Reflecting on its 70 years of activity as a major organisation of the Greek community and looking forward to a bright future for the decades to come, the Athenian Association of NSW celebrated its milestone at the reception centre of Grand Roxy in Brighton-Le-Sands last Saturday night.
The attendees were welcomed by the president Mrs. Kathy Valis (Καίτη Βαλή), who elaborated on the history of the Association, which was created on March 8 1953, and its numerous initiatives and contributions throughout the years.
Other speakers included Bishop of Miletoupolis Mr Iakovos, Ms Anastasia Christofilopoulou from the Office of Public Diplomacy at the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney and the Liberal state MP and shadow minister for Multiculturalism (among others), Mark Coure.
They all congratulated the Association for its impact in the wider community and its keenness to preserve and promote the Hellenic ideals.
The program was emceed by the member of the Board, Ms Stella Sorotou.
Among those present was the president of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, Mr. Harry Danalis, the chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney, Ms Nia Karteris, the former president of AHEPA NSW, Mr. John Kallimanis who represented the organisation, ex-presidents and members of the Athenian Association, representatives from other Greek-Australian entities, members from Greek-speaking media and others.
Ms Valis remarked that for 70 years the association has made every possible effort and continues to do so in order to keep alive the Athenian and wider Hellenic ideals.
Dwelling on the archives of the Association, she stated the first president was Ilias Zarakostas, with General Secretary Ioannis Dervos.
