A New Era for South Australia’s Greek Orthodox Community

Greek-Australian Bill Gonis has taken the reins of the historic Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia, after the recent board elections. The new President’s aim is to help the community overcome the difficulties faced over the last years, and especially this last semester.

Gonis’ parents moved from Peloponnese, Greece, to Australia, during the period of mass migration in 1956. “Like many other migrants, my parents worked hard to make ends meet, often doing two jobs to give us a better life. Educational opportunities for them were limited in those years but they never stopped trying to learn English,” he said during an interview with local media.

He added that his parents were the ones who taught him about principle and work ethic, but most of all, about respecting others.

“I look forward to working with the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia as well as the broader community, to refocus our strengths and energy. We must strive to achieve common goals and interests, and re-establish our links with the community; engage our youth, in particular,” he said.

At the moment, Gonis is working for the South Australian Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure and is managing the Accreditation and Licensing Centre.

In the past, he has received a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the South Australian taxi and transport industry, and to the Greek community.