The Darwin Esplanade was transformed into a sea of blue and white over the weekend as tens of thousands gathered for what organisers say was the most successful GleNTi festival ever staged in the Northern Territory.
Blessed with ideal dry-season weather, the annual celebration of Greek culture attracted an estimated 40,000 people across two packed days of food, music, dancing and entertainment.
All photos supplied by Georgia Politis Photography.
From morning through until late at night, crowds filled the waterfront precinct enjoying traditional Greek cuisine, live performances and cultural displays, while families took advantage of amusement rides and activities designed for children.
The atmosphere continued well after sunset, with festivalgoers gathering around long communal tables to enjoy Greek beer, wine and local brews as dancing and live music carried into the evening.
This year’s festival also received strong support from sponsors, including Gold Sponsor Bank of Sydney, which participated in the GleNTi celebrations for the first time. Bank of Sydney Acting CEO Kieran McKean was among those in attendance across the weekend festivities.
Greek Orthodox Community of Northern Australia (GOCNA) President Michael Koulianos said this year’s event surpassed all previous festivals in both attendance and atmosphere, with strong crowds flowing through the precinct across the entire weekend.
He said vendors struggled to keep up with demand despite increasing stock levels, while associated events leading into the festival also attracted significant crowds, including the GleNTi Cup earlier in the week.
Mr Koulianos praised the efforts of volunteers and organisers who worked around the clock to deliver the large-scale event, revealing the festival also raised $21,000 for NT Police Legacy.
With another successful festival now complete, organisers have already begun preparations for next year’s celebration as interest in the event continues to grow.
*All photos supplied by Georgia Politis Photography
Professor Paul Andon, a respected academic of Hellenic heritage and long-serving UNSW educator, has been appointed Dean of the UNSW Business School following an international recruitment process involving candidates from some of the world’s leading business schools.
Prof. Andon officially commenced in the role on April 20, bringing more than 25 years of experience in higher education leadership, curriculum innovation and business education strategy.
A proud UNSW alumnus, Prof. Andon has held several senior leadership roles at the university, including Senior Deputy Dean (Education and Student Experience), Head of the School of Accounting, Auditing and Taxation, and interim Co-Dean of the Business School.
UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs praised Prof. Andon’s appointment, describing him as “a distinguished academic leader and educator, with deep institutional knowledge and extensive UNSW leadership experience.”
“Across various leadership roles at the University, he has had an impressive impact in developing impactful research programs, driving innovation in education and forging strong industry partnerships,” Prof. Brungs said.
Prof. Andon said he was honoured to take on the role at a pivotal time for both higher education and the global business sector.
“It’s a privilege to lead a tremendous business faculty at a time of significant change across higher education and the business world,” he said.
“As a world-leading business school, we are responsible for shaping better practices and informing policy from the classroom to the C-suite.”
Prof. Andon has led several major educational initiatives at UNSW, including integrating artificial intelligence into business education and expanding the UNSW Tax Clinic into a broader Tax and Business Advisory service focused on social impact and justice.
His research has focused on accounting, organisational misconduct, governance and assurance practices, earning him numerous teaching and research awards throughout his academic career.
As Dean, Prof. Andon said a key priority would be preparing graduates and researchers for the rapid transformation being driven by artificial intelligence and global uncertainty.
“That means developing researchers and graduates who can think with and beyond AI, step confidently into higher-order responsibility and shape better outcomes for the world,” he said.
Former L’Oréal, Elizabeth Arden, and Scentre Group executive George Tsoukalas has been named the new General Manager of Sephora’s Australia and New Zealand division.
Tsoukalas, a retail veteran, enters the role from his latest post as Managing Director of Heinemann Oceania. He succeeds Mark O’Keefe, who announced his resignation in February.
“We have enjoyed some of the most wonderful times, and I cannot thank you enough for the precious memories our time together has created,” O’Keefe said in his announcement, before promising to embark on a “new beauty adventure” in August.
