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Nine survivors arrested as hopes dim for missing migrants from shipwreck off Greece

The Greek Herald
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Nine survivors arrested as hopes dim for missing migrants from shipwreck off Greece

Nine survivors have been arrested after the sinking of a fishing boat southwest of the Peloponnese in Greece that killed at least 78 migrants.

All those arrested, who are said to be from Egypt, will face charges of forming a criminal organisation and illegal migrant trafficking.

Survivors of a shipwreck sit at a warehouse at the port in Kalamata town. Photo: www.argolikeseidhseis.gr via AP.

News of the arrests comes as hopes of survivors dwindled and fears grew that hundreds more, including children, may have drowned inside the crowded vessel’s hold.

According to AP News, the trawler may have carried as many as 750 passengers, including women and children who were likely trapped in the hold as the vessel overturned and went down early on Wednesday. That could make the sinking one of the deadliest ever in the central Mediterranean Sea.

A huge search-and-rescue operation initially recovered 78 bodies and picked up 104 survivors — all men and boys. But no more have been found.

Survivors receive first aid after a rescue operation at the port in Kalamata town. Photo: www.argolikeseidhseis.gr via AP.

Greek authorities have been criticised for not acting fast enough to rescue the migrants. Greek officials argued the migrants repeatedly refused assistance and insisted on continuing to Italy. Legal experts said that was no excuse.

Relatives of the migrants gathered in the southern Greek port city of Kalamata to look for their loved ones on Thursday. According to state broadcaster ERT, people have come from Cyprus, the Netherlands and Germany.

The Greek Red Cross has launched a system to trace missing migrants and staff from the organisation’s Central Tracing Agency (CTA) and the Restoring Family Links (RFL) program have arrived in Kalamata.

People looking for their relatives can reach the CTA and RFL at on +30 210-5230-043 and +30 210-5140-440 and at tracingstaff@redcross.gr.

Source: AP News and Ekathimerini.

Peter Poulos: Why we honoured dad’s legacy on Australia’s National Monument to Migration

The Greek Herald
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Peter Poulos: Why we honoured dad’s legacy on Australia’s National Monument to Migration

Everyone would know Peter Poulos as the son of Con Poulos, a Greek migrant who joined forces with his brother Denis in 1956 to form the Poulos Bros group – Australia’s leading wholesale fresh and frozen seafood supplier.

On Saturday, May 20 this year, Mr Poulos was one of numerous Kytherians who honoured their family’s legacies by permanently inscribing their name on the National Monument to Migration.

Located at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney, the Monument is hard to miss.

It is a bronze-panelled wall that faces Sydney’s Darling Harbour and Pyrmont Bay, and features over 32,000 names from 138 countries including 1,938 from Greece – amongst these, the first ten Greek migrants to Australia.

The National Monument to Migration at the Australian National Maritime Museum. Photo: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

Mr Poulos has always encouraged others to think about inscribing their own parents or grandparents’ name on the Monument.

“It is our absolute duty to remember our brave Kytherian migrant relatives who left their families and homes for the great unknown of a new life in Australia,” Mr Poulos said.

“It was then a ‘one-way’ ticket for them and without their tears and sacrifice we would not be here today.”

Peter Poulos speaking at an unveiling ceremony in May. Photo: The Greek Herald.

Mr Poulos’ father Con arrived in Sydney, Australia in 1952 to work in cafes. His brother Denis had migrated earlier in 1951 and was working on banana plantations and cane fields in Gympie, Queensland. He later joined Con in Sydney and they started a business partnership in 1956 in a fish and chips shop in Rydalmere.

“The business partnership Con and Denis forged as the Poulos Brothers, changed their lives forever and that of our entire family across three generations,” Mr Poulos said.

“Their legacy lives on today and the Poulos Bros business is a little bigger now than a suburban fish and chips shop and employs over 120 people from more than 16 different countries as the Poulos Bros group recognises all migrants need a chance to succeed.”

To honour your own loved one on the National Monument to Migration, the Museum requires a tax-deductible gift of $500.

