German authorities have detained a 26-year-old Greek national in connection with the death of a train conductor following a violent confrontation during a ticket check in southwestern Germany.
Police said the incident unfolded late Monday near Landstuhl, close to Kaiserslautern, when conductor Mr Serkan, 36, asked a group of four passengers to show their tickets. One passenger was found without a valid ticket and told to leave the train.
As the train began to depart, the suspect allegedly assaulted the conductor, striking him repeatedly in the head.
The conductor, a father of two, collapsed and was taken to hospital, where he died around 24 hours later.
Authorities confirmed the suspect has no registered permanent residence in Germany and has been remanded in custody after appearing before a magistrate. The case is being investigated as suspected manslaughter.
The death prompted nationwide mourning among rail workers, with a minute’s silence observed at train stations on Wednesday.
Deutsche Bahn chief executive Evelyn Palla said she was “stunned and saddened,” adding: “All of us at Deutsche Bahn strongly condemn this horrific act of violence and the completely senseless death of our colleague. Today is a dark day for railway workers across the country. We are in mourning.”
The crash occurred late Tuesday off the island’s eastern coast. The bodies of 11 men and three women were recovered from the sea, while a woman who had been hospitalised later died.
Twenty-four people, including 11 children, remained hospitalised on Wednesday, along with one injured coast guard officer, officials said.
Pediatrician Kirykas Zannikos said one of the most distressing challenges was locating parents of injured children aged between 1 and 15.
“On the pediatric side, one problem we had was finding the parents,” he said, visibly emotional.
Hospital staff said injuries included broken bones, head and abdominal trauma, with three patients in intensive care. Two pregnant women also suffered miscarriages.
Photo: Hellenic Coast Guard via AP.
Authorities said most passengers were believed to be Afghan nationals. A Moroccan man who was injured was ordered arrested on suspicion of migrant smuggling.
An extensive search and rescue operation involving patrol boats and a helicopter continued, as it remained unclear how many people had been on board.
Maritime Affairs Minister Vassilis Kikilias blamed smugglers, saying, “Our sorrow for the loss of 15 human lives in Chios is unspeakable,” and pledged an investigation “with transparency and professionalism.”
President Constantine Tassoulas said state support for survivors would be “unwavering.”
The coast guard said the speedboat had no navigation lights, ignored signals to stop, changed course and collided with the patrol vessel before capsizing. The account has not been independently verified.
The UN refugee agency said it was “deeply saddened” by the incident, noting that between 2015 and 2025, 3,148 people died or went missing in the Aegean, and called for greater efforts to prevent dangerous crossings and address their root causes.
The State Library of Victoria is internationally recognised as one of the world’s most beautiful and most visited public libraries. In recent weeks, however, the institution has found itself under intense public scrutiny – and among those caught up in the fallout is a Melbourne family whose café has become a much-loved part of the library’s daily life.
For the past eight years, Mr Tulk Café has been operated by Maria and Michael Togias, who also run the smaller Guild Café at the Russell Street entrance. Named after the library’s founding librarian, Mr Tulk has grown into a popular gathering place for students, researchers, visitors and staff, known for its welcoming atmosphere, affordable menu and consistent quality.
The Togias family took on the café during a particularly challenging period. Their tenure coincided with extended COVID-19 lockdowns and major renovation works at the library, which significantly disrupted trade for much of their lease. Despite this, they continued operating and expanded their offering, including taking over the Guild Café space after the previous operators exited during the pandemic.
Recently, however, the family was informed that they would not be retaining the lease after a competitive tender process was undertaken by the State Library of Victoria. According to the Togias family, they were surprised by the outcome, particularly after being advised during discussions that they were considered preferred tenants and after submitting what they say was a strong proposal.
The Togias’ say their tender included higher rental payments than other offers, additional hospitality concepts within the library precinct, and a proposal to provide training and employment opportunities for young Victorians with disabilities.
They also say they had previously been given assurances by senior management that some form of compensation or extension would be considered to offset the severe financial impact of the pandemic and prolonged construction works.