Sephora called Tsoukalas a “seasoned retail leader,” adding that he takes the helm at Sephora ANZ as it “steps into this new era.” Since its launch in late 2014, Sephora ANZ now operates more than 30 stores.
“The future is bright for Sephora Australia and New Zealand,” Tsoukalas said. “As we move towards the second half of the year, we will be unveiling new brands and exciting initiatives, but equally important is doubling down on the fundamentals – our people, our brand partners, and our community of beauty fans.”
“We are focused on strengthening our presence across Australia and New Zealand and reaffirming our position as the world’s leading global prestige beauty retailer.”
Police are continuing to investigate the murder of Hells Angels associate Kerry Giakoumis, six years after he disappeared in Melbourne, with a mystery man linked to the case still unidentified.
Giakoumis, 29, travelled from Adelaide to Melbourne on June 10, 2020, with two members of the Hells Angels’ South Australian-based North Crew chapter.
Investigators later determined he attended the Nomads clubhouse on Lipton Drive in Thomastown that night and believe he never left the premises alive.
Victoria Police released an image in September 2022 of an unidentified man they believe may hold important information about the case. Detectives say the man was seen with Giakoumis shortly before his death.
The man, described as slender with neck tattoos, was captured on lift security footage at a Richmond apartment linked to one of Giakoumis’ associates.
Police believe Giakoumis later travelled to the Thomastown clubhouse, where he was allegedly attacked in what investigators suspect was a spontaneous act of violence before his body was removed and disposed of.
His family raised concerns after he failed to board a return flight to Adelaide and stopped contacting relatives.
A mistrial has been declared in the Brisbane District Court case involving prominent Brisbane hairdresser Dmitri Stelios Papas.
The reason for the mistrial has not been made public, with much of the evidence this week heard in closed court. A new court date is yet to be set.
Papas, 49, has pleaded not guilty to six historical sexual assault charges and one count of rape involving four former employees at his high-end Brisbane CBD hair salon.
During opening submissions earlier this week, defence barrister Saul Holt described the salon as having a “highly sexualised” workplace culture.
He told the jury they would hear evidence of widespread physical affection and inappropriate humour within the salon environment.
“…You’ll hear about kissing, cuddling, tickling, bottom-touching, explicit jokes, videos, photographs, and even see some of those things in this trial,” Mr Holt said.
The court also heard allegations that Papas sexually assaulted three former employees and digitally raped another woman in the salon’s back rooms.
Crown prosecutor Joshua Francis said the prosecution case relied on similarities in the women’s accounts, including claims Papas allegedly touched them unexpectedly while at work and often from behind.
Mr Holt, however, argued the jury would hear evidence of one complainant “rewriting history” and “rallying others to her cause”.
The court was also told that Papas’ relationship with salon co-owner Justin Pace deteriorated following allegations made by one of the complainants.
A future listing date for the matter has not yet been confirmed.
Sydney property developer Nick Couloumbis has been charged following an alleged altercation involving the son of one of his most vocal opponents over a controversial Paddington development.
Couloumbis, founder of boutique development firm Toohey Miller, is accused of assaulting Angus Onisforou at Justin Hemmes’ Club Rose Bay venue on Saturday, May 23.
The 30-year-old was arrested at Pyrmont on May 28 and charged with common assault and attempt to stalk or intimidate with intent to cause fear of harm.
Police allege the incident occurred between two men at the licensed venue in Rose Bay.
Couloumbis has denied wrongdoing and says he will plead not guilty.
“It was in self defence and I look forward to presenting my case with my lawyer in court,” he said.
He also claimed there had been “a history of bullying and harassment” from the Onisforou family, allegations they deny.
Angus Onisforou is the son of barrister and businessman Theo Onisforou, who has led community opposition to Couloumbis’ proposed $78.3 million development at 160 Oxford Street, Paddington.
The nine-storey apartment project has become a major flashpoint in debates over development in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
At a recent community meeting organised by independent MP Alex Greenwich and Woollahra councillor Harriet Price, Theo urged locals to oppose the project.
“I’m going to ask all of you to tell everybody that wants to live in Paddington: boycott this development,” he said.
