His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, currently on a pastoral visit to Melbourne, Victoria, visited the St Basil’s Aged Care Home in Fawkner as part of a Christmas celebration on Saturday, December 14.
This marked the Archbishop’s first participation in the annual event at the facility, where he wished the elderly Greek residents and staff well for the upcoming Twelve Days of Christmas.
During the festive event, which included a meal, music, and dancing, the Archbishop and Metropolitan Prodromos delivered heartfelt speeches, offering warm Christmas greetings to the residents.
Metropolitan Prodromos also commended the staff and administration of the aged care home for their dedicated work.
As a gesture of appreciation, Metropolitan Prodromos presented Bishop Evmenios with a commemorative plaque featuring the Four Holy New Martyrs of Rethymno.
The election process for the appointment of the new Executive Committee of the Hellenic Writer’s Association of Australia was successfully completed during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Saturday, December 7, at the Northcote Library.
The election process was conducted in accordance with the invitation sent to the Association’s members and Article 13 of its constitution.
Following the completion of the procedure, the new Committee was formed as follows:
President: Roma Siachos
Vice President: Evangelos Plokamakis
General Secretary: Evangelia (Lia) Argyropoulou
Treasurer: Ioannis Sachinidis
Special Secretary: Evangelia Baksa
Public Relations: Pavlina (Paola) Haidouli
Advisor: Odysseas Krypotos
The new Executive Committee will continue the Association’s mission, promoting its activities and strengthening collaboration among its members. The Association’s aim is to safeguard, preserve, and promote Greek cultural heritage, as well as to foster love and respect for Greece.
A legal battle involving one of South Australia’s wealthiest families has reached the state’s highest court, as George Constantine Polites, 70, challenges a recent Supreme Court ruling over the estate of his late mother, Florence Gemenis Polites.
The estate, which includes a share in the multimillion-dollar family empire, has become the focus of a bitter dispute between George and his nephew, Markas Salkanovic, 54.
The appeal, lodged on Friday, December 13, contests the court’s decision to appoint an administrator to investigate the estate, which includes assets worth over $1.5 million and significant interests in the Polites Group of Companies, a real estate empire valued at over $1 billion.
Florence, who passed away in March at 102, had left a complex will that has led to accusations of financial mismanagement and family discord.
The Polites family’s fortune stems from the success of the Polites Group, which owns more than 50 properties across Adelaide and Sydney, including prime CBD locations. George Polites, who has led the family business since his father Con’s death in 2001, is known for his community involvement and personal achievements, including a career in taekwondo.
The dispute centres around the family’s longstanding tensions, particularly with Salkanovic, who has faced legal troubles, including a 2019 conviction for attempting to import drugs. Salkanovic’s strained relationship with the family became evident after his 2015 arrest, leading to years of estrangement.
The Supreme Court heard that Florence’s estate, though holding valuable assets, is burdened with significant debts. As the executor of the will, George has denied any wrongdoing, while Salkanovic has sought to contest the will in a bid to secure a larger share of the inheritance.
The ongoing legal drama highlights the deep divisions within the Polites family, with no resolution in sight.
Brewarrina Shire Council has announced the death of Councillor Angelo Pippos, who tragically passed away Friday afternoon, December 13.
Angelo was a dedicated member of the community, known for his unwavering commitment, and leadership in serving the people of Brewarrina Shire. He served as a Councillor for more than 48 years and his passion for Brewarrina did not waver right until the very end.
His most proud and beloved achievement was the world-famous Café Deluxe, first opened by his father in 1927. It was the centre piece of Brewarrina main street for almost nine decades, where Angelo kept the wood fired stove burning until 2014.
Mayor Tom Stanton expressed his profound sadness at the sudden loss and extended his heartfelt condolences to Angelo’s family.
“Angelo was not only a valued member of our Council, but also a true friend and a guiding light for our community,” Mayor Stanton said.
“His tireless dedication to improving the lives of our residents and his passion for our Shire will never be forgotten. On behalf of the entire Council, I extend my deepest sympathies to his beloved wife, Margie, and the entire Pippos family during this heartbreaking time.”
General Manager David Kirby also shared his condolences and reflected on Angelo’s significant contributions to the Shire.
“Angelo was a man of integrity and vision, and his contributions to not only Brewarrina, but to towns right across Outback NSW ensures he leaves a lasting legacy,” Mr Kirby said.
“He was a true advocate for the community and always put the needs of others first. Our thoughts and prayers are with Margie and the Pippos family as they navigate this immense loss.”
