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.

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Latest News

Thebarton Hellenic Festival 2026 to unite culture, community and ANZAC tribute

The Thebarton Hellenic Festival 2026 will bring Adelaide together for a celebration of Greek culture, opening with an ANZAC Day tribute.

Cyprus Community of NSW affirms support ahead of Armenian genocide commemorations

The Cyprus Community of NSW has reaffirmed its solidarity with Armenians, supporting recognition and remembrance.

Battle of Crete Council honours ANZAC nurses at Melbourne commemorative service

The Battle of Crete & Greece Commemorative Council of Victoria was represented by Natasha Spanos, at an ANZAC Commemorative Service.

GCM seminar to explore shifting Turkish narrative on Gallipoli commemoration

The Greek Community of Melbourne will host an online seminar this Thursday, April 23, as part of its 2026 Seminar series.

Sydney Olympic’s AGM exposes divisions over governance, finances and club control

Sydney Olympic FC’s AGM was marked by robust discussion around governance, financial transparency and the club’s future direction.

You May Also Like

Northcote Festival bursts to life with culture, dance and community spirit

Spring sprung a week early as the Northcote Festival at the Holy Monastery of Axion Estin returned for its second year.

Communist Party to skip Ukrainian President’s speech in Greek Parliament

Greece’s Communist Party will not participate in a parliamentary session on April 7 where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will speaks.

Anastasia Lavrentiadis’ Greek vegan food hailed among South Australia’s best

Staazi & Co is a mobile food van and takeaway shop that brings delicious Greek vegan food to the streets of Adelaide.