The Greek Herald

Australia–Cyprus Achievement Awards honour service, scholarship and the next generation

Andriana Simos

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27 / 02 / 2026

Australia–Cyprus Achievement Awards honour service, scholarship and the next generation

The enduring bond between Australia and Cyprus – forged through migration, resilience and shared democratic values – was celebrated in a moving evening of gratitude and recognition at the Australia–Cyprus Achievement Awards and Thanksgiving Gathering, held at the Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney on Thursday, February 26.

Hosted by the Cyprus Community of New South Wales, the inaugural awards brought together political leaders, diplomats, academics, clergy, community representatives and families to honour individuals and institutions whose contributions have strengthened both Australian society and Cypriot Australian civic life.

A gathering rooted in gratitude and history

Opening the evening, Master of Ceremonies Ellise Voulgarakis welcomed guests in a spirit of thanksgiving – acknowledging the opportunities Australia has provided to generations of Cypriot migrants and affirming the values of inclusiveness, respect and fairness that have enabled the community to flourish.

A formal Acknowledgement of Country paid respect to the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, recognising the enduring custodianship of culture and land, before honouring the pioneers who established the Cyprus Community of NSW in 1929 and preserved language, faith and identity through decades of change.

Archimandrite Father Irenaeus Triantis, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, conducted a small prayer service and offered greetings and congratulations by the Archbishop.

The reflective tone of the evening was further deepened through a student contribution by nine-year-old Andreas Prodromou of the Cyprus Community Greek School, who delivered a heartfelt “Note to Australia” expressing gratitude, belonging and responsibility – a moment that underscored the intergenerational spirit of the gathering.

Youth reflection on legacy and responsibility

Following the student reflection, Vasili Panayi, Honorary President of the Cyprus Community of NSW Youth Committee, delivered a thoughtful address framing the evening as both a celebration and a call to responsibility.

He described Australia and Cyprus as “two nations, two islands”, shaped by challenge, resilience and shared values, and reflected on his late grandfather’s migration from Cyprus to Australia in 1959 – arriving with little more than faith, hard work and hope, yet building a life through quiet contribution to family, community and country.

Mr Panayi highlighted the growing engagement of young Cypriot Australians across community leadership, volunteering and cultural preservation, while also excelling in professional life across Australia.

Speaking among the Cypriot and Indigenous artefacts of the Chau Chak Wing Museum, he noted the shared themes of endurance, storytelling and continuity, describing the gathering as a moment of gratitude – and a reminder of the responsibility younger generations carry in preserving and strengthening the legacy entrusted to them.

Diplomatic reflections and a call for unity

Addressing the audience next, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Australia, Antonis Sammoutis, conveyed congratulations on behalf of the President of Cyprus and reflected on the long presence of Cypriots in Australia, noting their contributions not only to the economy and culture, but also to Australia’s defence during both World Wars.

He emphasised that moments of challenge within community life can become turning points for renewal, provided they are met with honesty, inclusiveness, professional governance and meaningful youth participation – principles he identified as essential for the Cyprus Community of NSW as it approaches its centenary.

Honouring lifetime contribution and humanitarian leadership

The centrepiece of the evening was the presentation of the Australia–Cyprus Achievement Awards, recognising individuals and families whose service has often been rendered quietly and without expectation of reward.

Among the major honourees was Neophytos Stavrou, recognised for a lifetime of service to commerce, culture, faith and philanthropy. Over more than seven decades, Mr Stavrou has combined professional excellence with deep commitment to cultural stewardship, philanthropy and the preservation of Byzantine music, embodying integrity, humility and civic responsibility.

The Theocharides Family was honoured for exceptional humanitarian leadership through A Touch of Kindness, one of Australia’s largest charitable support missions. Sustained entirely through voluntary effort, their work provides weekly nourishment, care and dignity to more than 800 people in need, reflecting compassion in action and moral leadership Citations all three.

Hall of Fame honour accompanied by a targeted scholarly donation

The 2026 Australia–Cyprus Achievement Hall of Fame Award was presented to Professor Emeritus Richard Green, recognising his outstanding contribution to classical and Cypriot archaeology and his pivotal role in advancing Australia–Cyprus scholarly relations.

Over a distinguished career spanning more than sixty years, Professor Green led landmark archaeological excavations, shaped international scholarship and educated generations of students at the University of Sydney. His research into Cyprus — a historic centre of Hellenistic civilisation — has significantly deepened global understanding of the island’s cultural heritage while strengthening enduring academic and cultural ties between Australia and Cyprus.

