Friends and supporters of The Hellenic Initiative Australia (THI Australia) attended an intimate reception on 31 July, hosted by the Governor of New South Wales at the Government House in Sydney.

Governor Margaret Beazley hosted the event to mark THI Australia’s 10th anniversary and to welcome Zoe Zeniodi, the talented Greek conductor, to Sydney.

In her address, the NSW Governor spoke of the significant contributions that Greek Australians have made to Australian life and prosperity and congratulated THI Australia for its dedication in supporting vulnerable communities in Greece.

NSW Governor Margaret Beazley seen here addressing the attendees hosted the event. Photo: Nick Bourdaniotis / Bourdo Photography

For the past decade, the organisation has been working with 13 partner charities in Greece to deliver programs across social services, education, health, employment, arts, and culture.

THI Australia Director, Professor Helen Zorbas, extended her appreciation to the Governor and spoke about the formation of THI Australia in 2014.

Greek Australians, Professor Zorbas said, banded together to support the homeland at a time when economic depression and austerity in Greece had reached a new peak.

(L- R) George Frazis (THI Australia Director), Stergitsa Zamagias-Hill (THI Chief Executive Officer), Prof Helen Zorbas AO (THI Australia Director), Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Zoe Zeniodi (guest of honour) and Nick Pappas AM (THI Australia President). Photo: Nick Bourdaniotis / Bourdo Photography

“Some say resilience is in the DNA of Greeks, and this resilience was tested across all generations. Resilience and perseverance helped our forefathers build a life here in Australia, and the generations of Greek Australians that followed have benefitted and thrived in this wonderful country as a result of their resilience and sacrifice.”

Professor Zorbas also welcomed Zeniodi, dubbed as the ‘Ingenious Greek Maestra’, and her family to Sydney.

“I know I speak for all Greek Australians when I say we are so very proud of your extraordinary standing on the world stage, and are thrilled to have you here in Sydney, making history as the first Greek orchestral conductor for Opera Australia,” said Professor Zorbas.

Zoe Zeniodi was a finalist at the 2022 La Maestra competition in Paris and features in a documentary covering the five finalists. Photo: Nick Bourdaniotis / Bourdo Photography

Zeniodi’s international career has led to collaborations spanning from the Lyric Opera of Chicago and New Zealand Opera, to orchestras including the Orchestre de Paris, the Bremen and the Buenos Aires Philharmonic orchestras.

The acclaimed Greek artist is currently in Australia to conduct Così fan Tutte at the Sydney Opera House.

“This is the most beautiful country,” Zeniodi said in her speech thanking the NSW Governor for welcoming her and her family to Government House.