Welfare organisation PRONIA has responded to allegations made by John Kostoulias, President of the Federation of Greek Elderly Citizen Clubs of Melbourne and Victoria, following a series of meetings at its Brunswick premises that have escalated into a broader dispute.
The conflict centres around an encounter on 11 December 2024, during which Mr Kostoulias alleges he was subjected to psychological pressure, intimidation and verbal threats in a private meeting with PRONIA CEO Sylvia Hadjiantoniou and senior staff. According to Mr Kostoulias’ formal letter, the meeting quickly became adversarial.
“You told me plainly and clearly that I am being removed from the presidency and that the Federation will come under your control,” he claimed in the letter.
“This behaviour has severely impacted my already fragile health…”
Mr Kostoulias also criticised PRONIA for what he described as interference in the Federation’s internal governance. His concerns stem from what he viewed as a pattern of intervention, including the alleged disconnection of the Federation’s telephone line, ongoing difficulties with office logistics, and issues relating to communications and document handling.
“You have disconnected our phone line, and for three months we have been pleading for it to be restored, after you first obtained the phone numbers and addresses of our member clubs,” he alleged.
“This was the first step in your plan. Then came the threats and intimidation. The next step, surely, is the removal of the Federation’s lawful President and its takeover by PRONIA.”
He further referenced a $180,000 contribution made by the Federation to PRONIA in the 1990s, claiming this was done under the condition that the Federation would maintain its headquarters at the current premises.
A week after the meeting, PRONIA issued a letter to Mr Kostoulias, dated 19 December and seen by The Greek Herald, stating that his conduct had been deemed: “both unsatisfactory and unacceptable… which made PRONIA staff feel unsafe.”
It added that while the Federation remains welcome, Mr Kostoulias would be asked not to return if any future behaviour again raised concerns among staff.
Tensions escalated further following a subsequent meeting on Friday, 15 March 2025, which The Greek Herald understands became disorderly. According to sources familiar with the event, a woman fainted, an ambulance was called, and verbal threats were allegedly made against Mr Kostoulias, who later sought police assistance.
Shortly afterwards, Mr Kostoulias was formally informed he would no longer be permitted to attend PRONIA premises.
In response to the situation, PRONIA’s CEO Ms Hadjiantoniou and the PRONIA Board issued a public statement today, 1 April.
“On Friday, an incident occurred on our PRONIA premises that impacted on members of our team. Since then, there have been various comments and articles published concerning PRONIA and the Federation of the Greek Elderly,” the statement reads.
“PRONIA and the Federation share a long-standing history. PRONIA has consistently supported the Federation and the Greek community and remains dedicated to this commitment.
“The Federation always remains welcome at PRONIA.”
PRONIA stated it would not be commenting further at this time.
Meanwhile, Mr Kostoulias said the Federation’s Board has unanimously backed him, condemning what it called PRONIA’s “unacceptable” behaviour and affirming his continued role as president.
In closing his letter, Mr Kostoulias expressed willingness for cooperation but rejected any form of coercion or organisational dominance: “I repeat: cooperation, yes; subjugation, no. That is up to you.”
As one of the Greek Australian community’s most prominent welfare organisations, PRONIA has long supported aged care, settlement, and social services. The Federation, representing clubs from across Victoria, plays a key role in advocacy and social engagement for elderly Greek Australians.
The future of their collaboration remains uncertain, with many in the community watching closely for signs of resolution.
