HACCI celebrated the best and brightest of the Hellenic-Australian community for the 34th consecutive year last night, in its first-ever digital awards ceremony.
The live-streamed event was screened to thousands of people across the globe.
The annual ceremony is one of the staples of the Greek Australian social calendar, an opportunity to celebrate excellence, to acknowledge contribution, to applaud innovation, business acumen and the significance of entrepreneurship as an integral factor and a binding element of our community.
Returning to the role of MC, acclaimed comedian Mary Coustas guided attendees through the event, while an array of esteemed Greek-Australian community leaders presented the Awards.
Coustas was not alone in her task - she was joined by her larger-than-life alter ego - Effie Stephanides, who added a perfectly timed comic relief to the event, challenging HACCI Chair Fotini Kypraios for the organisation’s leadership - and flirting with singer-songwriter Foivos Delivorias, who serenaded her from Athens.
One of the musical surprises of the ceremony, Delivorias gave a heartfelt greeting to the Greek-Australian community with his songs, performed at some of the most beloved and iconic Athens locations.
Music has always been an integral part of the HACCI Awards, and this ceremony was no different; performing at the Gazarte rooftop bar in the centre of Athens, Gadjo Dilo entertained virtual attendees with their signature gypsy-swing take on classic Greek songs.
Back in Melbourne, the Chris Frangou Trio gave a jazz twist to the melodies of Mikis Theodorakis, Manos Hadjidakis and Manos Loizos, in an elegant performance that closed the event, after a series of proud and emotional Award presentations.
HACCI Awards 2020 - Winners announced
- Bank of Sydney Business Award - Barbara Konstas
- Professional Services Award presented by Intralot - Dr Paul Eliadis AM
- Innovation Award presented by Directed - Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Woman of Influence Award presented by SalaryMasters - Violet Roumeliotis
- Sports Award presented by Heidelberg United - Delly Carr
- Community Award presented by PRONIA - Lilian Gomatos
- Chris Saristavros Young Achiever Award - Natalie Kyriacou OAM
- Spiro Stamoulis Lifetime Achievement Award - Nick Polites OAM
Congratulations to all the winners.
About HACCI
HACCI was formed in Victoria 1985 to promote and strengthen the economic and cultural ties between Australia and Greece.
HACCI has since hosted numerous functions, networking events, investment seminars, trade delegations, conferences and has actively connected the Hellenic Australian business and professional community both locally and internationally.
Since it’s inception, HACCI has broadened its scope beyond its traditional commercial mandate, introducing the HACCI Business Excellence Awards, which has become HACCI’s annual flagship event celebrating ‘the best & brightest’ of the Hellenic Australian community.
HACCI is a multifaceted organisation, offering a platform for its members to connect, interact and exchange knowledge & ideas.
By joining HACCI, you are joining a network of businesses and professionals connected by virtue of their integrity in the business and wider Hellenic Australian community and a desire to be part of a connected and united voice in advocating and supporting a collective vision for the future of the Hellenic business Diaspora.
