Each year the Kastellorizian of the Year Committee is faced with the difficult task of selecting the Kastellorizian of the Year from the numerous nominations that are received. It is with great pleasure that the Selection Committee announces that the 2012 Kastellorizian of the Year Award is to be awarded to Mr. Michael N. Spartels
Many members in Victoria will be aware of Michael’s commitment to the Kastellorizian Association of Victoria which spans nearly four decades of distinguished service. During this time Michael participated in the many events, served and supported the Association on numerous committees, along with renovating and maintaining the clubrooms. He has helped to propel the Association into the position that it is in today.
Michael has served as President of the Association several times. One of Michael’s achievements during his last term in 2008-10, was directed towards preserving the heritage of the members and the Association. Under his leadership the Multicultural Commission of Victoria awarded the Kastellorizian Association of Victoria a grant of $9,000 to enable the organisation to properly manage, document and store the collection of the club and develop a set of polices to ensure that future collections would be managed appropriately. By developing a serious approach to the management of the Association’s heritage, members past, present and future will be able to access materials that will enable them to understand their Kastellorizian heritage and feel proud to be a member of the Association. The success obtained from the Multicultural Commission grant was instrumental in helping the Association to secure a further grant of $4,400 from the National Library of Australia to conduct a “Significant Assessment” of the club’s collection. These funds will assist the Association to continue to manage the collection at a level closer to a museum standard. A project which is ongoing today.
Michael’s passion included promoting the activities of the Association to the senior members of the community as well as supporting a program for the younger members to participate in. He encouraged younger members to attend the Association functions and to participate at all levels of the Association and, in particular, to serve on the committee. Michael was always available to give younger and less experienced committee members advice and encouragement. It is so clear that his love of his Kastellorizian heritage has been extended to his children and grandchildren, as they actively participate in activities and committees of the Association.
The Kastellorizian of the Year Award was established in 1993 to give recognition to distinguished members of the Kastellorizian Community within Victoria and Australia and has included many eminent men and women as listed on our honour board, who have made an outstanding contribution to life in Australia and brought honour to the Kastellorizian heritage.
Michael’s support and generosity also extends to the Greek and wider Australian communities. Michael organised and supervised the construction of the Manse at the rear of “St. Eustathios” Greek Orthodox Church, in Dorcas Street, South Melbourne. This project was a significant and long term commitment generating a major construction of the church which houses the offices of the Bishop and it is regularly used by members of the Greek community. As a youth, Michael played for the thirds with the Carlton Football Club, which has resulted in a long-time commitment and love for the Carlton football team. He went on to coach junior football and served on the committee for ten years. In later years, Michael became Social Club Director and Vice President. As a result of his commitment to the Carlton Football Club, Michael was recognised with the titles of Life Member of the Carlton Cricket Club and the Carlton Football Social Club. In 2010, Michael was nominated for City of Port Phillip Seniors Award.
Throughout these achievements, Michael has had the support of his loving family. His wife, Dianne supported Michael in his endeavours. Dianne has also been participant in the club’s activities and was a former member of the Kastellorizian Association of Victoria Committee in her own right. She has been a valuable asset to Michael and their children and grandchildren. The Kastellorizian of the Year Award will be presented on Sunday 20th of May 2012 commencing with the church service at St. Constantine and St. Helen’s Church in Barry Street, South Yarra followed by the award ceremony and refreshments at the Clubrooms, 250 Dorcas Street, South Melbourne.
Throughout these achievements, Michael has had the support of his loving family. His wife, Dianne supported Michael in his endeavours. Dianne has also been participant in the club’s activities and was a former member of the Kastellorizian Association of Victoria Committee in her own right. She has been a valuable asset to Michael and their children and grandchildren. The Kastellorizian of the Year Award will be presented on Sunday 20th of May 2012 commencing with the church service at St. Constantine and St. Helen’s Church in Barry Street, South Yarra followed by the award ceremony and refreshments at the Clubrooms, 250 Dorcas Street, South Melbourne.