Victoria’s leading Greek welfare organisation, PRONIA, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and several events are planned in the coming months to mark its founding in 1972. The organisation has played a major role in the provision of welfare to the Greek community since 1972 and has become an integral part of the people’s needs since then.
“Five decades ago, the vision of some people became reality, despite the difficulty of the project at the time. PRONIA was founded in 1972 with the aim of providing assistance and support to Greek-speaking immigrants in Victoria,” said the organisation in a statement this week.
“Over the past 50 years, PRONIA has evolved into the leading community organisation it is today offering a wide range of services throughout Victoria. With devotion to the needs of the community, in recognizing and addressing them but also in actively participating in the advocacy of the rights and interests of Greek and multicultural Australia, PRONIA continues to be a point of reference for the entire Greek community.”
READ MORE: Celebrating the volunteers of PRONIA
The organisation said that it had overcome many challenges over the last half century including the challenges of the last two years defined as they were by the coronavirus pandemic.
Last year alone, PRONIA helped 8,500 people. The organisation recently acquired a property in Oakleigh that will enable it to provide services to the South Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Over the years its well-qualified and specialised staff have been able to respond to the changing needs of the community.
“At a time when the need for social support services is constantly increasing, PRONIA moves forward with respect, understanding and sensitivity, in actions and services that respond to the needs of the society in which it operates, with consistency and responsibility,” the organisation said in its statement.
“This year, on our 50th anniversary, we will celebrate the people, partners, clients and organisations that have contributed to the rich history of PRONIA. After all, the 50th anniversary of our founding is not just an anniversary, but a timely reminder of the vital importance of history and heritage in the Greek-Australian community today,” said Tina Douvou-Stathopoulou, the organisation’s CEO.
“The history of PRONIA shows how a small group of people with vision and determination can make a difference and improve the lives of thousands of people,” Ms Douvou-Stathopoulou said.
What’s On – English
Computer classes in the City of Monash
PRONIA in collaboration with the City of Monash offers the opportunity to Greek-speaking seniors to be trained free of charge in the use of computers and safe Internet browsing.
When: Every Wednesday from 02 February for ten weeks 10.30am-12pm
Where: Oakleigh Library
Registrations: Call PRONIA at (03)9388 9998 or send an email at: antoniosm@pronia.com.au
iPad Classes for Carers in the City of Moreland
If you are caring for someone there are many supports available to help you with your work. That’s why PRONIA in partnership with the City of Moreland offer specialised workshops for the use of iPads for carers so they can familiarise themselves with the supports available online.
When: Every Tuesday from 08 February for five weeks only at 1pm-2.30pm
Where: Brunswick Library
Registrations: Call PRONIA at (03)9388 9998 or send an email at: antoniosm@pronia.com.au
English lessons for adults – Online
Whatever your age, if your English needs improvement, English lessons are designed to improve your skills through discussion and communication.
When: Daily in the afternoons – depending on your level. Classes start 31 January for 3 months.
Where: online
Registrations: Call PRONIA at (03)9388 9998 or send an email at: info@pronia.com.au
Carers’ telephone peer support groups
Weekly telephone meetings for older Greek-speaking carers who may not have access to technology, are isolated, and rely on the phone for communication with the aim to connect, be informed and create new friendships.
When: Every Tuesday from 1st February between 10.30am – 12.30pm
Where: By Telephone
Registrations: Call PRONIA at (03)9388 9998 or send an email at: antoniosm@pronia.com.au
Elder Abuse Prevention Telephone Peer-Support Groups
Any Greek-speaking person 65+ who may experience neglect, financial, emotional, physical or any other type of abuse or would like to plan for the future to prevent mistreatment may participate.
When: Every Thursday morning
Where: By Telephone
Registrations: Call PRONIA at (03)9388 9998 or send an email at: antoniosm@pronia.com.au
* Anniversary events and activities to mark the founding of PRONIA will be announced in the media. The official event to mark the anniversary is scheduled for 17 September and those who are interested in attending can contact PRONIA via email: marketing@pronia.com.au or by calling (03) 9388 9998.