The Museum then requests a brief story about each person being honoured on the Monument for publication on its website. The Museum is amassing a selection of stories from these migrants; stories that, in turn, build the history of modern Australia.

Honour our immigrants on Australia’s National Monument to Migration at the Australian National Maritime Museum. Register by June 20 to be part of the next unveiling ceremony in November. To register please visit this website or call (02) 9298 3777.

Nikos Oikonomopoulos arrives in Melbourne and tours the Greek Centre

The Greek Herald
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Nikos Oikonomopoulos arrives in Melbourne and tours the Greek Centre

Nikos Oikonomopoulos, a popular modern Greek laiko singer, visited the Greek Community of Melbourne’s (GCM) Greek Centre this week.

Upon his arrival, he received a warm welcome from the President of the GCM, Bill Papastergiadis OAM, and GCM Board Member, Christos Sikavitsas. Also present to greet him were Jorge Menidis, the Director of the Greek Centre, Antonia Tsamis, the Public Relations Manager of GCM and the GCM staff.

Nikos Oikonomopoulos visits the Greek Centre.

During his tour of the Greek Centre, Oikonomopoulos immersed himself in the rich history and cultural significance of the GCM. Through his visit, the singer exemplified the enduring power of music to bridge cultures and create lasting connections.

The delegation showed the singer the replica of the Parthenon Marbles that had been installed on the Greek Centre balcony facade.

Nikos Oikonomopoulos tours the Greek Centre.
Nikos Oikonomopoulos visits the Greek Centre.

They explained that the Frieze is a replica carved from marble as close to the original works as has been endorsed by the Greek Ministry of Culture and it took over 18 months to be hand carved.

“His genuine interest in the Greek Community of Melbourne’s activities and his congratulations to their efforts showcased his appreciation for preserving and promoting Greek heritage. We are grateful for his visit and the positive impact he has left on our community,” Christos Sikavitsas said.

Greek volunteers in South Australia recognised by Steve Georganas MP

The Greek Herald
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Greek volunteers in South Australia recognised by Steve Georganas MP

Volunteers from the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) have been recognised for their service by the Federal Member for Adelaide, Steve Georganas MP.

At a morning tea on June 9, Mr Georganas awarded national volunteer certificates to Effie Katianos, Chrisoula Heisler, Eugenia Karapetis, Tsambikos Kazonis, John Antoniou and John Ninos.

Georgette Psaltis, Denis Andreopoulos, Kosta Salagaras and Vasiliki Salagaras were also acknowledged, but were unable to attend the event.

The certificates were presented to the Greek and other non-Greek volunteers in recognition of their remarkable contributions to their respective communities and societies.

In a post on Facebook, the GOCSA congratulated the awardees on their recognition and thanked them for all their hard work.

Natalie Kyriacou appointed Director at Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife

The Greek Herald
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Natalie Kyriacou appointed Director at Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife

Natalie Kyriacou OAM has been appointed to the Board of Directors at the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife (FNPW).

FNPW’s mission is to safeguard wilderness and wildlife for future generations. They work with government, corporate Australia and other NGOs to restore native land and wildlife populations and support local environmental communities.

Ms Kyriacou said on LinkedIn she was “delighted” to be appointed to the Board of FNPW.

Natalie Kyriacou is a well-known environmentalist.

The young entrepreneur is a well-known environmentalist, having received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2018 for her services to wildlife and environmental conservation and education.

She is also the founder of My Green World, a social organisation dedicated to educating and encouraging positive youth participation to help charitable initiatives in wildlife and environmental conservation.

Nick Kyrgios reveals suicidal thoughts after 2019 Wimbledon defeat

The Greek Herald
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Nick Kyrgios reveals suicidal thoughts after 2019 Wimbledon defeat

Nick Kyrgios has revealed he contemplated committing suicide and was admitted to a psychiatric ward in London, the United Kingdom, after his 2019 loss at Wimbledon.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, in a new episode of the Netflix documentary Break Point, Kyrgios described in detail the despair he felt after his second-round, four-set loss to Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon.

