Mike Zafiropoulos AM has received the Spiro Stamoulis Lifetime Achievement Award for his five decades of work fostering multicultural understanding at the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) awards last night.
The achievements of Greek-Australian professionals, business leaders, and community figures were celebrated at the annual HACCI Excellence Awards Gala at Melbourne’s Plaza Ballroom.
The prestigious event, a highlight in the Hellenic Australian social calendar, featured a night of music, dancing, and fine dining as the community came together to honour this year’s standout achievers.
James Stevens, the founder of Mr Roses, was awarded the Bank of Sydney Business Excellence Award for his innovative and community-minded approach to business.
In professional fields, Professor Jonathan Carapetis AM was recognised with the Professional Excellence Award for his pioneering contributions to pediatric health, while John Konstantopoulos received the Innovation Award for his AI-driven healthcare advancements.
The Woman of Influence Award was presented to Martha Oplopiadis, celebrated for her leadership in engineering and advocacy for women in STEM.
Community Service honours went to Anastasia Darras AM for her transformative work with TLC for Kids, while sports broadcaster Andrew Paschalidis received the Sport Award for his contributions to sports media and heart health advocacy. Rising star Jane Aslanidis was presented with the Chris Saristavros Young Achiever Award for her global impact in international commerce and innovation.
About the recipients:
James Stevens (Dimitris Stefanidakis), founded MR ROSES five years ago and has built a significant Australian database and a trusted brand with an average 30 per cent customer return rate to it’s website on any given day. Most online businesses have declined in revenue by 20-40 percent since the COVID pandemic hit that caused a spike in sales during the covid period. MR ROSES is a discretionary purchase which has grown no less than 25-30 per cent each year even post COVID and against a rising interest rate cycle.
MR ROSES, has same day delivery capability in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Perth, Sydney, Wollongong and Newcastle, and next day delivery to many other parts of Australia.
MR ROSES is well and truly supportive of community, assisting a plethora of mainly medical charities like the McGrath Foundation, the Leukaemia Foundation, the Black and White committee in support of Vision Australia, and separately many cultural events such as sponsoring the Australian Ballet to name a few.
MR ROSES is also proud of it’s Greek Australian ownership and assists many Greek cultural endeavours such as the Greek Film Festival.
James Stevens, the founder of Mr Roses, previously founded ROSES ONLY, in 1995 and sold the Australian business in 2014. Roses Only UK, USA , Singapore and HK are still owned by James Stevens.
James Stevens separately has previously served on the Leukaemia Foundation board, currently on the Advisory Council for the School of Business at UNSW, the St George Greek Orthodox church of Rose Bay , and the Hellenic Club of NSW.
John Konstantopoulos is the co-founder of Artrya, a healthcare technology company that develops AI-driven solutions to help clinicians accurately diagnose patients at risk of heart disease. He leads the global commercial expansion of Artrya’s non-invasive technology, shaping its product vision and strategy.
John has played a pivotal role in fundraising, product strategy, clinical advancements, intellectual property creation, and product commercialisation.
Before founding Artrya, he was the Global Industry Leader at IBM, where he worked closely with some of the world’s largest corporations on product commercialisation and new market entry.
He was a member of IBM’s Global Industry Academy and currently serves on the Faculty Advisory Board for Engineering and Science at Curtin University. He holds a Master of Engineering Degree from the University of Technology, Pretoria and an MBA from HEC Paris.
Martha Oplopiadis is an accomplished executive, possessing a wealth of experience in general management, policy development, governance, engineering, innovation, and project delivery in both Governmental and Private sectors.
Her distinguished career has seen her implement strategies to improve financial positions, increase organisational capability and deliver outcomes in complex operational environments.
With exceptional stakeholder management skills, Martha is visionary, fosters collaboration and influences the right outcomes through her astute problem solving, strategic business acumen and people management skills.
These well-honed attributes make her industry agnostic with the flexibility to transfer these high-level skills to any sector – her past performance being the testament to future results.
Currently at the helm of the Metro Tunnel Project for Metro Trains Melbourne, Martha demonstrates an unparalleled proficiency in employing a systems thinking approach and fostering strategic collaborations to provide invaluable insights to governmental bodies and regulatory authorities on intricate matters.
Her leadership ethos is distinguished by its hallmark attributes of authenticity, resilience and unwavering dedication to achieving organisational priorities.
