Synopsis

This presentation will look at the early history of the Australian Greek Welfare Society, the forerunner to PRONIA, from 1968 to December 1972. It will look at those involved and the challenges in the lead up work and lobbying which eventually led to the organisation’s official founding on 15th August 1972. Furthermore, during this same period efforts were underway campaigning for the introduction of the Modern Greek language at the University of Melbourne. The campaign and fundraising efforts which lead to the eventual establishment of a Modern Greek program are examined.

Bio

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.

How to Participate

This is an in-person only event, so please join us at the Greek Centre, on Level M.

See our speaker live, ask questions during the Q&A and hobnob with fellow participants before and after the event.

We look forward to seeing you there.