AHEPA’s 61st Australasia National Convention has drawn to a close, with a number of new developments for the association.
AHEPA’s efforts to bring more young people into the fold in recent years with the establishment of Chapter Achilleas and Kleio in Melbourne, along with Thoron and Pythagoras in Brisbane, are to be expanded, with members agreeing to convene an annual youth convention.
The first will take place in Brisbane in January, giving young students the chance to participate and contribute their views.
The idea was proposed by Jiannis Tsaousis, former president of Achilles.
“AHEPA Youth is about promoting leadership qualities, fundraising and networking amongst Greek youth,” he said.
Aiming to further unify the association, a major restructuring was also agreed, establishing and appointing a state council as the highest executive body.
On the final day of the convention, 17 new members were elected for the National Lodge of AHEPA Australiasia, with Queensland’s Steve (Stavros) Liassi named the new national president, and Panagiotis Yiannoudes from Melbourne appointed vice president.
Sister Bessy Mougos was named AHEPAN of the Year, the inaugural Daughters of Penelope Achievement Award was given to Sister Tasia Manos for services to the female arm of AHEPA, while the chapter ATHENA of the Daughters of Penelope received the two shields for increased membership.
AHEPA honours Karapanagiotidis
Kon Karapanagiotidis was recognised last week by AHEPA for his tireless contribution in assisting asylum seekers in Australia.
The founder and CEO of the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre, Mr Karapanagiotidis was awarded the AHEPA Humanitarian Award during the official opening of the association’s 61st National Convention at Melbourne’s Greek Centre last Friday.
Presented by AHEPA Australia president Christine Lynch, he spoke about his work and dedication to Hellenic ideals of philanthropy.
During his speech he mentioned the length of his surname which some Australians found difficult to pronounce.
Asked on countless occasions if he would consider shortening it, he said he would “prefer to cut off my arms” than to shorten the name passed on to him by his father.
He then handed the award to his mother, dedicating it to her hard work and everything she had taught him throughout the years.
Amongst those present on the night were Victorian MP Maria Vamvakinou, president of the Greek Community of Melbourne Bill Papastergiadis, and Father Kosmas Damianidis.