Three Australians of Greek heritage were recognised at the Victorian Multicultural Awards earlier this week.
Nola Radiotis, Helen Stamoulis and Kyriakos Gold were all inducted in the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) Honour Roll for 2023.
The three, along with many others, were presented with their award on Tuesday, December 19, at Government House.
Radiotis earned the immense honour for her immense commitment as President of Anemones, a grassroots Greek dancing community group that has helped marginalised Greek women combat isolation, become active, and learn technology.
She works closely with elderly culturally and linguistically diverse women, inspiring them to become active through dance, become IT literate, and looked after women with no family and recovering from illness.
Her other work in the wider community saw her named Darebin Citizen of the Year for 2023.
Stamoulis is the wife of late Melbourne businessman Spiros Stamoulis, and is a strong supporter of the Greek culture and philanthropic initiatives. She has been recognised for her vital role in keep Victoria’s multicultural communities safe and connected.
Kyriakos Gold is the founder of management consultancy and creative agency Just Gold.
In a statement sent to Neos Kosmos by Gold, they reflected on their journey, having moved to Australia from Greece at 17, to where they are now at 47.
“This recognition means so much more than just my own efforts; it’s really about the love and support that an Autistic Queer Greek Australian, who never quite fit the usual mold, received from friends, family, and some great people I’ve worked with,” they said.
“It’s not merely an acknowledgment of what I’ve achieved; it’s an affirmation of the many aspects of my identity that I’ve grown to embrace.
“This includes those parts that aren’t immediately visible, like my Autism, a diagnosis that has come to help me make sense of it all. It’s a celebration of embracing the full spectrum of who I am, the seen and the unseen, and the strength that comes from such acceptance.”
