Mavros led with heart

GEELONG’S champion of multiculturalism, Jordan Mavros, will be farewelled at a funeral in Hamlyn Heights today.

Mr Mavros, 70, died Friday after a cancer battle, bringing to an end a long career helping Geelong’s ethnic groups and less fortunate.

The Greek-born father of three was best known as a former chief executive of Diversitat, visionary chairman of the Give Where You Live Foundation and founder of Multicultural Aged Care Services.

“He was one of the nicest men you’d ever meet; a lovely soul,” Give Where You Live chief Bill Mithen said.

Mr Mavros’s standing belied humble beginnings.

Driven by an inquisitive mind and an explorer’s heart, he migrated to Australia, solo in his early 20s.

It was December 1972 — the earliest days of the Whitlam era.

He spoke no English, but had completed the military service demanded by his country and was seeking a new life.

He worked in factories and studied in universities.

He told his children those early lessons were not easy.

It sometimes took 30-45 minutes to read a page, but his language skills improved, and he added history and sociology degrees before obtaining a masters in social work.

He moved to Geelong in 1983, married Lina and took a job as a social worker with the new and groundbreaking Geelong Migrant Resource Centre (Diversitat).

It was the year the organisation founded the Pako Festa; Geelong’s enduring celebration of all cultures.

“Multiculturalism was very different then. It was almost a foreign word,” long-time friend and MACS chief Joy Leggo said.

Respected for his kind nature, moral compass and quiet but committed leadership, Mr Mavros rose to become chief executive of Diversitat, founded MACS, and led United Way as it transitioned to become Give Where You Live.

“It was a brave, ethical, values-based decision (to disaffiliate from United Way), and Jordan led us through that era,” Mr Mithen said.

“He instilled a sense of ethics, social justice and values that remain part of our DNA.”

In 2007 Mr Mavros was honoured with an OAM for services to Geelong and the migrant community.

“He had such a kind heart. He wanted to help the most vulnerable people; those who couldn’t help themselves,” his daughter Helen reflected.

Mr Mavros is survived by wife Lina and children Elias, Helen and Julia. His funeral will be at the Greek Orthodox Church in Hamlyn Heights at 11am today.