Peter Adamis is a retired Australian military serviceman with an impressive three decades of experience in the Australian Defence Force. Born on March 28, 1950, in Pellana, a small village near Sparta in Lakonia, Greece—fabled home of Helen of Troy—Peter’s early life was steeped in cultural richness and the pursuit of opportunity. In 1954, his family, including his parents Vasili and Kaliopi and his younger brother Philip, migrated to Fremantle, Western Australia, opening a new chapter in their lives. The following year, the family welcomed twins Kon and Helen, further expanding their household.
In 1956, driven by the search for better employment opportunities, the family relocated to Melbourne. Growing up in a multicultural community filled with displaced persons and refugees from World War II, Peter developed a profound understanding of diversity and the importance of community cohesion. His formative years were spent in Windsor and Prahran, where he attended several schools, culminating in an electrical apprenticeship completed at Prahran Technical College. Despite the challenges of integrating into Australian society and facing prejudices, Peter embraced Australian values while remaining connected to his ancestral identity.
In 1969, amidst Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, Peter enlisted in the Citizens Military Force to prepare for the Regular Army. While still an apprentice electrician, a pivotal moment struck in 1970 when he narrowly escaped the Westgate Bridge collapse, thanks to a last-minute change in work schedules. This brush with fate instilled in him a belief that his life was destined for greater journeys filled with adventure. Following his apprenticeship, Peter enlisted in the Australian Regular Army in 1971, without his parents’ knowledge, marking the inception of a remarkable military career that spanned some 30 years.
His Australian military service included numerous prestigious roles and units, such as the 3 Base Workshop Battalion (Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers), 22 Battalion Royal Victoria Regiment, Kapooka (Basic Training Regular Army), Ingleburn (Initial Employment Training), First Battalion – The Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR), and detachments to various establishments including the Tropical Trials Establishment and Infantry Centre. Peter’s military journey also encompassed the Sixth Battalion – The Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR), the Central Army Records Office, 11 Independent Rifle Company, and the Royal West Australian Regiment, among others. Throughout his service, he held various positions, including Craftsman, Infantryman, administrator, pioneer, unit parachutist, jungle survival trainer, rifle shooting and small arms trainer, and Warrant Officer.
Peter was actively involved in responding to natural disasters, including fires and floods, and represented Australia in several countries, including Papua New Guinea, Singapore (peacekeeping), Malaysia (defense against communist elements), the United Kingdom (anti-terrorist and urban warfare training), the USA, and Greece (Telamon Force). Notably, he is recognized as the only Australian of Greek heritage to serve in the Australian Defence Force for over 25 years.
In 1975, Peter married and welcomed four sons: David, Paul, Matthew, and Mark. However, his marriage faced significant challenges, leading to its breakdown in 1984. After a four-year custody battle, Peter became the custodian and a single parent in 1988, raising his sons alone while continuing his military career. This experience deepened his understanding of parenting and community support, shaping him into a compassionate and dedicated father.
Peter’s military career was complemented by an increasing interest in multicultural affairs. In 1990, he undertook a research project on recruitment issues within the Australian Defence Force, focusing on the potential of Australians from non-English speaking backgrounds. His findings highlighted the untapped potential of multicultural communities long before these issues gained broader recognition in Australia, significantly influencing policies within the Defence Force and emphasizing the importance of diversity.
Despite the demands of single parenthood and military service, Peter actively engaged with the community, becoming a member and Management Committee Councillor of the Lycurgus Hellenic Club and President of the Pan-Lakonian Hellenic Club of Victoria. In 1990, he joined the Liberal Party, aligning his conservative values and military ethos with his desire to contribute to Australian society. Since then, he has held various positions, such as Branch President, Branch Vice-President, Secretary, Branch Membership Officer, Electorate Chairman, Electorate Campaign Director, Regional Electorate Chairman, Secretary of the Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee, and served on the Committee of Immigration. He also mentored new generations in the principles of Liberal conservatism and conducted candidate training at his home in Watsonia.
In 1991, Peter was invited by Bruce Ruxton, the President of the Victorian RSL, to restructure the Hellenic RSL Club in South Melbourne, ensuring its alignment with the Australian RSL Constitution. This task was successfully completed over two years, and Peter remains an active member of the Victorian RSL in Watsonia. An ardent supporter of the RSL, he is committed to assisting veterans in need.
