Australian Editorial
Greek Cypriots first arrived in Australia in the 1850’s, as gold
prospectors. The majority settled in Victoria and established
small businesses. More Cypriots arrived after the British take-over of Cyprus in 1878,
many working their way to Australia as crewmen on board British
ships.
Many Cypriots began to arrive in Australia after World War II, due to
the violence and political instability facing Cypriots. The population of
Cypriots living in Victoria increased from 169 in 1947 to 2,396 in
1954.
After the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, many Cypriots migrated
to Australia. The population of Cypriots living in Victoria almost
doubled in size between 1971 and 1981
In more recent years Victoria is the most popular destination for
Cyprus-born migrants to Australia, with 8,839 recorded in 2001.
In Melbourne, Greek Cypriot migrants have mainly settled in the outer
suburbs of Sunshine, Broadmeadows, Keilor and Whittlesea, largely
working as tradespeople, labourers and professionals. Organisations
such as the Cypriot Community of Melbourne and Victoria provide
support to the community. They are now spread all over Australia we
have large Cypriot communities in Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and
Brisbane again with their own community centres and organisations.
There are the annual Cyprus wine festivals which take place in
Melbourne and Sydney who receive thousands of visitors. The
weather and culture is similar to their homeland but so far away it will
take us a whole day to travel to Cyprus but still most of us still make
the trip back to see our families and friends.
The Greek Cypriots are now making paths and integrating into the
Australian community we now have Cypriots in Government we have
Senator Nick Xenophon, Minister Theo Theophanous. MP Michael
Costa. We have the Chief Executive of Aussie Rules Football Andrew
Demetriou you will also watch TV and see Cypriot names coming up
on the credits.
It is estimated there is 80,000 Cypriots born in Cyprus or of origin
living there. |