Angelo’s leadership and commitment to the Brewarrina Shire Council will be greatly missed. Council flags will be flown at half-mast in his honour, and arrangements to commemorate Angelo’s extraordinary life and contributions will be announced in the coming days.
The thoughts of the entire Brewarrina Shire community are with Margie Pippos, her family, and everyone who knew and loved Angelo during this time of profound loss.
As the 10th anniversary of the Lindt Cafe siege approaches, survivors and those involved in the tragic events continue to reflect on the lasting impact of the 2014 attack that claimed two innocent lives and forever changed many others.
Stefan Balafoutis, one of the first hostages to escape the cafe, has previously spoken at an inquest into the siege, sharing the “guilt” he still carries after fleeing while leaving behind his friends, Katrina Dawson and Julie Taylor.
Balafoutis had been seated with Dawson and Taylor when the gunman Man Haron Monis initiated the hostage situation. Dawson was tragically killed by a stray police bullet during the rescue operation.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Balafoutis returned to work as a barrister after the siege, but struggled with the loss of his close friend.
Ten years on, Louisa Hope, a fellow hostage, has shared how PTSD surfaced for her years after the event.
“It was much later for me. I was just grateful to be alive and was busy dealing with pain issues from my injuries when it was suggested I see a psychologist because of what I had been through,” Hope said.
Despite the challenges, Hope has channelled her experience into advocacy, founding the Louisa Hope Fund for Nurses to show gratitude for the medical staff who helped her recover.
For others, the trauma lingers in more subtle ways. Cafe worker Harriette Denny, who was 14 weeks pregnant during the siege, now finds herself meticulously planning every outing due to the anxiety and PTSD she still battles.
“I have to plan every outing—how we get there, how long we’re going to stay, how we can leave—it is meticulous,” she said. Denny has since had three children and admits that her experiences have made her more protective and cautious as a parent.
Among the most poignant stories of healing is that of Joel Herat, a fellow hostage who found love with his colleague Eunice Estaris in the aftermath of the attack.
“Ten years on, having gone through it, survived it, and done all [of] these other amazing things that I’m proud of… And now, I’ve married the love of my life,” he told The Daily Telegraph. The couple’s wedding last year was attended by several of their former colleagues from the cafe.
For many, the memories of the day are still vivid, and the emotional scars remain. However, survivors like Balafoutis, Hope, and Denny are finding strength in their resilience and their shared experiences.
For the first time since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad last week, Syrian Christians attended Sunday services, marking a significant moment of religious observance under the new Islamist leadership group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
The HTS, which seized power in Syria’s capital, has sought to reassure minority communities that their rights and way of life will be safeguarded.
In the Christian neighbourhood of Bab Touma in Damascus, streets were filled with worshippers returning from Mass, though many expressed lingering fear.
Historically, Syria is home to diverse ethnic and religious minorities, including Christians, Kurds, Armenians, and Shiite Muslims, many of whom feared Islamist rule during the ongoing civil war.
In Latakia, once an Assad stronghold, Lina Akhras of the St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral said that while Christians had enjoyed religious freedom under Assad, they simply wanted to live peacefully. Despite the sudden collapse of Assad’s regime, Akhras noted receiving assurances from HTS, with members reaching out to local clergy.
The protection of minorities was a central topic during recent diplomatic talks, with officials from the US, EU, Arab nations, and Turkey expressing support for a new inclusive government.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasised the importance of safeguarding minority rights and preventing the country from becoming a safe haven for terrorists.
In a sign of returning normalcy, schools reopened across Syria on Sunday, December 15. However, some parents remained hesitant to send their children to class due to ongoing uncertainties. Students, optimistic about the future, celebrated the first day back with new flags and enthusiasm.
As Syria begins the arduous task of rebuilding, Ahmad al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of the new regime, faces immense challenges, including international sanctions.
The United Nations hopes for the lifting of sanctions to facilitate the country’s recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Michael J. Rigas, a Greek American public servant, has been appointed as Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources by President-elect Donald Trump.
In his announcement on X, President Trump praised Rigas for his track record of accountability and efficiency, referencing his previous roles as Deputy and Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management and Acting Deputy Director for Management at the Office of Management and Budget during Trump’s first term.
“Mike is a conservative warrior who knows how government works,” Trump said, adding that Rigas would contribute to his administration’s goals of streamlining operations and strengthening the federal government.
Rigas holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and degrees in economics from Boston University.
With experience in both the public and private sectors, Rigas has worked to improve organisational performance, serving as Senior Advisor and Deputy Administrator at the General Services Administration (GSA) and Chief of Staff at the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services. He also led the America First Transition Project at the America First Policy Institute.
