The Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry National Federation (HACCINF) is proud to host its inaugural national online event ‘Bridging Markets: Greece-Australia Trade Insights’ on Thursday, 20 March.
The event will explore the expansive trade opportunities between Greece and Australia, offering a platform for dialogue and connection between leading market experts from both nations. The event’s speakers include Panayiotis Hassapis, Executive Vice President, Greek Exporters Association (SEVE), the largest association of exporting companies in Greece; George Moschovakis, Group Commercial Director, KLEEMANN Hellas SA, a leading manufacturer of elevators, escalators, and related mobility solutions; and an executive from ALUMIL, Greece’s leader inin research, development, and production of aluminium architectural systems.
The session will be chaired by HACCI NF Council Chair (and HACCI WA President) Dr. Elena Limnios, with contributions from the chairs of HACCI VIC, HACCI SA, HACCI NT, and HACCI NSW, enriching the conversation with a diverse array of perspectives and expertise.
About the Speakers:
Panayiotis Hassapis is Corporate Finance & Strategy Advisor, Board Director for several companies, investment committee member of Loggerhead Ventures equity fund and Executive Vice President of SEVE-Greek Exporters Association, which represents more than 800 active and dynamic exporting companies and business groups throughout the Greek territory. Panayiotis provides advisory services in the areas of loan financing and restructuring, investment and business strategy. He has worked as CFO at MEVGAL SA, CFO & Legal
Representative at ZANAE SA, and as Treasurer at PYRAMIS METALLURGY SA following a brief career at the banking sector. He has been teaching Financial Management & Banking at CITY COLLEGE (Sheffield University affiliated) in Thessaloniki. Panayiotis brings a deep understanding of corporate finance and international business expansion, with a history of significant roles in both economic analysis and strategic advising.
Panayiotis Hassapis
George Moschovakis is the Group Commercial Director at KLEEMANN Hellas S.A., An executive with over 20 years of experience, he holds two MSc degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Business Management from the University of Warwick. Overseeing profitability across 15 markets in a multinational group operating in 110 countries, Panayotis is recognised for his extensive experience in international sales and business strategy.
ALUMIL will be represented by a member of the leadership team, who will guide us through the company’s international sales efforts, driving expansion in the aluminium industry. Alumil is redefining modern architecture with high-quality aluminium systems for windows, doors façades, and shading. With 32 subsidiaries and a presence in 63 countries, Alumil combines innovation, sustainability, and precision engineering to create solutions that excel in energy efficiency, security, and design. The representative from Alumil will discuss the cutting-edge manufacturing of aluminium systems and how sustainability and design innovation drive their global strategy.
This online event underscores the importance of international connectivity, enabling participants globally to engage and exchange ideas. It is a prime opportunity for businesses interested in the Greek and Australian markets to gain valuable insights and create lasting connections.
Ensure your participation in this landmark event and join us to uncover the vast potential of Greece-Australia trade relations and engage with industry leaders at the forefront of this dynamic interaction.
Criminally forgotten in the modern era, renaissance man, archaeologist and social activist Themistocles Sofoulis was not only the architect of the union of Samos with Greece, but also a staunch proponent of democracy, playing pivotal roles in the development of Greece during the first world war, the national schism, the aftermath of the Asian minor catastrophe, the Metaxas dictatorship and the aftermath of the German occupation.
Emollient, collegial and measured, always willing to include all sides of politics in the national conversation, had he been listened to, chances are the civil war never would have taken place or at least would have ended quickly.
Three times a prime minister of Greece, his vision of a democratic progressive and inclusive society remains if not a forgotten then certainly an unattained dream.
This seminar will explore the fascinating life and times of this great Greek, while also analysing the obstacles that lay in his path.
BIO
Dean Kalimniou is a lawyer, poet and short story writer within the Greek community. Since 2001 he has maintained a weekly column – opinion piece in Neos Kosmos called Diatribe. His prolific writings include numerous poetry collections in Greek and translated the works of many local Greek authors into English. He has also published translations of Papadiamantis’ short stories in the critical anthology “The Boundless Garden. Selected Short Stories.” A few years he released his first bilingual children’s book. “Simela and the Magic Kemenche”, and this was followed by another one children’s book in 2024, “The Librarian from Cappadocia”.
