Theo Sidiropoulos

Theo Sidiropoulos (24 July 1924 – 7 October 1998) was a Greek-born Australian politician.

He was born in Katerini to Haralambos and Anthoula Sidiropoulos, and attended high school locally. From 1942 to 1945, he fought with the Greek Resistance; after World War II he became a lieutenant in the Greek Army, though rejected nationalism in favour of patriotism pursuing freedom-fighting activities against the Germans. From 1949 to 1954, he was municipal registrar for the City of Katerini, and in December 1954, he migrated to Australia, where he was a factory worker until 1956. On 4 February 1956, he married hairdresser Parthenopi (Popi) Georgiadis; they had two children. He was a tram conductor in Melbourne from 1956 to 1959, ceasing this to purchase a milk bar at the tram depot where he worked. Hence the beginning of a string of milk bars over the years as a small business owner. He joined the Australian Labor Party in 1957, and in 1968 was elected to Collingwood City Council, serving as mayor from 1977 to 1978. In 1977, he was elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly as the member for Richmond, serving until his retirement in 1988.^[1]

References

1. {{cite web Theo was a tireless worker for human rights. A memorial in his memory is place at St Phillips Garden next to his beloved, Collingwood town Hall titled 'Stand Up Speak Out'. Stand Up – Speak Out A Memorial to Theo Sidiropoulos 1924 – 1998 Theo Sidiropoulos was born in Katerini, Greece on 24 July 1924 and migrated to Australia in 1954. He made outstanding contributions to Melbourne’s social, political and civic life through his community and political activism, belief in social justice and support of migrants’ rights. Theo was a community leader in Collingwood and the surrounding areas of Fitzroy, North Fitzroy, Clifton Hill, Abbotsford and Richmond, as well as within Melbourne’s Greek community. He also played a significant and visionary role at a state and national level. Theo was: • Councillor, City of Collingwood (1968-1978) • Mayor, City of Collingwood (1977) • MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) for Richmond (1977-1988) Theo stood up and spoke out for many. He paved the way for migrants and minorities to have a voice. This memorial commemorates Theo’s life and contribution. It also invites people to stand up and speak out for themselves and for the rights of others. About the Memorial Artist: Jenny Steiner, 2007 The memorial reflects aspects of Theo’s personal and political life. It is symbolic of a speakers’ mound, a place where all people can have their say and be heard. The use of strong, natural materials such as stone and timber, and the use of steel, expresses Theo’s strength of character and unpretentious nature. The diversity of languages is a sign of Theo’s support and connection to migrant communities. Theo’s own cultural heritage is represented by the backgammon elements in the seat design and the Greek key pattern of the timber railway sleepers. His determination despite his broken English is symbolised by the broken line in the blue stone seat. The red carnation symbolises the spirit and passion of the Greek Resistance and final respects. | last =Parliament of Victoria | first = | authorlink =Parliament of Victoria | coauthors = | title =Sidiropoulos, Theo | work =re-member: a database of all Victorian MPs since 1851 | publisher =Parliament of Victoria | date =2001 | url =http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/re-member/bioregfull.cfm?mid=1438 | format = | doi = | accessdate =26 October 2014}}