Adelaide is in the midst of an unprecedented development surge, fuelled by billions of dollars in public and private investment, according to The Advertiser. Major construction projects-from hospitals and hotels to apartment towers and commercial precincts-are reshaping the city’s skyline and surrounding suburbs. Among the most active contributors to this transformation are several Greek Australian developers whose projects continue to leave a lasting mark on South Australia’s capital.
Theo Samaras – Kyren Group
Kyren Group, headed by prominent Adelaide developer Theo Samaras, has played a defining role in modernising the city’s commercial landscape. The company is responsible for multiple landmark office buildings, including Adelaide’s tallest tower-the Crowne Plaza hotel and Adelaidean apartments on Frome Street.
Samaras is currently finalising a new $100 million office building on Franklin Street, the latest in a series of bold speculative developments. His portfolio includes major sites such as 108 Wakefield Street, 400 King William Street and 70 Franklin Street, reinforcing Kyren Group’s status as one of the city’s most influential property players.
George Kambitsis – Kambitsis Group
Developer George Kambitsis has long been involved in shaping Adelaide’s office market, previously collaborating with Simon Chappel on significant projects, including the Flinders Street towers now occupied by Santos and Beach Energy.
He is nearing completion of a major overhaul of the former Internode building on Grenfell Street, with the RAA as the anchor tenant. At the same time, Kambitsis is expanding further into residential development, with a 120-lot subdivision at O’Sullivan Beach and a $35 million luxury apartment project in North Adelaide, signalling a broadened strategic focus.
Louis Kanellos – Chasecrown
Chasecrown, led by director Louis Kanellos, is advancing several high-end residential projects across Adelaide’s premium suburbs. The company is close to completing a 12-storey luxury tower on Dequetteville Terrace, adding 61 high-spec apartments along with office spaces and resident amenities.
Backed by Medallion Homes, Chasecrown has also gained significant recognition for the EI8HT apartments on Glenelg’s South Esplanade-an award-winning development celebrated for its striking design and architectural excellence.
A Mediterranean diet conference drew globally acclaimed researchers to Kalamata, Greece October 13-14. They joined a multi-disciplinary group of professionals to discuss that traditional diet’s potential benefits for human and planetary health. Speakers called for the widespread adoption of plant-rich diets like the Mediterranean or Planetary Health Diet.
Looking back to the past and the origin and treatment of the traditional Mediterranean diet, presenters at the 6th International “Tomorrow Tastes Mediterranean” conference emphasized the importance of dietary decisions for the future of the planet and its inhabitants. Considering modern studies and technology in such fields as genomics and metabolomics, scientists provided extensive evidence for health and sustainability benefits rooted in past practices and traditional Mediterranean dietary patterns. Valuing lessons and customs from previous generations, chefs and communicators also celebrated contemporary variations of Mediterranean dishes likely to appeal to consumers today and tomorrow.
Tradition and Innovation, Connection and Diversity at the Mediterranean Diet Conference
Chef, author, and TV host Diane Kochilas talked about “balancing tradition and innovation” in “a story of continuity and creativity, of roots and renewal” based on Mediterranean cuisine and lifestyle. Greek Wine Federation president Stelios Boutaris advised, “take the heritage, and bring it to the next level.” Gastronomic director María José San Roman proposed that chefs can be educators who act as both “ambassadors of change” and “custodians of cultural heritage,” engaging in “innovation with roots.” Greek chef Manolis Papoutsakis encouraged listeners to “understand tradition so deeply that you can reinterpret it.”
In a session on the Mediterranean Diet in the World, one of San Roman’s slides highlighted “The Great Convergence” of foods from Latin America, Asia, and Africa in the Mediterranean region. “This ‘nuclear fusion’ ignited the Mediterranean spirit—a cuisine born from connection and diversity.” We might add that the people of the olive growing areas around the Mediterranean Sea combined tomatoes and potatoes originating in Latin America, rice and citrus from Asia, and pulses and slow cooking methods from Africa in a set of cuisines bound together by olive oil.
