The Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) proudly hosted the 2025 HACCI Excellence Awards on Friday, 14 November, at Melbourne’s Plaza Ballroom, celebrating the brightest achievements of the Hellenic-Australian community for the 39th consecutive year.
Set against the venue’s grand backdrop, the gala reaffirmed its place as the most glamorous event in the Hellenic-Australian calendar — a night of excellence, networking.
Almost 400 guests attended, including leading figures from the Greek and broader Australian community: Ms Dimitra Georgantzoglou, Consul General of Greece in Melbourne; Hon. Evan Mulholland MP; Ms Vivien Nguyen AM, Chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission; Mr Nicholas Hatzistergos, Chair of the Bank of Sydney; Mr George Kailis, Chair of The Hellenic Initiative Australia; Prof. Marinis Pirpiris, President of the Hellenic Medical Society of Australia; and Mr Bill Papastergiadis OAM, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne.
The evening also welcomed members of the HACCI National Federation Council, with outgoing Chair Dr Elena Limnios (HACCI WA) passing the role to Angela Tomazos (HACCI NT).
Hosted by Helen Kapalos, the ceremony featured fine dining, premium Greek wines, and vibrant entertainment by the Manasis School of Greek Dance and Culture, Nikki Nouveau, the Estudiantina of Melbourne, and DJ Vath with bouzouki virtuoso Steve Gold. Guests enjoyed a lively celebration that blended elegance with authentic Hellenic spirit.
Throughout the evening, HACCI Board members and partners proudly presented awards recognising outstanding achievement across business, community, and culture:
- Spiro Stamoulis Lifetime Achievement Award: Sotiris Hatzimanolis
- Business Excellence Award (Bank of Sydney): Athan Didaskalou (JULY)
- Woman of Influence Award (SalaryMasters): Eugenia Mitrakas OAM, FANZCN
- Professional Services Award (KordaMentha): Chief Justice Chris Kourakis
- Innovation Award (Directed Group): John Paitaridis
- Community Service Award (PRONIA): Paul Nicolaou
- Sport Award (Heidelberg United FC): Mary Konstantopoulos
- Chris Saristavros Young Achiever Award: Costa Vasili
Profiles of the recipients
Athan Didaskalou – Business Excellence Award
Co-founder of JULY, Didaskalou transformed a single smart carry-on into one of Australia’s most recognisable global travel brands. JULY now sells in 10 countries, with its flagship stores, design-led identity, and innovations like CaseSafe™ cementing its international success.
Sotiris Hatzimanolis – Lifetime Achievement Award
A foundational figure in Greek-Australian journalism, Hatzimanolis has spent over 45 years shaping multicultural media through his leadership at Neos Kosmos, mentoring journalists and giving voice to generations of Greek Australians.
Mary Konstantopoulos –Sport Award
Founder of Ladies Who League, Konstantopoulos has built one of Australia’s most influential platforms promoting women in sport. Her advocacy, writing, commentary, and governance work have played a significant role in advancing gender equality across the sector.
Chief Justice Chris Kourakis –Professional Excellence Award
The first Greek-heritage Chief Justice of South Australia, Kourakis is known nationally for his reformist leadership, commitment to justice, and mentorship within the legal profession. He is also National Patron of the Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association.
Eugenia Mitrakas OAM, FANZCN – Woman of Influence Award
A trailblazer in law, Mitrakas became Australia’s first Greek female solicitor in 1972. Her decades-long contribution includes founding major Greek-Australian organisations, championing gender equity, developing multicultural legal services, and raising substantial funds for charities.
Paul Nicolaou – Community Service Award
A business and philanthropic leader, Nicolaou’s contributions span national business organisations, homelessness advocacy, major fundraising campaigns, and mentoring. His work through the Vinnies CEO Sleepout alone has raised over $575,000.
John Paitaridis – Innovation Award
One of Australia’s most influential technology executives, Paitaridis built a new cyber-security company that he sold to Accenture for over $1 billion in 2025. A long-time industry leader, he has held major roles at Telstra, Optus, AIIA, and government cyber councils.
Costa Vasili – Young Achiever Award
Founder and CEO of Ethnolink, Vasili transformed his start-up into Australia’s leading multicultural communications agency, delivering services in more than 150 languages. His work has reshaped how governments and organisations speak to multicultural communities.
Each recipient was honoured for their leadership, innovation, and contribution to Australian society — embodying the values of excellence and community that define HACCI’s mission.
Celebrating Hellenic leadership and legacy
The event’s major partners included Bank of Sydney, KordaMentha, Directed Group, PRONIA, Heidelberg United FC, SalaryMasters, and the Saristavros and Stamoulis families, alongside event partners 3XY Radio Hellas, Archipel Mansion, Flowers Vasette, Melvourni Coffee, and Thematikos.A special auction prize — a three-night stay at Archipel Mansion in Santorini — raised funds for Professor Rob Kapsa’s groundbreaking research at RMIT’s biofabrication lab, supporting advancements in regenerative medicine and muscular dystrophy treatment.
In her closing remarks, HACCI Chair Fotini Kypraios praised the spirit of unity and achievement that defines the community:
“Together, we celebrate success, strengthen connections, and inspire the next generation of Hellenic-Australian leaders.”
The night concluded in true Greek style — with music, dance, and a shared sense of pride in Hellenic excellence.