Event Details:
When: Thursday 20 March 2025, 7pm
Speaker: Dean Kalimniou
Seminar: Themistoklis Sofoulis – The man who could have saved Greece from the Civil War
Where: Greek Centre (Mezzanine, 168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne)
Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for Eliopites (olive bread) with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram @mygreekkitchen for more!
Ingredients:
3 cups strong plain flour
2 cups Self Raising flour
1 cup olive oil
2 cups orange juice
Filling:
1.5kg of pitted and chopped olives (Kalamata are recommended)
5-6 onions finely chopped
2 tsp of ground dry mint
Method:
Heat your oven to 180C. Prepare 2-3 trays with baking paper.
Prepare the filling. Add chopped olives, and onion, and dry mint into a large bowl. Mix and let rest while you prepare the dough.
Prepare the dough. Mix together the flours with the liquids. Knead the dough well and let it rest for about 15 minutes – then divide dough into 7 equal portions.
Roll out 1 portion of dough as you would a pizza – but a rectangle, approx. size 40cm x 30cm. Do not worry if the measurements and shape is not perfect. It needs to be thin enough so it cooks in the middle but also thick enough so it doesn’t collapse. Approx. 3 mm.
Spread some of the olive mixture (how much you put on it depends on you) all over the dough and slowly roll it into a scroll. Carefully lift it and put in tray.
Repeat process till all portions are done. Bake till golden brown – approx. 35-40 mins depending on your oven.
The Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia has announced a call for submissions for its annual literary journal, O Logos, inviting members of the Greek Australian community to contribute their original works.
The terms of submission are:
Works for publication in this year’s edition (2025) of O Logos may be submitted from now until 30 June 2025. Submissions received after this deadline will not be accepted.
Submissions must be original and must not have been previously published in books or journals.
The length requirements are as follows: (1) Poetry (in English or Greek): Maximum 100 lines, (2) Prose (short stories, essays, book reviews, and studies) in English or Greek: Maximum 1,500 words
Submissions must be typed and sent in electronic format (Word document) to the Association’s email address: hellenicwritersau@gmail.com
When sending your email, please include the subject line LOGOS ISSUE 38 followed by the title of your work to facilitate the submission process.
The annual publication of O Logos plays a significant role in preserving and promoting Greek Australian literature, offering writers a platform to share their work with the broader community.
‘Adult dress-up groups’ was what I thought of the mainly medieval costumed people I had come across now and then. A mainly English peculiarity I surmised, until it hit closer to home… through my 60-year-old cousin and his wife here in Greece appearing on Facebook in ‘strange’ costumes resembling Greek Revolutionaries.
My curiosity now aroused, I wanted to know more about “re-enactment’ groups – the official title of this hobby dressing for historical homage purposes. I was introduced to the leader of my cousin’s group – Panagiotis Batsikouras, President of the Cultural Association of Nedousa (in the mountainous area of the Peloponnese around 20 kilometres above Kalamata).
nedousa
He confirmed that the group’s dress is indeed that of the 1821 Greek Revolutionary period.
“We aim to re-enact and share with the public the customs and traditions of the Greek Revolution from 1821-1827; this important period of history when after 400 years under Ottoman Turk slavery, we liberated Greece. Our town Nedousa has produced many Greek revolutionary heroes, the most important one being Nikitaras (Nikitas Stamatelopoulos), a renowned brave warrior in his own right and nephew of Greece’s most famous independence fighter, Kolokotronis.”
Mr Batsikouras proudly asserts that Nedousa’s population of 750 people, saw 260 medals of bravery awarded to their revolutionaries in 1836 by King Otto. He also states that the Greek Revolution began on the 23rd of March 1821 in Kalamata, rather than on the generally accepted and celebrated date of 25th March of the same year.
