Greece has fallen five spots in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Democracy Index 2024, now ranking 25th globally. Although it retains its classification as a “full democracy” with an overall score of 8.07, the decline is mainly due to weaknesses in government functioning, dnews.gr, has reported.
Greece achieved a perfect score of 10 in “Electoral Process and Pluralism,” confirming the credibility of its electoral system. However, its score of 6.79 in government functioning highlights ongoing issues with transparency, accountability, and governance efficiency.
Political participation was rated at 7.22, suggesting there is room for improvement in citizen engagement beyond voting. Greece’s political culture scored 7.50, while civil liberties received a robust 8.82, indicating strong protection of fundamental freedoms. Nevertheless, challenges remain, particularly regarding press freedom, judicial independence, and concerns over state influence in media and public protests.
The top spots in the Democracy Index 2024 are once again held by Northern European countries. Norway leads with a score of 9.81, followed by New Zealand (9.61), Sweden (9.39), Iceland (9.38), Switzerland (9.32), Finland (9.30), and Denmark (9.28). These nations stand out for their institutional stability, high levels of political participation, and effective governance, solidifying their positions as the world’s leading democracies.
When it comes to food, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has a soft spot for local favourites—and a classic Greek taverna tops his list. In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, about his go-to dining spots, the PM revealed his favourite restaurant is none other than Corinthian Rotisserie in Marrickville.
Few relationships are as solid as the one between Albanese and George Giannakelos, the owner of Corinthian Rotisserie. The federal member for Grayndler named the Greek institution as his top pick in Sydney—”and not just because it’s across the road from his office.” “Amazing lamb, great calamari,” Albanese said.
George Giannakelos knows his order by heart: “He gets the cold entree, roast lamb and Greek salad.” That cold entree is a feast in itself, featuring a mixed platter of tzatziki, taramasalata, skordalia, dolmades and octopus in vinaigrette. “It’s enough to feed about six,” the prime minister added.
The Corinthian has been serving traditional Greek fare for 44 years, and Albanese has been a regular for the past 20. It’s not just the food that keeps him coming back—it’s the familiar, welcoming atmosphere that makes it feel like home.
Hollywood’s spotlight is shining brightly on Greece as Matt Damon arrives to star as Odysseus in Odyssey, directed by the acclaimed Christopher Nolan. The production has transformed the scenic city of Kalamata in the southwestern Peloponnese into a cinematic hub, tovima.com, has reported.
Almyrolakas Beach in Pylos is one of the key locations, now a bustling Hollywood set. Damon is preparing to film a crucial scene there as the legendary Ithacan king, under Nolan’s direction. Another striking spot, the cave at Voidokilia, will depict Odysseus’ tense confrontation with the Cyclops Polyphemus—the monstrous son of Poseidon and the nymph Thoosa.
Earlier this week, Damon expressed his joy about returning to Greece: “I feel amazing here; I love it. This isn’t my first time—I’ve been here many times. But this time, it’s for an incredible film.”
The Odyssey production boasts a staggering $250 million budget, promising a breathtaking retelling of Homer’s epic, chronicling Odysseus’ perilous journey home after the Trojan War.
Photo: mega
Joining Damon, Tom Holland is in Greece to portray Telemachus, Odysseus’ son. He has been spotted with Damon exploring Pylos and Methoni Castle. Charlize Theron is also part of the cast, taking on the role of the enchantress Circe, whose meeting with Odysseus is a key moment in the tale.
Panagiotis Karvelas, Mayor of Pylos-Nestor, said, “The arrival of these stars for the filming of Odyssey is not just an honor for our region but a tribute to the immortal spirit of Greek culture.”
At most, Cypriot men are 30 per cent of Greek descent, according to an ongoing study mapping the DNA of Cypriots. The findings suggest Cyprus’ population shares greater genetic similarities with mixed-origin groups that settled on the island over millennia, cyprus-mail.com, has reported.
History and archaeology confirm Cyprus was first inhabited by peoples from nearby regions up to 12,000 years ago, long before Greeks or Turks arrived.
Constantinos Deltas, head of Biobank.cy at the University of Cyprus, said this was the first comprehensive genetic reference for Cypriots. The project evaluates genetic heritage and population-level disease predispositions. So far, genomes from 1,400 Cypriots have been analysed, with a goal of 5,000 samples.
Deltas noted the difficulty in defining the extent of Greek DNA, saying Y chromosome analysis shows a Greek lineage between 10 and 30 per cent. Nearly 11,000 Cypriot volunteers have been archived with detailed personal, demographic, and clinical data.
