Business profile: Paul Nicolaou

Paul Nicolaou is one of Australia's most successful fundraisers and has never been shy of speaking out for what he believes in. In his new role as president of the Australian Hotels Association NSW it's business as usual.
Fundraising and marketing maestro Paul Nicolaou is one of our most entrepreneurially-gifted and influential Greek Australians.

The son of Greek parents who emigrated separately from Egypt, Nicolaou traces his passion for philanthropy to his mum and dad. In a recent interview for Sydney's Northside newspaper, Nicolaou spoke about his roots.
"My parents moved to Australia with nothing. I watched them helping my school and the church as I was growing up, with great respect. I think my love of philanthropy stems from them."

It was as president of the Greek Society at the University of NSW that Nicolaou first honed his skills as a fundraiser for the purpose of establishing modern Greek studies at the university.
"We actually ended up raising $200,000 and after that I never really looked back."
Then the zeros just kept adding to the totals Nicolaou was able to raise for good causes. His proudest moment so far he says, is being involved in raising $33 million for The Children's Hospital in Sydney.
"The government provided money for the shell, and the funds we raised went into installing equipment.

Now, Sydney has a world-class children's hospital.
"Because I have such immense enthusiasm for the fundraising work I have done during my career, this passion has actually bled into other aspects of my life."
In his new role as CEO with the Australian Hotels Association NSW, which he's held since January, his is a powerful voice for hoteliers, venues, pubs and accommodation across the state, and for an industry that directly and indirectly employs 150,000 people.

Nicolaou has said that the priority for the association this year is to ensure NSW publicans aren't adversely impacted by the new Three Strikes regime and Federal industrial relations reform.
At the start of the year, he famously came out fighting in opposition to the Tasmanian Independent MP Andrew Wilkie's now derailed proposal to introduce mandatory pre-commitment on gaming machines, a proposal which Nicolaou described as "ill-conceived".
It's all part of who Paul Nicolaou is - a man of conviction and tireless advocacy for what he believes is the right thing to do. "I have to be passionate about something in order to do it, " he says. "I can't take on a position just for the sake of a salary."

Meanwhile, as he heads up AHA, he still finds the time and energy to help not-for-profit organisations like The Gut Foundation which provides public health education, and the Rev. Bill Crews Trust, which supports projects aimed at alleviating poverty worldwide.

"When it comes to philanthropy, I think we all have it in us. It doesn't necessarily take a special kind of person. I think if you're passionate about something, you will find the time to help," says Nicolaou.
"Everyone can help in some way, and it makes you feel great when you do."
Additional material: Northside Newspapers