Daniel Menelaou, a 28-year-old youth pastor formerly associated with Adelaide’s Futures Church, has been arrested in Georgia, USA, on charges related to child exploitation material.
According to The Advertiser, the Roswell Police Department apprehended Menelaou following a tip-off from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, alleging his involvement in sharing illicit content via the messaging app Kik.
Authorities have charged Menelaou with six counts of possessing material depicting minors in sexually explicit conduct.
Adelaide pastor Daniel Menelaou arrested in US over child abuse material allegations.
The arrest followed investigations by the Roswell Police and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, during which several electronic devices were seized for analysis.
Menelaou reportedly admitted to receiving and sharing the explicit videos and acknowledged a pornography addiction.
Prior to his relocation to the United States, Menelaou served as a youth pastor at Paradise Church in Adelaide from 2018. In the US, he was affiliated with Future Church in Alpharetta, Georgia. Both institutions have expressed shock and condemnation regarding the allegations.
Future Church has terminated Menelaou’s position, stating the charges are “abhorrent, appalling, and completely contrary to everything we stand for,” and has pledged support for his wife during this challenging time.
Greek passport holders can travel to 176 countries visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival, placing Greece ahead of both the UK (172) and the US (171) in global mobility rankings.
With Spain’s decision to end its Golden Visa programme, Greece has become the most attractive option for investors seeking European residency and, eventually, citizenship.
Anafi island. Greece has become the most attractive option for investors. Photo: Visit Greece.
The Greek Golden Visa programme grants a five-year residency for a minimum investment of €250,000, with a fast processing time of just 60 days. After seven years, holders can apply for full citizenship, securing one of the world’s most desirable passports.
As demand surges, experts warn that Greece’s investment scheme may not be available indefinitely, making now a crucial time for investors to secure residency.
On Sunday, 16 March 2025, a sold-out crowd of 200 people gathered at The Grand Roxy in Brighton-Le-Sands for ‘Hellenic Horizons: Greek Women Leading the Path to Progress’, hosted by the Greek Festival of Sydney in collaboration with The Greek Herald.
The International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration brought together men and women from diverse backgrounds to honour the strength, resilience, and achievements of Hellenic women in Australia and beyond.
As guests arrived, they were greeted with a live violin performance by Lily Innis, an elegant selection of canapés, and the powerful imagery of Effy Alexakis’ exclusive portrait exhibition, setting the tone for an evening of reflection, inspiration, and celebration.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Chrysa Prokopaki, Trade Commissioner of Greece in Australia; Harry Danalis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW; Nia Karteris, Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney; Bayside City Councillors Fiona Douskou and Vicki Poulos, and Randwick City Councillor Alexandra Luxford; as well as many media representatives and Presidents for local Greek community organisations.
Speeches were given by Ms Prokopaki and Mr Danalis, whilst the event was emceed by Marika Kontellis.
Trade Commissioner of Greece in Australia, Chrysa Prokopaki (left), and Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney, Nia Karteris (right).
Harry Danalis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW.
Chrysa Prokopaki, Trade Commissioner of Greece in Australia.
Emcee Marika Kontellis.
A panel of trailblazing women
The highlight of the afternoon was a captivating panel discussion, moderated by Andriana Simos, Digital Editor of The Greek Herald. The discussion, themed “March Forward,” focused on rights, equality, and empowerment, with three outstanding women sharing their journeys:
Lieutenant Commander Pelagia Markogiannakis – A leader in the Australian Defence Force and private sector, breaking barriers in engineering, infrastructure, and project management.
Mary Konstantopoulos – A lawyer, writer, and women’s sports advocate, best known as the founder of ‘Ladies Who League,’ a platform promoting female participation in sports and advocating for equality in the industry.
Michaela Loukas – A 17-year-old STEM innovator and community leader, recognised for her groundbreaking robotic melanoma screening prototype and AI-driven breast cancer diagnosis model.
