Going through the journal of our colleague Claire Paizanou Gazis, there is a script, which was written at the beginning of the ’60s with the departure of her sister Eleni for Australia.

This scene, was meant to be transformed in real life with so many episodes, since this year completes 53 years of production.

“Leaning on a rail in a corner of the ocean streamer Patris, with a broken heart and gazing on yonder, I was trying, as it was leaving the calm waters of the Limassol’s Port, to put myself together, sense what I was leaving behind and get ready towards what was in waiting for me,” Ms Gazis said.

“The images, going through my mind, were even more confusing. The family house at Kaimakli, the neighbourhood, the relatives, the friends and those places so closed to my heart, were mixing up in a dizzy speed with the unknown, making the destination even more uncertain.

“It was May 1967, I was 19, with only one qualification, the (high school) Certificate from the Pagkiprio Gymnasium Thileon Pallouriotissis, (Παγκύπριο Γυμνάσιο Θηλέων Παλλουριωτίσσης) and, a shining gleam from the Cyprus sun, a special gift from Aphrodite, goddess of love, to keep me company in the new life!

“It seems like yesterday. We were welcomed by foggy Melbourne. It was June, and in the heart of winter,” Ms Gazi said.

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Give us a picture of Australia back then. Was it easy for someone to find work?

Not one, but two jobs, and with plenty of overtime. On my arrival in 1967, Australia was transforming from light to heavy industrial. Also, there were plenty of jobs offered by farmers in country areas, mostly Europeans, who immigrated at the beginning of the 19th century.

What was your first job?

Being a Cypriot and born during British colonialism, my HSC Certificate was the equivalent of the Australian. My first job was as a typist at the Motor Registration Branch, which was located at Lygon Street, Carlton, and where a lot of my compatriots were employed. I stayed there for  a year before moving to the Commonwealth Bank where I stayed for four and a half years.

At that time, the Bank managers, were using all us, bilingual officers (Greeks, Italians, Yugoslavs) as interpreters, to help the customers who couldn’t speak a word of English.

I remember the queues in front of the tellers on a Friday afternoon, which was pay day. All factory workers used to come to the Bank, to make a cheque for the people left in Greece and deposit some, for the future purchase of their dream home, before doing their shopping.

All interpreters, were given special treatment by the Managers, with the Aussie colleagues not understanding why.

When did you start with Neos Kosmos?

Before Neos Kosmos, I worked part time as a Greek teacher at the Afternoon and Saturday Greek schools of the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria. I “graduated” in 1992, after 19 years of teaching with the fondest memories. I am proud seeing students of mine, parents to young children today, who christen them and take them to church and to Greek school. I feel I contributed a little to the “Ellinomathia” and yes, I am a proud teacher.

Neos Kosmos came in my life in 1984. My main job was in Advertising.

How did you “jump” into journalism?

I believe our editor-in-chief Sotiris Hatzimanolis, must have seen my knowledge and interest in community matters, so in July 1996, he gave me the green light for a weekly column. Titled “In your Neighborhood”, we travelled for 15 years in many local and remote neighborhoods. Of course, advertising, remained my main job.

Tell us some of your experiences in the newspaper.

I have met a lot of prominent people. I always remember meeting Dr Archie Kalokerinos, the pioneer doctor who between 1976 and 1982, saved, thousands of aboriginal children’s lives by offering them vitamin C injections.

I have also met prominent politicians from Greece and Cyprus visiting Australia. Unforgettable is the meeting with Alexandra Tsiavou, an Olympic Games winner, who visited Australia in February 2013, as a guest of the Panepirotic Federation of Victoria.

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Immigration has a special place in your heart.

Yes. I have written many stories from readers who shared personal moments of their stay at the Bonegilla Migrant Centre. I refer to the Centre, which housed migrants for 25 years, transporting them by train, from the South Melbourne Port and offering them food and shelter, till the Government Officers, found them job. I have to admit, their opinions are estranged. Some report the stay as a happy one and others, being disappointed, were leaving in groups or individually, following their dream.