“In a secret meeting in Vostitsa (present-day Aigio) organised by the famous revolutionary Ypsilantis in the presence of other famous chieftains such as the Old Fathers Germanos, Zaimis, Lordos and others, the official Greek Revolution was planned for March 25th,” Mr Batsikouras said.
nedousians with kolokotroni
“But, the attendees wouldn’t agree on the date. As a consequence, Papaflessas, another famous revolutionary at this meeting, declared in frustration that he’d call upon 1,000 Maniots, and 1,000 villagers from Mystra’s back-villages including Nedousa; brave fighter hubs.
Meeting at Vostitsa
“This outburst saw the others quickly agreeing to the date of 25th March 1821, but it was an accident that caused the Revolution to officially begin in Kalamata on the 23rd March 1821.”
batsikouras leading parade
Mr Batsikouras continues: “This accident involved leaked gunpowder from barrels carried by donkeys! When the animals leaned down to drink from a waterhole near Kalamata, their barrels knocked into each other. The gunpowder, originating from secret storage at the famous Madraki Monastery above Nedousa, spilled out.
“This spillage led the Ottomans in the area to rightly suspect that the gunpowder meant Greeks planning a revolt. Kolokotronis and Nikitaras and other Greek fighters stopped the Ottomans taking this news to their administrative centre at Tripolis, by waging battle against them. This is how we, the Greeks, took Kalamata from the Ottomans – hence the first liberation of Greeks beginning on 23rd March, 1821.
Emperor Basil 2nd – Vanguarian Guards founder
“Many other revolutionary activities occurred around Greece after that, such as in Kalavrita, Mesologi, Souli, Karpenissi, Tripoli, Arahova, etc. We parade at these commemorative events along with other related re-enactment groups in Greece.”
Plays and talks at schools and other institutions are another feature of this re-enactment group’s activities. Mr Batsikouras narrates that parading at a children’s Cancer Foundation, he’ll never forget “the wonderment in the children’s eyes, which made me think whether it was us or them granting hope for the future.”
Combat at Ashfield Festival
He adds, “We honour those who gave their blood for us, and we’ll only be successful if we pass on the knowledge of our ancestors brave sacrifices to our children.”
As Mr Batsikouras relates the re-enactments of his Nedousa group, I tell him that the intensity of this link between past and present leads me to envisage myself in Revolutionary attire! He asserts that some of their re-enactment attire has been made on an old loom, and that the women’s costume is based on old Byzantine Mystra dress (Nedousa belonged to that precinct).
Referring to Byzantine, I also spoke with an Australian, Sydney based re-enactment group member of ‘The New Varangian Guard’, who deal with the Byzantine period of
history. Mr Chris Barnes, patiently explains to me that the Varangian Guard were the private army of the Byzantine emperor in the 10th century.
“The groups name ‘New’ Varangian Guard refers to that early period when 6,000 Rus and Norse warriors went there to serve the Emperor Basil II in 988, as part of the treaty between Basil and Prince Vladimir of Kiev at that time,” Mr Barnes said.
“The Guard lasted for centuries afterwards, and included many peoples such as Anglo-Saxons after the Norman conquest of England. Though we emulate that old, original group of Rus and Scandinavian warriors, we’re also open to club members who want to recreate the native Byzantine soldiers and people of the same period in Constantinople and the Empire. These include peoples such as the Khazars, Pechenegs, Bulgars and Arabic nationalities.”
Mr Barnes explains that he chose the ‘The New Varangian Guard’ period because of its broad focus for re-enactment.
“It was a rich empire, with many trade routes from East and West, meaning that we have more choices of people and materials to focus on. Silk fabrics and eastern spices are acceptable for us, whereas they were not so common in Anglo-Saxon England, for example. And it allows us to choose to represent a Rus warrior, or a Swedish trader, or a Khazar horseman, or a Byzantine Cataphract soldier, or many other options, as we choose,” he said.
This group, like the Nedousa group, also provides enjoyment through spending time with like-minded people. Mr Barnes mentions ‘The Gathering’ in a pine forest every two years at Easter in Armidale, NSW.
Varangians on campaign!
“Several hundred people from all these similar groups come together for a big camping event which includes battles, feasts and music,” he said.
