Queensland’s Chapter of the Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association (HAL) officially rang in the new year last week.

The gathering was well attended, with a number of interstate guests including Chief Justice Chris Kourakis, Jane McGrath, Chief Justice Helen Murrell, Paul Westwood, Justice Emilios Kyrou and John Kiosoglous.

(L-R) HAL national patron Chief Justice Chris Kourakis (SA), Justice Emilios Kyrou (Victoria HAL patron), Chief Justice Helen Murrell (ACT HAL patron) and Chief Justice Alan Blow OAM (Tasmanian HAL patron).

Also present was the Honorary Consul-General of Greece in Queensland Jim Raptis, joined by his wife Helen.

This year is set to be an important and exciting year for the association as it endeavours to build upon the solid foundations achieved since its launch in Victoria.

The large crowd included a number of dignitaries from the Hellenic and legal community.

To get the ball rolling, HAL’s Western Australian chapter is expected to be launched next month by its patron, Chief Justice Wayne Martin.

Chief Justice Murrell has agreed to take on the role of patron for the ACT chapter, set to be launched in April.

Those attending the gathering also had the chance to take part in the launch of Justice Kyrou’s book Call Me Emilios.