Christmas party at Melbourne Wholesale Fish Market 11 1969

Summary

This image is one of thirty-one photographs taken by Harry Fatouros in 1969 of a Christmas party hosted by Greek-Owned businesses in Melbourne's Wholesale Fish Market on Footscray Road in West Melbourne.

'These photos capture the vibrant atmosphere of a 1969 Christmas party hosted by Greek-owned businesses in Melbourne’s Wholesale Fish Market on Footscray Road, West Melbourne, which opened for business in 1959. Celebrating the end of a successful decade of hard work, migration, and community building, the event brought together clients, suppliers, workers, and families. Laughter, dancing, and shared meals reflect the pride and camaraderie of a generation that transformed hardship into opportunity. The images speak to the success of assisted and chain migration, showcasing a community that not only endured but thrived—marking their place in Melbourne’s multicultural landscape with resilience, generosity, and unmistakable Greek hospitality. I was a guest at the party and all photos taken with a Pentax Spotmatic. All images are from scanned 35mm Kodak Tri-X Black & White film negatives.' - Harry Fatouros