The Hellenic Initiative (THI) Australia celebrated ten years of the Greek Diaspora’s generosity and deep connection with Greece at a gala dinner held at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney last night.
The event was highlighted with an honour presentation to well known businessman and community philanthropist Nick Politis, who was overcome with emotion during his acceptance speech.
An attendance of nearly 600 people gathered to celebrate a decade of support towards Greece during a period of challenging times giving everyone the opportunity to reflect on their achievements as well as the generosity and resilience of the Diaspora and support for Greece.
Some of the notable guests in attendance included representatives of the Hellenic Republic, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Archbishop Makarios, Andrew Liveris, Nick Pappas and Nick Politis – one of the nation’s proudest Greek Australians who received a special award for his contribution to Hellenism and his work for THI.
THI president Nick Pappas addressed attendees reminding them of Greece’s journey over the past decade.
“Greece’s transformation the last few years has been remarkable. A few years ago our reputation still was that Greeks are looking for the easy way out. But we know that our ancestors were known for their hard work and perseverance which is what also characterised the Greek Diaspora. I feel proud tonight of what we have collectively achieved. I see everything that’s good about Greeks in Australia,” the THI president said.
He then invited Archbishop Makarios to the stage who thanked everyone for their help and support towards the Greeks and acknowledged their profound impact of their generosity, personal engagement, action, filotimo and hard work on the ground. He then acknowledged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stating “The prime minister is known for his warm sentiments towards Greek Australians. A real philhellene” said the Archbishop as he invited everyone to give a round of applause in the prime minister’s honour.
In his speech the prime minister acknowledged the Archbishop and reflected on THI’s beginnings.
“We are proud to have you here providing blessings, guidance and leadership here in Australia” said the prime minister who reminded everyone that he was at the first launch event of The Hellenic Initiative in Australia ten years ago with about 150 people.
“That was a hard time for Greece and there was a feeling that the Diaspora could help Greece rise again. This says a lot about the best of human instincts that at the worst of times humanity comes together and provides assistance to those in need,” said the prime minister.
“Since then the contribution of the global Hellenic community has been a part of the success of the Greek economy in recent times,” he added before acknowledging the four members of the Greek government that were present.
The prime minister reminded everyone that he grew up around many Greeks and gave a special mention to the community and its contribution while also praising the presence and charitable work of the Archdiocese over the years.
“We celebrate, remember and get the benefit of your heritage; that’s part of who you are. As part of growing up I learnt a lot of Greek words, that I can’t use on this stage, and learnt a lot about culture, food, but also faith – for the churches in the community they do so much charitable work which is indeed consistent from the Greek community.
Introducing the night’s honouree the prime minister highlighted the importance of contributing back to the community.
“The Hellenic initiative brings that sense of generosity, vision and opportunity for the generations coming through. One of the people who contributed to all this is Nick Politis. One who has built an extraordinarily successful business and has played a much broader role and has helped shape industry in this country and I had the privilege of speaking to him to see how we can support the industry. Nick is also someone who has given back and hasn’t taken his success for granted and I am very conscious of the extraordinary charitable work he has done,” Anthony Albanese concluded.
Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also provided a pre-recorded speech which was relayed on the screens around the grand ballroom acknowledging the work of THI Australia.
Global THI chairman Andrew Liveris took to the stage to remind everyone the importance of Hellenism to the world, sharing a special moment he had a few days ago back in Greece.
“I am overwhelmed by all the people that make this a reality,” said the proud Kastelorizian who revealed that he had only landed from Greece the previous night after visiting Ancient Olympia.
“This is where the gods of our ancient times looked over the Olympic Games, and I must admit I felt really connected to those warriors and their energy while visiting this special place. We should be reminded of what we celebrate tonight; Hellenistic and Hellenic traditions. We should remember that our presence as Greeks has a profound influence to the world. And our job helping Greece is still not done,” said Liveris before calling Nick Politis to the stage.
An emotional Nick Politis accepted the award honour along with a collection of three previously unpublished photographs by famous Greek photographer Dimitris Harisssiadis of Nick Politis’s birthplace of Kythera.
“I would like to thank everybody. It’s such a great honour. Thank you so much for all that you do and the support you offer.”We only need to speak up and continue to encourage everyone to support Greece and the THI for the hard work they are doing,” Politis said.
Speaking exclusively to Neos Kosmos following his acceptance Nick Politis was overcome with emotion.
“It’s overwhelming, you know, and it’s great honour for the foundation to give me the award, something that was just over the top and with speeches from the two prime ministers and Albanese and and prime minister of Greece.
“It was really overwhelming, you know, and a big honour for myself and my family.”
Asked about his journey and advice to young people Politis was succinct.
“You just gotta work hard and never give up and just aim high all the time. Don’t stop.”
During his acceptance speech Politis became visibly emotional wiping tears from his eyes.
“I got emotional because as Nick said about, you know, what he did to go around the remote islands and there was a bunch of doctors and see the old people who had never seen a doctor or hospital. It reminded me of my family, my grandparents on the island because they went through those days when there was no medical help or anything in it.”
Politis went on to offer his thoughts on those Greeks in the Diaspora who ‘have made it’.
“We should never forget what we came from, you know, our homeland. And they need help and now we should always remember that and never stop because the people there still need a lot of help.”
Exemplifying THI Australia’s impact over the past decade Chara Tziouvara president of
Doctors of the World Greece took to the stage to explain how they have provided essential health care services to over 14,000 people including more than 26,500 health care visits to the Open Polyclinic in Athens within just four years, thanks in part to the efforts of THI.
Another THI initiative has been a nine-year collaboration with Boroume Saving Food Saving Lives, to facilitate the collection of more than 1,000 tonnes of fresh produce from farmers markets in Athens and Thessaloniki, reducing food insecurity for families.
Following the formalities attendees were entertained by Greek pop violinist Georgia Rappou followed by one of Greece’s most loved singers Kostas Karafotis who had everyone on the dancefloor.