The EAT-Lancet 2.0 Commission Report at the Mediterranean Diet Conference
The focus of discussions at the conference ranged from healthy microscopic bioactive compounds found in foods such as greens, herbs, mastic, olive oil, and tomatoes, to a consideration of the huge impact global food systems have on the planet, its climate, and its people. One of many newsworthy sessions was dedicated to the just-published 2025 update of a 2019 report by the EAT-Lancet 2.0 Commission on Healthy Diets from Sustainable Food Systems.
As Ellen Cecilie Wright, Senior Science Officer at the international non-profit organization EAT, explained, the Commission’s goal is to overcome a variety of challenges to make “healthy food accessible to all—produced, processed, distributed, and consumed fairly within planetary boundaries”—that is, within the limits of what the earth can handle without worsening the negative effects of climate change. (The full EAT-Lancet report is available here, while a brief summary appears here.)
The Mediterranean Diet and the Planetary Health Diet
The Planetary Health Diet (PHD) is the Commission’s proposed model for a healthy, sustainable, just diet. Walter Willett, Professor of Epidemiology and Nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Co-Chair of the EAT-Lancet Commission, reported that there has been growing scientific evidence for the health benefits of the PHD since it was first presented in 2019. According to Willett, the Planetary Health Diet includes
• plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, nuts, and legumes • (optional) modest quantities of meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs • little or no red meat or added sugar
“That’s really a description of the traditional Mediterranean diet that’s mostly plant forward,” Willett observed. It enables “lots of flexibility,” since it is important “to provide as many paths to a healthy, sustainable diet as possible.” Traditional diets in many other parts of the world also resemble the PHD.
In addition to benefitting human health, the Planetary Health Diet can lead to substantial decreases in
• fertilizer and irrigation water use • greenhouse gas emissions • cropland use
Willett believes “we are on a path leading to ecological disasters and a sick and unstable global population.” On the other hand, if the PHD is widely adopted, it will be possible to feed “10 billion people a healthy and sustainable diet,” while leaving “our children a viable planet.”
The Mediterranean / Planetary Diet, To Save Humanity from a Broken Food System
Dimitris Karavellas, CEO of WWF Greece, agrees that “the global food system we have today is broken; it’s entirely unsustainable. It’s responsible for about a third of our global greenhouse gas emissions. It’s the main driver of biodiversity loss and tropical deforestation. And on top of that, … our dietary choices are also damaging our health” due to “either excess or insufficiency.”
Karavellas goes so far as to suggest that “today unhealthy diets pose a greater risk of disease and mortality than – many would say – unsafe sex, alcohol, drugs, and tobacco use combined.” However, Karavellas is encouraged by the EAT-Lancet report’s claim that “sustainable diets could actually save up to 15 million lives every year, and cut food related emissions.” He calls for the widespread adoption of plant-based diets in order to both feed the world and restore nature, so humans can continue to live on earth.
Natassa Kannavou, Co-Founder of the Digital Democracy Foundation, believes many people find environmentalist arguments unconvincing. So she encourages communicators to advocate actions that can help us save ourselves and our health—which actually involves saving the planet as well.
In another session, EAT’s Ellen Cecilie Wright asserted that two-way communication is crucial. Everyone needs to understand the scientific evidence for a healthy, plant-forward diet, and also provide “feedback on what they need” to “translate this into action.” For example, she expects farmers to need practical and financial support if they are asked to switch from livestock to crops. If farmers are shown how recommendations will benefit them, Vasilios Gkisakis, a researcher at the Greek National Agricultural Research Foundation, believes they will act, perhaps by planting cover crops or using compost.
Olive Oil’s Importance for People and the Planet
International Olive Council Executive Director Jaime Lillo pointed out that the olive oil that is central to the traditional Mediterranean diet is an important part of the recipe for both human and planetary health. As Lillo reported, olive groves can
• support biodiversity and soil conservation • act as a barrier to desertification • help combat climate change
“Olive trees act as carbon sinks. They store CO2 in their woody structures and the soil in a permanent and stable manner. Olive groves capture 4.58 tonnes of CO2 per hectare annually. Producing 1 liter of olive oil removes 10.65 kg of CO2 from the atmosphere.” Fortunately, olive oil production has doubled worldwide since the early 1990s. Consumption has also grown. From “the center of the Mediterranean diet,” olive oil use has been “expanding in the planetary diet,” helping people eat more vegetables in a plant-forward diet.
