In 2005, Steve Kyritsis began reading the Nominal Roll of the Australian men and women who served in the Vietnam War. Among the 60,000 names, he found many Greek-Australian surnames. Himself a Vietnam veteran, Steve decided to try and contact as many as he could to ask them to share their experiences.vietnam, greek-australians

Several items were given by a seafarer, Mr Nicholas Garlick (1926-2009) into the care of Father Brady who retired from St Pauls Cathedral, Melbourne in 2018. Father Brady later donated the collection of; objects, documents and an extensive collection of cruise ship menus (1937-end of 20thC) to the Mission via the intermediary William Hastie, volunteer at the Mission for Seafarers. This particular item provides an example of a ticket for a Greek ferry the 'Apostolis' boarded on the 13th August 1949 by Mr Garlick's sister.This ferry pass for the Greek ferry 'Apostolis' is made of thin, cream-coloured paper. On the front of the ticket the official details are printed in Greek. The passenger details are hand-written in Greek. On the back is a note written by Mr Garlick. Front; see image for details. Back; 'A Greek Ferry Boat/pass. After W.W.II Greece/had a Civil War./ In '49 passenger had to obtain/permission to board a ferry, when/permission given a pass was issued./Name of boat 'Apostolis'./My sister visited Greece at the time - stayed 3 yrs./ Her name is on the pass, her number and alien are written in.'nicholas garlick, greek ferry ticket, 1949, 'apostolis'

The two men, Spiros Raftopoulos and Ioannis Metaxas, joined the army to fight in the Balkan Wars which involved two conflicts that took place in the Balkan Peninsula between 1912 and 1913. In the first conflict Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia defeated the Ottoman Empire in the First Balkan War; in the second conflict Bulgaria unsuccessfully contested the distribution by its former allies of territory taken from the Turks during the First Balkan War. A number of Greeks who had emigrated to Australia and other parts of the world returned to Greece to fight in those wars.The men returning to fight for the country of their birth were motivated by their patriotism. Even though they had sought a new life in another country they felt strongly the need to return to their homeland to join the struggle. A black and white photograph of two soldiers dressed in Greek army uniform which was worn in the early years of the twentieth century. The two men are holding rifles and have a load of bullets strapped across their shoulders. The original photograph was mounted on fawn and dark green board.A strip of paper has been stuck across the bottom of the photograph with the names of the two men written in Greek and English. S.RAFTOPOULOS AND K. METAXIS IN THE ARMY 1913.

The picture is of a Greek dance group, possible organised by the Olympic Club. Nina Black pictured in the middle row was an Australian born Ithacan who was very active in a variety of Greek community activities, including the performing arts and education. She was passionate about fostering Greek culture and language within the Ithacan, Greek and wider Australian community in Melbourne. She went on to establish her Greek dancing classes which were popular with both the Greek and broader Australian community. Her Greek dance group performed Greek dances at many social functions and dressed in traditional Greek costumes, the performances added colour to the events and were widely appreciated. Pictured, back row L-R: . . ? . ., Olympia Cecil, . . ? . . , ...... Green. Middle row L-R: ...... Green, . . . ? . . . , Michael Black, Nina Black, Marguerita Black. Front row L-R: Spiro Polites, Eleni Vrachna, Effie Cecil, Ellie Black, Harry NicholadesThe teaching of Greek dancing to the children of Greek immigrants ensured the maintenance of Greek cultural traditions in their adopted country. A black and white photograph of ten ladies and three men dressed in Greek national costume and posing on a staircase.

The photograph is of members of the Governing Council of Greek Women in Melbourne in 1917. A number of the women were from Ithaca. The organisation was created to offer social interaction for Greek women who had settled in Australia in the early years of the twentieth century and was part of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria. Back row L-R: Mrs. A Raftopoulou, Miss Sigala, Mrs. E. Peppa. Middle row L-R: Miss E. Nomikou, Mrs. K. Kyriazopoulou, (President), Mrs. K Mavrokefalou (Vice-president), Mrs. N. Mari. Front: Mrs. B. Zografou. A black and white portrait style photograph of eight young women. The translated caption is printed below the photograph in Greek: THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF GREEK WOMEN, MELBOURNE 1917 gocv, committee, auxilliary

Nina Black , standing at the back in the middle of the group, taught Greek dancing to many young Australian-born Ithacans. She also taught Greek language and English to adult migrants. Nina worked tirelessly with migrant community in the post mass migration period. Learning traditional Greek dancing has been one way that Ithacans who settled here were able to maintain their culture. Traditional Greek dancing is always popular at Ithacan social events. A black and white photograph of six ladies and four men dressed in Greek national costume.

