Indeed a number of Ithacans went on to Melbourne after the gold-fields to make a living there. Andreas Lecatsas from Exoghi, Ithaca is said by his descendants to have jumped ship in 1851 to join the gold rush. Later he prospered as a Melbourne shop-keeper and returned to Ithaca some 20 years later to inspire some of his nephews to emigrate. Indeed, one nephew Antonios Lekatsas heeded his advice to see the new El Dorado and landed in Melbourne in 1877. It is said, but not authenticated that Andreas Lecatsas was present at the diggers’ stand at the Eureka Stockade near Ballarat in 1854.ITHACANS AND CHINESE CAME FOR GOLD
