The Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia has elected a new Executive Committee following its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Adelaide on 23 August.
The meeting, held at the Pontian Brotherhood of South Australia’s community hall, reflected on the organisation’s 36-year history and outlined plans for the future.
Outgoing President Esta Paschalidis-Chilas said her term was focused on youth development, cultural identity, political engagement and strengthening the Federation.
“I wanted my term as President to continue our decade long youth development effort, enhance our cultural pride, advance political engagement and strengthen the future of our Federation,” Paschalidis-Chilas said.
She also pointed to the delegation of more than 200 people who travelled to Tasmania during her presidency to thank parliamentarians and community leaders for recognising the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek genocides.
“With no public funding and the pure drive of our volunteer Committee of Management and our Members at large, we have driven sustainability and a values-based culture. Something we do as a committed group of community leaders,” she said.
The newly elected Executive Committee for 2025–2027 will be led by Sydney-based Co-Presidents Maria Anthony and Peter Papoulidis.
“As we enter an important phase of our Federation’s history, we are excited to continue the transition to our next generation. With an expanded Executive team and immediate past President staying on as Secretary, we are very well equipped to continue the work of those we came before us,” Anthony and Papoulidis said in a joint statement.
Other positions on the new Executive include Vice President Harry Tsairis, 27, from Melbourne, Secretary Paschalidis-Chilas with Assistant Secretary Myrto Makridis, 25, from Melbourne, Treasurers Angie Triandafilou from Canberra, Harry Tsipidis from Sydney, and Event Manager Voula Tsahouridis from Melbourne.
The AGM also marked the retirement of long-serving Secretary Peter Stefanidis after two decades with the Federation.
“After 20 years on the Federation, I have seen it on the brink of vanishing, yet I leave it with thriving and committed youth, a progressive Committee and a leadership second to none in the Greek community. It has been an honour to have served my people and my culture and I thank every one of my brothers and sisters for believing in me and the Federation,” Stefanidis said.
President of the Pontian Brotherhood of South Australia, Harry Tavlaridis, welcomed members to Adelaide and highlighted recent improvements at the Brotherhood’s community hall.
“As a past President of the Federation and the outgoing Vice President, it was my joy to welcome everyone to the Brotherhood. These visits uplift us all and reaffirm our commitment to the relationships forged through our Federation,” Tavlaridis said.
