Australia’s first Mayor of Greek descent and former state MP, Steve George Condous AM passed away on Friday 22 June following a short illness, aged 82.
The charismatic politician was born in 1935 on the Greek island of Kastellorizo, and first entered public life in 1968.
Mr Condous was elected Lord Mayor in May 1987, the first of Greek heritage, and went on to serve until 1993, spending a total of 25 years working at the Adelaide City Council.
“Without the unwavering support of the Greek community, I would have never been elected as a Mayor,” Mr Condous had stated in an interview in 2002.
He was married to Greek Australian Angela Condous, whose charitable work and philanthropy were exemplary, and together, they formed one of Adelaide’s most powerful couples.
Following his term as Lord Mayor, Mr Condous entered state politics with the Liberal Party, which would see another first for the Greek Australian.
Elected a Member of the South Australian House of Assembly between 1993 and 2002, representing the Electorate of Colton, he was first of Greek background to join South Australia’s Liberal Party in such a capacity.
“During his quarter of a century tenure as a Councillor and Lord Mayor, Mr Condous played an integral role in shaping the City of Adelaide as a business, education, residential and tourism destination,” said Adelaide’s current Lord Mayor, Martin Haese, who took to social media to announce Mr Condous’ passing.
“Among his many achievements were securing upgrades to Hutt Street and the Aquatic Centre in North Adelaide.
“He was also instrumental in encouraging residential developments in the West End and Halifax Street to grow the city’s population and supporting the greening of Adelaide’s streets. Throughout his career, he was also incredibly active as a patron and supporter of numerous community and sporting clubs, and always gave generously his time.
“Most of all, Steve Condous will be remembered as a true man of the people who had a great love for the community of the City of Adelaide and for the Adelaide Central Market,” Haese concluded.
In 2004, Mr Condous was awarded the Order of Australia for his service to South Australia’s Parliament, local government and community.
“I am saddened to hear of the death of Steve Condous,” said SA Premier Steven Marshall.
“He served South Australia and Adelaide with a profound sense of pride and passion over many decades.”
Throughout his career, Mr Condous remained close to his Greek roots, openly proud of his origins. He frequently spoke about the hardship and difficult years that his parents had suffered as immigrants in Australia, including the racist discrimination he and his father endured in the early years.
“I grew up only 500 metres from here in an area that was called the working-class ghetto of Adelaide. I went to school at Sturt Street Primary School. I was abused daily, both physically and verbally, and I’d come home with my shirts torn and bloodied because I’d been in a fight because I couldn’t stand what I was being called,” he said.
“At seven years of age, I saw my father being spat at in the streets and being called a dago.”
Prominent Greek Australians have continued to pay tribute to Mr Condous following the news of his passing, speaking of his immense contribution.
“Steve was a very proud Greek Australian. He was a leader who opened the doors to all people that came to City Hall,” Greek Australian businessman, Theo Maras told Neos Kosmos.
“He will be remembered for his dignity, honesty and compassion as a great Lord Mayor and a Member of Parliament.”
“I met Steve long before entering politics,” said former Minister Nick Bolkus. “His contribution to the progress of our state has been significant.”
