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Greek Australian Supper Club turns friendship into philanthropy

The Greek Herald
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Greek Australian Supper Club turns friendship into philanthropy

What began as a group of Greek and Cypriot Australians catching up for dinner has evolved into a powerful force for good, with the Happy Friday Supper Club (HFSC) hoping to raise $50,000 for the Steve Waugh Foundation ahead of its 16th Annual Awards Night on Friday, 6 February, at the Establishment Boardroom.

Founded in 2009 by a close-knit group of lifelong friends of mostly Greek and Cypriot heritage, the HFSC was never intended to be anything more than a standing monthly dinner.

The rule was simple: the first Friday of every month, no excuses. Sixteen years on, those dinners have grown into 184 shared meals, friendships strengthened, and tens of thousands of dollars raised for some of Australia’s most deserving charities.

Established as an informal, member-led social group, the Happy Friday Supper Club operates without formal hierarchy. Members take turns hosting dinners and selecting venues, prioritising friendship, consistency and community connection over structure or recognition.

“This was never about building an organisation or chasing recognition,” HFSC member Pete Antoniou said.

“We’re literally just a group of mates who didn’t want life to get in the way of friendship, but along the way we realised we could do some real good for people who need it.”

Each month, one member hosts the dinner, choosing the venue and inviting fellow members and guests. The evening is then playfully “reviewed” and scored, with the results culminating in the club’s annual black-tie Awards Night, where the highly sought-after Golden Pepper Shaker is awarded.

While the concept may have started tongue-in-cheek, the Awards Night has since grown into a major fundraising event. Over the years, the HFSC has supported charities including Starlight, Giant Steps, Raising Ryan, The Breast Cancer Foundation, Cure Brain Cancer and Bear Cottage. This year’s beneficiary is the Steve Waugh Foundation, which supports children and families living with rare diseases.

“To know that we are on track to raise $50,000 is incredibly humbling,” Antoniou said.

“This money is coming from people within our Greek-Cypriot-Australian community. These are very likely people you know who just want to do a good thing.

“Every dollar raised comes from goodwill, generosity and a shared belief that if you’re lucky enough to be in a position to help, you should.”

This year’s event will welcome more than 160 guests, bringing together business leaders, friends, family and supporters from across the Greek and wider Australian community.

“HFSC has become something much deeper and more meaningful than we ever imagined,” Antoniou said. “It’s a modern-day parea. Members often describe it as an unofficial ‘men’s shed’, a safe and supportive space where mates look out for each other through the highs and lows of life.

“We’re proud of the money we’ve raised, but we’re just as proud of the culture we’ve built.

“Friendship, generosity and community – that’s what this is really about.”

Event Details

Event: Happy Friday Supper Club – 16th Annual Awards Night
Date: Friday, 6 February 2026
Venue: Establishment Boardroom
Purpose: Fundraising in support of the Steve Waugh Foundation
Tickets available here. 

Melbourne Park turns blue and white as Greek supporters rally behind Tsitsipas

The Greek Herald
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Melbourne Park turns blue and white as Greek supporters rally behind Tsitsipas

Melbourne Park was transformed into a sea of blue and white on Tuesday, January 20, as Greek supporters turned out in force to cheer on Stefanos Tsitsipas during his opening-round match at the Australian Open.

Inside Margaret Court Arena, the Greek flag was impossible to miss. From the moment Tsitsipas stepped onto the court, Greek expatriates, families and young fans filled the stands waving flags, wearing Greek shirts and caps, and chanting his name with pride as he battled through a demanding four-set encounter.

After dropping the opening set, Tsitsipas lifted his intensity and composure, drawing roars of encouragement from the crowd as he fought back to take control of the match and secure his place in the next round. Each momentum shift was met with loud applause, rhythmic chants and spontaneous celebrations from Greek supporters, who created an atmosphere more reminiscent of a home crowd than a neutral Grand Slam arena.

As the match progressed, the cheers grew louder, particularly during crucial points, with fans rising to their feet to urge Tsitsipas on during long rallies and service games. The blue-and-white presence echoed around the arena, underlining the strong connection between the Greek tennis star and the Greek Australian community.