(L-R) Michaela Loukas, Lieutenant Commander Pelagia Markogiannakis, Andriana Simos, and Mary Konstantopoulos.
Originally, the panel was set to include anti-bullying lawyer Stefanie Costi, but due to a last-minute medical emergency, Michaela graciously stepped in, earning admiration from the audience for her poise and insight.
Each panellist spoke about the challenges they faced in their fields, the impact of Greek heritage on their careers, and the power of mentorship and advocacy.
Lieutenant Commander Markogiannakis discussed the barriers she overcame as a woman in a male-dominated field, reflecting on her journey from a Greek Australian upbringing in Melbourne to leading major defence infrastructure projects.
Lieutenant Commander Markogiannakis spoke about the challenges she has faced in the Australian Defence Force.
“I grew up in a traditional Greek household, where my father was a strong egalitarian and always told me, ‘You need to be the best at whatever you choose to do.’ That lesson stayed with me when I joined the navy at 15, despite my mother’s protests,” Lieutenant Commander Markogiannakis said.
She went on to describe the challenges of working in high-risk environments, including moments when she was the only woman in leadership positions.
“I had to work twice as hard to prove myself. At sea, there were no doors on toilets, no separate spaces for women—it wasn’t easy. But I refused to let that stop me. Resilience is something I learned through my Greek upbringing, and I carried that through my career in the navy and later in the private sector,” she said.
Ms Konstantopoulos shared how her passion for sports and advocacy led her to challenge gender biases in sports media and administration.
“I started ‘Ladies Who League’ as a simple blog, a way to highlight the lack of representation for women in rugby league. At first, I thought, ‘Who is going to listen to me?’ But I quickly realised there were so many women in sport who felt the same way—who deserved a platform to be seen and heard,” Ms Konstantopoulos explained.
Mary Konstantopoulos.
She spoke about the barriers women in sport continue to face, from pay disparity to visibility in leadership roles.
“We’ve come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. Women in sport are still paid significantly less than men, and we still have to fight for equal coverage. But we are making progress, and we have to keep pushing forward,” she urged.
Michaela, who was born in Greece and moved to Australia at age five, spoke about her journey into STEM and how she has worked to develop life-changing medical technology.
Michaela Loukas.
“I was always fascinated by science. When I was little, I had this book about the human body, and I would make my mum read it to me every night. That curiosity never left me,” she said.
Michaela then shared a particularly personal reason behind her passion for medical research: “I’m an IVF baby—science created me, and I feel an obligation to give back to science. My dad has had a history of recurring cancers, and seeing his experiences firsthand made me realise how much innovation in healthcare can change lives.”
Despite excelling in STEM, Michaela noted the barriers young women face in entering the field.
“STEM is still a male-dominated industry, and there are so few women in leadership roles. But that’s why I do what I do—because I want to change that narrative. I want to show young girls that they belong in STEM, that they can make groundbreaking discoveries, and that they don’t have to wait for permission to succeed,” she said passionately.
The panel was followed by a Q&A session, where audience members engaged in insightful discussions with the panellists. One particularly poignant question asked the women which figure from Ancient Greece they admired most. Each panellist chose not a historical figure, but instead paid tribute to the enduring strength and influence of their Greek yiayia – grandmothers who have shaped families, preserved traditions, and imparted resilience to future generations.
A productive Q&A session.
Effy Alexakis’ exclusive exhibition: A visual tribute to Hellenic women
Adding to the depth of the event, attendees were treated to a moving photographic exhibition by Ms Alexakis, showcasing portraits of inspirational Greek and Cypriot Australian women.
The collection included images of Chanel Contos, the fearless activist behind the ‘Teach Us Consent’ movement, and Matina Mottee, a passionate advocate for migrant women. Another striking piece was Alexakis’ ‘work in progress’ series on a shared wedding dress, tracing the history of six Greek women who wore the same gown after migrating to Australia.
