The Ukraine immigrant, entrepreneur and NBL owner on what it means to be Aussie
The businessman and National Basketball League owner wants to start a conversation about Australia’s values and identity, inspired by the 60th anniversary of The Australian.
Larry Kestelman wants Australians to settle their differences at the ballot box and with calm and rational debate.
He fears there are signs that the nation is veering away from values such as respect and tolerance, which could spill over into violence if left unchecked.
A successful entrepreneur, Kestelman moved to Australia aged 12 from what is now Ukraine, and says he has always enjoyed the Australian culture of respect for law and camaraderie among neighbours and friends in communities.
He believes the country has a bright future if political dissent and anger increasingly common in other countries is not allowed to take hold in Australia.
In an interview to coincide with The Australian’s 60th anniversary, Kestelman called for a debate on what it is to be an Australian and what values and cultural ideals are needed for the nation to continue to prosper.
“There’s a certain Aussie way and I love the saying ‘I’m Aussie as …”. I don’t want us to lose that cheeky nature; I don’t want us to stop being fun loving,” Kestelman says.
“Have a crack, have a good argument. But do it in a loving way. Do it in a respectful manner. I look overseas and see that idea of divisiveness and anger that some countries have in their politics and in elections, and that is not what I wish for this country. So I just encourage our nation to stick up with its values.”
Kestelman, a member of The List – Australia’s Richest 250, founder of internet group Dodo, successful property developer and owner of the National Basketball League, says he has been inspired by this masthead’s 60th anniversary celebrations to speak out.
“I would love for a conversation to be started about what it means to be Australian and what does an Australian look like? I truly believe when you come here you’re leaving your (former) country behind and you’re entering into a contract to be here.
“You’re not here to challenge the laws of the land; you’re entering a democratic country where you have freedom of speech and where you can voice an opinion. And the best way to do that is through the ballot box.”
Kestelman grew up in the old Soviet Union in a Jewish family in the Black Sea port city of Odesa in what is now Ukraine. He says he learnt about Australia from passing sailors – “they called Australia a ‘golden cage’ because it was so beautiful but far away and so hard to leave” – and then, with little religious or political freedom where they were living, his parents moved to Melbourne in 1979.
“The early years were not easy. Of course every kid thought someone from the USSR was some sort of KGB spy. I had no language so I had to learn that and you have to assimilate. I didn’t come here and start thinking that the country had to adjust to me. I came here with a view that this country doesn’t owe me anything,” Kestelman recalls.
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My father applied for 52 jobs before he got one at General Motors Holden. And he worked there for 20 years. And my mother worked at the Red Cross blood bank. They loved their life here.”
Kestelman remembers being told just after arriving that now that he was in Australia he had to support a football team. Walking on Fitzroy Street near his family’s St Kilda flat, he saw fans streaming out of Junction Oval one day for a match in the old VFL. Figuring the street name was important, he started barracking for Fitzroy until it collapsed in 1996. He says it was the first time he felt Australian.
“So now I think of what does it mean to be Australian? It is that idea of loving thy neighbour and being friendly and welcoming, and respecting the laws of this country. We support each other and we look after each other. By all means have that healthy debate, but not with a banner – with a beer.”
While Kestelman is proud of his Jewish background, he is not overtly religious, though his wife Anita Pahor is a devout Christian – “I respect her views and she respects mine.” He is also a Zionist but wants peace in the Middle East and respects the Christian ideals Australia has been built on.
“I don’t want us to veer away from that, demanding what I want today and that this country owes us something. Our job is to contribute to the Australian way of life. This country gives you opportunities if you work hard, and you can achieve things.
“So what does an Australian look like? There are so many versions. I think Australia is a peace-loving nation and we draw the line at hate. Australia is not a place for hateful people. We deserve better than that.
“This is a land of opportunity, of growth and security … the best country in the world.”
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