For many in attendance, the match was about more than just tennis. It was a visible expression of Hellenic pride on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages, as Melbourne’s Greek community once again showed its unwavering support for one of Greece’s most recognisable sporting figures.

The Greek Herald captured the moment with images showcasing the impressive turnout and the electric atmosphere as Melbourne Park once again turned blue and white in support of Tsitsipas.

He now faces Tomas Machac in the second round at Melbourne Park on Wednesday, 21 January, in a much-anticipated showdown as the tournament builds into its second week.

Archbishop Makarios celebrated at Sydney Name Day Dinner

The Greek Herald
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Archbishop Makarios celebrated at Sydney Name Day Dinner

The official Dinner celebrating the Name Day of Archbishop Makarios of Australia was held in Sydney on Monday, January 19, bringing together senior ecclesiastical leaders, political representatives and members of the faithful from across the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.

Hosted at the Le Montage Reception Centre, the event was attended by the Governor of New South Wales, Margaret Beazley, accompanied by her husband Mr Dennis Wilson, along with hierarchs of the Orthodox Church, clergy, community leaders and representatives of state and federal government.

Among those present were Their Eminences Metropolitan Seraphim of Sevasteia, Metropolitan Myron of New Zealand, Metropolitan Iakovos of Ireland, and Metropolitan Irinaios of Florina, Prespai and Eordaia; His Grace Bishop Prodromos of Toliara and Southern Madagascar; the Regional and Assistant Bishops of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese; the Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Archbishop Anthony Fisher; NSW Minister Sophie Cotsis, representing Premier Chris Minns; Ministers and Members of Parliament; the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Mr Stavros Venizelos; the High Commissioner of Cyprus to Australia, Mr Antonios Sammoutis; the Mayor of Florina, Mr Vasileios Giannakis; Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate; and presidents and representatives of parishes, communities, organisations and institutions of the local Church.

In his address, Archbishop Makarios expressed his gratitude to all those who attended the celebration, warmly welcoming the Governor of New South Wales and thanking her for her long-standing support and active interest in the life and mission of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, as well as for her contribution to the cultural and community life of Greek Australians in New South Wales.

He also acknowledged her participation in the centenary celebrations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in 2024, which culminated in the visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

Addressing Archbishop Anthony Fisher, His Eminence noted that his presence reflected a relationship of mutual esteem, friendship and respect, grounded in sincere dialogue, cooperation and a shared commitment to the spiritual and moral wellbeing of Australian society.

He said the Catholic Archbishop’s attendance affirmed bonds of unity, goodwill and Christian brotherhood, strengthening the Churches’ common witness in Australia.

Archbishop Makarios also gave thanks for God’s blessings upon the Orthodox Church in Australia, outlining past achievements and current initiatives. Particular reference was made to the ongoing renovation of the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Sydney.

His Eminence reiterated that he would not accept personal gifts or monetary offerings for his name day, with all proceeds from the Dinner directed towards the continuation of the Cathedral’s iconography.

Special mention was made of St Andrew’s Theological College, with the Archbishop expressing his satisfaction at the forthcoming commencement of renovations, strong student enrolments and the continued strengthening of its academic programme.

“We place enormous importance on theological education,” he said, “and we are not prepared to make compromises.”

During the Dinner, Archbishop Makarios also honoured 27 members of the Greek community with the Medal of the Order of the Christ-loving, in recognition of their contribution to the life and work of the local Church.

Concluding his remarks, His Eminence asked for the prayers of those present for the successful fulfilment of his ministry and for the continued progress of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.

He emphasised the importance of moving forward together with faith and unity, noting that the future ahead is of greater value than the past.

The evening concluded with a cultural programme of traditional songs and ecclesiastical hymns performed by the Australian Byzantine Choir.

