A community awards’ initiative is launched as of this year by the Athenian Association of New South Wales, aimed at recognising individuals and organisations making a positive contribution to Hellenic culture and community from the Diaspora and the wider community within Australia.
“The Award celebrates achievement and contribution in continuing the Greek culture, language and community engaging the future Australian Greek generations. It is important that we recognise such people and admire those brave enough to create a difference,” says the association’s president Mrs Cathy Valis.
This year’s inaugural award will be presented to Mr Dimitrios Dervos, the founder of the Athenian Association in 1953, in honour of his significant contributions and well documented efforts in building the Association as a place that new immigrants arriving from Athens could find companionship, support and assistance.
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The award ceremony will take place during the annual Athenian Association Christmas Lunch to be held at Dockside, Darling Harbour on Sunday 1 December, with the event featuring music from Irene Vacondios and Sotiris Procopiou and a special performance by the Australian Hellenic Choir.
For following awards, nominations will be sought from the community beginning in April each year and the association will “determine every nominee’s qualification via a set of standards including ethics and the actual contribution that they have been nominated for.”
The Athenian Association encourages people from all parts of Greece and Australia to become members of the Association and to further the Hellenic spirit.
For more information on the Athenian Association membership, the Community Award or the Annual Lunch, you can reach out to the association’s representatives via email at atheniansydnsw@gmail.com
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