Greeks in Australia

Abstract

The second largest migrant group in Australia is made up of some 300,000 people who regard themselves as Greek. Not all were born in Greece - some come from ancient Greek communities in Russia, Africa and the Middle East, some were born in Australia. What they have in common is their feeling of Greekness, their loyalty to their origins, their deep concern with family ties and values. They resist marriage with non-Greeks, adhere to the Greek Orthodox religion and stubbornly preserve the Greek language and culture. This book provides an introduction to the nature and purpose of Greek societies and organisations, and explains how Greeks relate to other Greeks in Australia and to Australian people and institutions. In identifying areas where Greeks have succeeded or failed in Australia, it also shows where Australia has succeeded and failed in its dealings with them and with other migrant groups.