Honours list:

The 27 people who were honoured with the Medal of the Order of the Christ-loving are: James Athanasou, Harry Grafanakis, Theo Dalianis, Kosmas Dimitriou, Kalle Englezos, Viola Kalokerinos, Anna Kasapis, Maritsa Kelly, Anastasia Kokkinos, Ourania Kontoleontos, Dimitrios Liliopoulos, George Mavris, Michael Moschos, Theo Boutsikakis, Konstantinos Nicolaou, Sofia Ouzounoglou, George Panagis, Emilio Papastamatis, Emmanuel Roussakis, Christina Scalone, Ourania Sotiropoulos, Kandya Tagalakis, George Ioannis Taifalos, Andrew Tanos, John Tsingos, Anthony Hatziargyris, and Anastasia Chiras.

Saint Andrew’s Theological College launches Master’s in Greek Philosophy

The Greek Herald
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Saint Andrew’s Theological College launches Master’s in Greek Philosophy

Saint Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College in Sydney officially launched its new Master’s Programme in Greek Philosophy on Sunday, January 18, with His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia highlighting the spiritual as well as academic significance of the initiative.

“For us, Greek philosophy is not simply a cultural achievement, it is a spiritual inheritance… Wisdom is Christ Himself. That is why theology and philosophy were never enemies in the Orthodox tradition,” Archbishop Makarios said, emphasising the harmony between theology and philosophy in Orthodox thought.

The Archbishop explained that the program addresses a gap in Australian higher education: “It is inconceivable for Greek philosophy to be taught at all the universities of Australia, while we… do not offer a corresponding program.”

He described the initiative as a bold effort that will attract students seeking authentic engagement with Greek philosophy at its cultural and spiritual source.

Archbishop Makarios expressed hope that the program will bear academic, spiritual, cultural, and pastoral fruit, nurturing “leaders who are not only intelligent, but discerning, virtuous, and just, true lovers of wisdom within society.”

He also thanked the College staff for their work in developing the curriculum.

The launch featured addresses from Associate Professor Dr Philip Kariatlis, Sub-Dean of the College, and Professor Vrasidas Karalis, principal lecturer of the program.

Greetings were offered by the Greek Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Mr Stavros Venizelos.

The ceremony, held in the College’s Main Hall, was attended by senior clergy including Metropolitans Myron, Iakovos, and Eirinaios, members of the Holy Eparchial Synod, assistant bishops, clergy, Archons of the Great Church of Constantinople, academic staff, and students.

Archbishop Makarios also noted that the College’s academic programs will be further enriched next year with the introduction of a programme in Canon Law.

Son of Hydra: The untold story of Greek pirate Ghikas Voulgaris

The Greek Herald
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Son of Hydra: The untold story of Greek pirate Ghikas Voulgaris

Bestselling Australian author Shelley Dark has returned with Son of Hydra, a sweeping historical novel centred on one of the most improbable figures in Australia’s early convict history: The Hydriot pirate Ghikas Voulgaris.

The origins of the book lie in a family revelation that reshaped Dark’s understanding of her own history. More than two decades ago, her son returned from filming in the Snowy Mountains and casually asked a question that would spark a seven-year journey across continents and archives: “Dad, are we Greek?”

That question led Dark to uncover that she was married to the great-great-grandson of a real pirate.

She began her research in Sydney before travelling to Hydra on her first visit to Greece, with no knowledge of the language and only fragments of information to guide her. From there, her search took her to Athens, Malta, England and Ireland, tracing the life of Voulgaris and that of Mary Lyons, the Irish orphan who later became his wife in New South Wales.

“To begin with, all I wanted to know was who this man was, who his parents were, what had driven him to piracy,” Dark said. “But the more I found out, the more I wanted to know.”

The research proved complex and often contradictory. Even Voulgaris’ name appeared in multiple forms across records, as did the name of his ship. While some accounts claimed his pirate crew numbered nine, Dark uncovered British records listing forty-three men.

Faced with gaps that could never be fully resolved, Dark chose to bring the story to life through historical fiction rather than confining it to a limited set of verifiable facts.

More recent discoveries helped clarify parts of the historical record, including confirmation that crew members not charged with piracy were returned to Hydra aboard the same British vessel carrying Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias back to Greece. Dark also received confirmation from a genealogist in Athens that Voulgaris was almost certainly her husband’s great-great-grandfather.

