Tuesday, 26 November 2024

Peter Yiannoudes

Kat THEOPHANOUS (Northcote) (13:00): I rise to pay tribute to Peter Yiannoudes, a pioneer, a visionary and an enduring inspiration whose passion for cinema shaped Northcote’s soul and left an indelible mark on Melbourne’s cultural landscape. Peter’s story mirrors the hopes, struggles and triumphs of so many in our community. His legacy is not just one of art and culture but of resilience and belonging. Born in the village of Vouni, Cyprus, Peter arrived in Melbourne in 1956 carrying not just dreams but an unyielding love for storytelling. In 1958 he founded Cosmopolitan Motion Pictures, becoming Australia’s first distributor of Greek films. Through his work Peter brought the beauty and strength of Greek Cypriot life to migrants yearning for connection. At the heart of this vision was Northcote’s Westgarth theatre. Under his care it became more than a cinema, it became a sanctuary where stories bridged oceans, offering comfort and reconnecting generations to their roots.

Peter’s contributions extended far beyond the silver screen. As president of the Cypriot Community of Melbourne and a leader in numerous organisations, he championed justice, unity and the preservation of Hellenic culture. His tireless advocacy for Cyprus built lasting bridges between Australia and his homeland. For his dedication Peter was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2013 – a fitting tribute to a life devoted to community advocacy, leadership and the betterment of others. To his wife Katerina and their children Marilyn, Michalis and Irene, I extend my heartfelt condolences. Peter’s light may have dimmed, but his legacy shines brightly in the stories he brought to life and the community he inspired. Vale.