Restoration work is set to begin on the Tower of Prosforios in Ouranoupoli, the iconic gateway to Mt Athos in northern Greece, following the signing of a funding agreement between the Greek Ministry of Culture and mining company Hellas Gold, according to amna.gr.
The agreement was formalized on Friday in Chalkidiki by Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, who emphasized the growing trend of businesses reinvesting in local communities. “It is very important that more companies now feel – and this is not typical – that they must return part of their dividend to local communities,” she said. “Culture is not something that occurs in vitro. It does not exist in isolation from the society it belongs to and which created it.”
Hellas Gold Chairman Christos Balaskas noted the company’s broader commitment, having allocated $80 million for corporate social responsibility initiatives over the lifespan of its Skouries mining operations. Eldorado Gold executive Louw Smith added that the partnership offers a chance to build a “socially inclusive and economically resilient future of mining.”
Dating back to the 12th century, the Tower of Prosforios is the best-preserved medieval tower in Chalkidiki. Damaged by a 1585 earthquake and possibly fire during the 1821 uprisings, it underwent major repairs in later years. It became a home to humanitarian workers Joice and Sydney Loch in the 1920s, who aided in settling Asia Minor refugees in nearby Ouranoupoli.
Restoration work will include fire protection and structural stabilization, aiming for completion within 24 months, though Minister Mendoni expressed optimism for an earlier finish. Aristotelis Mayor Stelios Valianos said the municipality chose to channel the funding toward preserving this landmark.
Elafonisi Beach on Crete’s southwestern coast has been named the Best Beach in the World for 2025—and it’s easy to see why, according to journee-mondiale.com. Famed for its pink-tinged sands and shallow, crystalline waters, this remote Greek gem has captivated travelers with its unspoiled beauty and ecological integrity.
What sets Elafonisi apart is its blush-colored sand, created by crushed seashells and coral fragments. As the sun sets, the entire shoreline glows in surreal hues. “The first time I saw the pink sand against the turquoise water, I thought someone had enhanced the photos,” says Maria, a local taverna owner.
Connected to Crete by a shallow lagoon, Elafonisi feels like a hidden islet. At low tide, visitors can wade through warm, knee-deep waters to reach the main beach, while deeper sections offer snorkeling and sea life. Families love the lagoon’s calm natural pools, warmed by the Mediterranean sun.
Elafonisi is also a Natura 2000 protected site, home to sea daffodils, juniper trees, and rare dunes. “What makes Elafonisi special is our commitment to keeping it wild,” says Nikos, a conservation guide.
Though remote—about 1.5 hours from Chania via mountain roads—it’s worth the trek. Arrive early or late to catch the pink glow and avoid the crowds. Nearby, the 17th-century Chrysoskalitissa Monastery adds cultural depth: “The beach feeds the body, but our culture feeds the soul,” says Father Georgios.
Elafonisi proves that even in 2025, nature still holds the crown.
Last week, students from the schools of the Greek Community of Melbourne had the opportunity to participate in a unique educational experience by visiting the exhibition “A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body – The Athletic Heritage of Anatolian Hellenism”, organised by the Institute of Hellenism of Anatolia.
During their visits, students engaged with rare archival material, authentic artefacts, photographs, and personal testimonies that shed light on the vital role of sport in the social and cultural life of the Greeks of Anatolia. The exhibition highlighted the deep connection between athletics, education, discipline, values, and the collective identity of Asia Minor Hellenism.
This exhibition offered students a rare opportunity to explore lesser-known aspects of their ancestral history, strengthening not only their historical knowledge but also their connection to the broader Greek cultural heritage. Both students and educators expressed their enthusiasm for the experience, which served as a powerful catalyst for further reflection and classroom discussion.
Initiatives such as this serve as valuable tools for preserving and nurturing Greek identity among the new generation of the Diaspora. Through meaningful engagement with cultural heritage, young people can develop deeper bonds with their roots and cultivate a strong and active Greek consciousness.
The Schools of the Greek Community of Melbourne warmly thank the Institute of Hellenism of Anatolia for its hospitality, engaging guided tours and activities, and its ongoing contribution to preserving and promoting Hellenic cultural heritage within the Diaspora.
