2023-09-21

Sydney

Kevgas, Kyriakitsa

Greeks in Australia

Oral history

Kallos, Kathy

Digitised

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

Interviewer: Kathy Kallos

Occupation: Shop owner, Businesswoman
Year of arrival: 1956
Method of transport: Ship (Tasmania)

Kyriakitsa Kevgas was born in Xylokastro, a seaside town in the Peloponnese in 1932. In 1956, she left Greece to come to Australia, after an aunty had recommended the move to her parents. Kyriakitsa joined her first cousin in Sydney, who was the owner of the Redfern Hotel. After her sister arrived from Greece, they rented an apartment together in Bondi. The two sisters opened a shop in Darlinghurst, called The Bride’s Corner, specialising in bridal gowns, christening wear, candles and bonbonnieres. Kyriakitsa didn’t want to get married for several years, despite the many suitors in Sydney. She developed a long-distance relationship with a man from Greece and they married soon after his arrival in 1965.

Interview summary
Kyriakitsa describes her comfortable life in Xylokastro. She laments that she never really understood the reasons why she was sent to Australia, believing it was only for a short time. Kyriakitsa recalls the emotional day she farewelled her classmates, who told her to not forget Greece. She provides a rich account of her working life in Sydney, her social circles and the reputation she developed as a leading bridal and christening stylist.

Sound recording

Siobhan Campbell