7 December 2025

The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia (HMSA) marked the festive season with a Christmas celebration in Melbourne, bringing together doctors, community leaders and representatives of Greek-Australian organisations for an evening that highlighted both camaraderie and the society’s growing impact.

Held at the Greek Centre, the event drew a strong turnout from across the medical and wider community. Guests enjoyed food, music and a relaxed atmosphere, while also reflecting on a year of significant achievements for the society.

HMSA president Professor Marinis Pirpiris opened the evening by paying tribute to colleagues and community partners, stressing that the society’s strength lies in its unity and purpose.

Quoting Aristotle, he reminded attendees that “virtue is not a possession but an action,” adding that the HMSA community is “defined not by what we have, but by what we do for one another.”

He spoke of HMSA’s role not only as a professional body but as a cultural and social pillar.

“Great things come from unity,” he said, echoing the ancient phrase Μεγάλα τὰ δὲ τῆς ὁμονοίας. “When Hellenic minds and hearts unite, remarkable things happen.”

Pirpiris outlined a series of milestones achieved by the society in 2025, including major educational events, research collaborations, scholarships and mentoring programs for young Greek Australians. He highlighted the memorandum of understanding between the University of Melbourne and the medical schools of Athens and Patras, describing it as “a shared legacy of service, scholarship and community strength that will support and inspire generations to come.”

One of the year’s most significant achievements, he noted, was the successful legislative reform in Greece recognising Australian specialist medical accreditation.

“This achievement is more than a legal reform — it is a bridge between the two nations,” he said.

“It strengthens opportunities for young clinicians and honours the excellence of Australian medical education. The impact of this change will be felt for generations.”

The event also welcomed representatives from Greek community organisations, including the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), HACCI, and PRONIA.

HMSA acknowledged the presence of GCM president Bill Papastergiadis with Pirpiris noting their long-standing friendship and collaboration: “Together we continue to work side-by-side with mutual respect, shared purpose and a deep commitment to community.”

Guests also heard from Georgia Dimopoulou of the Hellenic Tourism Organisation, who underscored the importance of strengthening cultural and professional ties between Australia and Greece — a message warmly received by the audience.

As part of the evening’s proceedings, Pirpiris announced the new HMSA Board elected in November and extended deep appreciation to outgoing members who have served since the society’s founding. “You have given this Society more than time,” he said. “You have given it heart, wisdom, and the quiet determination that turns ideas into action.”

Reflecting on the work of HMSA throughout the year — including fundraising for Agapi Care, events on fertility and neuro-oncology, and the International Women’s Day tribute to Greek women in medicine — he emphasised that “medicine is not merely a profession, but a calling to uplift humanity.”

He closed his remarks with a call for optimism and continued collaboration.

“Christmas invites us to pause and rediscover the deeper meaning of service,” he said.

“As we step into the new year, I invite each of you to dream boldly, to lead generously, and to continue lifting one another higher.”

Guests ended the night with festive wishes, strengthened connections and a renewed sense of pride in the Greek-Australian medical community, which Pirpiris described as “growing stronger, more dynamic and more influential — a modern architect of Hellenic excellence in Australia.”

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