The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival will run from 20 to 29 March, offering a 10-day program of 200 events celebrating distinctive Victorian food, drink and experiences, according to theaustraliatoday.com
Unveiling the 2026 program, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said the festival remained “quintessentially Victorian – a melting pot of culture and culinary delights – while supporting almost 300,000 jobs across the state.” He added that Victorians “play a vital role at every stage of producing our world-class food and beverages – so whether you’re dining in Frankston or Kew, you’re enjoying the work of one of the most talented workforces in the world.”
A staple of Victoria’s events calendar for more than 30 years, the festival continues to attract visitors and bolster the state’s $43.7 billion visitor economy.
This year’s line-up highlights both local and international talent, with chefs from Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Malta and the UK teaming up with Melbourne favourites such as Maha, Brico, Omnia, Osteria Ilaria and Farmer’s Daughters. Regional venues including Trapeze Wines and Phillip Island Winery will also host exclusive dining events.
A major highlight will be the 2026 World’s Longest Lunch, celebrating Australia’s Greek culinary heritage. A 600-metre table will wind through Kings Domain, serving a menu created by author Ella Mittas with chefs from Kafeneion and Tzaki. The 1,600-seat lunch is expected to sell out.
The festival will also host the Southern Hemisphere debut of Cake Picnic on 21 March, where entry requires bringing a homemade cake.
Food + Drink Victoria CEO Anthea Loucas Bosha said the 2026 program was among the strongest yet, offering everything from “a Greek-themed World’s Longest Lunch” to “the global sensation that is CAKE PICNIC.” Three new free events – The Spicy Side of Collins Street, The Festival of Korean Fried Chicken and Something Saucy: The Pizza Party – join the line-up.
Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements said the festival remains central to the state’s major events calendar, which in 2026 will also feature the Australian Open, Melbourne Fashion Festival, State of Origin, and the first NFL Regular Season Game in September.
A Melbourne creator who spent decades facing rejection in the entertainment industry has unexpectedly broken through – thanks to an AI persona, according to heraldsun.com.au. Author and filmmaker Jayson Sutcliffe developed an AI singer named Dimitrii after more than 20 years of having his scripts and concepts turned away by film and television executives.
Dimitrii’s first single, Gravity, released this month, has already drawn thousands of plays on Spotify and captured global attention. For Sutcliffe, the project was a final effort to make his voice heard. “It’s been a frustrating few decades,” he told the Herald Sun. Despite travelling to Los Angeles yearly for meetings and pitches, he said deals repeatedly fell apart: “Time and time again you get built up to something, and then all of a sudden it’s nothing.”
A former world champion roller skater and published author, Sutcliffe has directed two films centred on the sport. Dimitrii emerged after he wrote a song for a trailer he planned to pitch in LA. “They’re all my lyrics, but the voice is AI,” he explained, noting that crafting a consistent character takes far more than pushing a button.
He describes Dimitrii as Greek-Australian and inspired by people from his past — and imagined future encounters. The response has been overwhelming: he’s received an unexpected flood of messages from admirers of all ages.
While grateful for the attention, Sutcliffe says the success is bittersweet. “It makes me sad because I’ve tried and tried and tried to get somewhere in this industry,” he said. Still, he hopes Dimitrii’s rise may finally open doors.
Dimitrii’s debut comes amid a wave of AI-generated music gaining traction, including recent Billboard-charting virtual artists.
For actor and UNHCR goodwill ambassador Theo James, the global refugee crisis is rooted in a personal story, according to an article by Michael Lee, in koreajoongangdaily.joins.com.
His grandfather, then a young medical student in Athens during the Nazi occupation, fled by rowing across the Aegean and later found safety in Damascus. “It’s become a kind of legend, one that’s always been part of my family history,” James said during an interview at the UNHCR office in Seoul. “My grandfather and 12 other young men commandeered a little rowing boat… and they almost drowned many times.”
The parallels between his grandfather’s journey and that of modern refugees became clear to him when Syrians began fleeing their country in 2011. “My grandfather was in the same literal and metaphorical boat as refugees today,” he said.
James, known for “Divergent” and “The White Lotus,” began supporting UNHCR in 2016 and became a global ambassador last year. Through this work, he discovered his grandfather had also aided refugees after World War II. “He had been part of the teams that liberated some of the concentration camps… giving vaccines to refugees,” James said.