The photograph was taken at arrival of the champion Greek wrestler, Jim Londros at Moorabin Airport on 26 November 1946. He was welcomed by members of the Greek community in Melbourne which included Stathi Raftopoulos, B. Dervenis, Spiro Raftopoulo -President of Greek Returned Soldierss, Mr Hatzis, Dr. Haralambos Paroulakis and Ioannis Panagiotopoulos. Jim Londros visited Australia after his retirement from wrestling in 1946. In retirement he worked for various charitable organizations especially for the Greek orphans of World War II. The photograph was published in the Greek newspaper 'Fos'.Greeks have enjoyed the sport of wrestling since ancient times. So the visit to Australia of a former Greek wrestling champion, and one who also devoted his time to helping others, would have been an important event for members of Melbourne's Greek community in 1946. Mr Ioannis Panagiotopoulos was publisher of the 'Fos' newspaper, the only Greek newspaper at the time. Dr Paroulakis arrived in Australia late 1930s and practised 55 Collins Street till 1987. He was Head of Outpatients and Physician at St, Vincent's Hospital for 22 years. Born in Crete he also served as President of Melbourne's Cretan Brotherhood, A black and white photograph of six men standing outdoors. All the men are dressed in suits. One is also wearing a tweed coat and four are wearing hats. Written under the photograph in Greek: MEMBERS OF THE GREEK COMMUNITY AWAITING THE ARRIVAL OF JIM LONDROS/ WORLD WRESTLING CHAMPION/ AT MOORABIN AIRPORT IN 1946. (PH. BY THE AUTHOR)wrestling, jim londros

As is usual in contemporary society, Greek ladies are keen on traditional dancing while the men like to play cards. This photograph was taken in the courtyard room at the Civic Centre in 1994Black and white photograph of Greek elderly citizens performing a traditional Greek dance. A lady in centre of photograph has a white pattern on her jumper. 1994greek elderly citizens club, nunawading

Picture of a 70 year old (dating back to WW2) high school text book in the Ancient Greek language which belonged to Effie Palmer-Detsimas. A school text book with a pink roneo printed cover with ancient Greek figures on the front and a geometric design on the back. There are 174 pages and the text is written in Ancient Greek.

A soldier in the type of traditional uniform worn during the period of the Greek Revolution. The army that fought the Greek Revolution was composed primarily of irregulars, who followed their own military leaders or "captains", and had no uniform code of dress. A faded sepia photograph of a Greek soldier dressed in the traditional uniform. He has two rounds of bullets across his shoulders and is also holding a gun in one had and saluting with the other. There is a pencilled faded message written in Greek on the back of the photograph. unknown

The Greek Orthodox Community with the support of the Ithacan Community in Melbourne established a Greek Language School in the early 1930s. The teaching of the Greek language to the Australian born children of Greek parents ensured that the language and culture was maintained within the Greek community. A sepia photograph mounted on grey board of the children and teachers at the Greek language school. The people are standing and seated in five rows in front of a stage.

Ill, p.257.non-fictionThe purpose of this book is .... to let those Greek-Australians who served [in the Vietnam War] - whether as National Service conscripts or as regular soldiers - tell their own storiesvietnam conflict - australian involvement, vietnam war 1961-1975 - biography

