The Pan-Laconian Association of New South Wales “The Spartans,” in collaboration with the Vatikioton Association of Australia, hosted a vibrant fancy-dress dinner dance to mark Apokries at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba on Saturday, February 21.
More than 200 guests – including families, friends and long-standing members of both associations -gathered for an evening of dining, dancing and celebration as the carnival season brought colour and energy to Sydney’s Greek community.
The night opened with a warm welcome from Master of Ceremonies Chris Apostolakos, followed by addresses from Peter Tsigounis, President of the Vatikioton Association, and Mary Skalkos, President of the Pan-Laconian Association “The Spartans.”
Ms Skalkos noted that this marked the fourth consecutive year the two associations have joined forces to host the event, highlighting the strong relationship between the organisations and the shared commitment to community unity.
She described Apokries as a time of joy and laughter, emphasising the importance of preserving Greek cultural traditions while creating meaningful memories for the next generation. Particular focus was placed on the role of young people in continuing and strengthening the heritage of the Laconian diaspora.
The festive atmosphere was enhanced by Brazilian dancers, whose lively performances added an international carnival flair to the evening.
Children embraced the spirit of Apokries in colourful costumes, each receiving a lolly bag as part of the celebrations. Among the best-dressed winners were Fay Petrou, who impressed as a Geisha, and Theo Billias, who took to the floor as a policeman.
As the music continued and the dance floor filled, the energy of the night carried on well into the late hours, reinforcing the strong sense of camaraderie between the two associations and their members.
The annual Apokries celebration once again demonstrated the enduring vitality of Sydney’s Laconian community, bringing generations together in the shared spirit of tradition and festivity.
La Trobe, the only university in Victoria offering Greek language studies, saw its city campus overflow on Friday, February 20. Inside, a palpable buzz filled the room as Greek language champions, many of whom have devoted their entire lives to preserving the language in the diaspora, gathered under one roof.
The carefully curated event was hosted by Greek Consul General of Melbourne, Dimitra Georgantzoglou, to mark World Greek Language Day (February 9). Held on the eve of UNESCO’s International Mother Language Day, the evening quickly moved beyond celebration to collective action.
Leaders from church, politics and academia, forming a cross-section of the institutions shaping Greek language life in Victoria, took the podium. Teachers and students stood beside lifelong advocates;all bound by commitment to preserving the Greek language.
Officials and community leaders attend Greek Language Day at La Trobe University in Melbourne. Photos: The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
What followed was a concentrated examination of Greek in the diaspora, with at least 25 speakers taking the podium. The event was ambitious, and yes, it was long, but the campus rang almost entirely in Greek, deliberately and unapologetically so.
At the centre stood Georgantzoglou, reminding the audience that Greek has given humanity “not only words, but concepts”: democracy, philosophy, science, technology. It carries, she said, “an unbroken continuity of more than 3,000 years.”
Messages from Greece reinforced the point. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described Greek as a bridge “between past and present, Greece and the world” in a video message. In a message from Archbishop Makarios, Greek was described as “not merely a means of communication but identity, memory and witness.”
Consul General of Greece to Melbourne Dimitra Georgantzoglou was host. Photo: The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
Nina Taylor MP. Photo: The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
Acting Coordinator of Educational Affairs of the Greek Consulate of Melbourne Moira Triantafyllou closed the event. Photo: The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
La Trobe’s Associate Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences (International) Dr Raul Sánchez-Urribarri. Photo: The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
Maria Bakalidou, Principal of the schools of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria. Photo: The Greek Herald/ Mary Sinanidis.
Still, the central question lingered: not what Greek has been, but what it will be, and how to secure it.
Victorian MP Nina Taylor grounded the discussion in data: more than 4,000 students study Greek across 19 community language schools in Victoria. The structures exist. But structures alone do not produce speakers.
Professor Joseph Lo Bianco, President of the Pharos Alliance dedicated to reversing attrition, extended the argument beyond Victoria. Nearly half the world’s languages are endangered, he noted.
“What we are doing today is part of a wider movement to keep the vitality and diversity of human consciousness alive. It is not guaranteed.”
