On behalf of the Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee and personally, I would like to congratulate Christina Despoteris OAM for being recognised today in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for 2022.
Whilst Christina has been awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for service to the Greek community of Melbourne, anyone her knows her would be aware that her contribution to the community goes far beyond this.
Christina Despoteris was born in Egypt, an only child, she came to Melbourne with her parents at the age of seven. A migration story linking Lemnos, Egypt and Australia - a story which will resonate with many Greek Australian families.
Christina had a distinguished career in the Victorian Public Service working with various departments including the Premier's. Christina has worked tirelessly and passionately over many years in promoting the Greek culture and traditions, the Greek language, Greek music and dance and of course Greek history to the broader community and has been and remains involved with many community organisations.
As Vice President of the Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee, Christina has been an integral part of its success in creating awareness of the role of Lemnos in the Gallipoli campaign as well as the broader Hellenic links to Anzac and our many initiatives.
In this role, and the many other roles she has and continues to perform, Christina has successfully worked with like minded people to strive to create, develop and establish initiatives which leave a lasting for future generations.
As someone who has known Christina for many years and has had the pleasure of working closely alongside her on many occasions, I can attest to her passion, dedication and professionalism, and I thank her for all the support she has offered me and our Committee. Christina can be extremely proud of this achievement and recognition, which has been hard earned over many years, and well deserved.
Lee Tarlamis OAM MP
President Lemnos Gallipoli Commemorative Committee