Apart from leisure, Mr Barnes emphasises that he appreciates the research, care and commitment that goes into re-enacting.
“We look for authentic period documents and archaeology that tell us in detail about their clothing, their armour and weapons, the food they ate and so on. We want to wear what they wore, fight as they fought, eat as they ate,” he said.
“As much as possible, we use the same materials such as linen, wool and silk fabrics; dyes and colours that they could have used; the types of shoes and boots they wore and so on. There is plenty of good quality information on these subjects, both from academic experts and from some historical re-enactors who have also done excellent research.
“There are some aspects of the past that we can’t really recreate; for example, their religious beliefs and their understanding of the world are too far removed for us to emulate, even if we wanted to. So we don’t pretend that we are recreating everything … I think that in most respects we have better lives now. I like living in the age of electricity, internet, and modern medicine. But there is certainly something about the simplicity of past times that is attractive.”
Both Mr Batsikouras in Greece and Mr Barnes in Australia, unite in a different Greek Australian context, through the historical connection of their re-enactment groups: Byzantine and Modern Greece. Both feel a deep respect, awe and curiousity for the history of their fellow human beings who for various reasons tried to better their lives.
Chris Barnes (L) and friend at Winterfest
Apart from recognising it’s important historical and educational allure, Mr Barnes sums up re-enacting i
n a practical context as “a great way to just generally get away from the modern world for a little while… we all need a break from it sometimes!”
‘Escape from Asia Minor: The Memoir of a Native Greek Pharmacist who served in the Ottoman and Kemalist Armies during the Greek Genocide,’ Translated by Aris Tsilfidis, with an Introduction from Historian Vlassis Agtzidis
Book Review by Historian and Philosopher Dr Themistocles Kritikakos (University of Melbourne)
From 1914 to 1923, the final years of the Ottoman Empire were marked by unfathomable brutality. As territorial losses and political turmoil engulfed the crumbling empire, its Christian subjects were perceived as internal enemies and deemed unassimilable. This led to widespread violence and displacement, targeting three primary victim groups: the Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians. These communities suffered immense devastation and were permanently scarred. The trauma endured by survivors had lasting effects on their descendants, with repercussions that still persist today.
Michail Angelou, a Greek pharmacist from Kiouplia (Küplü) in the Bithynia region of Asia Minor, served in both the Ottoman and Kemalist armies. His memoir offers a rare and deeply personal account of the persecution faced by Greeks and other Christian communities during the collapse of the Empire and the rise of the Kemalist regime. In a desperate attempt to avoid persecution, Angelou joined the newly formed Kemalist army, hoping this would provide him with protection. However, this decision placed him in the harrowing position of witnessing firsthand the policies and violent acts against the Christians who remained in the empire after the Young Turks’ rule. When Angelou became aware that there were plans targeting him, he was left with two choices: to escape from Asia Minor or face near-certain death.
Despite serving in the Ottoman army during the First World War (1914-1918) and later joining the Kemalist army, he was not spared from the escalating violence. Arrested and imprisoned without cause, he became yet another victim of the campaign against Greeks and other Christians. Angelou’s firsthand account is more than a story of survival; it is a testament to self-preservation within the very machinery of persecution that sought to eradicate him and his people. His experience challenges the assumption that the loyalty of Christian subjects to the Ottoman Empire or the Kemalist movement could shield them from extermination.
Incredibly personal and moving, as well as historically significant, Angelou’s memoir chronicles the cruel treatment of Greek communities. It also offers rare insights into the inner workings of the Kemalist army, a key component of the Turkish Nationalist Movement led by Atatürk. Angelou’s testimony reveals that, even when demonstrating loyalty, Christian subjects were still regarded as internal enemies and unassimilable. His account sheds light on the policies of eradication that defined this period.
Unlike many sources that focus either on survivor testimonies or state policies, Angelou’s memoir bridges this divide. It offers a rare and deeply personal glimpse into the final years of the Ottoman Empire, seen through the eyes of someone caught between loyalty to the regime and the harsh reality of belonging to a persecuted group. Angelou’s story also resonates with the themes of betrayal, resilience, and moral dilemmas. His fight for survival within a system designed to eliminate him underscores the complexities of identity and agency.