Drawing upon a rich mixture of global leadership roles in Finance and Commercial, Engineering and Project Management with companies such as Alstom, General Motors Holden, Ford Motor Company and Metro Trains Melbourne, Martha prides herself with wisdom.
With a degree in Electronics Engineering and esteemed recognition as a Fellow of Engineers Australia, Martha further amplifies her impact by serving as a Board Director for the Society of Automotive Engineers-Australasia – where she is committed to advancing STEM skills development and fostering the socio-economic prosperity within the Victorian community.
Ana Darras has had a long and diverse career spanning nonprofit, PR, retail, and politics. She has been an International Designers Assistant Buyer at David Jones, a Ministerial Officer with the Minister of Defence and the Minister of Foreign Affairs with the Australian Federal Government; a PR & Media Officer for key programs and major fundraising appeals at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne; and the Co-Founder of TLC for Kids, a charity that has put over 16.1 million smiles on the faces of sick children and their families. In recognition of her commitment, Ana also became a Member of the Order of Australia in 2024.
For over 30 years, Ana has given back to the community, with her longest-standing role at TLC for Kids, a registered nonprofit organisation providing immediate distraction and relief to sick children and their families during critical times of crisis, regardless of their illness, condition or background.
In her founding and managerial role at TLC for Kids, alongside her long-term partner, Tim Conolan AM, Ana has been instrumental in developing vital and critical support services for our community’s most vulnerable. Services include: the Rapid TLC program – referrals made by Health Care Professionals to assist children and families facing immediate trauma due to their child’s health the Distraction Box program – designed to guide children through medical examinations and procedures whilst in hospital
Building on these proven distraction principles is the Tap 2 Distract App, which gives children worldwide, anytime, and anywhere distraction. The App comprises a variety of child-friendly games and activities to help reduce fear for a child during a medical procedure, immunisation or whilst experiencing any form of stress or discomfort, and the TLC Ambulance – provides an opportunity for children in palliative care to enjoy one last trip with the family to their most treasured destination. With passion, determination, drive and unwavering commitment, Ana is changing the landscape of the nonprofit sector and is leading the way to better outcomes for sick children and their families across Australia.
Andrew Paschalidis is a proud Hellene of Pontian and Peloponnese background. His media career started as a cadet journalist with Australian Soccer Weekly – part of The Greek Herald media group – in 1983.
The following year Andrew started what would turn out to be a thriving 10-year journey with SBS Television, with numerous highlights, including being the youngest host of a Australian sports show at just 24 years old in 1986, as well as numerous commentary, reporting and hosting roles covering multiple football tournaments both in Australia and abroad.
In 1995 Andrew was one of the first to sign up with the emerging pay television revolution working with Fox Sports until 2003.
In a four decade media journey he has also worked with radio stations 2GB, 2UE and Sky Sports Radio & Racing, as well as commentating in India between 2015-2022.
But the focus in recent years is a fight to save lives on the sporting fields of Australia as the founder of the Heartbeat of Football Foundation in 2016, which is recognised by FIFA as a unique and important charity in the world game.
Last year HOF also evolved into Heartbeat of Sport with the Charity providing free heart health checks, raising awareness and education about cardiovascular disease as well as advocating for defibrillators to be available at every sporting ground in Australia.
Professor Jonathan Carapetis AM is the Executive Director of The Kids Research Institute Australia, whose head office is located in Perth, Western Australia. He is an infectious diseases consultant physician at Perth Children’s Hospital, and a Professor at The University of Western Australia.
He holds qualifications as a medical practitioner (MBBS), specialist paediatrician (FRACP Paediatrics), specialist infectious diseases physician (FRACP Infect Dis), and specialist public health physician (FAFPHM), as well as a PhD; and is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Sciences (FAA) and the Australian Academy of Health & Medical Sciences (FAHMS).
Professor Carapetis’ previous roles include President of the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI), Director, Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin; Director, Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne; and Theme Director, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne. During the COVID-19 pandemic he was a member of the National COVID-19 Health and Research Advisory Committee.
Amongst his many accolades, in 2021, Professor Carapetis was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Medicine from Curtin University and received the Professions Award at the 2021 West Australian of the Year Awards. In 2018, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant contribution to medical research. In 2013, he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science, Charles Darwin University, Northern Territory, and in 2008 he was named Northern Territory Australian of the Year.
