By George Tserdanis
The official launch of the book on the life and poetry of the late Demetris ‘Mimis’ Dervos took place on Wednesday, December 18 at the AHEPA NSW hall in Rockdale, Sydney.
The event, which drew a packed audience, was hosted by AHEPA NSW Inc, the Athenian Association of NSW, and the Department of Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies at The University of Sydney. The event also saw the presence of Dervos’ extended family, including his daughter Maria Sallos.
The evening began with warm greetings from the President of the Athenian Association, Cathy Valis, who welcomed distinguished guests, including the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis. Ms Valis read out three of Mimis’ poems, which were met with resounding applause.
Later, Dimitris Alexopoulos, a key contributor to the publication of the book, read another three poems. Complimentary copies of the book were distributed to attendees.
The President of AHEPA NSW, Dimitris Papanagiotou, also delivered a short but impactful speech, while Consul General Mr Mallikourtis spoke about the enduring significance of history.
The most moving tribute of the night came from Mimis’ son, Dr Herakles Dervos. His heartfelt words shed light on his father’s extraordinary life journey and contributions.
Born in Athens, Greece, Mimis lived as an intellectual wanderer, travelling to various countries and even residing in Paris, France for two years before ultimately choosing Australia as his permanent home. He believed that Australia offered greater security and prosperity, famously noting the economic potential of a nation with 7.5 million people and ten times as many sheep.
At the time, Greece was grappling with the aftermath of a civil war, which led many of its citizens to seek a better life abroad. Mimis was among them. His son recalled how his father viewed Australia as a land of opportunity, offering him a free education and enabling him to obtain a medical degree.
One of Mimis’ most notable achievements was the establishment of the Athenian Association during the early 1950s. As a devoted Athenian, he founded the organisation to preserve and promote the culture of Athens among the Greek diaspora. Mimis was also actively involved with the “Open University,” a network of intellectuals and history enthusiasts that operated from the third floor of the Hellenic Club on Elizabeth Street, Sydney.
AHEPA NSW Vice President, Nitsa Gitsas, played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and professional execution of the event. Bilingual and poised, she presented the programme and invited Professor Vrasidas Karalis to the podium.
Professor Karalis, who has recently received multiple academic accolades, captivated the audience with an engaging talk about Mimis’ life and works. His speech, infused with wit and satire, drew enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
One aspect that was notably absent from the night’s discussions was the tragic and untimely death of Mimis in 1987. At the age of 76, he was fatally struck by a car while on a morning walk in Sydney, shortly after returning from another trip to Greece. This unexpected loss left an indelible mark on those who knew him.
Reflecting on the event, one attendee noted that, apart from the family, he might have been the only person present who had known Mimis personally. He recalled their many conversations, often held at the Minerva Restaurant owned by Vangelis and Melpo Papadopoulos. The venue was a hub for “high-level discussions” about politics, history and theatre, frequently attended by Chrysostomos Mantouridis, the man after whom the Marrickville-based Mantoureion Theatre is named.
The event was a fitting tribute to a man whose life, intellect and legacy continue to inspire. Through his contributions to the Greek Australian community, his poetry, and his enduring love for knowledge and culture, Mimis remains a cherished figure whose impact will be remembered for generations to come.