Dr Raul Sanchez-Urribarri, Professor Joseph Lo Bianco and Dr Marinis Pirpiris. Photo: The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis. Dr Stavroula Nikoloudi and Moira Triantafyllou. Photo: The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
Greek is not globally endangered, he noted. “But it is retreating in many diaspora communities.”
His prescription was direct, “Build capacity. Create opportunities. Foster desire.”
And the warning lingered, “Children may identify as Greek, but identity does not automatically mean language use.”
That was the pivot.
If Greek is to thrive in Melbourne, it must be spoken. And spoken it was on Friday as students of all ages took the floor with assurance, proving that the pipeline is alive. Teachers outlined certification pathways and described adult learners who chose Greek not because they inherited it, but because they wanted it. One non-Greek learner, Dr Cathie Elder, recalled being asked, “Why Greek? What’s the value?” Her answer was simple: it changed how she thinks. It opened another way of seeing the world.
There were lighter moments, too. Senator Jane Hume shared her attempts to master Greek after marrying into a Greek Australian family, joking about her unsuccessful year on Duolingo before delivering a surprisingly fluent imitation of family phone calls. Beneath the humour sat a deeper truth: Greek vocabulary underpins global discourse. Whether it underpins daily life in the diaspora depends on effort.
Roma and Sophia Siachos. Photo: The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis. Consul General of Greece to Melbourne Dimitra Georgantzoglou and Senator Jane Hume, two supporters of language learning. Photo: The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
Speaking to The Greek Herald, Georgantzoglou said she was encouraged to see the language “approached in every way,” with each speaker offering a distinct lens. She acknowledged concerns about language attrition in Australia and welcomed a more coordinated focus on solutions.
La Trobe’s Associate Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences (International), Dr Raul Sánchez-Urribarri, welcomed attendees with a simple line: “This is your house.” A university, he said, offers “lenses to see the world.” Each language is “an invitation to get to know the world in a particular way.”
For the Greek language “world”, Dr Stavroula Nikoloudi outlined La Trobe’s multi-faceted approach to sustaining Greek. Students of the program enjoy a variety of learning experiences, from community engagement and curriculum innovation to collaborations with institutions in Greece and immersive study trips that connect students directly with the language in situ.
As Master of Ceremonies, seconded teacher Yiota Stavridou observed, this was about “not only a language,” but the culture, memory and continuity it carries.
Students from Oakleigh Grammar. Photo: The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
Patriarch Bartholomews Brother and Sister-in-Law with Bishop Kyriakou. Photo: The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
Photo: The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
Yiota Stavridou, master of ceremonies. Photo: The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
MGTAV President Despina Sarandis. Photo: The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis. Veteran educator Ourania Papageorgiou packs books into a suitcase. Photo: The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis. GACL President Cathy Alexopoulos. Photo: The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
Progress, at its simplest, begins by putting the right people in the same room. And many of the right people lingered, enjoying a buffet following the event,forging relationships and brainstorming initiatives long after the formal program ended.
To survive, every institution, every leader, every educator matters. The work strengthens when all pillars stand together, visibly and cooperatively, in service of something larger than themselves.
The language has endured empires.
Now it asks something simpler of its custodians: stand together, safeguard Greek learning opportunities, and use it.
Welcome philhellenes into its orbit. There should be an invitation for everyone and anyone who cares to save Greek in the diaspora, but please work together, and leave ego (another Greek word) at the door.
La Trobe University recent graduates Dr Cathie Elder and Alexander Gerasimidis. Photo: The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
The Australia–Cyprus Achievement Award is not simply a trophy – it is a sculptural statement of identity, gratitude and aspiration.
Created exclusively for the Cyprus Community of NSW by renowned Brazilian metal artist Italo Dos Santos, each piece is individually handcrafted using natural materials chosen for their symbolic power.
Iron, copper and gold – A narrative in metal
At its core, the sculpture is forged from iron – a material representing strength, endurance and resilience. Iron is shaped through fire and force, echoing the trials and perseverance that define both migrant journeys and community building.
Interwoven with the iron is copper – deliberately incorporated to symbolise Cyprus. For thousands of years, Cyprus has been synonymous with copper; indeed, the island’s very name is historically linked to the metal. By forging copper into the piece, the artist embeds Cyprus itself into the structure of the award.
