The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) held its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, November 30, in a session extending more than four hours and marked by procedural disputes, tense exchanges and repeated calls from members for clearer information about governance, staffing and organisational direction.
The AGM followed heightened community interest after The Greek Herald reported a series of resignations across GOCSA this year — including senior staff, operational personnel and committee members — as well as the more recent departures of Vice President Dr Stan Salagaras and Administrative Council (AC) member Arthur Flabouris. A third resignation, that of AC member Penny Anagnostou, was confirmed during the AGM.
Resignations and operational vacancies remain unclear
Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly sought clarity on recent resignations of leadership roles and staffing gaps across the organisation.
Attendees told The Greek Herald that when questions were raised about how these vacancies were being managed, the President, Peter Ppiros, stated that positions had been filled and internal processes were underway, but did not provide names, timeframes or specific information about which roles had been covered.
Members said this left uncertainty about the organisation’s current leadership composition and how responsibilities were being managed during a period of significant turnover and internal review.
The President also confirmed that internal investigations were underway concerning two senior staff members currently on distress leave, though no further detail was offered during the meeting.
Disputes over minutes and record-keeping dominate early proceedings
A substantial portion of the AGM focused on the approval of reconstructed minutes from three previous general meetings, after original records were reported missing.
Members questioned why the minutes had to be recreated, who was responsible for the reconstructions and why audio recordings were not used.
Several attendees raised concern that key motions – including a past vote of no confidence in the Membership Committee – did not appear in the minutes presented for approval.
A barrister engaged by the committee advised Chair John Lesses to formally note objections and proceed with confirming the minutes. After extended debate, the minutes were ultimately approved, though several members dissented and requested their objections be recorded.
The exchanges underscored ongoing governance pressures and difficulties with internal record-keeping, concerns that have been voiced by departing AC members in recent weeks.
Confusion over legal advice adds to tension
Members also questioned the committee’s reference to legal advice about the prior no-confidence motion. According to those present, some committee members stated they had not seen the legal advice, while others asserted that it informed the committee’s decision-making.
Attendees described the inconsistency as concerning and said it contributed to a sense of uncertainty about internal communication and the transparency of the committee’s processes.
Financial reports delivered, but key questions linger
The President and Treasurer presented an overview of GOCSA’s financial position, stating that the organisation holds $24.04 million in net assets.
For the financial year ending 30 June 2025, the incorporated entity recorded a $552,109 deficit, while the Ridleyton Greek Home for the Aged and GOCSA Community Services generated a $2.668 million surplus, resulting in a consolidated year-end surplus of $2.116 million.
The President also referred to ongoing planning work, including the potential establishment of a property trust to support long-term asset management.
Members raised further questions about whether independent living unit revenue was being appropriately categorised within aged care earnings, and sought clarification on the impact of annual staff turnover among nursing practitioners and managers, as well as on management matters previously flagged by a departing CFO.
Attendees told The Greek Herald these questions received limited detail, with some matters deferred for follow-up.
Governance, staffing and communication issues resurface
The AGM also saw continued discussion about broader governance and operational issues. Members raised concerns about delayed responses to emails, gaps in internal reporting, uncertainty around committee responsibilities and limited communication on internal investigations.
Some attendees said they had been waiting months for answers to governance questions, while others described confusion over decision-making processes and the flow of information between committees.
These concerns echoed issues raised by former AC members, who described difficulties obtaining essential reporting and challenges with transparency in internal processes.
A tense and contentious atmosphere
Attendees described the meeting as tense and at times combative, with frequent points of order, interruptions and emotional exchanges.
Several expressed frustration that long-standing concerns had not been addressed earlier, while others defended the current leadership and urged the community to work collaboratively.
Personal criticisms and sharp disagreements surfaced throughout the meeting, reflecting deeper divisions within the organisation.
Several attendees told The Greek Herald they chose to leave the meeting early due to the ongoing tension and lack of resolution, while others noted that a number of previously active and vocal members did not attend the AGM at all – which some interpreted as a sign of growing frustration within the community.
Members say clarity still needed following AGM
With GOCSA responsible for aged care, community services, cultural programs, Greek language education and multimillion-dollar assets, many attendees told The Greek Herald they remain concerned about governance processes, reporting practices, staffing continuity and overall organisational stability.
Several said they left the AGM still seeking clearer information about how the organisation will address ongoing challenges and rebuild confidence across the community.
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