The six finalists in the $60,000 Miles Franklin Literary Award 2021 were announced on Wednesday night and among them is debut Greek Australian author, Andrew Pippos, with his novel Lucky’s.
Pippos’ book was inspired by his own family story: his ancestors came out from Greece and operated a Greek-Australian cafe in the small town of Brewarrina, NSW, for more than 80 years.
He tells The Australian that being a finalist for the literary award is a “dream.”
Andrew Pippos, left, author of Lucky’s, and Robbie Arnott, author of The Rain Heron. Credit: Belinda Rolland.
“I feel fantastic! I spent years writing this book and I didn’t even know if it would be published. To be short-listed for a big award is a dream,” Pippos told The Australian.
Pippos is among a relatively left-of-field shortlist for Australia’s most famous literary prize. He joins Aravind Adiga nominated for Amnesty, Robbie Arnott for The Rain Heron, Daniel Davis Wood for At the Edge of the Solid World, Amanda Lohrey for The Labyrinth and Madeleine Watts for The Inland Sea.
The six books on the 2021 Miles Franklin shortlist.
“In various ways each of this year’s short-listed books investigate destructive loss – of loved ones, freedom, self, and the environment,” State Library of NSW Mitchell Librarian and judging panel chair, Richard Neville, said after the announcement.
“There is beauty and joy to be found, and decency and hope, largely through the embrace of community but, as the shortlist reminds us, often community is no match for more powerful forces.”
Longlisted novelists Gail Jones, who has been on the award’s longlist or shortlist six times, and previous Miles Franklin winner, Sofie Laguna, missed out this year.
The winner of the award will be announced on July 15.
A contentious labour reform bill that has sparked nationwide protests and strikes was carried through Parliament on Wednesday by the center-right government’s majority, with 158 votes in the 300-seat House.
The bill’s ratification came after three days of acrimonious debate that culminated in a heated exchange between Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and leftist opposition chief, Alexis Tsipras, on Wednesday.
“Ten bold changes are included in this bill, changes that will finally help the Greek economy and society to meet the fast pace of the rest of Europe, as well as of our times,” Mitsotakis stressed.
A contentious labor reform bill was carried through Parliament on Wednesday.
“When governments come to loggerheads with the vast majority of society and its interests, its days are numbered,” Tsipras warned from the dais after the Prime Minister dismissed criticism that the bill seeks to abolish collective bargaining and the eight-hour workday, while also weakening unions and the Labor Inspectorate.
The center-right government says the legislation will modernise antiquated labor laws that in some cases were written more than a century ago. It argues the law would allow for more flexibility in the working week, expand paternity rights, make it easier for employees to report workplace harassment and provide greater safeguards and rights for many workers.
Protesters wearing protective face masks take part in rally outside the Greek parliament, Wednesday, June 16, 2021. Photo: AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris.
The government also says the new regulations on strikes will prevent single unions from severely disrupting essential services such as garbage collection and public transportation.
Wednesday’s strike was the second in two weeks. Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Athens in the morning, while around 2,000 more marched in the capital in the afternoon. A police helicopter circled overhead.
The strike affected all modes of public transportation, including ferries to and from the Greek islands. Organisers exempted teachers involved in university entrance exams so as not to disrupt the process for students.
Connie Leamon is a first-generation Greek Australian migrant who spoke with National Seniors Australia about her journey to Australia.
She was just 3-years-old when she left Greece with her family to join her father in Australia.
Her father, Con, had emigrated to North Queensland a-year-and-a-half earlier to cut cane and had finally saved enough money to bring Connie, her mother, and baby brother out to Australia after he found a job as a sewerage pipe inspector.
Con was one of many migrants who left their families behind to migrate to a foreign country for new work and opportunities.
“He came here not knowing a single soul and not speaking a word of English,” she says.
“He was only 23 at the time and had worked on his father’s farm since the age of 11. His family wasn’t well off and he didn’t receive much of a formal education, but he was a clever man and an extremely hard worker.”
