The Hellenic Initiative THI Australia celebrated its ten-year milestone of positive impact in Greece with a distinguished gathering at Brisbane City Hall on 28 October 2024, in partnership with the Honorary Consulate-General of Greece in Queensland. 

The ‘Oxi’ Day reception welcomed over 250 guests, including THI Australia Directors from across the country.

Key speakers included the Honorary Consul-General of Greece in Queensland, George Mastrocostas, THI Australia’s CEO, Stergitsa Zamagias-Hill, and special guest George Protopapas, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Greece.

Mr Mastrocostas opened the event, reflecting on the enduring significance of ‘Oxi’ Day, both as a defining moment in history and a symbol of resilience and unity for Hellenic communities worldwide.

In her remarks, Ms Zamagias-Hill shared powerful stories of THI Australia’s impact in Greece. She said that since 2014 THI has made 67 grants to organisations in more than 55 locations across Greece that provide help with health, education and other vital social services.

She said that THI Australia has helped tens of thousands of Greeks who otherwise would be denied important social services. 

Ms Zamagias gave examples of two organisations THI Australia had been helping in Greece. THI Australia’s partnership with Doctors of the World Greece has facilitated essential healthcare access to over 14,000 beneficiaries in Athens. Likewise, through its collaboration with Boroume, THI Australia has enabled the collection of over a thousand tonnes of fresh produce from farmers markets in Athens and Thessaloniki – yielding the equivalent of five million meals for vulnerable communities.

Expressing gratitude to the Australian community for its support, Ms Zamagias-Hill invited guests to continue this journey of compassion and action into the next decade, as THI Australia works toward an even greater impact in Greece. 

THI Australia was also privileged to showcase one of its long-standing partner charities, SOS Children’s Villages Greece, a vital organisation safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable children across Greece. Mr George Protopapas highlighted the charity’s crucial role in providing stability and care for those in need.  

During the proceedings, Mr Protopapas presented THI Australia Director, George Giovas with a SOS Children’s Villages Benefactor award in recognition of its continuous and long term support of the education and social program in Patras.

The evening’s program included moving performances of the Greek and Australian national anthems by young Greek Australian artist Hannah Karydas, as well as traditional Greek music by local musicians, enhancing the sense of heritage and community and a joyful atmosphere.

In a heartfelt conclusion to the evening, many attendees generously contributed to THI Australia’s programs, supporting the most vulnerable in Greece.

Our events would not be possible without the generous support of our event sponsors. Special thanks to our Brisbane events sponsors – Aniko Group, Axius Partners, M2M Constructions, Pikos Group, SPG Lawyers and event supporter – TACTIC.

Join us in making a difference. To contribute to our partner charities, please visit The Hellenic Initiative Australia’s secure online platform. All donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible in Australia.