Greek-Australian Archive – George Michelakakis

Item

Title
Greek-Australian Archive – George Michelakakis
Subject
Australia--Emigration and immigration—History
Immigrants
Greek language, Modern
Voyages and travels
Art
Category
5. Cold War (including Decolonisation)
Author
Michelakakis, George
Keywords
Greeks in Australia
Oral history
Bonegilla camp
Creator
Elefterias-Kostakidis, Eleni
Current holder
State Library of New South Wales
Date
December 1, 2021
Link
https://greekaustralianarchive.sl.nsw.gov.au/oral-histories/george-michelakakis
Access rights
Digitised
Rights 
Copyright holder : State Library of New South Wales
Please acknowledge : Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales
Country of origin
Australia
Place
Sydney
Journey
Bonegilla Migrant Centre
Melbourne
Language 
Greek (Modern)
Description from source
Interviewer: Eleni Elefterias-Kostakidis

Occupation: Factory worker, Artist
Year of arrival: 1971
Method of transport: Aeroplane to Djibouti then Ship (Patris)

George Michelakakis is an artist, author, radio programmer and activist. He was born in Piraeus in December 1945. His decision to emigrate was based on political and economic factors. In 1971 he flew with his wife to Djibouti in East Africa, and from there travelled to Australia with the Greek passenger liner, Patris. He spent considerable time in Bonegilla and Melbourne, before moving to Sydney.

Interview summary
George talks of the extreme poverty and political oppression suffered by his family in post-war Greece. He describes the trip to Australia with his first wife, his early days in the Bonegilla Migrant Camp. He also discusses his life as a factory labourer and the difficulties faced because of his limited English. The interview also covers his writings and work as an artist.
Physical format
Sound recording
Related resources 
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