For the second time, Townsville’s Glencore Greek Festival has been named the Community Event of the Year as part of this year’s Australia Day Awards.

The announcement was made by Australia’s Governor General, the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove, on Monday 26 January.

“It was wonderful for the organising committee and all the volunteers to receive such recognition,” festival co-ordinator Bill Malandris told Neos Kosmos.

Last year’s Glencore Greek Festival was the 15th year that the Greek community of Townsville has been sharing its language, food and culture with the wider Australian community.

Along with the success of the festival, Mr Malandris was also honoured by the Governor General, as the recipient of this year’s Cultural Award.

Granted in recognition of his significant contribution to the cultural life of the wider community, Mr Malandris was both surprised and pleased by the announcement.