Broadmeadows has changed a lot since Emilios Kyrou grew up there during the heyday of Ford.
Victoria’s first Greek-born judge arrived in 1968, aged eight, with his parents and brother from a farming village called Sfikia.
In Broadmeadows, they found a predominantly Anglo-Celtic community with “a sprinkling” of Greeks and Italians.
“Most migrants at the Camp Road hostel that the Kyrou family first called home were English or Scots,” Victoria’s newly appointed Appeals Court justice said.
“It’s much more multicultural now … the variety of ethnicity is quite incredible, quite pleasing.”
Both his parents worked on Ford’s assembly lines and the young Emilios won a scholarship provided by the company, which gave him the chance to study law and commerce at Melbourne University.
The family lived in houses Ford built for its workers and in which his parents and many members of the Greek community continue to live.
His memoir, Call Me Emilios, tells of growing up with daily racist taunts and even physical beatings while on the way to or from school.
From Dallas North primary to Upfield high, he dodged bullies, even changing his name to John until the time came when the bullies started dropping out.
He graduated in law with first-class honours in 1982, winning the Supreme Court prize as the top graduate that year. He was admitted to practise law in 1984 and served for 24 years as solicitor and partner with leading Melbourne law firms Corrs Chambers Westgarth and Mallesons Stephen Jaques.
In 2008, Mr Kyrou was appointed a justice of the Supreme Court of Victoria, becoming only the second practising solicitor to be appointed in the history of the court.
Last week, state Attorney-General Robert Clark announced his appointment to the Court of Appeal.
Calwell MP and fellow Greek-born Australian Maria Vamvakinou said she was “delighted” to hear of Justice Kyrou’s appointment.
“His personal story of migration is shared by many in the Calwell electorate,” Ms Vamvakinou said.
“We were honoured to have him as one of our guest speakers at a youth forum at Banksia Gardens, where he spoke honestly and poignantly about his experiences growing up in Broadmeadows.
“The young people present were mesmerised by his accounts, being able to identify with him and his story.”
Justice Kyrou will replace Justice Paul Coghlan, who retired in January.
Call Me Emilios is available from the Law Institute of Victoria Bookshop, 470 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Email bookshop@liv.asn.au
