Giannis Poulopoulos was a Greek singer-songwriter, who had several hits in Greece during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. In terms of total album sales, he is the fourth biggest-selling Greek singer of all time.
We take a look back at his life and musical career.
Early Life:
Poulopoulos was born on June 29, 1941, in the village of Kardamili, in the Peloponnese’s Messinia region.
His parents lived in Athens, in the area of Metaxourgeio and then moved to Peristeri, specifically in the area of Agia Triada. At the age of five, Poulopoulos was orphaned by his mother and grew up with his father Giorgos and his little brother Vassilis.
From a young age, Poulopoulos was inclined to sing.
Giannis Poulopoulos.
Music Career:
Poulopoulos became a household name with a series of hits in the 1960s. He collaborated with the country’s most eminent composers including Mikis Theodorakis, Giannis Spanos and Mimis Plessas.
In 1965, he was the first performer of four songs written by Manos Loizos. It was also about the same time he had a successful hit with ‘Mi mou thymonis matia mou’ (Don’t be angry with me, my love) composed by Stavros Kouyioumtzis.
By 1966, his records gained considerable popularity and his songs were featured in popular Greek films.
The year that sent Poulopoulos to the top was 1969, when the album “O Dromos” (The Street) by Mimis Plessas and the lyrics of Lefteris Papadopoulos was released. Yiannis Poulopoulos sang 10 of the 12 songs, making the album the first gold record in Greek recording history.
Later life and Death:
Poulopoulos decided to retire from singing in 1999. Despite generous proposals to sing in clubs and record again, the singer declined to accept.
Poulopoulos died on August 23, 2020, at the age of 79. The singer had been in the intensive care unit of the capital’s Attikon Hospital for treatment for serious health problems.
On Wednesday night, the top-ranked Greek female tennis player also shared a photo on Instagram of her and Philippoussis training together at the gym.
Whilst Sakkari is still working with her long-time coach Tom Hill, her new hire comes at a good time ahead of the Wimbledon tournament in July this year.
Philippoussis was once a great tennis player mostly noted for his grass-court prowess. He contested two grand slam finals (Wimbledon and US Open) winning 11 titles and peaking at number 8 in the rankings.
The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has finally handed down the findings of a corruption probe into former Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
The ICAC has found Ms Berejiklian and her former lover Daryl Maguire engaged in serious corrupt conduct.
The report by ICAC was delivered to parliament just after 9am today, almost two years after Ms Berejiklian resigned from the state’s top job.
Gladys Berejiklian.
The ICAC was probing whether Ms Berejiklian’s secret relationship with Mr Maguire, the former MP for Wagga Wagga, influenced her conduct in office.
The report concluded Ms Berejiklian breached public trust by overseeing funding in the electorate of Wagga Wagga without disclosing her personal relationship with Mr Maguire. It found she had a conflict of interest between her public duty and private interest.
Ms Berejiklian has maintained she executed her duties with the highest level of integrity.
The ICAC is not recommending the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) pursue Ms Berejiklian for any offence.
In their inaugural meeting with the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Coordination Commission for Brisbane 2032, representatives from the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee provided an update on the progress of their preparations.
The meeting was led by the IOC Coordination Commission Chair, Kirsty Coventry, and the President of the Brisbane 2032 Board, Andrew Liveris AO, from Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland, with the rest of the Coordination Commission joining remotely.
Speaking about the meeting, Coventry said: “In this historic gathering, we acknowledged the remarkable journey we will take together. With nine years ahead, in partnership with Brisbane 2032, we are focused on the unique opportunity to embrace innovation and chart a path that redefines the Olympic and Paralympic Games for the next generation.”
“The extensive groundwork already underway reflects our shared vision to bring about profound transformations in the lives of local communities through the power of the Games,” she continued.
“We understand the intrinsic bond between Australia, Queensland and the spirit of sport. Brisbane 2032’s commitment to leveraging the Games as a catalyst for creating opportunities and broadening access to sport will have a transformative impact on communities.
