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.
Melbourne woman Mary Spanos has shared her experience as part of an ABC Four Cornersinvestigation into endometriosis surgeries with Dr Simon Gordon that were later found, through pathology, to show little or no evidence of the disease.
Mary underwent laparoscopic surgery in 2020 and was billed for a procedure reserved for “severe” endometriosis. She recalls being reassured immediately afterwards that the condition had been confirmed and removed.
“Mum and I are both crying,” she said. “[And] he’s saying, ‘It’s all confirmed. It was all endo. We got rid of it, so, she’s going to be amazing.’”
Her pain, however, intensified rather than improved. After requesting her medical records, Mary said she discovered that none of the tissue samples taken during surgery showed evidence of endometriosis.
“There were five separate pieces of tissue that had been sent off to pathology, and all of them came back saying, ‘No endometriosis present’,” she said.
“And his handwriting was right next to it, saying ‘NIL’.”
Mary said the findings left her in shock. She said she “absolutely” believed she had been misled and described feeling “disgusted.”
Her case is one of several examined by Four Corners, which heard from clinicians who reviewed patient records and concluded some surgeries appeared unnecessary and, in some cases, caused “more harm than good.”
The Four Corners investigation has prompted regulatory scrutiny, with health authorities now examining historical complaints and patient records.
The surgeon involved has denied wrongdoing and said he always acted in patients’ best interests.
Suspected human remains have been found during the search for abducted Sydney grandfather Chris Baghsarian, who police believe was mistakenly kidnapped.
The 85-year-old was taken from his North Ryde home in the early hours of February 13 and forced into a vehicle, with investigators saying he was not the intended target. Police believe the abduction was linked to organised crime figures.
On Tuesday morning, detectives located what are believed to be human remains near a golf club in Pitt Town, north-west of Sydney, following days of searches across bushland in the Hills district.
The operation is being led by the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad under Strike Force Chobat.
Investigators had previously linked a property in Dural to the offenders and later discovered a burnt-out stolen car in Glenorie, containing a blood-stained carpet believed to have originated from the Dural address.
Police have also confirmed that footage circulating online showed Mr Baghsarian tied up and being assaulted at that location.
Despite repeated appeals from police for his release — noting he required daily medication — no ransom demand was ever made. The search for those responsible for the abduction is ongoing.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined plans to form a new network of allied nations in and around the Middle East to counter what he described as “radical” regional forces.
Speaking on Sunday, Netanyahu announced an upcoming visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing India as part of an emerging alliance aligned with Israel. He also referenced Greece, Cyprus, and other unnamed Arab, African and Asian states.
“In the vision I see before me, we will create an entire system, essentially a ‘hexagon’ of alliances around or within the Middle East,” Netanyahu said.
“The intention here is to create an axis of nations that see eye to eye on the reality, challenges, and goals against the radical axes.”
The comments come amid Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, worsening relations with several Sunni-majority states, and renewed uncertainty around regional normalisation efforts under the US-backed Abraham Accords.
Clean Monday was marked across Greece with a mix of quiet tradition and exuberant spectacle, as communities welcomed the start of Lent under clear skies and spring sunshine.
Athens
In Athens, kites rose above Filopappou and Lycabettus hills from early morning, as residents gathered in public spaces despite many opting to leave the capital for the long weekend.
The Municipality of Athens hosted live music from the Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra, alongside the distribution of Lenten dishes and a traditional island-style feast.
Mayor Haris Doukas was present at the celebrations, greeting attendees and sharing food with the public.
Thessaloniki
Further north, Thessaloniki also observed Clean Monday with community-focused events. The municipality distributed free kites, lagana and fasting foods, with celebrations centred on the Seich Sou forest.
Hundreds gathered to enjoy the weather and fill the sky with colour, as Mayor Stelios Angeloudis visited the area and spoke with locals.
Galaxidi
While most of the country marked the day through kite flying and seafood, the seaside town of Galaxidi once again stood apart with its famous and unruly ‘flour war’.
The town’s coastal road was transformed into a cloud of colour as residents and visitors hurled bags of dyed flour at one another, while spectators watched from balconies above.
Although the spectacle largely subsided after a few hours, some participants carried the celebrations late into the night. Many first-time visitors were among those swept up in the tradition.
