Reg Mustafa travelled to Australia from Cyprus in the 1960s with an iron will to follow his dreams. The Bacchus Marsh dry cleaner spoke to Esther Lauaki.
What’s your connection with Moorabool?
I’ve owned my business in Bacchus Marsh for more than 10 years. I live in Hillside but I love Bacchus Marsh.
How long have you lived in Australia?
I’ve lived in Australia for 46 years. I came from Cyprus by myself in 1969 because my uncle lived here and he helped me to come to Australia.
Can you tell me about your family and what it was like settling into a new country?
I went back home in 1976 and I met my wife in Cyprus. It was an arranged marriage and we’ve been married for 39 years now. We came back together to Australia and we have three boys and two grandchildren. My wife and I run the business. I was very happy to be here. We have met many people from back home here in Hillside, Melton, Footscray. We feel like this is our home now.
What made you open a drycleaning business in Bacchus Marsh?
When I came here to Bacchus Marsh, I visited this shop and I fell in love. I first worked in this shop more than 10 years ago and I loved it so much. This is not my business anymore – it has become my hobby. That’s how much I enjoy what I do. I will be here until I can’t work anymore.
Why did you choose to become a drycleaner?
I’ve always dreamed to one day have a drycleaner’s shop. I learned how to iron when I was very young. I learned with an iron that weighed eight kilograms … I had to put coals inside it to heat it. I brought it with me when I came from Cyprus. I was a tailor for many years. I used to work in hotels back home in Cyprus, doing drycleaning and making alterations to clothes.
What do you love about Bacchus Marsh?
I love the town and I love the people. The people here are very friendly people. We enjoy going shopping, going to the markets with our grandchildren.
