Pharmaceutical billionaire Dennis Bastas has lodged plans for a $38.5 million renovation of Coonac, Melbourne’s most expensive house, which sold last year for more than $100 million.
The heritage-listed Italianate mansion in Toorak – dating to the 1860s and built for pastoralist and financier Robert Bruce Ronald – would be partially demolished under the proposal, with a double-storey rear extension, basement expansion for car parking and amenities, and a modification to the front fence to allow an extra vehicle access point.
The demolition would remove the tennis court, pool and pool house, parts of the masonry fence, gardens to the south and west of the service wing, and a series of non-original additions including the conservatory, first-floor balcony and alterations to facades.
The proposal states the demolition would be limited to non-original additions and that the original fabric of Coonac would be retained.
The new extension, rising 10.6 metres and designed to sit lower than the main eastern building so as not to dominate the heritage dwelling, would feature stone finishes in light tones and limestone solid blocks.
Plans include multiple living areas, dining and lounge rooms, a family room, study/library and kitchen opening to a terrace, with five bedrooms, bathrooms, a sitting room, mezzanine and retreat upstairs.
The home was sold by logistics boss Paul Little and Jane Hansen, chancellor of the University of Melbourne, in a deal tipped at between $115 million and $135 million, though the price will be confirmed at settlement.
While Bastas initially denied knowledge of the transaction, planning documents list Gina Bastas as the permit applicant and name Dennis Bastas as a client on landscape drawings.
Greek Australians have renewed calls for Greece to entrench postal voting and establish a dedicated overseas electorate, arguing that the reform is long overdue for a diaspora that has been sustained for decades by Australian institutions rather than its ancestral homeland.
Appearing before a parliamentary committee in Athens, representatives of Greek communities from across the world overwhelmingly backed the Interior Ministry’s bill, which provides for postal voting and the creation of a three-seat overseas constituency.
Among them was President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Bill Papastergiadis OAM, who described the proposal as a positive and necessary step toward restoring democratic equity for Greeks abroad.
Mr Papastergiadis stressed that Greek Australians, in particular, have long demonstrated loyalty to Greece despite receiving little institutional recognition in return.
“When Australian governments support and nurture our community through grants for schools and cultural events, the least Greece can do is embrace its citizens with basic rights,” he said.
He also rejected narratives that frame overseas Greeks as detached or privileged voters, noting the historical reality of migration to Australia.
“Greece’s citizens didn’t leave in the 1950s and 1960s because they wanted to or needed a holiday. They left out of sheer necessity to survive. All of them left with the dream to return to their homeland,” Mr Papastergiadis said.
“Greece must now, by allowing its citizens to vote, extend its hand and welcome them back.”
Highlighting what he described as a striking contradiction, Mr Papastergiadis pointed to the strong backing Greek Australians receive from Australian governments compared with the limitations imposed by Greece itself.
“It’s paradoxical for us in the diaspora to have the Victorian Government fund the construction of replicas of the Parthenon Marbles adorning our 15-storey cultural centre, whilst our homeland fails to support basic democratic principles such as the right to vote,” he said.
Support for the bill was echoed by diaspora leaders from Europe and beyond, including representatives from Germany, France, Sweden, Belgium and Argentina, all of whom described postal voting and an overseas electorate as long-standing and justified demands.
Interior Minister Thodoris Livanios urged all parliamentary parties to approve the legislation swiftly, arguing that it would allow the new arrangements to apply at the next national election rather than being delayed further. He dismissed claims that overseas Greeks would not bear the consequences of their vote, stressing that every citizen has an equal right to participate in democratic decision-making.
While some reservations were raised – including concerns about proportionality and the structure of overseas constituencies – Livanios emphasised that the three-seat model was an initial framework and did not prevent parties from expanding diaspora representation in the future.
For Greek Australians, however, the issue is less about technical detail and more about recognition.
After generations of preserving language, culture and national identity thousands of kilometres from Athens, community leaders argue that Greece now faces a clear choice: either fully embrace its global citizenry or continue to leave millions of Greeks abroad on the margins of its democracy.
ICAC Commissioner John Hatzistergos has renewed his push for permanent powers to investigate illegally recorded private conversations, raising the issue in a meeting last week with NSW Liberal Leader Kellie Sloane.
ICAC was granted temporary powers in 2023 during “Operation Rosny” into fugitive developer Jean Nassif, but those powers expire on June 30.
