Married At First Sight (MAFS) star Martha Kalifatidis has appeared in court after failing to pay 44 parking fines, 10 speeding fines, and a $14,000 toll bill accumulated between 2012 and 2019.
According to The Herald Sun, Martha told the court she was not responsible for most of them, blaming her former long-term boyfriend, Arthur Manidis.
Kalifatidis told Melbourne’s Online Magistrates Court that Manidis regularly used her car, promising to handle the fines but never did. After they split in 2016 and she moved to Sydney, she left him with the vehicle but admitted, “Hindsight is a beautiful thing.”
Married At First Sight (MAFS) star Martha Kalifatidis.
She explained, “He always promised, like, he’s going to pay them… he’s going to go on a payment plan. But he spiralled and spiralled and it got worse and worse.”
She acknowledged that some fines were hers, including parking tickets near her workplace and a 2019 speeding fine in a hire car, admitting, “I can’t just completely say I didn’t do any of this.”
Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz ultimately wiped most of the fines, ordering Kalifatidis to pay only $2000. When asked if she could meet the payment deadline, she replied, “Yes, ma’am, I can pay that.”
Kalifatidis, now a successful influencer, remains with her MAFS partner Michael Brunelli. The couple, engaged since 2021, returned to Melbourne in 2022 and live with her parents while raising their two-year-old son.
Brydens Lawyers, one of Australia’s largest law firms, has suffered a major cyberattack, with hackers stealing over 600 gigabytes of sensitive data and demanding a ransom.
In response, Brydens took its systems offline and engaged external security experts.
Lee Hagipantelis.
On Thursday, March 13, Hagipantelis publicly acknowledged the breach, assuring clients, “We are taking this breach very seriously and have reported the incident to the Australian Cyber Security Centre and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.”
He also confirmed, “Security of our IT system has been restored.”
Cyberattacks targeting law firms have become increasingly common, with ransomware groups exploiting their access to highly confidential documents. This latest breach follows similar incidents affecting Australian and New Zealand legal firms in recent years.
Subway Socceroos’ Head Coach, Tony Popovic has named an extended 26-player squad ahead of Australia’s AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 fixtures against Indonesia and China PR.
The March FIFA Men’s International Window will see Australia take on Indonesia at the Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney on Thursday, 20 March (kick-off 8.00pm AEDT) and China PR at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, Hangzhou on Tuesday, 25 March (7.00pm local/10.00pm AEDT).
Australia currently sits second in Group C with four fixtures remaining in Round Three qualifying, having most recently shared the points with Saudi Arabia (home) and Bahrain (away) in matches held in November 2024.
The clash with Indonesia will be the Subway Socceroos’ first at the newly reconstructed Sydney Football Stadium in nearly a decade, with their last appearance at the venue a FIFA World Cup 2018™ Qualifier against the United Arab Emirates in March 2017.
Popovic’s squad features six uncapped players – four called into the senior national team for the first time – with Alex Grant (Sydney FC), Ryan Teague (Melbourne Victory FC), Kai Trewin (Melbourne City FC) and Nectarios Triantis (Hibernian FC) all named.
Congratulations to Nectar Triantis on being named in his first @Socceroos squad! 👏
Several familiar faces also return, with 2015 AFC Asian Cup™ winner, Jason Davidson (Panserraikos F.C.) and 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ squad member, Fran Karačić (NK Lokomotiva) both selected.
Brandon Borrello (Western Sydney Wanderers FC), Anthony Caceres (Sydney FC) and Adam Taggart (Perth Glory FC) are part of a contingent of nine Isuzu UTE A-League Men players in the squad for these upcoming Qualifiers.
Miloš Degenek (FK TSC Bačka Topola), Jason Geria (Albirex Niigata), Kye Rowles (D.C. United) and Maty Ryan (RC Lens) all arrive in national team camp off the back of recent club moves during the January transfer window.
Cameron Burgess (Ipswich Town FC), Jackson Irvine (FC St Pauli) and Craig Goodwin (Al-Wehda FC) have all been named, while Kusini Yengi (Portsmouth FC) has made a successful recovery from injury and will make the trip to Sydney.
Patrick Beach (Melbourne City FC) will join the camp in Sydney as part of a development opportunity with the senior squad, a reward for a strong start to his debut professional season.
Subway Socceroos’ Head Coach, Tony Popovic said the extended opportunity to prepare leading into these World Cup Qualifiers had proven invaluable.