Connie’s father Con arrived in Australia to work as a cane cutter (Photo: Cane cutters in the Burdekin Shire, Queensland, in the 1960s) (Credit: Burdekin Cane Farm Stay)
The family shared a small house in west Brisbane with another migrant family.
“My father worked very hard but my mother worked incredibly hard as well,” Connie recalls.
“She was a self-taught seamstress and made all our clothes. She did whatever small jobs she could to make money and taught herself to speak English.”
“Really, you have to take your hat off to these women. Imagine being here alone with no family, raising babies and working your guts out to put food on the table and pay the rent.”
“Most people treated them like second-class citizens. We were just ‘bloody wogs’.”
Connie says she will never forget her parents’ plight to Australia.
“My parents are no longer with us but they will always be my heart and my heroes,” she says.
“I think back to some of the stories they told me about the poverty they grew up with and the way people treated them when they came here, and really they must have had serious post-traumatic stress disorder.”
“I’m fairly sure my mother had mental health issues that went untreated her whole life because you didn’t go to the doctor unless you were dying, back then.”
“Their sacrifice meant my brothers and I were able to receive good educations and live in a truly lucky country.
“I look at the way we treat refugees and immigrants now and think, has anything changed? I don’t know.”
Alexander, aged 6, was diagnosed with a rare brain disorder at a young age.
His mother, Greek-Australian photojournalist Jennifer Polixenni Brankin, has decided to kickstart a new film to document his journey with the condition as part of her promise to him: to show him the world.
Alexander’s journey
What do you do when your five-and-a-half-month-old is diagnosed with a rare condition that you’ve never heard of?
Better yet, having to support your newborn living with this condition as a single parent?
These were the predicaments that Jennifer Brankin found herself in around six years ago.
Jennifer Brankin found herself in tough predicaments six years ago (Source: ABC)
She was pregnant with her first child but developments in her pregnancy gradually started to worsen.
Her son Alexander was the size of a 28-week old when Jennifer was 35 weeks pregnant.
“The consultant who came to speak with me said there was something very wrong with my baby and that, ‘This wouldn’t end well,” she recalls.
Brankin was rushed in for an emergency C-section after Alexander stopped moving.
Plenty of time in ICU care, multiple surgeries, hospitalisations and many testings later and Alexander was diagnosed with Joubert Syndrome.
Joubert Syndrome is a rare condition that affects brain development and body function in young children.
Brankin says she “wanted the ground beneath [her] to crack open and swallow her whole” but has helped Alexander live with the condition.
“After living for a decade in America, I knew that Alexander was lucky to be born in Australia, to have access to our excellent health care system,” she says.
Alexander’s condition meant that he had to be fed through a g-tube at one point.
“A Greek mothers dream come true, come on, who doesn’t want direct access to their kids stomach to feed them the latest creations to come from the kitchen?!,” Brankin writes.
‘Expecting the Unexpected’ documentary will follow Alexander’s journey
Midwives have their work cut out for them as it is, but capturing an emergency C-section with their patient’s D-SLR camera?
That idea would only come from a photojournalist and it’s this footage that will compose a new documentary to be released this year about Alexander’s life journey.
Jennifer (right) with her son Alexander (left) (Source: GoFundMe)
Brankin has enlisted the help of industry colleagues to bring the film into fruition in the hopes of sparking conversations about navigating complicated health conditions like Joubert Syndrome.
Brankin says she didn’t want Alexander’s time in hospital to be his “only memories” and so she made a little promise to him: to show him the world.
Jennifer Brankin was once facing the likely prospect of having a stillborn baby and now travels and lives with her son Alexander.
A migrant from the Greek island of Kefallonia, Christina Giannakis, recently celebrated her 100th birthday with friends and family at the South Australian aged care home where she currently lives.
“I am over 100. I was born on Christmas day in 1920 but my parents didn’t register my birth until a few months later,” Mrs Giannakis tells The Greek Herald, as she reminisces her life and migration journey to Australia along with her youngest son, Chris Giannakis, 62.
