'My Greek dad thought an Aussie pie was the best thing he'd eaten in his life'

My father Nicholas Kondelos arrived in Australia from Greece in 1953, aged 18.

I have interviewed him about his vivid recollections of his arrival in Australia.

1. He thought the food on the Patris ship that brought him to Australia was the best he had ever had (sponsored by the Australian Government)

2. When he got out at Princess Pier, Melbourne, Nick bought his first pie. He said that it was definitely one of the best things he had ever tasted in his LIFE and he will never forget it!

3. Nicholas also spent time in Bonegilla at the migrant work camp and thought the accommodation was A plus.

Nicholas is a wonderful cook and learnt his traditional Greek cooking skills from his mother as a boy growing up on the island Lesvos.

Despite his talent for cooking beautiful Greek dishes, this great pie story is one that epitomises the hope and enthusiasm for what was to be his new life in Australia.

Needless to say that Nicholas never went on to be a great pie eater and still continues with his “Mediterranean" diet - olive oil, garlic, bread, vegetables, legumes and some meat and fish…and lots of chillies!

My dad is amazing. Despite losing his son through drowning at Gunnammata Back beach, his beautiful wife died early through complications of Parkinson’s disease, he continues to bring joy into our loves with his wonderful stories and songs, his great wit and his humbleness. He is a true gentleman in my eyes.