Nick Xynias AO BEM was the honorary president and volunteer chief executive officer of the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland.

The council said Mr Xynias passed away peacefully at his home after a short illness.

Mr Xynias, who was born in Egypt to Greek parents, moved to Queensland in 1956 and was involved in numerous boards and advisory councils from 1960.

He set up ECCQ in 1976 and served on its board, including a lengthy stint as chair.

ECCQ chair Agnes Whiten OAM said Mr Xynias's work helped "hundreds, if not thousands of people every year".

"Nick was my dear friend, someone who I admired enormously and a man who was dedicated to serving those Queenslanders from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds," she said.

"Nick Xynias had devoted an enormous amount of time and energy over a number of decades to establish and maintain "avenues" for individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to access services in Queensland.

"Nick's work helped hundreds, if not thousands of people every year. He will be sorely missed."

Over the years, Mr Xynias was a member of numerous boards and councils, including the Commonwealth Migrant Consulting Council, Queensland Aboriginal Reconciliation Council, Queensland Multicultural Coordinating Committee, Department of Ethnic Affairs Ministerial Advisory Committee and the Migrant Consultative Council of the Departments of Social Security and Education.

Recently, he was appointed to the Queensland Advisory Committee for the Commemoration of the ANZAC Centenary, and was invited to sit on the Queensland Multicultural Roundtable.

He was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in 1982, the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 1995, was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2001.

He was named one of five Queensland Greats in 2004 and was Brisbane's Senior Citizen of the year in 2008.

Mr Xynias is survived by his wife Cleopatra, four children and five grandchildren.