Resilience and hope: Rebuilding a life after devastation
One of five kids, Christina lived her childhood and early adulthood during the Great Depression, the Second World War and later on between 1944-1949 the Greek Civil War, the twentieth century’s most brutal.
“Her parents had to feed the kids and couldn’t afford to help her study but she was happy working at the family’s vineyards and olive groves,” says Chris Giannakis.
Christina was in her early 30s when on August 12, 1953 a catastrophic earthquake that struck the island of Kefalonia caused the death of almost 600 people and reduced the town to rubble.
Τhe Kefallonia earthquake in 1953, caused the death of almost 600 people
“I remember this day. I hid under the kitchen table and this is how I stayed alive,” Mrs Giannakis says.
Among the survivors was young Haralambos, who had lost his wife and was left to bring up two kids. A 2-year-old-girl and a 6-month-old boy.
Chris Giannakis (front row, second from R) with his siblings in Kefallonia, 1962.
“This earthquake would change our lives. My mother, Christina, is my father’s second wife and I am the youngest of the two children they had together,” says Chris.
“My mother brought us all four up and treated us equally.”
The quest for a better life in the Antipodes
In 1972, almost two decades after the earthquake and having a daughter who had already migrated to Australia, Haralambos travelled Down Under to attend his daughter’s marriage.
“The marriage was an excuse. He had a one-way ticket and we knew he went to Australia to stay. He was in his early sixties, working hard but was still unable to make ends meet in Greece,” says Chris Giannakis.
L to R: Christina’s first photo in Australia, 1974 and with her late husband Haralambos
Two years later, in 1974, his wife and three kids joined him in Whyalla, an industrial city in SA’s Eyre Peninsula which was then home to almost 120 Greek families.
“I loved Australia and although I couldn’t speak the language everyone was helping us. Even the locals. We were helping each other. Life was better here than it was in Greece,” says Mrs Giannakis.
Christina and Haralambos Giannakis with friends
“When we arrived, we were particularly supported by the Vlachoulis family and for this help we will be forever grateful,” adds Chris.
A Greek legacy that continues through generations
Although five decades in Australia, Christina never learned English and managed to return to her homeland only once.
She doesn’t mind, she says. Because she has four children, eight grandchildren and four grandchildren (one due in August) to be proud of.
Christina with one of her grandchildren
“Kids make me happy. I have love for everyone,” she says.
I ask her what the secret to longevity is and she replies without much thought.
“My faith is what gives me strength. I am healthy and health is wealth,” says Mrs Giannakis and her son, Chris, nods in agreement.
“I feel really fortunate that we have Greek heritage. It’s our history, language and faith that I’m proud of,” he says, as he holds his mother’s hand to accompany her to lunch.
Centenarian Christina Giannakis with her son Chris.
*For her 100th Birthday Christina Giannakis received congratulatory letters among others from Queen Elizabeth, the Governor-General, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, State Leaders and Greek Australian MPs Steve Georganas and Tom Koutsantonis.
Michael Tassis’ new riverfront Greek restaurant and bar Opa Bar & Mezze in Brisbane is being described as a “Mediterranean escape” by reviewers.
Mr. Tassis opened Opa Bar & Mezze in April as his fifth restaurant along the riverside of Brisbane’s bustling Eagle Street Pier precinct.
“There’ll also be a lot of lamb on the menu and we’ll have over 30 bottles of high end pinot noir because lamb and pinot is always a good match,” said Mr. Tassis.
Opa is Tassis’ first Greek restaurant and describes it as “Brisbane’s best Greek restaurant”.
Mr. Tassis is the same owner behind restaurants George’s Paragon, Rico, Fatcow, and Massimo, some of which are Latin and Italian restaurants.
