When I was first invited to become a Board Director of Australia Greek Welfare Society (PRONIA), I was not aware of the magnitude of the responsibility I was accepting. Although I was serving in other organisations at the time, PRONIA was different in many aspects, particularly being a specific Greek-language welfare provider serving the community with multiple programs under the Charity Commission Act.

I responded to the invitation and was inducted on the Board in 1995 with the task of assisting with the new building in Brunswick in an honorary capacity due to my profession. In a very short time, I recognised the responsibility as a Director, first to serve and maintain existing programs and secondly to ratify the procurement of additional programs to serve the ever-increasing demands of the community, which binds the board and staff of PRONIA to continue and provide with care the responsibility their services.

Experiencing the response and ongoing positive and grateful feedback from the recipients of help and assistance of the services of PRONIA, has been both professionally, as a director and personally very gratifying. After three years as a board member in 1998 I was given the responsibility of a chairperson and then in 2000 I was elected as President. PRONIA then had personnel of approximately 25 people with offices in Richmond and was in the process of moving to its current premises in Brunswick.

I served as President for 12 consecutive years. After which I continued as a Vice President until 2019. In January 2020 I again, served as President until I retired from the Board 26 November 2020.

The current Board Members of PRONIA continue to be very dynamic, with the roles filled by people who possess varied and strong expertise professionally. Their commitment to PRONIA, its future as an organisation, together with the dynamic managers and staff ensures their commitment to the Greek-Australian Welfare community.

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As the demand for welfare services for the Greek community has increased over the years, the staffing level, has also increased to service this demand, with a staff of approximately 180 with 120 being volunteers. PRONIA has continued to grow its presence in the welfare sector of services

Since its inception PRONIA has the trust of the current government and continues to be the trusted advocate of the community. It continuously changes according to the needs of the community.

PRONIA provides its services to first generation Greek immigrants, newly-arrived migrants and 1st and 2nd generation young Greek Australians with their own specific problems. The strength of PRONIA to serve and adjust to the continuous changes in the welfare system is due to the expertise of the organisation’s management and staff.

I strongly believe 2021 to be another great year for PRONIA. The group will continue to grow and develop its services in Melbourne and expand into Regional Victoria over the coming years. Future plans to add and expand their Child Care Centre to include office space for staff and the most recent Larger Building Acquisition as a new Head Office base in the Eastern Suburbs will become a reality in 2021, to allow growth and expansion for years to come.

I have actively served in different organisations for many years but at Pronia I have had both the opportunity and honour to serve in my own community and have been very proud and humbled to do so. I have been afforded many opportunities, gained much pleasure in meeting many notable people at PRONIA and in the wider community. I have formed many friendships that will last for years to come. I sincerely thank PRONIA for this and many other highlights over the last 25 years.

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I also wish to thank my family, and notably my wife Paraskevi, for her in valuable support, assistance, guidance, and strength to allow me to pursue and accomplish my responsibilities for 25 years as Board Director of PRONIA.

Finally, whilst not continuing in an active role within the PRONIA Executive, I will always be available for any expertise, knowledge, or support for the years to come.

Nicholas Katris
Retired President. AGWS-PRONIA