A former emergency medical call-taker, Natalie’s path to frontline care has been shaped by her experience caring for her mother, her deep-rooted Greek heritage, and a profound desire to support others in their most vulnerable moments.
“My mother taught me to always be nice to everyone and treat people how you would like to be treated,” she tells The Greek Herald. “Through her struggles and hurdles she taught me to be strong and resilient and believe that I can overcome anything.”
Now undertaking on-road training, Natalie reflects on her upbringing, her journey into the profession, and the values that continue to guide her approach to patient care. We sat down with her to learn more about her story, her motivation, and her hopes for the future.
Tell us a bit about your Greek heritage and upbringing.
My upbringing was very simple. My mother raised me and my older brother. Even though my mother had a significant disability, I never felt like I was missing out on anything. Growing up I never actually realised my mother was disabled because she made sure we had everything and never missed out on any opportunities.
Being Greek Orthodox we had strong family traditions, especially around Easter. My Pappou and Yiayia played a big part in teaching me about my Greek heritage and customs, especially during Easter. I remember my Pappou would take me and my brother to church every year, and I even decorated the Epitaphio with flowers which was a very beautiful experience. My yiayia would always cook a feast and she has passed down some of her recipes that I still cook today.
My mother taught me to always be nice to everyone and treat people how you would like to be treated. My mother has gone through so much in her life and through her struggles and hurdles she has taught me to be strong and resilient and believe that I can overcome anything.
What inspired your initial interest in emergency medical services and what motivated your transition from an emergency medical call-taker to a paramedic student?
I would characterise myself as a very empathetic person and in my life, I have always wanted to help people. Growing up I knew I wanted to have a career that would be people-focused but didn’t know where to start. I always thought I wanted to be a nurse or a paramedic, but I never had the confidence to go for it.
In 2011, my mother got sick, and I left my job to become her full-time carer. During this time, I had to deal with a lot of doctors, nurses and paramedics. The one thing that always stuck with me was the compassion and kindness the paramedics always had when they would come to help my mum. In serious and often sad moments in my life, the paramedics were always there to comfort me and I was always grateful for that.
Back in 2024, I started to look into NSW ambulance and what I would have to do in order to become a paramedic and I saw that there was a position for an emergency call taker. I was hesitant but ultimately, I applied and got the position. As an emergency call taker, I would get a variety of calls from people needing help, from struggling to breathe or a cardiac arrest. It was a very fast-paced environment and in someone’s worse moment of their life all I had was my voice to help them and comfort them. I never realised how powerful someone’s voice could be until I became an emergency medical call taker.
I was an emergency call taker for almost a year, but I knew I wanted to be out there helping people instead of the voice behind the phone. I wanted to give someone the compassion and comfort that the paramedics once gave me.
What challenges have you faced during your training and previous roles, and what aspects of your work do you find most rewarding?
The challenges I have faced during my training was the amount of information I had to learn before going on road. It was a lot but also interesting. In my previous role as an emergency call taker the hardest thing was to get all the information I needed to give to the paramedics when someone was going through a horrible situation and understandably too emotional to speak.
But the most rewarding thing about my job is when you know you have helped someone. Whether it be holding someone’s hand when they are scared or just listening to them to make them feel heard. It is a privilege to be invited into someone’s home on a day that could be the worst day of their life, and being able to bring some comfort to them is a great feeling.
In what ways has your Greek upbringing and cultural background influenced your approach to your career and patient care?
My family has always taught me to treat everyone with the same care and respect. Everyone is a human being and no one should be treated differently, and for me it is a big part of my job. Everyone deserves to have the same level of care as anyone else. Being Greek, we love to talk and we are very people-focused and for me, in this job, we have to be able to talk to people. I’ve learnt what we say can help a patient feel better because we can take their mind off what they are going through even if it’s just for a little bit.
Having been inspired by the compassion and kindness of paramedics during your time as a carer for your mother, how do you plan to embody these qualities in your practice as a paramedic?