Son of Hydra follows Ghikas Voulgaris from his privileged youth on Hydra to his conviction for piracy during the Greek War of Independence and subsequent transportation to the penal colony of New South Wales. In Australia, the son of a powerful seafaring family becomes a shepherd, stripped of name and status, forced to rebuild his life from nothing.

The novel is told entirely from Ghikas’ point of view, proud, stubborn and often infuriating, yet gradually shaped by hardship, labour and love. Central to the story is his relationship with Mary Lyons, whose resilience and independence challenge everything he once believed about power and identity.

Asked what Ghikas himself might think if he could read the novel, Dark laughed.

“The young Ghikas might have been fascinated by how he was portrayed,” she said. “But the man he became? I suspect he’d wipe the sweat from his brow, grunt ‘what a load of rubbish’, and go back to mending his fence.”

Early praise for Son of Hydra has highlighted its storytelling and historical depth, with commentators describing it as compelling, immersive and emotionally grounded.

Part Greek saga and part Australian frontier novel, Son of Hydra explores pride, punishment, identity and the forces that shape a life across two worlds.

Aaron Zerefos claims pole position and podium finish at Taupō Historic GP

The Greek Herald
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Aaron Zerefos claims pole position and podium finish at Taupō Historic GP

Australian Porsche racer Aaron Zerefos delivered an impressive performance in New Zealand over the weekend of 18–19 January, securing pole position for the feature race and finishing on the podium at the Taupō Historic Grand Prix.

Competing at the technically demanding Taupō Historic Grand Prix, Zerefos was immediately on pace aboard his #94 Porsche, crediting both the car and his local team for a strong weekend on track.

“The weekend went very well – the #94 Porsche was fast as soon as we rolled it off the truck,” Zerefos said. “The NZ LG Motorsport crew were great to work with all weekend.”

Sunday morning racing on 19 January presented additional challenges, with wet conditions greeting drivers at the Taupō International Circuit. Zerefos adapted quickly, managing tyre strategy and changing track conditions as the race unfolded.

“We had a wet track on Sunday morning, which was challenging, but the wet tyres did their job nicely,” he said. “Taupō is quite technical and hard on the tyres, so I had to manage the rears and be smooth on the throttle. Luckily, it all worked out and the track dried nicely.”

A pivotal moment came following a late safety car restart, where Zerefos executed a tactical move to gain the advantage heading into the closing stages of the feature race.

“On the safety car restart, I tried to stack the field and get a good jump out of the last chicane, which gave me a good lead going into Turn 1,” he explained.

Despite sustained pressure from GT3 Cup competitors late in the race, Zerefos held firm to secure a top-three finish, rounding out a highly successful New Zealand return.

“I had some pressure from the GT3 Cups towards the end of the race and was happy to bring it home on the podium.”

Zerefos’ performance has not gone unnoticed, with the Australian driver receiving an invitation to return to New Zealand to compete in the Porsche NZ Pirelli Series on 24–25 April. The invitation comes amid an already demanding international racing schedule.

His focus now turns to the Bathurst 12 Hour, to be held from 13–15 February, followed by a busy stretch that includes the Bathurst 6 Hour and the Melbourne Grand Prix in March.

Off the track, Zerefos also highlighted the strong connection with the Greek diaspora during the Taupō weekend.

“It was great to meet some Greeks from New Zealand over the weekend in Taupō and grow my fan base,” he said.

With momentum building early in the season, Zerefos’ New Zealand podium performance adds another strong result to his growing international racing profile.

Pan-Macedonian organisations host Florina delegation in Sydney

The Greek Herald
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Pan-Macedonian organisations host Florina delegation in Sydney

The Mayor of Florina, Vasilios Giannakis, and Metropolitan Irinaios of Florina, Prespes and Eordaia were warmly welcomed in Sydney by the Greek community as part of their official visit to Australia, which continues until 31 January.

