The passing of Despina Mouratides on 20 March, at the age of 73 left Melbourne’s Greek community in mourning.
Dr Mouratides was the first female psychiatrist of Greek origin in Australia, according to available records. Widely recognised among thousands of Melbourne’s Greek diaspora, she played a vital role in providing medical services in the Greek language to a community that was frequently marginalised, particularly in the area of medical care, owing to the language barrier.
Ellen Sandel MP recently paid tribute to the late Dr Despina Mouratides at in the Victorian parliament, extending her condolences to Dr Mouratides’ family, friends, and the broader Greek community.
“I rise today to pay tribute to the late Dr Despina Mouratides of East Melbourne, Australia’s first female psychiatrist of Greek origin, who recently passed away at the age of 73,” said Ellen Sandel MP.
“Despina graduated from the University of Melbourne and practised in my electorate for decades. She was well known amongst the Greek diaspora for providing essential medical care in the Greek language, and her loss is a great one for the Melbourne community. I would like to send my deepest condolences to her family, her friends and the broader Greek community who are mourning her loss,” she concluded.
Dr Mouratides’ contributions to the community were crucial, as can be seen through a cursory glance at the ratings given by her patients through online portals. Countless testimonials dating back decades attest to her compassion, understanding, uncompromising integrity, and unwavering dedication to her patients.