The sculpture is then plated in gold – signifying excellence, honour and achievement. Gold elevates the form, transforming strength and heritage into recognition and celebration.
Together, iron, copper and gold tell a story: resilience, identity and excellence.
At its core, the sculpture is forged from iron – a material representing strength, endurance and resilience.
The olive branch – A universal emblem
The sculptural form depicts the graceful branches of the olive tree, drawn from Olea europaea. Across ancient Mediterranean civilisations, the olive branch symbolised peace, unity and honour. It crowned victors, marked reconciliation and represented harmony between peoples.
For Cyprus – a land long celebrated for its agriculture and olive groves – the symbol carries deep cultural resonance. For Australia, it speaks to contribution, collaboration and shared prosperity.
The upward-reaching branches embody aspiration; the intertwined metals reflect unity.
Grounded in yellow burl wood
The sculpture rests on a base crafted from yellow burl wood – a rare and naturally patterned timber known for its intricate grain and organic character. No two burl formations are identical, making each base entirely unique.
The wood has been carefully shaped and polished to reflect resilience and reflection – grounding the strength of forged metal in the warmth of nature.
It anchors the sculpture in earth while the olive branches reach toward possibility.
Renowned Brazilian metal artist Italo Dos Santos.
A commission of purpose
Specifically commissioned by the Cyprus Community of NSW, the award was designed to embody both Cyprus and Australia – heritage and future – strength and peace.
These are not manufactured trophies. They are individually forged works of art, created by hand, carrying story in every material.
As Italo Dos Santos explains: “Through my work, I aim not only to shape metal, but to give life to symbols, stories and emotions that endure.”
The artist will be present at the Awards Ceremony on Thursday, 26 February, at the Chau Chak Wing Museum, within the University of Sydney.
Bookings are essential, with limited spaces remaining. Registrations can be made at: www.thecyprusclub.org.au
Graduates of the Class of 2025 from St Andrew’s Theological College in Sydney received their degrees on Friday, February 20, during a graduation ceremony held at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, Sydney.
The ceremony began with a Doxology, celebrated with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim of Sevasteia.
Also in attendance were His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios of the Antiochian Church in Australia; His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane; Their Graces Assistant Bishops Iakovos of Miletoupolis and Christophoros of Kerasounta; clergy from across Sydney; the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Georgios Skemperis; academic and administrative staff of the College; as well as family and friends of the graduates.
In his address, Metropolitan Seraphim reflected on the College’s 40-year history and his own 35 years of service as a professor and in various leadership roles.
He paid tribute to the late Archbishop Stylianos of Australia and members of the Greek community whose support was instrumental in establishing the College. He also acknowledged the longstanding backing of the Australian University College of Divinity (AUCD), which has supported the institution since its early years.
Addressing the graduates, Metropolitan Seraphim encouraged them to carry their theological education into service, not only as knowledge but as lived faith. He described them as “ambassadors for Christ,” urging them to embody their learning through responsibility, humility and commitment to others.
He further emphasised that the challenges of the contemporary world demand more than academic credentials alone.
“The contemporary world does not need graduates who merely possess knowledge about theology, but people who have been inwardly transformed, who do not serve themselves, but God and others,” he said.
He encouraged the Class of 2025 to approach their future ministries with courage and integrity, serving both the Church and the wider community with dedication and purpose.
The ceremony marked not only the culmination of years of study for the graduates, but also a significant milestone for St Andrew’s Theological College as it enters its fifth decade of operation in Australia.
Victoria Police have announced a reward of up to $1 million as part of a renewed appeal for information into the 1981 murder of Richmond woman Haroula Kipouridou.
Ms Kipouridou, 25, was last seen alive in the early hours of Friday, 3 July 1981. At the time, she was working as a singer at a hotel on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy.
Police established that after finishing work that night, she was driven home to her Elizabeth Street address by two associates. The pair dropped her in front of the housing tower at approximately 2am and reported seeing nothing unusual.
Around 30 minutes later, Ms Kipouridou’s body was discovered on the floor of a lift inside the building.