I remember on my first day as a student paramedic and my duty manager said to me “treat everyone as you would like a member of your family to be treated,” and that has always stuck with me because how my mother was treated by paramedics over the years was amazing. And every time I go to a patient, I imagine what they are going through and what their family is going through and I try to bring that level of compassion and kindness that was afforded to me and my mother.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations within NSW Ambulance, and how do you envision your career evolving in the coming years?
Right now I am looking forward to continuing my training and finishing my university degree. I have learnt so much and I’m excited to learn and experience everything NSW Ambulance has to offer. I am not sure where my paramedic career will take me, but I am in no rush to get there. I am enjoying learning everything I need to know in order to be the best paramedic I can be.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
For anyone who is on the fence about beginning a career with NSW Ambulance, I say take the plunge. It is an amazing organisation to work for and the support and sense of community you feel is nothing short of amazing. It is an honour to be part of this organisation, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for me.
A lively and thought-provoking debate on the role of the Greek language in shaping cultural identity drew a diverse audience in Sydney this week, with members of the Greek Australian community, academics, legal professionals and student leaders in attendance.
Held in front of a live audience that included the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, and Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney, Nia Karteris, the debate featured teams of academics and lawyers going head-to-head on the motion: “That the Greek language is essential to our Greek identity.”
Representing the affirmative side were Dr Patricia Koromvokis from Macquarie University and Dr James Adonopoulos from Kaplan Business School, who argued that language is a core part of diasporic identity, and that its loss equates to a loss of something essential.
On the opposing side, lawyers Theodora Gianniotis and James Arkoudis challenged the idea, arguing that identity transcends language. They proposed that while language is valuable, it is not the sole determinant of one’s cultural connection, stating that “language is the medium, not the message,” and that Greek culture itself is not at risk even with declining language use.
In a nod to Ancient Greek democratic tradition, audience members were invited to vote on the motion before and after the debate using white stones for ‘yes’ and black stones for ‘no,’ allowing the impact of the arguments to be measured through shifts in opinion.
The event was coordinated by the Ouzo Talk Podcast. The debate was described by organisers as an opportunity to revive public discourse within the community.
Ouzo Talk’s Tom Skolarikis said, “Debate and rhetoric is a part of our cultural inheritance as Greeks – what better way to celebrate that than by having respected members of our community coming together to debate a real issue that faces the Greek diaspora community globally.”
He added, “We don’t really have a forum for debate like this where we can see our best and brightest interact and challenge each other in a civil way – much less have the opportunity for the audience to get involved and ask questions or contribute to the discussion.”
Podcast co-host Nick Athanassiou said the debate demonstrated how open discussion can bridge perspectives: “Even if we strongly disagree with a motion or a concept… being able to entertain a thought without accepting it is really important.”
A vibrant room of women, warm conversations, and heartfelt stories came together on Wednesday, May 28, at the Friends of Jenny Brunch — a moving fundraiser hosted by the Jenny Souris Foundation (JSF) at the Canterbury Leagues Club in Sydney.
The event celebrated the strength of women and the power of community in continuing the legacy of the late Jenny Souris — a beloved advocate whose life was dedicated to helping others in times of hardship.
A foundation built on kindness
Established in 2021 after Jenny’s passing, the JSF provides critical support to families facing serious health challenges, offering not just financial aid but hope and solidarity when it’s needed most.
The brunch began with a warm welcome from Stacey Trip, who outlined the program and acknowledged the generosity of sponsors and donors — including Nader Fine Jewellery and Helping Hand, whose raffle prizes included a topaz and diamond ring and a Hunter Valley getaway which helped fuel the day’s fundraising efforts.
Stacey Tripp.The topaz and diamond ring donated by Nader Fine Jewellery.
‘No one should face hardship alone’:
JSF Founder Maria Souris, Jenny’s daughter, then took the stage to reflect on the Foundation’s mission: “The JSF was created to honour Mum’s legacy — a legacy built on kindness, strength, and the belief that no one should face hardship alone.”
Guests were shown a powerful video featuring families whose lives have been transformed through JSF support — from funding a disability vehicle to accessing life-changing medication for children diagnosed with rare terminal illnesses like Sanfilippo syndrome.
