Neos Kosmos’ own deputy editor, Kostas Nikolopoulos, was awarded with the Crime Stoppers award for helping to combat crime.
During an awards ceremony at the Crime Stoppers Sponsors & Supporters Function, held at Melbourne Town Hall on Thursday, Crime Stoppers ambassador Mr George Halvagis and Minister for Police and Emergency Service Kim Wells presented Mr Nikolopoulos with the Perpetual Mersina Halvagis Award, for his contribution in bringing justice to the murder of Mersina Halvagis.
“This year the award is going to the man nominated by the Halvagis family, for his support of George and his family during their fight to find justice for Mersina,” Crime Stoppers’ CEO Samantha Hunter said.
As Crime Stoppers’ ambassador George Halvagis said, Mr Nikolopoulos is a person that deserves ‘every bit of Mersina’s award’.
“Kostas Nikolopoulos dedicated so much of his time, as he worked for Neos Kosmos – every time we needed help, he was always there, he always asked the community to help, to report whatever they know. I approached him so many times; he always talked with an open heart and ready to help. Not because of the job he is doing but because he is a good human being. Every year we give this award to people who help fight crime, and I thought that Kostas deserved every bit of it. At the back of my mind, I always thought that before I die, I will dedicate this award to Kostas Nikolopoulos,” Mr Halvagis told Neos Kosmos.
The Halvagis family was rocked by tragedy when their daughter Mersina was murdered at the Fawkner cemetery in 1997. George and the Halvagis family had made a significant contribution to Crime Stoppers, to understand first hand the role community information can play in solving crime and seeking justice for victims.
Mr Halvagis, who has been fighting crime with Crime Stoppers since his daughter Mersina was murdered in 1997, has sent a message to the Greek community that Crime Stoppers does save lives.
“During the campaign for Mersina, we had 800 calls for Mersina only, to help us with the investigation. All we want now is for people to understand that if you ring Crime Stoppers, nobody has to know who you are. It’s just important to report anything you find suspicious. Every piece of information is important and you might be saving a life,” George Halvagis told Neos Kosmos.
During an awards ceremony on Thursday evening, a Certificate of Appreciation was given to Neos Kosmos and other ethnic media for their support to Crime Stoppers’ multilingual campaign.
The Mick Millar award, which recognises a Victoria Police contribution to a Crime Stoppers program, was presented to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex liaison team of Victoria Police, for raising awareness of Crime Stoppers in Victoria’s gay and lesbian community. The award was presented by Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Ken Lay APM.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Kim Wells paid tribute to Crime Stoppers, emphasising the valuable role the organisation plays in engaging diverse Victorian communities in crime prevention activities.
One third of all Victoria Police reports are generated from Crime Stoppers. Each week, 15 to 20 people are arrested as a result of information provided to Crime Stoppers.