About the Pallaconian Brotherhood

The Pallaconian Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria "Leonidas" was established in 1961. It was originally formed in order to bring together all Australians of Laconian descent.

As stated in Article 2 of the Constitution, the Objectives of the Brotherhood are as follows:

1. To unite all Hellenes of Laconian origin and their descendants living in Melbourne and anywhere in the State of Victoria.
2. To promote and advance the moral, social and spiritual development of its members, and assist Laconians living in Victoria in strengthening relations with other associations or organisations pursuing similar goals.
3. To acquire and maintain a cultural centre that may be used by the members of the Brotherhood in a number of ways.
4. To provide for the social, cultural, spiritual, creative development and recreation of the families of its members in any beneficial way such as:
   Lectures, exhibitions, establishing and maintaining a library and reading-room, organising art, entertainment and recreational activities.
5. To publish an information bulletin, newsletter, calendars or other printed matter.
6. To encourage and support any sporting or creative activities of its members and constitutional parts of the Brotherhood.
7. To assist in improving and strengthening relations with Laconians anywhere for achieving the objectives of the Brotherhood.
8. The contribution of the Brotherhood towards any public, national and philanthropic institution, or a patriotic or educational cause.
9. The establishment of Youth, Ladies and Aged persons groups that shall be integral parts of the Brotherhood.

In the early days, newly arrived immigrants from Hellas (Greece), were able to stay in touch under the auspices of the Brotherhood. The club organised social functions as well as providing a support group for members to help combat the difficulties of living in a foreign country so far from home.

Today the club continues to organise a large variety of social functions, as well as supporting many philanthropic causes. This change in emphasis has become possible due to the establishment of such a large and vibrant population of Laconian descent in Melbourne and Victoria. The first generation of Hellenes (Greeks) who arrived in Australia more than 20 or 30 years ago, have made Australia their new home. Their children, the second generation, regard themselves as Hellenic Australians, Australians with a special and rich background that is the Hellenic culture.

The club has become active in maintaining the Laconian cultural heritage, through the establishment of a Traditional Hellenic Dancing Group, a Cultural Committee, development of a library, and actively supporting the education of young children in the Hellenic Language.

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