Aris Tsilfidis’ meticulous and attentive translation of the original Greek text preserves Angelou’s voice and the historical significance of his testimony, ensuring it reaches a wider audience. Tsilfidis maintains the clarity and importance of the original text, balancing both its personal and historical elements. Given the scarcity of firsthand accounts from Greek survivors, this translation is invaluable in making these testimonies accessible to researchers and those interested in the topic of genocide.
The book is further enriched by an insightful and rigorous introduction from Greek historian Vlassis Agtzidis, providing crucial historical context and deepening the reader’s understanding of the book’s relevance to the academic discourse.
This book is a vital primary source for scholars of genocide studies, Ottoman history, and modern Greek studies, while remaining accessible to a broader audience. As interest in the history of the Greeks from Asia Minor, Eastern Thrace, and the Levant grows, it provides a crucial corrective to the evasions and euphemisms that have long obscured the discourse around mass violence in the late Ottoman Empire. Angelou’s testimony compels readers to confront what many scholars consider to be a broader genocidal process, culminating in the systematic destruction of Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians.
Michail Angelou wearing the medal he received from the Austrians for his contribution in the battle of Gallipoli during World War 1 while serving in the Ottoman Army.
Book Details:
ESCAPE FROM ASIA MINOR: The Memoir of a Native Greek Pharmacist Who Served in the Ottoman and Kemalist Armies During the Greek Genocide By Michail Angelou Translated by Aris Tsilfidis Introduction by Vlasis Agtzidis Greek Genocide Resource Center, 2024
For the past decade, the ‘Speak Greek in March’ initiative, started by Mike Zafiropoulos, has encouraged everyone, regardless of background, to celebrate and engage with the Greek language.
Whether you’re a fluent speaker, a beginner, or simply interested in the rich culture, everyone is invited to participate. Speak Greek while drinking coffee with a friend, even if English is your go-to language. Play a family board game in Greek, or head to your favourite Oakleigh eatery and find a friendly waiter who will take your order in Greek!
It’s not rocket science, a simple concept begun 10 years ago. We have invited people who have been part of the program to share their views in a vox pop.
Christos Fifis on the importance of organisations in the campaign
“In my view, Pharos, Fronditha, and Pronia are three organisations which operate in different fields, but all three offer valuable services to the Greek community of Melbourne in the areas of the Greek language and the many cultural and everyday needs.
Pharos is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation—an alliance of educational groups and individuals who are interested in the preservation, encouragement of learning, and promotion of the Greek language in all educational institutions and at all levels. In this sense, it is an organisation which continues the efforts of many past conferences and initiatives, such as the movement “Μιλώ Ελληνικά τον Μάρτη και ασφαλώς όλο το χρόνο” (I Speak Greek in March and of course all year). This was, and always is, the aim. Its importance lies in the fact that its activities aim to remind everyone, by all means, that they should contribute to this purpose, be they teachers, students, parents, grandparents, church members, businesspeople, or media organizations.
Pronia was established in 1972 and contributed valuable services to the families and individuals of the mass immigration at the time, who were facing huge communication problems in the areas of health, education of their children, the legal system of the new country, and in understanding the operation of the Australian Public Services.
I understand that now Pronia has adapted its role to the community needs of today: the problems of the Greek aged, psychological needs of individuals, and family problems associated with language and cultural aspects.
Fronditha, also, has a long history of voluntary contribution to elderly individuals. It has created aged care facilities where Greek is the spoken language, and people can enjoy an environment of Greek culture, Greek cuisine, religious services, and family connection. Our Greek community has appreciated the services of Fronditha, its staff, and its volunteers, and has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars in its appeals, as well as significant individual donations, like those of Michael Grizos, Nikos Vournazos, and others.
The contribution of these three Greek community organisations is valuable because it aims at the promotion of the Greek language and culture in Australia and at servicing the needs of individuals of Greek background. The promotion of the volunteering spirit motivates more persons of Greek background and increases the communication among the active members of the Greek community.”