Text on rear, “Mainland Albania, Macedonia, Thraki - Crete - Greek democracy - Expedition memorable medal 1940 - 41 - We award - The participant of 1940 - 41 expedition - defend your Country, Athens 12.2.80, Minister for Defence Eyagelos - Averooh Jusitcha” Certificate awarded to John Eric Wiles VX16067, refer Cat No 5410P for his service details.Certificate, paper light yellow colour background, each side a column with top section over, under is a green leaf arrangement followed by Greek print, a centre name hand written in “Mr J. E. Wiles”, bottom stamped on LH side, RH side is dated. On rear a typed out and stuck is the English wording of the front also a typed piece re the recipient.On rear taped, “J. E. Wiles 2/7th INF”certificates, greece crete, wiles

The leaflet encouraging members to re-elect Ithacan Konstantinos Raftopoulos (Ravinos) to the committee of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria, describing him as a proven and experienced committee member. The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne was established in 1897 by some of the first Greek residents of Melbourne, including a number of Ithacans. It is the oldest Greek organisation in Australia and the second oldest Greek organisation of the diaspora after the Greek Community of Alexandria-Egypt. It has supported the Greeks who had settled in Melbourne and established many programs such as a Greek Language School and dance classes which has helped maintain Greek culture amongst Australians of Greek descent. A photograph of a leaflet for a candidate seeking election onto the committee of the Greek Community in Melbourne.

The three Lucas (Lekatsas) siblings, Peter, Nina and Andrew are photographed wearing Greek traditional costumes. The boys are wearing the uniform of the Greek Evzone soldiers, and the girl the traditional dress. They are children of Gerasimos and Kaliope (nee Zavistanos) Lekatsas.Children often wore national costumes at special Greek national day events which were usually organised by the Greek Community in conjunction with the Greek language schools. Most children of Greek background attended Greek school after hours to learn Greek language, history and culture. The national day events were an important way for Australian born children of Greek background to develop a deeper understanding of Greek history and an appreciation of their cultural heritage.A black and white studio photograph of a girl and two boys dressed in traditional Greek costumes. The girl is seated on a chair and the two boys are standing on either side of her.

The two women photographed in traditional Greek dress are Katerini Lucas (nee Paxinos) and ? Lekatsas. The women may have been dressed as part of Greek national day celebration or concert. A sepia photograph of two women standing and dressed in identical Greek national costumes. The photograph is in post card format with an undivided back although headings indicate the message and address sides.Stamped on the back is a blue oval stamp with the photographer's details. Printed across the top: POST CARD/ BRITISH MADE.

The photograph was taken at a gathering held at the Victoria Theatre in Victoria Street Richmond in 1961. The function was held to celebrate 25th March Greek National Day. Seated in the front row second from the left with other dignitaries is Stathi Vlass who was Secretary of Melbourne's Greek Community during the 60s. He was also president of the Ithacan Philanthropic Society 1957 - 1959. Fifth from the left is Stathi's uncle, Spiros Raftopoulos who was the President of the Greek Returned Soldiers. Important national days for the Greek community are the 25 March and 28 October. 25 March commemorates the start of the Greek Revolution of 1821; it honors the Greeks' fight for freedom after being occupied by the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years. The 28th of October, known as OXI day (NO day) commemorates the rejection by Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas of the ultimatum made by Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on 28 October 1940 with a resounding NO. Subsequently Italy invaded Greece but were successfully repelled by the Greeks, delivering one of the first allied victories. However, this was met with a forceful and immediate response when In April 1941 Germany invaded Greece. Greek resistance fighters — a combination of right and left wing partisan groups — mounted a sustained guerrilla war throughout the 4 year occupation. Greece suffered 400,000 casualties during the occupation.A copied black and white photograph of a group of people seated in a large auditorium. CELEBRATION OF THE GREEK NATIONAL DAY HELD IN THE VICTORIA THEATRE/ VICTORIA ST. RICHMOND IN 1661(incorrect date) vlassopoulos

Angelika Raftopoulos is the young woman wearing a traditional Greek costume. The costume is very much in the style of the Ithacan traditional dress, with apron and headscarf. A black and white studio photograph of a young woman seated on a settee in front of a curtain. She is dressed in a traditional Greek costume from the Ionian Islands.

