The Hellenic Women’s Federation of Victoria celebrated International Women’s Day last week with a luncheon and tribute to Greek actress and activist Melina Mercouri. Speeches were made by Consul-General for Greece Eleni Lianidou, Labor MP Jenny Mikakos, Cr Mary Lalios and Cr Kris Pavlidis, Neos Kosmos journalist Claire Gazis and president of the federation Sofia Mastoris.
The day was a wonderful representation of the cross-section of Greek Australian women. In her speech, the Consul-General Ms Lianidou highlighted the contribution these women made to Melbourne how they built their homes, families and worked hard not only in their careers but also in the community. Ms Mikakos talked about the hardships and struggles that these early migrants faced and how they overcame them with strength and dignity to pave a brighter future for their children and second and third generation Greek Australians.
The lunch was preceded by an event held by the Whittlesea International Women’s Day Awards at the Epping Memorial Hall in Epping. Sylvia Anastasiou was nominated for an award in recognition for her volunteer services at the North Eastern Greek Elderly Citizens Club for 26 years. Anastasia Papadopoulos was also nominated for an award for her volunteer services at the Mill Park Greek Elderly Citizens Club, particularly assisting with the cooking. Seventeen year-old Celeste Mitsiou won the Young Achiever Award. The list of things she does goes on for pages – she volunteers for the Red-Cross; for community festivals; for her school; for Council. Last year, she was awarded Whittlesea’s Young Citizen of the Year Australia Day Award. In 2009 she was recognised for a Student Award through the student recognition program at Whittlesea.