Greek Community Members Recognised for Their Service at the 38th Antipodes Festival
A highlight of this year’s Antipodes Festival was the presentation of Community Service Awards to some special members for their long-standing support and service to the Greek Community of Melbourne’s (GCM) cultural and education programs.
This year’s recipients were Stilianos Koukouvitakis (represented by his two daughters), Jenny Iliou and Leonidas Argyropoulos Each has made a meaningful contribution through sustained leadership, generosity and commitment to community life, helping strengthen and preserve Hellenic culture in Victoria.
A special recognition was presented to Andreas Andrianopoulos AM for his and his family’s ongoing generous support of the festival as a long-term sponsor and for their support across a variety of GCM projects over many years.
The awards were presented on stage by GCM president Bill Papastergiadis OAM who was joined by the Federal Minister for Skills and Training the Hon Andrew Giles MP, and Sarah Witty MP, Member for Melbourne.
Speaking at the presentation, Minister Giles acknowledged the significance of the festival and the community behind it.
“It’s really important for me to say, with my great friend Sarah who is here for the first time as the local Member for Parliament, how important this festival is,” he said.
“How important the Greek Community is to Melbourne’s past, and to Melbourne’s future.”
He also reflected on welcoming Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to the festival in 2025, highlighting the national recognition of Antipodes as one of Australia’s leading cultural celebrations.
Sarah Witty MP said it was her first Antipodes Festival in her official capacity as the Member for Melbourne, although she had attended many times before.
“I just can’t stay away from all the beautiful food and wonderful dancing that happens at this festival,” she said, noting her personal love of the dancing given her own background in dance.
Mr Papastergiadis thanked Minister Giles for his ongoing engagement with the community and its initiatives.
“Andrew not only commits himself to this festival, but also to the many other Antipodes of the Greek Community of Melbourne,” he said, noting the Minister’s presence at the presentation of the inaugural Greek Community Cup trophy at Mill Park in late 2025.
Their participation reflected the Federal Labor Government’s support in recognising the essential role community organisations and volunteers play in strengthening multicultural Australia.
The Greek Community of Melbourne congratulates all recipients and thanks them for their continued dedication to enhancing community life.