Veteran Greek Cypriot Australian figure Andrew Theophanous marked his 80th birthday with a celebratory dinner at the Cypriot Community of Melbourne and Victoria (CCMV) on Saturday night, surrounded by family, friends and long-time colleagues.

The former Australian Labor Party federal MP, who served in the House of Representatives from 1980 to 2000, said he was “deeply moved” by the gathering.

“I was deeply moved on Saturday evening when friends, colleagues and members of our community gathered in Melbourne for a special dinner to mark my 80th birthday,” he said.

More than 50 guests attended, including his brother, Theo Theophanous, president of the Cypriot Community in Melbourne and a former Victorian Labor minister. Among those present were academic Mihalis Michael, former federal MP Maria Vamvakinou, and former Speaker of the Victorian Legislative Assembly Telmo Languiller.

The former Australian Labor Party federal MP, who served in the House of Representatives from 1980 to 2000, said he was “deeply moved” by the gathering. Photo: Supplied

Theophanous expressed particular gratitude to his daughters, Marieke and Margaret, and his granddaughters, Zoe and Phoebe.

“I was humbled by the generous reflections on my life and work, particularly my long-standing commitment to multiculturalism and social justice in Australia,” he said.

Other attendees included Victorian MP Kat Theophanous, Bill Papastergiadis, president of the Greek Community of Melbourne, and Sydney-based theologian Michael Wilson.

Many of the speakers reflected on his childhood in Cyprus, his migration to Australia at the age of eight, his academic career, and his 21 years in federal parliament.

An author of three books and numerous articles on political theory and philosophy, Theophanous has focused much of his work on multiculturalism and social justice. Several speakers also noted his forthcoming book, Jesus the Philosopher Christ, a project he has been developing for more than a decade.