John Loukadellis, former president of the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra (GOCCC), and the Hellenic Club of Canberra, an associate director at Macquarie, has been appointed to the board of The Hellenic Initiative Australia (THI Australia).

Loukadellis stepped down from the GOCCC at their AGM in November. The former director at the influential Hellenic Club of Canberra was approached to join THI Australia after being seen at the Acropolis Museum, where he was “talking to a few people about the return of the Parthenon Sculptures.”

The President of THI Australia, Nick Pappas, asked him if he would be interested in joining the board, and Loukadellis did not hesitate.
He told Pappas that “anything that’s got to do with promoting Hellenism in Australia or Greece” interests him.

“Whether it’s flying flags in Canberra, promoting the Greek language, or doing anything that involves our culture, faith, or language—I’m in,” he said.

“My three pillars are culture, faith, and language. I want, for example, my three young sons to learn Greek dancing and language, which we teach at the Hellenic Club, and I want that across all generations in the future.”

The new THI Australia board member added that he wants to “elevate Hellenism in Canberra to where it once was.”

In 2021, Loukadellis was heavily involved in consultations for the National Museum’s presentation of ‘Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors, and Heroes’ from the British Museum. He played a critical role in bringing together the Greek communities of Canberra and NSW and ensured the museum engaged fully with them.

His commitment to Hellenism runs deep, as he wants the community to be a “model for all other multicultural communities.”Recently, Loukadellis assisted the Tongan community of Canberra in securing funds from Home Affairs.

“I love that community. They invited me to the Tongan festival and anointed me ‘our Greek Toko’ or Greek brother.”Located in Canberra, the nation’s capital, Loukadellis is in close proximity to decision-makers on Hellenic issues.

“I had four politicians across the spectrum ring to congratulate me once the LinkedIn post went up,” he said.

We need a deeper understanding of Greek Australian endeavours in Greece across arts, culture, science, and more

THI Australia called Loukadellis a “respected figure within the Greek Australian community in the ACT,” adding that his appointment emphasises “THI Australia’s truly national representation of volunteer directors.”

Loukadellis is eager to foster more engagement between Greece and the diaspora, envisioning a two-way relationship.

“We need a deeper understanding of Greek Australian endeavours in Greece across arts, culture, science, and more,” he said. His appointment comes as THI Australia prepares to celebrate its 10-year anniversary on March 22, 2025, in Sydney.