As Extra Virgin Alliance Director Alexandra Kicenik Devarenne pointed out, olive oil is “healthy for the person, it’s healthy for the planet, and it makes cooking easier. Olive oil makes healthy food delicious.” How can people easily make this delicious food at home? Chef Manolis Papoutsakis advises using plenty of olive oil and focusing on seasonality, locality, sustainability, and simplicity—all features of a traditional Mediterranean or Planetary Health Diet.
*Originally published on Greek Liquid Gold: Authentic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (greekliquidgold.com). See that site for recipes with olive oil, photos from Greece, agrotourism and food tourism suggestions, and olive oil news and information.
As Australia’s new under-16 social media ban begins this week, activist Chanel Contos is urging the federal government to take the next major step in safeguarding children by requiring tech companies to adopt an opt-in system for algorithmic content, according to The Advertiser.
The Teach Us Consent chief executive says this shift would “keep the momentum going” following the world-first policy that comes into force on December 10. Ms Contos is leading the Fix Our Feeds campaign, which pushes for platforms to disable default algorithmic recommendations and allow users to activate them only if they choose. While the European Union permits users to opt out, no country currently mandates a full opt-in model.
“The idea of Fix Our Feeds is to bring informed and affirmative consent to our screens,” said Ms Contos, whose advocacy led to mandatory consent education being introduced nationwide in 2023.
She argues that having the choice to “turn our algorithms on and off whenever we want” would support young people transitioning onto social media after turning 16, allowing their early online experiences to centre on connecting with friends rather than being pushed algorithmic content. “It would mean that the first thing they do on social media is go and find their friends … and that’s what was most fun about social media.”
The campaign is also responding to the sharp rise in misogynistic and violent material being served to boys and young men. “As quickly as under 23 minutes of sign up, they’ll be sent to this sort of content,” Ms Contos said. She notes this trend correlates with increasing rates of sexual violence among teenage boys.
Algorithms can also steer young women into harmful body-image content. “All you need to do is watch one video of ‘this is what I ate in a day’ and that … can take you down a really bad pipeline,” she said.
An open letter supporting Fix Our Feeds has gathered 5000 signatures, including prominent public figures and safety advocates.
Greece has confirmed its first-ever wolf–dog hybrid, marking a surprising development as wolves continue to expand across Europe, according to tovima.com. The finding came from Callisto, a wildlife conservation organisation, which analysed 50 genetic samples from wolves on the mainland. One sample proved unusual: it carried a mix of 45% wolf DNA and 55% domestic dog DNA.
Ancient Connections, Modern Crossings
Though a Chihuahua and a wolf look worlds apart, the genetic gap between dogs (Canis familiaris) and wolves (Canis lupus) is remarkably small—about 0.04%. Their evolutionary split occurred somewhere between 14,000 and 40,000 years ago, yet their ability to interbreed remains.
Most wolf-like species-including dingoes, coyotes, jackals, dogs, and wolves—can produce fertile hybrids, complicating strict definitions of “species.” The assumption that crossbreeds are sterile doesn’t apply here, as all these canids share the same number of chromosomes, making interbreeding relatively easy.
A Long-Standing Global Pattern
Hybridisation between dogs and wolves is not new. Research published in 2018 found domestic dog DNA in 62% of wolves across Eurasia, suggesting interbreeding has persisted for thousands of years. In the U.S., wolf–dog hybrids number roughly 300,000. Encounters typically occur when a female dog in heat wanders into wolf territory.
A Growing Wolf Presence in Greece
The discovery also highlights the resurgence of wolves in Greece. Callisto estimates the national population at around 2,075 and rising after years of decline. While hybrids remain uncommon, their appearance reflects the increasingly complex interactions between wildlife, domestic animals, and human environments.
