2023-12-08

Sydney

Anton, Bill

Greeks in Australia

Oral history

Digitised

Interviewer: Kathy Kallos

Occupation: Business owner
Year of arrival: 1964
Method of transport: Ship (Seven Seas)

Bill Anton is the fifth of six children born into a farming family in the Ilia region of the Peloponnese in 1938. He was unable to complete his schooling and from a young age assisted his family on the land, cultivating wheat and herding sheep. When he completed his military service, Bill married a girl from his village and became a father soon after. In 1964 he decided to join his brother in Sydney who had migrated two years earlier. After working in several factory jobs, Bill managed a chain of delicatessens called Balkan Foods which imported Greek products. In 1969, he ventured into his own business in inner-city Darlinghurst, opening a fruit and grocery shop. After twenty years, he sold the business and found new premises in Marrickville, where he concentrated on importing Greek products. Bill is among the first importers of Greek artesian water and olive oil.

Interview summary
Bill describes the devastating impact of World War 2 and the Greek Civil War on his family. He recounts his attendance at English language classes during his military service. He describes the chaotic scene when passengers disembarked in Sydney. He recalls the language difficulties encountered in the early days of his arrival and the long working hours in his Darlinghurst fruit shop. Bill also gives an account of his business dealings with Greek suppliers in the importation of Greek artesian water and olive oil.

Sound recording

Siobhan Campbell