Restraining order extended for Melbourne community leader Tony Tsourdalakis

·

A personal intervention order placed on former President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand (CFANZ), Tony Tsourdalakis, has been extended by a Victorian magistrate until Thursday, June 13.

This comes after a hearing for Mr Tsourdalakis’ case at the Ringwood Magistrates Court on Thursday, February 29 was adjourned.

Mr Tsourdalakis was first slapped with the personal intervention order in November 2023, after allegedly threatening to incite violence on former President of the Pancretan Association of Melbourne, Emanuel Starakis.

In an open letter published in The Greek Herald in July, Mr Starakis voiced concerns around the more than $30,000 in earthquake relief funds raised by the CFANZ and the Pancretan Association in 2021. Mr Starakis wrote that he wanted answers from Mr Tsourdalakis and his Board about where these funds had been allocated after it was announced they were given to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Crete.

Following the publication of this letter, Mr Tsourdalakis was arrested after Victoria Police were made aware of an alleged threat he made against Mr Starakis.

No criminal charges have been laid but legal proceedings were launched for the personal safety intervention order.

Tony tsourdalakis restraining order cretan president
Tony Tsourdalakis.

During the first court case on Thursday, November 16, Mr Starakis told the Magistrates Court via video link that Mr Tsourdalakis had reportedly sent a text message to a mutual friend which was perceived as threatening.

“The friend was asked to go find someone who Mr Tsourdalakis could pay, and I’m quoting verbatim, ‘who I can pay to break Starakis’ arms and legs’,” Mr Starakis told the court.

Mr Tsourdalakis’ lawyer said “there was no immediacy” with respect to an intervention order because there were no prior issues between the pair and Mr Tsourdalakis was “well-regarded” within Melbourne’s Greek community, so the threat “was likely never to happen again.”

Besides being the former President of the CFANZ, Mr Tsourdalakis is also a Director at St Basil’s Homes for the Aged in Victoria; Board Member at AGAPI Care; President of the Inter-communities Council of Victoria; Member of the Board of Directors of “Aetolian College”; Chairman of the Victorian 2021 Bicentenary Committee; and Chairman of the Victorian Council for Greek National Day.

In response, the Judge said even though the alleged threat had been made to a mutual friend and not Mr Starakis, the threat had still been made and it was an immediate cause for concern.

When handing down his interim order, the Judge said Mr Tsourdalakis must not have any contact with Mr Starakis and cannot be within 200 metres of where he lives or works. He must also remain within 5 metres of him.

Mr Tsourdalakis’ lawyer argued that in instances where Mr Tsourdalakis and Mr Starakis attended events of mutual interest within the Greek and Cretan community, the 5 metre restriction was not acceptable. The Judge said in those instances, the restriction would be reduced to 2 metres.

These orders now remain in place until the case goes before the courts again in June.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Popular mountain destination in Greece introduces ‘culture fee’ per night for visitors

Tourists staying in the Municipality of Zagori will now pay a €0.75 “culture fee” per night for hotel or short-term rental accommodations.

Greece declares 2026 a tribute year to Manos Hadjidakis

The Greek Ministry of Culture has proclaimed 2026 a year dedicated to honoring Manos Hadjidakis, the visionary composer.

Greece to deregister 285,000 inactive university students

Greece’s Education Ministry will remove over 285,000 inactive students from university records in December, Sofia Zacharaki announced

My Greek Kitchen’s Niki Louca shares her favourite Pavlova Roll recipe

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for a pavlova roll with The Greek Herald.

Australians among top investors in Greece’s landmark Ellinikon project

The Ellinikon project, one of Europe’s largest urban regeneration initiatives, is transforming the former airport site into a modern city.

You May Also Like

The 29th Greek Film Festival of Sydney to be presented by METAXA

The 29th Greek Film Festival of Sydney have announced their presenting partner for 2024, METAXA the original Greek spirit.

Stop questioning our sovereignty: Mitsotakis’ fiery exchange with Erdogan in Prague

Mitsotakis and Erdogan had a heated exchange at a dinner for the leaders attending the meeting of the European Political Community in Prague.

Hero to the end: My Great Uncle Antonis Alexandris who survived concentration camps

Billy Cotsis talks about his last Great Uncle Antonis Alexandris who survived several concentration camps. He died at 102.