Adelaide’s Greek community mourns death of Greek-Australian police officer

·

In a statement released today, the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia expressed its ‘deepest condolences’ on the death of Detective Chief Superintendent Joanne Shanahan (nee Panayiotou).

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Shanahan and Panagiotou who are immersed in mourning for the loss of Joanne. We mourn with the two families, friends and the entire Police Force of South Australia,” the statement said on behalf of the GOCSA’s President, Vassilios Gonis, and the Board of Directors.

In 2019, Chief-Supt Shanahan was a guest speaker at the Community’s International Women’s Day event, where she described going to work every day as ‘a pleasure.’

Adelaide’s Greek community are mourning the death of Detective Chief Superintendent Joanne Shanahan. Source: SA Police.

“I have been in the South Australian Police Force for 38 years and they are just as enthusiastic as when I first started. Going to work is a daily pleasure. I was the first Police Director to have children and I am still the only mother on the Board,” she said at the event.

“I have to admit that I have managed to do what I wanted in my personal life and work thanks to my family and friends, two very important things.

“My mother, my father and my husband were the ones who looked after the children when I had to be at work, my friends were the ones who cheered me on when I failed at something and they are the same people I share beautiful moments with. That’s why I thank them.”

The GOCSA said these comments by Chief-Supt Shanahan were the perfect way to describe her.

Joanne Shanahan (left) with her husband Peter Shanahan (right), who survived the collision.

“A proud mother, devoted wife, beloved daughter and loyal friend. Her parents, devoted members of the Community, Mr. and Mrs. Panagiotou, always proud of Joanne, could never believe that such a untold tragedy would unfold before their eyes,” the statement stressed.

“Fortunately, Joanne’s husband was not seriously injured in the accident and is no longer being treated at the hospital. He is now close to their two adult children.”

The Community concluded by extending their condolences to the family and friends of Tania McNeill, who also lost her life in the same tragic incident.

READ MORE: Greek-Australian police officer and mother of two killed in horrific car crash in Adelaide.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The man for all jobs: How a Greek migrant turned setbacks into 7-figure success

When Christof Mantzanas stepped off the plane in Melbourne on 10 March 2015, he had just $1,000 in his pocket.

Jimmy’s Kitchen brings authentic Greek hospitality to The Rocks

Sydney diners can now experience the warmth, flavour, and soul of a traditional Greek taverna without the flight to Greece.

Greek Community of Melbourne enhances safety with defibrillator training seminar

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) took a notable step towards enhancing community safety by organising a defibrillator training seminar.

Wills without the Trojan War

After nearly 15 years in the legal industry, I’ve lost track of how many matters I’ve worked on involving family disputes over estates.

From tech to health: Greek Australians driving innovation in 2025

Australia’s Top 100 Innovators celebrate those who turn setbacks into breakthroughs. This year, three Greek Australians are among them.

You May Also Like

The Greek National Opera’s bicentennial show goes on despite pandemic

Singers from the Greek National Opera's new production of 'Despo' marked the bicentenary of the Greek Revolution onstage in an empty theatre.

Victorian Labor Government pledges $800,000 to Melbourne’s Antipodes Festival

The Victorian Government has pledged $800,000 over the next four years to continue Melbourne's Antipodes Festival.

Mourdoukoutas shows off familiar ‘Fan-Tass-Tico’ trick for Western Sydney Wanderers fans

Tass Mourdoukoutas has shown off a familiar trick which he has labelled the 'Fan-Tass-Tico' in a video posted on the Football Club's Tik Tok account.