“It was a whirlwind start to the beginning of my tenure with the national team, and since November we’ve had the chance to review and assess all facets of our program ahead of these Qualifiers,” Popovic said.
“We understand the importance of these upcoming games and are excited by the opportunity to further cement our position in the group’s automatic qualifying positions.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the players and getting the squad together on the pitch in preparation for what will be a great occasion at the Sydney Football Stadium.”
Scheduled to be played from September 2024 to June 2025, the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ – Road to 26 features three groups of six teams playing in a home-and-away, round-robin format, offering direct qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ for the top two finishers of each group.
To find out all the latest information on fixtures, results and Third Round Qualification updates please click here. A limited number of tickets for Thursday’s Round 3 AFC Asian Qualifier between the Subway Socceroos and Indonesia are available now via Ticketek.
The Subway Socceroos FIFA World Cup 2026™ Qualifiers will be broadcast live thanks to Football Australia’s broadcast partner, Paramount Australia.
The Subway Socceroos v Indonesia FIFA World Cup 2026™ Qualifier is proudly supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
The public prosecutor has called for the conviction of 12 out of 21 defendants in the retrial of the 2018 Mati wildfire, which claimed 104 lives.
According to AMNA.gr, among those facing a guilty verdict are senior fire department officials and local government leaders, including former Attica governor Rena Dourou.
Prosecutor Stamatina Perimeni accused the then-fire chief Sotiris Terzoudis of critical omissions, such as diverting a firefighting helicopter from Mati and failing to mobilise additional forces.
Other officials, including the fire department’s second-in-command Vasilis Mattheopoulos and operations centre chief Ioannis Fostieris, were blamed for mismanagement that exacerbated the tragedy.
The public prosecutor has called for the conviction of 12 out of 21 defendants in the retrial of the 2018 Mati wildfire, which claimed 104 lives.
Perimeni also held responsible the former civil protection general secretary Ioannis Kapakis, Rafina-Pikermi mayor Evangelos Bournous, and Penteli resident Konstantinos Aggelopoulos, whose property was the fire’s point of origin.
She argued that “protection of the facility, of the infrastructure, prevailed over the protection of human life,” criticising the prioritisation of a fire near a refinery over the crisis in Mati.
The lack of evacuation coordination and failure to call for coast guard assistance were also cited as fatal errors.
Meanwhile, several officials, including former Marathon mayor Ilias Psinakis, his deputies, and several fire and police officers, were recommended for acquittal. The trial continues.
Greece has reaffirmed that the Great Sea Interconnector, an ambitious electricity cable linking the power grids of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, remains on track despite setbacks.
The news comes after the Foreign Ministers of Greece, Cyprus and Israel met in Athens on Thursday, March 13.
After the meeting, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis stated, “The Great Sea Interconnector will be completed as planned. We are taking steps to ensure there are no obstacles to its progress.”
Δηλώσεις Υπουργού Εξωτερικών, Γιώργου Γεραπετρίτη, μετά το πέρας της Τριμερούς Συνάντησης των Υπουργών Εξωτερικών Ελλάδας, Κύπρου και Ισραήλ 🇬🇷🇨🇾🇮🇱
The €1.9 billion EU-backed project will connect the three Mediterranean nations through a submarine power cable spanning 1,210 kilometres (750 miles) and reaching depths of 3,000 metres (9,800 feet).
While the initiative is crucial for energy security and integrating renewable energy, it has faced financial challenges and complications from maritime disputes between Greece and Turkey.
Gerapetritis emphasised its broader importance, stating, “We recognise that interconnection projects are of critical importance for stability, energy security, and regional security. Not just for our region, but for Europe as a whole.”
Constantine Tassoulas was sworn in as Greece’s president on Thursday, March 13 for a five-year term after winning the election on February 12.
A member of the ruling New Democracy party, he succeeds Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Greece’s first female president.
Honoured to attend the swearing in of President Constantinos Tassoulas today. Congratulations@PresidencyGR pic.twitter.com/qKO3w9P5Vi
— Embassy of Luxembourg in Athens / Amb. E. Cardoso (@LUinAthens) March 13, 2025
During the handover ceremony at the presidential mansion, Tassoulas stated, “I will make every effort, as President of all Greeks, to uphold the Constitution, safeguard national integrity, and protect the interests of the Greek people.”
Born in 1959, Tassoulas has had a long political career, serving as Deputy Minister of National Defence in 2007, Minister of Culture and Sports in 2014, and as Speaker of the Greek Parliament three times since 2019. He resigned as speaker in January after being nominated for the presidency by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Elder Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, Anthimos, has passed away at the age of 91.
