Better than finding your dream house is finding your dream neighbourhood

In celebration of 5031 day (May 31st), we interviewed Grigori and Dionysia (Greg & Sue), who regularly shop at our store and are the loveliest people. This couple in their 80s have been visiting us for years, are always smiling, and share their mouth watering recipes with us! Their sons & grandchildren also shop at our store, and Adoni, a very kind and long term member, interviewed his parents for us with a few questions we had.

Here is how the interview went:

Can you tell us about the early days when you first moved to Thebarton? What was it like?

Thebarton was full of Greeks!... especially from the the peloponese and Rhodes.  The streets were alive with people.  Many houses had an entire family in each room...all generations lived together... there was a long line up for showers and the toilet. All of us were full of hope and ready for hard work...in factories (Holden/Chrysler/Onkaparinga... and fruit picking in the river land in weekends). Saturday nights there were dances or a double greek movie feature at the thebbie theatre or a party at someone's house.   Our suitcases were empty of things but full of dreams. 

Are your kids still in the area?  Yes... and the grand kids too.

What is your favourite fruit & veggie to grow?

Tomatoes,  eggplant, capsicum, celery, olives, stone fruits and citrus, radichio, amaranth and other wild greens, herbs such as basil, oregano, dill, parsley.

What is your secret to such high vitality?

Good, fresh home cooking... eating together... family...gardening....hard work... and don't stop moving.

What was it like first coming to Australia? 

A mixture of hesitation and hope...we all supported and held each other... and made new friends... Greeks and Aussie.

Why did you choose Thebarton? 
Relatives and friends from our village had moved here and there was plenty of opportunity for work... Greece was very poor after the war

What do you think makes 5031 special?

Everything is close... we can walk to church, the city, local shops, parks and each other. Friendly people... there is a warmth and feeling of safety here.

What was your favourite aspect about Greece?

Everything - close to nature,  the rural life,  the spirituality of the place and the festivals ... everything but the poverty at the time.

You are both great cooks, what is a dish that your kids just love? 
Pistichio, mousaka, lentil, soup, cabbage and vine leaf dolmades, chicken casserole with okra or peas,  meatballs with rice or home made egg noodles, fried fish,  yalopita ( milk custard pie), kourambiedes, melomakarino...

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in simple living? 
Eat simply...respect good ingredients... lots of olive oil...a little red wine daily... be on good terms with each other... you must show your love to people... be prepared to have a party at any time...sing and dance often... stay close to nature.

That was beautiful! Thank you Adoni.

(Adoni’s response)

It is... and continues to be... one thing my folks always stressed (and please include this in your article of you can)... "better than finding your dream house is finding your dream neighbourhood"... this is what thebbie has been and is for us.


Image 1- morning outside church
Image 2 - enjoying the cool shade of the olive tree they planted when they brought their house in the ‘60s

We hope this gave you a little insight into the hardworking migrants that fill the area. 5031 continues to be one of the most diverse, welcoming & interesting areas in South Australia. From students, to retirees to families of all ethnicities. 

For 5031 Day, we’d encourage everyone to perhaps explore the neighbourhood park you haven’t been to in a while, say hello to a neighbour you’ve been meaning to introduce yourself to, or support a local business.

We appreciate having a store here and for all the support the generous community has provided to us over the last almost 7 years.

Thank you so much for having us 5031