“Strategic conversations have already been taking place with the Organising Committee in the context of the IOC’s Games Optimisation Group. Today I will also chair the next meeting of this group.
“Brisbane 2032 are the perfect partners to combine this stream with that of Olympic Agenda 2020+5 and become the ideal projection of our optimisation efforts. Australians have always rallied behind the Games, and we have the privilege of carrying that flame forward, together.”
In addition, Brisbane 2032 President Liveris said: “Our aim for Brisbane 2032 is to drive success through collaboration, and we’re well underway with our planning to achieve this.”
“Since the evolution of the Organising Committee in April 2022, our priority has been to build a solid foundation for the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mr Liveris added.
“In our initial phase, we have been focused on education, establishment and engagement – and I must thank every one of our Games Delivery Partners for supporting a united effort to see Brisbane shine on the world stage in the lead-up to and in 2032.
"Extensive groundwork already underway reflects our shared vision to bring about profound transformations in the lives of local communities through the power of the Games." – Kirsty Coventry, Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for Brisbane 2032. ⬇️https://t.co/wWUHJKaIdtpic.twitter.com/iZftYLgLFI
“We have spoken with over 1,100 stakeholders connected to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, including athletes and Para athletes, the local community, First Nations people, the IOC, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), other Games Organising Committees, industry representatives and beyond.
“We surveyed more than 2,500 people on their perceptions of Brisbane and our brand, and more than 14,000 ideas and aspirations have been captured as part of Games legacy sessions. All of this research and these conversations are critical to defining our priorities for Brisbane 2032 and ensuring that we deliver an exceptional experience for athletes, communities, fans and lovers of sport, both in Australia and around the world.
“We have a lot to be proud of and a lot to do in the coming years as we continue to plan, assess and deliver a new standard for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, driven by Olympic Agenda 2020+5 – one that champions athleticism, diversity, inclusion, sustainability, economic benefits and social impact.”
The meeting focused on the success and progress of the past two years since the Olympic and Paralympic Games were awarded to Brisbane, with the Organising Committee highlighting a multitude of opportunities and optimism surrounding these Games.
The Olympic Games Brisbane 2032 are scheduled to take place between 23 July and 8 August, with the Paralympic Games to be held between 24 August and 5 September.
Greece’s re-elected Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis unveiled his government’s roadmap for the next four years during an inaugural cabinet meeting in Athens on Wednesday.
Η πρώτη μας συνεδρίαση πραγματοποιείται στο φως μιας μεγάλης εκλογικής νίκης. Είμαστε ευγνώμονες στον ελληνικό λαό για την επιλογή του. Οι προσδοκίες είναι πολύ υψηλές και έχουμε χρέος να τις εκφράσουμε, καθώς αυτές προέρχονται από ένα ευρύ λαϊκό ρεύμα, το οποίο μας εμπιστεύτηκε. pic.twitter.com/m2e8PwdNhh
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) June 28, 2023
In his speech, Mitsotakis started off by thanking the Greek people for putting their trust in him and his government to serve another four year term.
“We are proud and grateful for the choice made by the Greek people,” Mitsotakis said.
“Greeks have unequivocally rejected false promises and have shown remarkable maturity by endorsing behaviours that prioritise honesty.”
Σκοπός μας είναι να ενώνουμε την κοινωνία. Είμαστε υπηρέτες του δημοσίου συμφέροντος, άρα είμαστε υπηρέτες όλων των πολιτών. Αντίπαλοί μας είναι μόνο τα προβλήματα και τα όποια δικά μας λάθη.
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) June 28, 2023
The Greek Prime Minister then stressed that the government’s blueprint for the next four years will revolve around the four key pillars of “improved wages, enhanced public health, a better-functioning state, and a better quality of life in a strong Greece.”
During the cabinet meeting, the new ministers also received the so-called “blue folders” which provide a comprehensive overview of priorities for each ministry along with their respective timelines for implementation.
Mytilineos’ Energy & Metals Chief Corporate Affairs & Communication Officer Vivian Bouzali has spoken exclusively to The Greek Herald about the company’s investment plans in Australia and internationally.
