As a community service organisation, AGWS is committed to meeting the needs of our growing elderly population and strives to provide quality care to its clients through our various programs. As part of this process, AGWS recently organised a "Greek Cultural Day" at Regis Aged Care Facility in Blackburn. The aim of this activity is to reduce social isolation and to engage residents in a culturally appropriate way. These events are enjoyed by all residents irrespective of their background as they are fun, engaging and provide an insight into the Greek culture.

The Greek dancing group “Anemones” are an integral part of our cultural day activities. They enhance the cultural celebrations by visiting Aged Care facilities performing in traditional costumes various folk dances from all parts of Greece.

AGWS would like to take this opportunity to thank the Thessaloniki Association “The White Tower” who recently held a fundraising event for the benefit of AGWS at its premises in High Street, Thornbury.  Over 100 people attended this very special event and with their generous support they managed to raise $2,250.  Their donation is greatly appreciated and will go a long way towards supporting the activities of our organisation, particularly in the areas of assisting recently arrived migrants from Greece.

As an organisation AGWS is always in need of funds that will assist us in meeting the ever changing needs of our community.  We therefore welcome the initiatives of organisations such as the Thessaloniki Association “The White Tower” and sincerely hope that many more organisations follow their example and assist us with our fundraising efforts to provide much needed services to our community.

The Australian Greek Welfare Society would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Philanthropiko Syllogo – Dimos Meligala Messinias “O Profitis Elias” who recently visited our Head Offices in Brunswick and made a generous donation of $5,000.  Their donation is greatly appreciated and will go a long way towards supporting the activities of our organisation, particularly in the areas of service provision.

Over the last 40 years, AGWS has become synonymous with settlement services, advocacy and multicultural affairs in Victoria and Australia more broadly. It has rightfully earned a special place in the provision of services to the Greek speaking people of Victoria and has a long proven record of effective and determined advocacy for our community.

With the current financial crisis in Greece forcing many Greek people to seek employment opportunities beyond its borders, Australia has become the place of choice for resettlement or migration.  As a result the need for assistance and services is growing at a rapid rate.  AGWS therefore needs to be in a position to provide an effective response in meeting their needs.  Without appropriate funding this task becomes increasingly more challenging.

It is therefore with this in mind that we ask for the financial support of our community and in particular our community organisations. Donations and fundraising activities are crucial in AGWS’s ability to raise these funds.  As such the Philanthropiko Syllogo – Dimos Meligala Messinias  is a great example of how community organisations and associations can assist us in our efforts to provide much needed services to our community.

Committee members of the “Messenia-Miligala” from left to right, Mr. leon Panias, Mrs. Sophia Dedousis (Treasurer), Mr. John Mastroginakos, Mrs. Mary Kirkilis (President) and Mr. Taki Nicolakopoulos (Vice President) presenting AGWS President, Mr. Nicholas Katris with a cheque for $5,000.

The latest edition of the Hellenic E-Newsletter is now available. Click here or on the image below to read all of our latest news.

This newsletter is produced through a project funded by the Australian Government Department of Health & Ageing under the Community Partners Program.

AGWS held its 39th Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 30th November. AGWS members were joined by volunteers, service providers and government representatives to acknowledge another successful year of service and program delivery to the Australian Greek community.

A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the "Celestine Doufas Award" to Mr. George Parvakis who named Volunteer of the Year. The award acknowledged Mr. Parvakis 20 Years of dedicated service an AGWS Volunteer

Mr. George Parvakis receiving the 2011 "Celestine Doufas Award" from Mr. Nicholas Katris (AGWS President), after being nominated as AGWS Volunteer of the Year.

AGWS Volunteer Mrs. Bessy Mougos with Mrs. Voula Katris, Mrs. Niki Matziaris-Garay with AGWS Board Member Mrs. Ivy Fatouros-Mimilidis.

AGWS Celebrated 40 years of service to the Australian-Greek community at a recent event held at Leonda by the Yarra. Over 400 people attended the celebration, including federal and state politicians, Greek community leaders, business leaders, staff and volunteers of AGWS.

The event acknowledged the achievements of AGWS over 4 decades and recognised the contribution made by both staff and volunteers.

AGWS Board of Directors, official guests and sponors acknowledged during the event.