JSF Founder Maria Souris, Jenny’s daughter.
One mother, overcome with emotion, shared: “The money has been absolutely crucial to our family — but equally crucial has been the hope the JSF gave us. It sustained us through the darkest days.”
Maria also took a poignant moment to honour Angela, a former recipient who has since passed away, reminding everyone of the real lives behind the cause and the lasting legacy the Foundation creates.
More than a fundraiser
Beyond raising money, the brunch fostered an atmosphere of solidarity, strength, and sisterhood. Guests mingled, connected with old and new friends, and left with a renewed sense of purpose.
“What the JSF does is truly unique,” Maria told the room. “We’re still a young organisation, so we ask for your help to spread the word. You never know who might need support — and who might not yet know we’re here.”
The event wrapped up with the closing of the silent auction, the announcement of raffle winners, and heartfelt conversations that captured the morning’s spirit of generosity and unity.
As media supporters of the JSF, The Greek Herald is committed to sharing and amplifying the work of this foundation and the women driving its mission — transforming personal loss into meaningful impact.
Popular Greek singing sensation Konstantinos Argiros may be set to dazzle fans at the Sydney Opera House on Monday, October 27, but for many Greek Australians, excitement quickly turned to frustration after tickets for the one-night-only show sold out within minutes — with little to no communication from organisers about pre-sale opportunities.
The concert, presented by Encore Productions by Pambris Bros, was officially advertised for general sale on May 29. Yet many fans were left blindsided when they logged on at 9am to find almost all seats already gone, with only scattered singles remaining.
It later emerged that the Sydney Opera House had run two pre-sale events on their website — one on May 27 for paid Opera Insider members and another on May 28 for e-newsletter subscribers.
Despite Encore Productions publishing a live link on their website directing fans to the official Sydney Opera House event page on Monday, May 26, these pre-sales were never clearly promoted on their official social media or announcement posts, leaving many in the dark.
A flurry of frustrated posts quickly flooded social media, with comments expressing disappointment, confusion and anger. Some users described the experience as “a joke” and accused organisers of poor communication. Others demanded that a second concert be added.
Lena Hasapis, one of the few fans who successfully secured tickets, told The Greek Herald she only discovered the pre-sale information through another fan’s comment online.
“I first saw the announcement on the Facebook page Encore Productions By Pambris Bros. They didn’t provide much information on what time the tickets would be released or even pre-sale options – just the date, 29th May,” Lena explained. “Another follower suggested heading straight to the Opera House page for further information.”
There, she found details about the Opera Insider membership, which gave her early access to tickets for a $110 annual fee. Weighing the risk, Lena signed up.
“There was only one concert announced and the capacity in the Concert Hall is just over 2,000, so I knew demand would be high and securing tickets would be unlikely if I waited,” she said.
She managed to get three box seat tickets in the E Reserve section after logging in at 9am on May 27. But even she was surprised by how many tickets were released before the general sale.
A screenshot provided by Lena of how many seats were available for purchase during the pre-sale.
“I never received the e-newsletter link, so the Insider membership was definitely worth it,” she added. “But I feel sad that a lot of fans won’t get the opportunity to see the concert.”
Lena noted that friends and acquaintances were “angry” to discover they had missed the narrow pre-sale window — not because they were too late, but because they simply didn’t know it existed.
“Encore Productions restricted comments on their page because of the backlash. A lot of fans also commented directly on Konstantinos Argiros’ Facebook page when he announced tickets sold out within minutes,” she said. “Many said the concert should’ve been held at a bigger venue like Accor Stadium so more fans could attend like Melbourne did.”
The concert’s venue — the iconic but intimate Sydney Opera House — seats just over 2,000 in its Concert Hall, making demand significantly higher than supply. With no second date announced and communication criticised as opaque, calls are mounting for Encore Productions to address the issue and offer another show.
‘We will take feedback on board’:
In a response to The Greek Herald‘s enquiries, co-owner of Encore Productions Evan Pambris said they were “genuinely overwhelmed by the response to this event, with over 25,000 people expressing interest.”