Professor Carapetis has made an international contribution and commitment to the reduction of rheumatic heart disease and group A streptococcal infections. As Director of the END RHD Centre for Research Excellence, he led the development of the RHD Endgame Strategy: A blueprint to eliminate rheumatic heart disease in Australia by 2031 and, as co-director of the Australian Strep A Vaccine Initiative (ASAVI) and member of the Strep A Vaccine Global Consortium (SAVAC), is at the forefront of global efforts to develop a Strep A vaccine. He has been involved in numerous studies of the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases, and efficacy studies of vaccines in highly endemic settings, including pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccines.
Jane Aslanidis is an accomplished executive with over a decade of leadership experience across commerce and international relations. She has held pivotal roles at the United Nations, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and in both the public and private sectors, where her expertise has been instrumental in driving growth, investment, and transformative initiatives.
As the Program Director at the Australian Design Council, Jane plays a critical role in fostering Australia’s design-led innovation, helping shape the nation’s strategic vision for long-term growth and national prosperity. Her work is not only focused on driving economic outcomes but also on promoting cultural enrichment and sustainability—key areas where Australia is poised to lead on the global stage.
Jane’s global impact is highlighted by her 2023 World Bank Group Climate Ambassadorship, where she worked on addressing the urgent challenges of climate action, advocating for sustainable practices across financial markets. With a proven track record of steering high-impact programs, she continues to be a driving force in shaping international partnerships and supporting the next generation of innovators.
A Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and holding a Master’s degree from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Jane combines strategic leadership with a commitment to corporate governance and long-term value creation. Through her mentorship of young professionals, she supports early-stage ventures and continues to foster growth and innovation.
Her career is a testament to her ability to navigate the complexities of both local and global markets, making her an influential leader poised to shape Australia’s business landscape and beyond. As Jane moves forward, she welcomes opportunities for international collaboration and engagement, particularly with businesses seeking to align innovation with sustainable, impactful growth.
Mike Zafiropoulos AM, JP has had more than 50 years of profound involvement in community affairs in various fields, covering the arts, sport, health, social inclusion, welfare, local government and philanthropy. His voluntary and innovative work has embraced both his community as well as the wider Australian community and has enabled him to be a bridge and an effective communicator at public forums aimed at promoting the Hellenic image and values.
As a highly respected community leader, he has played a catalytic role through his membership of statutory and government advisory boards, influencing the gradual acceptance of Australia’s diversity as a national asset, which if properly managed would benefit all Australians.
He has initiated a number of activities which promote harmony and intercultural collaboration, importantly commencing his extensive contribution, prior to the establishment of the ethnic communities’ councils, multicultural commissions and major cultural festivals.
He served 15 years as State Manager at the Immigration Department and over two decades as General Manager of SBS in Melbourne. His community contributions include a decade as Deputy Chair of the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria, a decade with the Australian Communities Foundation, and 25 years as chair of the Antipodes Greek Festival. He was also a founding member and chair of Multicultural Arts Victoria.
His expertise in cultural diversity and pioneering contribution to multiculturalism has been acknowledged by several appointments to government statutory bodies, life memberships and through several federal, State and voluntary sector awards.
Furthermore, his appointment as judge to a variety of Awards and his election to mayor/deputy mayor in both of the municipalities he lived in is a testament to the widespread respect he enjoys in the community.
The awards were presented by HACCI Board Members Vicky Alexiou and Helen Kapalos. Flowers Vasette created the spectacular flower arrangements given to the Award winners, and Melvourni coffee set up a Greek coffee station, brewing the signature hot beverage at the end of the opulent, three-course meal.
The gala was also a feast for the senses, featuring performances that ranged from Evangeline Victoria’s soul-stirring violin solos to Elisa Colla’s soaring soprano, each act adding layers of Greek cultural heritage to the evening.
A very special moment came with the presence of the Psaltries Choir of Melbourne, whose byzantine hymns filled the room with emotion.
As the night drew to a close with a vibe of Greek dance party, courtesy of DJ Vath featuring Steve Gold on the bouzouki, the awards left attendees inspired, reflecting on the community’s vibrant contributions to Australia’s multicultural mosaic.
