The United States has sunk an Iranian warship using a submarine for the first time since World War II, marking a major escalation in the conflict with Iran.
Speaking during a press conference at the Pentagon, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that “an American submarine sunk an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters” off the coast of Sri Lanka.
“It was sunk by a torpedo, a quiet death…” he said.
It is the first time in more than 80 years that a country has sunk an enemy warship with a submarine. US Central Command said it has now “struck or sunk” more than 20 Iranian ships, sending them “to the bottom of the ocean.”
Mr Hegseth declared: “The Iranian air force is no more. The Iranian navy rests at the bottom of the Persian Gulf.” He added that, as US President Donald Trump said, “more and larger waves are coming.”
“We are just getting started. We are accelerating, not decelerating,” Mr Hegseth said, adding Iran “are toast, and they know it.”
President Trump said the US and Israel were in a “very strong position” and would “continue forward” against Iran.
“We’re doing well on the war front, to put it mildly… on a scale of 10… about a 15,” he said, adding: “We’re in a very strong position now, and their leadership is just rapidly going. Everybody that seems to want to be a leader, they end up dead.”
The escalation comes as NATO forces deflected a ballistic missile headed for Turkey, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling attacks on the ally’s sovereign territory “unacceptable” and pledging “full support from the United States.”
Iran has also threatened Israeli embassies worldwide, while missile barrages toward Israel continued, though the Israeli military said the number launched from Iran was declining.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s navy said it recovered 87 bodies and rescued 32 people after receiving a distress signal from the IRIS Dena in international waters.
The death of prominent Greek Australian businessman and Kalymnos benefactor John Halikos has prompted an outpouring of grief across the island community and the Greek diaspora, with tributes highlighting his generosity and devotion to his homeland.
Halikos died aged 66 in a hospital in Darwin, Northern Territory, following a sudden heart attack late at night a few days ago.
News of his passing has spread shock and deep sadness among his family in Kalymnos and throughout the large Greek diaspora in Australia.
Born on Kalymnos, Halikos built a successful career in Australia as head of the Halikos Group, one of the Northern Territory’s leading development and construction companies.
Despite his business success, Kalymnos always remained at the centre of his heart and actions, with his love reflected through countless donations and sponsorships.
His contributions included funding major infrastructure projects such as the “Halikio” (Chalikeio) building at the Vouvaleio General Hospital of Kalymnos, completed at his personal expense to improve healthcare services.
He supported schools, families in financial hardship and vulnerable groups, strengthened the health sector, improved transportation and daily life on the island, and extended aid to Pserimos.
During holidays, he distributed hundreds of turkeys at Christmas and lambs at Easter to poor families.
Even after a minor regulatory issue in January 2026 led to his emotional decision to step back from involvement with Kalymnos, community leaders and residents rallied in support, underscoring how deeply he was valued.
Kalymnos Mayor Giannis Mastrokoukos said the island is “poorer from today onward” without this man of great character and generosity who left an indelible mark on its modern history.
Politician Manos Konsolas praised his profound love for Kalymnos, noting he returned everything life gave him “with greatness of soul and an abundance of love.”
The Greek Orthodox Community of Northern Australia announced his passing “with deep sadness,” stating: “Today, our hearts are heavy.”
It said the news had touched “not only his loving family and close friends, the Greek and Cypriot communities, but also the wider Darwin community, the people of Kalymnos, and the entire Kalymnian community in Darwin and across Australia.”
While many knew him for his strong business spirit, the community said those closest to him knew “his unwavering devotion to his roots and his deep love for his homeland.”
It added that he “quietly and consistently gave back,” standing beside the community through sponsorships and donations and offering “real support where it was needed most.”
“Ioannis (John) Halikos leaves behind a legacy defined by service, compassion, and love for his people,” the statement said.
“May God grant him rest, and may his memory remain a blessing to all.”
The Hellenic Parliament plenary session has passed an Interior Ministry bill establishing postal voting for Greeks living abroad, with the provisions receiving more than 200 votes in favour.