The photograph is taken on board an ocean liner heading for Greece. Those in Greek costumes are paseengers; the two men in civilian clothes crew members. Fourth and fifth from the left respectively are cousins Penelope Billiter (nee Kallinikos) and Athena Sikiotis. Penelope 's father Spiro Kallinikos and Athena's mother Chrisoula were siblings.Many Australian born people of Greek heritage have made trips back to their parents' homeland in a bid to learn more about their heritage and to meet family. A black and white photograph of a group some of whom are dressed in Greek national dress. The 10 women in the photograph are all in national costume; of the five men three are wearing traditional dress.

The photo was taken at a Grecian Ball at which the Olympic Club Dancing Group dressed in national costumes performed Greek traditional dances. The couple on the left is Madelaine Cosmas and Spiro Paizis; the on right in the foreground are Irini Pappas and Nick Lappas.The maintenance of traditional Greek dancing has been an important in retaining traditional culture within expatriate Greek communities.A print of a black and white photograph of two ladies and two menders in Greek traditional costume and dancing. Two musicians, a violinist and a piano accordion player are providing the music for the dancers.

Greek Cypriot Wooden Sculpture

Pictured are a group enjoying coffee somewhere in Greece. Standing are Maria and Zaharia Moraitis (Morris); seated: unknown, unknown, Erasmia Brown (nee Benias). Zaharia and Maria returned to Ithaca from Melbourne in the 1970s. Erasmia lived in Newcastle and returned annually to Ithaca to visit family. Greek coffee is served in small cups accompanied with a glass of water. A faded coloured photograph of five people around a table enjoying coffee. Three are seated at the table and two are standing behind them. A large window is behind the group who are drinking Greek coffee from small cups. There are glasses of water on the table.

Cotton Greek flag, cotton with rope fittings

This item is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1942 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. The Greek-English Lexicon Author: H G Liddell Publisher: Oxford University Press Date: 1852Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 480 LID Pastedown end page has sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, pattison collection, warrnambool library, ralph eric pattison, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, the greek-english lexicon, h g liddell

The dance group performed at a function which took place at Wilson Hall at the Melbourne University Campus in 1961. The ladies are from L-R: Nina Black, June Megalos, Olga Black, Katherine Black, Stella Stevens and Effie Megalos.The maintenance of Greek culture within Melbourne's Greek community has been assisted by the teaching of traditional music and folk dancing to the Australian born generations at the Greek schools and dance classes. Greek dance is still an integral part of any Greek celebration.A black and white photograph of six women standing in front of a screen. They are dressed in traditional Greek costumes.

This book was awarded to Ewen Wanliss in 1891 for first prize for Greek in the VI form. Ewen enrolled at Ballarat College in 1888 at the age of 15 along with his brothers David, Cecil, Newton, Sydney and Neville. Ewen's father was Hon. T. D. Wanliss and his previous school was Toorak College IV class. The Wanliss family grew up in Wanliss House Sturt St, which was bought by the school in 1910. The house remained on the property until 1996. "Ewen Wanliss was born on 24th September 1873 and died in 1966. He was educated at Ballarat College, enrolled in1888, and was Captain of the College 1st XI and 1st XVIII in 1892. He served as 327 Pte E Wanliss, 4th (Imperial) Contingent, and as a Lieutenant (20th August 1900) with the 4th Imperial Bushmen in the South African War." (In the Footsteps of Pompey p. 14).Presbyterian educators placed great value on a classical education matched with diligence in study. Book prizes were highly regarded and academic success admired. In the school’s early years prizes were ordered direct from London and had the school crest embossed in gold on the front or back cover. Many of the prizes given in early years were returned to the school to equip the Weatherly Library when it opened in 1936.Bound in brown calf with gilt bordering on front and back cover and the college crest embossed on front cover. Six raised bands on spine with gilt lettering on red calf on the second compartment and gilt decoration on remaining compartments. End papers and page edges marbled. Black and white illustrations throughout, slight foxing on pages and slight detachment of spine. 474 p.Book plate inside front cover: ballarat college crest/ Greek/ VI Form./ First prize./ Awarded to/ E. Wanliss/ Christmas, 1891.ewen-wanliss, 1891, book-prize, ballarat-college, david, cecil, newton, sydney, neville, hon-t-d-wanliss, toorak-college, wanliss-house-sturt-st, south-african-war.