Unable to attend the ceremony in person, the award was accepted on his behalf by Craig Barker, Director of the Chau Chak Wing Museum and Director of the University of Sydney’s archaeological excavations in Cyprus.

In accepting the honour, Dr Barker conveyed Professor Green’s gratitude and confirmed that the charitable component of the Hall of Fame Award — made in the recipient’s name — will be directed to support the University of Sydney’s Cyprus archaeology program, including ongoing research, student training and excavation work in Paphos.

The decision reflects Professor Green’s lifelong commitment to academic mentorship and to ensuring that future generations of Australian scholars continue to engage directly with Cypriot history and heritage.

Dr Barker noted that Professor Green has long viewed archaeology not only as research, but as a bridge between nations — one that brings students, institutions and communities into sustained dialogue. The donation, he said, transforms recognition into practical investment, reinforcing the scholarly partnership between Australia and Cyprus that Professor Green has spent decades building.

Investing in youth and cultural continuity

A defining feature of the evening was the strong emphasis on youth, reflecting the Cyprus Community of NSW’s commitment to structured leadership development and cultural continuity.

The Young Australian–Cyprus Achievement Awards, supported through the Community’s Bequest Programme, recognised students from the Dance School and Greek School for excellence in education, cultural participation and civic responsibility.

Recipients included:

Mikey Ganis, Valani Kalavitis and George Keremea for educational excellence and cultural engagement in dance;
Kyriacos Kyriakides and George Gregory for community service and civic responsibility;
Leo Papadopoulos, Andreas Prodromou and Nicholas Kanellakis for excellence in Greek language learning, cultural identity and multicultural service Citations all three.

The awards honoured the legacy of Chrysanthi Peters Kyriacou and Jack Passaris OAM, whose lifelong service continues to inspire new generations through dedicated educational bequests.

Youth Achievement Award recognises emerging leadership

The Australia–Cyprus Achievement Award (Youth) was presented to Jacquelene Tsovolos, recognised for her exceptional commitment to civic responsibility, professional excellence and community leadership.

Professionally, Ms Tsovolos has excelled in Australia’s financial sector, while her community service includes her role as Vice President of the Cyprus Community of NSW Youth Group and Executive Member of NEPOMAK Australia & New Zealand. Her work has focused on strengthening youth engagement, safeguarding cultural continuity and encouraging civic participation among young Cypriot Australians.

In accepting the award, Ms Tsovolos reflected on the sacrifices of previous generations, acknowledging that today’s opportunities rest on the resilience, labour and vision of parents and grandparents who migrated in search of a better future — a legacy, she said, that carries with it responsibility as well as pride.

A shared future

Delivering the commemorative address, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Matt Thistlethwaite MP, spoke of the thousands of Cypriots who arrived in Australia after the Second World War with little more than a suitcase and hope.

He praised their courage, resilience and contribution, noting that the strength of Australia–Cyprus relations lies in the successful transmission of culture, language and values to future generations.

The evening concluded with a powerful affirmation from the Cyprus Community of NSW’s emerging leadership programme:

“We honour the past.
We serve the present.
And together — we build the future.”

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos

Odeon of Herodes Atticus to close for three years for major upgrade

Greece
News

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27 / 02 / 2026

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Odeon of Herodes Atticus to close for three years for major upgrade

The Herodion will shut its doors at the end of July for a three-year restoration program aimed at preserving and modernizing the historic monument, according to en.protothema.gr. When it reopens, the ancient theater will feature a new entrance directly linking it with the Acropolis, a roof over the stage, upgraded lighting, improved acoustics without speaker towers, and an expanded forecourt.

The plans were approved by the Central Archaeological Council (KAS) following studies conducted by the National Technical University of Athens. The project falls under the program “Dynamic Method for the Promotion and Protection of Archaeological Sites through Documentation and Analysis of Monumental Complexes. Preparation of proposals for the development of necessary operational infrastructures for archaeological sites to integrate them into the natural landscape and connect them with the wider built environment – Application at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus on the south slope of the Acropolis.”

Works will focus on both conservation and infrastructure improvements. Structural repairs will address significant wear, especially along the curved wall of the cavea and unstable stone elements on the façades. A side doorway at the third tier will be restored to allow visitor access between the Acropolis and the theater, also serving as an emergency exit.

