John Tsekas moved his family to Leumeah five years ago.
Once the family settled into life here, Tsekas embarked on a mission: He used his auditing skills to discover how many people of Greek heritage called Macarthur home.
“I found out there were more than 3,000 people of Greek heritage in Macarthur,’’ Tsekas says.
Tsekas, who like most Greeks is a proud Aussie who also deeply values his Greek heritage, didn’t just stop with the audit.
He took the next step and founded a community association called Macarthur Greeks, which he hopes will help connect those 3,000 odd Macarthur residents who share a Greek background.
“This is the main idea,’’ says Tsekas.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“To bring people of Greek background together to share some of their traditions, like Greek language, food, music and dancing.[/social_quote]
“And of course we are here in this fantastic place, Macarthur, which has so many great facilities,’’ Tsekas said.
Macarthur Greeks have already held one activity, an “inauguration’’ of the new association, titled Oli Mazi, which is Greek for All Together.
It was held in September in the Campbelltown Arts Centre and it was a big hit.
Greek dance, music and a display of cultural costumes, activities for the young and the old, plus traditional Greek sweets, were all on offer.
But that’s only the start, says Tsekas.
“We want to have more events across Macarthur where we can connect with each other and create a community of people with a Greek heritage,’’ he says.
Over the past 40 to 50 years, the Greek community of Sydney has evolved and branched out of its enclaves in Marrickville and Rosebery and Earlwood.
But the price they pay for that is that they tend to lose touch with each other and the rest of the community, says Tsekas.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“So you end up with their Greek culture, as well as the Greek language becoming more and more a low priority – especially for younger generations,’’ he says.[/social_quote]
“Something like the Macarthur Greeks can help provide the missing connection.
“And while we love living in Macarthur – it’s why I brought my family out here – there isn’t a single Greek restaurant in the whole region.
“Maybe this one of the first things we’d like to see set up.’’
Which would be music to the ears of many people, not least David Everett, the publisher of local foodie bible, In Macarthur Magazine. My old mate Dave has been pushing for Greek food in Macarthur for years.
But in the meantime John Tsekas and the Macarthur Greeks are planning their next activity.
Enquiries: John Tsekas on 0418 207 103 or email macarthurgreeks@gmail.com
You can also check out Macarthur Greeks on Facebook.
- Disclosure: The author, Eric Kontos, is of Greek background.