His mission, he explains, is “to amplify the voices of people who don’t get heard.” Field assignments have taken him to Mauritania, Jordan, and Greece, where he’s met people who have endured extreme hardships yet show remarkable resilience. He worries about growing anti-refugee sentiment, noting widespread misconceptions about why people flee.
James also highlights the increasing role of climate change in displacement, pointing to Mauritania as an example of how rising temperatures and desertification worsen refugee conditions.
As global donations to UNHCR decline, he sees advocacy and fundraising as essential. Filming in Korea this year, he praised the country’s development and strong humanitarian contributions, encouraging openness toward diversity.
Despite his demanding schedule, James tries to prioritize family life, calling the balance “a tricky balancing act.”
An Oran Park resident has given his usual Christmas setup a tropical makeover this year, marking the arrival of mango season with a playful twist, according to The Daily Telegraph.
Alex Mangos, well known in his neighbourhood for his elaborate festive displays, describes himself as “a bit of a fanatic.” After years of decorating his home with lights, he decided this season called for something different. He introduced vibrant mango-inspired décor, adding dozens of fruity decorations to his usual setup before the traditional lighting period begins.
“I love trying new things, making new things and creating displays for the community … mangoes are my favourite fruit, and have been since I can remember. People often mix up my surname with the fruit, too,” Mr Mangos said.
His passion for decorating began in his teens. “I’ve decorated ever since I was a teen when mum let me decorate the house, and then obviously when I got this place I started small and worked my way up. You start with a string of lights here and there, and before you know it you’ve eventually created something beautiful.”
But behind the bright colours and festive spirit lies a personal motivation.
“My six-year-old son got diagnosed with leukemia when he was three years old, and it was a humungous shock to our system,” he said. The family spent long stretches at Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick, which he described as becoming “a second home.”
“I’m happy to say he’s been cancer-free after three years … I wanted to give back whatever way I could, and I decided I could do that through fundraising.”
This year’s Mango Christmas Lights will run nightly from November 12–19 on Bourne Ridge, with donations supporting Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick.
Greece is becoming an increasingly popular destination for high-net-worth individuals, with more than 1,200 millionaires expected to move to the country in 2025, bringing an estimated €7.7 billion in liquid assets, en.protothema.gr, has reported. According to the Global Citizens Report by Henley & Partners, Greece now ranks eighth globally for millionaire migration.
Recent arrivals-from Novak Djokovic to investors like Richard Xiao and Tom Greenwood-reflect a broader pattern. Each year, affluent individuals choose Greece for its safety, stability, lifestyle, and pro-investment climate. The report, created with New World Wealth, tracks the movement of over 150,000 millionaires annually and highlights the economic impact of their relocation, including investments in real estate, startups, and tourism.
Analysts note that many wealthy migrants bring their family offices and continue creating wealth from their new base. Globally, around 15% of migrating millionaires are business founders, a figure that rises sharply among those with much higher net worth.
Henley forecasts a record-breaking year, with at least 142,000 people possessing over $1 million expected to migrate worldwide. Projections for final totals may exceed 150,000. These estimates rely on data from the first five months of the year, combined with property records, company registries, family office locations, and other indicators.
Following years of economic hardship, Greece has steadily re-entered the map of preferred destinations thanks to tax reforms and a more investment-friendly environment. A decade-long 24% increase in millionaire inflows highlights this shift.
Henley’s Dominic Volek points to Greece and Portugal as consistently rising destinations, crediting lifestyle advantages, tax incentives, and successful migration programs. In Greece, the Athenian Riviera and islands remain top choices.
Greece now stands alongside major wealth hubs such as the UAE, the U.S., Switzerland, Italy, and Portugal, while countries like the U.K. and China face significant millionaire outflows.
The Cypriot diaspora may now outnumber the population living on the island, with recent data submitted to parliament showing between 650,000 and 760,000 Cypriots abroad, compared to 719,252 residents in Cyprus, according to cyprus-mail.com.
The largest communities overseas are in the United Kingdom, home to an estimated 350,000 to 450,000 Cypriots. The United States follows with 70,000 to 80,000, while Australia hosts around 80,000. Other sizeable groups live in Greece (70,000), Canada (35,000), and South Africa (35,000), with smaller populations spread across Europe and Africa.