“I was genuinely contemplating if I wanted to commit suicide,” Kyrgios said.

“I lost at Wimbledon. I woke up and my dad was sitting on the bed, full-blown crying. That was the big wake-up call for me. I was like, ‘OK, I can’t keep doing this. I ended up in a psych ward in London to figure out my problems’.”

Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios during the filming of Break Point. CREDIT: Netflix.

The tennis player wore a white sleeve on his right arm to hide the wounds of his self-harm while on the court during the 2019 tournament. He describes the period as “the lowest point of my career.”

“I was drinking, abusing drugs, lost my relationship with my family, pushed all my close friends away,” he said.

Kyrgios has since gotten a sleeve tattoo of the late Kobe Bryant which covers almost his entire arm.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Looking at the rights of older people

The Greek Herald
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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Looking at the rights of older people

Today, June 15, is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The annual day highlights the rights of older people, whilst raising awareness to prevent their mistreatment and abuse.

The World Health Organisation defines elder abuse to include more than just physical harm or assault. It can include single or repeated acts, as well as a failure to take appropriate action. Categories of harm include physical, psychological, emotional, sexual or financial and encompass both intentional or unintentional harm/neglect.

According to a resource by the Department of Health, 600,000 or 14.8% of older Australians experience elder abuse per year.

Reporting of instances of elder abuse is also on the rise.

The NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner, Robert Fitzgerald, told Australian Ageing Agenda there are number of reasons for the rise in the reporting of elder abuse. 

Robert Fitzgerald.

“Firstly, it’s absolutely an increased awareness in the community that abuse can happen,” Mr Fitzgerald said and stressed there’s more awareness around financial abuse.

“Financial institutions, banks, superannuation funds and so on, are more aware of it and there’s a greater concern in the community about it.”

This increased knowledge in the rights of older people, coupled with more support, is one solution to tackling elder abuse, Mr Fitzgerald said.

“We’ve got to make sure that we’ve got places to go where people who are concerned can raise those issues… support groups that deal with older people absolutely become familiar with the risk factors or signs that abuse is occurring,” he said.

If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse call the Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline – 1800 628 221 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm) – for information, support or to make a report. 

At least 79 dead and hundreds feared missing after migrant boat sinks off Greece

The Greek Herald
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At least 79 dead and hundreds feared missing after migrant boat sinks off Greece

At least 79 migrants have drowned and hundreds more were missing and feared dead after their overcrowded boat capsized and sank in open seas off Greece, AP News has reported.

The incident is one of Europe’s deadliest shipping disasters in recent years.

It was unclear how many passengers were missing but an aerial photograph of the battered blue vessel released by the Greek coast guard showed scores of people covering practically every inch of deck.

This undated handout image provided by Greece’s coast guard on Wednesday, June14, 2023, shows scores of people on a battered fishing boat that later capsized and sank off southern Greece. Photo: Hellenic Coast Guard via AP.

A painstaking search-and-rescue operation for survivors continued overnight with the coast guard, navy and merchant vessels and aircraft in place.

Coast guard spokesman Nikos Alexiou told state ERT TV that the 25- to 30-metre vessel capsized after people abruptly moved to one side.

A coast guard statement added that efforts by its own ships and merchant vessels to assist the boat were repeatedly rebuffed, with people on board insisting they wanted to continue to Italy. Coast guard officials said the trawler’s engines broke down around 1.40 am on Wednesday and just under an hour later, the ship started to list abruptly from side to side before capsizing.

The ship sank 10 to 15 minutes later, the statement said.

So far, 104 people have been rescued. Survivors have been taken to the Greek port of Kalamata near Pylos.

Survivors of a shipwreck rest at a warehouse at the port in Kalamata town, about 240 kilometres southwest of Athens, Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Photo: www.argolikeseidhseis.gr via AP.

At the port of Kalamata, around 70 exhausted survivors bedded down in sleeping bags and blankets provided by rescuers in a large warehouse, while paramedics set up tents outside for anyone who needed first aid.

