Abbotsford in Yarra, Victoria, Australia — Oceania

Stand Up - Speak Out

A Memorial to Theo Sidropoulos 1924 - 1998

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 23, 2026

1. Stand Up - Speak Out Marker

Inscription. Theo Sidiropoulos was born in Katerini, Greece on 24 July 1924 and migrated to Australia in 1954.

He made outstanding contributions to Melbourne's social political and civic life through his community and political activism, belief in social justice and support of migrants rights. Theo was a community leader in Collingwood and the surrounding areas of Fitzroy, North Fitzroy, Clifton Hill, Abbotsford and Richmond, as well as within Melbourne's Greek community. He also played a significant and visionary role at a state and national level. Theo was:

• Councilor City of Collingwood (1968-1978)
• Mayor City of Collingwood (1977)
• MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) for Richmond (1977-1988)

Theo stood up and spoke out for many. He paved the way for migrants and minorities to have a voice. This memorial commemorates Theo's life and contribution. It also invites people to stand up and speak out for themselves and for the rights of others.

About the Memorial
Artist: Jenny Steiner, 2007
The memorial reflects aspects of Theo's personal and political life. It is symbolic of a speakers mound a place where a people

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can have their say and be heard. The use of strong, natural materials such as stone and timber, and the use of steel, expresses Theo's strength of character and unpretentious nature. The diversity of languages is a sign of Theo's support and connection to migrant communities. Theo's own cultural heritage is represented by the backgammon elements in the seat design and the Greek key pattern of the timber railway sleepers. His determination despite his broken English is symbolised by the broken line in the blue stone seat. The red carnation symbolises the spirit and passion of the Greek Resistance and final respects.

Erected 2007 by City of Yarra, Victorian Multicultural Commission and the Theo Sidropoulos Trust.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Immigration • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is July 24, 1924.

Location. 37° 48.208′ S, 144° 59.577′ E. Marker is in Abbotsford, Victoria, in Yarra. It can be reached from Hoddle Street (Victoria Route 29) 0.1 kilometers north of Stanton Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is

Stand Up - Speak Out Marker and the Sculpture image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 23, 2026

2. Stand Up - Speak Out Marker and the Sculpture

at or near this postal address: 142 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067, Australia. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Oceania,

in Australasia,

in the Pacific Ocean,

in South Pacific,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Collingwood Town Hall Trust Classification (within shouting distance of this marker); Collingwood Town Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Keith Haring Mural (approx. 0.7 kilometers away); River God Fountain, 1862 (approx. 1.3 kilometers away); Model Tudor Village (approx. 1.5 kilometers away); The Fairies Tree (approx. 1.5 kilometers away); Saint Patrick's College (approx. 1.6 kilometers away); Aubrey Bowen Wing, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (approx. 1.6 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abbotsford.

Also see . . . Theo Sidiropoulos. Wikipedia

He was born in Katerini to Haralambos and Anthoula Sidiropoulos, and attended high school locally. From 1942 to 1945,
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he fought with the Greek Resistance; after World War II he became a lieutenant in the Greek Army, though rejected nationalism in favour of patriotism pursuing freedom-fighting activities against the Germans. From 1949 to 1954, he was municipal registrar for the City of Katerini, and in December 1954, he migrated to Australia, where he was a factory worker until 1956. On 4 February 1956, he married hairdresser Parthenopi (Popi) Georgiadis; they had two children. He was a tram conductor in Melbourne from 1956 to 1959, ceasing this to purchase a milk bar at the tram depot where he worked. Hence the beginning of a string of milk bars over the years as a small business owner. He joined the Labor Party in 1957, and in 1968 was elected to Collingwood City Council, serving as mayor from 1977 to 1978. In 1977, he was elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly as the member for Richmond, serving until his retirement in 1988.

(Submitted on July 25, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 25, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.