About Kon
Kon Karapanagiotidis OAM is the founder and CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), Australia’s largest independent human rights organisation. As a fierce advocate for the rights of asylum seekers, refugees, and Indigenous Australians, Kon has dedicated his life to fighting for social justice. His commitment to human rights extends beyond his role at ASRC—he is also a human rights lawyer, social worker, philanthropist, Board Member of Children’s Ground, and a devoted cooking enthusiast.
Proudly born into a working-class Greek family in rural Victoria, Kon’s experiences of racism and witnessing the exploitation of his parents in factories deeply influenced his passion for justice. His grandparents’ escape from the Pontian genocide in Anatolia further shaped his understanding of displacement and human suffering, fueling his determination to support refugees and those seeking asylum.
At just 28 years old, while teaching at TAFE, Kon founded the ASRC in response to the urgent needs of people seeking asylum living in the community without basic support. What began as a small, student-run, and community-funded food bank in Footscray in 2001 has grown into a powerful movement. Today, the ASRC assists and empowers approximately 7,000 people seeking asylum each year.
Kon’s tireless work has earned him numerous accolades. He was a finalist for Australian of the Year (Victoria) in 2007, invited to the 2020 Summit in 2008, and named one of Australia’s 20 Unsung Heroes by the National Portrait Gallery. In 2011, he was awarded the prestigious Order of Australia Medal (OAM), and in 2012, he was a finalist for the Australian Human Rights Medal.
Other honors include City of Maribyrnong Citizen of the Year 2016 and the La Trobe University Young Achiever Award. Most recently, Kon received the 2023 Melburnian of the Year Award, a true honour.
Kon holds six degrees, including a Bachelor of Law and a Master of Business Administration, reflecting his deep commitment to education and advocacy. Outside of his professional achievements, Kon finds joy in cooking, particularly Greek cuisine, and frequently hosts fundraising dinners for causes like supporting women affected by domestic violence. Kon is a twice-published author, his most recent work, is a Greek cookbook, ‘Philoxenia – A Seat At My Table, co-authored with his mother, that pays homage to his family’s Greek culture. He also dedicates his time as a Board Member for Children’s Ground, an organisation supporting Indigenous children, and runs a philanthropic trust focused on women’s and Indigenous rights.
Melburnian of the Year
In 2023, the City of Melbourne awarded the 2023 Melburnian of the Year to the ASRC’s very own CEO and founder, Kon Karapanagiotidis OAM, for his significant contribution to the community and inspirational advocacy for people seeking asylum and refugees.
The Melburnian of the Year is awarded to an inspirational role model who has made an outstanding contribution to the city in their chosen field, as well as a significant impact to the Melbourne community.
Kon's story
Kon shares his story about growing up in Australia, not fitting in and having no sense of home or community. He explains why he started the ASRC and how he helps asylum seekers keep hope and joy alive. Kon learnt how to turn his own pain and turmoil into a gift for others.
Warning: distressing content
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