Zaharate is a Lahos local, born in Kioni.  She emmigrated to Australia at 22 on her own, when the world was still a huge place to travel, especially for a girl from a little village.  She married her husband Nikos who she met in Melbourne, but who was originally from Lahos Ithaca, and together they lived there for 30 years.  They ran a fruit shop in Heidelberg and brought up their children Demetri, Panos and Jenny.

During the 2nd world war, Nikos walked from Central Greece back to Ithaca where he looked after his mother and sister until he was 35.  His father and brothers had already emmigrated to Australia.

The Vlassopoulos' have many wonderful stories to tell.  A rich history of struggle and triumph during difficult times.