In the interview, she stressed the need to focus on clean energy, while referring to the fact that with its base in Australia, Mytilineos can more easily look at opportunities in the Asia Pacific region.
Firstly, tell us why Mytilineos decided to invest in Australia.
As Mytilineos evolves into an integrated energy utility at an international level, it remains true to its quest for Sustainable Development and looks at investment opportunities around the world. Particularly in the renewable energy sector, we look at countries where solar energy is suitable for the development of photovoltaic parks.
Australia is ideal in many ways. The country may have a demanding and competitive market, but there is a need for investment in clean energy. In addition, it is friendly to international investment, and with our base in Australia, we can now look at other investment opportunities in the Greater Southeast Asia and Pacific region.
Your position in Australia has now been established. Can you explain how your plan has evolved so far?
Indeed, we are particularly pleased to be recognised in Australia as leading contractors and developers of solar energy projects.
Since 2019, when Mytilineos first entered the Australian market, it has acquired, developed and built several renewable energy and energy storage projects. Currently, Mytilineos has a growing portfolio of 593 MW solar energy projects in Australia and the goal is to dynamically grow this portfolio both in terms of development and construction, as well as through bilateral contracts (PPAs) to provide “green” competitive energy, maximising the value of each project.
Mytilineos is active in the whole spectrum of energy: from the development, construction and operation of thermal units and RES projects, the design and construction of electricity infrastructure projects, to the retail supply of electricity and natural gas. At the same time, it offers reliable solutions, competitive products and modern services to businesses, professionals and households, which now extend to services such as energy efficiency, smart cities, Facilities Management, digital services, etc.
Our activity now extends to all five continents and the goal is clearly to expand the company in an efficient and appropriate way. Always with respect to local communities and their needs.
You have photovoltaic parks in Queensland and NSW. Is there a chance for further development in other Australian states?
Indeed, the Mytilineos team in Australia is constantly working to assess new opportunities in the country and we will soon be able to make more official announcements.
Mytilineos headquarters.
At a time when the energy crisis is a global phenomenon, how important is it for Mytilineos to have such a strong position in a landmark country for the Asia Pacific region?
The energy crisis, although peaking in Europe, is affecting the global economy, with incalculable consequences. However, if anything has become clear in recent years, it is that the future will be greener. Mytilineos identified this need in a timely manner and strategically invested in the entire range of solar and wind energy projects, as well as in energy storage systems. Recently, Mytilineos decided to buy 15 per cent of CLARA Energy’s green hydrogen Rosedale project in Australia.
The investment by Mytilineos will support the first stage of the project to build a hydrogen plant that will be electrified solely by solar energy and power heavy vehicles crossing one of the country’s longest highways, the Sydney – Melbourne Hume Highway. The location of the plant is well positioned to become the main fuel supplier for heavy vehicles, as all vehicles travelling between Sydney and Melbourne use this route.
Energy prices will remain high in the coming period and this would have been the case even if the war in Ukraine and the resulting unprecedented energy crisis had not arisen. The reason is that the shift to renewable sources, although necessary, has a cost that governments. Institutions should explain this to citizens and above all find ways of financing renewable sources to ease the cost for the final consumer, in order to embrace the project as it is a necessity for the survival of humanity on the planet.
Mytilineos, as an integrated energy provider, offers innovative and competitive solutions in a wide range of energy products, always with a guarantee of quality. In addition to producing “green” energy, the company offers energy saving and optimal energy efficiency services for households and businesses that can bring significant reductions in electricity bills.
Through the products and services we provide, we strive to be competitive, for the benefit of the consumer. But we are also honest about the costs that everyone shares in the effort for an energy transition. Beyond that, our investments are now clearly oriented towards the production of “green energy” with a portfolio of RES and energy storage projects exceeding 11 GW, all over the world such as in the United Kingdom, Romania, Cyprus, Chile, Italy, Australia. Mytilineos is committed to sustainable development through the protection of the environment and the exploitation of renewable energy sources.
