On the 11th of December 2024, the members of the Greek Women’s Society gathered to celebrate Christmas at the Watermark Hotel Glenelg.

The lunch marked the end of one more year of the activities and fitness and wellness program of the organization. 

The President of the Greek Orthodox Community of SA Inc, Mr Peter Gardiakos who attended the lunch offered us a wonderful gift basket which was given as the door prize.

Hoping to see everyone once again on the 4th of February 2025, at the Goodwood Community Centre, when we will resume once again our fitness and wellness program.

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.

On the 13th of February in the presence of the Mayor of Unley Hon Michael Hewitson and Cr Georgie Hart, the Greek Women’s Society of SA “O Taxiarchis officially re-opened its doors for its patrons at the Goodwood Community Centre. Other dignitaries present were, the President of the organization, Ms. Chrisoula Heisler, the President, Vice President and Secretary General of the Greek Orthodox Community of SA Inc, Mr Peter Gardiakos, Mr. Peter Gonis and Ms. Smaro Skordas respectively.

The Greek Women's Society, which is the first Greek Women’s association to be established in South Australia (operating since 1930 and registered in 1937) runs the Greek Women’s Centre Fitness and Wellness program which is sponsored by Unley Council every Tuesday between 09.30.a.m – 12.00p.m. at the Goodwood Community Centre between February to December.

It is customary at the reopening of the Centre each year in February to commence the program with the cutting of traditional “New Year’s Cake” called the Vasilopita a tradition that dates back thousands of years. The purpose of this cake is to bring good luck for the new year.  A slice is served to every person present, and the lucky one who receives the coin (which is in the cake) can expect good luck for the rest of the year.  

This year, the Mayor of Unley as the guest of honour, was asked to cut the “Vasilopita”. Before doing so Mayor Hewitson addressed the patrons of the organization, congratulating them on running a program, which is aimed at wellbeing, recreation, with inclusivity and diversity, in line with the goals of the Unley Council. The lucky winner, this year, Eleni Koutz, apart from being blessed with good luck for the year received a Gift basket with goodies:

The program which is bilingual (Greek and English) is not limited only to Greek women.  It operates as a “drop-in” Centre for women of any cultural background who wish to join and also welcomes the spouses of the participants in the social/refreshments part the program. In this way many women who are carers for their spouses may bring them along to join in the social activities. Specifically, the program is made up of an 1hour health/fitness class for seniors, conducted by a qualified instructor.

A social/recreation group follows and a morning tea and Mediterranean light refreshments are provided. The last hour is set aside for games of Bingo. It is not mandatory to attend the fitness class. Participants are welcome to attend only the second part of the program which the provides recreation and socialization, If they so desire.

For decades now, the Greek Women's Society has been organizing  an outdoor gathering  every year on Clean Monday with the main objective being to celebrate Kathari Deftera true to Greek tradition.

Clean Monday apart from marking the first day of Great Lent is also considered in Greece to mark the first day of spring with Greeks celebrating it with outdoor activities.

This year Clean Monday falls on the 18th of March 2024 and we will be organizing an outdoor meet to celebrate the day at Glenelg foreshore, just past the Stamford Hotel.  There is ample shade in the area with huge pines and picnic facilities.

Everyone is welcome. Please bring your  blankets, folding chairs, and picnic baskets  with “ nistisima” food of Lent, , such as Laganas, olives as well as halva.   Don't forget your water and other drinks as it can be quite hot at this time of the year. There will also be some fun games which every one can take in part. This is a fun event every year and precedes the 40 year Lent period in preparation for Easter.

We will be meeting around 11.00 a..m. Everyone is welcome!