Two Greek Australians were recipients of the Order of Australia awards in the Queen’s Birthday honours lists.

George Dimitri Kapetas of Darwin, was awarded the top honour for his service to the Greek Community of the Northern Territory. Kapetas has worked endlessly in promoting the Greek language and culture. He was also awarded for his contribution to architecture. Kapetas was born in Pieria, Greece, he migrated to Australia when he was 17-years-old. He was a member of the committee for the valuation of the designs for the new acropolis museum. For four years he was an honorary consular of Greece in Darwin. While receiving his medal he said “I feel proud but also very lucky”.

Constantina Amanatides of Glen Waverley, Victoria, was also awarded an Order of Australia. She was awarded the honour for her services to the Greek community and contributions to multicultural organisations, and as an author. Amanatides migrated to Australia with her sister, to follow her brother after her parents passed away. She grew up during the Second World War and saw the atrocities war can have on a nation and humanity. Now, as a respected and noted poet, author and playwright, her text often centres around the plight of Greek immigrants. Her career has spanned over five decades and shows no signs of slowing down. Her latest offering is a selection of works in English in the book Dreams of Clay, Drops of Dew, translated by Konstandina Dounis.