The changes will apply in the upcoming national elections.
However, measures to create a dedicated electoral district for the diaspora did not secure the required two-thirds majority.
As a result, they will not take effect in the next national elections or in any repeat elections conducted with candidate lists, but only in future elections held under a preferential voting system.
The option of postal voting for Greeks abroad will therefore come into effect from the next national elections.
A room full of community leaders, business figures and dignitaries gathered in Sydney’s CBD on Tuesday, March 3, for a welcome reception honouring Greece’s newly appointed Consul General in Sydney, George Skemperis, and the newly arrived Counsellor for Economic and Trade Affairs and Head of the Office for Economic and Commercial Affairs, Christina Stefanidou.
Hosted by Business Sydney in partnership with the Hellenic Club of Sydney and supported by the Dedes Waterfront Group, the reception took place at Events by Alpha, 238 Castlereagh Street, with guests invited to mark the beginning of the new diplomatic tenure – and to signal a renewed focus on cultural ties, community engagement and deeper economic collaboration between Greece and Australia.
George Skemperis.Christina Stefanidou, Nick Pappas, and George Skemperis.
Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou opened the evening by encouraging guests to move forward, connect, and embrace the moment – inviting attendees to share a hug for Sydney and another for Greece before the formalities began.
The reception then moved to a ceremonial opening, with guests standing for the Greek National Anthem followed by the Australian National Anthem, underscoring the dual identity and enduring bonds that have shaped Greek-Australian life for generations.
In welcoming the room, Nicolaou acknowledged a strong cross-section of public life and community leadership, including His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis (representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia), Courtney Houssos MLC (attending on behalf of the NSW Government), along with senior figures from across civic and community institutions, representatives of Greek Australian organisations, and Greek Australian media.
Paul Nicolaou.
Nicolaou described the occasion as more than a formal welcome – framing it as a chance to strengthen relationships and expand trade, investment and cultural exchange.
“The ties between Greece and New South Wales and Sydney run deep,” he said, pointing to the community’s contribution across enterprise, education, tourism, shipping, and civic life. He emphasised that the reception was also about “creating new partnerships” and “looking ahead.”
Bishop Iakovos delivered a brief welcome on behalf of Archbishop Makarios, offering blessings for the new diplomatic appointments and reaffirming the Church’s ongoing support for initiatives that serve the Greek diaspora and strengthen the bonds between Australia and Greece.
Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis.
Minister Houssos offered a welcome on behalf of the NSW Government, acknowledging the importance of the Greek Australian community to the state and noting the value of strong relationships between government, community and Greece’s representatives.
She said the NSW Government looked forward to continuing to foster cultural and economic ties, emphasising that diplomacy is supported not only through formal relationships, but also through the personal connections built within community life.
Courtney Houssos MLC.
A proud house with deep Sydney history
Hellenic Club of Sydney President Nick Hatzistergos welcomed guests into what he described as the community’s “house” and “home,” outlining the building’s layered significance – both as a Greek Australian landmark and as part of broader Sydney heritage.
Nick Hatzistergos.
He recounted the site’s history dating back to the late 1800s, noting its earlier life as the Protestant Hall and the building’s long-standing role as a central gathering place for Greek Australian community life in the CBD. He also spoke candidly about the club’s challenges following COVID, crediting board unity and a strengthened partnership with the Dedes Waterfront Group as key to stabilising and rebuilding.
Hatzistergos announced that 2026 marks the Hellenic Club’s centenary, flagging plans for a centenary ball on 24 October 2026 at the Hyatt Regency, and encouraged non-members to consider joining—positioning membership not only as a benefit, but as participation in an institution that has served the diaspora for a century.
Consul General Skemperis: Humour, community connection, and priorities ahead
Taking the stage, Consul General Mr Skemperis combined humour with directness, reflecting on his first six months in Sydney as a period of intense engagement across community, government and business.
