The Kytherian Association of Australia again hosted the Nicholas Anthony Aroney Encouragement Awards and Dinner Dance for 2011. It is with much pride that we hold this event every year to not only honour our last year’s HSC students but also to remember our great benefactor, Nicholas Aroney, whose vision has provided the opportunity to present such events on a regular basis. In this regard, the Association extends its thanks to the Nicholas Aroney trustees for their continued support. It is much appreciated.

The purpose of the night was not only to acknowledge Kytherian students who excelled in last year’s HSC but also to present a tribute to the late Professor Manuel Aroney. Professor Manuel was a great supporter not only of this event but all of the Kytherian Association’s activities generally. He was great man with a great community spirit. His mentoring and drive will be missed by all of us.

Fortunately, we have Professor Manuel’s three sons and their families to help us carry on the work of the Association and to especially support us at events such as this year’s Aroney Awards night in honour of their father. To this end, we were pleased to have Jim, Theo and Stephen attending this year’s function along with their wives, and for Stephen Aroney to make the presentations to the 2010 HSC awardees. Stephen is also a member of the Nicholas Aroney Trust.

The night was overall a great success with much KEFI. We thank all of the people who were able to attend and help make the night so enjoyable. Sorry to the people on the waiting list.

Special thanks to His Excellency the Consul-General of Greece Mr Vasilios Tolios and his wonderful wife Theodora for their presence and to the Consul-General himself for his assistance in the presentation of the awards. Thanks also to the committee members of the Hellenic Lyceum, GAPA, the Greek Orthodox Central Coast Parish, AHEPA, the Mytelinian Association and the Leros Association who also attended.

Much thanks also to Angelo Notaras who gave a moving tribute to Professor Manuel Aroney, which included a one minute’s silence where everyone was up standing, and for his role as MC.

Thanks also to the Friday night senior dancing group who provided the night’s entertainment and to teachers Joanna and Penelope for their great efforts. Indeed, Joanna and Penelope danced their own routine, in addition to the senior dancing group’s, which was much applauded by those present.

Big thanks also to John Fardoulis who was photographer for the night and gave his own presentation on his upcoming Kytherian Dig, to Eleni Malanos for doing the guest and table lists (while really ill), to George Giaouris and Peter Calligeros for manning the front desk, and to other Committee and non-Committee members who assisted in selling raffle tickets and folding those tickets for the draw.

Certificates of Achievement and prize money cheques from the N A Aroney Estate were handed out to each of the 2010 HSC awardees. The overall winner was Amelia Zaunders with 99.6 ATAR. The other awardees were Byron Economos, Nathan Notaras, Victoria Venardos, Lambros Hatziplis-Photios, Alexia Patrice Fuller, Andrew Carras, Nicholas Symeou, Andrew Tzannes, Adam Nicholas Papadakis, Michael James, Ruby Smith, Yianni Petrohilos, Anna Malanos and Nicholas James Calligeros. We congratulate all of the awardees and wish them well for the future.

The Kytherian Association remains indebted to the sponsors and long time supporters who have donated raffle prizes. These include Laiki Bank who donated a TEAC 66cm Colour Television with DVD Player (won by Nick Fardouly), the Central Coast Greek Orthodox Parish who donated a Basket of Quality Manchester (won by Christina Mormanos), the Kytherian Ladies Auxiliary who donated a Royal Doulton Crystal Saturn Vase (won by John Tzannes), Tina Feros from Hairbiz at Rose Bay who donated a Reconditioning Treatment, Shampoo & Blow Dry plus a Parlux 3800 Professional Blow Dryer (not claimed – ticket no. 52000), Nick and Kathy Haros from St George Smallgoods who donated a Gift Voucher (won by John Comino), Fardoulis Chocolates who donated a Basket of Chocolates (won by Sophia Aroney), John and Hellan Ventouris who donated a Diethnes Greek Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Voucher (won by Kathy Kouvas), the Management of Omeros Restaurant who donated an Omeros on the Beach Restaurant Dinner for Two (won by Stephen Marinos), Nadine Veitch of Nadine Veitch Jewellery Sales who donated a Sterling Silver Filigree & Green Amethyst on a 45cm Sterling Silver Snake Chain (won by Arthur Stathakis), Valet Hair and Vicki Beauty Salons at Kogarah who donated a Valet Hair and Vicki Beauty Gift Voucher (won by Marina Efthimiou), the Bulldog Theatre who donated a Double Pass to “Alex &Eve, The Baby” at the Factory Theatre Marrickville (won by Pamela Haros), John and Anna Psaltis who donated a Wine Magnum Basket (won by Michael Tsouroutis) and Peter and Chrissa Vlantis who donated a Ballinger Champagne (won by Pat Fardoulis). The Kytherian Association donated a Navma MY651 (won by Zeljko Milanou) and “George, His Passion” by Ruby M Feros (won by James Aroney).

The success of the function was also contributed to by the great food and service provided by Theo Lazaris, owner/manager of the Twin Reception Centre and for this we are much appreciative.

Again, warm thanks to all those who attended this year’s Aroney Awards night, to all of the sponsors and supporters and to those who assisted in its organisation. Best wishes to the awardees and don’t forget to keep attending our functions in the future.

Kathy Samios


To view photos from the night click below:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/55426206@N04/sets/72157626494411610/show/