According to tovima.com, he served as the head of the Thessaloniki bishopric for 19 years after being elected by the Holy Synod of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece in 2004.
Anthimos resigned in August 2023, continuing as Elder (emeritus) Metropolitan. Prior to Thessaloniki, he led the Metropolis of Alexandroupolis.
Born Dionysios Roussas in 1934 in southwest Greece, he was ordained as a deacon in 1964. Anthimos was known for strongly advocating the Church of Greece’s positions and often took a conservative stance on national issues.
His body lay in state at the metropolitan cathedral of Aghia Sofia on Thursday afternoon. His funeral will be followed by interment in the courtyard of St. Grigorios Palamas Cathedral.
The Greek Herald has been awarded ‘Multicultural Publication of the Year’ at the 2025 Premier’s Harmony Dinner, cementing its status as a pillar of the Hellenic Australian community.
This prestigious recognition highlights the newspaper’s nearly century-long dedication to informing, representing, and preserving Hellenic heritage in Australia.
The annual event, hosted by NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper on Wednesday, March 12, celebrated individuals and organisations that contribute to the state’s vibrant multicultural landscape. Among the distinguished winners, The Greek Herald was honoured for its ongoing commitment to community journalism and cultural storytelling.
Digital Editor at The Greek Herald, Andriana Simos (left) and Publisher Dimitra Skalkos were present at the Premier’s Harmony Dinner to accept the award.
Publisher Dimitra Skalkos expressed immense pride in receiving the award, acknowledging the hard work and passion that fuels the publication.
“It is an honour to receive this award on behalf of The Greek Herald team, whose dedication and hard work make this publication what it is. This recognition belongs to all the journalists, editors, designers, and the entire team who contribute every day,” Ms Skalkos said.
“Receiving this in the lead-up to our 100-year anniversary makes it even more special, reinforcing our commitment to serving our community for generations to come.”
Some of the members of The Greek Herald’s team. (Back row, left to right) Sports Editor Takis Triadafillou and Digital Editor Andriana Simos. (Front row, left to right) Publisher Dimitra Skalkos, Journalist Ikaros Kyriakou and Office Manager Vicky Drivas.
Founded in 1926, The Greek Herald has been a cornerstone of the Greek and Cypriot Australian communities for nearly a century. With a strong commitment to cultural representation, it has provided generations of readers with trusted news, social advocacy, and community engagement. Beyond reporting, the publication ensures that stories are told with accuracy and cultural sensitivity, covering topics that matter deeply to Greek and Cypriot Australians, including social justice issues and heritage preservation.
In recent years, The Greek Herald has undergone a significant digital transformation, expanding its reach through a strong online presence. By embracing digital platforms, social media, and bilingual content in both Greek and English, the publication continues to evolve while staying true to its mission of informing and connecting the community.
Digital Editor Andriana Simos highlighted the publication’s mission to provide a platform for stories that mainstream media often overlooks.
“The Greek Herald exists to inform and represent our community in a way that mainstream media often does not. Every story we publish is about giving a voice to Hellenic Australians, sharing our history, culture, and issues that matter to us,” Miss Simos said.
“This award is a recognition of the importance of community journalism and the dedicated team that works tirelessly to ensure our readers stay informed and connected.”
As The Greek Herald approaches its 100-year milestone, this recognition serves as a testament to its unwavering commitment to journalism, cultural representation, and the Hellenic Australian community.
The crowd participated in a sit-down meal as the Organisation’s president, Christine Manolakos, made a speech, setting the tone for the evening.
“The contribution of women is great, we should recognise their strength and their many roles… as mothers, wives and professionals. Not only on March 8, but every day of the year,” Ms Manolakos said.
“We honour the female personality that proves to us that leadership characteristics are not a male privilege… A shining example is the current Greek mother, for the vindication of the 57 souls in Tempi, Maria Karistinou, who stirred up all of Greece on February 28.”
The event also celebrated outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions in various professional fields, with a series of prestigious awards recognising their dedication.
The first award was presented to philanthropist Theodora Giakoumidis in recognition of her remarkable efforts and dedication to charitable causes. Alongside her philanthropic work, Giakoumidis has had a highly successful career in banking and finance, which has earned her widespread respect and admiration.
The next award went to artist and Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney member, Maritsa Micos Dragonas, in honour of her diverse career and multifaceted talents in promoting cultural and artistic expression.
Maritsa’s exceptional commitment to charitable causes, combined with her family’s legacy of philanthropy, has left a lasting impact across generations.
