The passing of Dimitris Gogos brings almost the end of a generation of young Greeks who arrived in Australia in the 1950s, inspired by ideals and the desire to change the world and be part of a historic movement in that direction. From within this small Greek community, the broader labour movement was born, building on the significant sociopolitical and cultural foundation of the Greek Australian left during the prewar period.

Having a newspaper of their own had been an objective since 1936. It was ultimately realised in 1957, with the demise of the White Australia Policy and the mass arrival of new migrants that headed to the factories of their new country – a tremendous transformation with challenges that had never been faced before.

Neos Kosmos, one of the finest achievements of the Greek left played a pivotal role in tackling these challenges – informing, explaining, empowering, and, above all, taking up and fighting for issues affecting the everyday lives of people and their aspirations for a world of justice and peace. This enabled Neos Kosmos to become the major paper of the Greek Community.

READ MORE: NK staff members express their condolences following the death of Dimitris Gogos

Neos Kosmos has passed several stages in its development, both in terms of policy and ownership. The fact that it was born and nurtured by the left and pursued left, progressive policies contributed the most to its success.

Dimitris Gogos’ life has been interwoven with that of Neos Kosmos from the very beginning. He had been at the epicentre and the driver of all major changes.

For me, who was there at the fathering and birthing stages of NK, and the journey along to this day, I would like – at the time of his death – to remember him for the commitment and passion we had to fight for the best interests of Greek and other migrant workers, for their ethnic and cultural rights, for an end to racial bigotry and political discrimination, and yes, for a world without injustices and wars.

Gogos’ legacy is undoubtedly Neos Kosmos.

My sincere condolences to his family.

George Zangalis