Michael Tassis is the same owner behind restaurants George’s Paragon, Rico, Fatcow, and Massimo, some of which are Latin and Italian restaurants (Picture: Josh Woning)
Opa boasts a monstrous menu offering breads and dips, fresh and raw dishes like sand crab with taramasalata, and large plates including moussaka, spanakopita, and stifatho.
It boasts a 21-strong mezzedes menu, with a dedicated mezze hour from 3 pm – 5:30 pm daily and special soul events every Friday to Sunday.
It offers a selection of Greek wine and cocktails named for the Greek gods.
The Courier Mail’s Alison Walsh describes the eatery as “aesthetically pleasing” and “…evocative of something you might stumble across on your Greek island sojourn.”
It’s a flashy 5-star restaurant filled with white booths, arched windows, and u-shaped lounges, decorated with plates patterned with cracks and a copper pepper mill.
Councillor Angela Vithoulkas has announced her decision to run for Lord Mayor of Sydney this morning in an exclusive interview with the Sydney Sentinel.
The Sydney Councillor will run as a candidate under the Small Business Party, a party she founded in 2018.
The announcement comes as a surprise and gives Ms. Vithoulkas three months to campaign before the election on 4 September.
Ms Vithoulkas is vying for incumbent Lord Mayor Clover Moore’s job alongside Labor candidate Linda Scott and Independent candidate Yvonne Weldon.
If elected, Weldon will be the first Aboriginal-Australian candidate for Lord Mayor and, if reelected, Clover Moore will hold the job for a historic fifth term.
“I am the underdog”: Who is Angela Vithoulkas?
Angela Vithoulkas is a second-generation Greek-Australian who left school early for a successful run in the hospitality industry owning and running businesses.
Angela Vithoulkas was the co-owner of VIVO café in Sydney’s CBD for 16 years. (Source: Sensible Centre)
City of Sydney Councillor Angela Vithoulkas has served on the council since September 2012.
She was the owner of the VIVO café in Sydney’s CBD for 16 years until 2018.
She’s been described as an ‘inexperienced wild card’ and has been dismissed as a ‘green’ but describes herself as “dead center” politically.
“I know I am the underdog – and I’m OK with that,” she said.
“I’m in it to win it.”
Angela Vithoulkas vows to end Clover Moore’s ‘super-majority’ in Sydney council
Ms Vithoulkas details her seven-point action plan for what she’s described as “a bold new vision for reimagining local government”, including to impose a three term maximum time limit on Lord Mayoral terms.
“Clover has been mayor since 2004 and absolute power with no end in sight fosters a stale environment that’s incompatible with a dynamic, forward-thinking city,” she tells Sydney Sentinel’s Peter Hackney.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clove Moore, who currently holds half of the council’s 10 seats, has held on tight to the role for 17 years.
“There’s a reason why the world’s largest and most powerful democracy has a limit on presidential terms,” she said, declaring she wants future Lord Mayors limited to a maximum of three terms in office.”
Two-thirds of Greeks aged 18-34 live with their parents, according to Eurostat data, which puts Greece in sixth place among 35 European countries.
More specifically, according to a recent survey by the European statistical office, drawing on data mostly from 2019, close to 50% of people aged between 18 and 34 in European Union countries live with their parents.
The corresponding share in Greece and Italy is 69.4% – up 8.7 percentage points since 2011. Scandinavian and Northern European countries are on the lowest rungs of the ladder, with the corresponding rate in Denmark at 17.2% and Finland at 19.5%.
“In Central and Northern Europe, it is taken for granted that when the child turns 18, it marks the coming of age,” Antigone Lyberaki, Professor of economics at Panteion University, told Kathimerini.
The mentality in Greece, she said, is very different as there are very traditional images of societal roles. The lifestyle of living alone because one is independent is not that highly rated, she added, noting that the prevailing mentality is that parents are responsible for their children until they get married – regardless of the age of the “child” in question.
Lyberaki also noted that the financial and coronavirus crises were pivotal and intensified pre-existing trends.