The newly identified hybrid is more than a scientific footnote-it underscores how closely intertwined the natural and human-shaped worlds truly are.
Years after her younger sister Georgia was diagnosed with type-one diabetes, Sevanah Pantelis began experiencing similar symptoms, according to the Advertiser. At just 10 years old, she received the same diagnosis, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey both sisters would share.
“I was really annoyed that it got me too,” the now 30-year-old told The Advertiser.
For two decades, the sisters have navigated the constant demands of the condition — from finger pricks to insulin injections — until eventually moving to an insulin pump to ease the daily burden.
“People with type one are making 180-plus additional decisions per day, it’s really fatiguing,” Ms Pantelis said. “We talk a lot about diabetes burnout … It’s hard to take the role of a pancreas.”
Sevanah was diagnosed on August 11, 2005 after arriving at emergency feeling unwell. “I felt really ill, very tired, very thirsty, wasn’t hungry, I was going to the toilet a lot,” she said.
Although her family had already adapted to Georgia’s diagnosis, she says taking responsibility for her own care was a difficult shift. “All of a sudden, it was on me to not eat that chocolate when I really wanted to,” she said.
Despite the challenges, the sisters have never let diabetes limit their ambitions. “I’ve played really high level sport … I travel the world,” Ms Pantelis said.
Both began using the Omnipod insulin pump in 2021, a device she calls life-changing — but one she must self-fund. “It’s quite inequitable at the moment,” she said.
Among the 40 men recognised for overcoming adversity, driving innovation, and uplifting their communities, George Samios stands out as a powerful force for positive change, according to couriermail.com.au
Celebrated alongside survivors, trailblazers, and community leaders, these 40 men have conquered challenges ranging from illness to addiction, built thriving enterprises, and dedicated themselves to helping others. United by determination and sharpened business acumen, they are using their platforms to shape a better future.
One of this year’s honourees, George Samios, is the founder of Madd Loans, a successful Brisbane mortgage broking and financial planning company. Beyond his business achievements, George has become a cornerstone of charitable work in Queensland.
He leads 14 major charity initiatives annually, including the renowned Madd Charity Ball, which has raised $646,522 for the Children’s Hospital Foundation. Through the Year 12 Madd Financial Literacy Program, he has also delivered essential financial education to over 5000 students across the state.
Furthering his commitment to community support, George recently donated $5000 to the Greek Orthodox Church to help provide meals for vulnerable locals.
His inclusion in the list reflects not only his business success but also his unwavering dedication to giving back and driving meaningful change.
Greece earned significant recognition in the latest Taste Atlas rankings of the world’s 100 best food regions, with five Greek areas securing spots in the Top 10, according to tovima.com.
The first two positions went to Italy, with Campania and Emilia-Romagna leading the list with scores of 4.47 and 4.45 out of five, respectively—both celebrated for their iconic pizzas and classic pasta dishes.
Crete ranked third with a score of 4.42, praised for specialties such as dakos (a rusk-based salad), orange pie, caltsounia, and its distinctive “parallel roasting” technique used for meats.
Sicily followed in fourth place, noted for its famous cannoli and parmesan-influenced cuisine.
Greece’s strong showing continued with Macedonia in fifth place, the Cyclades in sixth, the Peloponnese in eighth, and the North Aegean in tenth. Additional Greek regions in the top 100 include Thessaly, the Ionian Islands, the Sporades, and Laconia, the latter recognized as its own entry separate from the Peloponnese.
As Australia welcomed more than 7,500 delegates to the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025) in Sydney – the largest space gathering ever held in the country – one of the key figures behind Australia’s diplomatic and strategic success was Greek Australian public servant Adriana Tsounis.
In her role as Assistant Director of International Partnerships at the Australian Space Agency, Adriana led engagement with global delegations across Europe, the UK and the Pacific, helping secure landmark agreements with the European Space Agency, NASA, the United Kingdom and Pacific Island nations.
Her work reflects not only the growing ambition of Australia’s space sector, but also the vital role of international cooperation in shaping the future of space exploration, security and resilience.
