘FFM’ for ‘Football Federation of Macedonia,’ excluding the word ‘North’ from the Balkan country’s name.
According to the Prespa Agreement signed between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) in 2018, the country’s name is now the Republic of North Macedonia.
In this way, based on the customary use of abbreviations for an internationally recognised name, the jersey badge should include an ‘N’ in the abbreviation.
The North Macedonia team’s national soccer jersey. Photo: Martin Meissner/AP.
In his letter, Mr Avgenakis stressed this and said ‘FFM’ is not a proper abbreviation of North Macedonia, as agreed by both sides in the 2018 Prespa accord.
Mr Avgenakis also asks UEFA to look into the name of the country’s soccer association, Football Federation of Macedonia, saying that it also contravenes the name deal.
This is the first time Greece’s neighbour is taking part in the final phase of the major event. North Macedonia is competing in the 3rd group of the UEFA Euro 2020 along with the Netherlands, Ukraine and Austria.
Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, has also sent a similar letter to his counterpart in North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani.
Novak Djokovic won his 19th career grand slam title on Sunday, beating Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-7, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in the French Open final.
The 22-year-old Greek looked poised in his first grand slam final, going two sets up before it all fell apart against the world No.1.
Tsitsipas won the first set after erasing a set point in the tie-breaker with a difficult forehand winner. In the second set he looked fresher than the 34-year-old Djokovic, who was coming off an epic semifinal against Rafael Nadal.
But Djokovic steadied his game in the third set, which turned in the fourth game, when he converted his fifth break-point chance of the game.
After that, Tsitsipas appeared to lose his way, while Djokovic found his form.
During the changeover before the fourth set, Tsitsipas laid on his back and was stretched out by the trainer, a back injury apparently hindering his movement.
Fifth seed Tsitsipas appeared to be struggling physically but valiantly tried to dig in at the start of the fifth set as the shadows spread across a sun-lit Court Philippe Chatrier.
Tsitsipas played a fantastic game. Photo: Roland Garros / Twitter.
But Djokovic got the early break in the decider and although he was pushed hard, he was never threatened again.
There were nerves as he served at 5-4, netting an easy volley and then seeing a Tsitsipas backhand flash past him on championship point. However, Djokovic would not be denied at the second time of asking after four hours 11 minutes.
It was the sixth time in his career Djokovic had overcome a two-set deficit to win – and he did it in front of a vocal Roland-Garros crowd that was very much weighted in favour of the Greek.
In moving just one behind the record of 20 shared by Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer, Djokovic became the first player in the professional era to win each grand slam title twice.
"I see no reason for me not to be holding a trophy one day"
After the match, Tsitsipas thanked his Greek fans in the audience and vowed to be back better than ever next year.
“I believe I’m able to play for titles like this. Despite my loss today, I have faith in my game and I very much believe I can get to that point very soon,” Tsitsipas said.
“If I don’t downgrade myself, I see no reason for me not to be holding a trophy one day.”
At least 14 prominent Greek Australians in the areas of community service, visual arts, health, architecture and sport have been recognised today in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for 2021.
They are part of a larger group of 1,190 Australians who’s contribution to their community was noted by their peers as worthy of recognition.
“Each of these individuals are unique and their story deserves to be shared widely and celebrated,” the Governor-General said when announcing the list.
“Collectively, they speak to who we are as a nation. There are countless examples of selflessness, commitment and dedication. There is diversity and there are examples of exceptional achievement in almost every field imaginable.”
Here are the Greek Australians who were recognised:
Dr Michelle Aléna Cretikos, New South Wales:
Dr Michelle Aléna Cretikos.
Dr Michelle Cretikos has been awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) and has also been named in the special COVID-19 Honour Roll. She has been recognised for outstanding public service to community health in New South Wales.
Dr Michelle Cretikos commenced with NSW Health in 1998, and since that time has been passionate about making a difference to people’s lives through the delivery of health care services, and more recently through high quality, evidence based policy development and implementation.
As the Executive Director, Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs, she led the Ministry of Health’s response to music festival harm reduction. This required her to work across government with music festival organisers, private medical providers and other stakeholders.
More recently, Dr Cretikos significantly contributed to the development and implementation of public health measures to limit COVID-19 transmission in NSW.
Evie Georgas, Queensland:
Evie Georgas.
Evie Georgas has been awarded the Australia Corrections Medal (ACM). She has been recognised for her work with the Queensland Corrective Services (QCS).