“This is data accompanied by biological material and of course a signed document of consent. A large part of the data and the material is utilised and studied in the context of research projects,” Deltas said.
The study is shedding light on hereditary diseases like kidney, heart, and eye conditions. DNA variations mirror those found in many populations, reflecting historic migration and mixing, though unique genetic differences remain.
Deltas highlighted environmental impacts, such as malaria, which drove the rise of genetic mutations like thalassemia. Today, one in seven Greek Cypriots carries these mutations.
The Greek Mycenaeans and Achaeans arrived around 3,500 years ago, adopting and spreading Greek culture, language, and religion among Cypriots.
Once critically endangered, Mediterranean monk seal populations are making a strong recovery due to dedicated conservation efforts, abc.net.au, has reported.
Nearly half of the world’s estimated 800 monk seals now live in Greek waters. The extensive coastline and secluded sea caves provide ideal habitats for mothers to raise their young. These seals, the only species in the Mediterranean, are known for their large eyes, whiskers, and agility in water.
Panagis is one of dozens of monk seals rescued and rehabilitated by the Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, known as MOm.
Panagis was found orphaned near Cyprus, weighing just 15 kilograms. Locals alerted authorities, and MOm arranged his transfer to Athens. After three months of care, he now weighs over 40 kilograms and is nearly ready to return to the wild.
Once hunted and viewed as pests by fishermen for damaging nets and stealing fish, monk seals suffered severe population declines due to habitat destruction and human aggression. They were classified as “critically endangered” by the IUCN.
Dr. Alexandros Dendrinos of MOm describes them as “one of the rarest species of seal and marine mammal in the world.” Protecting them requires safeguarding the broader marine ecosystem.
MOm has treated around 40 seals at its Athens-based rehabilitation centre. Once healthy and able to hunt, seals are tagged and released back into the wild.
“This year, we had a really pleasant surprise,” said Dr. Dendrinos. A female seal they released four years ago was seen nursing her own pup.
Thanks to conservation, the species’ status improved from “critically endangered” to “vulnerable” in 2023.
Mary Konstantopoulos is a lawyer, writer, and advocate for women in sport, best known as the founder of ‘Ladies Who League,’ a platform promoting female participation in sports conversations and highlighting women’s achievements in the industry.
Her award-winning writing has appeared in NRL.com, ESPN Australia, and The Sydney Morning Herald, shaping discussions on gender equality in Australian sport.
Beyond media, Mary is co-Chair of the Parramatta Eels Supporters Group Alliance, an Advisory Board member of SportsGrid, and a Commonwealth Games Australia Nominations Committee member.
On International Women’s Day (IWD), Mary will be on the panel at The Greek Festival of Sydney’s ‘Hellenic Horizons’ event, supported by The Greek Herald.
In this interview, she reflects on her Greek heritage, the evolution of women’s sport in Australia, and the ongoing fight for equal opportunities on and off the field.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your Greek heritage. How has your Greek heritage inspired you?
Both my parents were born overseas. My mum was born in a small village in Cyprus called Monagrouli and came to Australia with my grandparents when she was four years old. My dad was born in Neapolis, which is a small village in the Peloponnese region of Greece and he came to Australia with my grandparents when he was eight years old. I have always been extremely close with my grandparents, but over the last decade I have been reflecting on the migrant story and the courage it took to leave your family behind, never knowing if you would see them again, to start a better life for your family. My family and the generations around us stand on our grandparents’ shoulders and I’m incredibly proud of their story and my Greek heritage.
Your passion for rugby league began at a young age. How did your early experiences as a Parramatta Eels fan influence your decision to advocate for women’s involvement in the sport?
I had always been a passionate footy fan and was encouraged to ‘do something about it’ by one of my incredible colleagues Simone Whetton. So I did. I started a blog called ‘Ladies who League’ which at the time was about promoting women involved in sport and encouraging women to get involved in conversations about sport. But back then, women involved in sport really only extended to women involved in the administration, media, fans and volunteers.
Shortly after I started ‘Ladies who League,’ I realised that there was an amazing group of women called the Australian Jillaroos, who were Australia’s women’s rugby league team. I realised that if I was a passionate footy fan who didn’t know about them then there would be countless others like me, so I started talking about them and raising questions about their pay and the journey women’s rugby league had been on for several decades.
‘Ladies Who League’ started as a platform to encourage women’s participation in the male-dominated world of rugby league. What challenges did you face in the early stages of this initiative, and how did you overcome them?