In this exclusive Q&A, Adriana speaks with The Greek Herald about the challenges and rewards of coordinating Australia’s engagement at IAC 2025, the rapid evolution of Australia’s space industry, the importance of women in global space diplomacy – and how her Greek Australian heritage helped inspire her path into international affairs.
How has your Greek Australian upbringing contributed to your career and interest in international affairs?
I was very fortunate to grow up in Sydney with my grandparents speaking to me in Greek, and I studied Greek up until Year 12. Our Greek heritage was a very intrinsic part of my upbringing, with my dad very involved in the local Greek community and especially the Mytilenean community. This exposure catalysed my interest and love for languages, and I went on to study French at university during my Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of International Studies at UNSW.
Throughout my studies, I found I leaned more towards the international elements of my degree including international law and multilateral cooperation. When I returned from my year exchange at Sciences Po, Paris, I met the Consul-General of Greece at the time while volunteering at the Alliance Française French Film Festival.
I had started volunteering at different events around Sydney to expand my networks. I began an internship at the Consulate-General shortly after and my curiosity with diplomatic engagement sparked. I also loved being able to work in English, Greek and French!
When I moved to Canberra and later to Adelaide, my culture has been a big part of my identity and has also led to some wonderful friendships. I can’t also deny the power of the Greek language in learning some other foreign languages and in certain technical scenarios as well as Greek mythology in space – for example, in space exploration with the naming of celestial bodies and space programs.
Adriana Tsounis with the Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece and delegation during their recent visit to the Australian Space Discovery Centre in Adelaide.
As Assistant Director of International Partnerships at the Australian Space Agency, you’ve been at the forefront of liaising with global delegations for the recent 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025) — from NASA to the European and Greek Space Agencies. What were some of the biggest challenges and rewards in coordinating such an international effort?
IAC 2025 was a momentous occasion for Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific space ecosystems. It is incredibly rewarding to work in the Australian Space Agency’s International Partnerships team and contribute to the delivery of key outcomes with our global partners.
My focus in the team is our Europe, UK and Pacific partnerships. Some highlights of the week included the announcement of a mandate to commence negotiations on a Cooperative Agreement between the European Space Agency and Australia; the signing of the new UK-Australia Space Bridge Framework Arrangement; and a Pacific Island Countries delegation and panel discussion co-organised with the Pacific Community on “From Sky to Sea: Space Technologies for Enabling Resilience and Connectivity in the Pacific”. There were a number of other highlights delivered by the team, including the signing of the Space Framework Agreement between the United States and Australia.
With international partners travelling to Australia for the world’s largest space event, IAC was a unique opportunity to deliver these significant outcomes, but it also meant having to balance a number of objectives concurrently. This was certainly a challenge, but for someone who loves international work and contributing to Australia’s place in the international system, it is also incredibly rewarding.
There are around 80 space agencies globally, and we had representation at IAC from 99 countries. Our team is relatively small and maintaining engagement with our key partners as well as an awareness across this large group was at times challenging. However, it is also fantastic to have seen such a large interest and the breadth of representation in global space conversations at IAC.
All our teams working on IAC pulled some long hours in the lead up to the event and all supported one another. I’m very grateful for the support I had at the Agency and to have made some wonderful friendships throughout the entire process – both here in Australia and with international counterparts.
Representatives from the Australian Space Agency and the European Space Agency at IAC 2025.
Australia hosted over 7,500 delegates for this year’s IAC – a remarkable milestone. From your perspective, how did the Congress strengthen Australia’s role as a trusted partner in the global space community?
IAC 2025 provided a unique opportunity to showcase Australian and regional space capability, and to demonstrate the long way Australia has come since we last hosted IAC 2017 (when the Agency was announced).
As our Head of Agency, Enrico Palermo recently remarked, “Today, Australia looks to the future not discussing what could be – or sharing plans and hypotheticals – we forge ahead as a proud spacefaring nation with much to offer our international partners.”
The Congress enabled Australia to reinforce its key relationships and also emphasise those with our neighbours in the Indo-Pacific region. The Agency worked with these partners over many months and years to announce some significant outcomes at IAC.
