Nominations are now open for the he Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s HACCI Excellence Awards 2024 will once again bestow accolades to Greek-Australian entrepreneurs, professionals, innovators, and community leaders who have made significant contributions.
The chamber invites the community to submit nominations for individuals who deserve recognition.
“The national awards have become synonymous with HACCI, and it’s an opportunity to get the community to nominate people that are going above and beyond in different fields”, said Fotini Kypraios, HACCI’s Chair.
Advocating for a direct flight from Australia to Athens
This year, HACCI begins a new chapter as a voice for the Hellenic business community, by launching new partnerships, initiatives, and opportunities.
Greece is a popular destination for both Greeks and non-Greeks, and as travel demand increases—Kypraios discussed HACCI’s advocacy for the establishment of a direct flight from Australia to Athens via Perth.
Last year, HACCI Board members discussed adding the route with Victorian Government specialists in Aviation Defence and Aerospace, as well as with the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.
In September, they also raised the issue with the Greek Deputy Foreign Minister.
Kypraios told Neos Kosmos that Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson’s remark about Greece during the announcement of the new Perth-Paris flight, where she said, “Everyone I talk to right now is going to Greece,” was “encouraging.”
The prospect of such a flight being “on her radar” is “a great indication” of HACCI’s advocacy efforts Kypraios said.
“We’re going to continue those efforts and keep and keep monitoring the situation and keep doing what we can to try and raise the profile of that being a possibility for Qantas to take up in the future hopefully.”
Valuable membership opportunities with HACCI
HACCI invites businesses to become members to “strengthen community ties”, promote collaboration, and expand networking opportunities nationally and internationally according to Kypraios.
Those that join HACCI, also become members of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), and gain access to resources in business development.
“HACCI is on a mission to ensure that every business owner, professional, decision maker, stakeholder and entrepreneur of Hellenic descent or Philhellene will join HACCI to become part of a rich network where collaboration and support of each other’s businesses, goals and ideas thrive,” said Kypraios.
“Becoming a HACCI members will ensure the continuation of the collective legacy of our professional and business community, and the sustained support, mentoring and championing of future generations.”
Expanding bilateral opportunities
The National HACCI Federation recently signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Greek Exporters Association (SEVE), the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Athens (ACCI), Piraeus (PCCI), Thessaloniki (TCCI), Rethymnon (RCCI), and the National Chamber Network of Women Entrepreneurs (EEDEGE) in Greece.
Kypraios said for the first time in 40 years since its establishment, HACCI works “to connect its members with specific industry groups and geographic regions that are looking to partner with people in Australia.”
“Both sides are opening doors for their members to get a lot of mutual benefit.”
She said Greek counterparts are excited to collaborate with HACCI in Victoria and the HACCI National Centre, including chambers in Darwin, South Australia, Perth, and Melbourne.
“It’s a true bilateral international opportunity to exchange ideas and work together.”
In a statement to the National HACCI Federation, Australia’s Ambassador to Greece, Alison Duncan, expressed her support for the MoU signed by HACCI with Greek Industry, Trade, and Export Organisations.
“There is broad scope for growing the trade and investment relationship between Australia and Greece, and the Greek-Australian business community is a key driver of stronger ties.” said Duncan.
Maintaining the integrity and credibility at the highest level
The nominations for the HACCI Excellence Awards 2024 are “special,” Kypraios said, “because it’s community driven recognition.”
“We’re conscious of the legacy that we carry and it’s also very important for the community to know that when somebody receives a HACCI award, it’s an independent recognition of everything that they’ve done for their community.”
Nominations for the HACCI Excellence Awards 2024 are open until Monday, September 30th. For more information, please visit the HACCI website.
The awards ceremony will once again take place at the Plaza Ballroom on Collins Street on Friday, November 15th.