The visit forms part of a broader program of engagement with the Greek diaspora, involving meetings with community, ecclesiastical and institutional representatives across several Australian states. From the outset, the tour has been positioned not as a series of formal courtesy calls, but as a meaningful effort to strengthen ties with the diaspora during a significant period for the Municipality of Florina and its future direction.

Luncheon hosted by Pan-Macedonian and regional organisations

As part of their Sydney program, a luncheon was hosted on 17 January by the Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW, in collaboration with the International Pan-Macedonian Federation and with the participation of the Greek Brotherhood of Chalkidiki ‘Aristotelis’ of NSW.

Held at the Boatshed Restaurant in La Perouse, the luncheon brought together delegates, members and friends of the community in a warm and collegial atmosphere. The event was hosted under the leadership of Anastasia Karakominakis, President of the Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW, alongside International Pan-Macedonian Federation President George Kosmidis.

Also present were representatives of the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, including Consul General George Skemperis, as well as members of Macedonian and regional organisations. Attendees included representatives of the Greek Brotherhood of Chalkidiki ‘Aristotelis’ of NSW, with Costa Dantos among those present.

The luncheon provided an opportunity for open discussion and connection, reaffirming the enduring cultural and historical ties between Florina and the Greek-Australian Macedonian community, and highlighting the importance of continued engagement and cooperation with the diaspora.

Olympiacos beat Leverkusen to set up Champions League clash with Ajax

The Greek Herald
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Olympiacos beat Leverkusen to set up Champions League clash with Ajax

Olympiacos delivered a commanding 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the 7th matchday of the Champions League at Karaiskakis Stadium, keeping their hopes alive for playoff qualification.

Costinia opened the scoring in the 2nd minute from a Rodinei corner, while Mehdi Taremi doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time, also assisted by Rodinei.

Goalkeeper Tzolakis starred with a series of crucial saves, helping Olympiacos maintain their clean sheet despite sustained pressure from the Germans.

The win moves the red and whites to eight points and sets up a decisive clash against Ajax in Amsterdam on January 28, with qualification for the top European club competition at stake.

Olympiacos’ disciplined defence and high pressing in the first half, combined with clinical finishing, proved decisive as Leverkusen struggled to convert key chances.

In the second half, Olympiacos focused on protecting their lead, with Tzolakis continuing to deny multiple efforts from the visitors.

Melbourne’s World Greek Language Day nears capacity as interest surges

Mary Sinanidis
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Melbourne’s World Greek Language Day nears capacity as interest surges

Momentum continues to build for Melbourne’s World Greek Language Day, with Australian mainstream media now also highlighting the event as a leading global initiative.

Melbourne plans entered their final phase this week as the organising committee met at Alphington Grammar to confirm last details for the public event at RMIT’s Capitol Theatre on Monday, February 9th.

The event is free and open to the public, with more than 450 people already confirming their attendance through the event’s website. Organisers said demand continues to rise, with attendance capped at approximately 550 in line with the Capitol Theatre’s seating capacity.

From classroom to the Capitol 

Professor Anastasios Tamis, who initiated the UNESCO-recognised celebration in Australia, said priority access has been given to students, particularly VCE candidates, who represent the future of Greek language education nationwide.

“If we want Greek to thrive at university level, we must first engage students at school,” he said. “That is where the future is decided.”

Professor Tamis said the program was deliberately designed to strengthen education by making Greek visible, contemporary and culturally compelling, following sustained outreach to schools and universities across Victoria. “By placing students, educators and universities at the centre of the program, and by showing Greek as a value proposition, we are creating long-term demand for Greek studies across both secondary and tertiary education,” he said.

Committee member Mike Zafiropoulos has previously noted that language uptake grows when it moves beyond the classroom. “Students are far more likely to embrace Greek when their Australian peers see it as relevant and respected,” he said.

When language is alive, you celebrate it 

The committee confirmed a two-hour program combining education and performance to honour the Greek language’s global influence. The evening will be presented by Konstantinos Kalymnios and Helen Kapalos, with an artistic program featuring the Psaltries Choir of Melbourne and the 45-member Camerata Chorus of Melbourne performing excerpts from Manolis Kalomiris’ Symphony Leventia amongst other highlights.