The Minns government has since introduced fresh legislation to make them permanent, including provisions allowing police and ICAC to use hidden body-worn camera footage and to protect individuals who hand over illegal recordings, provided they were not involved in making them.
The Coalition and Greens previously voted down similar legislation, with Liberal Susan Carter stating: “In a free society, surely we should be able to assert limits on surveillance and protect our privacy.”
While Sloane would not comment on her meeting with Hatzistergos, her spokeswoman said the bill remains “too wide” but the Coalition is open to negotiating reforms that give ICAC “appropriate powers to tackle and eliminate corruption in NSW.”
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has officially locked in his trip to Australia, with visits to Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra to coincide with the March 25 Greek Independence Day celebrations.
According to ieidiseis.gr, the schedule has now been finalised after earlier uncertainty in Athens, where officials at the Maximos Mansion had been awaiting developments regarding a potential meeting between Mitsotakis and the President of the United States Donald Trump.
That meeting is now expected to take place at a later date, clearing the way for the Prime Minister to commit fully to Australia and attend major national day events with the Greek diaspora.
The visit is expected to carry both symbolic and political weight. Alongside his participation in commemorations marking the anniversary of the Greek War of Independence, Mitsotakis will use the trip to highlight his government’s flagship initiative granting voting rights to Greeks living abroad – a reform in which the government continues to invest significant political capital.
According to reports in Greece, the Prime Minister’s office is already actively identifying prominent members of the diaspora with strong public profiles, as part of broader efforts linked to the formation of a New Democracy-affiliated diaspora ticket.
First revealed by The Greek Herald
The Greek Herald was the first to report on Mitsotakis’ intention to travel to Australia around March 25, following an informal exchange with members of the Greek diaspora in central Athens earlier this year.
During a walk through the city, the Prime Minister extended New Year wishes to expatriates and revealed plans to align a visit to Australia with the national celebrations. The comments came after he attended the official New Year doxology, before meeting with senior state figures at a café in Kolonaki.
The proposed visit follows a long-standing invitation from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has previously invited Mitsotakis to Australia as an official guest, underscoring the close bilateral relationship between the two countries and Australia’s deep ties with the Greek diaspora.
With the itinerary now confirmed, Mitsotakis’ presence is expected to attract significant interest and attendance across Australia’s major Greek community centres, as he joins one of the most important annual commemorations on the Hellenic calendar.
On Saturday, February 21, the Panipirotiki Enosis of New South Wales hosted its highly anticipated Annual Dance at The Grand Roxy in Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney, commemorating the 113-year anniversary of the Liberation of Ioannina.
The evening served as a meaningful tribute to the region’s rich history and enduring cultural legacy, bringing together members of the community in a celebration of heritage, unity, and remembrance.
Distinguished guests were in attendance including the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, George Skemperis; His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia; and media representatives.
Consul General of Greece in Sydney, George Skemperis.His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia.
The event drew a full house, with guests enjoying an evening filled with amazing food, lively music, dancing, and exciting raffle prizes.
The night began with a captivating performance by Stavrina Dimitriou from Melbourne, whose powerful vocals set the tone for the celebrations and delighted the audience.
Taking centre stage as the main act was international singer Konstantina Touni and her band, who travelled from Greece to perform live. Their dynamic performance, accompanied by the resonant sounds of the clarino, filled the venue with energy and emotion.
International singer Konstantina Touni.
Guests quickly took to the dance floor, joining hands in traditional dances that carried on late into the night.
The atmosphere throughout the evening was one of joy, pride, and togetherness, as attendees embraced the spirit of the occasion through music and dance. Events such as these play a vital role in preserving cultural traditions and passing them on to future generations.
The Panipirotiki Enosis of NSW continues to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who fought for the liberation of Ioannina, recognising the hardships they endured and the legacy they left behind.
Through commemorative events like the Annual Dance, their stories remain alive, inspiring pride and reflection within the community.
As Sydney prepares to welcome one of its most anticipated cultural celebrations, the 44th Greek Festival of Sydney is set to return to Darling Harbour on Sunday, March 1, bringing with it a full day of food, music, dance and shared heritage in one of the city’s most iconic locations.
At the heart of this year’s festival is Persefoni Mousmoutis-Thliveris, a member of the Board of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW and recently elected President of the Sub-Committee for the Greek Festival of Sydney.