Those assurances, they claim, were not reflected when the expressions-of-interest process was launched.
A long-term State Library of Victoria employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described Mr Tulk Café as “the heart of the library,” saying its loss would be deeply felt by staff and visitors alike.
“Mr Tulk café is as much a cultural space as the library itself,” the staff member said. “What is being done to the owners is… very unfair.”
Supporters of the Togias family argue that the situation highlights broader concerns about how public institutions balance commercial decisions with community impact.
Writer and journalist Dr John A. Martino, who has been assisting the family, said the café had become an integral part of the library’s identity and questioned whether a direct negotiation or alternative arrangement could have been considered.
“Maria and Michael have transformed their hospitality spaces into beloved ‘faces of the library’ that are always warm, welcoming and ideal for studying and meetings. They are a true cultural locus, too, attracting students, writers and researchers in endless droves,” Dr Martino said.
An online petition calling for the preservation of Mr Tulk Café has since gained traction, and the matter has reportedly been referred to the Victorian Ombudsman for review.
For many in Melbourne’s student, literary and visitor communities, the outcome remains deeply disappointing. Supporters hope that, even at this late stage, a resolution might be found that recognises the café’s contribution to the life of the State Library of Victoria.
According to The Greek Herald‘s sources, the Library was required to undertake a public tender in line with Victorian Government guidelines, through which a new operator was selected.
A state library spokesperson toldSmart Company the organisation was within its rights to consider the services offered to visitors.
The Mavromoustakos brothers’ annual Charity Football Match has delivered its most ambitious and successful edition to date, raising almost $10,000 for children living in extreme poverty across Africa.
Held on Sunday, January 18 at Seymour Shaw Stadium in Miranda, Sydney, the 2026 match drew close to 500 spectators, transforming the upgraded venue into a vibrant hub of football, entertainment and community generosity.
Founders and lead organisers Yianni and Chrisos Mavromoustakos said the event has grown far beyond its grassroots beginnings, while remaining deeply anchored in its original purpose.
Founders and lead organisers Yianni and Chrisos Mavromoustakos. All photos: Dora Kelaiditis.
“As brothers, we coordinate every facet of the event from start to finish, including logistics, marketing, and corporate partnerships,” Yianni said.
“It is a year-round labour of love for us, supported by an incredible team of volunteers and professional staff who help bring the vision to life.”
From grassroots idea to signature community event
The inaugural Charity Match was held in 2019, born from a desire to harness football’s unique ability to unite people for a meaningful cause.
“It began as a grassroots initiative to unite our local community through sport,” Chrisos said. “We wanted to harness that collective energy to support those living in extreme poverty.”
This year marked a major milestone, with the event staged for the first time using Seymour Shaw Stadium’s newly upgraded world-class facilities, elevating both the matchday experience and production quality.
Big names, big crowd, big reach
On the field, Team Yianni recorded a 10–2 victory, but he was quick to stress that the real triumph extended well beyond the scoreline.
“The real winner was everybody involved — and ultimately the charity,” Yianni said.
The match featured a high-profile guest lineup including Nick Carle, reality TV personality Bryce Ruthven, and comedians Anthony Locascio and Marty Bright. Digital creators Jamie Zhu and ShakTV also took part, with organisers estimating a combined online reach of more than 1.5 million followers.
The atmosphere was further enhanced by professional live streaming, commentary, and a halftime junior showcase involving more than 30 young players from local clubs including Sylvania Heights FC, Caringbah Redbacks and Marconi Stallions.
Community at the heart of the mission
Beyond football and entertainment, the Charity Match continues to place strong emphasis on connection and inclusion.
“The core objective is always connection,” Chrisos said. “It’s about bridging the gap between our lives in Sydney and the urgent needs of those supported by Paradise 4 Kids, proving that when a community rallies together, we can provide a future for children who have very little.”
The day was supported by dozens of local businesses – from butchers and bakeries to gyms and cafés – alongside major brands including Officeworks and Coles. Thousands of dollars’ worth of raffle prizes, community games and a BBQ helped create what organisers described as “a triumph of spirit and generosity.”