These communities have long shaped Cyprus’ cultural, economic, and political links with the wider world. Disy MP Nikos Georgiou noted that many expatriates wish to stay connected, invest in Cyprus, or even return permanently. However, he criticised the bureaucratic obstacles they encounter, saying, “Many of them are faced with prolonged procedures, even for the most basic things.”
To strengthen ties, the foreign office has introduced initiatives to improve communication and services. These include regular online discussions with diaspora organisations, expanded consular support, new honorary consulates, and an e-platform offering information to Cypriots abroad.
Younger generations are also a priority, with partnerships involving academic and research institutions providing scholarships and temporary work opportunities to maintain connections.
Officials emphasise the strategic and cultural value of the diaspora, viewing Cypriots abroad as an extension of the nation and a source of economic and intellectual contribution. Efforts to simplify repatriation and integration aim to ensure administrative delays do not discourage their return.
As Georgiou said, “The Cypriots of the diaspora are a national asset and have proven their commitment for years.”
Ermou Street in central Athens has climbed one spot in Cushman & Wakefield’s annual ranking of the world’s most expensive shopping streets, now placing 15th globally, according to an article by Nikos Roussanoglou at ekathimerini.com.
The report, which tracks major retail market trends, shows that rental rates on Ermou have risen by 7 percent, reaching 310 euros per square meter per month, or €3,720 per square meter annually.
Growing tourism and increased investment activity have boosted both the commercial appeal and overall profile of Athens’ historic center, contributing to Ermou’s improved standing.
For the first time, London’s New Bond Street has taken the top position in the global ranking.
Australia’s inflation fight, housing affordability crisis and the courage needed for serious economic reform were front and centre at an exclusive Business Sydney reception on Thursday night, featuring renowned entrepreneur and Yellow Brick Road Executive Chairman, Mark Bouris AM.
Hosted by Sydney City Lexus & Toyota Managing Director John Roca at the company’s Waterloo showroom, the event drew leading figures from business, politics and the community.
Bouris took part in a wide-ranging conversation with Besa Deda, Chief Economist at William Buck, after an introduction from Business Sydney’s Executive Director Paul Nicolaou.
While there was plenty of humour – including references to Bouris’ Punchbowl roots and his days building Wizard Home Loans – his core message was blunt: monetary policy is doing the heavy lifting on inflation while fiscal policy and housing settings risk leaving a generation behind.
Reserve Bank ‘doing a great job’ – but all eyes on December
Bouris praised the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) for its handling of interest rates in the current cycle, saying the central bank was “doing a great job” in using monetary policy to protect the welfare of Australians.
He reminded the audience that the RBA’s mandate is “prosperity and welfare,” and that high inflation threatens both – particularly for households most exposed to rising living costs.
“When inflation becomes a problem, welfare becomes an issue,” he said.
“There’s a segment of society who don’t earn as much… and they are unduly affected when the cost of living outpaces their income… the Reserve Bank’s job then is to increase interest rates to stop the people who are spending the money, so that the people who don’t have money to spend have their welfare protected.”
Bouris urged business leaders to pay less attention to day-to-day commentary and more to the RBA’s own language, especially in the short statement released after each Board decision and the Governor’s press conference that follows.
Citing the latest monthly CPI reading, he said the Bank was “not where it wants to be” on inflation and predicted Governor Michele Bullock would use the December meeting to “start conditioning the market” for the possibility of another rate rise, after several months in which markets had focused on when cuts might begin.
“At the end of the day it doesn’t matter what commentators say – it matters what the Reserve Bank thinks,” he said. “They’re the ones who make the decision, and as a result of that decision we all pay, or we all save.”
APRA’s new debt-to-income cap and a brutally simple housing equation
The conversation inevitably turned to housing – and the banking regulator’s new cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) lending. Under APRA’s recent announcement, from February 2026 banks will only be able to allocate up to 20 per cent of their new home lending to loans where borrowers take on debt greater than six times their annual income.
Bouris explained the change in plain terms: “What it means is if you earn $100,000 a year, you can’t borrow more than $600,000. The regulator is saying to the banks: only a small slice of your lending can be above that. It’s a big intervention.”
