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Blackfriars dux Luke Tsavdaridis tops SA with perfect ATAR of 99.95

Andriana Simos
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Blackfriars dux Luke Tsavdaridis tops SA with perfect ATAR of 99.95

For thousands of South Australian families, results day is marked by tense moments gathered around laptops, followed by shock, elation or disbelief as final scores appear on screen.

On Monday, December 15, that moment arrived for around 17,100 South Australian school leavers, with their SACE results and university entry scores officially released.

At the very top of the cohort is Blackfriars Priory School dux Luke Tsavdaridis, who achieved a perfect ATAR of 99.95 and three subject Merits, placing him among the state’s highest-achieving students for 2025.

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) compares a student’s performance against others in their cohort, expressed as a numerical value capped at 99.95. While widely acknowledged as “just a number,” for many students it remains a key gateway to university pathways and future study options.

Luke’s exceptional result included Merits in Chemistry, Physics, and Spiritualities, Religion and Meaning – an achievement he said left him “out of words.”

“I’m just grateful for all the help I’ve had during my time here at Blackfriars,” Luke said.

The aspiring Dentistry student urged future Year 12 students to persist through the challenges of their final year. “Don’t give up, no matter how hard it gets. And it will get hard, it will get really hard. Just stick with it, ask for help and you’ll get there.”

Beyond academic scores, students across South Australia have also been recognised for leadership, service and resilience.

Despite the cancellation of a scheduled ceremony following Sunday’s tragic events in Bondi, 40 Year 12 students were named recipients of a Governor of South Australia Commendation. The awards recognise students who balanced strong academic performance with meaningful community contribution, including mental health advocacy, volunteering in aged care and leadership in sport and service.

Governor Frances Adamson said the recipients were “both academically accomplished and have contributed meaningfully to their communities”. Students were nominated by their schools and assessed by an expert panel, with formal presentations to be held at Government House in February.

Governor of South Australia Commendation recipient Olivia Giotis
Governor of South Australia Commendation recipient Olivia Giotis.

Among the recipients is Olivia Giotis, captain of the South Australian tennis team, who represented the state nationally and internationally while serving as a Student Council member and Peer Mentor. She achieved A and A+ grades across all Year 12 subjects, earned a High Distinction in university-level Forensic Science, and received multiple leadership and service awards.

Other schools have also celebrated standout results, including Trinity College student Jaxon Zavalis, who achieved an ATAR of 98.35, and Walford student Eleni Maios who achieved an ATAR of 99.25.

*Please note: The above students are those The Greek Herald could identify by their Greek name. If you believe you should be in this article, please send an email to info@foreignlanguage.com.au.

South Australia’s Chief Justice Chris Kourakis announces retirement

The Greek Herald
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South Australia’s Chief Justice Chris Kourakis announces retirement

The Honourable Chris Kourakis, Chief Justice of South Australia, has announced his resignation from the Supreme Court, with his departure to take effect on Thursday, 19 February 2026.

Chief Justice Kourakis confirmed he formally submitted his resignation to the Governor on 11 November 2025, bringing to a close more than 17 years of service on the Supreme Court bench, including 13 years as Chief Justice.

He was appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court in 2008 and elevated to Chief Justice in 2012. In his statement, he noted that all 13 current Justices of the Court were appointed after his arrival, with nine appointed in the past six years, describing this as an appropriate time to step down.

Reflecting on his tenure, Chief Justice Kourakis expressed deep gratitude to his judicial colleagues for their “diligent and conscientious commitment to the administration of justice,” as well as to the executive leadership and staff of the Courts Administration Authority for their dedicated support of the judiciary.

A proud Greek Australian and the state’s first Chief Justice of Greek heritage, his Honour’s influence reaches deeply into the cultural and community spheres.

He is the National Patron of the Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association and contributes to the preservation and celebration of Greek culture in Australia, serving as patron of the Foundation for Hellenic Studies, the Australian Hellenic Medical Charity and supporting the LOGOS Australian Centre for Hellenic Language and Culture at Flinders University.

On Tuesday, Attorney-General Kyam Maher said the government had “begun the process” of appointing a new Chief Justice and would make further announcements in the coming weeks.

“I sincerely thank Chief Justice Kourakis for his exemplary leadership of the judiciary and his long service to the South Australian justice system,” Mr Maher said.