Dr Christos N Fifis is a leading Greek Australian historian, translator and educator based in Melbourne.
Christina Despoteris on the evolution of the campaign
“The “Speak Greek in March” campaign started in 2015 and has significantly evolved over the years. Initially focused on encouraging the Greek community to prioritise the speaking, learning, and teaching of the Greek language, the campaign has expanded its reach and activities. Originally centered in Melbourne, it has now spread across Australia and even internationally.
In response to community feedback, several changes have been implemented. The first being, expanding the title to “Speak Greek in March and Not Only.” The campaign has introduced more immersive and engaging activities, such as competitions, celebrations, debates, lectures, and special projects related to the Greek language. Additionally, there has been a push to create more informal opportunities for language use, such as games, book clubs, and cultural events. The campaign has also emphasised the importance of sustainable funding and strategic activities, including lobbying the government and supporting community-led efforts.
Overall, the “Speak Greek in March” campaign has grown from a local initiative to a global movement, continuously adapting to the needs and feedback of the community to promote and preserve the Greek language.”
Christina Despoteris has been involved in many initiatives from the first Greek Week, Festival of All Nations to more recent activities with the George Treloar Memorial, the Lemnos Gallipoli Commemoration, the Art & Craft of the Melbourne Royal and President of Sister Cities Australia. She was Secretary, Public Relations and Event Organiser of the Speak Greek in March Campaign.
Cathy Alexopoulos on the obstacles faced by the campaign
“The challenges it faced in continuing were various: lack of enthusiasm from all sides—administration, leadership, parents, schools—finding different angles to keep the flame alive.
You need several committed people at the helm, not only one or two.
Reinventing the wheel is necessary to maintain interest.
We should have included parents in the committee as spokespeople for their generation and the hurdles they face in speaking Greek at home, what incentives, etc., are there.
My understanding is that unless a person (child, adult, etc.) has an innate wish, sees the benefits, to learn a language which is not their native language, then we are wasting our time.”
Cathy Alexopoulos is president of the Greek-Australian Cultural League.
Fotios Tsiouklas on the Metropolis app
“The Greek language is at the heart of our culture, and preserving it is essential. However, to learn Greek requires immersing yourself in the language, which can be challenging in countries where people assimilate into the dominant culture. Especially now among third and fourth generation Greeks who need to be taught the significance of their heritage.
The ‘Speak Greek in March’ campaign provides an opportunity to be immersed in Greek for a month each year. Being around Easter, it encourages young Greeks to enjoy Easter as their families once did in Greece—communicating in Greek, fasting for 40 days, and celebrating with other Greek people, even while surrounded by another language.
In 2018, I created the Metropolis app as a fun and engaging gateway to learning the foundations of the Greek language. Available on the App Store for free, the app introduces essential basics such as the alphabet, words, accents, geography, philosophy, and more. It’s an excellent starting point for young children entering Greek school and parents looking to spark their interest in their culture.”
Fotios Tsiouklas is an entrepreneur who created the Metropolis app when he was still a teenager.
The Greek Community of Melbourne’s (GCM) highly anticipated 2025 Greek History and Culture Seminars has commenced with an outstanding start, drawing large audiences eager to engage with thought-provoking discussions led by some of the brightest young scholars.
The series opened with presentations from Miltiadis Paikopoulos and Olympia Nelson, each offering unique insights into their respective fields. Paikopoulos explored the rule of law in Classical Sparta, providing a fascinating historical perspective on governance and legal structures in ancient times.
Melbourne-based Olympia Nelson, a PhD student at the University of Sydney, captivated attendees with her research on Byzantine art, a subject she discovered was underrepresented in academic discourse during her undergraduate studies. Determined to shed light on this overlooked field, Olympia focused her presentation on the frescoes found in remote churches in the Kandanou-Selinou region of Crete. Her exploration of these intricate and historically significant artworks offered fresh perspectives on Byzantine artistic heritage.
The event took place at the mezzanine level of the Greek Centre, with GCM Board member Dr Spiridoula Demetriou on hand to introduce Olympia and welcome attendees.