Greece’s caretaker prime minister, Ioannis Sarmas, has declared three days of national mourning, “with our thoughts on all the victims of the ruthless smugglers who exploit human unhappiness.”

Source: AP News.

Chapter Chiron of AHEPA NSW holds afternoon of art and fun

The Greek Herald
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Chapter Chiron of AHEPA NSW holds afternoon of art and fun

Chapter Chiron of AHEPA NSW INC hosted a wonderful afternoon of art and fun on Sunday, June 11, with guests creating their own ‘masterpieces’ on canvas or ceramic plates while enjoying a sumptuous afternoon tea.

An initiative of Chapter Chiron, the event was a celebration of family and friendship as grandparents painted alongside grandchildren, parents together with sons and daughters, amidst laughter and conversation.

Artist Angela Kiki led the painting and guided the budding artists in their endeavours.

Chapter Chiron members, led by Melpo Kaimasidis, Sonya Kaimasidis, Antigoni Hatzipanagiotou and more, organised the feast of homemade cakes and refreshments. The tables were groaning under the weight of the food on offer.

By every criterion, the art and fun afternoon was a great success. This is reflected by the duration of the event (about five hours from beginning to end) and the demand for another such afternoon.

*SAVE THE DATE: The next art and fun afternoon is scheduled for Sunday, November 26, once the travellers to the northern summer return to Sydney. Further details later.

Michael Zavros creates hyper-realistic Parthenon mural for Queensland exhibition

The Greek Herald
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Michael Zavros creates hyper-realistic Parthenon mural for Queensland exhibition

This month, Michael Zavros’ career is the focus of an exhibition at the Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) on Stanley Place in South Brisbane.

While Zavros has had many solo exhibitions in Australia and abroad, the one opening next Saturday, June 24 is a special one for him and for the Greek community too.

According to The Courier Mail, the exhibition, titled The Favourite, features paintings, sculptures and photographs by Zavros, as well as two new installations.

The first of these is The Acropolis – a hyper-realistic mural that shows the heights of Greek civilisation and harks back to Zavros’ Greek-Cypriot roots. This mural, completed with the help of assistants, covers the entry wall of QAGOMA’s Turbine Hall and gives visitors an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity.

Screenshot: news QAGOMA
Screenshot: news QAGOMA

Another work is Drowned Mercedes (2023), a luxury car filled with water, fabricated by others to his specifications.

Elsewhere, in V12/Narcissus (2009), Zavros looks into the bonnet of a blue Mercedes, unable to take his eyes from his own reflection. There are of course similarities to Greek mythologies’ Narcissus.

Michael Zavros, Australia b.1974 / V12/Narcissus 2009 / Oil on board / 20 x 29.5cm / Collection: Art Gallery of New South Wales – Gift of the artist 2013. Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program / © Michael Zavros

Luxury and wealth are obvious in his work, a characteristic that sometimes leads to him being criticised.

“[The exhibition] exists as this incredibly beautiful folly – like so much of what I paint and what will be in the show. It is a folly, a ruin and, I would say, made so much more beautiful in this ruined state,” Zavros commented to The Courier Mail on his exhibition.

Zavros said the exhibition has been the biggest shift in his artistic practice in recent years.

Screenshot: news QAGOMA.

“I first put down the brushes to start making bronze sculptures and that worked… you have these successes and demonstrate that you’re not just a painter,” he said.

“It’s a growing, incremental confidence about working in a very different way.”

Photo: Twitter QAGOMA
Michael Zavros / Dad likes winter 2020 / Lightjet print on C-type paper, ed. of 3 + 2AP / 172.7 x 122cm / © Michael Zavros

Zavros, whose Instagram has more than 86,000 followers, graduated from the Queensland College of Art in 1996 and has had a successful career as an artist since his early years. His collectors and representative galleries are among the most influential in Australia and New Zealand.

His Greek Cypriot heritage and mythology play an important role his work and the upcoming exhibition is about to showcase that once again.

‘Michael Zavros: The Favourite’ opens at GOMA next Sat 24 Jun: https://fal.cn/3z0mx

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