“On Monday, 26 May, we published a live link on our website directing fans to the official Sydney Opera House event page. This page clearly outlined all event and ticketing information, including pre-sale access,” Pambris said.
“While this may not have been highlighted as prominently in our social media posts as some would have preferred, the information was available—and we take that feedback on board for future events.”
Pambris said that as promoters, Encore Productions “worked diligently across multiple time zones to coordinate with both the Sydney Opera House and Konstantinos Argiros’ international team,” and they genuinely did their best to communicate clearly in a fast-moving environment.
“We fully understand the disappointment from fans who missed out. With such limited capacity, high demand meant that not everyone would be successful in securing tickets. Our team worked tirelessly to meet expectations, and we truly value the passion of the community,” he said.
“However, we want to be clear: while constructive feedback is always welcome, abuse or aggressive behaviour directed at our team will not be tolerated. This industry is about bringing people together through music, joy and connection—not hostility.”
*Editor’s Note: Following The Greek Herald‘s article, Encore Productions have announced a second concert on Thursday, October 30. Pre-sale tickets open on June 4 at 9am. General public tickets go on sale on June 5 at 9am. Details here.
Former Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Richard Paris Sackelariou has been jailed for six years for preying on girls as young as 13 for sex.
Facing Newcastle District Court on Friday, May 30, Judge Timothy Gartelmann said 70-year-old Sackelariou became obsessed with young girls after joining sugar daddy websites and didn’t want to stop having sex with them even when he became aware of their real ages.
Sackelariou had pleaded guilty to 10 charges involving six victims aged 13 to 15, between 2021 and 2022. The offences occurred across Sydney, Newcastle and Queensland.
Using platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, and adult websites, Sackelariou offered money in exchange for explicit content and later arranged to meet some of the girls in person.
The judge stated that the six victims were vulnerable to exploitation, and although there was no evidence Sackelariou used force or coercion, this in no way diminished the seriousness of his offences.
Judge Gartelmann acknowledged that Sackelariou felt ashamed and embarrassed by his actions, noting that his wife had divorced him and his two sons had cut off contact. He also considered the likelihood of reoffending to be low, citing Sackelariou’s previously good character.
The judge jailed Sackelariou for six years with a minimum of four years.
At least eleven Australians of Greek heritage have been named on this year’s Australian Financial Review Rich List, continuing a strong tradition of Hellenic success in sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals and logistics to property and retail.
Here are the Greek Australians featured on the 2025 list:
53. Dennis Bastas, $2.93 billion
Dennis Bastas. Photo: Julian Kingma.
Topping the Greek Australian contingent is pharmaceutical magnate Dennis Bastas. In February 2025, he acquired the remaining 50% of MCoBeauty in a deal valuing the beauty brand at nearly $1 billion. Born to Greek immigrant parents who arrived in Melbourne in the 1960s, Bastas began his career in logistics at Coles Myer before founding Genepharm Australasia in the early 2000s. That business was eventually sold to Watson for $375 million in 2012. Today, he controls 90% of DBG Health, which is forecast to generate $2 billion in revenue this year.
64. Nick Politis, $2.58 billion
Sydney Roosters Chairman Nick Politis. Photo: Sam Ruttyn.
Automotive titan and Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis maintains his strong position on the list. Politis’ holdings in Eagers Automotive are worth more than $1 billion, boosted by a recent surge in share prices. His latest acquisition includes two Melbourne Porsche dealerships purchased in 2024 for nearly $50 million.
75. Theo Andrianakos & family, $2.19 billion
Theo Andrianakos.
The Andrianakos family, behind Milemaker Petroleum, has rapidly expanded into commercial property. In February 2025, they acquired a $385 million half-stake in Melbourne’s Northland shopping centre. This follows a string of deals with Vicinity Centres, including a $170 million stake in an Adelaide mall last year.
97. Terry & Arthur Tzaneros, $1.73 billion
Terry Tzaneros.
Founders of ACFS Port Logistics, Terry and his son Arthur have cemented their place as leaders in Australia’s logistics industry. ACFS recorded $431.4 million in revenue in 2022, with freight forwarding arm AGS World Transport also booming. Arthur made headlines this year after selling his Vaucluse mansion for $45 million.
