On Australia Day, the West Torrens municipality in Adelaide hosted an event aimed to confer Australian citizenship and acknowledge individuals who had altruistically offered assistance to fellow citizens in various capacities.
Notably, the awards were presented to volunteers who made significant contributions to the community, with a special focus on the Greek expatriate community.
Among these individuals, George and Maria Genimahaliotis were singled out for their exceptional contributions.
George Genimahaliotis has dedicated over 50 years of his life to humanitarian endeavours and beyond. His extensive involvement includes serving as the (1) president of AHEPA, where he holds the distinction of being the sole Grand President from South Australia to serve in this role throughout Australia, (2) president of the Pontian Brotherhood, (3) president of the Federation of Pontian Associations in Australia, (4) vice-president of the Panhellenic Association of Expatriate Greeks, (5) vice-president of the Constantinopolitans Association, (6) president of the Pan-Macedonian Union of South Australia, (7) current president of the Alexander the Great Association, (8) vice-president of the Prophet Elias Community-Parish in Norwood, (9) secretary of the Cultural Month, (10) secretary of the Greek Welfare of the Archdiocese, (11) former director of St. George’s College in Thebarton, where he held the position of high school principal, (11) secretary of the Association of Greek Veterans of South Australia, and (12) a member of the group dedicated to the dissemination and internationalsation of the Greek language, offering assistance whenever needed.
George Genimahaliotis never hesitated to lend a helping hand when called upon. His unwavering commitment made him a tireless advocate for the promotion of Hellenism. Born in Pyrgochori, Kavala, he immigrated with his parents and siblings at the age of 8.
Maria, his wife, played a pivotal and often understated role as George’s right hand.
Maria is a (1) proficient interpreter, (2) former head of Greek Wheels on Meals, (3) committee member for thalassemia, (4) current president of the women’s department of Vergina of the Pan-Macedonian Union, and (5) general secretary of the Pan-Macedonian Union.
Maria was born in Kozani and immigrated with her family at the age of 3.
“We extend our warmest congratulations to George and Maria, and we hope their legacy inspires others to follow in their footsteps,” said Dimitrios Theodoridis.
“Notably, the West Torrens municipality council, consisting of 15 members, includes three Greek advisors: George Dimitriou, Elisabeth Papanikolaou, and Zoe Papafilopoulos. This translates to 20 per cent of the councilors being Greek. Kudos to Mayor Michael Coxon and the administrative council of West Torrens for organising such a splendid event.”
The celebration included complimentary coffee, sweets, fruit salads, and various other delicacies, accompanied by the orchestra of the West Torrens municipality.