Ms Georgas commenced her career with QCS in 1996 as a Custodial Correctional Officer. Her commitment, expertise and desire to work collaboratively has led to her being held in high regard amongst staff, stakeholders and prisoners.
As Regional Manager, Sentence Management, she has played an integral role in the operational and cultural transition of sentence management service provision, from a locally managed service, to a regionalised service delivery model with centralised accountability and a state-wide focus.
Her knowledge of centre operations and the role of a Custodial Correctional Officer, Community Corrections and Sentence Management Services has resulted in a significant and ongoing contribution to the safety and dynamic security of the centres she services.
Through her efforts she continues to assist prisoners in their adjustment to the correctional environment, providing increased opportunities for self-improvement and behavioural change.
Professor Leonard George Notaras AM, Darwin, Northern Territory:
Professor Leonard George Notaras.
Professor Leonard George Notaras AM has been awarded in the category of Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia, as well as the special COVID-19 Honour Roll. He has been recognised for his distinguished service to medical administration in the Northern Territory and to professional organisations.
Professor Notaras is a proud Kytherian who has held roles in institutions such as the NT Department of Health, the Australian Medical Association NT, and Royal Darwin Hospital as their Medical Superintendent and General Manager.
Currently, he is the Executive Director of the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre in Darwin, coordinating Australia’s response to COVID-19 and repatriation.
In 2019, there was also a Notaras ACHSM Fellowship Program named in his honour at the NT Department of Health and the Australasian College of Health Service Management.
Lee Christofis, Fitzroy, Victoria:
Lee Christofis.
Lee Christofis has been awarded this year in the category Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia. He has been recognised for his significant service to the performing arts, particularly to dance.
Since 1981, Mr Christofis has been a dance critic, arts commentator, producer and broadcaster. During this time, he was also the National Vice President of Ausdance (1996-2004).
Between 1966-1970 he was a dancer at Queensland Ballet and later, in the 1970s, became a board member. He’s also worked as a Curator of Dance at the National Library of Australia and in the field of early childhood education in both Melbourne and Brisbane.
Awards he has received include the National Dance Award from Ausdance in 2009 and the Victorian Award for Excellence in Multicultural Affairs in 2001.
Epaminondas Katsalidis has been awarded in the category Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia. He has been recognised for significant service to architecture and to sustainable construction innovations.
Since 2001, Mr Katsalidis has been a co-founding partner in Fender Katsalidis Pty Ltd. He is a leader in the integration of art into architecture with notable buildings including the Melbourne Terrace Apartment, Republic Tower and Eureka Tower.
Mr Katsalidis has also developed a new prefabrication and modular construction system for more sustainable and efficient construction of mid to high rise buildings.
When he’s not doing all the above and winning awards such as the Enduring Architecture Award from the Australian Institute of Architects, Victoria Chapter, in 2019, he’s also been an international jury member in the architectural competition for the new Acropolis Museum.
John George Kotzas, South Brisbane, Queensland:
John George Kotzas.
John George Kotzas has been awarded in the category Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia. He has been recognised for significant service to the performing arts as an administrator and artistic director.
Since 2008, Mr Kotzas has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). He’s also previously held the Artistic Director and Education Officer roles at the QPAC.
Other roles in the performing arts which Mr Kotzas has held include, but are not limited to, the Vice President of the Executive Council for Live Performance Australia since 2012, and the Inaugural Managing Director of the Brisbane Festival in 1996.
Mr Kotzas has also received the Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia (Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy) from the Italian Government in 2016.
Andrew Papadopoulos, Earlwood, NSW:
Andrew Papadopoulos.
Andrew Papadopoulos has been awarded in the category Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia. He was recognised for significant service to motorsport and to driver safety and education.
In the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, Mr Papadopoulos has been a Motorsport Australia Deputy Delegate at the World Motor Sport Council since 2006; President of the FIA ASN (National Sportinf Authority) Development Task Force since 2013, as well as a current member of the Officials Commission and the Single Seater Commission. Currently, Mr Papadopoulos is also a race steward for the Formula 2, Formula 3 and Formula E.
Mr Papadopoulos has also held President (2009-2020), Vice President (2007-2009) and Director (since 2001) roles at Motorsport Australia (Confederation of Australian Motorsport). He is also the Director of the Australian Institute for Motor Sport Safety since 2007, the current Chair and Director of Rally Australia, and the Former Director of Australian Racing Drivers Club.
