Twin Victorian cottages in Brunswick are being sold for the first time in 53 years by their 99-year-old owner, who turns 100 just two days before the December 6 auction.
Bought by the Megas family in 1972 after migrating from Greece, the homes at 2 and 4 Frith Street have housed generations of tenants – from families to university students – and were meticulously maintained by the family.
“Every summer we didn’t go away on holidays,” daughter Alexandra Megas told domain.com.au. “We were painting… and dad wanted to make sure the house was nice and clean for them.”
The cottages sit on one title, have newly updated interiors and carry a price guide of $1.888 million to $2 million. Selling agent Lisa Roberts says they suit “a multigenerational home or investment,” noting they previously rented for about $700 per week each.
For Megas, the sale is bittersweet, but she hopes the result will be “her mother’s biggest birthday gift yet.”
The Greek International Women Awards (GIWA) returned to the Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Centre on Monday for a night that celebrated the talent, leadership and global impact of Greek women.
As the largest international network of professional women of Greek heritage, GIWA continues to unite, inspire and create role models for generations to come.
From start to finish, the evening combined elegance, emotion and meaningful connections, drawing distinguished guests from Greece and abroad.
The ceremony opened with a captivating dance performance and the phrase, “You get in life what you have the courage to ask for,” before hosts Katerina Gkagkaki and Tasos Tryfonos took the stage.
This year’s event was held on November 24, just one day before the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. In her remarks, renowned actress and director Mimi Denissi highlighted the importance of solidarity over competition among women.
With 15 award categories and a total of 154 nominees, the evening showcased impressive achievements across diverse fields.
The Greek Herald publisher Dimitra Skalkos was a finalist in the ‘Media & Marketing Communications’ category.
The Media & Marketing Communications category — which included The Greek Herald publisher Dimitra Skalkos as a finalist — was won by Kyra Kapi, known for managing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ TikTok presence. It was a category filled with women whose work continues to inspire and shape the public sphere.
The Greek Herald also featured in the “Social Responsibility” category, with the newspaper’s Digital Editor, Andriana Simos, named finalist alongside other women who transformed their ideas into action. The award was ultimately received by Sofia Kouvelaki.
The Greek Herald’s Digital Editor Andriana Simos was finalist in the ‘Social Responsibility’ category.
In the Arts category, the judges reached a tie, awarding both Angelika Kathariou and Marianna Kapsetaki. In Business and Entrepreneurship — a category featuring Greek Australian nominee Violet Roumeliotis AM — the winner was Marianna Prokopi Dimitriadis, co-founder of three pioneering biotechnology start-ups.
Sofia Psarra was recognised in the Design category, while sexologist Eirini Cheirdari received the award for the Humanities. The Environmental Awareness prize went to Zisoula Dasiou.
Greek Australian designer Angela Nicolades was shortlisted for the Fashion award, which was ultimately presented to Antonia Karra.
Other award recipients included:
Finance: Maria Leontiou
Hospitality: Katilena Alpe
Law & Political Science: Souzana Klementidi
Science & Technology: Alexandra Drakaki
Shipping: Aspasia Pastra
The 2025 GIWA ceremony once again highlighted the remarkable achievements of Greek women worldwide — women who continue to break barriers, uplift their communities and inspire future generations.
Former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has published his 762-page memoir Ithaki, offering a candid account of Greece’s 2015 eurozone crisis and his fraught relationship with former Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis.
Tsipras reflects on his political rise with SYRIZA and admits he “underestimated the human factor” in appointing Varoufakis, whom he now describes as “more celebrity than economist.”
He says Varoufakis’ confrontational tactics heightened the real – though never seriously intended – threat of Grexit, noting that “not only could our potential allies not stand him, but neither could his own colleagues.”
Their split deepened when Varoufakis proposed a “Plan B” involving a parallel voucher currency, telling Tsipras: “Instead of giving money to pensioners and employees, we would print vouchers…” to which Tsipras replied, “Are you serious?”
Tsipras also recounts seeking financial help from Moscow, claiming Vladimir Putin dismissed the idea, saying he would rather give the money to an orphanage because giving it to Greece “would be like throwing it in the trash.”
