Why did Greek immigrants come to Australia after ww2?

After World War II and during the civil war in Greece that followed, over 160,000 Greeks came to Australia, mostly to Victoria. Initially, the majority found work in factories or farms as unskilled or semi-skilled labour – even educated migrants had to settle for a manual job.

How has Greece influenced Australia?

When Greek immigrants flocked to Australia after World War II little did they realise how warmly their food would later be embraced. Australia with its plentiful seafood, propensity for olive growing and rich and fertile soils clearly lent itself to the so-called “Mediterranean diet”.

When did Greek people migrate to Australia?

Greek migration to Australia began in the 1800s, with significant numbers arriving during the gold rush. There was further immigration in the years between the two World Wars as the Ottoman Empire expelled Greeks from Turkey (Asia Minor).

Why did so many Greeks immigrate to Australia?

Post WWII in the late 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, Greeks were one of the main European races picked by the Australian government’s “Populate or perish” immigration scheme and due to this, thousands of Greeks migrated to Australia to gain a better life and future for themselves and their families.

Why did Greeks migrate to Australia 1950s?

1940 – 1950 After WWII, the Greek Government was struggling with post-war reconstruction and encouraged immigration. Greeks were among one of the main European races picked by the Australian government’s “Populate or perish” immigration scheme.

Why did the Greeks migrate?

The first wave of emigration was spurred by the economic crisis of 1893 that followed the rapid fall in the price of currants – the major export product of the country – in the international markets. In the period 1890-1914, almost a sixth of the population of Greece emigrated, mostly to the United States and Egypt.

Why do Greek Australians live longer?

The effect of importing the Greek version of the Mediterranean diet to Australia was far-reaching – cultural traditions were kept alive and Greek migrants continued to eat protective foods and potentially lived a longer life as a result.

What does Australia import from Greece?

Imports from Greece accounted for $357 million, primarily in vegetables; medicaments (including veterinary); cheese and curd; and cereal preparations. Australia’s principal exports were non-ferrous waste and scrap; starches, inulin and wheat gluten. In 2020, two-way trade in services was valued at $783 million.

Why did Greek immigrants come to Australia in the 1950s?

Why did Greeks migrate?