Place Names Register Extract
Aristos Place
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View in NT Atlas | Print Extract | Search Again| Name | Aristos |
|---|---|
| Type Designation | Place |
| Place Id | 23732 |
| Place Type | Road |
| Status | Registered |
| Date Registered | 17 November 2009 |
| Locality / Suburb | |
| Winnellie | |
| Local Government Area | |
| Darwin City Council | |
| History/Origin | Aristos Place is named in commemoration of Aristos Hatzipolihronides (also known as Harry Hacis) who was born in Florina, Greece on 15th March, 1931. Aristos migrated to Australia in 1959 with initial destination Melbourne. On route, the plane made an emergency landing in Darwin due to mechanical problems. The parts required to fix the plane needed several weeks to arrive and Aristos made friends with members of the fledgling Greek Community and was convinced to stay due to the abundant work. Aristos was a skilled carpenter. In 1961, Aristos arranged for his wife, Elisabeth, and 3 year old daughter, Athina, to follow him to Darwin. For convenience, Aristos took on the ?English? name of Harry Hacis, however within the community he was still known as Aristos. In 1963, Aristos, in partnership with Chris Mellios, formed the construction firm Nightcliff Builders. This was a very successful partnership that lasted until Aristos? retirement in 1996. During Aristos? time, Nightcliff Builders was one of the foremost construction firms in the Top End, building numerous houses and buildings for private customers as well as the Northern Territory and Federal governments. Aristos was one of the first to build a private house in the newly released suburb of Nightcliff, moving into his home on Chapman Road in 1961. Together with his partner, Aristos constructed the first factory on the newly built Farrell Crescent to house the headquarters of Nightcliff Builders. These headquarters remain today and Nightcliff Builders continues to operate successfully under the control of the Chris Mellios? Family. Aristos was also very popular within the Greek Community and was a committee member for a number of years during the 60?s, including during the construction of the Greek Community Hall on Cavenagh St. Aristos was very well respected within the community having lodged many Greek migrants in his own home, while spending countless afternoons of his free time helping them build their own homes free of charge. He was known within the industry for the quality and consistency of his work. Aristos retired from business in 1996 and was splitting his time between Darwin, with his grandchildren, and his home town of Florina in Greece. In December 2002, Aristos returned to Greece for Christmas where he became very ill. He was diagnosed with Motor Neurone disease and passed away in Athens on 13th March, 2003. Aristos is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and two daughters, Athina and Demetra Maria. Athina married George Tsirbas and together founded the Cerbis group of companies. |
Register & Gazettal information
| Date | Gazettal | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| 17/11/2009 | Added to Register | |
| 25/11/2009 | NTG47 |