The winning team.
Tangible impact for children in need
The nearly $10,000 raised will go directly to Paradise 4 Kids, supporting the missionary work of Bishop Themi Adamopoulos in West Africa.
“These funds provide life-saving essentials such as food, clean water and shelter,” Chrisos said. “This year’s total is enough to feed, clothe and educate 167 children for an entire year, which is a staggering impact.”
Reflecting on the day, Yianni and Chrisos described the experience as deeply moving.
“It is deeply rewarding and humbling to give back in this way,” they said. “Seeing local churches, small business owners and global stars all standing on the same patch of grass for one singular cause is a feeling that is difficult to put into words. We are simply grateful to be part of such a compassionate network.”
Now firmly established as a signature summer event for Sydney’s Greek Australian community, the Mavromoustakos Charity Football Match continues to grow – in scale, reach and impact – while staying true to its founding mission of community-driven generosity.
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.
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 35,000 names from 117 countries including 1,900 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. 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 2 March 2026 to be part of the next unveiling ceremony in May 2026. To register please visitthis website or call (02) 9298 3777.
Melbourne’s World Greek Language Day celebrations are on the final straight, with the organising committee meeting this week for the fourth time to lock in last arrangements for the February 9 event at the Capitol Theatre.
The meeting took place without Professor Anastasios Tamis, the driving force behind the UNESCO-recognised celebration, who was hospitalised last week. While his absence was keenly felt, his influence remained unmistakable as the committee finalised an event he has pursued with relentless focus from its inception.
Even from his hospital bed, Professor Tamis continued to direct preparations through a steady stream of emails and phone calls, underscoring his commitment to seeing the project through.
Long-time supporter and benefactor Peter Patisteas reaffirmed his backing, saying the Melbourne celebration exists because of Professor Tamis’ persistence.
“Without him pushing for this and rallying volunteers, Melbourne would have no celebration on February 9th, nothing on the actual day of UNESCO’s World Greek Language Day,” he said, adding he was prepared to provide further support if required.
Committee member Mike Zafiropoulos noted the event has outgrown its local beginnings. “This is an international event,” he said, pointing to Melbourne’s growing role as a global reference point for World Greek Language Day.
The evening will be hosted by lawyer Dean Kalymniou and broadcaster Helen Kapalos and will feature a keynote address by The Hon. Professor Anthe Philippides. The program blends scholarship and performance, with musical presentations by the Psaltries Choir of Melbourne and the 45-member Camerata Chorus of Melbourne, supported by a 12-member ensemble under musical director Andreas Koikas. Actor Jeremy Artis will narrate excerpts from Odysseas Elytis’ Nobel Prize address.
With the event days away, attention has turned to seamless execution, as volunteers coordinate logistics, protocol and student participation under the direction of Dimitris Gonis.
In a significant achievement for a community initiative, major preparations are complete, including a 40-page official program and commemorative gifts for Philhellenes. The event is entirely sponsor-funded and volunteer-run, with no government funding from either Greece or Australia.
Despite limited publicity, registrations have far exceeded capacity, creating a substantial waiting list. Consuls general, diplomats and business leaders from numerous countries will inundate the Capitol Theatre.
With a full house, attention focused on how to accommodate the audience. St John’s College Director of Hellenism Kristian Raspas sparked strong agreement when he insisted that students should not be treated as ‘extras’ and relegated to back seats. The team immediately set to work rearranging seating.
NUGAS Co-President Demi Bourdopoulos had created an efficient ticketing system and rallied NUGAS members to help usher in guests.
As the meeting concluded, the mood was resolute. Professor Tamis may not have been in the room, but his leadership, and the momentum he created, remained the committee’s heartbeat.
Brisbane 2032 president Andrew Liveris acknowledged budget pressures for the Games, citing the dispersed venues across Queensland, from Toowoomba to Cairns.
Speaking at the IOC Summit in Milan, he said the current bid budget “bears no resemblance to reality” and emphasised lessons from the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics would be “very instructive.”