His community involvement flourished further when he served as Secretary for the Whittlesea Australia Day Committee in 1993, playing a crucial role in recommending individuals and organizations for the prestigious Whittlesea Australia Day Awards. In 1994, he became a member of the Australian Hellenic Memorial Executive, working alongside the Australian Defence Force and local clergy to raise funds for a memorial at the Victorian Shrine of Remembrance, symbolizing the collaboration between the Australian and Hellenic communities.
After his discharge from the Australian Regular Army in 1998, Peter continued within the Army Reserve and Standby Reserve until his retirement from the Defence Force. He and his four sons settled in Watsonia, allowing them to focus on education and personal development. Peter briefly worked as a Traffic Operations Supervisor before joining the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia’s welfare division as a Training Operations Manager in 2000. In this role, he engaged with youth, the elderly, and individuals from diverse backgrounds while providing humanitarian support through food distribution and welfare programs.
During this period, Peter met his current wife, Yovanna, during a welfare training mission in Toronto, Canada. Together, they have built a life in Watsonia, where Peter remains devoted to his family and community. In 2003, Peter took on a leadership role with Skills Link West, an employment conglomerate serving underprivileged and refugee communities. He pursued his educational aspirations, earning a Bachelor of Adult Training and Development from Monash University, along with diplomas in Training and Assessment Systems and a postgraduate degree in Environmental, Occupational Health and Safety.
In 2004, Peter, Yovanna, and Maurice Barwick founded ABALINX, a not-for-profit consultancy dedicated to supporting community organizations in career development, occupational health and safety, and training. Their work has significantly impacted the community, particularly in assisting mature-age workers and individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment without seeking any remuneration. In 2004, Peter began freelance journalism in his spare time, continuing to write to this day. He is a financial member of the MEAA in Australia, a financial member of the Workpress agency in France, and a financial member of the Peloponnese Journalist Association in Greece. This membership enables Peter to operate as a journalist in Europe as well as Australia.
In 2005, Peter became the Business and Public Relations Manager for the Greek Community of Oakleigh and Districts. This challenging role involved raising the community’s profile and supporting various welfare initiatives. He played a key role in securing funding for critical projects within the community, including IT improvements for local educational institutions. Peter also coordinated visits for dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of Greece, and advocated for numerous families facing financial difficulties. His unwavering commitment to supporting the community has instilled a sense of responsibility among organizations to assist the young and elderly.
Despite facing stress, anxiety, severe depression, three heart attacks, and a diagnosis of lymphatic cancer since 2007, Peter’s resilience has shone through. After months of hospitalization at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre, Peter’s faith, positive attitude, and the support of Yovanna, his four sons, extended family, and friends helped him survive, and he is currently in remission.
Today, Peter remains dedicated to his family responsibilities, his role as founder of ABALINX, and his community. Due to health-related matters, he has reduced his political activities but continues to thrive as a freelance journalist, commenting on domestic and international issues while exploring historical themes, particularly those related to Australian veterans, military history, and his Greek heritage. His articles have been published in Australia (Neos Kosmos and Anagnostis) and in Europe. Peter is also engaged in a personal project to construct the Hellenic ANZAC Memorial (HANZAC) in Pellana, Greece, honoring the contributions of ANZACs and Greeks. This seven-year initiative underscores his commitment to preserving cultural history and fostering community ties. Peter’s dedication to writing about veteran issues, their families, and the effects of service remains a significant focus, continually raising awareness among the public.
A lifelong learner, Peter seeks to expand his knowledge through further studies in history and aims to document the stories of his generation. His interests encompass poetry, research, mentoring, and technology, as he contributes to various media outlets and engages with communities online. Over a twenty-year period, he has written more than 2,000 articles, including periodicals and manuals, and is the author of seven books: Generations – Adamis family, Curiosity – Nicholas Bantounas, Oakleigh Greek Orthodox Community & Districts – Thanasis & Despina Rovolidis, Pellana: A Historical Resource Perspective, Hellenic ANZAC Memorial, Ramblings – Maurice G. Barwick and Klephtes. He has also written numerous periodicals covering topics ranging from rifle shooting to management practices, survival training, and the Mycenaeans and the Sea Peoples. Currently, Peter is researching material for his next book regarding Hellenic immigrants to Australia since World War II.
Peter’s journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and a profound commitment to community service. His contributions to multicultural awareness, social justice, and support for those in need have left a lasting impact, and he continues to be recognized as a cherished figure within his community. Despite his many achievements, Peter remains humble, preferring to work behind the scenes while “carrying his heart on his sleeve,” always ready to support others and fight for what is right. His motto is to fight the good fight and never give up.