116. Nicholas Paspaley & family, $1.52 billion
Nicholas Paspaley.
With roots in Greece dating back to 1919, the Paspaley family’s wealth now spans real estate, aviation, pearl farming and hospitality. The family owns the prestigious Wall Street Hotel in New York and continues to invest across various sectors globally.
138. Theo Karedis, $1.21 billion
Theo Karedis.
Kytherian-born Theo Karedis made his fortune selling Theo’s Liquor to Coles for over $175 million in 2002. He and son Greg now manage Arkadia Group, which owns 11 shopping centres around Australia.
141. Harry Stamoulis & family, $1.18 billion
Heirs to the Gold Medal soft drink fortune, the Stamoulis family have pivoted to property through the Stamoulis Property Group. Their holdings include Melbourne’s One Collins Street complex. The family home in Toorak is estimated to be worth over $100 million.
146. Spiros Alysandratos, $1.13 billion
Founder of Consolidated Travel, Alysandratos is a major player in the airline ticketing industry. He also holds a near-15% stake in Helloworld Travel and maintains significant property investments in Victoria.
163. Con Makris & family, $987 million
Con Makris.
Adelaide-based Makris made his fortune through commercial property and retail. His $500 million Marina Mirage resort development on the Gold Coast is being led by son Jason and aims to become a major tourism hub.
173. Ilias Pavlopoulos & Andrew Chepul, $883 million
Ilias Pavlopoulos and Andrew Chepul.
Co-founders of non-bank lender ColCap, Pavlopoulos and Chepul have built a mortgage lending giant, with a $16.7 billion loan book and $62.2 million in profit in 2024. Their brands include Origin and Homestar Finance.
188. Kerry Harmanis, $794 million
Kerry Harmanis. Photo: Iain Gillespie / The West Australian.
Known as Western Australia’s “nickel king,” Harmanis gained national attention in 2007 after selling Jubilee Mines for $3.1 billion. His wealth remains diversified across property, mining shares, and other investments.
A moving and full-capacity commemorative event was held on Thursday, May 29 at the Hermes Lounge in Kogarah to mark the 571st anniversary of the Fall of Constantinople, organised by the Greek Orthodox Parish of the Resurrection of Christ in collaboration with the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney and the Melisma Ensemble.
The evening paid tribute to the fall of the Byzantine capital on 29 May 1453 — a defining moment in Orthodox Hellenic history — with a rich and reflective programme of performance, music, and historical insight.
Central to the event was a compelling theatrical presentation highlighting the lives and legacies of four notable Byzantine women: Empresses Pulcheria and Theodora, Saint Kassiani the Hymnographer, and the scholar Anna Komnene.
Portrayed by Anna Micos, Sophie Brunetta, Stephanie Giannis and Hellen Dimas of the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney, each figure was brought vividly to life through eloquent narration and dramatic flair.
Guiding the audience through this historical journey was Dr Andrew Mellas, who served as interviewer and host within the performance, striking a balance between humour, scholarship and reverence.
The evening’s Master of Ceremonies, Natasha Baramilis, provided polished introductions and ensured a smooth and engaging flow to the evening.
Following the dramatic segment, the Melisma Ensemble, under the direction of Dr Dimitri Koubaroulis, delivered a series of traditional laments dedicated to the Fall of Constantinople. The ensemble’s emotionally charged renditions evoked themes of loss, resilience, and collective memory that moved many in the audience.
The event concluded with a heartfelt address by His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, who conveyed the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
His Grace extended thanks to all who contributed to the night’s success, including Fr Athanasios Giatsios, Dr Mellas, Ms Baramilis, Liana Vertzayias and the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney, and Dr Koubaroulis and the Melisma Ensemble.
Special acknowledgement was also given to Steve Maglis, who added historical colour by dressing as a Varangian Guard, a nod to the elite Norse and Anglo-Saxon warriors who once served as personal bodyguards to the Byzantine emperors.
The commemorative evening was a powerful reminder of the enduring cultural and spiritual legacy of Byzantium — a night of remembrance marked by reverence, beauty, and faith.
