Eight Australians of Greek heritage were bestowed the nation’s highest accolades on Australia Day, marking outstanding contributions to their communities and public life.
With recipients from across four states the awards reflected a rich diversity of service – from high-profile commercial entrepreneurialism to the tireless and hidden work of volunteers committed to improving people’s lives.
In the category OAM (Order of Australia in the General Division), Evangeline Galettis, archivist at St Catherine’s School in Waverley, NSW, was honoured for her work in the community and educational institutions.
President of the City of Sydney Basketball Association, charity fundraiser Andrew Lazaris was honoured officially for his service to sport and basketball administration.
Mr Lazaris (51) who was brought up in Woollamoloo and whose voluntary work has included helping young blind people, said he was humbled to receive an OAM.
“It’s surreal, unbelievable. If I can help someone who’s struggling…we all do it tough, but there are sadder stories, and if I can help, I do,” said the longest serving honorary president of a sporting association in Australia.
Fellow Sydneysider, the celebrated financial entrepreneur Mark Bouris, was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to the finance industry, particularly in relation to the home loan mortgage sector and charitable organisations.
Arthur Diakos received a Public Service Medal for his outstanding public service to the transport services sector in New South Wales in the role as a senior financial planner and manager.
In South Australia, Efthymia Kleanthi, former vice-president of the United Nations Development Fund for Women, received her OAM for service to social welfare organisations and women, and in Victoria, Vietnam war veteran and president of the RSL Hellenic sub-branch Steve Kyritsis, was honoured with an OAM for his service to veterans and their families and the Greek community of Melbourne.
Speaking to Neos Kosmos, the ever-modest Mr Kyritsis said he was surprised to receive the award.
“What I do voluntarily, for the veterans and their families satisfies me a lot, and serving the Greek community I enjoy so much. It’s in my blood. I’m committed to help these fellas”.
Mr Kyritsis, who is the author of two books on Greek Australian soldiers who served in WWI and WWII, is currently preparing to represent the RSL Hellenic Sub branch at the Anzac Centenary commemorations in April at Gallipoli and Lemnos.
Fellow Melburnian Paul Mavroudis, a board member of Fronditha Care and president of the Thessaloniki Association was also awarded an OAM for service to the Greek community of Victoria. Amongst other notable projects, Mr Mavroudis has been instrumental in sustaining the 30-year-old Melbourne-Thessaloniki sister city relationship.
The late Mr Thomas Paradissis – a former member of the Community Council and church warden of the Greek Orthodox Community of St George, Brisbane – was awarded an OAM for his service to the Greek community of south east Queensland.