It wasn’t necessarily a challenge, but the reality of ‘Ladies who League’ is that it is my business and its strength rests on my commitment to it and my willingness to work hard. I don’t have employees I can depend on, so it really rests on me. This taught me some really big lessons, particularly in the early years. These lessons included asking people for help. In the early days when I had a podcast, many people would ask ‘how did you get [insert] on your podcast’. It happened because I asked. If you don’t ask, you don’t get and I have found that people are generally very generous and giving with their time.
Our challenge is to continue to pay it forward and be generous with our time, particularly to the next generation. My grandparents and parents also instilled the value of hard work and I worked hard in those early years to build the brand – whether it was writing articles for free, having the financial freedom to pay to attend seminars so I could meet key people or being relentless on the weekend in attending women’s sport, that hard work has now given me the freedom to be a bit more selective in what I participate in due to the strong foundation ‘Ladies who League’ was built on.
You’ve created a strong and supportive community through ‘Ladies Who League.’ What has been the most rewarding personal moment or message you’ve received from someone inspired by your work?
There have been so many over the years, but two in particular stand out. I remember when the first season of the NRLW was announced and the then coach of the Australian Jillaroos Brad Donald called to thank me for my role in bringing it into being. That was hugely moving and to see the NRLW thriving now brings me a lot of pride. In addition, I remember a particular company who was interested in sponsoring women’s sport approaching me to see if I had any ideas. I did a big campaign where I got hundreds of emails with sponsorship proposals. I worked with that brand and as a result, several women’s sports teams received funding to continue to give women and girls the opportunity to play sport. I felt like I had made a real difference in that moment.
This year’s IWD theme, ‘March Forward,’ is about progress and pushing boundaries. How do you see this theme reflected in the evolution of women’s sport in Australia?
When I was a little girl, I never considered asking if women could play my favourite sports like rugby league or cricket. The reality is I couldn’t be what I couldn’t see and I couldn’t see any women playing those sports. To live in a world now, that has changed quite quickly, where every major sport has a professional women’s competition is astounding. There is a long way to go but it’s important to recognise how far we have come. I look forward to women being compensated appropriately for competing at the highest level and that not just extended to pay, but also additional support like insurance and having the appropriate facilities to play on.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of women in sport, and how can we all play a role in keeping the momentum moving forward?
One small thing we can all do is get our bottoms on seats. If you want to support women in sport, get out to a game, buy a membership or turn your television on. Eyes on the product makes a massive difference and is something we can all contribute to.
The Cyprus Community of NSW held a critical and highly charged members’ meeting on 14 March 2025 at the Cyprus Club in Stanmore, where administrators from Ernst & Young (EY) provided extensive updates on the club’s financial position, governance plans, and next steps.
The meeting, which delivered a substantial amount of financial and legal information, saw heated exchanges during question time, particularly over the urgency of elections and the reinstatement of expelled members.
Financial position and court proceedings
EY Administrator Morgan Kelly confirmed that the Community’s refinancing had been completed, successfully ending the receivership.
EY Administrator Morgan Kelly.
The Community paid $5.84 million to Cyprus Capital to clear secured debt, while a disputed $1.09 million in fees remains before the Supreme Court, with the amount currently held by the court.
Total revenue received (as of March 2025): $2.63 million
Major expenses paid: $1.33 million
Current surplus in accounts: $1.3 million
Additionally, the receivers’ financial report (covering October 2024 – February 2025) revealed that $400,000 was paid to Cyprus Capital, while $308,000 was spent on receivers’ remuneration and expenses.
Full control of the Community is now in the hands of the administrators.
Next steps: Elections, property strategy, and governance
With the club’s finances stabilised, the focus now shifts to returning control to members. Administrators outlined the steps ahead, including:
Establishing a Property Steering Panel to evaluate the club’s real estate options (retaining, redeveloping, or selling).
Board elections to be held, with members invited to nominate candidates.
A review of the club’s constitution, with proposed changes to be voted on at an AGM or EGM.
A general meeting (AGM/EGM) where members will decide on: (1) The new board, (2) Governance changes, and (3) the club’s property strategy
Administrators emphasised that any major decisions—including the future of the property—will be voted on by members.
Members will decide the future of the Cyprus Community of NSW.
Membership reinstatement and expelled members’ demands
The status of expelled members became a major flashpoint during the meeting. Administrators confirmed that expelled members will have the opportunity to apply for reinstatement, but the final decision will rest with the incoming board.