Now outside parliament and having left SYRIA, Tsipras fuels speculation over a potential new political party.
The Athenian Association of New South Wales hosted a deeply moving Athenian Hellenic Achievement Awards luncheon on Sunday, November 23, bringing together distinguished guests, community leaders and families for an afternoon dedicated to honouring outstanding service, heritage and contribution within the Greek Australian community.
Held in a warm, celebratory atmosphere accompanied by live music and traditional dancing, the event showcased the enduring values of Hellenism – philotimo, generosity, cultural preservation and service to community – carried proudly across generations.
A warm welcome and blessing
Master of Ceremonies Paul Bessiris, joined by Stella Sorotou, officially opened the ceremony, welcoming guests and outlining the timeless significance of honouring contributors to Hellenic culture.
Mr Bessiris reflected that from ancient times, Greeks publicly celebrated achievement in the arts, athletics, thought and community life – a tradition the Athenian Association continues today in the diaspora.
A long list of distinguished guests was acknowledged, including: His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia; Athanasios Lambrou, Head of Public Diplomacy Office, representing the Consul General of Greece in Sydney; Nikolaos Varellas, Deputy High Commissioner for the Republic of Cyprus in Australia; Cr. Edward McDougall, Mayor of Bayside Council; Presidents and representatives of major Greek community organisations; and cultural, academic and media leaders across NSW.
His Grace Bishop Christodoulos offered remarks on behalf of Archbishop Makarios and blessed the food, setting the tone for a meaningful afternoon ahead.
His Grace Bishop Christodoulos speaks.
Presidential address: The vision of the Athenian Association
President of the Athenian Association, Cathy Valis, delivered a heartfelt address highlighting the mission of the awards: to acknowledge individuals who not only succeed personally but elevate Hellenism and community life around them.
Her message underscored the importance of collective heritage, intergenerational continuity and the responsibility of Greek organisations to elevate those who serve with integrity and devotion.
President of the Athenian Association, Cathy Valis.
Official speeches from dignitaries
A series of formal speeches followed, including:
Mr Lambrou, who conveyed congratulations from the Consul General of Greece and emphasised the role of community organisations in sustaining language and culture.
Mr Varellas, representing Cyprus, who spoke on the shared Hellenic spirit across the diaspora.
Cr. McDougall, Mayor of Bayside, who praised the Greek community’s vibrancy and contribution to the broader Australian multicultural landscape.
Mr Varellas.Cr. McDougall.
Honouring Irene Anesti: A lifetime of philanthropy
The first major presentation of the day recognised Irene Anesti, a revered figure in Greek Australian philanthropic life.
Born on the island of Leipsoi, Irene migrated to Australia in 1960 and built a life defined by service. Her mother’s motto – “We look first after the kosmos, then the neighbour, and only lastly after ourselves” – became the guiding principle of her life.
Her decades of contribution include:
Founding member of the Ippokratis Chapter of AHEPA
Founding board member of the Greek Community Home for the Aged
Honorary Life President of Sydney Olympic SFC Ladies Committee (since 1985)
Former President and now Honorary President of OEEGA NSW
More than $500,000 raised for the Children’s Cancer Institute under her leadership
Her humility is legendary – upon receiving the OAM in 2015, she was “genuinely shocked,” unable to recall the countless acts of service she had offered.
Due to health reasons, Mrs Anesti was unable to attend. Christine Manolakos, President of OEEGA NSW, accepted the award on her behalf, delivering warm words of gratitude.
Christine Manolakos (second from left), President of OEEGA NSW, accepted the award on Irene Anesti’s behalf.
Cultural performance by Joanna Perris Dance School
The event shifted into celebration with a lively performance by students of the Joanna Perris Dance School, drawing applause from guests and highlighting the cultural pride that remains at the heart of the community.
Honouring Aristeidis “Ari” Hatzigeorgiou: A chef who feeds the community
The second award of the afternoon honoured Aristeidis Hatzigeorgiou, a chef whose culinary leadership has touched virtually every corner of the Greek community.