He spoke openly about the growing demand for consular services in recent years and acknowledged community frustration around processing times – flagging that addressing service delivery and improving public information are priorities for his tenure.
Skemperis noted that work is underway to strengthen capability and streamline processes, including closer collaboration with community organisations and better guidance for applicants to help reduce delays.
He also referenced preparations underway for several key cultural and diplomatic engagements in the months ahead, including the possibility of a visit by the Greek Prime Minister later in March, subject to international developments.
Trade Commissioner Stefanidou: A ‘matchmaking point’ for business
Trade Commissioner Christina Stefanidou, who has served in international postings for more than three decades and has recently arrived in Sydney, spoke about the strong appetite she has already observed within the Greek Australian community to remain closely connected with Greece.
Christina Stefanidou.
She outlined the breadth of her office’s remit – covering not only Australia, but also New Zealand and Pacific jurisdictions – and described the Office for Economic and Commercial Affairs as a business matchmaking hub.
Stefanidou emphasised that the office supports companies seeking trade partners and connections, facilitating networking and information flows, and encouraged ongoing engagement with the community and industry leaders.
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks from Hellenic Club Board Member Christine Kanellakis, who acknowledged the speakers, organisers and community members for their role in making the reception a successful and meaningful occasion.
Following a brief Q&A, guests remained to share drinks and canapés, continuing conversations across community, government and business – many reflecting the same message that framed the evening: that the Greek Australian relationship is not only cultural and historical, but also forward-looking, practical, and built through people.
Greece’s Consul General in Sydney, George Skemperis, has announced a series of measures aimed at improving consular services and significantly reducing long-standing appointment delays for the Greek Australian community.
Speaking at a community reception in Sydney this week, Skemperis addressed growing demand for citizenship registrations and passport services, acknowledging that extended waiting periods in recent years have caused frustration among applicants.
“I think it is unacceptable to be offering appointments years into the future,” he told attendees, signalling that reforms are now underway.
Increased staffing levels
The Consul General explained that delays in recent years were driven by a combination of reduced staffing levels and a substantial increase in applications for Greek citizenship.
He confirmed that staffing at the Consulate has increased significantly over the past 12 months, with new employees recruited in 2025 and additional hires recently finalised. The expansion, he said, reflects the Greek Government’s recognition of the growing needs of the diaspora in Australia.
The staffing boost is intended to restore processing capacity and improve service responsiveness.
Appointment timeframes to be reduced
Skemperis announced that new appointment scheduling arrangements will result in substantially shorter waiting times.
He confirmed that:
New appointments for citizenship registrations will be scheduled within months rather than years.
Applicants who previously secured appointments far into the future will be contacted to have those bookings brought forward.
The Consulate will progressively review and reschedule existing appointments to reduce the backlog.
While precise timelines were not detailed publicly, the Consul General indicated that the changes would take effect immediately and that applicants would begin receiving communication from the Consulate in the coming weeks.
Improving public information and preparation
Beyond staffing increases, Skemperis identified public information gaps as a contributing factor to processing delays.
He noted that many applicants arrive without a clear understanding of:
The distinction between citizenship registration and passport issuance.
The documentation required for each process.
The importance of identifying the last ancestor registered in Greece.
The need for accurate Greek-language registration details.
To address this, the Consulate will implement a structured information strategy aimed at reducing incomplete applications and repeat appointments.
The Consul General noted that many applicants arrive without a clear understanding of the distinction between citizenship registration and passport issuance.
Engagement with community organisations
As part of this approach, representatives from Greek community associations have been invited to attend briefing sessions at the Consulate.
Associations will be encouraged to nominate a designated contact person who can:
Provide accurate procedural guidance to members.
Assist applicants in preparing documentation correctly.
Direct inquiries appropriately before appointments are booked.
The initiative is designed to ensure applicants attend appointments fully prepared, thereby increasing efficiency and enabling more cases to be processed.
Digital outreach to younger applicants
Recognising that many younger Greek Australians may not engage through traditional associations, the Consulate will also launch a social media information campaign.
