After decades of service to the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, Harry Danalis is resigning from the presidency.

But this does not come under the circumstances that he wished for, rather a consequence of the events that took place at last Sunday’s Extraordinary General Meeting, where many members objected to the Committee’s proposal for the sale of the “historical” building at Paddington.

The building – which was specifically built as a cinema complex till a few years ago – was the biggest source of income for the GOCNSW, but not any longer. Many of its shops and offices are not occupied, resulting in a huge income loss for the community through lack of rent.

The atmosphere at the EGM was electrified and after a long discussion the board withdrew its proposal for the sale. The majority of the present members adopted a proposal which saw the appointment of about a ten member committee, which – in association with the Board’s presidium – will oversee the assets of the community and come up with recommendations and proposals to the members, for further development of the organisation.

“I am disappointed with the behaviour that was shown at the EGM. I regard its decision to appoint this committee for the assets as undermining of the Board of Directors, who are responsible against the law and have the authority and responsibility for the handling of the affairs of the organisation”, said Mr Danalis, in an interview to the Greek Language Program of SBS Radio, where he announced his resignation from the presidency.

“In any case, I had informed my colleagues of my intention to resign midway through this term, which I wanted to be my last on the Board. I wished this had happened under other conditions. However, I wish every success to the Board, the Community and its members. I will be on their side, to assist wherever I can, but not from a leadership position. I will stay as member of the Board”, said Mr Danalis, who was first elected at a Community’s Board in mid ’70s and served as president for approximately 30 years.

When asked if he has second thoughts about how the Board handled the whole issue with the building in Paddington he said: “Yes and that is why we withdrew the proposal for the sale. We saw that there were imperfections in the handling and we admitted that. I would have had no problem if a Committee was appointed by the EGM to study the assets of the Community, but a Committee which would have been under the supervision of the Board”.

A meeting of the Board is scheduled for early next week. It is expected that the replacement of Mr Danalis will be discussed. Even though nothing is confirmed, one of the names that are widely spoken for filling the president’s chair, is that of Glen (Kleanthis) Kotopoulos, who today is one of the two vice-presidents.