While new memberships are being encouraged, final approvals will also be determined by the newly elected board. In the meantime, renewals are being processed via email or in person at the club.
Tensions rise during question time
As the presentation concluded, the meeting became increasingly heated, particularly regarding the urgency of board elections and the presence of expelled members.
Several members forcefully demanded immediate elections, despite Kelly having already explained that elections would follow a structured process, including a member vote.
Adding to the tension, several expelled members were in attendance as observers. Some became visibly aggravated, loudly demanding their memberships be reinstated on the spot. Administrators firmly stated that no automatic reinstatements would occur, and each case would be reviewed individually by the incoming board.
Kelly reiterated that while administrators are facilitating the process, it will ultimately be up to the members to decide the Community’s future through elections and votes at the upcoming AGM/EGM.
Tensions rose during question time.
Looking ahead
While the original target to exit administration was 23 April 2025, delays caused by ongoing court proceedings mean this is likely to be extended to July or August. A detailed report will be issued to members ahead of the final creditors’ meeting, covering:
The club’s financial position
The status of court proceedings
Property strategy options
Governance and constitution updates
A pivotal moment for the Community
With elections, property decisions, and governance changes ahead, the next few months will be crucial. Administrators urged members to stay engaged, nominate for board positions, and take part in votes that will determine the Community’s long-term future.
The meeting marked a major step forward for the Cyprus Community of NSW, but also highlighted ongoing tensions and differing views on the best path ahead. With elections and governance votes approaching, members will soon have their say on the Community’s future direction.
Wentworth is my home, and I’m running because our community deserves strong, experienced leadership with a real seat at the table.
Our Greek community plays a pivotal role in shaping the character and vibrancy of Wentworth.
This community has built businesses, supported local schools, and brought generations of resilience – not to mention great food!
Recently, I had the privilege of taking a special gift from St George Church Rose Bay to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the seat of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Carrying this gift from Rose Bay to Jerusalem was a powerful reminder of the deep connections that bind our communities.
Ro Knox took a special gift from St George Church Rose Bay to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the seat of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
When I speak to people across Wentworth, I hear the same concerns: the cost of living is out of control, small businesses are struggling, and our vibrant, safe community is at risk. We need leadership that delivers, not one that relies on empty political marketing.
Cost of living relief
The number one issue I hear from people is that life has become too expensive. Families, retirees, and young Australians are all feeling the strain. I recently met a woman in her late 50s who had to move back in with her parents because she couldn’t afford the rent. That is not the Australia we know and love.
The Labor government, backed by the Teals and the Greens, has lost control of the economy. We must get inflation under control by cutting government waste, fixing the energy system, keeping taxes low, and ensuring real competition – not stifling businesses with over-regulation.
A stronger, more innovative economy
Wentworth has long been a hub for entrepreneurs, innovators, and small businesses. Right now, businesses are struggling under red tape, rising costs, and policies that discourage investment.
Many of our Greek small businesses have been the backbone of this community for decades, providing jobs and a strong sense of local identity. But too many are now struggling as Labor, the Greens, and the Teals impose policies that make it harder to thrive.
St Sophia and Three Daughters Parish at Surry Hills runs a feeding program for the homeless every Monday.
One business owner on Oxford Street told me, “Government just needs to get out of the way so we can get things done.” Our small business owners, who have built their businesses through hard work, should not have to fight against a government that hinders progress.
Under a Liberal government, we will cut red tape, lower taxes, and back Australia’s brightest minds. We need to lead in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and medical research – not drive investment away.
Ro Knox.
A safer, more united Wentworth
Wentworth has always been a diverse and welcoming community, but that is at risk. Residents are fed up with violent attacks, graffiti, firebombings, and antisemitic acts.
Every community who has worked so hard to make Wentworth a better place, deserves to live in safety without fear.
Labor, the Greens, and the Teals have failed to protect us. It’s time for real action. We will invest in stronger crime prevention, support our police force, and combat hate in all its forms.
Wentworth deserves better
The Teals may run slick marketing campaigns, but they don’t deliver. They would ensure another three years of Anthony Albanese and Labor – who have ignored the concerns of Wentworth.
Wentworth needs a representative who has influence in government, someone who will fight for the things that matter – someone who won’t vote with the Greens and Labor 70% of the time on legislation. We need a voice for our businesses, our families, and our safety.
We must win back Wentworth to get Australia back on track.
That’s why I’m running, and why I need your support.