Liveris highlighted the need to balance costs with athlete and fan experiences, saying, “We just have to make sure that it’s affordable and the athlete experience and the fan experience does not get compromised.”
He also expressed confidence that timelines and venue delivery would be met, despite labour and logistical challenges.
The Brisbane committee will maintain a “significant” presence at the 2028 Los Angeles Games as preparations continue.
Myer will close its Roselands store in Sydney by the end of July, making way for a global retailer as part of a major shopping centre redevelopment.
The Roselands store, opened in 1965 as Grace Bros and rebranded to Myer in 2004, will continue trading until its closing sale.
The Roselands Shopping Centre, now owned by HMC and JY Group, will be revamped into a convenience-led precinct with a 16,000 sqm supermarket and additional national and international retailers, creating around 550 jobs.
A Myer spokesman said the closure is part of the company’s strategy to streamline its store network and focus on profitable locations.
Myer has also upgraded its Morley store in Perth and previously closed stores in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney.
South Melbourne FC will host league leaders Auckland FC in a blockbuster top-of-the-table clash of the inaugural OFC Pro League on Saturday, February 21, with the match relocated to Alexandros Ground at Olympic Village.
The venue change was confirmed after Lakeside Stadium became unavailable due to preparations for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
The highly anticipated fixture forms part of Round 3 of the competition, with South Melbourne currently second on the ladder and Auckland FC sitting top after five consecutive victories.
Melbourne hub fixtures confirmed
Following the Olympic Village encounter, South Melbourne will play their remaining home fixtures at The Home of The Matildas, which will also host the rescheduled Round 1 match against Solomon Kings FC.
South Melbourne – Melbourne Hub fixtures:
Saturday, February 21: vs Auckland FC (Olympic Village)
Tuesday, February 24: vs Tahiti United (The Home of The Matildas)
Saturday, February 27: vs South Island United (The Home of The Matildas)
Wednesday, March 4: vs Solomon Kings FC (The Home of The Matildas)
Round 2 results and standings
Earlier this week, Matchday 2 of Round 2 was staged at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. Auckland FC maintained their perfect record with a commanding 4–0 victory over Tahiti United, extending their lead at the top of the table.
PNG Hekari FC and Vanuatu United FC played out a 2–2 draw, while South Melbourne and Solomon Kings FC are scheduled to face Bula FC and South Island United respectively on Wednesday.
Standings after five matches:
Auckland FC – 15 pts
South Melbourne FC – 7 pts (3 matches)
Solomon Kings FC – 4 pts (2 matches)
South Island United – 4 pts (3 matches)
Bula FC – 4 pts (3 matches)
Tahiti United – 2 pts (4 matches)
Vanuatu United FC – 3 pts
PNG Hekari FC – 1 pt (4 matches)
Final Papua New Guinea fixture
South Melbourne will complete their Papua New Guinea campaign on Sunday, February 8, when they face Vanuatu United FC at Santos National Football Stadium.
The match, scheduled for a 12:30 pm kick-off, will conclude their Round 2 commitments before the club returns to Melbourne to host three consecutive Round 3 fixtures.
The Round 2 Matchday 3 schedule will also see Auckland FC take on Solomon Kings FC, while PNG Hekari FC meet South Island United.
Australian Open Intellectual Disability singles player Andriana Petrakis finished fifth overall, capping a strong week against some of the world’s top competitors.
After winning her final match, Petrakis said she felt “satisfied, grateful, honoured and humbled” following a “challenging, tough draw.”
She narrowly lost to French world No.2 Eva Blanc in the opening round, taking the first set to a tiebreak 7–6 (9–7). “This set alone shows me that I have closed the gap,” she said.
Petrakis credited her tactical adaptability and determination as key strengths and described the Australian Open’s global atmosphere as a highlight.
She also met American professionals Taylor Townsend and Ben Shelton, who encouraged her to “keep going with your hard work” and “keep up your amazing work.”
Looking ahead, Petrakis will compete in the PWID Victorian Championships later this month.