The stage will gain a metal roof designed to provide protection and natural light, while the mosaic floor beneath will be revealed and preserved. Lighting systems will be redesigned, speaker towers removed, and modern acoustic controls installed.

Additional upgrades include expanded public spaces, new water and sewage networks, and year-round facilities for visitors.

Source: en.protothema.gr

Brad Pitt filming his new movie on Hydra island

Greece
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The Greek Herald

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27 / 02 / 2026

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Brad Pitt filming his new movie on Hydra island

Hollywood star Brad Pitt has arrived on the cosmopolitan island of Hydra and is currently filming scenes for his latest project, The Riders, according to tovima.com.

Reports from the Saronic Gulf island say excitement is building among locals as preparations intensify for the major international production. Producers and part of the crew have already been on Hydra since Monday, with the total production team projected to reach approximately 300 people.

The Municipality of Hydra has officially welcomed the film project, which has already boosted the island’s off-season activity. February accommodation rates have surged to unusually high levels, as visitors and industry professionals arrive ahead of filming.

Although Hydra is famously car-free, preserving its traditional character and charm, authorities have granted the production a special temporary permit to use a limited number of vehicles necessary for transporting equipment and personnel.

Filming is scheduled to run through March 5.

This production marks only the second time a major Hollywood film has been shot on Hydra. The first was the classic 1957 film Boy on a Dolphin, starring Sophia Loren, which helped cement the island’s international allure decades ago.

Source: tovima.com

‘Greek Australian Conversations’ hosts civic forum in Melbourne’s Brunswick East

The Greek Herald

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27 / 02 / 2026

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‘Greek Australian Conversations’ hosts civic forum in Melbourne’s Brunswick East

Greek Australian Conversations held a public discussion on Sunday 22 February 2026 at PATRIS in Brunswick East, drawing approximately 70 attendees from across generations and backgrounds.

Titled “Indigenous Sovereignty / Republic / Bondi – Connecting the dots… Where do Greek Australians stand?”, the forum explored themes relating to civic identity, constitutional reform and the role of culturally diverse communities within Australia’s broader national conversation.

The afternoon opened with an Acknowledgement of Country delivered by Kosta Karamarkos, who paid respect to the Traditional Owners of the land and to Elders past, present and emerging.

Organisers said the event emerged from discussions held over several years among Greek Australians of different generations – including both Australian-born members of the diaspora and more recent arrivals from Greece – about the need for a public space where ideas could be exchanged openly and respectfully.

The intention, they explained, was to create a forum not only for matters concerning the Greek community or Greece’s relationship with the diaspora, but also for issues affecting Greek Australians as citizens within the wider Australian society.

Those involved in establishing the initiative have, over time, participated in a range of civic and social campaigns touching on questions of equality, democracy and human rights, both in Australia and in Greece. Sunday’s event was presented as part of that broader engagement with public life.

Speakers

The forum featured two prominent Greek Australian academics and commentators.

Esther Anatolitis is an Honorary Associate Professor at RMIT School of Art and Co-Chair of the Australian Republic Movement. With more than two decades of leadership across the arts, media and civic sectors, she has served on boards including the National Gallery of Australia and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, and previously co-chaired the Antipodes Festival. Anatolitis was Editor of Meanjin from 2022 to 2025 and is the author of Place, Practice, Politics (2022), editor of Essays that Changed Australia (2024), and author of When Australia Became a Republic (2025). Her academic background spans architecture and philosophy.

George Vassilacopoulos is an Adjunct member of the Philosophy Program at La Trobe University, where he previously taught philosophy. A community activist since arriving in Australia in 1974, he is the co-author of A Genocide Alphabet (2025) and Τίνος πατρίδα είναι; (2025), as well as the poetry collection Ashpoems.

Framing the conversation

The discussion was structured around questions concerning the relationship between Indigenous sovereignty and Australia’s republican debate, and whether these broader constitutional and civic themes intersect with the experiences of multicultural communities.

Speakers and attendees reflected on whether Greek Australians, shaped by their migration history and long-standing participation in Australian public life, have a role in contemporary national conversations, and if so, how that contribution might be expressed.

Following the dialogue between the speakers, the floor was opened to audience participation, with attendees invited to share perspectives and suggest topics for future forums.

Organisers indicated that this was intended as the first in a series of public discussions aimed at encouraging thoughtful and respectful engagement on issues of civic importance.