Marrickville Library’s Pavilion was packed to capacity as writer and historian Vasilis Vasilas delivered his compelling talk, “Little Greece: Marrickville – Myths and Realities.”
The event was held as part of the Greek Festival of Sydney and drew an engaged audience, eager to reflect on the evolving role of Sydney’s Greek community and its cultural footprint in Marrickville.
Vasilas explored the significance of Marrickville’s designated “Little Greece” precinct, highlighting the contributions of Greek migrants to the suburb’s identity. He also stressed the importance of preserving this legacy for future generations.
Photos from Vasilis’ talk.
“But for us, Australian-born of Greek heritage, our aims should be to maintain our parents’ and grandparents’ legacy within the Marrickville Little Greece context,” Vasilas said.
The talk attracted a host of distinguished guests, including Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, and President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, Harry Danalis.
Representatives from Greek cultural organisations, media, and the business community were also in attendance, reinforcing the strong ties between Marrickville and its Greek heritage.
The Inner West Council’s recognition of Little Greece has sparked renewed interest in the area’s cultural landscape, making discussions like Vasilas’ vital in shaping how the community moves forward.
On World Sleep Day, March 14, we can look to the ancient Greeks who knew sleep is sacred. They worshipped Hypnos, the god of slumber, and feared his twin brother Thanatos, the god of death. Sleep was more than rest – it was a divine necessity, a borderland between life and death.
I learnt this the hard way. After months of battling brain fog, chronic fatigue, loud snoring, low libido and mood swings, I finally sought answers via a sleep test. The diagnosis? Severe sleep apnea.
My symptoms – misdiagnosed as menopause – were actually the result of my body gasping for air throughout the night.
The relief of ruling out dementia was short-lived when the sleep consultant hit me with the reality: Carrie Fisher and John Candy had died from it. And I carried seven times the risk of falling asleep at the wheel of my car than the average person. The solution? A CPAP machine, weight loss, and a warning to inform VicRoads of my condition.
A CPAP machine may help those with obstructive sleep disorder get a good night’s rest – finally.A sleep test can help diagnose sleep apnea.
Dr Vicki Kotsirilos, GP, sees the effects of sleep disorders every day, a silent epidemic, robbing us for our health, energy and wellbeing. She warns that our late-night habits – especially our addiction to screens – are wreaking havoc on our melatonin production.
“At the end of the day, when the sun sets, having bright lights on and being on iPhones can impact the release of melatonin from the pineal gland. If we don’t wind down – if lights and noise persist – melatonin won’t release properly, and poor sleep habits can disrupt our natural circadian rhythms, leading to numerous health issues, including disease,” she explains.
Her advice is simple but crucial: “Early morning sun exposure helps regulate our circadian rhythms, ensuring melatonin is produced for release at night when it is needed.”
Doctor Vicki Kotsirilos giving a talk about holistic health. Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
When it comes to sleep apnea, she’s blunt. “Even five kilos or more above normal weight can increase the risk of sleep disorders.”
Psychosocial Recovery Coach Christina Roma sees the effects of sleep deprivation in her patients.
“The first thing I ask my patients is about the quality of their sleep. When you neglect sleep, it catches up with you, but there is no one-size-fits-all approach,” she says.
She points to the stress we all carry in a post-pandemic world.
“In today’s chaotic world, stress is a constant companion. We are living in weird times, bombarded with negative news – still reeling from COVID, and for some Greeks, still recovering from the debt crisis,” she says.
Christina Roma. Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
Stress doesn’t just keep us awake it embeds itself in our subconscious, lingering in our dreams.
“Dreams, especially during REM sleep, are important for our mental and physical well-being. They help process emotions and enhance creativity. Positive dreams improve mood, while nightmares can trigger anxiety. From a physical standpoint, quality sleep supports immune function and metabolic balance. Sleep disorders, on the other hand, are linked to increased risks of depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, diabetes, and weight gain,” Roma adds.
Hypnos, the god of sleep, was the fatherless son of Nyx (Night), and lived in a cave on the island of Lemnos.
Hippocrates, the father of medicine, warned us centuries ago: “Both sleep and sleeplessness, when beyond measure, constitute disease.” Yet we continue to push our bodies beyond their limits, sacrificing sleep in the name of productivity. But at what cost?
This World Sleep Day it’s time to wake up to the reality of our self-inflicted exhaustion. The ancients were right: sleep is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. And if we don’t reclaim it, Hypnos may just have his revenge and let loose his wife Pasithea, the goddess of hallucination, as his brother Thanatos waits round the bend.