Detectives said she had been severely physically assaulted and sexually assaulted during the attack.
The investigation, led by the Homicide Squad, involved speaking to a large number of people known to Ms Kipouridou or living in the vicinity at the time. While several individuals were investigated as potential suspects, police were unable to determine who was responsible.
Media reports in the early 1980s referred to a specific suspect being investigated, however authorities have confirmed there has never been sufficient evidence to conclusively attribute responsibility to any individual.
No one has ever been charged over Ms Kipouridou’s death. In 1983, a coroner returned an open finding.
Victoria Police have now announced a reward of up to $1 million, payable at the discretion of the Chief Commissioner of Police, for information leading to the apprehension and subsequent conviction of the person or persons responsible.
Detectives continue to urge anyone with information – no matter how small – to come forward.
A Victorian coroner has identified multiple missed opportunities in the hospital treatment of Melbourne teenager James Tsindos, who died in 2021 after suffering a severe allergic reaction to a takeaway meal.
James, 17, was remembered during an emotional inquest hearing as a vibrant and gifted young man with a deep love of music. A Year 12 student at Brighton Grammar School, he was a talented pianist who dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur and one day living in Los Angeles.
On 27 May 2021, James consumed a delivered vegan burrito bowl that contained cashew sauce, triggering a serious allergic reaction. Although he had a known nut allergy and asthma, he had never previously been diagnosed with anaphylaxis nor prescribed an EpiPen.
His father called Triple Zero (000), and paramedics administered two doses of adrenaline en route to Holmesglen Private Hospital. The court heard James initially responded well to treatment.
However, shortly after arriving at hospital, his condition deteriorated rapidly. He suffered a cardiac arrest and sustained catastrophic brain injury when medical staff were unable to restart his heart. He was later transferred to The Alfred Hospital, where life support was withdrawn on 1 June 2021.
Inquest examines treatment response
Coroner Sarah Gebert examined whether earlier intervention at hospital may have altered the outcome.
The court was told paramedics noted wheezing prior to arrival, raising questions about whether James should have been triaged as more urgent upon admission. A further issue arose when his wheezing was interpreted as asthma rather than a potential recurrence of anaphylaxis, delaying the administration of a third adrenaline dose.
That third dose was given approximately 25 minutes after arrival, by which time James was experiencing increasing breathing difficulties.
Despite identifying these missed opportunities, the coroner said she could not definitively conclude that earlier treatment would have saved his life.
“I express my regret to the family that I am not able to do so,” Ms Gebert said.
However, she found that earlier administration of adrenaline would have improved his chances of survival.
The coroner acknowledged the complexity of the case, noting that James appeared stable upon presentation at hospital and showed no immediate signs of impending collapse.
Recommendations following the inquest
The coroner delivered eight recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
Among them were proposals to strengthen triage communication between paramedics and hospital staff, review medical guidelines for managing patients with co-existing asthma and anaphylaxis, and consider enhanced allergy education and testing for young people with known food allergies.
She also raised concerns about allergen risks in plant-based and vegan foods ordered online. The meal consumed by James was labelled as containing “cashew cheese,” and the coroner suggested there may be broader issues around consumer awareness and food labelling in the rapidly expanding vegan market.
The Department of Health was urged to consider measures including improved labelling standards and public education around plant-based substitutes.
The court heard that more than 12 percent of young people with nut allergies experience unintended exposure within a five-year period.
Outside court, Shari Liby, lawyer for the Tsindos family, described James’ death as a tragedy but expressed hope that the findings would lead to greater safety for others.
While the family continues to mourn the loss of a much-loved son and gifted musician, they said there was some comfort in knowing that the coroner’s recommendations may help prevent similar outcomes in future.
Director of The Coffee Club, John Lazarou, has called for higher standards in Australia’s immigration system, saying he no longer sees the country as “a harmonious nation.”
Speaking to the Courier-Mail, Lazarou said “unrest and racial tensions are getting worse,” adding: “We have to look at what kind of people we’re letting in and stop opening the door to just anybody.”
The 63-year-old, who is the son of Greek migrants raised in Brisbane’s West End, said his parents quickly adapted to Australian life after arriving in the late 1950s, arguing that successful integration remains essential.