Effy Alexakis’ exclusive portrait exhibition was enjoyed by everyone on the day.
Alexakis expressed her motivation behind the exhibition: “I chose women who I have not photographed before, who I consider inspirational and who have made a difference within their community.”
The powerful imagery resonated deeply with attendees, sparking conversations about heritage, perseverance, and the strength of Hellenic women across generations.
Ms Menounos delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on the impact of the award and the responsibility it carries. Drawing from her experience over the past year, she spoke about how receiving the honour amplified her voice and deepened her commitment to advocating for women in leadership. She also provided an update on the St Nicholas Mission Academy (St Nic’s)—a school she co-founded in Ghana, providing free education to 250 students.
‘The Greek Herald Woman of the Year 2025’ Award was won by Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou AM, the founder of the Food for Thought Network, an organisation dedicated to mentoring and empowering Hellenic women in Australia and globally.
Varvara was surprised to be awarded.
The inaugural ‘Woman to Watch’ award, celebrating young female leaders, was awarded to Melina and Zoe Haritopoulou-Sinanidou, scientist sisters making strides in STEM research.
As each award was announced, the room erupted in applause and celebration, with attendees recognising the winners’ dedication, perseverance, and contributions to their respective fields.
Sisters and scientists Melina and Zoe Haritopoulou-Sinanidou.
In addition to the award winners, the event also celebrated the finalists, who represented an extraordinary range of talent across multiple industries. Among them were scientists, entrepreneurs, community leaders, advocates, and artists, all making significant contributions to Australian society while honouring their Hellenic heritage.
The finalists who were able to attend the event.
A night of inspiration and community
The event concluded with a presentation and heartfelt vote of thanks from Ms Karteris, who encouraged attendees to continue championing the achievements of Hellenic women.
The overwhelming success of ‘Hellenic Horizons’ solidified its place as a cornerstone event for IWD, ensuring that the contributions of Hellenic women—past, present, and future—will be honoured and celebrated for years to come.
The winners of ‘The Greek Herald Woman of the Year’ and ‘Woman to Watch’ awards were announced in a moment of celebration at the sold-out ‘Hellenic Horizons’ International Women’s Day (IWD) event on Sunday, 16 March 2025.
Hosted by the Greek Festival of Sydney and proudly supported by The Greek Herald, the event was a powerful tribute to Hellenic women in Australia leading change, breaking barriers, and inspiring future generations.
The awards, now in their second year, were introduced to recognise the achievements of Greek and Cypriot Australian women.
This year, an independent judging panel – consisting of Maria Vamvakinou MP, Federal Member for Calwell, Andrea Michaels MP, SA Minister for Small and Family Business, Consumer and Business Affairs, and the Arts, and Violet Roumeliotis AM, CEO of Settlement Services International – carefully selected the finalists and winners, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
Honouring a champion for women: Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou AM
The prestigious ‘Greek Herald Woman of the Year’ Award was presented to Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou AM, a passionate advocate for gender equality and the founder of the Food for Thought Network. With a career dedicated to mentoring and empowering women, Varvara has been a driving force for progress within the Greek Australian community.
Taking to the stage, she delivered a heartfelt speech, reflecting on the importance of lifting others up.
“This award is not just mine. It belongs to every woman who was told she couldn’t—but did. To every man who champions equality. To every person who dares to challenge the status quo,” Ms Athanasiou-Ioannou said.
Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou AM was surprised to win the award.
Varvara spoke of the legacy of women’s rights activists and the work that still lies ahead.
“It’s going to take five generations for us to reach true equality. But we stand on the shoulders of giants—women like Emmeline Pankhurst, who led the British suffragette movement, and Vida Goldstein, one of the first women to stand for federal election in Australia. Their determination and fight have stayed with me, and I hope we continue to push forward.”
Varvara holding her award.
She closed her speech with an uplifting message to young girls and boys, urging them to embrace courage, inclusion, and leadership.
