Following the announcement of the elected candidates at the Greek Community of Melbourne elections, both sides took to social media to make their respective announcements. Bill Papastergiadis and his group Koinotiki Ananeosi (Community Renewal) were the undisputed winners with every candidate in their the ballot combination being elected.
The Community Unity group, garnered considerable support, albeit new, and has pledged to support the majority’s wishes.
It is worth noting that the new board cannot be formed until nine days have passed from the election; when the electoral committee calls for the first board meeting.
Mr Papastergiadis said after his win:
“The Greek Community of Melbourne elections were held in a calm and positive environment. The result delivered a mandate for a steady hand to deliver the Community’s program. I would like to thank everyone who took part in one of the most important Community elections in recent years.
I wanted to emphasise that whilst we welcome election victory, our focus stems from belief in community, unity, harmony and progress. I am proud to work with a team that is experienced, dynamic and enthusiastic. The new elected board is made up of : Jim Bossinakis, Alexi Costa, Nick Dallas, Spiridoula Demetriou, Mina Giannelis, Helene Hiotis, Michael Karamitos, Nick Koukouvitakis, Dean Kotsianis, Vicky Kyritstis, Marini Pirpiris, Tass Sgardelis, Anthea Sidiropoulos, Chris Sikavitsas, Kostas Stefanidis, Manuel Tsimiris, Jeana Vithoulkas and Leo Vlahakis.
I’d like to also acknowledge all of the other candidates who contested these elections. I know that their commitment to the Community is genuine and passionate.
I would also like to in particular thank the outgoing members of our Board of Management for their many years of support and service. Thank you Angela Georalis, Vasso Zangalis, Tammy Iliou, Stavroula Kalliani, Spiro Papadopoulos, Georgina Pattas, Theo Markos and Costa Markos.
Yesterday’s elections and the whole management of the election process does not happen without the excellent organisation and efforts of the Electoral Committee.
We now set ourselves to steer our organisation towards the future. A future that is a bright and united and where all ideas are welcome. A future that features but one result, a stronger Community for all.”
Community Unity’s official statement following the announcement of the results is as follows:
“Community Unity wishes to thank all the members of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria that supported our declaration with their vote, as well as our party. On Sunday’s election, Community Unity was endorsed by about 45 per cent of the voters.
We would like to congratulate and wish every success to Bill Papastergiadis’ ballot combination.
We will be supportive of every initiative taken by the new Board of Management, which will promote the interests of the Community, the Greek Community institution as well as the interests of the broader Diaspora. (That is) Every initiative that will acknowledge that and actualise on the fact that the power of the Community is its members; its representative and democratic character, actively taking into consideration the community’s stance as well as transparency in the way it operates,” the announcement concluded.