The Australian Government announced a mandate to begin negotiations on a Cooperative Agreement between the European Space Agency and Australia. The Agreement will establish a formal mechanism for new and exciting opportunities between Europe and Australia’s space sectors.
Separately, a treaty-level Space Framework Agreement between Australia and the United States was signed – opening the door to new opportunities for government, businesses and researchers to collaborate on joint projects with NASA and other American partners.
I am also incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to work towards and support a Pacific Island Countries delegation to attend the Congress, including Ministerial representation from Cook Islands and Solomon Islands. This was the first IAC to have a Pacific Island Countries delegation, helping to further emphasise the importance of Pacific voices in global space conversations.
The Australian space industry has grown rapidly over the past decade, from satellite design to space medicine and remote sensing. How would you describe the current state of the industry — and what makes Australia uniquely positioned to contribute to global space innovation?
Australia is a great place to do space. We have leading capabilities in areas like robotics and remote operations, optical and quantum communications, ground stations networks, and remote health science. Our space industry is producing new innovations that support launch and nanosatellite capability. It also has established state-of-the-art infrastructure to deliver important space-based services.
Combined with our nation’s desirable geography and world-class research institutions, Australia is making its mark on the global space economy. We also have our vast outback and expansive coastlines that makes us a prime destination for space launches and returns. At IAC 2025, South Australia-based company Southern Launch and US company Varda Space Industries announced another 20 planned space returns by Varda to Southern Launch’s Koonibba Test Range in regional South Australia.
With UK and Austrade colleagues following the signing of the new UK-Australia Space Bridge.
As a leader in international partnerships and a representative of Australia in multilateral fora, how do you see women shaping the future of space diplomacy and policy? What advice would you give to young women aspiring to work in this field?
I like to see women not just through one lens. We all have different backgrounds, cultures, languages, and experiences that overall contribute to the unique contributions we can make in international collaboration. And this is already recognised at various levels including through the UN Women, Peace and Security Agenda (and Australia’s second Australian National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security 2021-2031).
Amongst the backdrop of broader international diplomacy and policy, space can sometimes feel like a small minnow in a big pond and being curious and persistent is important. I landed in the space field after a visit to the Australian Space Discovery Centre in Adelaide sparked the idea. Space was conveyed as something no longer confined to engineers, researchers and technical experts – but one where international lawyers, policy experts and diplomats was required.
I see women using their diverse backgrounds and skills to help shape the space domain through contributions to law and policy as well as scientific and commercial pursuits to inform the first two. Beyond the conventional technical realm, women’s contributions can extend to creating a more inclusive and equitable space sector, promoting STEM education and leadership development with international and regional partners.
My advice would be to be tenacious, curious and confident in your abilities. I was a little nervous to take the leap to an area I had no background in, but it has been a great challenge and I always get to learn something new. I wanted to further my bilateral skills after working in multilateral roles, and really enjoy the stakeholder relationships I get to make working for the Agency.
At the inauguration of the European Space Agency’s new deep space antenna in Western Australia, New Norcia 3 in October 2025.
As someone deeply involved in building international partnerships, where do you see the biggest opportunities for Australia’s space sector in the next five to ten years — whether through collaboration, commercial growth, or new research frontiers?
I certainly see a lot of potential and opportunities across the breadth of the space sector, but will speak to international collaboration, which is also an enabler for commercial growth and research. Space is a global industry, so maintaining and growing our strong international partnerships will help achieve our space ambitions and see our local sector thrive.
For my part, the announcement of a mandate to commence negotiations with the European Space Agency will provide a formal framework for Australian businesses and researchers to collaborate with Europe’s space ecosystem, potentially opening new and exciting opportunities. The possibility of these future collaborative opportunities grows upon the close and productive space partnership Australia has shared with Europe for over 40 years, covering areas of deep space communications, navigation, data analysis, mission support, and more recently, human spaceflight with astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg’s training with ESA.
Enhancing regional partnerships will also be key. The Australian Space Agency plays a central role in building regional partnerships to strengthen Australia’s role in the Indo-Pacific, with a focus on how space technologies can improve lives across the region.