Theo also rejected Couloumbis’ claims of harassment.
“I have no doubt that he felt very harassed by my speech because it was the truth – and the truth hurts,” he said.
Couloumbis was granted conditional bail and is due to appear in court next month.
Emergency services were called to the intersection of Melville Road and Victoria Street in Brunswick West shortly after 8.30am on Thursday, June 4, following reports a pedestrian had been struck by a dark-coloured hatchback while crossing the road.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud impact before rushing to assist the woman, who was allegedly left unconscious on the road following the collision.
Paramedics treated the woman at the scene before transporting her to hospital with serious injuries. Authorities have not released an update on her condition.
Police allege the driver briefly stopped following the crash before leaving the scene prior to officers arriving. Investigators believe the vehicle involved was a rental car.
A 40-year-old Brunswick man later presented himself at a police station on Friday morning, around 24 hours after the incident.
Victoria Police subsequently charged the man with unlicensed driving, two counts of failing to stop and render assistance at a collision scene, and failing to notify police of a serious injury collision.
He was bailed to appear before Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on 5 October.
The Commander of the Aigialeia Crime Investigation and Detection Division, Iordanis Magerakis, has revealed exclusively to The Greek Herald how Greek police tracked down and arrested alleged fugitive James Dalamangas after nearly three decades on the run.
Australian authorities are seeking his extradition over the alleged fatal stabbing of Sydney man George Giannopoulos during a violent altercation at the Pariziana nightclub in Belmore on Anzac Day in 1999.
Appearing in court wearing a bulletproof vest and escorted by police, Dalamangas reportedly maintained his innocence. Greek media outlets alleged he had been living under the alias “Antonis Tzimas” and was known locally as a quiet olive grove farmer.
Greek police reportedly placed the property where he was living under surveillance before arresting him as he left the residence with family members. Local reports claim officers also detained his father and partner for allegedly harbouring a fugitive.
James Dalamangas has appeared before a court in Greece after being arrested. Photo: Ekathimerini.
‘Antonis, Australian, tattoo’
Speaking to The Greek Herald, Mr Magerakis detailed the operation which ultimately led to the arrest.
“The three important pieces of information we had in our hands were: ‘Antonis, Australian, tattoo’. We knew there was an Australian man in the area who introduced himself as ‘Antonis’ and was involved in the olive oil trade,” he said.
“Some necessary telephone calls were made and we managed to locate his residence. Our officers were positioned for three days and waited for Dalamangas to come out of his house. Entering the house would have been an operation with great risk, due to the vast area behind the residence which could have given him the opportunity to escape.
“So we waited for him to come out, which eventually happened. There, we carried out a routine identification check and from the moment we saw that he did not have the necessary documents, he was taken to the station.
“All’s well that ends well. The decision we made to wait for him proved wise and thus we were led, with absolute discretion, to an arrest which we hope will ease the pain of some people searching for justice after so many years.”
Mr Magerakis also publicly praised his officers following the arrest.
“A family on the other side of the planet had been searching for answers for 27 whole years,” he wrote on social media.
“Those answers were given today by the Crime Investigation and Detection Department of Aigialeia.
“I bow to my colleagues for the many-day police operation, which brought the desired result – the arrest of the wanted man.”
The Commander of the Aigialeia Crime Investigation and Detection Division, Iordanis Magerakis.
Giannopoulos family thanks investigators
The Giannopoulos family welcomed the arrest and thanked both Greek and Australian authorities for their persistence in pursuing the case over many years.
“In particular, we would like to acknowledge Commander Iordanis Magerakis and his team for their dedication and commitment in helping bring about this significant development,” the family said in a statement.
“We are especially grateful to Grant Taylor (NSW Police) and his team for their support and persistence over many years.”
The family added: “While today’s arrest cannot undo the pain our family has endured since George Giannopoulos was taken from us in Sydney in 1999, it provides hope that justice may finally be within reach.”