Rare Olympic medals at auction, including 1896 original

Greece
News

The Greek Herald

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27 / 02 / 2026

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Rare Olympic medals at auction, including 1896 original

Collectors now have the opportunity to bid on historic Olympic medals, including one from the first modern Games, according to popsci.com. Stack’s Bowers Galleries is offering several pieces from the Richard Jewell Collection in its February 2026 Collectors Choice Online Auction of Ancient & World Coins, with live bidding beginning at 9:00 a.m. PST on February 27.

1896 Athens Gold Medal

GAMES OF THE I OLYMPIAD: Athens. Participants’ Gilt Bronze Medal, 1896. Austrian (Pittner) Mint. Image: Stacks Bowers Galleries.

Awarded at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens, this gold medal features Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, with the Parthenon in the background. The 1896 Games brought together athletes from 14 nations and marked the revival of the ancient Olympic tradition.

1904 St. Louis Bronze Medal

GAMES OF THE III OLYMPIAD: St. Louis. Octagonal Participants’ Bronze Medal, 1904. New York (Dieges & Clust) Mint. Image: Stacks Bowers Galleries.

From the first Olympics to award gold, silver, and bronze medals for first, second, and third place, this medal recalls a Games remembered for its marathon scandal. American runner Fred Lorz was disqualified after traveling part of the race by car, leaving Thomas Hicks as the official champion.

1924 Chamonix Winter Games Bronze

I OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES: Chamonix. Participants’ Bronze Medal, 1924. Paris Mint. UNCIRCULATED. This item is considered very rare. Image: Stacks Bowers Galleries.

Struck for the inaugural Winter Olympics in France, this medal represents the debut of winter sports on the Olympic stage, including figure skating, ski jumping, and ice hockey.

1932 Lake Placid Winter Bronze

III OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES: Lake Placid. Obverse Foundry Cast for Winners’ Bronze Medal, 1932. New York (Tiffany) Mint. Image: Stacks Bowers Galleries.

Issued during the Games that introduced women’s speed skating, this medal also reflects the only time a mass-start racing format was used in Olympic speed skating competition.

1932 Los Angeles Summer Medal

GAMES OF THE X OLYMPIAD: Los Angeles. Participants’ Bronze Medal, 1932. New York (Whitehead-Hoag) Mint. CHOICE UNCIRCULATED. Image: Stacks Bowers Galleries.

This medal comes from the first Olympics to feature a winners’ podium and national flag ceremonies, as well as an Olympic Village for male athletes.

1956 Cortina Winter Medal

VII OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES: Cortina. Winners’ Bronze Medal, 1956. Milan (Lorioli) Mint. UNCIRCULATED. Image: Stacks Bowers Galleries.

Awarded at the Cortina Winter Games, this medal marks the Soviet Union’s Olympic debut, where it topped the medal standings and signaled a new era of competition.

Source: popsci.com.

Prespa declared an ‘Untrodden Mountain’ to safeguard biodiversity

Greece
News

The Greek Herald

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27 / 02 / 2026

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Prespa declared an ‘Untrodden Mountain’ to safeguard biodiversity

The Greek government has officially designated the mountainous Prespa region in northwestern Greece as an “Untrodden Mountain,” aiming to strengthen environmental protection in one of the Balkans’ most ecologically sensitive areas, the Ministry of Environment and Energy announced, according to ekathimerini.com.

Much of the region lies within two Natura 2000 protected zones and is considered a crucial natural landscape of wetlands and forests that sustain rich biodiversity. Under the new status, strict safeguards will apply, including a ban on new road construction and artificial surfaces, measures intended to prevent ecosystem fragmentation-one of the primary drivers of biodiversity decline.

Prespa is widely recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare plant species and important wildlife populations such as brown bears, wolves, and wild goats. Its lakes provide essential refuge for uncommon waterfowl and shorebirds.

“Prespes is a biodiversity treasure and a unique ecosystem that we must safeguard responsibly,” Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou said. “We protect our nature as a living legacy for future generations.”

“Untrodden Mountains” are defined as Roadless Areas (RAs) along with a one-kilometer buffer zone. Within these high-protection zones, the construction of new motor vehicle roads and other interventions that could alter the natural landscape are strictly forbidden.

The designation will remain in force while a Special Environmental Study is finalized and presidential decrees establish permanent land-use regulations.

The initiative, launched at COP26, has gradually expanded to include several major mountain ranges across Greece, with Prespa now among the most recent additions.

