In what can be seen as further evidence of the significant impact made by the Hellenic community on Australia's prosperity, the King's Birthday Honours list for this year includes a notable presence of 14 Greek Australians from diverse backgrounds.
Some have dedicated their lives to helping others, while others have inspired us by overcoming barriers.
These awards mark the first set of honours bestowed under the reign of King Charles III, succeeding more than seven decades of the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
Among the 1,191 recipients across various categories, such as the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards, and recognition for distinguished and remarkable service, we have identified 14 individuals of Greek heritage based on their surnames.
Notably, this year's honours also include a COVID-19 Honour Roll, acknowledging the outstanding contributions of 73 Australians in responding to the challenges posed by the pandemic.
On this roll, in the category of member (AM) in the General Division, is Clinical Associate Professor Magdalena Simonis, from Victoria, for her significant service to medicine through a range of roles and to women’s health.
The other Greek-Australian on this roll, receiving a Public Service Medal (PSM), is Ms Bobby Antoniou, from ACT’s Chifley, for her outstanding public service to public health, as the Liaison Officer for the Australian Capital Territory COVID-19 Clinic.
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
Mrs Claire Gazis, VIC, for her service to Victoria's Greek and Cypriot communities
Ms Mechel Pikoulas, Canterbury NSW, received an OAM award for her service to education.
Mr Efstratios Poulos and Mrs Angelica Poulos, Darwin NT, each received OAM awards for their service to the Greek community of Darwin.
Mr Theodore John Bacalakis, Clifton Beath QLD, received an OAM award for his service to the Greek community of Queensland.
Mr Terry (Elefterios) Psarakis, Tamworth NSW, was awarded an OAM for his service to sport, particularly cricket.
Mr Michael (Mike) Zervos, Brighton VIC, received an OAM for serving the community through charitable organisations.
Mr George Cotis (the family name being Papacotis), Gymea NSW 2227, received an OAM award for his conservation and environmental service.
Ms Stacey Solomou from South Australia was awarded the Ambulance Service Medal (ASM) for her exceptional dedication and service to the ambulance services, the South Australian Ambulance Service, and the community of South Australia. Her sustained and meritorious efforts are highly appreciated and recognized.
Other people to receive OAM awards include Ms Suzanne Caragianis, Aldinga Beach SA, for her service to occupation therapy and Mr Antonios Stavros Koufos, Yokine WA, for his service to the Greek community of Western Australia.
Mrs Jeannette Joy Tsoulos from West Pymble, NSW, is being awarded the OAM for her exceptional service to the Jewish community. She is married to a Greek man who hails from Filiatra, Peloponnisos.
In the category Member (AM) in the General Division is Mr Leonidas Earlston Pericles, WA, for his significant service to the visual arts.
There is a possibility that Ms Ann Polis from Fitzroy VIC may have a Greek name. She was recently awarded an OAM for her outstanding service to the community through various organizations.
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