Successful Inaugural HMSA Careers Day Inspires Greek-Australian Students in Melbourne

The inaugural Careers Day, organised by the Hellenic Medical Society of Australia (HMSA) in collaboration with the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), was successfully held on Saturday, 7th September 2024, at the Greek Centre in Melbourne. The event featured over 30 esteemed Greek-Australian professionals from diverse fields such as medicine, law, business, creative arts, and more, providing students with invaluable insights into various career paths.

Developed with the active support of Associate Professor Marinis Pirpiris, President of HMSA, the Careers Day initiative aimed to create an innovative and inclusive platform for students to explore future career options. Though Associate Professor Pirpiris was in Greece working on tertiary and postgraduate collaboration efforts, his commitment to student career development was evident through this well-received event.

Keynote speakers and panellists, including Mr. Bill Papastergiadis, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, emphasised the importance of networking and connecting with peers and professionals. The panel featured notable figures such as Dr. Arthur Kokkinias (Adult Psychiatrist and HMSA Secretary), Yianni Zaparas (Managing Partner of Zaparas Lawyers), Ross Savas (Managing Director of Kay and Burton Real Estate Agency), Melissa Pateras (Founder and CEO of Meleros Cosmetics), and Kathy Tsaples (Author, Chef, Owner of Sweet Greek).

Dr. Athina Pirpiris, a key organiser, praised the event, stating, “The HMSA Careers Day was a testament to the enduring bond Greek-Australians of all generations have with their heritage and traditions. The event also highlighted the considerable impact Greek-Australians have made on Australian society and underscored the importance of passing on collective wisdom to the future leaders of our community.”

The Careers Day included introductory panels followed by breakout sessions tailored to specific student interests, culminating in a networking segment. The event generated significant enthusiasm and received positive feedback from attendees, with plans underway for future events.

The HMSA and GCM expressed their gratitude to the sponsors, including Zaparas Lawyers, Accountancy Group, the Commonwealth Bank, Oasis Coffee, and Bakaliko Oakleigh, for their generous support in making the event possible.

HMSA Melbourne stands for Hellenic Medical Society of Australia, a professional organization based in Melbourne. It represents Greek-Australian doctors, dentists, and other health professionals and aims to promote medical excellence, education, and collaboration within the Greek-Australian community.

HMSA provides a platform for networking, professional development, and community engagement. It supports healthcare professionals and students with Greek heritage and participates in charitable activities, health promotion, and cultural events that bridge the Greek and broader Australian communities.

Photos supplied by Mr. Kosta Deves