Greetings and a heartfelt welcome to all my fellow South Australians and Australians!
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Kosta Hadjimarkou, and I was born in Australia in 1980 to parents of Greek-Cypriot descent.
During my early childhood, my family and I called the remote town of Coober Pedy in northern South Australia our home.
Growing up, my parents were the owners of a neighbourhood take-away business, while my father also spent time working in the renowned opal mines of Coober Pedy.
My job at this age of life was to eat the yummy food at our shop, go to school, play arcade games, and to ride around on my bike with my childhood friends in the beautiful town streets.
My family and I made the move to Adelaide during the mid-1980s, and for about the next forty years, we were involved in the hospitality industry.
Among the businesses were a wedding and function reception venue, as well as over fifteen retail stores, including restaurants, a patisserie, and a selection of various fast food establishments.
Growing up in the world of small businesses has given me the unique opportunity to appreciate the inspiring rewards of entrepreneurship. Yet, I have also faced the tough realities and challenges that accompany running a small business, navigating the unavoidable ups and downs that arise along the way.
In 1998, at the age of 18, I embarked on an exciting journey by launching a modest import and export beverage company.
I have had the opportunity to work with clients across local, national, and international levels, which has over the years equipped me with essential experience and understanding of both domestic and international trade.
From 2001 to 2018, several fast food stores were opened and managed, all of which were later sold.
My family and I were blessed to enjoy many years of steady work, good health, and a sense of security, but life was never without its challenges. I recall my childhood vividly; there were times when our household budget felt incredibly tight. My mother would often take me on the bus to school, which was a pleasant experience, but there were also countless days when we opted to walk several kilometres to save money, hoping to lighten the load of our financial struggles.
Today, I have moved on from the private business world, but I still treasure the experiences I gained in hospitality. The joy of serving my community has left me with lasting memories that I will always cherish.
I have always loved and embraced my Christian faith from a young age. I truly have been blessed through the years to be part of a warm and loving community. Having the opportunity to serve as a chanter amongst other talented but very humble and loving friends.
It is truly heartbreaking to see the state of the world today. The attacks on fundamental rights like freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and traditional family values. The shocking attacks on our precious children, by the use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones on our vulnerable children, and the so-called “gender affirmation” surgery on them, are alarming.
It is deeply troubling to witness the readiness of some individuals to not only accept but also actively participate in the tragic reality of innocent lives being lost, whether through abortion or by neglecting those who are born alive and left without the love and medical care they desperately need and deserve.
Should I be granted the privilege of serving as your local Member for Cheltenham, I will work tirelessly to represent our community with integrity, transparency and genuine care. My focus will always be on delivering practical outcomes that strengthen our local area and contribute positively to South Australia.
The principles I hold dear and the values I carry will shape my conduct in the workplace and influence my voting decisions.
