The Kailis family from Western Australia have been pioneers of the Australian fishing industry, building extraordinary family businesses that span four generations. They have supported The Hellenic Initiative Australia’s programs in Greece from the beginning and Theo G Kailis’ Austral Fisheries is a major sponsor of our recent Vision 2020 campaign.

When did your family migrate to Australia?

My great grandfather, George Peter Kailis, migrated to Australia in 1914, arriving by boat at the age of 14. By 1926 he had established a retail fish shop in Perth.

When did you first visit Greece?

My first visit to Greece was in 1988 with my father, mother, and sisters. We sailed through the Cyclades and down through the Dodecanese, finishing our journey in our family’s place of origin, Kastellorizo.

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I then returned some years later as teenager, it was this trip that formed the foundation of my love of Greece. I had strong feelings of ‘returning home’. I distinctly recall my first swim in the limani, talking with the Kastellorizian locals and walking around with a sense of familiarity from the stories that had been passed down from the generations before me.

What is your personal connection to Greece today?

Being part of a large Greek family which has proud ties to its heritage, I deeply value and nurture my bond to our place of origin. When my family migrated to Australia, they faced many hardships and a sense of not belonging. Their passion to uphold their cultural identity, rather than abandon it in periods of difficulty has highlighted the importance of keeping a strong Greek connection.

With each subsequent visit to Greece, it strengthens those bonds and my interest and curiosity in all things Greek grows.

The relationships I have formed over 30 years of returning to Greece and Kastellorizo ties me to our homeplace and it is important for me to see the success of the island and its people.

How has your relationship with Greece changed over the years?

Early on, I enjoyed Greece’s plentiful bounty of islands, food, and culture but as I have grown, I have a keener interest in its politics, economy and ultimately, its success. During the global financial crisis, I found myself less concerned about what I can learn or discover of Greece, and rather how can I help Greece. My interests are now more so in the wellbeing and support of our homeland.

How have you felt watching the economic crisis in Greece unfold over the past 10 years, which has now been compounded by COVID-19?

It has been difficult to read the news and watch the crisis unfold from afar. 

The economic consequences of the current COVID-19 pandemic have had a huge global impact so naturally, I was concerned for Greece and its industry. After a decade embroiled in the financial crisis, there has been a rebirth of small business and development in both the mainland and the islands, and it would be devastating to see these new initiatives and growth suffer. I was also concerned about how the country would manage if essential cornerstones of its industry, such a tourism, were shut down.

The resilience and grace of the Greek people in the face of these hardships is inspiring.

WA has seen much lower COVID-19 cases than other States. What has been the effect of COVID-19 on your business?

Dramatic, as our business relies heavily on overseas markets that have been significantly impacted. We also employ crew from around the world, so it has been logistically very challenging and expensive to get them on our fishing vessels.

You have been a long-time supporter of The Hellenic Initiative. Why did you choose to support THI Australia, particularly during this challenging time?

Being a part of the proud Greek Australian diaspora, I found my values and passion for helping Greece mirrored in THI.  The global outreach, access to resources and the sheer scope of THI Australia is inimitable so joining was an easy decision for me.

The philotimo and compassion I have experienced throughout my travels in Greece left me with a deep need to give back so being involved with THI affords me the opportunity to assist with revitalisation and encouraging growth. 

Witnessing the devastation of small business locally has furthered my commitment to THI Australia and to Greece, as I believe they are especially vulnerable.

How important is it for the Greek diaspora in Australia to be part of Greece’s renewal?

I believe as Australian Greeks, we must not forget where we came from and who we are.  Our unique multicultural outlook, having been raised in Australia yet having such strong ties to Greece, offers a different perspective which I believe to be invaluable as well as our global access to resources. Bringing new ideas and support to Greece’s youth is especially vital so we may nurture the future and drive new enterprises and growth.

Are you feeling more optimistic about the future of Greece?

Greece has lived and stood strong in the face of many adversaries. I believe that the strength of the Greek people is unrivalled, and they will prevail through both the financial and current COVID-19 crisis.

Even as the world faces novel challenges and times of uncertainty, we have looked to Greece and witnessed great resolve and expert handling of the epidemic.  This gives me great optimism that Greece will recover and continue to be a beacon of hope around the world.