He linked APRA’s move to a broader point he has seen play out across Yellow Brick Road’s $2.5 billion-a-month mortgage business: house prices are highly sensitive to interest rates because most buyers think in monthly repayments, not total debt.
Using a property auction as his example, Bouris said that for every 50-basis-point move in interest rates, banks can typically lend about 5 per cent more or less – meaning borrowers adjust to the new limit almost immediately.
“Borrowers don’t walk around thinking ‘I owe a million dollars’ – they think ‘I pay this much per month’,” he said. “So if I can lend you $850,000 instead of $800,000, and you’ve still got your $200,000 deposit, you’ll spend the $850,000. That’s why prices jump.”
With Sydney’s median house price around $1.7 million, Bouris argued that limits on borrowing power, layered on top of high rates and surging living costs, are pushing home ownership further out of reach for many under 40.
Housing supply, tax and a system “spending more than it earns”
Asked what he would do to tackle housing affordability, Bouris didn’t pretend there was a silver bullet – but he highlighted three pressure points:
1. Skilled labour and apprenticeships – “We’re not going to give birth to carpenters and plumbers,” he said, calling for a rethink of the apprenticeship system so young tradespeople aren’t underpaid or poorly treated on worksites.
2. Planning and approvals – Builders he had spoken to in Victoria estimated that around 45 per cent of the cost base of a new house is made up of taxes, levies and council contributions – a figure Bouris described as a major concern.
3. Regulation and compliance – He cited data showing Australia now spends about 5 per cent of GDP on compliance and regulation, making it one of the most heavily regulated economies in the world.
“Try buying a house – your solicitor has known you for 25 years but still has to drag you in to sight your passport,” he said. “There’s a presumption everyone’s a crook. We’ve got to protect people, but we don’t need to go over the top.”
For Bouris, the underlying issue is a spending problem in government.
“If I ran my business the way the government runs the budget – always in deficit, just borrowing more and more – people would say I’m off my head,” he argued, invoking economist Milton Friedman’s line that “consumers never create inflation, only governments do.”
Parallel economies and the generational divide
Deda and Bouris also explored the idea of “parallel economies” – one cohort still spending freely, another cutting back sharply.
Bouris said a weekly trip through Sydney Airport made the divide obvious.
“There’s an age group that’s clearly travelling and eating out,” he said. “Older Australians who got onto the housing ladder early, who’ve seen incredible gains over the last 20–30 years.”
Deda agreed, noting that lower-income households, younger Australians and those with large mortgages are bearing the brunt of rate rises and inflation, while older, asset-rich households are more insulated.
For those under 40 only now entering the housing market, she warned, the returns of the past three decades are unlikely to be repeated, because the big structural drivers – falling interest rates and tax changes like the late-1990s capital gains discount – have already played out.
Calling for courage and redefining economic success
In one of the evening’s more reflective moments, Bouris contrasted today’s politics with the reform eras of Bob Hawke, Paul Keating, John Howard and Peter Costello, whom he credited with having the courage to push through controversial changes like the GST and gun laws.
He said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers face a much more fragmented “broad church” of voters and pressure from minor parties and social media, but argued that courage is still the missing ingredient in tackling issues like tax reform and housing.
“I’d love to see someone sit down and say, ‘Here are the two big things we’re going to fix,’” Bouris said. “Not reckless, but not cowardly either – real courage.”
Ultimately, he told the audience that the health of the economy should be judged not by abstract indicators, but by living standards.
“To me, the most important thing in a country is the standard of living,” he said. “Do you have a roof over your head? Can you afford the cost of living? Can you afford to get your kids a piano lesson, or a second-hand bike you can paint up? That’s what I call standard of living.”
As guests mingled in the Lexus showroom – engaging in thoughtful discussions over drinks and canapés – Bouris’ message lingered: an economy is only working if ordinary Australians can build a life, not just service a loan.
Ahead of his first Australian tour for the 44th National Cretan Federation Convention in January 2026, hosted by the Cretan Association of Sydney & NSW under the auspices of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand, musician Mihalis Charkiolakissat down with The Greek Herald.
He traced his personal music story back to childhood – sparked by his father’s urging – and described how sound becomes the vessel for emotion, memory and identity.
