Among the most celebrated figures this year were several Greek Australians whose diverse achievements underline the breadth of Hellenic contribution to Australian life.
Dr Vasso Apostolopoulos
A globally recognised immunologist, Dr Apostolopoulos was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her significant contributions to medical research. Her work spans cancer immunotherapy and autoimmune disease research, and she has also played a leadership role in community initiatives such as the Food for Thought Network Inc, making her a beacon of inspiration within both the scientific and Greek Australian communities.
James Demetriou
James Demetriou received national recognition for his work in sport and social inclusion. A founding member of the Australian Sports Technologies Network and the Sports Without Borders program, Demetriou has been instrumental in helping thousands of young people – particularly migrants – integrate through sport. His vision has consistently promoted diversity, equity, and leadership in public life.
Dr Irene Ioannakis
A leader in vocational education and training, Dr Ioannakis was honoured for her decades-long dedication to empowering learners and shaping educational policy. Originally from northern Greece, she has spoken fondly of maintaining her Hellenic roots through music and cuisine – simple but profound symbols of cultural identity carried across generations.
Posthumous and Community Honours
Georgia Alexandrou (posthumously)
A longtime president of the Cypriot Community of Canberra, Alexandrou left behind a legacy of advocacy, cultural celebration, and community unity. Her leadership helped reinforce the Cypriot and Greek identity in the nation’s capital and beyond.
Chris Gryllis
Serving on the Orange City Council since 1987, Gryllis has been a dedicated civic leader. His decades of community service have strengthened multicultural engagement in regional New South Wales, helping build a more inclusive local society.
Jim Ronis
A founding member of West Sydney Berries and a central figure in several Greek community organisations, Ronis was honoured for his contributions to sport, philanthropy, and cultural heritage. His efforts reflect the integral role of sport in Greek Australian identity.
Peter Satouris
Entrepreneur and founder of Peter’s of Kensington, Satouris was acknowledged for combining business success with charitable giving. His support of local community and sports initiatives has made a lasting impact on social cohesion.
Nicholas Theodosiadis
The co-founder of Original Juice Company and Procal Dairies, Theodosiadis was recognised for his business innovation in the food sector and his support of Greek community initiatives, demonstrating how commercial success can be aligned with cultural and social responsibility.
Medals for Public Service and Policing
Sarah Corinna Samios & Peter Apostolos Delibaltas
Awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM), both recipients were acknowledged for outstanding contributions to Australia’s legal landscape. Samios led judicial review reform, while Delibaltas devoted 35 years to Legal Aid Queensland, ensuring vulnerable populations had access to justice.
Detective Sotirios Courcoulos & Senior Sergeant Joanna Parissis
Recipients of the Australian Police Medal (APM), Courcoulos and Parissis were honoured for their distinguished service in law enforcement. Both have worked extensively with vulnerable communities, playing critical roles in maintaining public safety and social trust.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn remarked that the honours reflect “the selflessness, integrity, achievement, and creativity that enrich our nation.” For the Greek Australian community, these accolades are more than symbolic – they affirm a deep and ongoing commitment to Australia’s multicultural identity.
The presence of so many Greek names in the 2025 Honours List sends a strong message: the legacy of Hellenism in Australia is not only alive but thriving. These awards celebrate individual excellence, yes, but they also remind us of the collective strength of the Greek diaspora – its passion, its values, and its enduring dedication to a better, more united society.
