Jim Manifis, was born in 1956 in Perth Western Australia and is the youngest of five children of Con and Eva Manifis. Constantine Manifis was the son of Michael and Despina (Yiarakou) (nee Paspalis) and Jim’s mother was the daughter of Dimitri and Diamandoula Antonas.
Jim attended North Perth Primary and later completed his leaving certificate at Mt Lawley High School. He then qualified as an accountant when he completed his bachelor of Business degree at the West Australian Institute of Technology. His first appointment included working as an auditor at the Perth Building Society and then later as an accountant for Kevin Parry and Kresta Blinds.
In 1980, Jim married Anna Pinakis, daughter of Nicholas and Despa Pinakis (nee Andros). Jim and Anna have two children, Dean; born 1984 and Nicholas; born 1986. Dean has qualified at the University of WA with a double degree in Engineering and Business. Nicholas has completed his Plumbing certificate and both children work extremely hard and Jim and Anna are very proud of their children’s achievements.
Jim’s ambition was to own his own business and follow in the footsteps of his parents. This was realised in 1987 when both Jim and Anna bought their first news agency. In time, with the support of his wife Anna, Jim has expanded his business interests to incorporate two newsagencies, three gift shops, a fashion boutique store called Megisti Fashion and recently commences an importing business out of China.
Both Jim and Anna have worked extremely hard over the past 28 years to build and increase their business activities. Jim has been a director and board member of various organisations that relate to his businesses. Jim first became involved with the Greek community in 1976 when he played football for the Hellenic Football Club. During this period he played over 187 games, was involved in the leadership of the team where he was elected Captain and Vice Captain and won various awards for his playing contribution. He also spent 12 years on the committee, holding the position of Treasurer or President.
ln 2006, Jim became the Treasurer of the Castellorizian Association of WA and in 2007 was elected President of the association. During this period, Jim has learnt a considerable amount of Castellorizian tradition and history and their way of life, which has always been reinforced by his mother and father, in reference to his upbringing. As President, he has continued promoting the Castellorizian Association and continuing their traditions.
Jim was one of the youngest presidents when he was elected as President of Castellorizian Association of WA Jim needed to earn the respect of the members as they were very committed to Castellorizian Association of WA. Jim’s first goal as president was to deliver the objectives of the Castellorizian Association of WA which were included in their constitution. Even though the Castellorizian Association of WA has just completed a major redevelopment of their club house, the Association was at crossroads. As with many associations, there are ups and downs and number of activities needed to be create to improve Castellorizian Association of WA. With the support of highly motivated committee members, this was easily achieved. In 2013, Jim stepped down as President and took on the role as Vice- President. The Castellorizian Association of WA is the strongest it has been for 100 years both financially and socially. The membership of the Castellorizian Association of WA has reached in excess of 500 members.
In 2009, Jim was approached by Nick Nicholas and Bartley Kakulas inviting to lead the 100 year celebrations of the Castellorizian Association of WA in 2012. Jim was very proud to be asked and realised the huge challenge that lay ahead of him. Once again with the support of the Committee members, the Castellorizian Association of WA celebrated the 100 years in spectacular fashion. Three years in the planning, with a number of social functions and fundraising, the two editorial books that we produce, on in relation to Castellorizian family in WA and the history of the Castellorizian Association in WA. The Gala dinner which was celebrated on the 21st May Constantine and Helene day, with approximately
500 people in attendance, was the highlight of the Centenary celebrations, a function of a highest quality. The launch of the Centenary celebration taking place on the island of Castellorizian with 25 of our members in attendance was also a huge highlight.
In 2012 during our celebration, Jim initiated the idea of commencing a National Body for the Castellorizian. In 2013, the National Council of Australia was formed. Jim was elected Vice- President of this new exciting council.