Australians of Greek heritage have been prominent among the recipients of the 2026 Australia Day honours, recognised for distinguished service in law, community support, education, health, emergency services and policing. The annual list highlights contributions that reflect sustained commitment to public life, multicultural engagement and social welfare across the nation.
At the highest level, Chief Justice Christopher John Kourakis AC was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for exceptional service to the judiciary, legal reform, social justice, and the Greek community. His long career includes leadership roles in the Supreme Court of South Australia and advocacy for multicultural engagement.
A distinguished group of Greek-Australian academics and professionals were appointed Members of the Order of Australia (AM). These include Conjoint Professor Nicholas Lintzeris AM (addiction medicine researcher), Professor Nicholas Manolios AM (immunology and rheumatology expert), and Nicolas George Mersiades AM (aged care policy and services).
Several community leaders received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for sustained service. Among them are Petros (Peter) Christos Copulos OAM (philanthropy and community support in regional Victoria), Viola Kalokerinos OAM (volunteer and community organiser in Canberra), George Moscos OAM (long-serving educator and community mentor in NSW), Peter Leo Papps OAM (sporting leadership), and Apostolos (Paul) Gaganis OAM (support for migrant and refugee communities).
Greek-Australians were also recognised with meritorious awards. Acting Sergeant Nektarios Parissis APM received the Australian Police Medal for distinguished police service, George Haitidis ESM was awarded the Emergency Services Medal for leadership in emergency response, and Nadia Ann Nearhos ACM received the Australian Corrections Medal for dedicated service in corrective services.
These individuals form part of the broader roll of nearly 950 Australians awarded on Australia Day 2026, a testament to the diverse and ongoing contributions of Greek-Australians to public life.