Known to many simply as Persa – or Sue from her high school days – she speaks with warmth, clarity and conviction about what the festival represents, both now and into the future.
At the heart of this year’s festival is Persefoni Mousmoutis-Thliveris (front row, second from left).
A flagship celebration of living culture
The Darling Harbour event remains the centrepiece of the wider Greek Festival of Sydney program, attracting thousands of visitors each year from across Sydney and beyond the Greek Australian community.
“Our flagship Darling Harbour event represents a powerful opportunity to showcase our rich, vibrant and enduring culture — our politismos,” Persefoni tells The Greek Herald.
“It is a celebration of the Greek spirit and creativity in all its forms, shared proudly with the wider community. It allows us to present our heritage not only as something historic, but as something living and dynamic.”
Held at Tumbalong Park from 10am to 10pm, Greek Fest@Darling Harbour will once again transform the waterfront into a vibrant hub of Greek culture. Food stalls will be stacked with festival favourites — souvlakia, lamb souvla, halloumi, barbecued octopus, calamari, pites, loukoumades and traditional Greek ice cream — alongside Greek beer and a touch of ouzo.
Food stalls will be stacked with festival favourites.
Retailers will offer everything from jewellery to t-shirts for children and adults, highlighting the creativity of Greek Australian small businesses.
Live music will fill the park throughout the day, with Greek Australian bands Yianni Trio and Iho Nyx performing contemporary and traditional sounds, while dance groups from Crete, Kalymnos, Cyprus, Pontos and northern Greece take to the main stage, sharing regional traditions with the crowd.
For Persefoni, Darling Harbour’s significance goes beyond its beauty.
“Darling Harbour remains an iconic and inclusive setting where we can build meaningful connections between our Greek heritage and contemporary multicultural Australian society,” she says.
“Especially in times when social cohesion and tolerance are being tested, events like this foster understanding, respect and unity across communities.”
Families, football and community connections
This year, the festival expands its family-friendly offerings with the involvement of Western Sydney Wanderers FC, who will host an interactive marquee from 11am.
“For families – and especially football lovers – we are excited to welcome Western Sydney Wanderers FC, who will host an interactive marquee with competitions, prizes and player meet-and-greets,” Persefoni says. “Special guests include Anthony Pantazopoulos, Alex Gersbach and Kosta Barbarouses.”
Children will also have the opportunity to participate in a free soccer clinic and a juggling competition, blending sport and culture in a way that reflects the festival’s inclusive spirit.
A headline act with heart and energy
Closing the Darling Harbour celebrations will be a free performance by internationally acclaimed Greek singer Ioulia Karapataki, whose appearance has been eagerly anticipated.
Ioulia Karapataki.
“We are delighted to welcome internationally acclaimed singer Ioulia Karapataki as our headline act at Tumbalong Park,” Persefoni says.
“The decision was made by the previous Festival Committee in collaboration with our colleagues at the Antipodes Festival, and it is a wonderful choice. I was introduced to Ioulia about two years ago and was immediately struck by her vibrancy and authenticity. She is one of Greece’s most exciting contemporary artists – energetic, charismatic and incredibly engaging on stage.”
Audiences, she adds, are in for something special.
“Audiences can expect a lively, inclusive and emotionally rich performance that truly brings the stage to life. We are thrilled that Sydney will finally experience her talent live,” she says.
A new chapter in leadership
The 2026 festival also marks the first year under new Chair Pamela Proestos, with a refreshed committee and leadership team guiding the program.
“This year marks a transitional chapter for the Festival,” Persefoni explains. “Our committee comprises many new and highly engaged members who have embraced the responsibility with enthusiasm.”
She highlights the depth of experience within the new leadership.
“Our new Chair, Pamela Proestos, brings significant experience, having previously served as Festival Director for seven years and currently working at the Australian National Maritime Museum. Our new Festival Director, Tilda Sikes, also brings valuable expertise across multiple cultural and event platforms. We are fortunate to have such high-calibre leadership.”
While some events were inherited from previous planning stages, the committee also embraced new opportunities, including a major conversation event with Yanis Varoufakis in discussion with Helen Vatsikopoulos, exploring themes of resistance, history and identity drawn from Varoufakis’ recent book Raise Your Soul.
