Greek Orthodox Community of SA

The organisation's mission is to provide high-quality services that promote independence,
health, and wellbeing within the community, respecting people's choices and meeting their diverse needs and goals. The vision is to promote the highest quality care through information dissemination and continuous improvement, creating a culturally sensitive and safe environment that benefits clients, families, and staff. GOCSA’s values include dignity and respect, caring, quality service, accountability, teamwork, open communication, and privacy and confidentiality. These values guide the behaviour and
attitude expected from staff and volunteers to maintain a positive and safe environment for all.

In the late 1920s, two Greek organisations, the Castellorizian Brotherhood and the
Apollon Society, were formed in Adelaide. However, there was no larger body to
represent the needs of all Greeks, so the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia
was founded in 1930. It began as a religious and cultural body and, despite challenges,
managed to establish Adelaide's first Greek school within a year. With hard work and
fundraising, the Greek Orthodox Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabrielle was
inaugurated in 1937.

During the Second World War, the community thrived and participated in fundraising
efforts for the Allied forces. After the war, there was a significant influx of Greek migrants
to South Australia, leading to the establishment of various Greek organisations and
centers to support the community. By the early 1980s, Greek language lessons, welfare
services, and cultural celebrations were well-established in the state. The Greek
population in South Australia grew steadily, reaching 9,528 in 1961 and 14,660 in 1966.
The community also received recognition and support from the government, with liaison
officers appointed to facilitate communication between the Greek community and the
state government.