The Hellenic Initiative (THI) Australia has launched its New Leaders program in Victoria, bringing together young Greek Australians to strengthen connections with their Hellenic heritage, build professional networks and support communities in Greece.

More than 200 guests attended the launch at PwC’s Melbourne offices on 7 October, including Consul General of Greece Dimitra Georgantzoglou.

The program is aimed at Greek Australians aged approximately 26 to 40 and connects participants with a global network of New Leaders in Australia, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

A highlight of the launch was an “In Conversation” session featuring THI Australia supporter and New Leaders Australia patron Mark Bouris, interviewed by journalist and presenter Sharnelle Vella.

Bouris spoke about his Greek heritage, his family’s story and the influence of his background on his personal and professional life. The discussion also covered philanthropy, leadership, entrepreneurship, business and artificial intelligence, as well as the importance of younger generations maintaining their connection to their Hellenic roots.

The session was followed by a Q&A segment, where Bouris was asked about his experiences and career.

THI New Leaders Victoria chair Jim Giamarelos said the program was built around fostering connections with other Greek Australians, their heritage and Greece, while encouraging participants to give back.

“At its heart, New Leaders is about connection. Connecting with each other. Connecting with our Hellenic identity. And connecting more closely with Greece and the Greek diaspora around the world. But it is also about giving back,” Giamarelos said.

THI Australia president George Kailis said the initiative aimed to unite young Greek Australians from diverse backgrounds and create opportunities both in Australia and internationally.

“It is our goal to unite young aspiring Greek Australians from all walks of life and to use our platform to open doors domestically and internationally while keeping the Hellenic spirit that was instilled in us by our parents and grandparents alive and well for generations to come,” Kailis said.

Kailis also announced a $350,000 contribution over two years from the Nikolaos Andrianakos Foundation to support THI Australia and the New Leaders program.

Theo Andrianakos, who established the foundation in honour of his late father, Nick Andrianakos, attended the launch with his wife Mandy.

Beyond networking and professional development, the program has a philanthropic focus. New Leaders make an annual $400 donation that directly supports three partner charities selected by participants: Boroume, which addresses food insecurity in Greece; Emfasis Foundation, which supports people experiencing homelessness; and Pediatric Trauma Care, which focuses on children’s health.

Following the Victorian launch, THI Australia plans to introduce the program in Sydney in early 2027, with other states to follow.

Source: https://neoskosmos.com/en/2026/10/09/news/community/hellenic-initiative-australia-launches-new-leaders-program-in-victoria/

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