Bill Papastergiadis: Our goal is the coexistence and collaboration with other communities

Australia honored the president of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria, after he was nominated by members of the Chinese Community.

Bill Papastergiadis, president, Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria Source: Supplied

This is what Mr. Papastergiadis said to SBS Greek, in an interview he gave the Greek program in regards to the award he received on the Queen’s birthday. Mr. Papastergiadis received the award of Member (OAM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia.  He was honored for his service in the Greek Orthodox community of Victoria.

«It was not something that I expected. The most important thing to note is that this started by the Chinese Community. They follow the actions of our Community and a year ago, they told me that they think that the Community’s work –and my own- should be recognized in some way. They told me they would see to it and I did not pursue the matter further», said to SBS Greek Mr Papastergiadis. 

«We are an example of Australia’s multiculturalism»

Mr Papastergiadis said that his award «proves many things. Chief among them the respect towards multiculturalism in this country» and he added:«It is one of the reasons Prime Minister Scott Morrison was willing to help us financially as a community, when we explained to him the actions we were undertaking with the Sudanese Community, who is currently facing serious issues in Melbourne». 

Bill Papastergiadis Source: Supplied

When our program noted that this award serves as a recognition of the Greek Community’s interaction with communities from different backgrounds, Mr Pastergiadis said that «It is and that should be our goal».

«We need to be aware that we live in a multicultural society and that we need to be a part of it. The time of Ghettos has passed».

«Teamwork above all else»

When asked about what this award means to him personally, Mr. Papastergiadis said:«It means that I work in collaboration with others. I am working with a board in South Melbourne and the Greek Community. Without  those people and their support I would be unable to achieve anything. The work is not finished.  We work together. We need to care for each other and we work like that we can achieve a lot of things. I think this is the meaning».  

Press Play to hear the full interview in Greek.