Which other motifs were of your interest?

Over the years, I wrote stories of biological parents from Greece and Europe, looking for their children in Australia and vice versa. Agitated human stories, which touch our heart.
I recall the pledge of Elbid Khanum, who wanted to meet and thank – after 40 years – two good Samarian friends: Asimoula and Aleka Akritidis. It was a very emotional meeting. A magnificent true Greek-Turkish lasting friendship!

In the 30 years of full-time work, which publications have a special place in your heart?

The “Sydney 2000” and the “Athena 2004” Olympic Games publications. Through the editorials, we shared with our readers, locals and overseas, the Greek glory and pride. I must also mention the many articles and photos for the Greek winning Soccer team in 2004.

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Which article started your career in journalism?

“Freedom of multilingualism in Australia” (Ελεύθερη η πολυγλωσσία στην Αυστραλία), with the parrot who spoke Greek, the Aussie neighbours who complained and the Prahran mayor who gave the smart bird the “go ahead”. The article, was included in the curriculum of the 1st-year students of Melbourne University.
From what I know, you participated in many supplements.

I feel is my duty to organise the annual supplement about the 1974 Turkish invasion to my homeland.

Between 19 August and 16 December 2004, Neos Kosmos gave voice to 50 “Pioneer and active Greek Teachers”, who shared their personal schooling experiences from the afternoon and Saturday Greek schools. In my opinion, these offer useful information for researchers of the future to study the era.

The ships that made the journey to Antipodes, “Destination Australia” in 2011, is without a doubt, one of the most interesting and talkable chapters of our Community’s History. With 45 participants from every part of Australia, and, 45 significant stories, which gave us 45 historic journeys!

Plus, the never-ending narrations of “the grooms and brides”. True but sad stories, as in most cases the person in waiting was not the one in the photo.

Years later, the brides, going through their diaries and opening their hearts, noted: “We have made it at last to the Promised Land”, and others, “We came to the other end of the world, but there is no trace of civilization…” (ΝΚ26/10/2006).

And of course, I did and still do participate in any supplement when I am asked.

What was your role in the Children’s Christmas Mail?

We asked the children to post us their letter to Father Christmas in Greek, with the promise to deliver them to Santa on time. We had 600 participants. I became “Aunt Lena” (kids’ section columnist) for our newspaper for a while, and I enjoyed it.

What is the Greek Community for you?

The Greek and Cypriot Communities are a big school. Positively and negatively. I know that despite difficulties I must work hard and aim for the best. But in order to survive, you need strong will and good colleagues who share same values and vision.

I know you have written many theatrical plays.

I would only like to mention “At Kastalia Spring” in 2006, which was sponsored by the Multicultural Commission. A children’s play in which I express my experiences from the water shortage in Cyprus and remind everyone that “Our Water is our Future”.

Tell us about your Awards.

Again, I would only mention the “Meritorious Service to the Community Award” by the Multicultural Commission Victoria in 2008 for my service to the Greek Community.

From where do you get your strength?

From my family. I have two sons, John who is married to Vasiliki and Theo who is married to Miranda. Both have made me the proud yiayia of Nicholas, Anthea, James and Little Niko. I feel blessed! I must admit, that all these years, I had the full support of my late husband Nikolas.

I also get strength from the Community. I am happy with their small and their big achievements and feel sorry when ruined by disagreements.

My close relations and friends, believe, that I have been “naturalised a Lefkadian” as I am involved in the group with passion and love in the cultural events of both islands.

What are your thoughts about the future of Greek-Australians?

Being settled middle of 1800 and survived as individuals and as organized communities, I feel there is future. Lifecycle transpires a journey. I firmly grasp its hand and advance together. I believe there is plenty of Greek light at the other end of tunnel!

*Claire Gazis has been interviewed on the 29/10/2020 by the Cyprus TV program “Emeis ki o Kosmos mas” broadcasting from the RIK1-SAT.