The project in Wyalong is scheduled to be completed in the first half of 2023. At what stage is this project at currently?
Within three months the construction of the project will be completed and we will be ready to go into a trial phase. The project, once completed, will have a total power of 75 MW. The Wyalong photovoltaic park will generate enough electricity to power around 27,000 households in Australia.
What are the differences between Australia and Greece in terms of your investment strategy?
Mytilineos as a large multinational company makes strategic decisions for all its activities throughout the world. In this context, we do not distinguish Australia from the other countries in which we operate. However, I do not hide from you that we have already developed special ties with the country and continue to develop our portfolio in a dynamic way.
In addition, we recognise many investment opportunities as large companies in the country seek efficient deals to provide “green” energy. The company has signed a 10-year contract with Coles, Australia’s second-largest super market chain, to supply electricity from renewable sources. Using solar energy, carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced by 180,000 tonnes per year. Coles’ wide branch network will cover 10 per cent of its energy needs, with the purchase of 70 per cent of the power generated from three Mytilineos projects, with a power of 120MW.
Is there a message you would like to send to Australians and especially Greek expats?
We are very happy to operate in a country with a strong Greek element and the Greek diaspora in every corner of the world promotes growth and healthy entrepreneurship. Our goal is to make our compatriots proud, as a company that excels all over the planet, demonstrating that Greeks can achieve a lot despite adversity.
Restoration works are underway to preserve the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox church (Aghia Triada) in Surry Hills, Sydney.
The church is known as the first Greek Orthodox church established in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere, and it has been given State Heritage Status by the New South Wales Government. It is managed by the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW).
Built in 1898 and consecrated on 16 April 1899, the Holy Trinity church originally served the Syrian Orthodox and Greek Orthodox communities in Sydney through Father Seraphim Phocas who was fluent in both the Greek and Arabic languages.
Over time, the condition of the church has deteriorated due to water entry and major tree root damage underground.
In response, the Board of the GOCNSW in conjunction with the Holy Trinity Restoration Committee, have launched the 125th Anniversary Restoration Appeal with the aim of restoring the church to its former glory.
Some members of the Holy Trinity Restoration Committee. Photo supplied.
According to a pamphlet issued by the Restoration Committee, the restoration works commenced in May 2023 with remedial works to the facade of the church on Bourke Street. Subsequent works will be undertaken over a period of three years and in four stages at a total cost estimated at over $1.1 million.
The four renovation stages include:
Stage One – March 2023 at a cost of $40,448.00. This stage is currently completed and has been paid for by the GOCNSW from emergency funds.
This stage involved: the repair of the roof and guttering, and installing leaf gutters and guards to prevent downpipe and drainage blockages.
Stage Two – 2023/2024 at a cost of $626,343.00. This stage is required to comply with the Order of City of Sydney Council. Works will commence in early June 2023.
Stage two involves the stabilising and new works to the Bourke Street facade, as well as the repair and replacement of stained-glass windows panel.
Stage Three – 2023/2024 at a cost of $171,027.00 to be paid for partly from the GOCNSW emergency funds and through cash, in-kind Donations and Fundraising from the Greek Community and Government Sources.
This stage involves the fixing of the internal ceiling and roof cavity area, the preparation of the interior walls and ceiling, the preparation and painting of the church – externally and internally.
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox church in Surry Hills.
Stage Four – 2024/2025 at a cost of $304,537.00 to be fundraised through cash, in-kind Donations and Fundraising from the Greek Community and Government Sources.
Stage four will include: concrete repairs to Bell Tower side returns, replacement of eight elevation side windows and coating works, the provision of a disabled entry ramp off Bourke Street, the replacement of side and main entry doors off Bourke Street, the restoration and cleaning of eroded windows and surrounds, the preparation and affixing of the Honour and Donors Boards, and the preparation and affixing of a marble plaque.
