Greek Australian actress and model Olympia Valance took to social media to write about her papou (grandfather) Dimitri Gogos, who died on Monday at the age of 88.
The actress, whose roles include Paige Smith in the soap opera “Neighbours” (2014–2018) and Tahlia Woods in “Playing For Keeps,” wrote on Instagram: “Today I am incredibly saddened by the passing of my grandfather, my papou, Dimitri Gogos.”
“Greek-Australians will remember my papou as the man who founded the largest Greek newspaper in Australia, Neos Kosmos, a newspaper that was established and nurtured on the dreams and challenges of immigrants who left Greece behind in pursuit of a better life in Australia.
“He was a huge advocate of multiculturalism, a humanitarian, a fighter for the social justice of immigrants and the creator of Greek festivals that have ensured that the Greek culture will continue to thrive in Australia for years to come.’
She added, “Today he leaves behind a legacy. He was one of the most incredible men I knew and I couldn’t be prouder to be his granddaughter.”
“Rest in peace, my Papou. You will be missed by many,” she concluded.
Born on February 13, 1931 on the island of Chios, Gogos’ parents had been refugees from Asia Minor. He immigrated to Melbourne, Australia in 1950 and worked at General Motors Holden and other factories before turning exclusively to the realm of journalism.
Gogos founded Melbourne’s Neos Kosmos newspaper on the day of his 26th birthday in 1957, alongside his long-term partners Nondas Pezaros and Christos Mourikis.
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