Born in Gouménissa, Kilkis, Aris developed a passion for cooking early, excelling through culinary school and serving as a chef for NATO units and the Greek Army. His professional journey spanned Greece and Cyprus, and included founding his own nutritional catering company, “Dietalife,” serving institutions across Thessaloniki.
Arriving in Australia in 2017, Aris quickly became a central figure in Greek Australian community life. His achievements include:
Revitalising the beloved taverna To Koutouki in Leichhardt
Leading the kitchen operations for the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW Community Club since 2019
Catering for an extraordinary range of Hellenic organisations, festivals, charities and cultural bodies
Providing hospitality at moments of celebration, grief, fellowship and communal gathering
When asked how he built his reputation from scratch in a new country, his answer was simple and telling: “I think like a chef, not a businessman.”
President Ms Valis and President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW Harry Danalis presented the award, followed by remarks from Aris, who was met with enthusiastic applause.
Aristeidis Hatzigeorgiou receiving his award.
Festivities: Music, flowers and community spirit
Live music by Music Lovers carried the afternoon from formal ceremony to joyful celebration.
Guests enjoyed dessert, dancing and the opportunity to support the association through raffle tickets and the purchase of handcrafted floral arrangements created by committee member Antigone.
The raffle prizes – donated by community businesses, artists and supporters – included designer jewellery, electronics, artwork, dining vouchers and Christmas gift hampers. Donors were invited to draw the winning numbers, adding to the camaraderie and excitement.
A heartfelt conclusion
As the event drew to a close, Mr Bessiris thanked all attendees, performers, donors and committee members who made the celebration possible.
“We have had the privilege to celebrate the contributions of two exemplary members of our community,” he said. “As we continue to uphold our traditions, I wish you all a blessed and joyful afternoon.”
Guests returned to the dance floor as Music Lovers played the final set, closing an afternoon marked by unity, pride and celebration of Hellenic excellence.
In a Friday Essay for The Conversation, historian Joy Damousi examined how the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) monitored Greek migrants during the Cold War, highlighting the tension between postwar immigration and state suspicion.
Damousi noted that more than 160,000 Greek migrants arrived in Australia after World War II, sought to bolster the economy, yet were viewed with distrust.
During the assimilation era (1945–1966), immigrants were expected to abandon their cultural and political ties, a process enforced under the lingering White Australia policy.
As historian John Rickard observed, “Australia wanted immigration, but not immigrants.”
ASIO’s surveillance focused not only on Greek communists but also on right-wing, pro-royalist groups, and even factions within the Greek Orthodox Church.
Clubs like the Atlas Club and organisations such as the Democritus League were monitored extensively, as they were seen as potential sources of political agitation.
Key figures, including George Zangalis and James Mitsopoulos, were tracked over decades for promoting left-wing politics and activism connected to the Greek Civil War.
Damousi highlighted how Greek migrants also engaged in local political activism, including protests against Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, which drew ASIO’s attention.
She observed that efforts to politically assimilate the community, such as the formation of the Federation of Greek Associations in Australia, often reinforced internal divisions.
Her essay underscored that ASIO’s focus on Greek immigrants, regardless of political affiliation, was driven by concerns about protecting “white, British Australia.”
The surveillance created a detailed “social map of knowledge” about cultural groups, illustrating how secrecy and control shaped the immigrant experience.
Damousi concluded that while assimilation policies formally ended by the 1970s, the period left a lasting impact on the political and cultural life of Greek Australians, showing how state surveillance and ethnic identity intersected in Cold War Australia.
On Saturday, November 22, the NSW Federation of Community Languages Inc held its Annual Gala Dinner at the Bankstown Sports Club, where Soula Tsilimos was proudly recognised for 47 years of dedicated service as a Modern Greek language educator with the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) Afternoon and Saturday Schools.
At the gala, Mrs Tsilimos was presented with a medal of service by The Hon. Jihad Dib, MP. and the newly elected NSW State Opposition Leader, Kellie Sloane.
Mrs Tsilimos said warmly: “I am humbled and deeply honoured to receive this award. I wish my late husband, Michael Tsilimos, could be here to celebrate this achievement with me – I know he would be so proud.”