Source: ekathimerini.com

Sydney Olympic FC members urge Life Members to mobilise ahead of March AGM

The Greek Herald

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27 / 02 / 2026

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Sydney Olympic FC members urge Life Members to mobilise ahead of March AGM

Life Members of Sydney Olympic FC have been urged to mobilise ahead of an Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for 24 March 2026, as concerns continue to mount over the club’s governance, finances and future direction.

The call comes from a member-authorised Steering Committee, established by Sydney Olympic FC members – not the club itself – at a meeting held on February 2.

As first reported by The Greek Herald, members voted to create the committee after weeks of growing unrest and what they described as repeated failures by the club’s Board to respond to formal information requests or convene an EGM.

L-R-Damon-Hanlin-Matthew-Phelps-newly-appointed-director-Rodolf-Salem-and-Chris-Charalambous.-Photo-by-The-Greek-Herald — Members voted to establish the committee following weeks of unrest, citing repeated failures by the Board to respond to formal information requests or call an EGM.

In an urgent announcement issued this week, the Steering Committee said the club is facing a “critical period” in its history and stressed the importance of Life Member participation in safeguarding Sydney Olympic’s transparency, values and long-term sustainability.

Life Members have been asked to confirm their details and participation ahead of the March AGM by contacting: ian@ignifylegal.com.au or peter@cappe.com.au.

Governance concerns and unanswered questions

Key concerns raised at the February 2 meeting included the club’s financial position, governance arrangements and the basis on which major decisions affecting the club’s future have been made, with members expressing frustration at the lack of direct communication from the Board.

A major focus of discussion was uncertainty surrounding the club’s constitution, with members seeking clarity on which version is currently operative and whether amendments had been properly registered with ASIC and approved by Football NSW.

Speakers stressed that constitutional clarity was essential before any meaningful reform could occur.

sydney-olympic-fc — A major focus of discussion at the member’s meeting was uncertainty surrounding the club’s constitution.

Role of the Steering Committee

As part of its mandate, the Steering Committee has been tasked with pursuing pathways to convene an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), seeking information on behalf of members, and engaging with Football NSW, regulators and legal advisers where necessary. Members were repeatedly told the committee does not constitute a new Board and that any future board would be elected by members through a formal EGM process.

The Steering Committee authorised by members includes Peter Katholos, Angelo Hasouros, Andrew Bernal, Ian Agamalis, Peter Andrios, Peter Drivas, Nick Nicholas, Louie Apostolovski, Gary Peroy, Sam Skontos, John Petropoulos and George Mpliokas.

Members reiterated that Sydney Olympic FC is a members’ club — not a private entity — and said restoring transparency and member confidence will be critical as the club approaches the March 2026 AGM.

150,000 expected as Antipodes Festival returns to transform Melbourne’s CBD

The Greek Herald

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27 / 02 / 2026

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150,000 expected as Antipodes Festival returns to transform Melbourne’s CBD

More than 150,000 people are expected to descend on Melbourne’s Greek Precinct this weekend as the 38th Antipodes Festival transforms Lonsdale Street into a vibrant celebration of Hellenic culture, music and food.

Taking place on Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1 March between Swanston and Exhibition Streets, the festival remains one of Australia’s largest and longest-running cultural street events, reinforcing Melbourne’s reputation as home to one of the world’s most dynamic Greek diasporas.

This year’s program features international headline performers from Greece, including acclaimed vocalist Ioulia Karapataki, who will perform on Saturday evening, and influencer and entertainer Konstantina Touni, who takes the stage on Sunday night.

Across three stages, more than 500 performers will deliver over 90 hours of live entertainment, spanning traditional and contemporary Greek music and dance, youth showcases and large-scale street activations. Roving performers – including Ancient Spartans – will animate the precinct, while carnival rides and family-friendly attractions add to the festive atmosphere.

Food remains central to the Antipodes experience, with more than 100 food, market and community stalls lining Lonsdale Street. Cooking demonstrations will feature celebrity chef George Calombaris alongside Cathy Tsaples and other culinary figures, celebrating the depth and diversity of Greek cuisine.

A highlight of the weekend will again be the popular “Zorba ’Til You Drop” competition, where the last dancer standing wins flights to Greece – a spirited nod to the enduring energy of Greek celebration.

Now in its 38th year, the Antipodes Festival continues to bring generations of Greek Australians together in a highly visual and energetic public display of culture, language and heritage, while generating significant economic activity in Melbourne’s CBD.

