Australian Greek Welfare Society

Nick Polites, O.A.M.

President 1972-1973

Nick Polites went into business after completing a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1948. He retired from business in 1970 and became a voluntary worker and first President of the Australian Greek Welfare Society, which was inaugurated in 1972.

The requirement for a qualified Social Worker forced him back to studies to complete the post-graduate Social Work course, having previously gained the Bachelor of Arts degree in history and philosophy.

Nick became Director of the Society during its first years of quick growth, participated in the Galbaly Immigration Enquiry and was on the advisory Council for the Minister of Social Security and Community Services. He was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for "Services to the Ethnic Community".

Music, of the New Orleans traditional jazz variety, has been Nick's life-long interest and he has played his clarinet around Melbourne for over fifty years and has made several overseas tours and many visists to New Orleans.

In 2005 he became a Life Member of the Society and is currently a regular volunteers at our Planned Activity Centres.

Dr. Spiros Moraitis, C.B.E., M.B.B.S., F.R.A.C.G.P.

President 1973-1978, 1988-1992

Dr. Moraitis was a founding member of the Australian Greek Welfare Society. He held the position of President or Chairman since the Society's formation in 1972.

He was educated in Melbourne after arriving in Australia at the age of six years in 1939, with his parents who migrated from Athens, Greece.

Spiro has been a General Practitioner in the Melbourne suburb of St. Kilda since 1959 working with the Greek population.

He was awarded the O.B.E. in 1978 for exceptional services to migrants and their health and the C.B.E. in 1983 in recognition for his outstanding services to the ethnic communities.

In 2005 he became a Life Member of the Society

George papadopoulos

President 1979-1980

George Papadopoulos of Ithakan parentage born in Melbourne 1937 and educated here principally at Melbourne High School and Melbourne University. Married to Melody nee Hetreletzis they have two children Andrew and Angelika.

George had served on the AGWS Board of Directors from its inception firstly as Chairman for some time and then as President from 1979 to 1980. He has also served in other positions in Greek Community Organisations and Government with the Victorian Ethnic Affairs Commission from 1986-1991.

In 2005 he became a Life Member of the Society.

Jack Bisas O.A.M.

President 1980-1988

President of AGWS for nine years, Jack Bisas was born in Australia and educated in Western Australia.

He was recognised in the Honors List in 1985 where he received the OAM for his services to the Greek community.

Jack had been involved in Community work for many years and was the first person of Greek origin to be elected to the Melbourne High School Council.

He joined AGWS in 1977 and was also President of the Castellorian Society of Victoria. He is married to Marika Bisas(neeKoutsoukis) who joined AGWS as a Board member in 1976. The have four childre, Eula, Ian, George and Jim.

Jack is a Life Member of the Society.

Margaret Moraitis O.A.M.

President 1992-1994

Mrs. Margaret Moraitis convened the “foundation” meeting of AGWS on the 10th of August 1972.

She was AGWS’s first Secretary, a position she held from 1972 -1974 and 1982-1984

Margaret was also AGWS Treasurer from 1991 – 1992 and President from 1992–1994.

She was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her services to the Australian-Greek community.

Eugenia Grammatikakis

President 1994-2000

Eugenia Grammatikakis first joined the Board in 1986 and has served AGWS in the capacities of Secretary from 1990 – 1994 and President from 1994 – 2000.

Eugenia Grammatikakis was a loyal servant of the Society with a strong commitment to issues of social justice and the needs of the Australian-Greek community.

Nick Katris

Current President 2000-

Nicholas 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.