Another award was given to Effy Alexakis, a documentary researcher and photographer, for her invaluable contribution to the cultural aspects of the Greek community.
Alexakis was praised for her works, dedication, and enthusiasm in documenting the community’s rich history through photography and research.
The final award was presented to Dr Yvonne Belessis, a distinguished physician in paediatric medicine, in recognition of her extensive research and achievements in the field.
Dr Belessis was recognised for her contributions to Australian Paediatrics and is a member of the international Oesophageal Atresia Steering Committee. She has also co-authored the International Respiratory Care for Children.
Manolakos concluded the night with a warm expression of gratitude for the committee’s support. Namely Vice President Despina Kekatos, Treasurer Chrisanthi Petridis, Public Officer Christina Calligas, Secretary Evi Georgakakos, Public Relations Officer Dimitra Skalkos, Committee members Litsa Diakovasilis and Cathy Valis, and Acting Honorary Manager George Giakoumidis.
A champion for culturally diverse arts, a passionate advocate for women in refugee communities and a multicultural sports innovator are some of the people recognised at the Premier’s Harmony Dinner last night.
Hosted by the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper, the dinner was attended by more than 1,600 community members. As part of the event, Mr Kamper announced the winners of the 2025 Multicultural Community Medals and inductees into the NSW Multicultural Honour Roll.
Emmanuel Alfieris’ daughter collected the award on his behalf. Photo: Salty Dingo 2025
Five people were posthumously inducted into the Multicultural Honour Roll, for their lasting impact on fostering an inclusive, resilient and peaceful society. Among them were two Australians of Greek heritage who passed away in 2024:
Emmanuel Alfieris: Past President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, and
Jack Passaris OAM: Founding and Life Member of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW (ECCNSW).
Jack’s wife Irene Passaris (right) with Peter Doukas.
Meanwhile, the Multicultural Community Medals recognised 13 individuals and organisations for their role in strengthening NSW’s diverse and inclusive society. Amongst the winners were:
The Greek Herald, who won Multicultural Publication of the Year sponsored by Village Place
Sandra Morales, who founded Heartdancers, an organisation solely focused on artists from First Nations and culturally diverse backgrounds in the Central Coast and Hunter areas
Dr. Astrid Perry-Indermaur OAM who has dedicated over 40 years of her career and life to advancing human rights and social justice for women and children from migrant and refugee backgrounds
Syed Sibtain, founder of Sydney Cricket League, a competition with over 1,000 players from diverse backgrounds, and a community touchpoint for newly arrived migrants to NSW.
Digital Editor at The Greek Herald, Andriana Simos (left) and Publisher Dimitra Skalkos were present at the Premier’s Harmony Dinner to accept the award.
Minister Kamper said, “The Premier’s Harmony Dinner is an opportunity to say thanks to the people and organisations who give their time and energy to make NSW more inclusive and connected.”
“This is one of the largest multicultural celebrations in the state, bringing together people from different cultures to celebrate, find common ground and maintain a strong foundation for social cohesion in NSW,” Minister Kamper added.
Multicultural NSW Chief Executive Officer Joseph La Posta said, “The individuals and organisations we celebrate tonight are the heart and soul of multiculturalism in NSW.”
“Their unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion makes our state stronger, more vibrant, and more connected than ever before,” Mr La Posta added.
“In addition to celebrating the stellar contributions of these worthy winners, this event is a reminder of the rich contribution of migrants to the everyday lives of everyone in our great state.”
2025 Multicultural Community Medal winners
Medal
Winner
Bio
Arts and Culture Medal in honour of Carla Zampatti AC sponsored by Powerhouse
Sandra Morales
Sandra founded Heartdancers – the only organisation in the Central Coast, Hunter and Newcastle areas that solely focuses on collaborating with artists from First Nations and culturally diverse backgrounds.
Dr G.K. Harinath OAM Sports Medal sponsored by Sydney Thunder
Syed Sibtain
Syed founded Sydney Cricket League (SCL) in 2016. SCL has over 1000 players from diverse backgrounds and acts as a community touchpoint for people new to Australia.
Human Rights Medal sponsored by SSI Equality for Life
Sabrina Khan
Sabrina is an international human rights lawyer and an advocate of women and children’s rights. Herself a survivor of domestic violence, she worked with Afghan, Palestinian, and Iranian women refugees to foster respectful and meaningful cross-cultural dialogue through the arts.
