Hon. Clare O’Neil MP declares a new chapter for PRONIA and the community
PRONIA today marked a historic milestone with the official opening of its brand-new Oakleigh office at 37 Portman Street — a welcoming space designed to serve and connect with the heart of Melbourne’s Greek-Australian community in the south-eastern suburbs and beyond.
The building, acquired by PRONIA in 2020, has undergone a complete redevelopment to create a modern, purpose-built and calm space that reflects the organisation’s values of accessibility, cultural responsiveness, and client-centred care.
Board members, staff, community leaders and partner organisations gathered at PRONIA’s new Oakleigh office for the opening day together a distinguished line-up of guests, including:
- The Hon Clare O’Neil MP, Federal Member for Hotham
- The Hon Steve Dimopoulos MP, State Member for Oakleigh
- Lee Tarlamis OAM, MLC, South Eastern Metropolitan Region
- Cr Paul Klisaris, Mayor of the City of Monash
- Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson, Victorian Multicultural Commission
- The Hon Justice Emilios Kyrou AO, PRONIA Patron
- George Lekakis AO, who recently led the Victorian Multicultural Review
- Sergeant Perry Kapsakis, Victorian Hellenic Police Association
- Tom Symondson, CEO of Aged & Community Care Providers Association
- Fotini Kypraios, Chairperson, Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry
CEO Sylvia Hadjiantoniou warmly welcomed the gathering, thanking guests for sharing in this historic moment:
“What I would like to say is today is not just the opening of a building. It’s the opening of our new chapter. A chapter of resilience, inclusion, and hope. On behalf of PRONIA, thank you for celebrating this milestone with us. Together, let’s shape a stronger future.”
Local State Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos MP also addressed the guests, acknowledging PRONIA’s vital role in the local community:
“We represent a community that needs you, and respects you, and loves the care that you give them.”
In her keynote address, Federal Member for Hotham Clare O’Neil MP echoed Sylvia’s message of a new chapter, extending it to the broader community:
“This is not just a new chapter for PRONIA, this is a new chapter for our community and the way that we can care and look after one another.”
Federal Member for Hotham Clare O’Neil MP
Following her speech, Ms O’Neil officially declared the new Oakleigh office open and, together with Steve Dimopoulos MP, PRONIA President Elpis Korosidis and CEO Sylvia Hadjiantoniou, cut the ribbon to mark this historic occasion. The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, honoured in an atmosphere of cheer, excitement and heartfelt congratulations.
A Place of service in the heart of Oakleigh
“Every detail contributes to PRONIA’s mission to support, empower and connect the Greek community, while offering staff and visitors a professional yet deeply welcoming environment.”
Loretta Cassisi – architect
The Oakleigh office has been designed to reflect PRONIA’s mission and cultural identity. Cassisi Architects, who led the redevelopment, transformed the site into a calm, warm and professional environment. “Cassisi Architects were honoured to work with PRONIA on the redevelopment of their Oakleigh head offices, transforming a tired building into a calm, warm and professional environment that reflects the values and cultural identity of a Greek welfare organisation dedicated to supporting the local community. The design intent was to create spaces that are welcoming for clients and highly efficient for staff, reinforcing PRONIA’s role as a trusted place of connection, advice and care” saiddirector Loretta Cassisi.
About PRONIA
PRONIA is a leading community services organisation with more than half a century of service to culturally and linguistically diverse communities — especially Greek-Australians — through home care services, dementia support, family and community programs, early intervention, counselling, free legal services and community engagement. PRONIA delivers culturally responsive, person-centred care that empowers people to live with dignity, independence and connection.
