On the bustling streets of Oakleigh, the energy of Melbourne’s Greek community is alive in every corner.
Animated conversations in Greek drift across the streets as shoppers go about their day, while grills and ovens fire up to welcome the crowds that flood the neighbourhood’s many cafes and restaurants.
At the very centre of this vibrant hub now stands PRONIA’s new home — a purpose-built space designed to welcome the community it has served for more than half a century.
Last Friday, the organisation officially opened its Oakleigh offices, marking the beginning of a new chapter in PRONIA’s long history.
“A chapter of resilience, inclusion and hope,” CEO Sylvia Hadjiantoniou said, as she welcomed a distinguished line-up of guests and friends who had gathered to celebrate the milestone.
Addressing the crowded room, Hadjiantoniou expressed her gratitude for the enduring partnerships and friendships that have shaped PRONIA’s journey.
“For more than 52 years, PRONIA has walked alongside our community. What began as a small, vital support network for newly arrived Greek migrants seeking safety, dignity and opportunity, has grown into a trusted provider of essential services.
Today PRONIA offers a diverse range of services. From aged care, and helping people live their best lives at home, with the care and support they need, we ensure that they are living life under their terms.”
She highlighted the organisation’s “incredible dementia support program,” alongside family and community initiatives responding to urgent needs such as mental health and elder abuse.
At its core, she said, PRONIA’s purpose is to “embrace an inclusive society that empowers and supports individuals of Greek and all other cultural backgrounds to live their best lives.”
She thanked the board for their vision and leadership, and expressed her gratitude to PRONIA’s patron and president for their trust and dedication.
Hadjiantoniou also acknowledged the federal and state governments for providing the funding that makes many of their programs and services possible.
Finally, she paid tribute to the staff and volunteers, “who step up every day to do whatever is needed for our community.”
“PRONIA is a place where people turn to when there is nowhere else to go, and where they know they will be supported with dignity and care.
We often have people walk through our doors who are homeless. Our community is changing, and it’s not uncommon for us to provide support to people who are experiencing elder abuse or don’t have a place to stay.”
The new building, acquired in 2020, has undergone a complete redevelopment to embody PRONIA’s vision of a modern, accessible and culturally responsive hub.
Located just across the street from the offices it had long rented, PRONIA’s new home has been welcomed by Oakleigh residents, who stop by daily to congratulate the team.
Local MP and State Minister, Steve Dimopoulos, praised the move as a return to PRONIA’s roots.
“PRONIA has come back to the home of the Greek community in all its aspirations, its businesses, its law firms, its political offices, its shops, cafés and restaurants.
You belong here. You belong in Oakleigh. May this office serve thousands of people for many years to come, and may we look back on this day with pride.”
Dimopoulos described PRONIA as an organisation deeply attuned to the cultural context of its community:
“What happens to those who need assistance? This is where PRONIA is not just a help for them, it’s a help for governments too.
The biggest purpose is the dignity you give to people every single day. We all become vulnerable at some stage — not just in old age — and you support not only the clients but also the families who love them.
You are a saviour, in many respects, to the Greek community and beyond.”
In her keynote, Federal Member for Hotham and Oakleigh resident Clare O’Neil MP echoed the sentiment of “a new chapter”, not just for PRONIA but for the community at large.
“This is not just a new chapter for PRONIA,” she said.
“This is a new chapter for our community and the way that we can care and look after one another.”
O’Neil reflected on the richness of Greek heritage in Oakleigh, describing the privilege of being part of a community that “values culture, education, food, dancing, philosophy and… of course arguing about politics.”
She spoke warmly of how the community had embraced her family and showed her the central role of care across generations.
“One of our favourite family experiences is at Eaton Mall on a Saturday night, where three or four generations sit together at a table, sharing food, loving each other, being a family. This is what this community is about. This is what PRONIA is about.”
Following her speech, O’Neil officially declared the Oakleigh office open, joining State Minister Steve Dimopoulos, PRONIA President Elpis Korosidis and CEO Sylvia Hadjiantoniou in cutting the ribbon.
A commemorative plaque was unveiled to applause.
PRONIA staff were equally excited about their new home and the community’s warm response.
“People come in every day to welcome us. It’s made a difference for our clients,” Kelly Tsagournos, PRONIA’s Family and Relationship Counsellor, told Neos Kosmos.
“We believe this new space was necessary for the work and services we provide. People need this kind of environment.”
Other distinguished guests who were present at the official opening included Lee Tarlamis MP, Paul Klisaris, Mayor of the City of Monash, Viv Nguyen, Chairperson of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Justice Emilios Kyrou, PRONIA’s patron George Lekakis, Sergeant Perry Kapsakis of the Victorian Hellenic Police Association, Tom Symondson, CEO of the Aged & Community Care Providers Association, and Fotini Kypraios, Chairperson of the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