“To young girls watching—your voice matters, and your future is limitless. To young boys—stand beside, not above, others. Let us continue breaking barriers, amplifying voices, and shaping a future where everyone thrives,” Ms Athanasiou-Ioannou said.
A new generation of leaders: ‘Woman to Watch’ Award
The inaugural ‘Woman to Watch’ Award, celebrating young Greek and Cypriot Australian women under 25 who are emerging as leaders, was awarded to sisters and scientists Melina and Zoe Haritopoulou-Sinanidou.
The announcement was particularly emotional as it was revealed that Melina and Zoe are the daughters of The Greek Herald journalist Mary Sinanidis, reinforcing the intergenerational strength of Greek women in leadership and knowledge.
Visibly moved, the sisters took the stage and expressed their gratitude for the recognition.
“We are deeply honoured to receive this award. It is a recognition not just of our work but of every young Greek Australian woman who is pushing boundaries and making a difference,” Melina said.
Sisters and scientists Melina and Zoe Haritopoulou-Sinanidou.
Zoe reflected on the barriers that women in science continue to face and the legacy of those who came before them.
“I feel incredibly lucky to live in a time when I can follow my dreams. My grandmother wanted to pursue a career in science, but she was from Imvros and in her era, it wasn’t common for women to be scientists. Instead, she became a teacher because that was more reasonable during her time. Knowing her story has always made me work twice as hard to achieve…” Zoe said.
She also acknowledged the support of her mentors and colleagues, sharing her hope for a more inclusive STEM industry.
Melina, who identified as an ‘introvert,’ admitted to feeling overwhelmed by the recognition but took the opportunity to acknowledge the women who have inspired her.
Finalists and winners for the ‘Woman to Watch’ category.
“There are so many remarkable women who have shaped my journey. Our grandmother… and also our mum who is someone that always takes risks and always puts us first. Because of her we have been able to have every opportunity possible. I would also like to thank Professor Vaso Apostolopoulos, who has really inspired me,” Melina said.
The sisters closed their speech with a powerful call to action, urging young women to pursue their passions fearlessly.
Celebrating the finalists
The finalists for both award categories represented an extraordinary range of talent across multiple industries—law, science, media, community leadership, and the arts—demonstrating the remarkable diversity of Greek and Cypriot Australian women’s contributions.
All the finalists who were present at the event.
Finalists for ‘The Greek Herald Woman of the Year’ Award 2025:
Christina Iskandar – Founder of Diva Charity Incorporated, NSW
Fay Savvides Calderone – Employment Law Partner at Hall & Wilcox and Author, NSW
Dr Elena Limnios – Engineer, Business Owner & Board Director, WA
Kristina Liotis – Content Creator and Founder of ‘Are You Even Greek,’ VIC
Helen Emmanuel Pras JP – Community Leader & Founder of the Greek Women’s Group, VIC
Sophia Siachos – Lawyer, Restauranteur & Chair of Victoria’s Greek National Day Council, VIC
Michaela Kaoullas – Scientist & Researcher in Pharmacology, VIC
Eleni Paneras – Head of National Vision at News Corp, NSW
Chloe Katopodis – Designer & Business Owner, SA
Finalists for ‘Woman to Watch’ Award 2025:
Lavinia Mangos – Teacher & Cultural Advocate, NSW
Michaela Loukas – Year 12 Student & STEM Innovator, NSW
Daphne Gerolymou-Papadopoulou – Actor & Theatre Maker, VIC
Angelique Aifantis – Student & President of Sydney University Greek Society, NSW
A celebration of legacy and progress
The awards were presented by Anais Menounos, the inaugural winner of ‘The Greek Herald Woman of the Year’ Award in 2024, alongside Dimitra Skalkos, Publisher & Managing Director of The Greek Herald.
(L-R) Anais Menounos, ‘The Greek Herald Woman of the Year 2024’ Award winner, Dimitra Skalkos, Publisher at The Greek Herald, and Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou OAM, this year’s ‘Greek Herald Woman of the Year.’
