The Leader newspaper asked 20 Melbournians from different walks of life what Australia Day means to them. The group consisted of Catholic priests, transgender activists, SES volunteers, and a Greek Australian man named Yianni Poupouzas.
Yianni’s segment summarised the impact of Greeks on Australian society:
“For Nikos Cakes’ Yianni Poupouzas, Australia is a “special place” for Greeks who have migrated here,” the article reads.
Mr Poupouzas, who works as the general manager of the Oakleigh family-run business that has been serving up Greek specialities for the past 30 years, said he was proud to be part of a country that was fair and inclusive of all cultures.
“Being Australian for me means being able to be proud of the country we live in. It is a country that is fair to its people, and respected around the globe for what it represents and offers,” he said.
Mr Poupouzas said Australia was a country where many Greeks had come over generations to start anew.
“It is a special place that offers its beautiful and unique way of life and culture, while foremost respecting and celebrating the cultural backgrounds of those who have migrated here,” he said.
“To many Greeks it has allowed them to stay in touch with their heritage, beliefs and traditions and at the same time enjoy the freedoms and benefits of being Australian.”
Mr Poupouzas said his family had been “blessed” with success and prosperity through multiculturalism.
“What we offer at Nikos is a very traditional Greek experience, and we feel like this could never have been achieved without the appetite of the community to embrace and enjoy the food and hospitality of many different cultures,” he said.”
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