More than 200 guests gathered in Melbourne as the initiative launched a new network for young Greek Australians, backed by a $350,000 commitment from the Nikolaos Andrianakos Foundation.
The Hellenic Initiative (THI) Australia has launched its New Leaders program in Victoria, bringing together the next generation of Greek Australians to strengthen connections with Greece and the global Greek diaspora.
The launch took place on October 7 at PwC’s Melbourne offices, attracting more than 200 guests, including Greek Consul General Dimitra Georgantzoglou.
The program is aimed at Greek Australians aged approximately 26 to 40, offering opportunities for networking, professional development and international connections while supporting initiatives in Greece.
The Melbourne launch also featured prominent Greek Australian businessman Mark Bouris AM, who serves as Patron of New Leaders Australia and has long supported The Hellenic Initiative Australia.
In an interview with journalist and presenter Sharnelle Vella, Bouris discussed the influence of his Greek heritage on his personal life and business career, as well as the importance of ensuring younger generations maintain a strong connection to their Hellenic roots.
The discussion covered leadership, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, business and artificial intelligence, followed by a question and answer session with attendees.
$350,000 commitment backs the program
A major announcement at the launch was the Nikolaos Andrianakos Foundation’s commitment to contribute $350,000 over two years to support The Hellenic Initiative Australia and the New Leaders program.
THI Australia President George Kailis acknowledged the contribution, with foundation founder Theo Andrianakos attending the event alongside his wife, Mandy. The foundation was established in honour of the legacy of his late father, Nick Andrianakos.
Kailis said the initiative aimed to unite aspiring Greek Australians from different backgrounds, opening doors both in Australia and internationally while preserving the Hellenic spirit passed down by previous generations.
New Leaders Victoria Chair Jim Giamarelos said the program was built around connection, including stronger relationships between young Greek Australians, their Hellenic identity, Greece and the wider diaspora.
He also highlighted the importance of giving back to the community.
Supporting charities in Greece
Beyond professional networking and cultural connections, New Leaders Australia has a charitable focus.
Members make an annual donation of $400, with contributions directly supporting three partner organisations selected by the program: Boroume, which addresses food insecurity; Emfasis Foundation, which supports people experiencing homelessness; and Pediatric Trauma Care, which focuses on children’s health.
The program forms part of a wider international network of New Leaders, with participants in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
The Melbourne launch marks a new chapter for the initiative in Australia, with a Sydney launch planned for early 2027 and further expansion into other states expected to follow.
The full conversation with Mark Bouris AM is expected to be published on The Hellenic Initiative Australia’s YouTube channel.
Greek Australians interested in joining the program can find further information through The Hellenic Initiative Australia’s New Leaders registration page.