Remembering Nick Polites OAM: A Melbourne jazz legend and champion of multiculturalism

·

A champion of multiculturalism, advocate for migrant issues and Melbourne jazz legend – three perfect descriptors of Nick Polites OAM who recently died at the age of 95.

To mark his sad passing, The Greek Herald takes a look back at his incredible life and achievements.

Early Life:

Nick Polites’ father, Theodore, migrated from Lefkada to South Africa in 1898. In 1900, he came to Melbourne where he met Filia, an Asia Minor refugee, and married in 1924.

In 1927, Filia gave birth to Nick.

Nick finished school in Elwood and studied Commerce, Languages and Arts at Melbourne University. After graduation, he took the helm of the family business, a confectionary factory.

Nick Polites OAM.

Social work for the Greek community:

In 1971, Nick sold the family’s confectionary factory and moved on to migrant services. He became one of the founders of the Greek Australian Welfare Society, Pronia, and ended up being Director for 15 years.

When they were facing a shortage of Greek speaking social workers, he went back to university to get a degree in social work.

Legendary jazz musician:

In amongst his social work, Nick was also living a parallel life as a legendary jazz musician in Melbourne.

Nick was also a legendary jazz musician.

At just 19 years of age in 1946, Nick played his clarinet at the first ever Australian Jazz Convention, which is now the world’s longest-standing jazz festival.

Later, he also played with the biggest jazz bands in Melbourne, as well as with legends like George Lewis and Louis Armstrong.

Nick’s Legacy:

In 1981, Nick was awarded the Order of Australia Medal and the Spiro Stamoulis Lifetime Achievement Award 2020 by the Australian Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Nick remained active and creative until the last years of his life. He was still playing live jazz music until recently on a weekly basis.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Bouzouki Night 2025: A celebration of youth, culture and Hellenic pride in the Capital

It was a night of kefi in Canberra as 300 guests filled the Hellenic Club of Canberra for the Hellenic Youth Club’s Bouzouki Night 2025.

Cretan and Kalymnian youth in Sydney unite for a night of dance, music and kefi

The spirit of Greece came alive in Sydney as the Cretan Youth Association of Sydney and the Kalymnian Youth Society of NSW hosted Xoro.

Greek language attainment award, from yiayia’s kitchen to the classroom

The Greek Centre in Melbourne filled with pride and applause on Saturday, October 18 as the GCM honoured students of all ages.

Once a year, the future gathers at the Australian Hellenic War Memorial

Once a year, on an October spring morning, the Australian Hellenic War Memorial (AHWM) fills with the laughter of children.

Parliament House to host inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum

The Embassy of Greece in Australia will present the inaugural Women of the Greek Diaspora Forum, an exciting event.

You May Also Like

Board elected for Melbourne branch of National Research Foundation ‘Eleftherios K. Venizelos’

The Branch of the National Hellenic Research Foundation "Eleftherios K. Venizelos" met last week at Northcote, Victoria.

Pizzeria owner Peter Poulos’ experience with COVID-19 during NSW’s current outbreak

Peter Poulos didn't expect to receive a call from NSW Health two days after dining at his pizzeria in Sydney's Paddington.

Melbourne lockdown extended by seven days

Melburnians will spend another week in lockdown, Premier Daniel Andrews has confirmed at Victoria's press conference on Wednesday. Victoria has recorded 20 new locally acquired COVID-19...