Short explanatory videos will outline key procedural steps, documentation requirements and common errors to avoid, with the aim of improving clarity and reducing unnecessary administrative delays.
Managing increased passport demand
The Consul General also acknowledged that increased citizenship registrations have led to a rise in passport applications, placing additional pressure on appointment scheduling.
The Consulate is working to balance demand across service categories while maintaining progress in reducing backlogs.
A priority for the new tenure
Skemperis made clear that improving service delivery is a central priority of his tenure in Sydney.
The combination of expanded staffing, revised appointment management and improved public guidance marks the most significant operational adjustment at the Consulate in several years.
Community members in attendance responded positively to the announcement, with many welcoming the commitment to practical reforms and improved accessibility.
Further updates are expected as the new scheduling arrangements and information initiatives are rolled out in the coming months.
The Cyprus Community of New South Wales has expressed deep concern following escalating tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, after Iranian-made drones were reportedly launched toward the British RAF base at Akrotiri in Cyprus.
While the incident caused only minor material damage, the symbolic impact has reverberated across the Cypriot diaspora — including here in Sydney — where many families are closely monitoring developments and contacting relatives on the island.
For many in the community, the events have reopened historic wounds.
Cyprus remains a divided island, with part of its territory under foreign military occupation since 1974. It is the last divided capital in Europe. It has experienced terrorism, regional instability, and decades of geopolitical pressure. Now, once again, it finds itself on the frontline of a widening Middle Eastern conflict.
The moves form part of coordinated European engagement, reinforcing Cyprus’ position not merely as a geographic outpost, but as a full member of the European Union and a strategic frontier of the Western alliance.
For members of the Cyprus Community of NSW, this response carries emotional significance.
Many recall that during past crises, Cyprus often felt isolated. Today’s visible European support offers reassurance that the island’s security is being taken seriously.
Many recall that during past crises, Cyprus often felt isolated.
Anxiety in the diaspora
In Sydney, community leaders say there has been a noticeable rise in calls and messages between Australia and Cyprus.
Parents are reassuring children. Children are checking on elderly relatives. Community members speak of unease rather than panic — but the anxiety is real.
Cyprus is a small nation surrounded by powerful regional actors and competing geopolitical interests. The prospect of being drawn further into conflict is unsettling for families who have already lived through invasion, displacement and division.
President of the Cyprus Community of NSW, Michael Kyriacou, said the situation has struck a deep chord among members.
“Our community feels this very personally,” he said. “Cyprus is not an afterthought. It is a sovereign European nation and a frontline state in a complex region. When tensions rise in the Middle East, Cyprus is immediately exposed.”
He added: “We welcome the strong response from Greece and other European nations. It sends a clear message that Cyprus is part of Europe — not just geographically, but strategically. Our people know what it means to stand alone. We hope this moment marks a continued commitment to Cyprus’ security and long-term stability.”
A frontier of Europe
Cyprus occupies a unique and delicate position at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Its location makes it strategically important — but also vulnerable.
Community members in NSW say the current situation highlights an enduring reality: Cyprus is a small democracy navigating enormous geopolitical pressures.
For many, the renewed European attention also raises hope that unresolved issues — including the ongoing occupation of part of the island — may receive greater international focus over time.
“There is fear, but there is also hope,” one community member said. “We don’t want Cyprus dragged into another conflict. We want security, stability and a lasting resolution.”
A call for calm
The Cyprus Community of NSW is encouraging calm and unity, while reaffirming its solidarity with the people of Cyprus.
Leaders stress that Cyprus remains stable and resilient, and that European defensive support serves as a deterrent rather than an escalation.
For Sydney’s Cypriot Australians — many of whom arrived following the trauma of 1974 — the unfolding events are more than headlines. They are personal.
As tensions continue in the region, the message from the community is clear: Cyprus deserves protection, recognition and lasting peace — not as a peripheral state, but as a vital pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Melbourne real estate agent Spiro Kardamitsis has successfully defended himself against Nelson Alexander at the Victorian Supreme Court, after the agency sued him over restraint of trade clauses.
