Christos Andalis

Story

Highlights of a Life

It was Christmas day 1932 when I was born in Alexandria-Egypt to Greek parents. It was in this city at the age of 12 when I joined the local Scout Movement which was well established in many groups throughout the city. I enjoyed the brotherhood of Scouts, the unending physical and educational training. At Primary School, I must say, we were the luckiest students in the entire world. We were taught our Mother tongue Greek, Arabic, French and

English. {Thanks to the many Greek Philanthropists}

There was a political upheaval in Egypt during the mid 1950’s Because of this upheaval, my family eventually dispersed to several other countries. I decided to migrate to far away Australia. I had no money, not even a

deposit of 30 Egyptian Pounds required for my fare. Mrs. Katie Kazouli, well known in the Greek Community, loaned me the money and she also became my “Koumbara” {like a best man} at my wedding which was just 2

weeks before my deparfure to the land of my dreams, Australia. Of course I had to leave my new bride behind, but she joined me 8 months later when I had established myself in Melboume.

From week one in my newly adopted country, I worked at my trade, an electrician. I managed to send money home to my wife, my mother and my youngest sister, to help her to complete her studies. After repaying the 30

Pounds to Mrs. Kazouli, and my fare and bringing out my wife, eventually I brought out my sister.

In 1961 we built our first home in Bayswater. An elderly Australian couple we had befriended, also had a family in Bayswater. So we had ready-made friends. My background as an Assistant Scout Leader in Alexandria became

known and the local scoutmaster now asked me to join them. For 25 years I continuously served as Scout, Rover and Group Leader. For my services I was awarded the ‘Medal of Merit’ and five years later ‘The Bar to the

Medal of Merit. The Governor of the State made both times the presentation.

In 1961 I decided to become a Physical Education Instructor with the Education Departrnent. One year later, I was offered a 2year scholarship as an Electrical Trades Instructor at TAFE, remaining with them for 25 years. While I was employed full time, I took the opportunities to study at the University free of charge. These studies allowed me to teach Modern Greek in the evenings at Croydon High School. Then I completed the Graduate Diploma in Inter-Ethnic studies and Education, allowing me to teach ESL, English as a Second Language to Migrants. This occupation I still do voluntarily at the age of 76 in the Gold Coast.

We raised our family of 4 children in Melbourne and retired to the Gold Coast. Here I joined the Veteran Athletics and the Gold Coast Writers Group. With the Athletics, which I started in 1993, I participate in various competitions and Championships, establishing records and winning several Gold Silver and Bronze medals. During a trip to Greece to visit my relatives I managed to participate in the Athens Hellenic Tritsia annual Championship

winning a gold medal in the Shot Put and Silver in the Discus. My points winning the Shot Put, were the best of the 16 events of the day and I won the Trophy for my Group 55 to 69. It was a memorable day having paraded at the

Olympic Panathinaiko Stadium with the city’s band and raising the Greek flag on a huge Pole before the medal presentation.

My writing career also progressed in Short Story writing and Poetry. I managed to publish a bilingual Book ‘The Links of Destiny’, entered and won writing competitions. Some of my poems were printed in Anthology books. I have written articles in Newspapers and magazines and winning the first prize in translating a friend’s book ‘Fragments of a Life’ by John Litchen into Greek.

I have managed to visit my large family who lives in three continents. Australia is my home. I am indebted and grateful for the wonderful opportunities I have been given throughout my life. I can relax a little now to

enjoy and watch the development of seven grandchildren and a great grandson.

Christos Andalis

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