Beyond Darling Harbour, the Greek Festival of Sydney will continue across the coming weeks with a diverse program of theatre, music, comedy and discussion. Highlights include the Greek Australian Comedy Gala, Paravasis, hosted by Anthony Locascio at the Sydney Comedy Store, and the musical tribute Untamed Voices by Elsa Mouratidou & Taxim Trio, honouring the women of rebetiko.
For Persefoni, the 2026 program is both reflective and forward-looking.
“The 2026 program is more concise compared to previous years, but it represents an important period of reflection and strategic planning,” she says.
“We are exploring the idea of concentrating future events primarily in March — a significant month for us, culminating in the celebration of 25 March, Greek Independence Day. It has the potential to become a dedicated ‘month of all things Greek’.
“Our vision is to honour tradition while thinking creatively and innovatively. We want to introduce fresh ideas and exciting proposals that reflect the evolving identity of the Greek Australian community – confident in its heritage, yet forward-looking and inclusive.”
Nearing the finish line
With just days to go before the Darling Harbour celebrations, Persefoni acknowledges the scale of the task behind the scenes.
“This year’s Festival has been a mammoth undertaking, delivered within a short timeframe and with limited resources,” she says. “Despite the challenges, our team has approached the task with determination, passion and optimism.”
As the countdown continues, her message to the community is simple.
“We are nearing the finish line and are proud of what we have achieved together. I look forward to welcoming everyone to celebrate with us — to share in our culture, our music, our food and our spirit,” she concludes.
Event Details
EVENT: Greek Fest@Darling Harbour
DATE: Sunday, 1 March 2026
TIME: 10am–10pm
LOCATION: Tumbalong Park, 11 Harbour St, Sydney NSW
ENTRY: Free event – no tickets required
For full program updates, follow the Greek Festival of Sydney on social media or visit the festival website.
A priest employed by the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) has been dismissed following the circulation of a formal written complaint, with the content of the letter leading to the termination of his employment.
The letter, dated early February and seen by The Greek Herald, was authored by Father John Konidaris of the Cathedral of Archangels Michael and Gabriel and circulated to multiple GOCSA bodies and officeholders.
The correspondence related to his exclusion from a public Vasilopita cutting ceremony organised by the Greek Women’s Society of South Australia “The Taxiarchis,” an event that had been advertised as open to the public.
In the letter, Father John objected to the decision preventing him and other GOCSA clergy from attending the event and raised broader concerns about the Association’s actions and leadership.
Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the language and tone used in the correspondence prompted internal consideration by GOCSA and ultimately led to Father John’s removal from his role.
GOCSA has not released a detailed public statement regarding the dismissal. However, sources within the community indicated that the decision was based on the content of the correspondence and its perceived impact on community relations, governance, and pastoral responsibility.
A priest employed by the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) has been dismissed following the circulation of a formal written complaint.
The dismissal has now created an immediate priest shortage within GOCSA, raising practical concerns about the delivery of religious services across its parishes.
That proposal, which sought to end a 64-year schism and would have enabled access to clergy from within the Archdiocese, failed to pass despite receiving majority support at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).
With the agreement rejected, GOCSA remains solely responsible for sourcing clergy — a reality now brought into sharper focus following the dismissal.
As GOCSA manages the immediate consequences of the decision, questions are being raised within the community about contingency planning, clerical oversight, and how similar situations might be addressed in the future.
GOCSA has not yet confirmed what interim arrangements, if any, will be put in place to address the shortage.
From 10am-10pm on Sunday, March 1, come along to Tumbalong Park for a day packed with delicious Greek delicacies, fun activities and both local and international Greek music.
Greek Fest@Darling Harbour is one of Sydney’s biggest cultural festivals, attracting thousands of visitors every year from both within and outside of the Greek Australian community.
This year, the Western Sydney Wanderers FC will be joining the festivities! From 11am bring your little ones to boost their soccer skills with a free soccer clinic led by some of WSW’s star players. And if they’re up for it, they can join the juggling competition for the chance to win some great prizes. First stop, Greek Fest; next stop, A-League!
The highlight of every Greek Fest is the opportunity to check out the vendors. The food stalls are stacked with souvlakia, halloumi, barbecued octopus, loukoumades and beyond. All festival classics to warm your heart and boost your energy (preferably to be used for dancing sirtaki at our main stage!).
The food is always a hit at the Greek Festival in Darling Harbour. Photo: The Greek Herald.