Fundraising events to help these restoration efforts get off the ground kick started with a barbeque on Sunday, June 18 at St Sophia Cathedral in South Dowling Street, Darlinghurst. Later in the year, the GOCNSW and Restoration Committee plan to hold a formal dinner event with local Greek associations in attendance.
The Holy Trinity Restoration Committee consists of: John N Comino, Harry Danalis, Nia Karteris, Chris Skiladellis, Bill Moisidis, Nick Andriotakis, George Boukatos, Con Apoifis, Kathy Samios, and Emmanuel Alfieris.
If you want to make a donation to the restoration appeal, you can contact: Alkis Dracopoulos, General Manager GOC (02) 9740 6022 or by email manager@goc.com.au; John Comino, Coordinator by email johnc@cominodaniels.com.au; or Kathy Samios, 0410 491849 by email samios@live.com.au.
The Kytherian Youth Association (KYA) organised a ‘Paint and Sip’ event at the Kythira House on Sunday, June 25.
The event invited the youth to get creative and showcase their love for painting, while connecting with other members of the community.
The night brought big smiles, lots of fun and of course, amazing paintings.
“The event was run by a company called Dip and Sip located in Ramsgate and it was a fun afternoon of socialising and painting,” President of the KYA, Andrea Conomos, told The Greek Herald.
“Thank you to everyone who came, it was a great turn out despite many people returning to Greece for the summer.”
Sydney’s Laconian community has the chance to meet a high school robotics team from Sparta on Saturday, July 1 at a taverna night at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba.
Their arrival in Sydney, Australia comes after the Laconian Federation (NSW) held an event on June 3 which raised $15,000 to help make the team’s dream of competing in the championship a reality.
Saturday night’s taverna night is being organised by the Pan-Laconian Association NSW “The Spartans” and is a chance to meet the team and wish them well in their future endeavours.
Food, live music and good company will create as always, a unique atmosphere for the night.
Event details:
When: Saturday, July 1 from 7pm until 12pm.
Where: The Greek Community Club at 206-210 Lakemba St, Lakemba, NSW, 2195.
Tickets: Adults: $55, Children 5 – 12: $15, Children under 5: no charge. Drinks can be purchased separately at bar prices.
For bookings, contact: Mary Skalkos 0410 258 308 / George Theodorakakos 0433 878 632 / Theodoros Bilias 0478 310 514 / Nikos Kapernaros 0414 443 908.
The Daily Telegraph has published its Sydney Power 100 rankings for 2023 and three Australians of Greek heritage are on the list.
Who are they and where do they rank? The Greek Herald finds out.
4 – Peter V’landys: Racing NSW chief executive, ARLC chairman
Peter V’landys
Born on the Greek island of Kythera, Peter V’landys migrated to Australia in 1965 with his two brothers and mum, to join his dad in Wollongong, south of Sydney. At the time, V’landys was only three years old and life was difficult. He’s the man everyone credits with ‘saving’ rugby league in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to The Daily Telegraph, V’landys is now aiming to take Australian sport to the world. The world’s richest race on turf, The Everest, has attracted global attention with its success in bringing a young audience to racing. He is also looking at launching the NRL season with an opening game in Las Vegas that would tap into the massive US sports betting market.
18 – Nick Politis: Businessman and Sydney Roosters chairman
Nick Politis.
Known as the godfather of rugby league, Nick Politis is one of the most powerful people in NRL history. He is Greek migrant from the island of Kythera and started as a Sydney Roosters club sponsor way back in 1976. After almost five decades, the 80-year-old remains faithful to his mission of making the Roosters one of Australia’s most successful sporting organisations.
In his downtime, Politis has amassed a $2 billion fortune that started out with one car dealership but now extends to an estimated 250 businesses, as well as an extensive commercial property empire.
44 – John Hatzistergos – ICAC chief commissioner
John Hatzistergos. Photo: Renee Nowytarger.
Lawyer, ex-politician and former District Court judge, John Hatzistergos is the new chief commissioner of the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). He was one of the most progressive attorneys-general of recent times as a minister during the turbulent years between 2007 and 2011 which saw three different Labor premiers.
