The Greek community has lost one of its adored figures in Jack Passaris OAM, who passed away aged 88 in Sydney.

Passaris, who migrated to Australia from Egypt in the 1950s (his family’s roots being from Kastellorizo), was known for his passion and involvement in multiculturalism, the Greek community and more broadly Australian society.

Passaris and his family played a hand in the establishment of the Greek Orthodox Parish of Saints Constantine and Helen in Newtown, for which he was also President for 46 years.

He also served for decades in various positions of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, such as chairman of the Intercommunities Council and Treasurer and Trustee of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia Consolidated Trust.In a statement sent to Neos Kosmos Peter Doukas OAM from Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW said: “Multiculturalism in Australia has lost one of its stalwarts, as Jack was one of those few people who was ‘there’ during pivotal moments in Australian history, particularly its multicultural history. Jack was a founding member of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW. An organisation that he loved and continued to serve from its foundation until his passing.”

He was a former president of the Justice for Cyprus Co-ordinating Committee (SEKA NSW), Chair of Multicultural Care (2003-2020) as well as a board member on the Ethnic Communities Council of NSW (for which he was also a Foundation and Life Member).

“He was also a revered leader in the Greek community, Marrickville Council, Multicultural Care and presided over the committee for Justice for Cyprus for over 20 years,” Doukas added.

“At the 2023 AGM of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW there was resounding support to rename the ECCNSW building in honour of Jack, in recognition of his unwavering commitment and advocacy for multiculturalism. It was an immensely proud moment for Jack, and his family, who were present on that day. As a friend, as a colleague and as a mentor he has left his mark, and he will be deeply missed. May he rest in peace.”Passaris was recognised for his immense contributions and dedication to community and multicultural affairs with the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2009, and was awarded the Premier’s Lifetime Multicultural Community Service Medal in 2014.

He is survived by his wife Irene and their two daughters among many other members of his family.

The funeral of Jack Passaris OAM will be held at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 366-378 King St, Newtown NSW 2042 on Friday 16 August 2024 at 10:30 am.