The strong turnout and enthusiasm from the audience highlight the ongoing success of the GCM Public Seminar Series in fostering intellectual engagement and cultural appreciation within the community.
The GCM remains committed to providing a platform for emerging scholars to share their research and inspire discussions on topics of historical and contemporary relevance.
The Seminar Series will continue throughout the year, featuring a diverse range of speakers and subjects.
You might think that when we talk about loneliness, we’re referring to someone living on a remote farmstead—someone who only goes into town once a fortnight and catches up with everyone then spending most of their time alone.
But no, we’re talking about city dwellers—people who live among millions of others. Ironically, these are often the people who feel the loneliest.
At this point, the average person might be scratching their head. Why, in a society where people are more connected than ever, do so many still feel alone, misunderstood, or cut off from meaningful relationships? This happens despite the rapid growth of social media, video calls, and online communities.
Loneliness remains one of the most common, yet frequently overlooked, emotional struggles among adults—especially young adults.
Loneliness has been linked to premature death, poor physical and mental health, greater psychological distress and general dissatisfaction with life.
Loneliness among Australians was already a concerning issue before the COVID-19 pandemic, to the extent that in 2022 it has been described as one of the most pressing public health priorities in Australia.
But what exactly is loneliness? And why does it continue to grow in a society with so many opportunities to connect?
The Greek Herald spoke to Dr Anastasia Hronis, Clinical psychologist, academic & author of The Dopamine Brain about this modern-day epidemic plaguing our young adults.
Define loneliness:
Dr Hronis describes it as a feeling of wanting more social connection or better relationships than what we currently have.
“Loneliness is different from being alone. We can spend time alone and not feel lonely. On the flip side, we can be surrounded by people and yet still feel lonely and isolated,” she explains.
Loneliness refers not only to the number of connections we have, but also to the quality of our relationships with others.
“It’s important to remember that everyone’s desire for social connection is different… It’s not necessarily about how many friends we have, but rather how we feel when we’re with them. It’s a natural human desire to want to feel seen, heard, and understood by others,” Dr Hronis says.
In a world where everyone is so connected digitally, you’d think it would be easier for people to combat loneliness. So, why does it seem to be the opposite?
Dr Hronis explains that digital connections can feel less fulfilling for some people.
However, for others, the online world provides access to communities they wouldn’t have had the opportunity to connect with in real life.
“Think about, for example, a young LGBTQI+ person living in a rural part of Australia. The online world can open opportunities for them to form meaningful connections in communities they might have limited access to in real life,” she says.
The new digital generation has helped many connect, but not in the way most human beings need.
So, why is it so difficult to admit that you’re feeling lonely?
Dr Hronis says this is because admitting loneliness requires vulnerability, which means opening up and putting your feelings on the line.
“It takes vulnerability to acknowledge that we feel lonely. This is a hard thing to do,” she explains.
Another factor is the Western world’s motto of “I don’t need anyone” and “I can do it myself,” which has resulted in a culture that praises extreme self-reliance and hyper-independence, while real, in-person communities have become less common.
Dr Hronis explains that this isn’t helping the loneliness epidemic.
“In its extreme form, it can create a worldview where asking for help and receiving help is deemed ‘weak.’ We know that this simply isn’t true!” she says.
When asked if she thinks social media is to blame for many mental health issues among youth, Dr Hronis explains that it has contributed, but ‘not entirely.’
“I think in some ways social media may have contributed, but there are many other factors to consider about how societies work nowadays including academic and career pressures, economic uncertainty, rising cost of living, climate anxiety, global issues, etc.,” she says.
Combatting the loneliness epidemic will require addressing how societies function. Dr Hronis says that we cannot blame one issue.
“Rather, we need to think about how we can increase quality connections with other people in society, form meaningful communities, and be inclusive and open to all,” she adds.
Always remember to reach out, especially to those who are quiet, and ask if they’re okay. A conversation could change someone’s day or save a life. Learn more here.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with your mental health, please contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au / Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au
A Greek Australian brother-sister duo committed to helping others have opened their own business, providing specialist support services to people of all abilities and backgrounds.
