About AGWS
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President: Nicholas KatrisNicholas expertise and career is in the discipline of Architecture and Interior Design, working in this field as a sole practitioner since 1970’s. His strong interest in Greek Culture and History lead him into further Studies in Classics and Archeology and in the last seven years enjoys part time teaching in Design History at Tertiary level. He has a lifetime experience from his involvement in community affairs since 1960”s and is an honorary life member of a number of organizations. In 2001 he received the Centenary Metal Award for Services to the Greek Community. His interests and hobbies are in Art, History, Research, Sport and his involvement with AGWS since 1995. He enjoys the outdoors and his discipline to handle a busy schedule is derived from his long time and continuous active involvement in sport, community life, and work. He served as a Chairperson for two years with AGWS and is now serving his third term as President, a commitment and responsibility that has become part of his daily routine and life. |
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Vice President: Petros Yiallouris |
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Chairperson: Jack NalpantidisJack's qualifications include a Bachelor of Behavioural Sciences (Psychology), Bachelor of Social Work, and Masters of Business Administration. Jack began his social work career in 1980, working with people of non-English speaking background in a counseling, advocacy and community development role. He has substantial experience in the fields of counseling and community work, disability management, occupational rehabilitation, employee assistance programs, occupational health and safety, workers compensation and risk management, having over 20 years consulting experience in these areas. He also has many years experience in administrative law and workplace mediation and dispute resolution. Jack has a strong background in management having held senior leadership positions with substantial service provider organizations in commercial and community-based sectors. He has a particular interest in quality systems, program development and evaluation, organizational development. Jack has served as a member of the Disability Standards Review Panel (Victoria), and is a current member of the Social Security Appeals Tribunal, and the Mental Health Review Board in Victoria. |
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Secretary: Anastasia ContosAnastasia's qualifications are: BA (Honours), Graduate Diploma in Mental Health (Clinical Hypnosis) (University of Melbourne) and Masters in Family Therapy (Latrobe University). She has conducted research on the impact of traumatic brain injury on couples and families and has a specialised interest in trauma and grief as well as ethics. Anastasia is a Clinical Member of the Victorian Association of Family Therapists and a Member of the Australian Psychologists Society. She is a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist. Anastasia has worked as a psychologist and project leader in the community, educational and psychiatric sectors for twenty years. She has worked in the areas of migrant and ethnic affairs as well as with people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds and is committed to high ethical standards in practice as well as working towards social justice. Currently Anastasia works in private practice as a Human Services Consultant and also provides a clinical service to individuals, couples and families as well as training and supervising practitioners in the field. She sits on the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Austin Health as the counselling expert. Her involvement on the Board of the Australian Greek Welfare Society provides her with the opportunity to make a contribution to the Greek Australian community. |
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Treasurer: Philip PeladarinosPhilip migrated to Australia in 1985 after completing secondary education in Athens. His academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts (Multicultural Studies) and a Diploma of Education and he has worked as a lecturer/tutor in Greek Literature at Victoria University. He has been in the community services sector since 1991 and was an employee of AGWS for nine years. During this period, he established the first AGWS volunteer programs and in the mid 1990s he became the Co-ordinator of Employment and later the Co-ordinator of the Employment & Training Unit. Philip has a strong background in employment, education, quality accreditation in education and disability services, organisational change, workplace assessment, recognition of prior learning, and management. Philip has broadened his academic qualifications with further studies in psychology, including spending time in the USA studying the North American mainstream model of psychosocial rehabilitation. He has a strong professional commitment in community mental health and he is the manager of a multidisciplinary psychosocial rehabilitation service for people who experience a mental illness. He has also been very active in the Greek community through various organisations and community radio. His other interests include soccer (his is an Assistant Coach for a Premier League Soccer Club), gardening and music. A member of AGWS since 1991, Philip was elected on the Board in 2002. |
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Board Member: Litsa KypurosLitsa has had over 20 years experience as a Speech Pathologist and Audiologist. In addition to her private practice, she currently works for Student Support Services in the Department of Education and Training in the Northern Metropolitan Region. She has served on curriculum development teams, staff training program initiatives and as a School consultant. Litsa has a special interest in working with children with Autism, learning difficulties and other developmental delays. Her interests continue to be in people and how they communicate - areas in which she has amassed considerable knowledge and practical experience. Always eager to expand her skills, take on new projects and contribute to others in a practical way. |
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Board Member: Louie Malisangos |
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Board Member: Krisanthi Stamboulidis |
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Executive Director: Voula Messimeri-KianidisVoula has been involved in the community services field for 20 years, with a particular focus on multicultural affairs and women’s issues. Appointed Executive Director of the Australian Greek Welfare Society Ltd (AGWS) in 1989 she manages an agency with a diverse range of programs including aged & disabilities, childcare, training, counselling and community education. Previous positions have included family counselling in country Victoria, coordination of a service that focused on occupational health and safety, equal opportunities for girls in secondary education and genetic counselling. Voula has a strong commitment to social justice and community building and to this end she has served on a number of Boards and advisory bodies. She has held positions such as:
Current Positions:
Tertiary Qualifications:
Other:
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