With this being his first-ever visit to Australia, where he will perform alongside Giorgos Koudoumougiannakis (lyra) and Vangelis Bagourakis (lute), Mihalis expressed deep honour and anticipation to play for diaspora audiences who, as he said, carry Crete in their hearts, often even more intensely than those living on the Greek island.
How did your love for music begin?
I stepped into the world of music after encouragement from my father, when I was about seven years old. At first, it felt like a fun activity – I wasn’t sure if I truly loved it. But I realised I was learning faster than the other children, and that gave me confidence and motivation.
When my classmates and I began playing together at the academy, it was then I understood this was something much deeper – something that genuinely fulfilled me. From that moment on, my love for music grew. The more I explored it, the more I connected with it, and the more I enjoyed it.
What emotions does music evoke in you?
Music is a journey in itself. It can soothe you, stir excitement, bring you joy, or even sadness – that is its beauty. I feel incredibly fortunate to be doing something that gives me a way to express the emotions I experience at different chapters of my life. Sometimes, through music, I feel connected to something greater than myself – to people, emotion, place, memory… to everything.”
What are your expectations for your visit to Australia? Is it your first time in the country?
We are truly looking forward to travelling to Australia – it will be our first time performing so close to the Greek diaspora there. Everything we’ve heard so far has filled us with excitement.
We have travelled to America before, but this feels entirely different – a new, special experience. We can’t wait to meet the community and share our music with them. It’s a tremendous honour for us to bring a piece of Crete to those living abroad and far from home.
What do you believe is the greatest strength of music – especially your own music?
Music’s greatest power is that it speaks where words often can’t. It reaches every person differently – bringing memories to the surface, offering comfort, or creating joy. It can sing of celebration, heartbreak, nostalgia… life far from home… of everything. For me, that connection with the audience is the most magical part. I also believe an artist’s role is to strike balance – to guide the celebration (‘glendi’) of the crowd, while also expressing something truthful and emotional through their joy.
What makes performing for diaspora audiences different?
At every Cretan diaspora concert, there’s a powerful emotional weight – because we hold Crete in our hands for people who miss it deeply. It can feel like we’re returning them to their villages, their youth, their family memories – all through sound.
Often, when we play for diaspora audiences, we joke that they may be even more… Cretan than those of us who live on the island! They embrace us so warmly, and that pushes us to give even more on stage. That bond is unmistakable.
What should the Cretan community in Australia expect from you — and how do you hope to present yourselves?
We know there is a strong Cretan presence in Australia, and we want to honour that. Our goal is to bring energy, warmth and authenticity – but also sincerity and respect.
It’s a privilege for us that the community welcomes us with such trust. And yes, we hope to become one big group, one big shared company – enjoying unforgettable moments together.
We want our music to feel like a bridge between Crete and the communities who carry it with them, so they leave the night with joy, emotion and beautiful memories.
You once said music is your passport to anything you can imagine. What do you envision for your time and performances in Australia?
I used the phrase ‘passport’ metaphorically. For me, music is the vehicle for expressing every emotion and thought – not only a way to travel the world, though I do feel blessed that my art has given me that opportunity.
For Australia, I imagine discovering beautiful places, meeting new people, experiencing different perspectives – but always, beneath it all, the heartbeat of Cretan culture.
Greek Australians are known for embracing visiting artists. Would you like to send them a message?
I’ll speak boldly on behalf of all of us and say a heartfelt thank you – for the generosity, warmth and hospitality shown to artists every single time. We are excited to meet everyone, celebrate together, and play for you. Until we meet – health, happiness, and a warm reunion ahead for all.”
His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane visited the Parish of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Mt Gravatt to celebrate the 28th anniversary of the Circle of Senior Citizens & Friends.
He thanked Parish Priest Father Nicholas Brown and coordinator Irene Cayas for their invitation and dedication to supporting senior members of the community.
Conveying “the love and blessings” of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Bishop Bartholomew wished attendees “health of soul and body.”
A gift was also presented to His Grace in honour of the anniversary of his episcopal consecration, a gesture he said deeply moved him as he asked the faithful to “pray for him.”
Bishop Bartholomew additionally expressed his gratitude to Archbishop Makarios for recommending his name for the episcopacy to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Holy and Sacred Synod of Constantinople.
