The 57th National Convention was held in Canberra, ACT, from 8th to 14th October 2011
PRESS RELEASE
AHEPA AUSTRALASIA
57th NATIONAL CONVENTION CANBERRA 2011
AHEPA AUSTRALASIA held the 57th National Convention in CANBERRA from the 8th to the 14th October. The Convention was held at the Hellenic Club and involved over 50 delegates from all over Australia.
The outgoing National President of AHEPA AUSTRALASIA, Mr Jim Antonakos chaired the Convention accompanied by many of the National Lodge members.
On Sunday 9th of October the Delegates attended a church service at St Nicholas Greek Orthodox church in Kingston. The official opening of the Convention was held at the Hellenic Club in the presence of His Excellency the Ambassador for Greece and His Excellency the High Commissioner for Cyprus. Both of their Excellencies offered their best wishes to the Convention Delegates and gave a detailed account of the current issues affecting both our mother countries of Greece and Cyprus. The Delegates greatly appreciated their keen interest and involvement as well as their frequent attendance at the Convention.
On Tuesday evening, the Delegates were hosted by His Excellency the Ambassador and his wife at the Greek Embassy. It was a very pleasant and interesting visit and included His Excellency The High Commissioner for Cyprus, Federal MP the Honourable Mrs Maria Vamvakinou and other distinguished guests.
The Convention discussed and endorsed Resolutions concerning the important National Hellenic Issues such as the Macedonian, Cyprus, Pontian and Asia Minor Genocides, Theological College of Halkis and the Restoration of the Parthenon Marbles.
The High Commissioner of Cyprus HE Mr Yannis Iacovou briefed members of the 57th National Convention of AHEPA on the latest developments of the Cyprus problem with emphasis on the direct talks between the President of the Republic of Cyprus HE Mr Demetris Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader Mr Dervis Eroglu. On relations with Australia, the High Commissioner referred to the excellent bilateral relationship between Cyprus and Australia noting Australia’s position especially on the Cyprus problem.
The Convention also elected and installed the next National President Bro. Elias Doufas, from Victoria and the National Vice president Sis Christine Lynch as well as the other Officers of the National Lodge.
The National Convention Delegates were involved in various conferences and events exchanging many opinions and ideas on important Educational, Philanthropic and Cultural issues as well as discussing new strategies for the future of the Organisation and ways of encouraging new membership.
Substantial donations were made to the paediatric ward of the Canberra Hospital and the Greek Community Aged Care Home. In total, AHEPA made over $210,000 donations throughout the past year to various large and small Charitable Institutions. This is a similar amount that is contributed each year.
They also have the opportunity to visit the War Memorial, take a scenic tour of Canberra and had lunch hosted by the Greek Community of Canberra, invited by the president Mr Paul Laventis. They had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with many of the elderly residents of the Aged care Home.
It was decided to hold the 58th National Convention in Sydney in October 2012.
AHEPA Australasia