“I feel like a girl”: Maria Boulas celebrates 101st birthday

·

On Monday, April 5th, centenarian Maria Boulas from Mascot, celebrated her 101st with family and friends.

“I feel like a girl,” she tells The Greek Herald.

Mrs Boulas immigrated to Australia from the Greek island of Samos, in 1953, with her husband Aristarchus and her two kids, John and Koula.

“We came to Australia for a better life. My husband wanted our kids to study and in Samos they couldn’t, due to his political views,” Maria Boulas told us in a recent interview.

Aristarchus, Maria’s late husband, had the opportunity to emigrate to the country under the ‘ten pound assisted passage scheme’ funded by the British and Australian governments. The program was aiming to attract more British to the country, because they were seen to be culturally close to Australians.

Photo (L): Maria Boulas with her late husband and two kids, photo (R): Mrs Boulas with her daughter Koula, 2020

However, a great number of migrants from other cultural backgrounds also emigrated during this period. 

Last year, Mrs Boulas was recognised for her contribution to her local community by NSW Labor politician, Ron Hoenig.

“Like so many other Greeks, Maria and her family are a great Aussie success story – they came to this country with nothing but the clothes on their back and a will to work hard. They succeeded and made a new life for themselves and their children,” said Hoenig.

Do you have a similar community story? Email us at: greek@foreignlanguage.com.au

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Orthodox Mission in Madagascar uplifted by Australian generosity

As Bishop Theophilos prepares to return to Madagascar, he issued a statement expressing his deep gratitude for the support and affection.

Aaron Zerefos Enterprises acquires Fresco Beverages 

Aaron Zerefos has announced the acquisition of the Fresco Beverages business, enhancing his hold on the Australian drink distribution market. 

Feros Group to take over premier waterfront venue in Darling Harbour

The Feros Group has announced they now own and operate the iconic Helm Bar & Bistro in Sydney's Darling Harbour.

Peter Mamouzelos aims to play in Greece as rugby league grows

Peter Mamouzelos has expressed his ambition to play rugby league in Greece, a goal that has been hindered in the past due to the sport's ban.

Trust-building steps taken in Cyprus, but peace talks still elusive

Cyprus' rival leaders, Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar, made some progress on Wednesday.

You May Also Like

‘Wild Colonial Greeks’: Peter Prineas to launch new book at Mytilenian House

Sydney writer and historian Peter Prineas will be launching his new book, 'Wild Colonial Greeks', at the Mytilenian House in Sydney on Wednesday, March 3.

Greek Revolution anniversary committee calls on public to submit proposals for activities

The National Committee invite all interested parties to express their interest and submit their proposals for activities and events.

Jon Adgemis in refinancing talks over pub group’s $500 million debt

Investors are currently in talks to arrange a $500 million debt refinancing for Jon Adgemis’ Public Hospitality Group (PHG).