When he’s not doing all of the above, Mr Papadopoulos is also known for his work with the Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia and he is a Proprietor at Kiss Pallets (Keep It Simple Systems) since 1985.
Maria Alexiadis, Victoria:
Maria Alexiadis.
Maria Alexiadis has been awarded in the category Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division. She has been recognised for her service to karate.
Ms Alexiadis has held many roles at Karate Victoria including: the current Board Secretary, Board Member since 2015, lead state Kumite coach since 2009 (first female Kumite coach for Victoria), coaching education coordinator since 2015 and female/athlete development coordinator since 2012.
At the 2019 Oceania Championships and the 2012 Premier Series A League in Athens, Ms Alexiadis was a gold medallist. At the 2013 World Games in Colombia, she was a bronze medallist. Between 2016-2017, she was a member of the Victorian Olympic Council Education Committee.
Since 2001, Ms Alexiadis has also been a senior research assistant in steroid receptor biology at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research (HIMR). She was also the recipient of the HIMR Values Award, 2021 for Excellence, Innovation, Collaboration and Community.
George Amarandos, Carindale, Queensland:
George Amarandos has been awarded in the category Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division. He has been recognised for service to the Greek community of Queensland.
Since 1995, Mr Amarandos has been Chair of the Saint Nicholas Nursing Home in Highgate Hill. He has also been Secretary at the nursing home (1983-1995) and a Committee Member (since 1982).
Between 1989-2009, Mr Amarandos was also Chair of the Board at Greek Orthodox Care, and has been a Committee Member since 2004. At the same time, Mr Amarandos was the Vice President of the Greek Orthodox Community of St George in Brisbane from 2009-2011, Secretary since 2015 and 1989-2001 and Committee Member since 1988.
In 2020, Mr Amarandos received the medal of the Christ Loving, Greek Orthodox Church in Australia.
Dr Costas Costa, Hurlstone Park, NSW:
Dr Costas Costa.
Dr Costas Costa has been awarded in the category Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division. He is being recognised for service to medicine as a general practitioner.
Dr Costa has held roles at the Doctors Reform Society including being the former national President, the former NSW President, a member for 40 years and now a life member. He has also been a member at the Medical Association for Prevention of War (Australia), as well as the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (since the 1980s).
Between 1990-2007, Dr Costa was a Foundation Fellow at the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine. From 1994-2018, he was an Affiliate at the Australian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Currently he is a member of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Dr Costa of course, is well known for being a General and Occupational Health Practitioner at Hurlstone Park since 1986. Other roles he’s held include: Medical Officer, Save the Children Fund (1980-1981); Resident Medical Officer, Royal North Shore Hospital (1979); and Resident Medical Officer, Sydney Hospital (1977).
Arthur Papadimitriou, Ormond, Victoria:
Arthur Papadimitriou.
Arthur Papadimitriou has been awarded in the category Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division. He has been recognised for service to the galleries sector.
Mr Papadimitriou is the Founder and Director of the Arthur Papadimitriou Collection; an ongoing supporter of the Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Culture Development at the Victorian College of the Arts and a Donor of the Musee Du Quai Branly in Paris in 2006.
Since 2002, Mr Papadimitriou has been a donor at the Benalla Art Gallery and became a life member in 2004. Interestingly, Mr Papadimitriou has also worked in the education sector in multiple roles.
This includes: Teacher, Malvern Primary School, Department of Education Victoria, since 2009; Teacher, Seaford Park Primary School, Department of Education Victoria, 2002-2008; Teacher, Cranbourne Park Primary School, Department of Education Victoria, 1997-2002; and Teacher, Papunya/Mt Leibig Primary School, Department of Education Northern Territory, 1994.
Mr Papadimitriou has also received the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres of France in 2006.
Helen Patsikatheodorou, Mickleham, Victoria:
Helen Patsikatheodorou
Helen Patsikatheodorou has been awarded in the category Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division. She has been recognised for service to the community of Hume.
Ms Patsikatheodorou was Mayor of Hume City Council from 2011-2012 and 2015-2016. Between 2008-2016, she was a Councillor. She is a current Community Member of the Friends of Aileu Community Advisory Committee (a project supported by Hume City Council).
