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Australian Greek Welfare Society (Pronia) - the Early Years (PART 2)
Seminar Date: Thurs 24 Sept 2026 @ 7pm Melbourne
Location: Level 12, The Greek Centre, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Presenter: Eugenia Mitrakas OAM Language of Presentation: English
Entry: FREE |
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Abstract
This presentation examines the formative first decade of Pronia (formerly the Australian Greek Welfare Society), from 1972 to 1982. It emerged at a critical time when many Greek families in Victoria faced language barriers, unfamiliar legal and administrative systems, insecure working conditions, housing pressures, and limited access to culturally responsive welfare support. It traces its growth from a modest, volunteer-based beginnings into a recognised welfare body with professional staff, offices, childcare services, welfare and legal support, multilingual resources and suburban branches. Eugenia Mitrakas was a key figure in its establishment and played a pivotal role in its inception and evolution. Her professional experience and her personal understanding of migrant disadvantage guided her advocacy and has been instrumental in making Pronia of today more than just a welfare society.
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About Eugenia Mitrakas OAM
Eugenia Mitrakas OAM was born in Lesvos and arrived in Australia when she was almost nine years old. She graduated with a combined degree of Law and Arts from the University of Melbourne. Eugenia has been practising as a sole practitioner for over 40 years where she has excelled as a lawyer to the Greek and broader community but has also served on numerous Boards in a pro bono capacity. She was the first Greek female solicitor to open her own legal practice in Victoria and has been involved with welfare education and legal professional bodies all her adult life. Her Medal of the Order of Australian (OAM) was awarded in January 1997 for her contribution to the Greek Community through the Australian Greek Society for Care of the Elderly, (now Fronditha Care), The Australian Greek Welfare Society (now Pronia) and The Hellenic Studies Forum. In 2025 the University of Melbourne awarded her the Golden Alumni and invited her as the guest speaker at their graduation ceremony.
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Join us at The Greek Centre
This is an in-person only event, join us on Level 12, at The Greek Centre. Join our speaker at The Greek Centre, submit questions during the Q&A, and enjoy conversing after the presentation. We look forward to seeing you at The Greek Centre.
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Sponsors
During the course of the year considerable expenses are incurred in staging the seminars. In order to mitigate these costs individuals or organisations are invited to donate against a lecture of their choice. You too can donate for one or more seminars and (optionally) let your name or brand be known as a patron of culture to our members, visitors and followers, as well as the broader artistic and cultural community of Melbourne. Please email: info@greekcommunity.com.au or call 03 9662 2722. We thank the following corporate sponsors:
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See the Full 2026 Seminar Schedule
The Greek History and Culture Seminars are organised and hosted by The Greek Community of Melbourne and provide the opportunity for everyone to experience the long and fascinating history of Greece and Greek culture in its various forms and stages, aspects of which have formed the foundation of Western civilisation.
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The Greek Community of Melbourne is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Non-Profits Commission ABN 14004258360
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