A ceremony in Kozani has paid tribute to the late Zisis Dardalis, a leading benefactor of the Greek diaspora, and Professor Anastasios M. Tamis, a pioneering academic in Greek studies, with both honoured by the Region of Western Macedonia for their lifetime contributions.
Regional Governor Giorgos Amanatidis presented a plaque to Rina Dardalis-Lada, daughter of the late philanthropist, emphasising the importance of preserving the memory of figures who strengthened national identity and left a lasting imprint on Hellenism.
Dardalis, who migrated from Siatista to Australia in the early 1960s, was recognised as a Great Benefactor of Hellenism for his decisive support in the establishment of the National Centre for Hellenic Studies and Research (EKEME) at La Trobe University in Melbourne. He was also known for his philanthropic work across education, sport, and community welfare, both in his homeland and in Australia.
Professor Tamis was honoured for his extensive academic contribution to social linguistics, the Greek language and culture, and his groundbreaking work documenting the history of Greek migration across Oceania, East Asia, and the Americas. Founder of EKEME, the Dardalis Archives, and the Australian Institute for Macedonian Studies, his work continues to shape the preservation of diaspora memory.
The honours were conferred during a session of the Regional Council of Western Macedonia, attended by regional vice-governors, local mayors, former MPs, and dignitaries, including veteran MP Nikolaos Papafilippou and former Minister of Macedonia and Thrace Nikolaos Tsiartsionis.
In an emotional address, Rina Dardalis-Lada recalled her father’s deep love for Greece and Siatista, urging leaders and businesses to invest in the region so that young people are not forced to leave.
Professor Tamis, in turn, described the award as first and foremost an honour for Dardalis, noting that such recognition highlights both the achievements and responsibilities of the Greek diaspora. He warned of the challenges posed by globalisation, assimilation, and technological shifts to the cultural and linguistic identity of Greek communities abroad, while stressing the need for continuous renewal and stronger bonds with Greece and Cyprus.
Governor Amanatidis underscored that recognising figures like Dardalis and Tamis is an act of gratitude and historical justice, ensuring their contributions to Hellenism are remembered for generations to come.
