2012 HACCI Excellence Awards Gala

The 2012 Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Excellence Awards Gala Ball took place on Friday 12 October 2012 at the prestigious and stunning MURAL Hall in Melbourne. The almost 400 guests in attendance, all looking sensational, were treated to a night of prestige and glamour in a celebration of Hellenic achievement which can only be described as an overwhelming success.

The annual Excellence Awards and Gala Ball is HACCI’s and the Greek-Australian community’s premier event celebrating Hellenic achievement and this particular night will be one to remember. After receiving an exceptional number of nominations this year, this year’s prestigious awards were given to:

Lifetime Achievement – Professor George Paxinos

Business Excellence – Peter Mercoulia

Professional Excellence – Viki Lascaris

Community Service – Mike Zafiropoulos

Young Achievement – Stefan Cassomenos

Guests were entertained by MC James Razos, the singing duo Wayne Simmons and Jenny Theologidis, clips of old Greek films, singer Yianna Stavrou and the surprise act of the evening The 3 Waiters who unexpectedly broke out into song filling the room with their beautiful tenor voices. The Levendopaida Band accompanied the evening with wonderful Greek and European music as guests danced and networked throughout the event.

HACCI President Nicholas Mylonas made reference to an incredible year for HACCI and thanked HACCI’s Board and Committees for their tireless work in delivering a full year of events, projects and activities which have seen HACCI broaden its influence and membership base, and reestablish its place as a key organisation linking businesses and professionals with government and community in Hellenic Australia. Mr. Mylonas also thanked the Bank of Cyprus Australia and its CEO George Tacticos for the very important support it provides to HACCI and the entire Greek Australian community.

HACCI’s Internship Director Fotini Kypraios gave an overview of HACCI’s Internship Program which has placed and changed the lives of at least 8 young Hellenes and certificates were presented in recognition of both the interns and HACCI’s Internship Partners which have supported the program by providing opportunities and positions.

Well-known Brand Strategist Peter Economides who was invited by HACCI for an Australian Tour and who gave 2 sold-out presentations in both Melbourne and Sydney last week spoke of his overwhelming welcome by the Greek-Australian community. His presentations based on his Rebranding Greece and “Ginetai” campaigns have been inspirational and fundamental in the resurgence of Hellenic pride and possibilities of the accomplishment of many great things amongst Hellenes throughout the world, especially amongst younger generations. Peter Economides stated he was leaving Australia having made many new friends and that he would most certainly be back very soon.