Councillor Stella Kariofyllidis

Of equal national significance, in becoming the Mayor of a city, Councillor Kariofyllidis became the first ever Greek-born Australian woman to become a Mayor. Stella has lived in Moreland for over 23 years.

Born in Greece, Stella came to Australia when she was fourteen years old and is now married with two adult sons. She works locally as a bank officer in customer service. As an endorsed candidate for the Australian Labor Party, Stella was elected at the March 1999 Council election for a second term, having served since 1996 on the first democratically elected Council of the City of Moreland.

During the first two years of her first term, she was Portfolio Councillor for Social Development and then had project responsibility for Sport and Recreation. In this role she played a key role in securing Council's commitment to the redevelopment and improvement of recreational facilities throughout the City. This included extensions to the Coburg Leisure Centre and the establishment of new facilities at the Coburg Outdoor Pool.

The improvement of Council services in the City's north was a personal priority for Stella during her first three years on Council. The opening of the Fawkner Citizens Service Centre and the consultation surrounding Council's plans for the improvement of C.B. Smith Reserve were highlights of this work.

Stella has a keen interest in highlighting the significant role women undertake in community life. As a result, Council appointed Stella to the portfolio of Councillor responsible for Women's Issues in 2000 and 2001.

Stella has a commitment to serving her local community and in furthering the interests of Greek peoples in Melbourne. Stella's involvement in many community=based organisations such as her current election as the President of the Philanthropic Association of Imathia 'Veria', is testament to the high esteem in which that commitment has been recognised and supported by the wider citizenry.