Michael Christodoulou, CEO of the NSW Federation of Community Languages Inc, said: “Soula’s dedication, passion and warmth have shaped the lives of countless students. Her influence reaches far beyond the classroom – she has built bridges between language, culture and our diverse community in NSW.”
Harry Danalis, President of the GOCNSW, said: “Mrs Tsilimos is an exemplary teacher whose dedication and commitment have inspired countless students. We are incredibly proud to see her remarkable career recognised.”
Mrs Tsilimos began teaching in 1970 at Mascot Public School and went on to teach at Redfern, Erskineville, Rockdale, Enmore, Arncliffe, and Connells Point Public School, where she spent over 30 years inspiring students.
Known for her innovative approach combining language, culture, music, theatre, and play, she nurtured confidence, engagement, and pride in Greek heritage, while supporting outstanding academic outcomes.
Her classrooms were places of laughter, curiosity and cultural exploration, and her students eagerly attended both afternoon and Saturday programs out of a genuine love for learning
Widely admired for her warmth, care, and personal attention to students, Mrs Tsilimos also mentored younger teachers and actively contributed to community events.
Her decades-long dedication was celebrated with a special event at Connells Point Public School, recognising her lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the wider Greek community.
Mrs Tsilimos’s career exemplifies passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to preserving Greek language and culture in Australia – leaving a legacy that will inspire future generations of Greek Australian students and educators.
Oakleigh Grammar hosted its annual Arts and Design Exhibition, Techné 2025, celebrating the creativity, innovation, and talent of students from the Early Learning Centre to Senior School.
The exhibition transformed the School Library into a vibrant gallery, showcasing a diverse range of works including visual art, sculpture, digital design, media projects, and interdisciplinary creations.
Techné 2025 highlighted both technical skill and imaginative flair, reflecting the dedication and growth of Oakleigh Grammar students across all year levels.
Academic Leader of the Arts, Helena Scarlata, commented: “The Techné Art and Design Exhibition was a resounding success, showcasing an impressive breadth of creative, thoughtful, and refined student works that truly celebrated their growth and talent.”
“The overwhelmingly positive feedback from our community reflects the dedication of both students and staff in bringing this inspiring event to life,” Ms Scarlata said.
Adding to the immersive experience, Food Science students prepared a selection of canapés served throughout the exhibition, showcasing their culinary creativity. Live performances also enriched the evening: Year 9 student Grace sang while Chloe played guitar, and Year 7 and 8 students performed a piece from A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare.
These performances reflected the student-led, collaborative spirit of the School while celebrating the Round Square IDEALS of leadership, creativity, and service.
Techné 2025 also showcased the collective effort of Arts staff, whose guidance and support helped bring the exhibition to life. Their work, alongside that of the students, echoed Oakleigh Grammar’s School Values of humility, aspiration, respect, and kindness, creating an environment where students are encouraged to explore ideas and express themselves confidently.
Visitors were inspired by the diversity and quality of work on display, reflecting the growth and talent of students across all year levels.
Techné 2025 reinforced Oakleigh Grammar’s commitment to nurturing creative, confident, and expressive learners. The exhibition offered students the opportunity to explore ideas, refine their skills, and share their artistic, musical, and culinary talents with the wider community.
The Hellenic Art Theatre has returned to the stage with a burst of humour, heart and community spirit, presenting its latest comedy, Uncle Kostas and Parthena, to enthusiastic audiences in Marrickville.
Written by Greek Australian playwright Koula Teo and performed by the acclaimed community troupe led by Stavros Economidis, the production blends side-splitting comedy with deeper reflections on family, fortune and the migrant dream.
The story centres on Uncle Kostas, the Virgin (Parthena) and a colourful cast of characters entangled in fake affection, backstabbing and chaos – all sparked by a missing Lotto ticket that could be worth a fortune.
A talented Greek Australian cast
The performance features a strong ensemble of Sydney-based Greek Australian actors: Mimika Valaris, Hayden Tsavalas, Anna Giovanaki, Dimitris Daviskas (as Uncle Kostas), Evelyn Tsavalas and Foula Morfiadis (as Polyxeni and the Virgin).
