On Thursday 6 November 2025, the Hon. Steve Dimopoulos MLA (State Member for Oakleigh) launched a new History Monash Inc publication, Oakleigh is Our Life: Greek Settlement in Oakleigh, written by History Monash Secretary Ann Nield.
Since World War II, Greek-Australians have helped to transform Oakleigh into a vibrant multicultural community and epicentre of the Hellenic diaspora in Victoria. Through their vision, hard work and sacrifice, they have established businesses, a church, a school, welfare services and sporting and social organisations, and contributed actively to the wider society.
Oakleigh is Our Life explores why and when Oakleigh was settled by migrants from Greece, and how they developed such a strong community, preserving their language, religion and culture. It highlights the courage of those who came to Australia for a new life and helps others to understand their experiences. The book draws upon interviews with families of Greek descent and upon studies and new research, and it blends personal and family stories with social trends.
History Monash was honoured to have members of the Greek-Australian community at the launch, including some of the original Greek-Australian settlers in Oakleigh. We were also honoured to have as speakers Mayor Cr Paul Klisaris, the Greek Consul General, Ms Dimitra Georganzoglou and the Hon. Steve Dimopoulos. Delicious food was provided by Nikos Quality Cakes.

History Monash Inc is grateful to the City of Monash for its support for this publication through the 2025/2026 Monash Community Grants.
For enquiries about this book, please email [email protected]. (Also see the Publications tab on this website, www.historymonash.org.au/at-the-centre/publications/ where a PDF version of the book is available to read and details are given on how to buy a hard copy of the book.)

At the launch L-R:  The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos MLA, State Member for Oakleigh; Cr Paul Klisaris, Mayor of the City of Monash; Ms Dimitra Georgantzoglou, Consul General for Greece in Melbourne; Ann Nield, Secretary of History Monash Inc; Edda Williams, President of History Monash Inc; The Hon. David Davis MLC, Southern Metropolitan.

The cover includes a photo of Greek passengers on board the SS Ellinis bound for Australia in April 1965. (Photo source: Menidis family.)