On the 10th of December the members and friends of the Greek Women's Society of SA gathered at the well-known WATERMARK HOTEL restaurant in Glenelg ,to enjoy the  annual Christmas lunch.

 Over 50 persons joined us at this festive occasion during which we had a raffle draw with many prizes.

The Xmas lunch marks the end of the calendar year of our program. We will be back as usual in February 2026 for the reopening of our Fitness and Wellness program.

On the 19th of October 2025 the Annual General Meeting of Greek Women’s Society of SA Inc “ O Taxiarchis” was held. 

This year’s AGM was a special occasion, as it gave our organization the opportunity to honour the achievements and contributions of one of its longest- standing members and office holders, Mrs. Chrisoula Heisler and celebrate a major milestone, her 90th birthday. 

The AGM was attended by many members, and the guests of honour, Mr. Peter Ppiros, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of SA (GOCSA) and GOCSA’s General Secretary Mrs. Sylvia Cassoudakis. Also present was the President of Star Pharmacy Group, Mr. Peter Gardiakos who is the organization’s main sponsor.

Mrs Heisler has been an active member for 60 years and served on the Executive of the Greek Women’s Society of SA for more than 50 years. During that time, she held the office of General Secretary and later President, a position she still holds today at 90. In her leadership role in the Greek Women’s Society of SA for 60years, fostered innovation, pioneered new ideas, always affirming the importance of women’s role and contribution to society. 

Mr. Peter Ppiros, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of SA (GOCSA) addressed the Assembly and after re-iterating the important contribution of the Greek Women’s Society, which was cofounded at the state time with GOCSA in the 1930’s, spoke of Chrisoula’s Heisler commitment and service to both organizations and the wider Greek Community.

Gifts were exchanged and the birthday cake was cut, all in atmosphere of joy and jubilation.

The meeting took place at the Goodwood Community Centre and was attended by many of our members.

On the 4th of February in the presence of the Consul General  of Greece in Adelaide Dr. Alexandra Theodoropoulou, the Greek Women’s Society of SA “O Taxiarchis officially re-opened its doors for its patrons at the Goodwood Community Centre. Other dignitaries present were, the President of the organization, Ms. Chrisoula Heisler, and Mr Peter Gardiakos, Executive Director and Founder of Star Pharmacy Group which is the major sponsor of our wellness and fitness program. 

The Greek Women's Society, which is the first Greek Women’s association to be established in South Australia (operating since 1930 and registered in 1937) runs the Greek Women’s Centre Fitness and Wellness program which is sponsored by Unley Council every Tuesday between 09.30.a.m – 12.00p.m. at the Goodwood Community Centre between February to December.

It is customary at the reopening of the Centre each year in February to commence the program with the cutting of traditional “New Year’s Cake” called the Vasilopita a tradition that dates back thousands of years. The purpose of this cake is to bring good luck for the new year.  A slice is served to every person present, and the lucky one who receives the coin (which is in the cake) can expect good luck for the rest of the year.  

The guest of honour, the Consul General of Greece in Adelaide cut the “Vasilopita”. The lucky winner, this year, Paraskevi Barbias apart from being blessed with good luck for the year received a Gift basket with goodies:

 The program which is bilingual (Greek and English) is not limited only to Greek women.  It operates as a “drop-in” Centre for women of any cultural background who wish to join and also welcomes the spouses of the participants in the social/refreshments part the program. In this way many women who are carers for their spouses may bring them along to join in the social activities. Specifically, the program is made up of an 1hour health/fitness class for seniors, conducted by a qualified instructor.

A social/recreation group follows and a morning tea and Mediterranean light refreshments are provided. The last hour is set aside for games of Bingo. It is not mandatory to attend the fitness class. Participants are welcome to attend only the second part of the program which the provides recreation and socialization, If they so desire.