As the night came to a close, the winners and finalists stood together, a powerful symbol of progress, resilience, and community.
With the overwhelming success of this year’s event, ‘The Greek Herald Woman of the Year’ Awards will continue as an annual tradition, ensuring that Greek and Cypriot Australian women’s achievements are celebrated and their legacies preserved for years to come.
Today, we say goodbye to one of the most cherished members and benefactors of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Nick Andrianakos—a man whose lifelong dedication to his heritage and unwavering support left an indelible mark on our community.
Born in the village of Pikerni in Arcadia, Greece, Nick emigrated to Australia in the 1960s. Through his dedication and remarkable capabilities, he became one of the most esteemed members of our community, always leading with generosity and integrity.
We farewell a dear friend and an extraordinary man.
The Board of Directors of the Greek Community of Melbourne will forever honour his memory.
The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia (HMSA) hosted a wonderful International Women’s Day event at the Botanical Hotel in Melbourne, bringing together an esteemed gathering of medical professionals to celebrate the achievements and resilience of Greek women in medicine.
In his opening address, Associate Professor Marinis Pirpiris, President of the HMSA, underscored the transformative role of women in healthcare, emphasising that they are not merely part of the system but are actively redefining it. He spoke passionately about their leadership, innovation, and the necessity of equity in the medical field.
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A/Prof Pirpiris extended heartfelt appreciation to Dr Athina Pirpiris for her instrumental role in organising this significant event, which provided a platform for Greek medical professionals—both male and female—to engage in meaningful discussions on the challenges and contributions of Greek women in healthcare.
The evening featured an illustrious panel of Greek female medical leaders, who shared their personal journeys of perseverance, resilience, and excellence.
Associate Professor Vicki Kotsirilos AM
Professor Genie Pedagogos
Associate Professor Ana Chrysostomou
Their narratives offered candid insights into the barriers they faced as Greek women navigating the healthcare profession—from confronting gender bias to overcoming cultural and linguistic challenges in a historically male-dominated field.
Despite these adversities, these exceptional women broke through barriers, forging successful careers and paving the way for future generations of female doctors. Their experiences underscored the progress made while also highlighting the ongoing challenges that women in medicine continue to face today.
Reflecting on the event, A/Prof Vicki Kotsirilos AM expressed her gratitude.
“I am truly grateful, humbled, and honoured to have spoken for the HMSA on International Women’s Day. So many leading Greek female doctors deserve recognition for their work. Women are often under-recognised for their achievements, and it is incredibly noble of the HMSA to create this platform to celebrate female leaders who are making a difference in our community,” A/Prof Kotsirilos said.
“Doctors hold a powerful and respected voice in society. We can influence key decisions, engage in meaningful dialogue with authorities, and educate the broader community on health matters. Throughout my career, I have found that gratitude, respectful dialogue, patience, persistence, and courage have been instrumental in opening doors and driving change.”
The event also provided an opportunity to reflect on the historical struggles and achievements of Greek women, from Ancient Greece to the present day. Dean Kalymniou, a distinguished lawyer, historian and writer, explored the enduring impact of patriarchy on women’s social standing, education, and financial independence, drawing parallels between past societal constraints and the challenges that persist in contemporary times.
The HMSA extends its sincere appreciation to Aspasia Dukas and Dukasa Dispensary for their generous sponsorship of the evening. Ms Dukas, a highly accomplished pharmacist and founder of Dukasa Dispensary, a leader in pharmaceutical compounding in Australia, embodies the very essence of perseverance and excellence that the event sought to celebrate.
The overwhelming positive feedback and enthusiasm generated by this event have inspired the HMSA to establish this as an annual gathering, fostering continued dialogue, mentorship, and advocacy for gender equity in healthcare.
The International Women’s Day event was not just a celebration—it was a call to action. It reinforced the vital role of female medical professionals in shaping the future of healthcare, ensuring that equity, recognition, and leadership remain at the forefront of the profession.
