Matt Thistlethwaite (Kingsford Smith, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I wish to congratulate the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, AHEPA, which recently celebrated 80 years of the founding of the order and 60 years since the founding of chapter Arete. In 1934 in Werris Creek, progressive members of Australia's Greek community got together to establish an organisation aimed at promoting education and supporting charitable causes in Australia as well as promoting Greek heritage and culture, and, of course, to break down some of the barriers that existed at the time between mainstream Australia and the Greek community.

Over the past 80 years this wonderful organisation has supported thousands of young kids in getting a better education. They have been indirectly involved in saving thousands of lives through their support of the children's hospital and medical research in Australia and also through their support of the elderly and children with disabilities.

AHEPA is a great symbol of the Greek community's contribution to Australia. My community is particularly fond of the AHEPA because of its support of the children's hospital at Randwick. Over the last few years, they have donated over $1 million to the cause. Recently at their 80th anniversary dinner, they raised close to $30,000 for the children's hospital.

I wish to congratulate all of the office holders of the last 18 years who have been involved in the organisation and all of the members for their wonderful contribution to charity in Australia.

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