The Canberra community gathered this week to farewell a beloved figure, Con Poulos (born Konstantinos Georgakopoulos), who passed away peacefully on 23 June 2025 at the age of 89. A first-generation Greek Australian, Con was a proud migrant, community leader, businessman, and above all, a devoted father, grandfather and friend.
Con was born in Dara, Arcadia in Greece in 1936, the adored first-born son of Athanacia and Theodoros Georgakopoulos. As the eldest sibling to Alexandra, Mary, Dina, Vicki and Aleko, he carried the weight of responsibility with pride, even as he left his mountain village behind in 1955 to board the Cyrenia for Australia in search of a better future. He wouldn’t see his parents or some of his siblings again for 18 years.
After arriving, Con spent time at the Bonegilla migrant camp, later working in Crookwell, Goulburn, and eventually settling in the city he would grow to call the best in the world – Canberra.
A life built on work and love
In 1959, Con met Judith Johnston, the woman who would become his wife. The story goes that she won him over by impressing him with her Greek coffee-making skills. They married in 1964 and raised their three children – Tania, Theo and Emilie – first in Downer, then in Duffy, where they built a home and a life filled with warmth, laughter and the rich traditions of their blended Greek and Australian heritage.
Con’s work ethic was legendary. He began as a sales representative, worked in cafes and restaurants, and eventually co-founded The Brass Cage in the newly opened Belconnen Mall in 1978. He later ran Le Café and Sweet Affair, holding businesses in the mall for over 16 years. His cafés were not just places to eat, but social hubs that served coffee, conversation, and community.
A legacy of service
Beyond his professional success, Con dedicated much of his life to service. He was a passionate supporter of community and cultural life, serving on committees and boards for the Greek Orthodox Community of Canberra, AHEPA, the Hellenic Club, the Pan-Arcadian Association, Capital Football, Canberra Olympic, and more. He was President of the St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Parish and Community at Queanbeyan for over 20 years.
Con was especially passionate about football. He coached his son’s team in Weston Creek in the 1980s and later became a life member of Capital Football.
He was equally proud of the Hellenic Club, where he served on the Board and could often be found enjoying a rare steak or snapper in the bistro, followed by cards in the kafenio. He believed no other steak compared to the Club’s.
Fierce, funny and always real
Con was not one to hide his opinions. With a mix of gruff humour, dry sarcasm and no-nonsense honesty, he could disarm or offend in equal measure – but he was always authentic. You always knew where you stood with Con. His daughters joked that many people didn’t realise he was joking – but he was all bark and very little bite.
Though occasionally stubborn, Con was also deeply loyal, forgiving, and loving. He taught his family the value of strength, independence, service, and humour – and most importantly, the importance of being present for one another.
He adored his sons-in-law Tom and Johnny, daughter-in-law Jenny, and was a deeply proud Pappou to Harrison, Kosta, Dimity, George, Ioulia, Olivia and Annabelle.
In his final years, as his health declined, Con’s independence waned but his spirit endured. His family was grateful for the time they had, and that they could be by his side when he passed peacefully.
A final farewell
Con’s funeral was held at St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Kingston on Tuesday, July 1, followed by his burial at Gungahlin Cemetery. Father Petros Kipouros provided spiritual comfort in his final weeks, a gesture the family deeply appreciated.
The family also offered heartfelt thanks to Peter Danassis, a loyal friend who regularly visited Con in aged care, and to Lisa Andonaros of the Hellenic Club, and Bill from William Cole Funerals, for their care and compassion during a difficult time.
In the words of Thucydides, which appeared on Con’s funeral notice: “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”
To Con – a life well lived, a legacy well loved.