“There is a return home, the crisis has done that,” she said, while also noting that marriages were being delayed, also most likely due to the pandemic.
More young people live with their parents in Australia
More young people are choosing to stay at home and live with their parents in their early adulthood in Australia, according to the Australian Institute for Family Studies (AIFS).
In 2016, 43% of 20–24 year olds were still living with their parents; compared to 1981, when 36% of 20–24 year olds were living with their parents.
As young people get older, they are increasingly less likely to live at home. However they are choosing to leave home later.
Up to the age of 34 years, more young men than young women continued to live with their parents while young people born in Australia, particularly 20–24 year olds, are more likely to live with their parents than young people born overseas.
*With information from: Kathimerini, The Conversation
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called on British counterpart Boris Johnson to revise the travel restrictions for Greece which has remained on the UK’s “amber list,” requiring travelers to quarantine for 10 days on return to the country and taking two pre-booked Covid-19 tests whilst in quarantine.
The call came during a meeting before the start of the NATO Summit in Brussels.
Mitsotakis briefed Johnson “on the improving epidemiological picture in Greece, expressing the view that this permits a lifting of restrictions for British tourists visiting the country on holiday, while asking that the UK not discriminate between different European countries,” according to a press release from the prime minister’s office.
The Greek prime minister also briefed Johnson “on recent developments in Greek-Turkish relations and stressed the need for the de-escalation in tension so as to establish trust and allow dialogue.”
With respect to the Cyprus issue, he reiterated Greece’s position that the next steps for a resumption of talks can be agreed only within the given framework of the UN Security Council resolutions calling for a bizonal, bicommunal federation.
The two prime ministers also examined the implementation of the EU-UK withdrawal agreement, including the Irish Protocol and the good prospects for the Alliance via the NATO 2030 agenda.
Mitsotakis also thanked his UK counterpart for the invitation to attend the leaders’ summit at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP-26) taking place in Glasgow in November 2021, which he accepted.
By Andriana Simos, Argyro Vourdoumpa and John Voutos.
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.
Following the announcement on Monday, The Greek Herald had the privilege of speaking to most of these proud Greek Australians to get their thoughts on how it feels to be recognised. This is what they had to say.
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 and is now Regional Manager, Sentence Management. Her commitment, expertise and desire to work collaboratively has led to her being held in high regard amongst staff, stakeholders and prisoners.
Ms Georgas tells The Greek Herald she’s honoured to received the recognition and is “very thankful” for the support and guidance she has received throughout her “rewarding career in Queensland Corrective Services.”
“My family have provided me with exceptional support to embark upon a career which can at times, not be entirely understood. I recall the day when I advised my parents that I was going to work in a prison and they waved it off thinking it was just a phase. Little did they know,” Ms Georgas says.
“My interest in working in Corrective Services commenced when I was young as I grew up in Coburg and was curious about what was behind the walls of Pentridge Prison. I thoroughly enjoyed Legal Studies at school and decided to enrol in a Criminology Degree.
“Shortly after commencing this, I was volunteering at a local Community Corrections Centre and was employed shortly thereafter during 1993. I have cross jurisdictional experience across Corrections Victoria and Queensland Corrective Services…
“I thoroughly enjoy working in a complex and challenging environment, collaborating with staff and stakeholders, to achieve the best possible outcomes regarding community safety, while providing prisoners with opportunities for rehabilitation.”
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.
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.
“I can’t overstate the pride with which I hold all of this, but I’ve also got to say that I never take it for granted. I’m very privileged to have achieved what I’ve achieved… but it is a privilege that I share with the people I have the ability to work with,” Professor Notaras tells The Greek Herald.
“My father passed away in 1964 and like a lot of other good Kytherians and Greek folk, he ran restaurants and cafes and as a 12-13 year old, I took over working in those restaurants with my mother… and I had to grow up pretty quickly.
“I guess where I am today, having the privilege of these acknowledgements and having been able to become a doctor and to do other degrees, shows what you can do from relatively humble beginnings in this country and I think that’s a wonderful thing.”