The festival runs from 10am to 11pm on Saturday and 10am to 10pm on Sunday.

See full program here.

Federal Court finds Greek Flash News publisher defamed Archbishop Makarios

The Greek Herald

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27 / 02 / 2026

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Federal Court finds Greek Flash News publisher defamed Archbishop Makarios

The Federal Court of Australia has awarded $300,000 in damages to His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, after finding that a series of Greek-language articles published online were defamatory.

In a lengthy judgment handed down on Friday, February 27, Justice Wendy Abraham found that four articles published on the website Greek Flash News in 2021 caused serious harm to the Archbishop’s reputation and were based on unverified claims, speculation and misinterpretations of documents.

The publisher of the website, Alkis Morelas, represented himself at trial. Archbishop Makarios was represented by senior counsel Sue Chrysanthou SC, with Nicholas Olson, instructed by Lexington Law.

What the articles alleged

The Court found that the four articles, published between August and September 2021, conveyed imputations to the effect that Archbishop Makarios:

had deceived the Greek community over bushfire fundraising and misused donated funds
had misappropriated church money for personal use
had accepted bribes to secure the appointment of bishops
had mishandled or attempted to cover up allegations of sexual misconduct involving a priest

Justice Abraham found that these claims were conveyed as statements of fact, not opinion, and would have been understood by ordinary readers as serious accusations of criminal and unethical behaviour.

“The language is plain and unambiguous,” the judge said, finding that the articles were designed to shock readers and assert wrongdoing, rather than invite debate or commentary.

No factual basis for the claims

A central finding of the Court was that Mr Morelas failed to establish any factual basis for the allegations he published.

The judge found that he:

relied heavily on hearsay and rumours
misunderstood or distorted official documents and church processes
failed to properly check facts
did not seek or publish a response from Archbishop Makarios before publishing

In relation to fundraising for bushfire relief and overseas missions, the Court accepted evidence that funds were distributed appropriately and transparently, and that there was no evidence of dishonesty or misappropriation.

Claims that Archbishop Makarios lived extravagantly, spent millions on himself, or accepted bribes were also rejected as unsupported and, in some cases, plainly incorrect.

Sexual misconduct allegations

One article accused Archbishop Makarios of failing to act on allegations of sexual misconduct involving a priest and attempting to cover them up.

The Court found that these allegations were not proven, and that evidence showed the Archdiocese had taken action and cooperated with authorities when complaints were raised.

Justice Abraham said the publisher repeatedly mischaracterised church documents and continued to assert a cover-up even after the correct explanation had been provided to him.

Defences rejected

Mr Morelas argued that his articles were protected by:

honest opinion
qualified privilege
justification (truth)

The Court rejected all three defences.

Justice Abraham found that the articles were not opinion pieces, but presented as factual exposés. Even if they were opinions, the Court held they were not based on “proper material” as required by law.

The defence of qualified privilege failed because the publisher did not act reasonably, including by failing to verify claims or seek comment.

A defence of justification failed because the truth of the allegations was not established.

Serious harm to reputation

The Court accepted that the articles caused serious harm to Archbishop Makarios’ reputation.

Evidence showed the articles were widely read within the Greek Orthodox and Greek-speaking community in Australia and overseas, and were shared via social media and email.

The Archbishop gave evidence that he was repeatedly confronted about the allegations by parishioners, clergy and senior church figures internationally. The Court accepted evidence that he experienced distress, anxiety and humiliation, and that his standing within the Church was damaged.

Justice Abraham noted that allegations of corruption and cover-ups are particularly damaging when made against a senior religious leader, who is expected by the community to uphold high moral and spiritual standards.

$300,000 damages, including aggravated damages

The Court awarded $300,000 in damages, including aggravated damages, to compensate for harm to reputation, personal distress and the need to publicly vindicate the Archbishop’s standing.

Aggravated damages were awarded due to the publisher’s conduct, including:

the absence of any apology
the continued publication of similar allegations after legal proceedings began
the manner in which the defence was conducted

Injunction and costs

While Archbishop Makarios sought a broad ban on any future publications about him, the Court declined to grant such a sweeping order.

However, Justice Abraham found there was a real risk of further defamatory publications and indicated that a narrower injunction would be imposed to prevent repetition of the same or similar allegations.

Mr Morelas was also ordered to pay Archbishop Makarios’ legal costs.