Kardamitsis, who left Nelson Alexander’s Pascoe Vale office in December 2023 citing a “bullying” environment, joined Jellis Craig in January 2024 on a $100,000 salary.
Justice Andrew Watson ruled that Kardamitsis had not breached the restraint clause, noting he was not an equity holder in his new role and that Nelson Alexander suffered “no actual loss.”
The judge also criticised the agency’s broad contractual restrictions, which attempted to prevent Kardamitsis from working within 15–25 km of the Pascoe Vale office for up to five years.
“A 25 kilometre restraint… covers a very significant portion of metropolitan Melbourne,” Watson said.
Justice Watson added that even if a breach had occurred, the claims would have warranted only nominal damages and questioned the legitimacy of the lawsuit. A hearing on court costs will follow.
Victoria Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate 37-year-old Badelis Kotsopoulos, who is currently wanted on an outstanding warrant.
Police say Kotsopoulos is sought in relation to alleged deception and fraud-related offences, and investigators are urging anyone who may have information about his whereabouts to come forward.
Kotsopoulos is described as being approximately 170 cm tall, with black hair and a large build. Authorities believe he may be frequenting a number of locations across Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs.
He is known to spend time in the Melbourne CBD, as well as the Caroline Springs and Whittlesea areas, and police are asking members of the public in those communities to remain vigilant.
Investigators have released his details as part of their efforts to locate him and are encouraging anyone who may have seen Kotsopoulos, or who has information that could assist police, to contact authorities.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
The name of prominent lawyer and Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) President Bill Papastergiadis OAM has emerged in Greek media as a possible candidate to represent the Greek diaspora in the Hellenic Parliament, as debate continues over proposed reforms to expatriate voting.
The discussion comes as the Greek Parliament considers legislation that would introduce postal voting for Greeks living abroad and establish a new three-seat electoral district representing the global diaspora.
For the provisions to apply from the next national elections, the bill must secure an enhanced majority of at least 200 MPs.
Under the proposed system, Greeks living overseas would vote by post to elect three diaspora members of parliament. The global nature of the electorate means voters could support candidates regardless of where they are based. For example, a voter in New York could cast a vote for a candidate residing in cities such as Paris, Rome or Melbourne.
As a result, political parties are expected to seek candidates with strong recognition across the worldwide Greek community.
According to reports in Greek media outlet iefimerida, Papastergiadis has been mentioned among potential high-profile diaspora candidates.
Papastergiadis, a distinguished lawyer in Australia and current President of the GCM, is widely recognised for his professional achievements and long-standing involvement in community leadership.
Over many years, he has played a significant role in promoting the interests, welfare and representation of the Greek community both in Australia and internationally.
The parliamentary debate on the legislation is ongoing, with the outcome of the final vote expected to determine whether the new diaspora electoral district and postal voting arrangements will take effect in the next Greek national elections.
Adelaide teacher and mother Simela Petridis has earned a place in Australian Idol’s Top 21 after delivering a powerful rendition of Florence + The Machine’s You’ve Got The Love.
The 31-year-old became emotional after her performance, telling judges: “I did it. It’s lovely, it’s so good. You dream about these things and sometimes you don’t live out those dreams. I’m so glad I did it. It feels like I am meant to be here.”
Guest judge Jess Mauboy praised Petridis, saying she was “something special” and added: “You give me goosebumps from my head to my toes. It’s such a good feeling and I am so excited to have you.”
Fellow judge Amy Shark also commended her performance, telling the South Australian mum: “You are one of the real ones. It’s cool because you don’t know how good you are. Simela has been singing for a long time now she’s got kids and she’s a teacher so she’s been busy, but this really is your time. This is your time now.”
Petridis joins fellow Adelaide contestant John Standley in the Top 21, while vocal coach Alita Santhosh missed out, saying: “On the show it wasn’t my best performance – I know that I am capable of more things. It’s not the end, it’s the beginning.”
