31 October 2025

In a heartwarming celebration of love, migration and endurance, long-time Bexley residents Christos and Nicolista (Nicky) Bakopoulos have marked an extraordinary milestone — 70 years of marriage.

The couple celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary with family, friends and fellow residents at a special afternoon tea hosted at Scalabrini Bexley on Thursday 30 October.

Their story began in Greece in 1954.

Chris, born in Kardamas in 1937, and Nicky, from Patra, in the same year, met by chance in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake.

What began as a fleeting encounter quickly grew into a lifelong bond — and just months later, in July that same year, Chris proposed.

They were married on 30 October 1954 in a modest ceremony before Chris departed for Australia in search of opportunity.

The young couple would spend more than two years apart, keeping their connection alive through handwritten letters.

Chris worked first as a barber and later in the Port Kembla steelworks, saving enough to bring his wife to Australia.

“They have always been so devoted to each other and to our family,” their daughter Maria said. Photo: Supplied

In 1957, Nicky made the long journey by plane, enduring illness during the trip but reuniting joyfully with her husband upon arrival.

Together, they built a new life in Sydney — raising three daughters, Maria, Shirley and Stella, and working tirelessly to provide for their family.

Over the years, they ran several small businesses, including barber shops in Five Dock and a milk bar, before settling in Bexley in 1977, where they lived for nearly five decades.

Now aged 88, Chris and Nicky live together at Toscana, part of Scalabrini Bexley’s aged care community.

Reflecting on their long marriage, Chris shared the philosophy that has guided their life together.

“Anything that you expect other people to do for you, you must be prepared to do first. Love so you can be loved. Respect so you can be respected. Help so you can be helped,” he said in a media release.

After 70 years, their bond remains as strong as ever .

The original article: https://neoskosmos.com/en/2025/10/31/news/community/greek-bexley-couple-celebrate-70-year-marriage-milestone/ belongs to NEOS KOSMOS .