The Queen’s Birthday honours list this year recognised 993 exceptional individuals, including ten prominent Greek Australians.
Lawyer Bill Papastergiadis, president of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), was one of the people honoured for his services to the Greek community. He told Neos Kosmos that the distinction was particularly special, bearing in mind that he was nominated by the Chinese community of Melbourne for this award. Also honoured for her contribution to the Greek community of Victoria was Tasia Manos. Ms Lilliane Gomatos, from Darwin, was another Greek Australian recognised for her significant service to the Greek community of Northern Territory.
Ms Athena (Tina) Karanastasis of Hawthorndene, South Australia, was honoured for significant service to the multicultural community of her state.
Greek doctors were not missing from the list. Professor Constance Helen Katelaris of Epping, NSW, was distinguished for her significant service to medicine in the field of immunology and allergy. Another Greek doctor who was honoured for his contribution to medical research was Professor Steven Anthony Krilis of Hunters Hill NSW, an expert in the areas of inflammation, thrombosis and allergic disease. Dr Nicholas Saltos was honoured for his significant service to medicine and education.
READ MORE: Eleven Greek Australians make Queen’s Honours list
Ms Patti Manolis from Geelong, Victoria, was honoured for service to the library and information sciences sector, whereas Ms Vasiliki Nihas-Bogiatzis from Barton ACT was honoured for her service to the arts and cultural heritage.
Captain John Stavridis, who receives the Conspicuous Service Cross for outstanding achievement as the Commander Officer of HMAS Hobart.