Greek-Australian Archive – George Michelakakis

Copyright holder : State Library of New South Wales Please acknowledge : Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

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.