50-50 Greek Australian family wins photo comp

Neos Kosmos and Etihad Airways are pleased to announce the winner of the Greek Australian Moment photo competition: Stelios Zoumakis. His entry of his photogenic 50 per cent Greek-born 50 per cent Australian-born family, has won him two economy class return airfares to Athens with Etihad Airways. A big congratulations from everyone here at Neos Kosmos.
"I am overjoyed to have won this prize. I have never won anything in my life, and this couldn't have come at a better time," says Stelios.

The story of Stelios, his wife Olga, and daughters Athena, 4, and 5 month-old Elly, is a heart-warming one. Greek-born Stelios and Australian-born Olga met in Peristeri, Athens, in the neighbourhood where their mothers were childhood friends. The couple's long distance relationship eventuated in marriage, and Olga committed to move to Greece and start a family.
But after Athena was born, the economic crisis struck Greece and led to hardships for the family.

The best way forward was to move to Australia, and face the struggles that many new migrants face when starting over in a new country. Having personally faced these issues, Stelios is sensitive to the plight of migrants and now works at the Australian Greek Welfare Society, driven to help migrants and the elderly of the Greek community.
Nearly two years on, Stelios and Olga have now added Elly to their brood, making their family an even 50-50 Greek Australian split.
"As soon as we heard about the competition, we felt like our family was a perfect fit with the theme", says Stelios.

This prompted Olga, who has a graphic design background, to brainstorm the idea for the winning photo. With t-shirts made and camera in hand, they took the endearing photo that would win them the prize.
The win could not come at a better time for the family, who admit that it's difficult being away from family and friends in Greece, and not being able to visit them. They plan to put their trip to good use, with hopes of christening Elly in Greece later this year.
The winning photograph was selected by committees at Neos Kosmos and Etihad Airways, based on its photographic merit and because it best suited the theme of a Greek Australian moment.

Thank you to everyone who showed their Greek Australian pride by entering the competition. With such a large response, it was a difficult decision to choose the best entry.