The Kastellorizian Association of Victoria (KAV) has proudly announced Nicolas Paul Zervos as the recipient of the 2024 Kastellorizian of the Year (KOY) award.
After a thorough review of all nominations, the selection panel and KAV Committee unanimously agreed that Zervos embodies the excellence and commitment required for this prestigious honour.

“It’s really an award that is a reflection of my parents, that are now deceased,” said Nicolas Zervos, to Neos Kosmos.

His father Paul came to Australia from Kastellorizo, Greece around 1948, while his mother Peggy, also from Kastellorizo, was born in Australia.

Zervos’s parents were proud to have two lawyers in the family, as his brother who lives in Hong Kong, is a Justice of the High Court of Hong Kong.

He said his parents “were very strong in making sure that both of us had a shot in education,” which helped both brothers build “comfortable” careers.
Born in Melbourne, Nicolas Zervos has been deeply connected to the Kastellorizian and Greek communities from a young age.

His passion for community service began during his university years and has continued to flourish throughout his professional and personal life.

“When I was at university, bearing in mind my background, was what I call an Australian Greek as opposed to what many people back then would have called themselves Greek Australian,” said Zervos.

At University, he noticed that students of Greek background were “more preoccupied” on Greek politics, while he believed “that they should be more mindful of” Australia politics.

He joined the Greek Club at Melbourne University and was elected the first President of the National Convention of Greek Australian Students, now known as NUGAS.

Zervos reflected on how NUGAS, “one of the first national organisations” for people of Greek background, “still exists today.”

“Each time I hear about the NUGAS at my age, today I feel quiet, honoured and more impressed by the fact that it’s survived throughout the years.”

He said its enduring presence “is a strong testament” to the organisation’s member’s character.

A graduate of the University of Melbourne with degrees in Law and Commerce, Zervos was admitted as a barrister and solicitor to the Supreme Court of Victoria and the High Court of Australia in 1980.

In the 1990s, he was appointed as an assistant commissioner for the Little Licensing Commission of Victoria for three years.

He ran his own practice within a commercial legal firm with a focus on hospitality and gaming.

“We take pride in my office to make sure that we are confident with the advice that we give. Integrity underpins our ethos.”

His legal expertise has been a valuable asset to numerous Greek and Kastellorizian organisations, often providing pro bono services for over 35 years.

Zervos’ leadership has not only strengthened the Greek community in Melbourne but also fostered strong connections between Australia and Greece, particularly through his involvement with the Melbourne/Thessalonika Friendship Committee.

Zervos’s engagement with the Melbourne City Council and the Greek community combined with regular visits to Greece, deepened his ties with Greek community organisations and solidified his belief in the Australian Greek character.

He also played a key role in introducing the Hellenic Initiative to Australia, an organisation that started in America, and later expanded to Australia.

Zervos’ commitment to his heritage is evident in his extensive involvement in various community roles:

  • President, University of Melbourne Greek Club (1974-1976)
  • Foundation President, National Union of Greek Australian Students (NUGAS) (1976-1980)
  • Vice-President and various roles, Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria (1980s)
  • Honourary Solicitor, Kastellorizian Association of Victoria (1990-present)
  • Chairman, Antipodes Festival/Lonsdale Street Greek Festival (1988-1990)
  • Director and Advisory Board Member, The Hellenic Initiative Australia (2015-present)

Zervos’ leadership has not only strengthened the Greek community in Melbourne but also fostered strong connections between Australia and Greece, particularly through his involvement with the Melbourne/Thessalonika Friendship Committee.

Today, at 69, Zervos is happily married to his wife, Georgia, and together they have two children: Paul, who runs a creative agency, and Deandra, who works as an executive assistant for Zervos.

His advice to young people considering a career in law is: “Your passion should dictate what you want to do […] Do it because you want to do it. Do it because you feel that you can provide a service to the community.”