A businessman who started his own charity after enjoying success in IT, has been awarded a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia.
Peter Kazacos, of Lilli Pilli, was acknowledged in the Queen’s Birthday honours for “service to the community through charitable organisations”.
Mr Kazacos, who founded two information technology companies, including well-know Anittel, started the charity Your Angel, which provides direct support to people with physical, mental and financial disabilities.
The charity also sponsors and partners Willo Industries, a disability support initiative that creates work for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Mr Kazacos said the award was “a great honour” and would also help in furthering his charity work.
“We try to take some areas which other people don’t focus on,” he said.
A new initiative he finds “inspiring” is a pilot program being supported at a school at Bowral in which a humanoid robot helps children with autism.
“The robot can talk, sing and dance and is programmed to interact with the children,” he said.
”The remarkable thing is is that, because it is based around the fact the robot is very predictable, the kids feel comfortable working with the robot.
“The results are very encouraging.”
Another initiative involves assisting an Aboriginal group in developing a hospitality business.
