Welcome to the IPS Independent Candidates Page

 

The IPS Independent Candidates are six highly experienced candidates running in the 2025 election for the Executive Committee of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society. We are aligned but remain independent in our decision making.  Here you will find our biographies; our undertakings to members; details of our two Members Information Sessions; voting information and FAQs; our contact details, and you can join our Mailing List below.

Why is it Time for Change?

We respect and acknowledge the dedication and contributions of all those who have served on past and present Executive Committees. However, we believe the time has come for renewal and fresh thinking. We hope to contribute our skills and experience to strengthen the IPS's governance and decision-making, while introducing new perspectives, ideas and energy. Our goal is to inspire greater engagement from current and future generations, encouraging them to see the IPS as an enduring and vital part of their Ithacan heritage and broader Greek cultural identity.

Candidate Biographies

 

Nick Anagnostou

Skill Sets - Corporate Governance, Finance, Property, Strategy

Debbie Argyropoulos

      Skill Sets -       Event Management, Marketing, IT & Communications

Denise  Dellas

Skill Sets -Communication, Strategy,  Leadership,   Change Mgnt

Penny Maroulis

Skill Sets - Legal, Corporate Governance, Strategy, Financial Services

Peter Raftopoulos

Skill Sets - Financial Management, Strategic Planning, Fundraising

Nick Varigos

Skill Sets - 

Legal, Constitutional,    Corporate Governance,  Board & Strategy

Our Undertaking to You

 

What We Stand For:

  • Setting a defined pathway, with direct Member involvement, for the IPS’s future
  • Recognising and valuing the history of the IPS, its past and present contributors and Members
  • Enhanced governance and quality decision making, consistent with the IPS’s Purpose
  • Optimising our qualifications, skills, experience and commitment to the IPS Executive Committee
  • Facilitating Member involvement and communication
  • Ensuring alignment with the Purpose of the IPS and the Constitution
  • Building strong linkages with Ithaca and Ithacan initiatives
  • Embracing our Greek cultural connections that complement and enhance on our Ithacan heritage  
  • Enhancing dialogue and ensuring close collaboration with our Ithacan Historical Society and other peer groups

What We Will Do:

  • Consult widely on initiatives and ideas 
  • Seek and respect your opinion as a Member and contributor
  • Promote and incentivise younger Ithacans to be involved while valuing and retaining the experience and contributions of Ithacans across all generations
  • Create a "Future Leaders" program and a Mentoring program for younger people to become actively involved in IPS initiatives and decision making  
  • Work to address the challenges the IPS faces on its purpose, membership and direction
  • Hold six monthly membership communication sessions
  • Encourage widespread participation and consultation with all Members
  • Maintain our individual independence in decision making
  • Recognise and value the commitment and efforts of all previous Executive Committee, Past Presidents, IPS Members and importantly the volunteers

“It's time for change. Fresh ideas, a transparent and member focussed culture, with increased energy. Good governance and a new set of skills will modernise and take the IPS forward." 

Member Information Sessions

 

Dates & Time:

Two Member Information Sessions will be held via Zoom. These are scheduled for 8.00pm on Sunday 15th June and again at 8.00pm on Sunday 22nd June.  

If you are unable to attend either session or would like to talk with any of the candidates at another time, please send us an email with your contact details in the section below and we will respond. 

How to Join the Information Sessions

You’ll receive an email inviting you to register your interest in the one of the sessions via Zoom. If you’re using a mobile device, you’ll need to download the free Zoom app. On a desktop, you can join directly through your web browser — no download required.

Better still, you can register your interest by either sending us an email (see the Email/Contact Us page), or by joining our Mailing List below. We’ll then send you a direct invitation with a meeting link and keep you updated along the way.

Watch Members Session 1 from 15 June 2025

See the candidates and hear their approach and views on matters impacting the IPS.  The next member session is scheduled for Sunday 22nd June at 8.00pm.  You can register below if you haven't received an email regarding it.

It's Time for Change

 

We’re committed to strong governance, fresh thinking, renewed energy, and a constructive approach. All you need to do is vote for the six Independent Candidates — and then choose five more (see our FAQs for voting information).

Your vote matters. It’s a chance to shape the direction you want the IPS to take. And if you haven’t voted before, your participation now is even more valuable in helping set the best possible course for the future.

We Encourage You To:

 

  • Attend our Member Information Sessions and ask questions. If you can't attend, email us and we will call you to chat.
  • Participate in the elections by returning your ballot paper to arrive no later than 5.00pm on Friday 27th June, or by voting in person from 11.00am to 1.00pm on Sunday 29th June at the Clubrooms at Level 2, 329 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. See our FAQs for more details on voting.
  • Vote for us - we will work hard to modernise and bring relevance to the IPS, increase the standard of corporate governance as well as set a defined pathway for the future, all within the bounds of respecting the IPS's history and its contributors. See our FAQs below for voting details.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How many candidates do I vote for?

We respect your right to vote for whomever you choose. We think voting for the six Independent Candidates will take the IPS forward in a positive and energetic fashion.  

For your vote to be valid, remember you must choose 11 candidates, not more or less - and use a 'X' on the ballot paper.

How to make sure your vote counts - Use a cross "X", not a tick or a number

There are a number of reasons that your vote could be considered invalid. These include:

Reason

(i) The postal voter has not completed the voter declaration (name and/or signature) on the inside of the envelope, or has only partially completed the declaration
e.g. name included but no signature

(ii) On the ballot paper, fewer than 11 or more than 11 candidates have been crossed

(iii) On the ballot paper, a combination of crosses and ticks has been used

(iv) On the ballot paper, numbers have been used instead of crosses

(v) A non-financial member or social member has voted

When do I need to respond by?

If you vote by mail, your ballot paper must be sealed in the envelope provided, to arrive by 5.00pm Friday 27th June AEST. To allow for delivery times, that means your ballot will probably need to be sent in the mail, no later than Tuesday 24th June 2025, depending upon your location.

If you have been told you are eligible to vote by e-mail (see overseas members in FAQ below), your email must be received by the same time to be eligible. 

Remember to choose 11 candidates - not more or less, and use a "X" or your vote will be invalid, according to the IPS Constitution.

What if I haven't received a ballot paper?

You should contact the Independent Election Committee at ithacanclub@gmail.com and request a new ballot paper or instructions for how to vote by email.

If you have questions, contact us at info@ips-independent-candidates.org 

How do I vote if I'm overseas?

Voting for people who are overseas can be by email. 

However, you will need to request such access no later than 15 June 2025 and we recommend this is done as soon as possible by contacting the Election Committee at both caseykoutsounis@gmail.com and ithacanclub@gmail.com 

You MUST still pick 11 of the 16 candidates, exactly.  Picking more or less than 11 candidates will invalidate your vote. 

Your email vote must be received by 5.00pm AEST on Friday 27th June 2025.

Where & when is the election being held?

The election is being held at the IPS Clubrooms on Sunday 29th June 2025, commencing at 11.00am with voting closing at 1.00pm. 

The address should you wish to attend and/or vote on the day is Level 2 Ithaca House, 329 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne.  

The IPS Independent Candidates are six individual and independent candidates contesting for the Ithacan Philanthropic Society's 2025 election. We represent a modern skill set with governance, legal, financial, property, organisational and marketing expertise and a deep appreciation and respect for our culture and heritage. It's our objective to make sound, informed decisions about what's in the best interests of the members and the IPS's future to the betterment of current and future generations. 

 

Register for the Members Session & Join Our Mailing List