Sydney Comedy Festival launches into its 21st year with strong Greek lineup

The Greek Herald

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27 / 02 / 2026

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Sydney Comedy Festival launches into its 21st year with strong Greek lineup

The Sydney Comedy Festival officially launched its 2026 program on Thursday night at Darling Quarter Theatre, marking the 21st year of the cultural institution co-founded by Greek Australian Jorge Menidis and comedian Gary Eck.

Presented as a joint initiative with Business Sydney, the Festival’s program launch brought together political leaders, media, business figures and industry stakeholders to celebrate what has become one of the city’s most significant annual cultural events.

The evening opened with a Welcome to Country by Binowee Bayles before Master of Ceremonies Osher Günsberg brought his trademark humour to the stage, officially launching the festival program.

“To celebrate turning 21, the Sydney Comedy Festival is going all out,” Günsberg told guests. “It’s expanding to a full five weeks.”

Executive Director of Business Sydney, Paul Nicolaou, welcomed guests and emphasised the Festival’s role in shaping Sydney’s identity as a global city.

“Tonight isn’t just about unveiling the program,” Nicolaou said. “It’s about celebrating the role that arts, entertainment and live performance play in shaping Sydney as a city that welcomes visitors, supports local talent and creates experiences that bring people together.”

A pre-recorded message from Steve Kamper congratulated organisers on the Festival’s 21-year journey.

In his absence, Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and Small Business Emily Suvaal addressed attendees, describing the event as an “enormous festival” that continues to grow in scale and ambition.

Destination NSW Acting General Manager Sarah Lovell reinforced the Festival’s economic impact, noting that last year’s program attracted more than 160,000 attendees and energised venues across Sydney throughout April and May.

Sam Nardo, Chief Operating Officer of Century Venues, also addressed guests, highlighting the importance of live entertainment venues in delivering large-scale cultural events. Century, which operates the Enmore Theatre and Factory Theatre, has played a significant role in hosting and supporting Sydney Comedy Festival programming over many years.

Sydney Comedy Festival General Manager James DeLase then outlined the scale and ambition of the 2026 program, detailing its five-week expansion and the breadth of local and international acts set to perform across Sydney.

Following the formal launch proceedings, guests were treated to live comedy performances from Nikki Britton, Cassie Workman, Cam James, Geraldine Hickey, Dane Simpson, Rebecca De Unamuno and Ivan Aristeguieta – offering a lively preview of the humour and diversity audiences can expect throughout the festival.

Performances are set to take place in major venues, including the Sydney Opera House, Enmore Theatre, Darling Quarter Theatre, The Joan in Penrith, The Concourse in Chatswood and The Pavilion in Sutherland.

International highlights include exclusive Australian performances from award-winning Scottish comedian Richard Gadd and Hollywood star Tiffany Haddish, alongside a broad national lineup.

Among the strong lineup are several recognised Greek comedians, including Angelo Tsarouchas, Anesti Danelis, Anthony Locascio, Alex Lykos, Alexei Toliopoulos, iconic character Effie, Eloise Eftos, and emerging comic Mariah Nickolas, among many others.

The program also includes the Festival’s popular Sydney Comedy Festival Galas, the open-air Comedy Gala on the Green, Great Laugh in the Park for families, as well as crowd-favourite experiences such as the Comedy Crawl and Comedy Cruise.

The 2026 Sydney Comedy Festival will run from 20 April to 17 May 2026, delivering five weeks of performances across Sydney.

For full program details and ticket information here.

A gathering rooted in gratitude and history

Youth reflection on legacy and responsibility

Diplomatic reflections and a call for unity

Honouring lifetime contribution and humanitarian leadership

Hall of Fame honour accompanied by a targeted scholarly donation

Investing in youth and cultural continuity

Youth Achievement Award recognises emerging leadership

A shared future

Speakers

Framing the conversation

1896 Athens Gold Medal

1904 St. Louis Bronze Medal

1924 Chamonix Winter Games Bronze

1932 Lake Placid Winter Bronze

1932 Los Angeles Summer Medal

1956 Cortina Winter Medal

Governance concerns and unanswered questions

Role of the Steering Committee

What the articles alleged

No factual basis for the claims

Sexual misconduct allegations

Defences rejected

Serious harm to reputation

$300,000 damages, including aggravated damages

Injunction and costs

Other

© 2024 The Greek Herald. All rights reserved.