Melbourne woman, Penny Mackieson, shares how she discovered her Greek background

·

In an interview with The Guardian, Melbourne woman, Penny Mackieson, said she always knew she was adopted.

In 1989, she applied for her adoption records and obtained what she thought was the name of her biological mother.

Penny spent the next two decades getting to know and love the woman until gnawing doubts saw her take a DNA test which revealed they weren’t actually related.

Adoption Information Services then connected Penny with her real biological mother – an elderly Greek woman.

READ MORE: Lies, deception and secrecy: The untold story of a Greek Australian adoptee.

Penny always knew she was adopted.

On Tuesday, after a 15-minute hearing in the Victorian county court, Penny was able to correct her birth records and include her Greek mother’s name.

“It feels like this is the first day of the rest of my life. I feel much more optimistic and I feel freer – this is who I am,” Penny said after the verdict, according to The Guardian.

Penny is now set to visit Greece for the first time in July but she will not meet her biological mother as “she said she doesn’t want contact.”

READ MORE: Greek Australian searches for missing twin sisters with help from The Eftychia Project.

Source: The Guardian.

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Sydney’s filmmakers spotlighted at celebratory Greek Film Festival event

The 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney paid tribute to the efforts of Hellenic-background filmmakers from its city.

Australian Greek Ex-Servicemen unveil plaque honouring ancient Athenian soldiers

The Australian Greek Ex-Servicemen’s Association held a significant commemorative event on Saturday, October 19.

Hellenic Club of Canberra announces new Board for 2025/26 at AGM

The Hellenic Club of Canberra held its 55th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, 19 October 2025, at its Matilda Street premises in Woden.

Oakleigh Grammar welcomes Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister for historic visit

Oakleigh Grammar welcomed Ioannis Loverdos, Greece’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Greeks Abroad, as part of his official tour.

Greece and Australia deepen space and diaspora links during Loverdos’ Adelaide meetings

Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Loverdos met with South Australian Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis in Adelaide on Wednesday.

You May Also Like

Greek Orthodox Community of SA celebrates volunteers with Morning Tea

Within the framework of the National Volunteer Week, the Greek Orthodox Community of SA (GOCSA) honoured and acknowledged their volunteers.

Victorians rejoice as state records only one new COVID-19 case

Victorians have woken up Saturday morning to the incredible news published by the Victorian Health Department, which shows the state recorded only one new COVID-19 case in the last 24 hours.

Insight or Perspective: “Greek films are a good way for children to learn the language”

"Who doesn't love a film full of songs, dance and fun with the all-time favourite Greek star, Aliki Vougiouklaki," writes Eleni Elefterias.