Thomas Stergiou

In 1953, Thomas and Christine Stergiou settled on what was then an undeveloped parcel of land at 18 Duffy Road, Hamersley/Carine. With vision, determination and years of hard work, they transformed this once sparse, unestablished ground into a thriving 2.4-hectare market garden that not only shaped the land itself but supported the early community as it grew. As some of the earliest market gardeners in the area, Tom and Christine played a foundational role in the district’s development. Their garden supplied fresh produce to local families, metropolitan markets and the emerging neighbourhoods at a time when Hamersley/Carine lacked the infrastructure, residential density and services it benefits from today. Their commitment to the land and community contributed directly to the shaping of the suburb and its early character. One of the most enduring features of their property is a line of olive trees that Tom and Christine planted over 70 years ago to act as a windbreak, an essential agricultural practice of the time. Remarkably, several of these original trees remain standing today at the end of Risley Way, within the small reserve adjacent to their former land. These olive trees represent the last living markers of the Stergiou market garden and stand as natural monuments to the couple’s contribution to the area’s agricultural history. Tom and Christine’s dedication extended well beyond their land. Their service to the community was formally recognised on several occasions, reflecting decades of volunteerism and civic involvement: In June 1993, Tom were awarded a plaque in appreciation of their long-standing service to the Stirling-Wanneroo branch of the Royal Association of Justices. In October 1993, Tom received a Life Membership Certificate from the Wanneroo Agricultural Society in recognition of his faithful and enduring contribution. From 2001 to 2004, Tom volunteered with St Stephen’s School (now the Early Learning Centre), helping establish a vegetable garden and nature setting to support hands-on education for young children. Tom and Christine lived by values of honesty, hard work and generosity. 

- information supplied by Vicki Norriss, daughter of Tom and Christine Stergiou