More than 30 young Cypriots from around Australia and New Zealand gathered last weekend in Melbourne for the NEPOMAK Australia and New Zealand 10th Annual Summit.

Hosted by the Cyprus Greek Orthodox Community Apostolos Andreas of Sunshine and Australian Cyprian Social and Sport Organisation Pankyprios of Bentleigh, the conference was an opportunity for socialising and networking but also for learning more on NEPOMAK and its activities.

“This year’s conference was held in Melbourne and included representatives from Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin, with more than 35 participants in attendance,” NEPOMAK media coordinator Michael Christodoulides told Neos Kosmos.

“The conference led to the development of a number of key initiatives, including the development of a step-by-step guide for young Cypriots on how to establish youth groups and organise events to bring people together, an initiative to encourage young Cypriots to undertake charity work in Cyprus at a local orphanage to help the country as it deals with the current economic crisis, as well as a draft itinerary for a youth retreat to bring young Cypriots from across Australia together in a social environment,” Mr Christodoulides said.

The conference also included a discussion on the Cyprus issue. Delegates unanimously agreed to continue to work with their local communities to promote the Cyprus issue and lobby Australian politicians for a just resolution for Cyprus.

During the three-day Melbourne conference, a new leadership team of NEPOMAK Australia and New Zealand was elected. Newly elected to the organisation’s Executive Committee were Dimitri Nicolaou as President, Kosta Socratous as Vice President, Irene Marinos as Secretary, Abraam Gregoriou as Treasurer, Mario Fitirikkos as Assistant Secretary and NDCP Coordinator, and Michael Christodoulides as Lobby and Media Coordinator.

NEPOMAK, the World Organisation for Young Overseas Cypriots, is a Cypriot youth organisation representing Cypriots between 18-30 years old, with over 15,000 members worldwide.

The organisation’s key objectives are to provide opportunities for young Cypriots to learn about their culture, network with other young people and promote the Cyprus issue

Neos Kosmos