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 the National Vice President of Ausdance (1996-2004), and 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.
“I was very surprised [to be recognised], but very happy about it because it’s important that people who work in the performing arts or who write about the performing arts are recognised as people who have something more to say than is often the case when it comes to things that are intellectual or artistic,” Mr Christofis tells The Greek Herald.
“My parents loved the theatre and we all loved the movies, we always saw Greek movies but we particularly liked American musicals. So you know, you put all those things together and we became much more cosmopolitan in our thinking. But as I got older, the ballet became more important to me and I started studying at the age of 14.”
From there, Mr Christofis says he went from being a dancer at Queensland Ballet, to working in the public service, a Greek travel agent for six months, the retail industry and the General Post Office. All before he ended up in his dream job as a critic and writer.
“I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’ve had a very interesting career and I’m very grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to be a critic and writer because of the growth in my knowledge, deeper understanding and a lot of good friendships with performers and choreographers and musicians.”
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.
“I’m very proud that this has happened and it’s a reflection of the success of members of the Greek community in Australia. I’m very grateful to my parents that placed such an importance on education and provided the opportunity for me to follow what I was passionate about, which was architecture and design,” Mr Katsalidis tells The Greek Herald.
“I think architecture is an important part of society, culture and the built environment, so in that respect, I’m glad that the government acknowledges the important work that architects do for the community.”
Mr Katsalidis goes on to say that he is also passionate about sustainability and that’s why he was the first person in Australia to develop a new prefabrication and modular construction system for more sustainable and efficient construction of mid to high rise buildings.
“As a species, we over-consume and it’s getting to levels where we have 7 billion people going on 9 billion and it’s pretty obvious what’s going to happen. So there’s an obligation for society to use less resources and construction uses huge amounts of resources so it seems logical that we have a responsibility to try to minimise that.”
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.
Mr Kotzas tells The Greek Herald that he was very humbled to receive the recognition in the Queen’s Birthday Honours and he considers it a “highlight” of his career.
“It’s a significant recognition. I’ve always looked up to people who’ve received these awards in the community… My parents and grandparents would be extremely proud because they always told me to give back to the community and aspire to do my best,” Mr Kotzas says.
“I’ve loved every project that I’ve do. Art helps us understand who we are, build our own sense of identity and how we belong within our own communities.”
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.
“I was born in a little village in Cyprus many, many years ago. We left there when I was seven years old to settle in Sydney. Ever since I could drive, my passion has been cars and motorsport,” Mr Papadopoulos tells The Greek Herald.
“To be recognised on this level, getting an AM for something I enjoy doing, has been great. It’s good for a young Greek kid who knew nothing about cars when we left home to come here and end up with this knowledge and this award.”
Mr Papadopoulos goes on to stress how he is a big advocate for road safety.
“I’ve seen too many incidents where young drivers have hit a telegraph pole because they just didn’t know how to take a corner in the wet.”
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).
“It was gratifying that [my nomination] came from ordinary members of our community who went to the trouble to do this. That was really good,” Mr Amarandos tells The Greek Herald.
“Back in the ‘80s, when St. Nicholas was opening as a nursing home, that was something different. We had never done anything like that. Forty years later, it’s been embraced by the community. At that stage everyone thought, ‘oh well, how can they put their mother or father in a nursing home?’ The thinking was that you looked after them at home, but we had a good product and it’s been well-received. People in our community still go there…
“What I’m being recognised for is as a result of not doing it by myself but working with other good people. When you work with other good people, you get things done and improve the lives of other people around us.”
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. Dr Costa of course, is also well known for being a General and Occupational Health Practitioner at Hurlstone Park since 1986.
“I grew up at a time when few working class families could afford to see a doctor… Returning home to Australia, I completed my public health degree at Sydney University and became a GP fairly late compared to my peers,” Mr Costa tells The Greek Herald.
