Queensland Government
Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services

Location: Milton

If you have sampled a sweet treat from Brisbane's annual Paniyiri Festival, chances are it was prepared by Esther Gdountos. Since arriving from the island of Ithaca in Greece in 1966, Esther has worked tirelessly as a fundraiser to help organisations supporting older people in her community.

Esther has been a member of the Greek Ladies Philoptochos Society of St George Brisbane since 1966 and an executive committee member since 1989. In this role, Esther has dedicated many hours to cooking for the organisation's fundraising events including the Paniyiri Festival, Orthodox Sunday, Palm Sunday, Mother's Day, Melbourne Cup and St Nicholas Day.

These fundraising efforts helped the society establish the St Nicholas Nursing Home and Hostel at Highgate Hill.

Esther has also volunteered at the Greek Respite Centre for more than 25 years, preparing meals for the centre's Meals on Wheels service.

As well as her cooking contributions, Esther volunteers in a more official capacity on various community boards. These include as an executive member of the Ithacan Society of Queensland, vice-president of the Greek Welfare Trust of the Community of St George and as a member of the Hellenic RSL Women's Sub-Committee.

In recognition of service to the community and people in need, Esther was presented with Life Membership of the Greek Community of St George.

Always ready with a smile and unfailingly enthusiastic, Esther is an inspiration to her community and the members of the organisations where she volunteers.