Greek Women’s Society of S.A.  "O Taxiarchis” Inc.     

Σύλλογος Ελληνίδων Κυριών και Δεσποινίδων Νότιας Αυστραλίας " Ο Ταξιάρχης"      

Serving our Community since 1937

Welcome to the website of one of the oldest migrant women’s organizations in South Australia.

We hope that this website will provide a summary of our historic Society’s multidimensional work and its contribution to our society as well as information about our current activities.

The Greek Women’s Society of S.A “ O Taxiarchis” pays tribute to the late  Georgette Psaltis who passed away on the 14/7/2024. 

For over 60 years Georgette was a member for our organization which is the first Greek women’s association to be established in South Australia. 

For the majority of these 60 years, she served on the Executive Committee witnessing and participating in many the achievements and significant milestones of Greek Womens’ Society of SA.

Georgette’s achievements and her contribution to the Greek Women’s Society of SA and the wider community are so many that it is difficult to list them all.

She was a powerhouse of energy and selflessness with an indomitable spirit. 

Tireless in her efforts she was a cornerstone of the Greek Women’s Society to which she gave her all. For many of those 60 years she served as Treasurer a difficult task. In our experience she was the best treasurer any organization could have. 

Her contribution was immense and cannot be overstated.  A woman of few words, her straightforwardness, meticulousness, honesty and eye for detail was often challenging but always well received.  Her quirky humour and strong personality made her stand out and endeared to her to all.

Her passing leaves an unfillable void for all of us who knew and loved her. 

We will always remember her with deep emotion and respect and she will be sorely missed.

On the 2nd of July the Greek Women’s Society of SA organized a full-day excursion to

MANNUM for its members and friends.

The historic river port of Mannum is the perfect place for those who wish to relax and gaze at the backdrop of the River Murray.  

Approximately 50 members and friends participated.  The group set off at 10a.m. via coach and arrived at Mannum at noon. 

The participants sat down for a hearty lunch at the MANNUM CLUB, which offers a beautiful view of the River Murray and is right in the center of Mannum next to the wonderful Mary Ann Reserve. Following lunch there was an opportunity for a walk down town in Mannum and do some shopping.

 All in all it was a fun day. A big thank you to our volunteers who accompanied the group and took care of all the arrangements and to GOCSA who provided free of charge the luxurious coach. 

On the morning of 26th of June 2024, 30 members of the Greek Women’s Society of SA ‘Taxiarchis’ enjoyed a morning tea hosted by Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith and a tour of the Council Chambers in the company of Deputy Lord Mayor Keiran Snape and Cr Mary Couros. Also present, were Peter Gonis Vice President of GOCSA, Michael Taliangis  and Vicki Antoniou.

The ladies were seated restaurant style in the Queen Adelaide room for an elegant morning tea consisting of finger sandwiches and Greek sweets. The Lord Mayor, Janex Lomax Smith, welcomed the ladies with a short speech in which she acknowledged the contribution of the Greek Women’s Society of SA in the Greek and broader Adelaide community. The Greek Women’s Society of SA has contributed greatly to the endeavors of the Greek Orthodox Community of SA since its inception in 1930, including the establishment of The Cathedral of Michael and Gabriel, O Taxiarchis, Franklin Street. She revealed her respect and appreciation of the Greek community of South Australia and that her son went to Greek language lessons and danced at the Greek debutant’s ball, The Grecian Ball.

The ladies presented gifts of the book, Our Story, that commemorates the seventy-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Greek Women’s Society of SA and tasty Greek delicacies prepared by the President of the Greek Women’s Society, Mrs. Chrysoula Heisler. 

After that, the Lord Mayor gave an educational and entertaining tour of the Council Chambers in which the ladies were offered the opportunity to sit in the Mayor’s Chair for a photograph. When one of the ladies asked what the role of the Lord Mayor is, she replied, “I direct traffic”. She went on to explain that she makes sure that all the stakeholders of Adelaide have their voices heard.

The Lord Mayor showed the ladies the personal artifacts of soldier, and surveyor of Adelaide, Colonel. William Light. Among these is his theodolite. She explained, “If you have ever passed by Light Square in Adelaide, you will have seen the only monument in the world in the shape of a theodolite.” Under this Colonel William Light is buried. His portrait identifies that he was of English and Malayan descent. Our connection with our sister city, Georgetown in Penang, Malaysia, is that it was designed by his father, Captain Francis Light. 

The ladies offer their heartfelt thanks to the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia for providing two mini busses for their transportation to and from the Town Hall. Upon leaving, each lady was personally handed a memento of the visit by the Lord Mayor, a group photo taken earlier in the day. All the ladies were thoroughly fascinated to see inside the Council Chambers of the Adelaide Town Hall, and they enjoyed the warmth and hospitality of our Lord Mayor, Jane Lomax Smith.

The  Greek Women's Centre offers a one hour light exercise class suitable for senior women and is followed by  snacks, coffee, socializing and bingo.

 Please join us all ladies are welcome.  You may also bring along your husbands if you wish.

Come join us Fitness for the not so young!!

 The Center operates every Tuesday  at the Goodwood Community Centre  32 Rosa St Goodwood.

  Hours

 9.30 am - 10.30 am             (Exercise Class)

10.30 am - 12.00 noon         (Coffee and Bingo)

Refreshments are served after the exercise class. 

The program is proudly sponsored by the Unley Council