“Becoming a GP meant understanding the needs of my mainly migrant and lower socio economic patients, many of whom suffered poor health as a result of their hard work over many years – the cleaners, caterers, factory, construction, process workers.”
Mr Costa goes one to say he has “mixed feelings about the award” and feels “somewhat conflicted.” He says “the irony is not lost on me” that the Commonwealth is awarding him the honour while, at the same time, rolling back Medicare.
He says that disparities in accessing public health care exist now as they did when he first became a general practitioner, saying, “it seems to me looking back over last 50 years, all we may really have left, is our family and the many, many patients we’ve helped along the way.”
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.
“Like many Greeks that gave up everything in the hope of securing a better future for their families, my parents arrived in Australia in 1967. My father was proud when I received my French Award in 2006, Chevalier in The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, for services to French and Australian cultures. I know the OAM award would bring a smile to his face, even though he has since passed,” Mr Papadimitriou tells The Greek Herald.
“The Benalla Art Gallery and through people there, this award was possible and in a way it is also for them. Aboriginal art and the first nations people are always deep in my thinking and heart. My aim is to make sure through services to art that all people in Australia appreciate this great country. Finally, without my wife and family support, I could not have followed through with my passion.”
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), and an an Electorate Officer at the Office of Maria Vamvakinou MP, Parliament of Australia.
“Back in 2019, I was approached and asked if my name could be put forward for the Order of Australia Medal. To say I was moved and deeply honoured that someone thought I was worthy enough to nominate me, doesn’t express the emotions I felt then,” Ms Patsikatheodorou tells The Greek Herald.
“I, together with my late husband John Patsikatheodorou, have spent all of our working lives giving back to the community and in particular the Hume community that we love and has needed our support. I cannot believe that I was even considered let alone successful.
“Thank you for the nomination! There are so many worthy people in our community that put endless time and effort to assisting others. I am proud to have left a legacy for my children and grandchildren as well as the Greek community.
*Mrs Patsikatheodorou is still referred to as the City of Hume’s ‘Pink Mayor.’
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.
“Growing up I was a daydreamer – always imagining how life might be a bit more uncommon – spectacular even- and at the same time thinking about how I could make it different,” Ms Spiteri tells The Greek Herald.
“That has never changed– I’m still a dreamer but in a different way- I find awe and wonder in simple things and these are the things that drive me and have sustained me. This is also what has given me the strength and courage to get through very challenging times in life but also the motivation to make a positive difference to the lives of others.
“As a daughter of migrants, a granddaughter of refugees I never imagined my life journey would lead me where it has. I have, largely because of their sacrifices, led a life of privilege. And I have landed where I have because they in fact showed me the way. Whether by example or osmosis they showed me loving care and gave me a solid foundation grounded in care for others.
“I inherited my mother’s passion and drive and learnt to be brave and courageous from my beloved aunt and my father’s legacy was teaching me how to love life. But more importantly perhaps, my mother and aunt, like me, were great advocates of diversity, gender equity and true champions of women and social change. So, in every respect I really believe this accolade belongs to all of them as much as me.”
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.
“My work for and on behalf of Karate Victoria is inspired by my journey in a male dominated sport, the amazing athletes I’ve had the pleasure of coaching, competing with and against and the fact that I feel like I can genuinely make a positive difference to the sport and lives of others,” Ms Alexiadis tells The Greek Herald.
“I hope that the Greek Australian community are as proud and inspired by my recognition as I am of my Greek heritage. It is my heritage that has helped shape me into the person I have become… Greek Australians have done and continue to do a lot of good for this amazing country of ours. May this award continue to inspire and encourage people to work hard, persevere, aspire and dream.”
Dr Michelle Aléna Cretikos, New South Wales:
Dr Michelle 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.
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.
The 55-year-old father of two adult kids said it was a “great honour” and he was very humbled and appreciative.
“Because of the time cycle of the awards process, this relates to the work I’ve done over the last 20 years prior to Covid,” he told Geelong Advertiser.
