Greek Australians Set Their Sights on Making a Difference to the Sutherland Shire

Proud Greek Australians, Haris Strangas and Kyriakos Panayi, both long-time locals of the Sutherland Shire in Sydney, are running as Liberal candidates in the upcoming council election for C Ward on September 14.

The Sutherland Shire, located in the southern part of Sydney, is home to a significant Greek community, with Greek being the second most spoken language at home in the area after English. The influence of Greek Australians is seen across the region, from the local parish of St Stylianos in Gymea to the many Greek-owned cafes, food stores, and businesses throughout the Shire.

Both Strangas and Panayi have a deep connection to the community. Strangas’ family runs “Poseidon’s Harvest,” a seafood business based in Sylvania, while Panayi owns the well-known “Christopher’s Cake Shops,” with locations in Miranda and Kirrawee. Strangas has worked in the Shire from a young age, and Panayi, who has lived in the area for over 25 years, is proudly raising his family there.

Now, the two candidates are focused on giving back to the community that they cherish by working towards lowering rates and improving local services. “We are passionate about small business and people enjoying what they really love about the Shire – its high quality of life,” Strangas explains.

Panayi shares his personal commitment to the region, stating, “I am committed to creating a positive legacy for future generations, and I want to contribute to the area, which has given my family and I so much.”

The key goals of the two Greek-Australian candidates include cutting red tape for businesses, upgrading local sports fields, and increasing the capital works program. “In terms of delivery, there are a few major projects for C Ward that we would love to kick start this term of Council. These include the revitalisation of Oyster Bay and its surrounding waterways, the Gwawley Bay Oval masterplan, the Sylvania Waters Athletics Track masterplan, and a Jannali Town Centre upgrade,” says Strangas.

Panayi emphasises their desire to be approachable and hardworking councillors. “We want to be known as being accessible, hardworking, and dedicated councillors. Our doors will always be open to our community, and we will always strive to make the Shire an amazing place to live.”

Together, Strangas and Panayi are set on making a meaningful impact on the Sutherland Shire and ensuring that it continues to thrive for future generations.

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