Cross-organisational unity is the only way Greek Australian issues can be tackled effectively, says AHEPA President, Elias Doufas at this year’s 59th National AHEPA Convention in the Gold Coast.
Closing today, the conference has brought together all AHEPA chapters, including the Youth Chapter, Achilleas, and the women’s chapter, Daughters of Penelope to discuss Greek issues and philanthropy.
Speaking to Neos Kosmos on the progress of the Conference this week, Mr Doufas mentioned new collaborations from Greek Australian charities and organizations as part of AHEPA’s future.
“I think it’s about time that the Greek community got together on some of these issues,” he said to Neos Kosmos.
“We seem to be working individually, doing great things but greater things can be achieved if we are united.”
AHEPA is already reaching out to important Greek Australian organisations and hopes with new friendships to provide a stronger voice and more philanthropic power to make a bigger difference for Greek Australians and Greeks abroad.
The week long conference, starting last Saturday has seen AHEPA tackle some strong issues alongside notable Greek representatives.
Greek Ambassador to Canberra, Haris Dafaranos, and the High Commissioner for Cyprus, Yannis Iacovou, helped with an opening address, detailing the situation in Greece and Cyprus, and were instrumental in drafting a resolution aimed at supporting the United Nation’s stance to the illegal occupation of Cyprus by Turkey. That resolution will be passed onto the Greek and Cypriot governments.
Also making an impact on the agenda was the call for better funding and input in securing Greek language programs in schools and universities.
AHEPA carried a motion to support the initiative by Queensland University, Griffith University and Flinders University to support online teaching of the Greek language.
This year has marked a couple of records for AHEPA. It’s seen a 20 per cent increase in membership in Australia and seen a record number raised for charity. $450,000 this year alone has been raised by AHEPA and its chapters.
They will be keeping their commitment to local charities, as well as extending its friendship with the Greek charity, Kivotos tou Kosmou, which looks after disadvantaged children especially after the crisis.
For President Elias Doufas, this year marks his last in the position. On Tuesday, AHEPA unanimously elected Christine Lynch OAM as the incoming president, and Steve Liassi as the Vice President.
Ms Lynch has been a long serving member of AHEPA in NSW and will take the position for two years.
‘I’m very sure she’ll be fantastic,” says Mr Doufas.
“She’s supported us very well for the last two years and she’s been a very hard worker of AHEPA for many years now in NSW.”
As outgoing President, Mr Doufas says he won’t be leaving the organisation, and will be concentrating on furthering the Youth chapter and promoting AHEPA.
The newly elected AHEPA National Lodge of Australiasia members:
President: Christine Lynch
National Vice President: Steve Liassi (QLD)
NSW: Con Vlachos, Nick Karageorge, George Lianos, Penny Cretan, Katina Stavrianos, Maria Kourt, John Theodoridis.
QLD: Jane Di Lizio
VIC: Peter Patisteas, Dennis Patisteas, Nike Pavlou, Voula Marabeliotakis, Loula Anagnostou
WA – John Tzamarias
ACT – Sophia Notaras, Tony Katheklakis