Greece’s Parliament passed the 2025 national budget on Sunday night after a five-day debate.
The centre-right New Democracy (ND) government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis secured the budget’s approval with 159 votes in favour out of 300 MPs, a vote that also served as a confidence test for the government.
The budget, described by Mitsotakis as a “budget of progress,” targets a 2.4% primary surplus of GDP for 2025, following a projected surplus of 2.5% in 2024.
Key highlights include twelve tax cuts and twelve salary increases, reflecting the government’s focus on economic growth and social support. The budget also includes measures aimed at reducing bank fees, with basic transactions now free of charge and limits on money transfer fees set at 0.50 euros for amounts up to 5,000 euros.
Προχωράμε σε παρεμβάσεις με επίκεντρο τον πολίτη. Μέτρα που συνάδουν με τους ευρωπαϊκούς κανόνες και την εθνική οικονομική αντίληψη. Και έρχονται να αναπροσανατολίσουν τα πιστωτικά ιδρύματα στην κεντρική τους αποστολή, αλλά να είναι και συμβατά με τη χρηματοπιστωτική σταθερότητα. pic.twitter.com/uuKHK5zvLc
A key point of the budget debate was the announcement of a 6.1 billion-euro defence spending increase, reflecting Greece’s response to regional security concerns. Additionally, the government has earmarked 100 million euros from the banking sector’s profits for the renovation and construction of state schools.
The budget faced strong opposition from all major opposition parties, including PASOK, SYRIZA, and the Communist Party.
Critics, such as PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis, accused the government of prioritising oligopolies over the welfare of ordinary citizens, while SYRIZA’s Socrates Famellos claimed the government was exacerbating inequalities.
Despite the opposition’s criticism, the ND government secured the budget’s passage, with additional support from independent right-wing lawmakers.
The five remaining members of the Bali Nine drug smuggling group have returned to Australia after nearly two decades in Indonesian prisons.
Scott Rush, Matthew Norman, Si-Yi Chen, Martin Stephens, and Michael Czugaj, all convicted in the 2005 heroin smuggling case, released a statement expressing “immense gratitude” to Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto for facilitating their return.
Arriving on a Jetstar flight from Bali to Darwin in the Northern Territory on Sunday, December 15, the men were accompanied by Australian officials and have been provided temporary accommodation as they work towards reintegrating into Australian society.
Their statement also highlighted their appreciation for Australian foreign ministers and other supporters who had advocated for their transfer over the years.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the return as a “humanitarian” decision, thanking Indonesia’s President Prabowo for his compassion. The Australian government’s statement emphasised the importance of supporting the men’s rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
I am pleased to confirm that Australian citizens, Si Yi Chen, Michael Czugaj, Matthew Norman, Scott Rush and Martin Stephens have returned to Australia this afternoon.
I thank President Prabowo Subianto for his compassion.
While Indonesia’s government made it clear the men were not granted clemency, their legal status changed upon arrival, allowing them to live freely in Australia.
Public opinion on the return has been divided. While some view it as an act of compassion and a chance for the men to rebuild their lives, others believe it sends the wrong message about accountability for serious drug offences.
The Bali Nine case has long been a point of contention, especially following the 2015 executions of ringleaders Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran. Renae Lawrence’s 20-year sentence was commuted in 2018 and Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen died of stomach cancer that same year.
The men’s lawyer, Julian McMahon, stated that the welfare of the remaining five ‘Bali Nine’ members would be a priority and called on the media and public to respect their privacy during their reintegration process.
Discover the magic of Greek culture, craftsmanship, and flavours this holiday season with The Greek Herald’s carefully curated gift guide. Featuring six outstanding businesses, these selections promise to bring a touch of Greece to your celebrations and gifting moments.
Matakii
Matakii celebrates Greek culture and artistry in every product.
Matakii is a treasure trove for anyone seeking Greek-inspired gifts. This one-stop Greek shop offers an array of handcrafted ceramics, vibrant décor, and stylish beach accessories, including designer bags and towels. Their exceptional gift packages, filled with authentic Greek products, make the perfect choice for the holidays. For coffee lovers, Matakii’s best-selling frappe mixers and personalised glasses make excellent gifts.
Jewellery enthusiasts will love the exquisite Greek-inspired designs, while those seeking religious items can find beautifully crafted icons, candles, and livanistiria. Matakii’s inviting atmosphere and passionate staff ensure a memorable shopping experience. For those who can’t visit in person, their online store offers a wide selection of their unique items, shipped Australia-wide. Matakii celebrates Greek culture and artistry in every product, catering to all tastes and budgets.
