The Australian Greek Welfare Society (AGWS) held its annual general meeting in conjunction with the release of the organisation’s 43rd annual report.
Taking place at the Brunswick premises, president George Spiliotis and CEO Voula Messimeri addressed those gathered, reflecting on the organisation’s achievements.
Both emphasised the progress made over the past year, with workers and volunteers managing to provide in-home and centre-based care for hundreds of elders, while also assisting younger people with disabilities, and intensive support for newly-arrived Greek migrants with settlement and migration issues.
But Mr Spiliotis didn’t shy away from recognising the challenges posed by an ageing population and growing numbers of Greek migrants.
To assist with the rising demand for its services so far, the AGWS has managed to secure state government funding for the next four years to extend the reach of its bilingual services to Greek migrants affected by the financial crisis.
The program, which will receive $90,000 per year to make the organisation’s services more accessible on Lonsdale Street and in the eastern suburb of Oakleigh, is part of the 2014-2020 Strategic Plan.
To continue its community vision, the board is currently working on rebranding and revitalising the organisation and is set to be launched in 2016.
Along with the release of the annual report, a number of deserving individuals across the community were recognised for their contribution to the AGWS’ success.
Vasilis Apostolopoulos was awarded volunteer of the year, while Rena Frangioudaki and Anthoula Paraskeva were recognised for their dedication and hard work throughout the years.
Invited to be guest speaker on the day was Minister for Families and Children, and Minister for Youth Affairs, Jenny Mikakos.