Lifetime Community Service Medal sponsored by SBS
Dr. Astrid Perry-Indermaur OAM
Dr. Astrid Perry-Indermaur OAM is an Australian women’s rights activist and a passionate advocate for multicultural communities. She has dedicated over 40 years of her career and life to advancing human rights and social justice for women and their children, from migrant and refugee communities.
Multicultural Not for Profit Medal sponsored by NSW Department of Communities and Justice
Dubbo Nepalese Community Australia
Dubbo Nepalese Community Australia is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to cultural preservation and community unity in Dubbo. Established to serve as a cultural bridge, DNCA enhances social cohesion through various initiatives that celebrate Nepalese heritage while promoting multiculturalism. It organised the Nepali Language School, volunteer initiatives, support during crisis.
Multicultural Youth Support Medal sponsored by STARTTS
Ahmad Zarar
Ahmad is a coach and mentor at Melrose Park Football Club. He arrived in Australia from Afghanistan in 2022 on a humanitarian visa. He is now an inspiration to the young Afghan refugees he coaches.
Regional Unity Medal sponsored by My Guardian
Ashley Young
Ashley Young is a passionate leader in the delivery of equitable and accessible healthcare. He led statewide reforms in Aboriginal Health, Disability Funding, Emergency Department Access, and Immunisation Services.
Stepan Kerkyasharian AO Community Harmony Medal sponsored by Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Syed Shah Khan Amin Zada
Syed is an Afghan refugee who is a passionate advocate for social cohesion in New South Wales. He organised multicultural festivals, art exhibitions, and food fairs, and established mentorship programs that connect young people with community leaders and professionals.
Community Languages Teacher Medal sponsored by NSW Department of Education
Maida Kulic Vugdalic
Maida is principal and teacher at Bosnian Ethnic School. Under her guidance, the school has connected people with their Bosnian heritage. She has also led the strategies to heal intergenerational trauma from the war in Bosnia in the 1990s.
Interpreters and Translators Medal sponsored by NAATI
Neena Sinha
Neena started interpreting and translating in the 1980s. During her career she helped improve cultural awareness of issues relating to domestic violence. She was one of the founders of Indian Women’s Social Organisation which gave a social outlet to Indian women in Sydney.
Multicultural Marketing Campaign of the Year sponsored by Anti-Discrimination NSW
CulturalPulse
CulturalPulse’s Multicultural Fan Engagement Program for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup set a new standard for sports marketing. The campaign drove record match attendance, overcame language barriers, and reached communities previously unfamiliar with women’s sports.
Best Report in Multicultural Media
The Jewish Independent
‘Generation Change’ is a monthly column that elevated and represented the experiences of young Australian Jews. The report profiles community leaders under 40 who are creating a positive impact and addressing often taboo social issues.
Multicultural Publication of the Year sponsored by Village Place
The Greek Herald
The Greek Herald has been the voice of the Greek-Australian and Cypriot-Australian community since its establishment in 1926. It is the largest and only daily Greek newspaper in Australia, and has an international readership.
2025 Multicultural Honour Roll inductees
Inductee
Bio
Ms Nadia Lozzi Cuthbertson OAM
Nadia was the first head of the newly created Ethnic Affairs Commission serving as Executive Officer until 1985. She was considered the ‘right hand’ of Ethnic Affairs Commissioner Dr Paolo Totaro’s in the formative years of the agency and an influential figure in early ethnic affairs policy in NSW.
Mr Mohmad El Dana
Mr El Dana founded Al Amanah College in Bankstown and Al Amanah College in Liverpool in 2002 and supported the creation of sister schools—Salamah College and Glenroy Private in Melbourne. In 2008, Mr El Dana led the Building Identity and Resisting Radicalisation (BIRR) Initiative.
Mr Emmanuel Alfieris
Emmanuel Alfieris was a passionate advocate for the Greek Australian community, known for his unwavering dedication, leadership, and generosity. His deep connection to his roots inspired his lifelong efforts to unite empower the Greek Australian community.
Mr Den Chen
After fleeing Cambodia, Mr Chen and his family settled in Australia, where he became an active volunteer with the Salvation and Cambodian Culture Association from 2000. He worked tirelessly to help refugees and migrants in similar situations. He was also an active fundraiser for Cambodian Buddhist organisations.
Mr Jack Passaris OAM
A Founding and Life Member of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW (ECCNSW), Mr. Passaris remained deeply involved with the organisation from its establishment in 1975 until his passing. His commitment never wavered, and his contributions were instrumental in shaping its success.