The production showcases Economidis’ direction and set design, with production management by Ms Tsavalas, technical support by Thanasis Fotiadis, and lighting and sound coordinated by Lakis Morfiadis. English surtitles are curated by Mimika Valaris, making the performance accessible to wider audiences.
A comedy with meaning
While the play delivers generous laughter for all ages, it also touches on the hopes, dreams and challenges of Greek migrants who came to Australia searching for a better life. Audiences are invited to consider how money, ambition and family relationships intertwine – often with both hilarious and thought-provoking results.
Performance dates and details
Uncle Kostas and Parthena continues its November–December 2025 season at the historic Mantourideio Theatre, 36/142 Addison Road, Marrickville.
Remaining performances:
Friday 28 November – 7.30pm
Saturday 29 November – 7.30pm
Sunday 30 November – 5.00pm
Friday 5 December – 7.30pm
Saturday 6 December – 7.30pm
Sunday 7 December – 5.00pm (Final performance)
Ticket prices: $35 standard | $30 concession (pensioners, students) | $15 children under 12 Bookings & info: 0413 989 007
The Hellenic Art Theatre continues its decades-long commitment to preserving Greek culture and language on stage, proudly promoting works by both Greek Australian writers and authors from Greece and Cyprus.
This latest production is a testament to the vibrancy of Sydney’s Greek theatre community – and an evening of laughter well worth experiencing.
It’s not every day that senior leadership from the Hellenic Army Academy (Evelpidon), Greece’s premier military college and one of the world’s elite institutions, stands before the Australian Hellenic Memorial (AHM) of Melbourne.
But on Saturday, November 22, delegates from a strategic exchange mission did exactly that, pausing in the same place Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos stood three weeks earlier. Their presence marked a new phase of defence cooperation between Greece and Australia and reinforced Greece’s message that the diaspora is central to its modern strategic outlook.
AHM Foundation President Steve Kyritsis OAM with visiting army officials.Peter Antrinopoulos, Colonel Kyriakakos, Jim Grivas.Steve Kyritsis OAM explaining details about the AHM.
“We’ve had more officials visit from Greece this year than in any previous year,” he said, describing the memorial as “a mandatory stop for anyone representing Greece in Australia.”
This latest mission was led by Major General Anastasios Polychronos, Superintendent of the Hellenic Army Academy, who positioned the visit squarely within Evelpidon’s fast-expanding global engagement strategy.
Nikolaos Kydas welcomes the visitors.Peter Kalimnakis explaining the AHM’s design.Major General Anastasios Polychronos and Captain Athanasopoulos laid a wreath.
“In recent years, we have tried to collaborate with as many academic and military institutions as possible. We now cooperate with 38 institutions worldwide,” he said, citing recent agreements with South Korea and Egypt. “Now it is Australia’s turn.”
At the centre of the mission was finalising a reciprocal exchange agreement with the Royal Military College (RMC) in Canberra.
“We came with that goal – to see how military education is conducted here and ensure our systems align,” Polychronos said.
Captain Vasilios Athanasopoulos picks up a carnation.Dean Kaimakamis snaps a photograph behind the Eternal Flame.At the AHM.Greek Consul General Dimitra Georgantzoglou with AHM Foundation President Steve Kyritsis.
Delegates in Canberra, he noted, openly wondered why such a partnership had taken so long between two nations linked by shared wartime sacrifice and a steadily converging strategic outlook.
Founded in 1828 by Ioannis Kapodistrias, Evelpidon stands alongsideWest Point, Sandhurst, and Saint-Cyr, its two-century ethos shaping generations of Greek officers and attracting cadets from around the world.
“Evelpidon is one of the best military academies in the world,” Polychronos said. “We want our collaboration with Australia to reflect that.”
AHM Foundation Committee member Nikolaos Kydas shares the pack given to the visitors.AHM Foundation Committee await the arrival of the delegation.Major General Polychronos with his wife Chrysa Psychogyiou.
Before arriving in Melbourne, the delegation toured Puckapunyal, one of Australia’s most significant military training bases.
Captain Vasilios Athanasopoulos, Aide-de-Camp, described it as “the highlight of my visit,” prompting a knowing laugh by Major Evangelos Zarkos, head of Evelpidon’s International Cooperation office, though neither elaborated on the joke.