There will also be some fantastic retailers, offering everything from t-shirts to jewellery for kids and grown-ups alike. So whether you’re looking to fill your belly or your wardrobe, you’ll find something special to brighten your day with these Greek Australian small businesses.
Music lovers will find plenty to enjoy at the festival this year. Local Greek Australian bands Yianni Trio and Iho Nyx will be performing both contemporary and traditional Greek music throughout the day, giving attendees a taste of a real Greek glendi – dancing is not mandatory, but will be impossible to resist.
Speaking of Greek dancing, groups from Sydney and beyond will be showcasing their talents on the main stage throughout the day. Performers from Crete, Kalymnos, Cyprus, Pontos and northern Greece will share their love for Greek dancing and music with the crowd.
Dancing groups from Sydney and beyond will be showcasing their talents on the main stage throughout the day. Photo: The Greek Herald.
The celebrations will wrap up with a free performance from magnificent Greek singer Ioulia Karapataki. Those who have watched footage of Greek summer longingly through their phone screens will jump at the chance to see Karapataki’s show, which is sure to be filled with her trademark infectious energy and fresh twists on recognisable Greek classics.
Don’t miss out on this cultural highlight for Sydneysiders, as people say a fond farewell to summer in one of Sydney’s most iconic harbour spots – Greek style!
Event Details:
EVENT: Greek Fest@Darling Harbour
DATE: Sunday the 1st of March 2026.
TIME: 10am-10pm
LOCATION: Tumbalong Park – 11 Harbour St, Sydney NSW 2000.
The Federation of Greek Elderly Citizen Clubs of Melbourne and Victoria will, for the first time, host an information stall at Melbourne’s Antipodes Festival, inviting the community to connect with its work and members.
The stall will operate across the festival weekend on Saturday, 28 February and Sunday, 1 March, in Melbourne’s CBD, where the annual event attracts more than 150,000 visitors. The festival is organised by the Greek Community of Melbourne.
In a statement, the Federation encouraged members and the wider community to visit the stall, where representatives will be available to share information about the organisation’s activities and to meet visitors in person.
President Betty Exintaris OAM said volunteers are also welcome to assist at the stall throughout the weekend. Those interested in helping are encouraged to contact her directly on 0447 101 922.
The Federation also confirmed it will take part in Melbourne’s Greek Independence Day Parade on Sunday, March 22, marking the anniversary of 25 March 1821. Members and supporters have been urged to attend and show their support for the community’s continued visibility and unity.
The Federation represents Greek elderly citizens’ clubs across Melbourne and Victoria and plays an active role in promoting social participation, cultural continuity and community engagement among older members of the Greek Australian community.
The Foundation of Hellenic Studies at the University of New South Wales held its first meeting for 2026 under its new President, Paul Nicolaou.
Mr Nicolaou assumed the position from Costas Vertzayias, who stepped down after 31 years as President of the Foundation (having served since its establishment in 1994).
Attending the meeting for the first time was Con Apoifis, the new President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW), who replaces Harry Danalis, who has also stepped down from his role.
Members of the Board expressed their gratitude to the Nicholas Aroney Foundation and the Panarcadian Association for their generous contributions and ongoing support.
Dr Vasilis Adrahtas, Head of the Greek Studies Program, reported that 420 students enrolled in the intensive summer course on Greek Mythology. This number once again broke the UNSW record previously set by the same course in January 2025 and also constitutes an Australia-wide record for a course dedicated to Greek mythology.
Dr Adrahtas also confirmed that planning is progressing smoothly for the 12th International Summer University, to be held in September at UNSW in collaboration with the University of Ioannina and the non-profit organisation Unity in Philia. There is significant media interest in the event from Greece and the United States. Dr Adrahtas particularly emphasised the need for sponsors.
Dimitra Mavrocordatos, the new President of HELLSOC, informed the Board about planning for the first official dinner to be jointly hosted by HELLSOC and the Foundation on Saturday, April 18. The presentation of the 1821 Scholarships will be the highlight of the evening.
Mr Apoifis advised that the event has been included in the Greek Festival of Sydney program.
The Foundation’s Secretary, Artemis Theodoris, and Treasurer, Harry Mavrolefteros, will assist Dimitra and the HELLSOC committee in organising this important event.
Mr Mavrolefteros stressed the need for support from the broader Greek Australian community regarding scholarship funding, so as to increase student enrolments in Greek language courses.