Launched in January 2024 in Rosebery, Sydney, ‘BlessedBeing’ is run by Mary and Kosta Kalantzis, who help serve more than 25 people within the Greek community.
The 23 and 20-year-old Greek siblings shared that they work alongside a team of seven carers which consist of qualified nurses, middle-aged women, young men, and physiotherapists, who then cater to clients of all ages.
Some of the NDIS services BlessedBeing provide include capacity building, in-home care, behaviour, and community access support. Mary said their business strives to create specialised services tailored to each client’s individual needs.
“We service everybody, but we put a focus on our Greek community,” Mary told The Greek Herald.
“We found that that’s where we sort of connect with the most as we grew up with our grandparents in their home.”
Kosta and Mary Kalantzis.
Why Mary and Kosta started BlessedBeing:
Mary and Kosta revealed they decided to start up BlessedBeing after observing many Greek-speaking individuals struggling to find the help they needed due to language barriers.
“I study a Bachelor of Psychology, and one day while I was at uni, I just started looking into social care and welfare,” Mary said.
“Coming from a Greek background, I saw firsthand from my grandparents how hard it is not having Greek-speaking helpers around and I wanted to find support for them… I then said to Kosta, ‘why can’t we create services on our own that can provide support to them and their friends instead?’
“Here in the Rosebery community, we’ve got a lot of Greeks too, especially lots of grandparents, so we wanted to create a service to help them.”
Carer and a client at La Perouse.
20-year-old Kosta said what makes BlessedBeing unique to any other NDIS provider is that it breaks down language barriers between clients and caregivers.
“We just wanted to create a space to provide the best care for everyone and everything,” Kosta said. “We all speak Greek too, so all our carers are Greek-speaking carers.”
Running BlessedBeing:
Kosta and Mary shared what it means to them to run BlessedBeing.
“Being able to provide for people that are from all ages, and Greek as well, just makes the community a bit stronger,” Kosta said.
“It feels like everyone kind of unites in a way, and it just allows us to build good relationships with everybody and make them feel comfortable.”
Mary said she also loves running the service and being able to provide services that support the Greek community.
“BlessedBeing means a lot to us,” she said.
“We hope to eventually grow a big enough platform to be able to cater to more people, and with more demand, we will have more carers ready to go.”
Community response
Whether it’s going to the gym, having a coffee next to the beach, or participating in various social outings, Mary and Kosta said they aim to ensure that each of their clients receive personalised care to meet their needs.
They said that in the 10 months they’ve been offering their services, the Greek community has been nothing but supportive towards them.
Client enjoying a coffee.Clients.
“The feedback we’ve been getting from clients and their families is amazing. It makes it all worth it,” Mary said.
“We always want to make sure we’re providing quality staff and giving people the best care we can offer, and it feels so rewarding to help people.
“Growing up with Greek heritage and being able to provide for people in our community is very important and special to us too.”
Kosta, who is currently undertaking an electrical apprenticeship, said he hopes to someday take on working with BlessedBeing full-time.
“It’s a very nice feeling knowing that you can help people and take care of them and provide whatever they need,” he said.
“Being able to do my electrical studies right now is really great as I can kind of incorporate that into BlessedBeing and can then use those skills to support clients in the future too.”
As a psychology student, Mary also aims to use her skillset to better cater towards her clients.
“There’s a lot of psychologists that work with our clients as well, so just being able to have that accreditation, would also really help open doors for our clients,” she said.
Future goals
Aiming to close the gap in support services for the Greek community and beyond, Mary and Kosta shared that they hope to expand their business to other parts of the nation in the future.
“We plan on expanding and just developing the company into a bigger corporation,” Kosta said.
“At the moment we are trying to make connections with local churches and organisations and hopefully that will then help us grow.”
Those interested in learning more about BlessedBeing and how they can receive their services and embark on their own BlessedBeing journey can visit www.blessedbeing.com.au. Mary and Kosta said their staff will happily guide people through the process, organise a consultation to assess what the client needs and then create a personalised plan for them.