The HMSA remains committed to championing these ideals, ensuring that the voices of Greek women in medicine continue to be heard, celebrated, and empowered for generations to come.
Representatives of organisations from the South Australian Greek community gathered on March 15 for the inaugural Community Engagement Forum hosted by the South Australian Multicultural Commission (SAMC).
The forum provided a crucial platform for Greek community leaders, youth groups, cultural institutions, church representatives and officials to voice concerns, identify challenges, and propose solutions aimed at strengthening the position and sustainability of Greek cultural organisations in South Australia.
The Commission is a statutory advisory body that reports to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, The Hon. Zoe Bettison MP, and raises awareness and promotes multiculturalism and interculturalism in South Australia. The Commission’s mandate is to ensure that the voices of South Australia’s diverse cultural groups are heard, both within government and across broader society.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.
This was the first community engagement forum with the South Australian Greek community, led by Chair of the Commission, Ms Luisa Greco, and spearheaded by Multicultural Commissioner, Ms. Chloe Kourakis, with additional support from other Commission members. The forum provided a platform for Greek community leaders to discuss challenges, share opportunities, and propose solutions that the Commission can bring to the Minister’s attention.
As Ms. Kourakis stated in her opening remarks, “This forum is not just about identifying challenges but also about finding collaborative solutions that ensure the Greek community in South Australia remains strong, engaged, and well-supported… We want to create a bridge between the community and government, ensuring that voices from every generation are heard and acted upon.”
Discussions were positive and very passionate, reflecting the deep sense of responsibility the Greek community feels for preserving and evolving its cultural legacy in South Australia.
The primary objectives included enhancing event coordination, the evolution of the Greek cultural landscape in SA, increasing youth participation in community leadership, strengthening intercultural collaboration, addressing the needs of aging community members, and improving access to resources and funding.
Event Coordination and Funding: A need for better planning
A major discussion point was the fragmentation of community events and funding applications. Many Greek community organisations host independent events, often applying for separate funding grants. This fragmented approach results in smaller funding allocations per group and reduces the overall impact of community events.
Additionally, overlapping event schedules lead to lower attendance and engagement due to divided public interest. A lack of a centralised event calendar also makes it difficult for organisations to plan events effectively, often leading to scheduling conflicts.
One participant highlighted the issue, stating, “We have all these fantastic festivals, but we’re stepping on each other’s toes. It would be great if we could have a coordinated calendar so that people could attend multiple events without them competing for attention.”
To address these issues, a majority of participants proposed the development of a publicly accessible Greek event calendar that would allow community leaders to coordinate scheduling efforts and reduce event clashes.
Furthermore, there was a strong recommendation for collaborative event planning where multiple organisations work together to pool resources and secure larger funding allocations. Establishing joint grant applications for major festivals would also ensure that funding is directed toward high-impact, inclusive events that attract diverse participation.
There was also a proposal of a centralised contact list of Greek organisation presidents and committees to improve communication and allow organisations to send out group messages.
Mr Alex Demetriou – Chair of HACCI (SA) (Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry) emphasised the issue of sponsorship fatigue, noting that businesses are repeatedly asked to sponsor events and that grants should be structured to supplement private sponsorships. He suggested that the SAMC help connect organisations with broader funding sources to support events addressing shared themes across different communities.
Youth engagement in the next generation of community leadership
The forum highlighted a gap in youth participation in Greek community organisations. Many committees are led by older generations, with limited representation of younger voices.
Young people often feel disconnected from the traditional structures and decision-making processes within cultural organisations, leading to declining engagement. Additionally, there is no formalised process for leadership succession, making it difficult to transition younger members into leadership roles.
A young representative noted, “It’s frustrating when we want to contribute but feel like we are being sidelined. The older generation has done so much, but we need to be given the chance to take up leadership roles and bring in new ideas.”
