Peter Gardiakos, the president of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA), is focused on resolving the long-term schism between GOCSA and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
The schism between ecclesiastical and secular communities, began in Adelaide in the late 1950s. It became national, and visceral causing deep cleavages in the Greek Australian community. There has been no reconciliation in South Australia, to date.
The pharmacist entrepreneur who co-founded Star Pharmacy Group with Pharmacies Australia, held the role of treasurer of GOCSA before taking on the role of president, he’s now determined.
Gardiakos, also a director of the Universal Charitable Fund, has community and philanthropy in his DNA. He is involved in a range of initiatives around improvement of health, young people, and community programs.
The key priorities
Gardiakos outlined the company’s key priorities. In the short term, the focus is “strategic plan and measurable goals for the next 3-5 years.”
“Addressing the ecclesiastical challenges that have affected our community and attempting to resolve the differences that it has caused” says Gardiakos is a key short-term goal.
Gardiakos is keen on growing membership by “encouraging member engagement and participation” and “attracting younger members”.
He wants to “expand, improve, and modernise” the way Greek language schools deliver programs and explore “other methods of delivering these services.”
There are also plans to upgrade and refurbish the Ridleyton Greek Home for the Aged (RGHA) Residential aged care facilities.
Gardiakos is aware of history as GOCSA enters its 94th year. He wants to “ensure” the organisation’s “history and archives are preserved by digitising” all GOCSA records”.
He is also proposing “a feasibility study to redevelop our land in Franklin Street to build a new Cultural Centre”.
Bridging the historic divide between Church and Community
Gardiakos seems confident of reaching an agreement with the Archdiocese in his quest for unity. “Unification with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia [GOAA] has been a contentious issue, and previous groups have attempted to reach agreements, or at least enter discussion with the Archdiocese,” he says.
“As a Board, it’s our responsibility to explore all options to provide ecclesiastical and spiritual coverage to our members, particularly through a Canonical channel – while I understand and sympathise with what has happened in the past, we cannot allow this to put the future of our Church at risk,” Gardiakos says.
The Community president says that “South Australia is the last state across the country with a split” and adds that if “the right mechanisms” are in place, “in terms of asset protection and a fair deal for our members,” he can’t see why the two bodies couldn’t come to an agreement that benefits both parties.
“Ultimately, our members will decide the outcome through a democratic process involving free speech and transparent decision-making.
Anything as “significant as an agreement with the GOAA” will have challenges he says.
“One of those challenges is ensuring we can preserve the history and independence of our nearly 94-year-old organisation.
“Our organisation was built by the Community, for the Community, and we must ensure it continues in that manner”, says Gardiakos.
In a tilt toward sceptical members, he says, “We also need to be mindful and respect the opinions of members who wish to remain autonomous; we always need to maintain a balanced approach to any major changes.”
Gardiakos underscores the importance of finding a solution to the six-decade split.
“The position of the Greek community in South Australia is unique – we’re the only state not in union with GOAA, which has hurt the Greek Diaspora for decades.”
“Everyone has felt the divide, whether it be by family’s attending different churches or events, or by politicians being torn between which “side” to attend on significant occasions,” he adds.
Unity and preservation are essential – through art and culture
Gardiakos draws on what he calls the “truth” that “there is one Greek flag”.
“Our heritage should be preserved, and we must remain united for the benefit of our children and future generations,” Gardiakos says.
Maintenance of he Greek language is crucial for him.
“As we hit the fourth-generation mark, we must ensure that the generations to come are open to exploring and learning about their roots, language and history.”
“Greek carries our motherland’s history, accumulated wisdom and traditions”.
Gardiakos wants Hellenic, contemporary and traditional, culture and arts to flourish, and sees GOCSA as playing a key role.
“Art plays a vital role in safeguarding our cultural heritage and inspiring future generations, but beyond that, we are going through a technological revolution, and art has the potential to unite technology and culture, thus opening more pathways to connect with the wider South Australian community.”
He points to the Odyssey Greek Festival, which runs from October 4 to November 9 and will include cultural and artistic events and incorporates the Greek Film Festival.
“The Odyssey Art Prize launches before our cultural festival and is open to all South Australian artists who are active in the field of visual arts.
“We are hoping to attract more artists and want to encourage non-mainstream ways of creative self-expression,” says Gardiakos.
A modern cultural centre in Franklin Street
The historic Olympic Hall on Franklin St now shows its age. It’s tired. Four generations have trampled its floorboards, its stage and the hall has hosted iconic events. Debutante balls for young Greeks who may have fallen in love in. The Grecian Ball where elegance was the order of the day. Leaders like the visionary South Australian Labor premier Don Dunstan, and 1972-1975 Labor Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, a deity among many Greeks of a that generation. The great composer, Mikis Theodorakis, gave a special performance at the hall in 1972. It was the centre. Gardiakos knows it can again regain that status while also preserving the past.
“The Olympic Hall has been the heart of the Greek community here since 1957 and is still used for educational, cultural, and social activities.
“As we approach our centenary celebrations, we’re excited by the prospect of developing a state-of-the-art cultural centre that will go beyond simply celebrating our heritage..
“I draw inspiration at the Greek Community Centre in Lonsdale Street. Canberra’s Hellenic Club has amazing plans, and I know the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW) has recently lodged plans to build a community centre in Lakemba,” Gardiakos says.
Gardiakos and his board is lobbying to the South Australian government for support towards a feasibility study on the redevelopment of the Franklin Street Olympic Hall.
He wants a new cultural centre seen as “a vibrant space” that will “strengthen the Greek community’s identity” and pay homage to its contribution to South Australia.
Gender equity and youth involvement are essential
Part of Gardiakos’s vision is the improved gender balance. He wanted “a team of like-minded individuals” that “included women to create a more gender-balanced boardroom.”
“Gender diversity is essential; it’s reflective in our boardroom and across the staffing and volunteer services within our organisation.
“Our current youth branch, Neoléa, are mainly female, and we have several other key positions filled by women such as the Coordinators of the Greek language schools and our Dance Academy”, Gardiakos says.
He is interested in adopting a “hybrid format that will allow more women to participate whilst juggling other responsibilities.”
Regarding age diversity, Gardiakos wants to ” future-proof the organisation by becoming more relevant for the next generation of Greek Australians.”
“We recognise the importance of youth engagement and their ability to think outside the square.”
Gardiakos was “excited” to launch a youth committee, Neoléa.
“This group of fresh thinkers will be an integral stepping stone in helping shape the future of our organisation.
“They will advise and actively engage with GOCSA’s administrative council and leadership team,” says Gardiakos.
He believes Neoléa will design and incubate new initiatives and promote “intergenerational dialogue, encourage language retention and forge meaningful community connections”.
Peter Gardiakos is committed to ensuring a future for GOCSA and his vision seeks to bridge historical divides and celebrate Hellenic culture for generations to come.
*This editorial is part of our ‘Adelaide: Athens of the South’ supplement. Don’t miss out on Neos Kosmos’ special on the Hellenes of South Australia with this weekend’s print edition.