Years on the run
Dalamangas has allegedly been on the run for 27 years after leaving Australia shortly after the incident. Previous attempts to extradite him from Greece in 2003 were unsuccessful, while Greek authorities later pursued the case domestically before he allegedly evaded prosecutors.
As he left the courthouse, Dalamangas reportedly shouted: “Justice for Peter Dalamangas,” referring to his younger brother, who died following an incident involving security guards at Sydney’s Star City Casino in 1998.
Reporting by The Greek Heraldindicates that police allegedly found a bow above his bed, along with several daggers, during a search of the property in Greece. Large dogs were also reportedly kept on the premises, making any operation inside the residence more difficult.
The Australian Federal Police renewed a $200,000 reward for information leading to Dalamangas’ arrest in 2024 and previously released an age-progressed image as part of ongoing international efforts to locate him.
Dalamangas is expected to return to court in Greece later this week as extradition proceedings continue.
Israel and Iran have agreed to temporarily halt further strikes after an exchange of attacks sparked renewed fears of a wider Middle East conflict.
Tensions escalated after Iran launched missiles towards Israeli territory late on Sunday, which Tehran said was retaliation for Israeli strikes on Hezbollah strongholds on the outskirts of Beirut. Israel later carried out retaliatory strikes against Iranian targets.
The latest exchange marked the first direct confrontation between the two countries since an uneasy ceasefire in April paused five weeks of fighting.
US President Donald Trump said both sides were seeking an immediate ceasefire and expressed optimism that negotiations could prevent further escalation.
“Final negotiations on ‘Peace’ are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would cease strikes on Iran for now, declaring that “the fire on that front is contained.”
However, Netanyahu warned Israel would respond forcefully to any future attacks.
“Should Iran make the mistake of resuming attacks against us, we will respond with full force,” he said in a televised address.
Despite the pause in direct strikes between Israel and Iran, Israeli officials vowed military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon would continue. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Beirut’s southern suburbs would face retaliation for attacks on northern Israel.
Iran, meanwhile, warned that any continued aggression — particularly in southern Lebanon — could trigger “much more severe and crushing measures”.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged Israel to pursue dialogue rather than military escalation, saying lasting security could not be achieved through war.
“We are ready, we are willing, we are committed. Are you? If you are, let’s sit and talk,” he said in an interview with CNN.
Meanwhile, schools in Israel are expected to reopen after closures caused by missile attacks, while Iran and Iraq have reopened their airspace following temporary shutdowns during the escalation.
James Dalamangas has appeared before a court in Greece after being arrested over the alleged fatal stabbing of Sydney man George Giannopoulos nearly three decades ago.
The 55-year-old fronted an extradition hearing in the city of Patras on Monday, following his arrest by Greek authorities in the Peloponnese town of Aigio, where investigators allege he had been living under a false identity for years.
Australian authorities are seeking Dalamangas’ return to Australia over the 1999 death of Giannopoulos, who was fatally stabbed during a violent altercation at the Pariziana nightclub in Belmore on Anzac Day.
Appearing in court wearing a bulletproof vest and escorted by police, Dalamangas reportedly maintained his innocence. Greek media outlets alleged he had been living under the alias “Antonis Tzimas” and was known locally as a quiet olive grove farmer.
Dalamangas has allegedly been on the run for 27 years after leaving Australia shortly after the incident. Previous attempts to extradite him from Greece in 2003 were unsuccessful, while Greek authorities later pursued the case domestically before he allegedly evaded prosecutors.
Greek police reportedly placed the property where he was living under surveillance before arresting him as he left the residence with family members. Local reports claim officers also detained his father and partner for allegedly harbouring a fugitive.
As he left the courthouse, Dalamangas reportedly shouted: “Justice for Peter Dalamangas,” referring to his younger brother, who died following an incident involving security guards at Sydney’s Star City Casino in 1998.
The Giannopoulos family welcomed the arrest, thanking both Australian and Greek authorities for continuing to pursue the case over many years.
“While today’s arrest cannot undo the pain our family has endured since George Giannopoulos was taken from us in Sydney in 1999, it provides hope that justice may finally be within reach,” the family said in a statement.
