Nicolas Paul Zervos
The Kastellorizian of the Year selection panel has spent several weeks thoroughly examining the applications of the 2024 KOY nominations against the selection criteria. They agreed that all 2024 nominees, like those for the last 4 or 5 years, were outstanding. Last Tuesday night they presented their findings to the KAV Committee who unanimously agreed that Nicolas Paul Zervos be selected as the 2024 Kastellorizian of the Year.
The criteria for the award are that the nominee must:
- be of Kastellorizian descent
- have demonstrated excellence in their field of endeavour and/or made an outstanding contribution to the Kastellorizian, Greek and/or Australian community
- be an inspirational role model for Kastellorizians
About Nicolas
Nicolas was born in Melbourne to Paul and Peggy (nee Spartels) Zervos. He grew up immersed in the Kastellorizian and Greek communities of Melbourne and beginning with his university days has remained active in these communities throughout his professional and personal life. After studying Law and Commerce at the University of Melbourne, in 1980 Nicolas was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria and the High Court of Australia. Nicolas is married to Georgia Skliros and they have two children, Paul and Diandra.
The following list highlights just some of Nicolas’ voluntary community involvement in the Kastellorizian and Greek communities of Victoria and Australia over the years. What is noticeable is the diversity, longevity and commitment Nicolas has demonstrated to our multicultural society. His actions have inspired others, regardless of their stage of life, to always go beyond the boundaries and give back. From student leader to now elder statesman, Nicolas is an inspirational role model for all Kastellorizians.
Consider his achievements and involvements:
- 1974-1976 – President, University of Melbourne Greek Club
- 1976-1980 – Foundation President, National Union of Greek Australian Students (NUGAS)
- During the 1980s various positions within the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria (GOCMV) including Vice-President, Assistant Secretary and Committee member.
- 1980-1982 – Coordinator, Greek Orthodox Legal Referral Service
- 1980-1982 – Chairman, Australian Greek Welfare Society
- 1985 1986 – Committee Member, Ecumenical Migration Centre
- 1982-1985 – Councillor, City of Melbourne. During this time and beyond served on the Committees of the Lonsdale Street Traders Association and the (then) Melbourne Fish Market, the Greek Precinct Steering Committee highlighting the Greek Community in Lonsdale Street (1985-1993) and was also a member (1983-1993) of the Melbourne/Thessalonika Friendship Committee, travelling there in 1984.
- 1989-1990 – Inaugural Chairman & 1991 Secretary, Alphington Grammar School Council, a school established and owned by the GOCMV
- 1988-1990 – Chairman, Antipodes Festival/Lonsdale Street Greek Festival, taking over from the 1987 Inaugural Chairman, philhellene and former South Australian Premier Don Dunstan
- 1990–present – Honorary Solicitor, Kastellorizian Association of Victoria. Throughout this time Nicolas has ensured that he is not involved as an office bearer in the Association so as to ensure objectivity and neutrality when giving advice. In 2009 Nicolas was made an Honorary Life member of the KAV.
- 2001-2003 – Director, South Melbourne Soccer Club and 1997-2005 member of Victorian Soccer Federation Disciplinary Tribunal
- 2003-2005 – Member, Greek Council of Australia
- 2012-present – Director, Friends of Kastellorizo
- 2009-2018 – Director, Hellenic Museum
- 2015-2018 – Director, The Hellenic Initiative Australia
- 2018–present – Member, The Hellenic Initiative Australia Advisory Board
As a consequence of his community involvement Nicolas was regularly called upon to formally lobby both state and federal governments on issues important to Greek Australians.
The above list excludes Nicolas’ private and voluntary work and associations in the wider legal profession, and the Kastellorizian Association of Victoria are profoundly grateful for the pro bono legal work he has done for the KAV for the last 35 years.
When contacted by the KAV President, Nik Spartels, Nicolas was both thrilled and elated to be nominated as the 2024 Kastellorizian of the Year and was overwhelmed and honoured to be associated with past distinguished nominees of this prestigious award.
Throughout his life Nicolas has remained loyal and committed to his Kastellorizian roots and we are all the better for it. For this, Nicolas Zervos, we thank you.
The KAV would also like to thank the KOY selection panel who thoroughly examine all applications each year.
The KAV looks forward to celebrating Nicolas’ outstanding achievements with the Kastellorizian community.