Oasis Coffee ensures your gift is both thoughtful and memorable.
Oasis Coffee is a dream for coffee lovers and home baristas alike. Their gift range includes everything from stocking fillers to thoughtful corporate gifts. Highlights include the 2-piece tea towel set, made from 100% cotton and adorned with stunning Greek-inspired designs, perfect for elevating any kitchen.
Oasis also offers unique, culturally inspired gifts such as the Copper Briki for brewing traditional Greek coffee, Travel Size Tavli Boards for fun on the go, and full-sized Tavli Boards for timeless game nights. These products, paired with their gourmet coffee blends, create an ideal gifting combination for anyone who loves the flavours and traditions of Greece.
Whether you’re shopping for a coffee enthusiast, a game lover, or a practical yet stylish home addition, Oasis Coffee ensures your gift is both thoughtful and memorable.
The Greek Providore offers award-winning olive oils, artisanal jams, kumquat liqueurs from Corfu, pure Greek honey, and rare spirits.
The Greek Providore is your gateway to the rich flavours, traditions, and artistry of Greece, right here in Australia. Founded to share the finest Greek products, this boutique importer curates premium goods that celebrate Greece’s culinary heritage and modern innovations.
From Crete’s olive groves to Lemnos’ vineyards, The Greek Providore offers award-winning olive oils, artisanal jams, kumquat liqueurs from Corfu, pure Greek honey, and rare spirits. Each product reflects exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and the beauty of the Greek landscape.
More than just a retailer, The Greek Providore is a community. Through its online store and blog, it connects customers with producers, chefs, and cultural icons, celebrating a shared love for Greece. Committed to sustainability and ethical sourcing, it supports small producers and preserves time-honoured traditions.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift, gourmet ingredients, or a taste of nostalgia, The Greek Providore delivers an experience like no other. Discover the heart of Greece today!
Asouvla values design, quality, and passion in every piece they create.
Created by Nicholas Ingall and Sophie Webster, Asouvla is a Sydney-based homewares brand inspired by the timeless beauty of Mediterranean hospitality. With a philosophy centred on enhancing everyday moments, Asouvla creates products that blend classic elegance with contemporary design. Their collection includes dining sets, napkins, tablecloths, and ceramics, making it easy to elevate your table for any occasion.
Asouvla values design, quality, and passion in every piece they create. Drawing inspiration from their shared love of food and hospitality, their products are crafted with both functionality and aesthetic appeal in mind. From timeless staples to custom and wholesale options, Asouvla works with leaders in craftsmanship to ensure their pieces stand the test of time.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or searching for a thoughtful gift, Asouvla offers a touch of Mediterranean charm that will spark joy in the everyday.
Mary’s Kouzina merges tradition with creativity, providing authentic, wholesome, and nostalgically flavourful experiences.
Mary Politis brings her deep love for Greece and its traditions to life through her unique and artistic creations. With a culinary journey that began at the age of 12, Mary is dedicated to preserving cultural traditions through food and art. Her products reflect her passion for Greece, combining the flavours of heritage with the beauty of design.
On Mary’s Kouzina’s website, you’ll find custom-printed Greek-themed tea towels, perfect for gifting. These beautifully illustrated pieces often include traditional Greek recipes, offering both a functional kitchen accessory and a keepsake that celebrates culture. Some designs are even Christmas-specific, making them ideal holiday gifts. Another standout product is her Greek olive wooden spoon, inscribed with “Kali Orexi,” a thoughtful addition to any kitchen or gift hamper.
Mary’s Kouzina merges tradition with creativity, providing authentic, wholesome, and nostalgically flavourful experiences. Perfect for anyone looking to celebrate Greek heritage in a meaningful way, her creations transport you back to the heart of Yiayia’s kitchen.
Thematikos ensures every item is as beautiful as it is meaningful.
Thematikos specialises in creating beautifully crafted homewares that celebrate Greek culture and artistry. Their product range includes elegant ceramics, aromatic candles, home fragrances, stone busts, and stunning art prints. Each item is designed with care to bring the timeless beauty of Greece into your home or gift-giving.
Inspired by the rich history and culture of Greece, Thematikos combines traditional motifs with modern aesthetics, resulting in unique pieces that are both functional and decorative. Whether you’re searching for the perfect centrepiece for your dining table or a meaningful gift for a loved one, their collection promises to impress.
With a dedication to quality and craftsmanship, Thematikos ensures every item is as beautiful as it is meaningful. Their timeless designs and exceptional attention to detail make their products an ideal choice for holiday gifting or adding a touch of elegance to your space.