Professor Georgios Kaimakamis, Dean of Evelpidon, confirmed that the agreement is already in its final stage.
“Within a month, we will have everything signed online. From July 2026, two students will come here for six-month placements,” he said. The exchanges will be funded through the EU’s Erasmus scheme, which allows up to 20% of placements outside Europe.
Steve Kyritsis, Dimitra Georgantzoglou, Anastasios Polychronos and Con Dimaras on the way to the Shrine.Steve Kyritsis welcomes the delegation.Major Evangelos Zarkos, head of Evelpidon’s International Cooperation Office, with Captain Vasilis Athanasopoulos.Major General Anastasios Polychronos with Greek Consul General Dimitra Georgantzoglou.
Polychronos also issued a direct invitation to Greek Australian youth: “We would like members of the diaspora to study at Evelpidon. The school is open; anyone can sit the exams, complete four years of study, and then serve in the Greek Army.”
Kaimakamis praised the warmth of the Australian reception. “The way you welcomed us made us feel as if you had been waiting for us for a very long time.”
AHM Foundation Committee Hellenic Army officials and Greek Consul General to Melbourne Dimitra Georgantzoglou.
The delegation also included Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos, Greece’s Defence Attaché in Canberra, and Chrysa Psychogyiou, spouse of Major General Polychronos.
They were greeted at the AHM by founding committee member Peter Kalimnakis OAM, along with AHM Vice President and co-founding committee member Antonis Tsourdalakis, AHM Secretary Peter Andrinopoulos, Manningham Mayor Jim Grivas, Nikolaos Kydas, Con Dimaras and Natasha Spanos, who also accompanied the delegation to schools in Melbourne. Greek Consul General Dimitra Georgantzoglou was also present.
The visitors were very interested in the Gallipoli campaign.Steve Kyritsis explained the symbolism of the sanctuary at the Shrine of Remembrance.
The wartime bond between Greece and Australia was central to the visit.
“Seventeen thousand Australians served in Greece during WWII, with 841 killed, and 7,000 New Zealanders with 1,050 fallen,” Kyritsis said. “Their names are engraved in the Shrine’s crypt.”
Kalimnakis explained that the AHM’s design draws on the geometry of the Temple of Apollo, with its most sacred element being the crypt housing stones from every region of Greece, including the stone symbolising democracy. The delegation were then taken to the Shrine of Remembrance before heading to a Bourke Street restaurant.
South Melbourne FC hosted a distinguished pre-game VIP dinner on Saturday night ahead of the club’s match against NWS Spirit, bringing together political leaders, major sponsors, Greek Australian community figures and representatives from across Melbourne’s football scene.
Held in the club’s VIP room, the event was attended by the full South Melbourne board, prominent financial supporters, officials from local Greek football clubs, former players, past administrators and members of the Greek Australian media.
Among the political guests honoured with the historic South Melbourne jersey were Labor state MP Nina Taylor, Mayor of Port Phillip Alex Makin, and Victorian Labor MP Anthony Cianfione, who chairs the Victorian Parliament’s Friends of Football committee. The club’s Main Sponsor, Steve Siolis, was also present.
Adding a touch of entertainment to the evening was well-known Australian comedian Dave Hughes, who brought laughter and received enthusiastic applause from attendees.
South Melbourne President Bill Papastergiadis welcomed guests with a brief address highlighting the club’s storied history, its lasting contribution to Australian football, recent achievements, and ambitious plans for the future – including its anticipated participation in the region’s first professional league, the upcoming Oceania Professional League in 2026.
South Melbourne claims 2–0 victory over NWS Spirit
Following the pre-match festivities, South Melbourne delivered a confident 2–0 home win over NWS Spirit.
Oliver Lavale opened the scoring in the 34th minute, heading in a long throw from Max Mikkola, who then doubled the lead in the 70th minute.
Despite a red card review early in the second half, South Melbourne maintained control, with goalkeeper Javier Lopez producing a crucial late save to secure the victory.
The result adds to the club’s momentum as it continues building toward its historic step into professional football in 2026. They will next face Heidelberg United FC in the Australian Championship semi-final.