Currently, Ms Patsikatheodorou is also the Treasurer of the Dallas Neighbourhood House, as well as a Board Member of the Meadow Heights Community Foundation, a Board Member and Former Treasurer at the Meadow Heights Education Centre, and a Member of the Community Reference Group at the Hume Community Change Maker Program. She is also an Electorate Officer at the Office of Maria Vamvakinou MP, Parliament of Australia.
When she’s not doing all of the above, she’s also worked with multicultural groups including the Greek Orthodox Community of Broadmeadows and Districts as Treasurer, and has also worked in the childcare and health sector.
Ms Patsikatheodorou’s roles in this sector include, but are not limited to, Founding Director of the Broadmeadows Multicultural Early Learning Centre, circa 1988; and Founding Member of the Neurofibromatosis Association of Victoria (15 years).
Faye Spiteri, Melbourne, Victoria:
Faye Spiteri.
Faye Spiteri has been awarded in the category Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division. She has been recognised for service to the community through social change organisations.
Ms Spiteri has been Patron of the Inspire Foundation, Chair of the Centre (2009-2019) and Board Member (since 2008). The Centre was established in 2012 by Ms Spiteri.
At Fronditha Care, Ms Spiteri has also held a number of roles including CEO since February 2021, President and Chair of the Board of Directors (2018-2019), Acting Chair of the Board of Directors (2018), Vice President (2011-2018), Board Director (2010-2020), Member of the Governance Committee (2011-2018) and a Former Convener of the Communications Sub-Committee.
Ms Spiteri has also held a number of professional and advisory roles such as: Non-Executive Director, Parkinson’s Victoria, since 2019; Non-Executive Director, Centre for Muslim Wellbeing, since 2019; and Strategic Lead, Yarra Action Plan, Resilient Cities and Towns, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Victoria, 2019 – 2021, among many others.
Other awards received by Ms Spiteri include the Australian Multicultural Marketing Awards; an Inductee of the Victorian Women’s Honour Roll in 2019; and the Victorian Premier’s Achievement Award in 2001.
Professor Eugene Athan, Geelong, Victoria
Prof Athan, who is director of the Barwon South West Public Health Unit, has been awarded an OAM for service to infectious diseases medicine.
Prof Athan originally hails from Sydney and grew up in Melbourne, and has lived in Torquay since he started working at Barwon Health.
He has played a key role in education and research, andis a professor at Deakin University and an honorary professor at the University of Melbourne.
He has contributed to or co-authored more than 180 peer reviewed articles, chapters and papers in medical journals and books.
Co-founding the Geelong Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases in 2013 is another of his impressive achievements.
He was director of the infectious diseases department at Barwon Health from 2004, and was promoted to director of the region’s newly-formed public health unit last year.
* Please note the below list includes the names of those who are recognised as Greek. If you know someone else, please email us at greek@foreignlanguage.com.au.
Rabbitohs young gun Peter Mamouzelos was one of six players who re-signed with the club last week. On Saturday, he made his official NRL debut after coming off the bench for the South Sydney side’s 24-10 victory over the Newcastle Knights.
Peter Mamouzelos was introduced as a late replacement for Damien Cook, who was resting after starring for the NSW Blues in the 50-6 thrashing of the QLD Maroons.
The Greek Australian stepped on in the 32nd minute, less than 60 seconds before Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston got his second of the night. The future club legend finished the match with a hat-trick and stunning performance.
Photo: John Bonanno / Rugby League Review
Mamouzelos only spent 32 minutes on the field, but in that time made 41 passes and 21 tackles, boasting an impressive tackle efficiency percentage of 95.5. Mamouzelos made only 2 runs in the time he was on, getting 21 running metres.
The Greek Australians defensive efforts helped the South Sydney side maintain their top-four position on the NRL table.
Aged 20, Mamouzelos joined from the Maroubra Lions and has been a mainstay in the Rabbitohs’ Jersey Flegg side throughout 2019 and 2021. He is quick out of dummy half in the Damien Cook mould and has represented Greece in seven matches including World Cup Qualifiers throughout 2018 and 2019.
“We’re really excited to have re-signed Lachie, Blake, Pete, Davvy, Terrell and Josiah. We see them as playing key roles in the future of our NRL squad at this Club,” Mark Ellison, Head of Football at South Sydney, said last week.
“Lachie, Blake and Pete are all best mates, inseparable at training and outside of footy, and they have similarly strong combinations on the field as well having played and trained alongside each other for the past three years.”
Another Greek Australian star who also re-signed last week, Lachlan Ilias, is yet to make his NRL debut.
