The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) ushered in a fresh board last Monday following the June 29 election.
The meeting, convened by Electoral Committee Chair Kostas Tsoubakos, brought together members of the newly elected Board and the Committee to formalise the results.
In addressing the gathering, Tsoubakos congratulated the successful candidates and underscored the historic nature of the moment.
“With nearly 50 per cent of board members being women, this is a proud moment for the Community. For the first time in its history, the Board reflects the makeup of its membership—equally balanced between women and men,” he said.
He noted the weight of responsibility that comes with leading one of Australia’s oldest community organisations, which has been in service for 128 years.
Following the formal confirmation of election results, the Board moved to appoint its President. Bill Papastergiadis OAM was elected unopposed to continue in the role.
In his acceptance, Papastergiadis thanked his peers for their confidence.
“Thank you for the faith you’ve placed in me. We are all volunteers, and these are important positions. I take on this role with the confidence that an incredibly talented and dynamic team surrounds me,” he said.
“The strength of this organisation lies in our unity. Working together has been the hallmark of previous Boards, and I’m confident we will continue this tradition.”
He extended his appreciation to Tsoubakos and the entire Electoral Committee—George Kalianis, Manuel Starakis, Christos Papadopoulos, Panagiota Dimitropoulos, Vasilis Tsalkos, Vasilios Sapoutsis, Christo Kalavretinos and Tina Veloff—for their role in ensuring a transparent and seamless election process.
With the presidency settled, the Board elected its Executive Officers:
– Vice Presidents: Anthie Sidiropoulos, Vicki Kyritsis, Leonidas Vlahakis
– Secretary: A/Prof Marinis Pirpiris
– Assistant Secretary: Sophia Siachou
– Treasurer: Manuel Tsirmiris
– Assistant Treasurer: Mena Giannellis
The president of the GCM expressed his confidence in the new Executive: “This Board brings together energy, experience, and a shared passion for the community. We are entering a significant chapter for the GCM.”
The meeting also included the appointment of Committee Chairs, whose portfolios drive the organisation’s daily operations and future projects.
“The GCM’s Committees are the engine room of our organisation,” Papastergiadis said.
“I’m ready—when the time comes—to step aside and support the new leadership of our historic organisation,” Bill Papastergiadis
“They plan, oversee, and deliver our projects and initiatives. Sharing responsibilities across board members ensures we’re leveraging the right people for the right tasks and operating efficiently.”
“We will honour the trust our members have placed in us by fulfilling all our commitments.
“I’m ready—when the time comes—to step aside and support the new leadership of our historic organisation,” Papastergiadis said.
The newly appointed Committee Chairs are:
Finance: Manuel Tsirmiris
Fundraising: A/Prof Marinis Pirpiris
Education: Helene Hiotis and Dr Nick Dallas
Alphington Grammar: Michael Karamitos
Churches: Nick Koukouvitakis
Cultural Programs: Dr Jim Bossinakis
Members & Benefactors: Vicki Kyritsis
History and Archives: Dr Spiridoula Demetriou
Youth and Community Outreach: Tass Sgardelis & Dora Papamakarios
Sport: Michael Karamitos
Infrastructure: Nick Koukouvitakis
With a what is a balanced and diverse team in place, the Greek Community of Melbourne begins a new phase rooted in collaboration, representation, and an enduring commitment to the evolving needs of the Greek Australian community.
