Aria Bolkus preselected for the seat of

Colton

August 2025 Aria Bolkus has been preselected by the Labor Party for the seat of Colton, which spans Adelaide’s western suburbs, including Henley Beach, Fulham Gardens, West Beach, Lockleys, and Adelaide Airport. Aria is a lawyer by practice, having worked in both commercial litigation, and energy and mining merger and acquisition space. In addition, she also provided strategic advice to the defence and advanced manufacturing sector. Aria then moved into a role as federal adviser for the Federal Member for Hindmarsh, Mark Butler. Aria is the daughter of Greek immigrants from Lesvos and Kastellorizo, Nick Bolkus and Mary Patetsos. Her father was a former South Australian senator and immigration Minister for the Hawke and Keating Labor governments. Aria refers to her father as a “trailblazer in promoting multiculturalism. He brought humanity and empathy into every political decision he made—especially as immigration minister.” Aria’s mother Mary has also been heavily involved in the multicultural sector, namely as previous Chair of the Federal Ethic Communities Council of Australia. Aria draws on her Greek heritage and strongly values her community and family. Her yiayia and papou always spoke to her about the village they grew up in and instilled in her the value of being connected to your local community. They also loved the ocean, both coming from islands in Greece, so many of Aria’s most fond memories growing up are by the beach with them. Aria has lived in Colton her whole life. She went to primary school at Henley Beach Primary, she got her first job at joes’ kiosk, and she still walks up and down the beach every day. She also understands the contribution of migrants to the vibrant local community. She said “I love this community. It is such a privilege to be in this position to have the opportunity represent a place that means so much to me.”

Greek Tribune Adelaide, South Australia