“His tenure as Chief Justice has been characterised by intellectual leadership, integrity and collegiality. In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, Chief Justice Kourakis demonstrated adaptability, bringing the South Australian justice system into the 21st century through the introduction of electronic case management.”

Mr Maher also praised the outgoing Chief Justice’s personal qualities, describing him as widely respected for his humility, kindness and generosity of time.

“I wish Chief Justice Kourakis all the best for a well-earned retirement,” he said.

Chief Justice Kourakis’ resignation will trigger the appointment of a new head of the Supreme Court early next year.

Elderly residents enjoy heartwarming Christmas lunch at The Hellenic Club of Sydney

The Greek Herald
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Elderly residents enjoy heartwarming Christmas lunch at The Hellenic Club of Sydney

Elderly residents from St Basil’s Residential Aged Care and the Greek Community Home for the Aged, Earlwood, were treated to a heartwarming Christmas lunch on Sunday, December 14, thanks to a joint initiative by The Hellenic Club of Sydney and Alpha Restaurant.

The festive gathering marked the revival of a much-loved pre-COVID tradition, providing residents with a rare and joyful opportunity to come together outside their care homes to celebrate the Christmas season in a warm, communal setting.

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The afternoon was filled with emotion, laughter and festive cheer, with residents enjoying live music, dancing and a shared meal in the true spirit of Christmas. The atmosphere was uplifting and deeply moving, as elderly attendees were encouraged onto the dancefloor, clapping along and singing to familiar melodies.

Entertainment was generously donated with live music performed by Thanasi Pylarinos and John Logothetis, whose contribution created a joyful and inclusive atmosphere.

Adding to the warmth of the day was the involvement of Helen Dedes, widely known through her popular online presence “YiaYia’s Kitchen,” whose connection to Greek culture and tradition resonated strongly with residents and guests alike.

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For many attendees, the lunch was far more than a festive outing – it was an opportunity for social connection, dignity and joy, particularly meaningful for elderly residents who can often experience isolation, especially during the holiday period.

Organisers said the event reflected the true meaning of Christmas, centred on generosity, community and care for elders who have contributed so much to the Greek Australian community over their lifetimes.

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Hellenic Club of Sydney President Nick Hatzistergos said the Christmas lunch was about much more than a shared meal, describing it as a meaningful way to honour the community’s elders and create a space filled with warmth, dignity and joy. He also expressed sincere appreciation to the Dedes Group for their generosity and hospitality.

The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of community-led initiatives in supporting the wellbeing of elderly Australians – and of how music, food and togetherness can create moments of genuine joy.

Victims remembered as nation unites in grief after Bondi Beach massacre

The Greek Herald
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Victims remembered as nation unites in grief after Bondi Beach massacre

Australia is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating terrorist attack that targeted a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, leaving the nation in mourning and prompting urgent political and community responses.

The attack

Gunfire erupted at approximately 6.45pm on Sunday during a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, when a father and son opened fire on the crowd from a nearby pedestrian bridge. Fifteen people were killed at the scene, with a further victim later confirmed dead, bringing the total death toll to 16.

Police shot and killed the father, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, during the incident. His son, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, was critically injured and remains in hospital in a coma. Authorities have ruled out the involvement of any additional offenders.

The attack has been described by police as a deliberate act of antisemitic violence.

Gunfire erupted at approximately 6.45pm on Sunday during a Hanukkah event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, when a father and son opened fire on the crowd from a nearby pedestrian bridge.

Casualties and hospitalisations

More than 40 people were injured in the shooting. As of Tuesday morning, NSW Health confirmed that 25 patients remain in hospital across Sydney, with several in critical or serious condition.

Among the injured are two NSW Police officers – Constable Scott Dyson and Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert – who were responding to the unfolding attack.

Sydney shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed has been widely praised for his bravery after tackling one of the gunmen and wrestling a firearm away during the attack. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and remains in recovery.

Victims identified

Those killed include members of the Jewish community and bystanders, among them local rabbis, community leaders, elderly attendees and a 10-year-old girl, Matilda, whose death has deeply shaken the nation.

Other victims identified include Randwick Rugby Club figure and former police officer Peter Meagher, Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman, Slovak-Australian grandmother Marika Pogany, French national Dan Elkayam, businessman Reuven Morrison, great-grandfather Tibor Weitzen, and Rabbis Eli Schlanger and Yaakov Halevi Levitan.

