About The Association
The Armenians of South Australia are a small community spread in Adelaide and in suburbs. They came directly from Armenia or travelled through other countries. They are born in Armenia or they are descendants of Armenians. They speak fluently Armenian or they stumbled with a few words. They naturally dance the Kochari or they learnt it on the go. They cooked the bereks like their grandma used to do it or they took the recipe from google. They embraced their welcoming country Australia 40 years ago or 2 months ago. Whatever is their degree of Armenianness, they have this is common: HAYASTAN.
The objective of the Armenian Cultural Association of South Australia is to make a nest for all Armenians of South Australia, share the Armenian habits and customs and promote our common heritage. On a regular basis we organize Get Togethers, like picnics, allowing everyone to know each other and to spend a nice time in a very pleasant atmosphere. Every Sunday an Armenian-related activity is taking place: Armenian Artefact workshop or Dance class or Armenian Miniature Painting workshop.
Last but not least, through the year we participate in numerous cultural events such as the Multicultural Festival or the Australia Day to promote Armenia and the Armenian culture towards the other communities of South Australia.
About the Committee
President
Secretary
Committee Member & Art Teacher
Committee Member
Committee Member
Committee Member
Treasurer
About The Armenian Community in South Australia
There is not much known about the original settlement of the Armenians in South Australia and no exact information is available about the fluctuatin population. Currently, the Armenian Community in South Australia is mainly based in Adelaide.
As a result of an influx of Armenians from the Diaspora, mainly from the Middle East, the community grew significantly in 1960’s and 70’s. The Armenian Cultural Association of South Australia was founded in the late 1960’s and the community was very active with annual balls, picnics, and social evenings. There were Armenian language classes for the children on Sundays.
The community dwindled during 1980’s. Many members relocated to Sydney and Melbourne to be part of larger communities with access to Armenian schools and churches. It is noteworthy that age and assimilation have also taken their toll.
Since the fall of the Soviet Union, some Armenians have migrated from Armenia to South Australia. There has also been an increase of immigrants from the Diaspora again and there is a new generation of young parents and children emerging to preserve the language and culture.
There is no Armenian Apostolic Church in South Australia. Over the years, Armenian priests from Sydney and Melbourne have visited the community. Since 2005, the community has been blessed by pastoral visits of His Eminence Aghan Archbishop Baliozian.
On March 25th, 2009, the Legislative Council of South Australia unanimously recognized the Armenian genocide, and on April 30th, 2009, the House of Assembly passed a motion in recognition of the Armenian, Pontian Greek and Assyrian genocides unanimously. These recognitions have been great achievements for the small Armenian community in South Australia.