Youth groups represented ranged from, but not limited to, the University Greek societies to cultural organisations such as Neolea and Hellenic Collective, and Church youth initiatives such as Saint Anthony Youth of SA.
There was also strong support for structured succession planning, ensuring that leadership roles are gradually transitioned to younger members over time.
To further encourage youth involvement, participants proposed government incentives for youth-led initiatives, such as targeted grants that prioritise initiatives aimed at youth engagement and events. Additionally, there was strong support for youth advisory councils within cultural organisations to provide new perspectives and encourage innovation.
The conversation also highlighted the importance of modern communication tools. Some youth attendees suggested that organisations embrace digital engagement strategies, such as social media and online platforms, to attract and retain younger members.
Balancing tradition and modernity
A key debate centred on how to balance cultural preservation with modernisation and contemporary progress. Many organisations focus on maintaining Greek traditions, language, and customs, but some younger members feel the need for cultural activities to evolve to remain relevant.
Ms Dina Houssos, President of the Pan-Laconian Society of SA, raised concerns about “souvlaki fatigue,” noting that too many Greek events focus on food stalls selling the same products. She suggested collaborating with cultural institutions in Greece to bring unique artistic and historical experiences to the state.
“We need to think about evolving our events and initiatives in line with Greece’s own cultural evolution,” she stated.
One participant expressed, “We don’t want to lose our traditions, but we also need to be open to how culture is evolving. Greek culture is more than just history—it’s about who we are today.”
This quote emphasised a broader discussion about the artistic revival and diversity in Greek culture, with opportunities to source new and interesting content directly from Greece.
Integration challenges for new migrants
Newly arrived Greek migrants often face difficulties connecting with established Greek organisations, leading to social isolation and a lack of awareness about available resources.
Several community leaders acknowledged that many smaller organisations lack the resources to conduct effective outreach, which makes it challenging for migrants to find cultural and support networks.
To address this, the forum proposed the development of a public directory listing all Greek cultural organisations along with contact information, upcoming events, and available resources.
Future planning
Mr Iakovos Digenis from the Cyprus Community of SA and Justice for Cyprus Committee (S.E.K.A) raised concerns of outdated constitutions and governance structures in many Greek organisations, especially those which are smaller in size. He called for resources on risk assessments, legislative requirements, and compliance regulations to help modernise community operations.
It was also suggested in the forum that financial grants or incentives for holding events in the off-season or on culturally significant days such as March 25 (Greek Independence Day) may promote a balanced and steady stream of events throughout the year, rather than a majority of events in the early or latter months of each year.
Next steps: Turning discussions into action
The forum underscored the need for collaboration, youth inclusion, policy improvements, and strategic community planning to ensure that Greek cultural organisations remain strong and sustainable.
The SAMC will now consolidate and present key takeaways to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs.
The SAMC told The Greek Herald it is their intention to hold follow-up forums quarterly to assess progress and track implementation of proposed solutions, and that it is in the interest of organisations throughout South Australia to collaborate on events where interests, topic areas or goals align.
The benefit for communities and supports is that, for example, if collaboration occurs then organisations will be in a more advantageous position to receiving a larger portion of grant funding from a total allocation, leading to better outcomes from communities and support.
Inter-community collaboration is key for this, and this forum presents the first step in achieving a more united community, focused on the preservation and perpetuation of Greek culture for generations to come.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.
A new era begins for the Palesviaki Enosis of Melbourne and Victoria, as after nine months of persistent effort, the Executive Board has reached an agreement to purchase a new building in the Oakleigh area for around $4 million.
In a telephone conversation with The Greek Herald, the President of the Palesviaki Enosis, John Karanikolas, shared the exciting news for the Lesvian community of Melbourne.
“My Committee and I are pleased to announce that on Friday, 14 March 2025, we reached an agreement to purchase a building in an industrial zone in Oakleigh,” Mr Karanikolas said.