Community response to Matilda’s death

The death of 10-year-old Matilda has drawn particular anguish. Federation of Community Language Schools President Lucia Johns described her loss as “a tragedy for her family and for the entire community”, noting that her “future was stolen by a vicious act of terrorism”.

Federation CEO Michael Christodoulou AM extended condolences to the Jewish community and encouraged public support for a GoFundMe appeal established to assist Matilda’s mother.

“The Jewish community is a rock-solid component of the New South Wales society and deserves the support of every citizen of our state,” Mr Christodoulou said.

Matilda was just 10 years old.

The alleged perpetrators

Sajid Akram legally owned six firearms and was a member of a recreational gun club. He arrived in Australia on a student visa in 1998 and later transitioned to a partner visa.

His son, Naveed, was born in Australia and had previously come to the attention of ASIO in 2019, though he was assessed at the time as not posing an ongoing threat.

Investigators have confirmed the weapons used were legally registered.

Political response and gun law reform

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened an emergency meeting of National Cabinet, securing agreement from states and territories to pursue stronger gun laws. Proposed measures include tighter licensing conditions, enhanced checks, and renewed scrutiny of firearm ownership limits.

NSW Premier Chris Minns has indicated he will recall state parliament early to fast-track gun law reforms, stating that existing arrangements are “no longer fit for purpose”.

National mourning and solidarity

In a powerful public tribute, the Sydney Opera House was illuminated with a menorah in honour of the victims and to mark Hanukkah. The Prime Minister also urged Australians to light a candle at 6.47pm as a moment of collective remembrance.

Community and religious leaders across Australia have continued to express solidarity with the Jewish community, condemning antisemitism and calling for unity in the face of hatred.

Snowtown killer James Vlassakis to remain jailed as parole decision overturned

The Greek Herald
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Snowtown killer James Vlassakis to remain jailed as parole decision overturned

Convicted Snowtown serial killer James Vlassakis will remain in prison after a senior review commissioner overturned a Parole Board decision approving his release, ruling that freeing him at this stage would pose a risk to the community.

Parole Administrative Review Commissioner Michael David KC said the Parole Board had underestimated the extreme gravity of Vlassakis’ crimes, describing the murders as “evilly premeditated” and “disgustingly unusual.”

He rejected claims that Vlassakis acted under the influence of ringleader John Justin Bunting, stating all participants were fully involved.

Vlassakis, 45, pleaded guilty to four murders and received a life sentence with a 26-year non-parole period after cooperating with authorities.

While acknowledging his good behaviour in custody, Mr David said those factors had already been reflected in sentencing and raised concerns about incomplete rehabilitation and past drug use in prison.

The Parole Board has signalled it may challenge the decision in the Supreme Court, arguing the commissioner exceeded his authority.

Source: The Advertiser

NSW faith leaders unite in condemnation of Bondi terror attack

The Greek Herald
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NSW faith leaders unite in condemnation of Bondi terror attack

On Monday, NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper convened an emergency meeting of the Faith Affairs Council, and religious leaders from some of the state’s largest denominations, after Sunday’s terrorist attack in Bondi targeting a Chanukah event.

Council members and faith leaders expressed their deepest sympathies for the people killed in the horrific attack, re-iterated their solidarity with the Jewish community, and unanimously re-affirmed the joint Faith Affairs Council and Multicultural Advisory Board communique made on Sunday night.

That statement can be found here, and a full list of the attending 25 leaders are listed below.

Minister Kamper, addressing the meeting, conveyed the government’s heartbreak, encouraged leaders and their communities to reach out to their Jewish counterparts, and affirmed that Australians of all faiths must work together, unambiguously, to restore faith in NSW’s multiculturalism.

Senior Jewish clergy leaders addressed the meeting, including Rabbi Benjamin Elton – of Sydney’s The Great Synagogue – and Rabbi Nochum Shapiro, of Chabad House of the North Shore and President of the Rabbinical Association of Australasia.

Rabbi Shapiro conveyed to fellow faith leaders that tangible ways for their communities to show support for Jewish Australians was to light a Chanukah candle or engage in tangible acts of charity, to fight the darkness with light.

Right Rev Dr Michael Stead, the Faith Affair’s Council chair, said that faith leaders had stood together with one voice to condemn Sunday’s horrific attack and voice support for Jewish Australians.

Dr Stead, who chaired Monday’s meeting, also applauded the strong statements of support for the Jewish community that many individual faith organisations had proactively issued.

Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman, president of the Australian National Imams Council, said the Muslim community’s heart went out to Jewish Australians, calling it a targeted attack on their community but one that also cut to the heart of every Australian.

Archbishop Kanishka Raffel of the Anglican Church of Australia conveyed that Jewish leaders had recounted how their community had felt increasingly alone and urged attendees to collectively embrace the grieving community.

Andrew Harper of the Australian Christian Churches relayed how his young daughter on Sunday night asked if she was safe, and reflected how that emotion was something, tragically, felt across the Jewish community.  

Faith leaders affirmed that their communities would stand firmly in solidarity with Jewish Australians, and would work collaboratively on action to address antisemitism and hatred.

Right Rev Dr Michael Stead, of the Anglican Church of Australia, said: “The meeting was a demonstration of our faith communities at their best – coming together in our shared grief to express our compassion and support for Jewish brothers and sisters, and to state unequivocally with one voice our utter condemnation of this evil terrorist attack. By continuing to work together in love and respect, we will build peace and harmony in our nation.”

Leaders in attendance:

Right Rev Dr Michael Stead Anglican Church of Australia -Sydney Anglicans 
Imam Shadi Alsuleiman Australian National Imams Council  
Bishop Christophoros Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia 
Rev Dr Steve Bartlett Baptist Churches of NSW/ACT 
Rev Dr Manas Ghosh  Uniting Church in Australia Synod of NSW/ACT 
Rev Dr Kamal Weerakoon Presbyterian Church of Australia in NSW 
Ms Monica Doumit Catholic Church in Australia -Archdiocese in Sydney 
Mr Darren Bark Better Balanced Futures 
Rev Bill Crews AM Ashfield Parish Mission 
Mr Murray Norman ICCOREIS 
Rev Heather Topp Buddhist Council of NSW 
Ms Katherine Xavier Catholic Diocese of Parramatta  
Ms Monica Chahoud Melkite Catholic Eparchy of Australia, New Zealand and all Oceania 
Dr Ali Al Samail Australian Ahl Al Bait Islamic Centre 
Mr Gawaine Powell Davies Buddhist Council of NSW 
Mr Bhante Sujato Buddhist Council of NSW 
Mr Pandit Shankarnarayan  Ramachandra Athreiya Hindu Council of Australia 
Mr Andrew Harper Australian Christian Churches 
Rabbi Benjamin Elton Great Synagogue 
Rabbi Nochum Shapiro Chabad House 
Bishop Antione Tarabay Maronite Catholic Eparchy of Saint Maron of Sydney 
Archbishop Anthony Fisher Catholic Church in Australia -Archdiocese in Sydney 
Archbishop Kanishka Raffel Anglican Church of Australia -Sydney Anglicans 
Imam Ahmed Abdo Australian National Imams Council  
Mr Khalid Mousa Australian National Imams Council – General Manager 
Mr Joseph La Posta Multicultural NSW CEO

Bondi hero speaks from hospital as Australia honours his courage

The Greek Herald
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Bondi hero speaks from hospital as Australia honours his courage

The man who risked his life to tackle and disarm one of the gunmen during the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack has spoken publicly for the first time as he recovers in hospital, describing a moment of fear, faith and instinct.

Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old Sydney shopkeeper, remains in St George Hospital after undergoing surgery for multiple gunshot wounds sustained while intervening during the attack on Sunday evening.

Despite his injuries, he has been widely praised by political leaders and community members for an act of bravery that is believed to have saved lives.

In a video message shared by Turkish broadcaster TRT World, Mr al-Ahmed thanked supporters and asked for prayers. “I appreciate the efforts of everyone,” he said. “May God reward you and grant you wellbeing. I went through a very difficult phase — only God knows it. I ask my mother to pray for me.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Mr al-Ahmed in hospital on Tuesday morning, describing him as “the best of our country” and praising his humility and courage.

“He was simply going to get a cup of coffee when he found himself witnessing people being shot,” Mr Albanese said. “He chose to act.”

The Prime Minister also met Mr al-Ahmed’s parents, who had travelled from Syria to be with their son, and said they were immensely proud of him. Albanese later confirmed that Mr al-Ahmed’s heroism would be formally recognised.

NSW Premier Chris Minns visited Mr al-Ahmed on Monday night, while former Prime Minister John Howard also publicly acknowledged his actions, describing them as “the single greatest act of courage” seen during the attack.

