Paraskevas Sotiropoulos, Vice President of the Messinian Amphictyony, has been honoured for his lifelong service to both Greece and Australia, reflecting more than five decades of dedication to community, heritage, and philanthropy.
Sotiropoulos left Kalamata 50 years ago to settle in Adelaide, but he never forgot his homeland. Almost every year he returns to Messinia, maintaining close ties with his classmates, friends, and local community. Since the foundation of the Messinian Amphictyony, he has been an active member, consistently re-elected to its Board of Directors as Second Vice President, working to connect the diaspora with their roots.
Strengthening ties between Greece and Australia
Sotiropoulos has played a pivotal role in fostering ties between his homeland and his adopted country. He was instrumental in the twinning of Kalamata with West Torrens, Adelaide, a city with its own wartime connection to Greece. In 1941, soldiers from West Torrens came to Greece to fight against the Axis forces, with many of the survivors linking their memories to the Battle of Kalamata, as well as their escape through the port and Mani.
Earlier this year, Sotiropoulos represented Australia in Lemnos, where he presented a commemorative plaque honouring the sacrifices of Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fell in Lemnos and nearby Gallipoli during World War I.
Commitment to philanthropy in Australia
Beyond his cultural work, Sotiropoulos continues to serve his Australian community with remarkable dedication. Deeply influenced by the values of his family and Greek education, he has carried out extensive philanthropic work in the region where he lives.
Last year, he was awarded the Civil Award for Philanthropic Purposes by the Mayor of the City of West Torrens, Michael Coxon, recognising him as Citizen of the Year for Philanthropy.