“With the acquisition of this new property, our association is turning a new page. We will have a new space to accommodate our members and host our cultural events, always with a vision for the continuation of our association by the younger generation.”
When asked about the condition of the building, Mr Karanikolas stated: “It is a brand-new, two-storey building. The first-floor houses offices, which means we will have a steady rental income, while the ground floor, with various modifications, will be transformed into our club, which will have a Mytilenian character. Additionally, there is a private car park with space for 35 vehicles, and there is also ample parking available around the building.”
In response to our final question about when the building will be handed over to the Palesviaki Enosis, Mr Karanikolas said: “The agreement states that we will receive the keys in six months from today. However, we have the right to prepare plans for the necessary modifications and visit the property for various technical purposes.”
“Every idea, every proposal, and any form of voluntary contribution will play a crucial role in the proper utilisation of the building and its surrounding space,” Mr Karanikolas added.
“Looking towards to the future, and guided by the achievements of the past, we have every reason to believe in a great outcome that we will pass on to future generations.”
The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) has filed a court case against the Victorian government, seeking to have its payout increased to $27.91 million for land acquired for the North East Link project.
The community had planned to build a centre and sell part of the land for development, but the project was halted by the North East Link.
The GCM’s proposal for the property.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Valuer General appraised the land at $11.45 million, with the department offering and paying $11.48 million.
However, the GCM, through law firm Rigby Cooke, argues the land is worth $26.5 million based on a valuation report by M3 Property and is now suing for $27.91 million, including land value, compensation, and legal costs.
The planned East Link.
The property, which includes limited developable land, could have been used for mixed-use, residential, and community purposes.
The GCM holds significant assets, including the Greek Centre on Lonsdale Street and Alphington Grammar School, with its churches valued at over $110 million.
The Department of Transport and Planning maintains that compensation is based on independent assessments by the Valuer General.
Nick Andrianakos was a giant amongst us. His relationship with me spanned a friendship, legal services and community benefactor. At all times, he was warm, generous and simply a delight to be around. His stories of his journey and success in Australia are the stuff of legends.
From a suitcase on his arrival in Australia to billionaire. However, importantly, his financial success was not the measure of him. His compassion and generosity is what drove him. He had a deep appreciation of family and our community. He was proudest when he spoke about his children (Theo, Paul, Vicky and Christina) and grandchildren.
Nick was one of the first people I met when I became President of the Greek Community of Melbourne. In fact, soon after that first meeting, I invited Nick for a coffee to discuss a vision we had to build a multi-purpose hall at Alphington Grammar. As we sat down 15 years ago and I explained the project, I said to Nick somewhat timidly, “do you think you could support the project, say with a donation of $250,000?”. Nick immediately thrust his hand forward and I, without knowing the outcome of this, also extended my hand, to which Nick then replied “done.”
That was it. A 5-minute conversation was all it took for Nick to be sold on a project for the betterment of our school program. However, this support underscored Nick’s passion for education. For him, he lamented not having finished high school in Greece. Nick could see the benefits that education brought and he wanted to invest in it for the benefit of others.
Nick Andrianakos. Photo: Athina Souli.
In that regard, Nick was so proud of his brother who was a leading medical doctor in Greece. I recall how he cried on the phone when I called him to extend my condolences a few years ago when his brother passed away. Nick was not afraid to show his emotions as his love for family was complete. That day, Nick said to me on the phone, “you cannot replace blood. My brother was my blood, and I feel lost without him.”
In recent years, Nick spent a large part of his time in Greece. He had acquired a hotel in Nafplio and when I asked a few months ago, whilst he showed me around the hotel, where he found the energy for the redevelopment, he replied, “I love the country of my birth and I want to support Greece as much as I can. It’s hard to do business here but its my duty.” Again, his motives were totally altruistic. Nick wanted to help others wherever he was.
Nick will remain forever with us through his legacy and the multi-purpose hall at Alphington Grammar, which proudly bears his name.