“The moment my parents arrived… they assimilated,” he said, adding that Australia should not become “a nation of tribes” but “become one.”
Lazarou said he supports raising entry standards for migrants but rejected banning people based on nationality, saying: “Black-listing countries is a terrible idea – you have to do the research on individuals.”
He also pointed to growing political discontent in regional Australia and increasing support for Pauline Hanson as signs of broader frustration.
Following the publication of his comments, some social media users criticised Lazarou and called for people to stop visiting The Coffee Club, while others defended his right to express his views.
Career diplomat Emily Pugin has formally begun her role as Australia’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Cyprus, presenting her letters of credence to President Nikos Christodoulides.
In a statement following the ceremony, Pugin described it as a “profound honour” to serve in Cyprus, highlighting the deep and enduring friendship between the two countries.
She noted that Australia is home to the world’s second-largest Cypriot diaspora, whose contribution to Australia’s multicultural fabric continues to underpin strong people-to-people links and a vibrant bilateral relationship.
The new High Commissioner also reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to a rules-based international order and to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cyprus. As a First Nations Australian, she reflected that she stands “on the shoulders of my ancestors,” pledging to be a proud representative of Australia and a steadfast friend to Cyprus.
Australia’s historical connection to Cyprus includes its long involvement in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, which was Australia’s longest-running UN peacekeeping mission, lasting 53 years from its establishment in 1964.
Pugin was appointed High Commissioner by Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, replacing outgoing High Commissioner Fiona McKergow, who served in the role since 2022.
Pugin brings extensive diplomatic experience to the post, having previously served at the Australian Embassy and Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Vienna, where she managed Australia’s relationships with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Kosovo and Slovakia.
In her new role, she will oversee Australia’s diplomatic representation in Cyprus, with a focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation, supporting the Cypriot diaspora and deepening ties between the two nations.
An atmosphere of solemnity and deep respect surrounded the funeral service of renowned Byzantinologist Hélène Glykatzi-Ahrweiler, held at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens.
One of the most influential figures in Greek and international scholarship, Glykatzi-Ahrweiler was honoured by senior representatives of the Greek state, including President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni.
Members of the academic, intellectual and artistic communities were also present, reflecting the breadth of her influence across disciplines.
According to protothema.gr, funeral tributes were delivered by Mitsotakis and Tasoulas, who spoke of her distinguished academic career, global reputation and enduring contribution to education and culture. They also emphasised her moral integrity, intellectual rigour and lifelong devotion to Greece and Byzantine civilisation.
Glykatzi-Ahrweiler died at the age of 99, leaving behind a formidable intellectual legacy that shaped generations of scholars and deepened international understanding of the Byzantine world.
In a statement marking her repose, the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece said that “the Church of Greece recognises in her the academic who highlighted the historical continuity of Hellenism and its inherent bond with the Orthodox Church, affirming that Byzantine civilisation constitutes a defining element of Europe’s spiritual identity.”
The Synod also offered prayers “that the Lord of life and death may grant rest to the soul of His departed servant and count her among the righteous, bestowing heavenly consolation upon her loved ones.”
As Orthodox Christians across Australia observe Clean Monday and the beginning of Great Lent, Federal Minister for Multicultural Affairs Anne Aly MP has shared a message reflecting on faith, renewal and the enduring role of ancient traditions within Australia’s multicultural society.
Full message in English
As Eastern Orthodox and other Christian communities across Australia mark Clean Monday, the beginning of Great Lent, I extend my warmest wishes for a meaningful season of reflection and renewal.
Clean Monday is a time of spiritual preparation, inviting reflection through prayer, fasting, forgiveness and humility. It is a moment to renew commitment to values of compassion, responsibility, and service; values that continue to guide families and communities across generations.
In multicultural Australia, days of observance such as Clean Monday enrich our shared national story. They reflect the depth of ancient traditions that continue to shape identity, strengthen community bonds, and contribute to our nation’s diversity and cohesion.
May this season of Great Lent bring peace, clarity of purpose and renewed hope to all who observe it. I extend my heartfelt best wishes for a meaningful Lenten journey.