Working closely with our neighbouring countries continues to be an important part of our work, with the Agency sharing expertise, supporting responsible space practices, and contributing to regional collaboration. These partnerships help address current and future shared challenges such as climate resilience and disaster response, while unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation in Australia’s space sector.
Oakleigh Grammar has recognised remarkable student achievement across 2025 with its Awards Assemblies in the Junior School, Middle School and Senior School.
Across three separate assemblies students were highlighted for academic, civic and community contributions to the school and community.
The School is proud of its students continuing to live the HARK school values of Humility, Aspiration, Respect and Kindness.
Junior School Awards
Year 3
Academic Honours
Zoe Psichalos
Academic Excellence
Lilyana Galashchuk
Academic Excellence
Sofia Percival
Academic Excellence
Alexander Terry
Christian Ethos
Maria Gioutlou
Franklin Covey Leader in Me Award
Anastasia Kasmeridis
Greek Language and Culture
Anastasia Kasmeridis
Performing Arts
Maria Lavdas
Positive Endeavour
Dimitrios Doukas
Physical Education
Jonah Valomandra
Service & Citizenship
Nikolas Tsatsalmas
Visual Arts
Sofia Vergos
Year 4
Academic Honours
Aaric Chathley
Academic Excellence
Catherine Karagiannis
Academic Excellence
Aviraj Bhandaal
Academic Excellence
Vani Patel
Christian Ethos
Christian Diamantopoulos
Franklin Covey Leader in Me Award
Evlyn Elizabeth Gigu
Greek Language and Culture
Evdokia Makarios
Performing Arts
Deanna Vlahos
Positive Endeavour
Mony Nesai Samrith
Physical Education
Michael Shevchenko
Service & Citizenship
Emili Draganic
Visual Arts
Emili Draganic
Year 5
Academic Honours
Nicholas Vlahandonis
Academic Excellence
Jai Menon
Academic Excellence
Vyom Shah
Academic Excellence
Eleni Damatopoulos
Christian Ethos
Sofia Ryan
Franklin Covey Leader in Me Award
Niki Ayfantis
Greek Language and Culture
Danai Pavlou
Performing Arts
Samantha Kehaidis
Positive Endeavour
Aaliyah Kapralos
Physical Education
Nektarios Kallergis
Service & Citizenship
Stella Stevens
Sport Award
Lucas Menelaou
Sport Award
Carly Makris
Visual Arts
Eleni Damatopoulos
Special Junior School Awards
Hotham Community Spirit and Leadership Award Samantha Kehaidis
Assistant Principal – Head of Junior School HARK Award Chris Vergos
Arts: 3D Art Arts: Theatre & Music Production Design: Electronic Design & Interactive Media Design: Design for the Future Design: Food & Service Technology
NSW Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure has welcomed the heritage listing of Sydney’s Discobolus Monument, saying it’s a powerful symbol of multicultural contribution and Olympic legacy that reflects the vibrancy of NSW’s diverse communities.
“I welcome the official listing of the Discobolus Monument on the NSW State Heritage Register. This iconic artwork reflects our Olympic legacy and the deep cultural ties that enrich our state – particularly the contribution of the Greek Australian community,” Mr Coure said.
“As Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, I’m proud to see this important symbol of Greek heritage and community effort formally recognised. Protecting places like the Discobolus ensures our diverse stories are honoured and preserved.
“The heritage listing of the Discobolus Monument is a win for community-led cultural heritage. It acknowledges the passion, generosity and collective spirit behind this tribute to the Olympic Games and Greek culture in NSW.
“With this heritage status now secured, I look forward to ongoing dialogue to ensure the Discobolus continues to be celebrated and protected within Sydney Olympic Park for future generations.”
Mr Coure applauded the addition of the Discobolus Monument to the State Heritage Register, emphasising that safeguarding such culturally significant works ensures that the stories of migrant communities including Greek Australians who funded the tribute – are preserved for future generations.
The listing requires the Discobolus Monument Moveable Heritage Group to be retained and maintained within Sydney Olympic Park.
