24th of September 1959
The first meeting of the Messinians of South Australia takes place with the aim of establishing a Messinian Association and constitution.
4th of October 1959
The first meeting approves the formation of the Messinian Brotherhood of South Australia and elects a five member Temporary Committee to prepare a Constitution and elects a Returning Officers/Audit Committee to conduct the first elections.
18th of October 1959
The second Meeting which approved the Constitution took place on the 18th October 1959.
15th of November 1959
The first elections take place, during which 70 members voted.
26th of March 1960
The first formal Dance takes place at the Greek Community Olympic Hall, Franklin Street, Adelaide. More than 406 people attended (287 tickets were pre-sold).
31st of January, (Sunday) 1965
The Brotherhood organised the first picnic to Victor Harbor. From this date on this became an Annual Event for many years which took place on a Sunday at the end of January. This BBQ continued until 2005.
19th of March 1967
Formal Dance – Miss Messinian, Miss Vassiliki Kontopoulos is crowned Miss Messinian. Miss Dimitra Mantis is crowned Miss Independence.
7th of January 1969
Joint meeting of the Executive Committee of the Messinian Brotherhood and the Panlakonian Association “ Leonidas” for the purpose of co-ordinating joint fundraising activities to assist the victims of the Cherry pickers involved in a major motor accident Norton Summit. This accident resulted in three deaths and 32 injured, many of whom were Messinians and Lakones.
26th of November 1969
10th Anniversary Dances
The organisation presents Medallions to the Association’s Founders, the first Executive and the first Returning Officers/Audit Committees.
Ms Eugenia K Mantis is crowned Miss Messinian.
26th of November 1972
Purchase of property at Mile End.
14th of May 1983
Establishment of the Women’s Auxiliary Committee is established.
28th of July 1985
Extraordinary General Meeting
Amendments to the constitution and change of name of the organisation to Messinian Association of South Australia are approved.
September 1986
The association organises fundraising activities, collects clothing and sends humanitarian aid to he victims of the Kalamata earthquake. With the co-operation of the Pylian association “Navarino” a benefit was organized to raise funds for the victims.
19th of July 1987
The Association takes over the former soccer team of Adelaide High School renaming it MA Hawks and with team colours resembling the ‘Kalamata FC‘ Soccer Club in Greece.
12th July 1988
Decision taken to organise a monthly barbeque for the Association members, on the last Sunday of each month for the recreation of the members.
March 1989
The Association expands its presence at the annual Glendi Greek festival, participating with a large kiosk and tent “ Messinian Taverna”. The Association expands its presence at the annual Glendi Greek festival, participating with a large kiosk and tent “ Messinian Taverna”. The ” Messinian Taverna” was one of the most popular kiosks at the Glendi Festival for years.
29th of April 1990
The approval of the purchase of a property in Stephens Avenue in Torrensville for $285,000 is approved by the Extraordinary General Meeting as well as future renovations in order to create the ‘MESSINIAN HOUSE’.
8th of June 1998
The foundation stone is laid for the renovations of the “Messinian House” at Stephens Avenue Torrensville.
16th of October 1999
The Association celebrates its 40th anniversary with a formal dance .
19th August 2007
At the Annual General Meeting, the Association made the decision to establish the Messinian Dance Group.
Amendments to original constitution
From 1959 to 2015, e minor alterations to some clauses of the Constitution were made.
However, the constitution was re-examined in 2006 and a complete revision was made by Angelos Bouzalas and Mattheos Kosmas under the supervision of the members of the Executive Committee, and the solicitor, Harry Alevizos, who put the final touches to it.
50th Anniversary of Messinian Association of S.A. Inc 2009
On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Messinian Association Inc. S.A October 2009, the South Australian Parliament organized a special event to honour this milestone in the history of the Association. Many members including some of the founding members were present at this gathering, where the Hon. Michael Atkinson, Multicultural Affairs Minister personally accompanied the members of the Messinian Association on a private tour of the State Parliament where he briefed the guests on the parliament’s history.
In the photo above (Greek Tribune, December 2009) one can see the silver commemorative disk with the emblem of the State Parliament which was presented by the Minister to honour the Messinian Association’s 50th Anniversary.
26th April 2015
Event for the Anzac Centenary
The Messinian Association honours the Anzac spirit of the Battle of Gallipoli, a name synonymous with pain and death but also glory and honour.
25th of October 2015
On the 25th of October, the Messinian Association celebrated its 56th anniversary as well the Ohi Day.
24th of April 2016
Anzac Commemoration BBQ and Unveiling of two unique pieces of artwork (Honour Boards) for the Anzac Centenary. Matt Williams MP together with Messinian artist Niki Sperou unveiled and presented the honour boards to the Association and the Greek Ex Serviceman’s Association.
24th of September 2019
The Association turns 60, with celebrations planned for later in the year.
4th of October 2019
The Association celebrates it’s 60th year in style. The 60 year dance was held at the Messinian Hall and was a sell out. WIth live music, catered food & lots of dancing, this was another huge milestone in the clubs history & one that won’t be forgetton.
Messinian Association of SA Inc. 