Unley CEO awarded Public Service Medal
Published on 30 January 2025
We are thrilled to congratulate and celebrate our CEO, Peter Tsokas, who has been awarded a prestigious Public Service Medal as part of this year’s Australia Day Honours. This recognition highlights Peter’s extraordinary contributions to public service, his visionary leadership, and his deep commitment to enhancing community wellbeing.
We sat down with Peter to discuss this incredible achievement, his reflections on his time at Unley, and his passion for public service.
Q: How does it feel to receive the Public Service Medal?
Peter:
"It's an incredible honour and privilege to be awarded the Public Service Medal. This recognition is truly special to me because public service is more than just my profession; it’s my passion. To be acknowledged for something that I care so deeply about is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the importance of serving our community with dedication and integrity.”
Q: Tell us about some of the initiatives you have been most proud of during your time at the City of Unley?
Peter:
"The City of Unley has thrived in so many ways during my time here, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together. Under my leadership and with the guidance of Council, we’ve placed Unley in a strong, financially sustainable position, ensuring that we can continue to deliver exceptional services and opportunities for our community well into the future.
Unley has a reputation for its environmental stewardship, vibrant local economy, and civic leadership. These attributes, coupled with our strong sense of community, have cemented the City as a place people truly value—offering an enviable lifestyle, a range of activities, and outstanding facilities and services.
Community engagement has become a cornerstone of our approach during my time at Unley. We’ve made a deliberate and sustained effort to genuinely listen to our community, ensuring their voices are not only heard but actively shape the decisions we make. Their insights and contributions have been instrumental in guiding us toward more informed, inclusive, and impactful outcomes—building a city that truly aligns with their needs, aspirations, and vision for the future. This spirit of collaboration has strengthened trust, deepened our connection with the community, and fostered a shared sense of ownership and pride in the future of Unley.
Q: Are there any community services or initiatives that you have a keen interest in?
Something I’m particularly passionate about is supporting our ageing population to live well and age in place. We’ve introduced a variety of programs, activities, and services that promote active ageing, helping our older residents stay connected, engaged, and supported. Whether it’s through social opportunities or practical initiatives and support services, these efforts reflect my commitment to enhancing the lives of all members of the community. Seeing these outcomes has been deeply rewarding, and I feel privileged to have been part of a city that prioritises the wellbeing of its people and their future.
This passion extends beyond my role at Unley. From 2018 to 2023, I was a board member for St. Basil’s and am now serving as Deputy Chair. There, I’ve been actively involved in helping to drive their vision to expand and provide high-quality accommodation and care for residents, ensuring their needs are met with compassion and excellence.”
Q: What drives your passion for public service?
Peter:
"For me, public service is about making a difference—leaving communities better than we found them. I’ve always been inspired by the potential of collaboration to drive positive change. Whether it’s mentoring emerging leaders through the University of South Australia Executive Partner Program, supporting sustainability with KESAB, or promoting inclusivity with organisations like I Can Jump Puddles, I believe in the power of collective effort to create lasting impact.
Public service is deeply rewarding, and this medal serves as a reminder of why I do what I do: to serve the community and create meaningful, positive change."
Peter’s Public Service Medal is a well-earned recognition of his leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to the City of Unley and beyond. His ability to bring people together, inspire progress, and champion initiatives that enhance community wellbeing has left a lasting impact. We are incredibly proud to have him at the helm, shaping a connected, progressive, and resilient Unley.
Congratulations, Peter, on this outstanding achievement!