Musical Director Andreas Koikas will lead a 12-membered ensemble, guiding performances that draw on the works of Vangelis, Manolis Kalomiris, Mikis Theodorakis, Manos Hatzidakis and Stavros Xarchakos. There will also be narrated excerpts from Odysseas Elytis’ Nobel Prize address to the Swedish Academy and selected stanzas from Dionysios Solomos’ Hymn to Freedom, reinforcing the enduring link between language, poetry and national identity. 

The keynote address will be delivered by The Hon. Professor Anthe Philippides, former Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland. Her address will explore Themis, the goddess of divine law, and the Greek language, examining how Greek legal terminology shaped the foundations of jurisprudence. She will appear on stage alongside her daughter, Lilly. Her keynote is expected to bridge antiquity and modernity, reinforcing why Greek remains a living language.

Discussion was robust when it came to the selection of Philhellenes to be honoured for their contribution to Greek language and culture. While names remain confidential, discussions included advocacy from The Greek Herald for the inclusion of at least one female Philhellene among the five award recipients. 

Not a gala, but a gateway

Tuesday’s meeting also emphasised outward engagement, with invitations extended to ministers, academics, jurists, and diplomats across Victoria. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has responded with a letter praising the Greek language and its contribution to democratic thought. Committee member Christina Despoteris of Sister Cities Australia, who worked alongside Mike Zafiropoulos on outreach, said the response has been strong.

“Consuls from more than 70 countries have been approached, alongside peak multicultural bodies, legal and medical associations and universities,” she said. Responding to a query from Theo Theofanous, President of the Cypriot Community of Melbourne and Victoria, Despoteris confirmed invitations had been extended to all embassies, including Turkey and North Macedonia. She noted the breadth of the guest list reflects an effort to position Greek as a foundational pillar of Western civilization and law.

Beyond the gateways of Melbourne, a video professionally filmed by Platon Denezakis will be shared with other countries, extending its reach to national and international audiences. 

NUGAS Co-President Demi Bourdopoulos is assisting with the event’s digital organisation and social media presence. “World Greek Language Day speaks directly to young people who care about culture, philosophy and where modern thinking comes from,” she said. “That’s why students want to be part of this.”

The atmosphere on Tuesday was palpable as the team discussed the event’s position as the first in an ongoing national continuum with plans already being discussed for next year. Organisers look beyond February 9th to establish UNESCO’s World Greek Language Day celebration as an annual fixture with an impact that stretches throughout the year.

Within a short space of time, and without any government funding or support, the team were able to pull together a vibrant program. “Imagine what we could do if we had more time,” Zafiropoulos said. 

Much of the event’s momentum is credited to the persistent advocacy of Professor Tamis, whose decades of scholarly work and community leadership have been instrumental in elevating the profile of the Greek language in the Australian diaspora. 

Professor Tamis described the meeting as a decisive moment for the committee. “We are now on the final straight,” he said. “The response has been deeply encouraging. This is not an event for one community, it is a celebration that belongs to everyone.”

UNESCO’s World Greek Language Day tribute takes place at the Capitol Theatre on Swanston Street at 8pm, doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are limited due to venue capacity. To enquire about tickets or to join the waiting list, leave your contact details on the event’s website. 

*Mary Sinanidis is a member of the digital communications subcommittee of the UNESCO World Greek Language Day.

South Melbourne OFC Pro League match postponed due to severe Auckland weather

The Greek Herald
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South Melbourne OFC Pro League match postponed due to severe Auckland weather

The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has postponed two OFC Pro League matches at North Harbour Stadium due to heavy rain and severe weather warnings in Auckland.

South Melbourne FC’s clash with Solomon Kings FC, originally scheduled for 7:00pm NZT, and Tahiti United’s match against PNG Hekari FC, set for 3:00pm NZT, will be rescheduled to later dates.

Auckland is under a Heavy Rain Warning (Orange Alert) from Wednesday 9:00am until Thursday 2:00am.

The OFC said the decision was made in the interests of player safety, match officials, and supporters, with further details on revised fixtures to be communicated in due course.

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