Nick Andrianakos was a giant amongst us. Our relationship was based on a deep friendship, on legal services and on his role as a community benefactor. He was warm, generous and a delight to be around. The stories of his journey and success in Australia are the stuff of legend.
He arrived a young man with nothing but a suitcase and ended up a billionaire. Importantly, his financial success was not the measure of him. His compassion and generosity are what drove him. Nick had a deep appreciation of family and our community and was proudest when he spoke about his children (Theo, Paul, Vicky and Christina) and his grandchildren.
Nick was one of the first people I met when I became president of the Greek Community of Melbourne. Soon after that first meeting, I invited Nick for a coffee to discuss a vision we had to build a multipurpose hall at Alphington Grammar.
We sat down 15 years ago, and I explained the project. I timidly asked, “Do you think you could support the project, say, with a donation of $250,000?” Nick thrust his hand forward, and I, without knowing the outcome, also extended my hand, to which Nick then replied, “Done.”
A five-minute conversation was all it took for Nick to be sold on a project for the betterment of our school program, which underscored Nick’s passion for education. He lamented not having finished high school in Greece.
A five-minute conversation was all it took for Nick to be sold on a project for the betterment of our school program which underscored Nick’s passion for education. He lamented not having finished high school in Greece.
Nick could see the benefits of education, and he wanted to invest in it for the benefit of our community. He was so proud of his brother, who was a leading medical doctor in Greece, and I recall how he broke down on the phone when I called him to extend my condolences when he passed away. Nick was not afraid to show emotions. His love for family was complete. Nick said over the phone, “You cannot replace blood. My brother was my blood, and I feel lost without him”
In recent years, Nick has spent a large part of his time in Greece. He had acquired a hotel in Nafplio. A few months ago, as he showed me around the hotel, I asked where he found the energy for the redevelopment. “I love the country of my birth, and I want to support Greece as much as I can. It’s hard to do business here, but it’s my duty”. His motives were altruistic. Nick wanted to help others wherever he was.
Nick will remain forever with us through his legacy and the multipurpose hall at Alphington Grammar, which proudly bears his name.
Bill Papastergiadis OAM, is the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne.
