Why are Milkbars Important?
"The
story of ethnic small business in Australia is a remarkable
one. Locked out of the opportunity to prosper in the mainstream
labour market, many Australian immigrants took the very risky
step of opening their own business. The Chinese Restaurant,
the Greek milkbar or Italian fruit and vegetable shop gradually
became enduring-and endearing-features of contemporary Australian
life. As the post war Australian immigration net was cast over
a wider area, other newly arrived immigrants followed the small
business dream. Australian cities began to be transformed into
cosmopolitan communities. The economic success of ethnic small
business is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of Australia's
immigrants, sharpened on a strong desire to survive and to create
prosperity for their children. Collective family and community
resources and networks were mobilised in an effort to make their
shop of their dreams an economic success."
From:
Collins, Jock (et.al.) A Shop Full of Dreams: Ethnic Small Business
in Australia, Pluto Press, Sydney, 1995
Here
are some photos of milkbars. If you have photos of milkbars
(dead or alive) then send
them to me and I will publish them for you.
(craig
bellamy, Rosebery Tasmania, January 2001)
(craig
bellamy, Devonport Tasmania, January 2000)
(craig
bellamy, Fitzroy Melbourne, March 2000)
(craig
bellamy, Ulverstone Tasmania, Jan 2000)
(craig
bellamy, St Kilda Victoria, April 1999)
(craig
bellamy, Hume Highway, Victoria, October 1999)
(craig
bellamy, Newtown, Sydney October 1999)
(craig
bellamy, the Olympia milkbar, Annandale, Sydney October 1999)
Authored
by Craig BellamyŠ 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
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