Gold Coast businessman George Mastrocostas has been officially sworn in as the Honorary Consul General of Greece in Queensland, in a private ceremony held in Athens on January 5.
Mastrocostas assumes the key diplomatic role that will see him actively engage in diplomatic relations, provide support to the Greek community in Queensland, and promote collaborations across diverse sectors, including trade, culture, and education.
This appointment highlights the efforts of Mastrocostas to foster cultural exchange, strengthen economic ties, and facilitate collaboration between Greece and Queensland.
In his speech at the ceremony, provided exclusively to Neos Kosmos, the newly appointed Consul said he was deeply honoured and grateful for the trust bestowed on him.
“This moment fills me with pride and serves as a tribute to my parents, resilient Greek immigrants who have been unwavering pillars of support throughout my life, instilling in me, from a young age, a deep appreciation for fervent Greek ideals,” he said.
“With humility, I embrace this responsibility and pledge a sincere commitment to making a meaningful contribution.”
Furthermore, he emphasized just how strong Hellenism is in Australia, something that has preserved over generations.
“The strength of Australian Hellenism resonates in its dynamic and resilient community, seamlessly interweaving Greek heritage into the diverse fabric of Australian society.”
“From cultural events to educational initiatives, Australian Hellenism flourishes, nurturing a rich tapestry that transcends generations.
“The steadfast dedication of the Greek diaspora in Australia to preserve traditions, language, and values underscores the enduring influence of Hellenic culture in the country.”
Lastly, he quoted the great Greek poet and diplomat Giorgos Seferis: “to honour, as he put it, ‘the fate of being born Greek and being a person who, for 80 generations, built the Parthenon’.”
Alongside his business roles, as head of private development and construction company Aniko Group, Mastrocostas serves as a Board Director for the Hellenic Initiative Australia, Mastrocostas
This non-profit organisation is committed to investing and contributing to the future success of Greece through impactful programs with Diaspora Greeks and Philhellenes.
Some of these programs include crisis relief efforts, support for entrepreneurship, and contributions to economic development in Greece.
In a media release sent to Neos Kosmos, Mastrocostas reflected on his dual roles, saying that his work with the Hellenic Initiative Australia allows him “to contribute to the broader efforts of supporting Greece’s development.
“The combination of my diplomatic role and involvement in philanthropy creates a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on both fronts.”
Aniko Group, one of Gold Coast’s largest private developers has a development pipeline in excess of $2 billion, from residential to commercial projects, including a luxury car showroom on Bundall Road and a residential apartment project at Labrador.
Early this year, the company is also set to embark on a $2 billion, four-tower residential and mixed-use project called The Landmark, adjacent to Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.
As one of the state’s largest private projects, it will include a residential-resort destination with residential apartments, offices, medical, a luxury hotel and a ground-floor retail and dining precinct.
Plans include three residential towers of 25, 30 and 40 storeys – and a further 53-level tower that will include a mix of hotel suites and private hotel branded residences.
Aniko Group has also commenced construction on its $120m apartment project at Chevron Island where it has achieved more than $100 million in sales.