Mr al-Ahmed, a Syrian-born Australian citizen and father of two young daughters, is understood to have sustained several bullet wounds to his upper body and arm. His recovery is ongoing, with family and supporters remaining by his side.

His bravery has resonated deeply within his local community. When local resident Laurie Antoniadis realised the man who had tackled the shooter was the tobacconist from his neighbourhood, he went to Mr al-Ahmed’s closed shop to pay his respects.

“I wanted to come over and say thank you,” Mr Antoniadis told The Sydney Morning Herald. “He is a wonderful man. I thought it was a very brave act that he did.”

A GoFundMe campaign established to support Mr al-Ahmed and his family during his recovery has attracted an outpouring of public support, raising more than $1.7 million within days, as thousands of Australians donate in recognition of his bravery and sacrifice.

Friends and relatives have said Mr al-Ahmed acted purely out of instinct and a sense of responsibility to others around him.

His actions, widely described as selfless and heroic, have become a powerful counterpoint to the violence of the attack – a reminder, many have said, of the courage and humanity that can emerge even in moments of profound tragedy.

Source: The Guardian

Tom Pontidas’ Bondi café becomes place of refuge and resolve after terror attack

The Greek Herald
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Tom Pontidas’ Bondi café becomes place of refuge and resolve after terror attack

A Bondi café that became a place of refuge during Sunday’s terror attack reopened early the next morning, offering a sense of normality to a community still in shock.

Lamrock Café owner Tom Pontidas told news.com.au he decided to open at 6am on Monday despite feeling shaken, believing people needed a familiar space to sit together after the attack near the beachfront Hanukkah event.

The previous evening, frightened beachgoers had rushed into the café to escape gunfire, hiding in storerooms and toilets as chaos unfolded outside.

While police remained in the area and tributes appeared along the foreshore, locals returned for breakfast and coffee, choosing to be present rather than retreat.

Mr Pontidas said the experience had been deeply emotional, but the quiet gathering of residents reflected Bondi’s determination to remain open, welcoming and united.

Source: news.com.au

Greece repays €5.3 billion in bailout debt years ahead of schedule

The Greek Herald
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Greece repays €5.3 billion in bailout debt years ahead of schedule

Greece has taken another step in easing its debt burden, repaying €5.3 billion in bailout loans years ahead of schedule, officials said on Monday.

The repayment relates to the country’s first international rescue package in 2010 and is expected to deliver long-term savings of around €1.6 billion in interest by 2041.

It will also accelerate Greece’s debt reduction, with public debt projected to fall below 120 per cent of GDP by 2029.

The funds were repaid via the European Commission to Greece’s euro zone partners.

Although Greece remains the most indebted country in the euro area, the early repayment underscores the steady recovery of its economy following the prolonged debt crisis of 2009–2018, which plunged the country into austerity and brought it to the brink of exiting the euro.

Source: Reuters

Ecumenical Patriarch conveys condolences and calls for peace after Bondi terror attack

The Greek Herald
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Ecumenical Patriarch conveys condolences and calls for peace after Bondi terror attack

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has sent a Patriarchal Letter of sympathy to His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia following the deadly terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney on 14 December 2025.

In the letter, the Ecumenical Patriarch conveyed the condolences, compassion and solidarity of the Mother Church, as well as his personal support, in the wake of the attack, which claimed multiple lives and shocked the wider Australian community.

Addressing Archbishop Makarios, His All-Holiness prayed for the protection of the Orthodox faithful in Australia and for their spiritual leader, asking that God safeguard them “from every visible and invisible threat” and grant peace to the world.

“The Ecumenical Patriarchate unceasingly prays for the fraternisation of people, nations, religions and cultures,” the Patriarch wrote, reaffirming the Church’s longstanding commitment to dialogue, coexistence and mutual understanding across faiths and societies.

He further stressed that the Ecumenical Patriarchate actively supports and participates in bilateral and multilateral dialogue initiatives aimed at fostering peace and unity throughout the world.

The letter concluded with a warm Christmas message to Archbishop Makarios, underscoring the bonds of brotherhood and shared pastoral ministry at a time of grief and reflection.

The Patriarchal message adds to the growing number of international religious and community leaders expressing solidarity with Australia, and with all those affected by the Sydney attack, as the nation continues to mourn and reflect on the tragedy.

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