Effie Bacalakis OAM

Effie Bacalakis OAM is dedicated to giving to her community, breaking down social isolation and bringing people together.

She has been recognised in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours list with the award of the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of Cairns. Like many recognised in the Order, she is quick to share praise.

“I was very humbled, excited and happy when I found out I was to be recognised. I felt supported and inspired. The award is also for the many people that have supported and encouraged me, it is a great feeling to be recognized and appreciated,” Mrs Bacalakis says.

Mrs Bacalakis has been an impactful member of the St John Baptist Greek Orthodox Parish Cairns since the early 90s. She also assisted with the establishment of St John’s Community Care, where she was manager of aged care services for a time. 

She was also a founding committee member of the Gordonvale Community Centre, to which she and her husband donated a block of land.

“The greatest impact of my work has been enriching the lives of multicultural people, helping people access support services to remain living at home and keeping them connected with the community with a sense of purpose,” Mrs Bacalakis says. 

“I’m proud to have helped establish the St John’s Greek Orthodox Church, caring not just for Greeks but for the wider community and promoting awareness and appreciation of diversity in the Far North Queensland region.

“I would like to thank all who never said no to my requests, supported and assisted in all activities, my family that gave encouragement and supported me, the volunteers who gave of their time and efforts and all colleagues working together, helping one another.”