Former VAFA player, Paris Aristotle, has been named 2017 Victorian Australian of the Year for his outstanding work advocating for refugees, torture and trauma rehabilitation.

Aristotle oversaw the establishment of Foundation House, or the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture, in 1988 which helps refugees recover from trauma through mental health, health, advocacy, educational and community services.

In 2012 he was appointed to the Prime Minister’s Expert Panel on Asylum Seekers and is currently the Chair of the two federal government councils: the Settlement Services Advisory Council (SSAC) and the Minister’s Council on Asylum Seekers and Detention (MCASD).

A former Ivanhoe defender in the 1970s and 80s, Aristotle played in the 1982 B Section Grand Final when the Hoes went down to Old Melburnians by 13 points.

In a post on the Club’s website, they said Paris was a great person who showcased “a similar commitment to his football at Ivanhoe as he has in his life helping refugees”.

Aristotle’s son, Callum, played in the UHS-VU/Flemington Colts 2015 premiership win over his father’s beloved Hoes.

The VAFA congratulates Paris on his deserved recognition and wishes him well ahead of the Australian of the Year awards.

Feature photo: Phil Skeggs