In the heart of Far North Queensland, amidst the vast sugar cane fields near Cairns, a pivotal moment in Australian history unfolded during 1918-19. The photograph we feature captures a group of determined individuals – the Con Girdis Cane Cutting Gang No. 7 – showcasing a unique chapter of the Greek immigrant experience in Australia.
The featured photo was taken in North Queensland, Gordonvale, near Cairns. It depicts a gang of sugar cane cutters in 1918-19.
Gang No.7 – consisting mainly of Greek immigrants – was led by Constantine Girdes. In the photo, on the far right, is Leonidas Papadakis from Samos who moved to Queensland from Melbourne as a seasonal worker in 1918.
It was within this industry, in which the radicalisation of many immigrants commenced that was characterised by a comradeship which in many instances left an enduring mark throughout their lives.
During WWI, the mobilisation of working-class Greek immigrants in Australia, and other ethnicities, reshaped critical elements of the Australian labour force. The experiences of many of these workers was conducive in the formation of a working-class consciousness amongst many Greek immigrants.
It is this part of our Greek-Australian history that nearly all so-called historical narratives have failed to articulate. The need to re-evaluate our history, within an Australian context, is imperative for the maintenance of the legacy of those early Greek immigrants.
Epilogue: Years later, one of the early cane cutters, Nicholas Xenodohos, aka Mr. Nick, would provide free meals to his cane cutter comrades at his “Metropolitan Café” located on George St, Sydney during the great depression.
Source: Papadakis Ancestors
