Arcadia is a stunning region of the Peloponnese in southern Greece with immense natural beauty. High mountain peaks, lush forests, deep gorges and sparkling rivers contribute to its pristine natural environment.

The creation of the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne and Victoria “O Kolokotronis” took place on 13 September 1959. The inaugural meeting was attended by around 100 Arcadians and the founding committee drafted a Constitution for the Association. The formation of the Association included the goal of acquiring a freehold property to enable members to have social club rooms and create a library to ensure that their culture and customs would be preserved and passed down to future generations.

The Association bears the name ‘Kolokotronis’, after the hero of the 1821 War of Independence, and eventual liberator of Greece, Theodoros Kolokotronis, who was of Arcadian descent.

The aftermath of the devastating consequences of World War 2 and the Greek Civil War in the 1940’s which left Greece’s economy and infrastructure in ruins paved the way for unprecedented levels of migration of Arcadians to foreign shores. Many of the women and men who left their homeland in Arcadia in the post-war period emigrated to Australia.

The Panarcadian Association of Melbourne and Victoria “O Kolokotronis” was established to promote and advance the social, cultural, recreational, philanthropic and educational interests of Arcadian descendants who live in the state of Victoria. The Association aims to do this to extend good will and enhance harmonious living within the larger Australian Community.

The creation of the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne and Victoria “O Kolokotronis” took place on 13 September 1959. The inaugural meeting was attended by around 100 Arcadians and the founding committee drafted a Constitution for the Association. The formation of the Association included the goal of acquiring a freehold property to enable members to have social club rooms and create a library to ensure that their culture and customs would be preserved and passed down to future generations.

The Association bears the name ‘Kolokotronis’, after the hero of the 1821 War of Independence, and eventual liberator of Greece, Theodoros Kolokotronis, who was of Arcadian descent.