“The UK has cared for the Elgin Marbles for generations. Our galleries and museums are funded by taxpayers because they are a huge asset to this country,” Sunak told reporters.
“We share their treasures with the world, and the world comes to the UK to see them. The collection of the British Museum is protected by law, and we have no plans to change it.”
Parthenon Marbles at the British Museum.
The Parthenon Marbles have been displayed in the British Museum since 1832 after being stripped from the Parthenon in Athens, Greece by Lord Elgin, a British diplomat.
Australia will build a new fleet of eight AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines in Adelaide, South Australia under a national defence program that will cost up to $368 billion over the next three decades.
This news was revealed today by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The sweeping plan will begin by hosting more visits to Australian ports by United States submarines this year and United Kingdom vessels from 2026, clearing the way for a fixed rotation of naval power in Perth.
Over time, Australia will aim to build a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines to a joint design with the United Kingdom so that vessels made in Adelaide can enter service in the 2040s.
In the interim, Australia will buy three US-made Virginia-class subs with an option of two more, with the first arriving in 2033. But the sale still requires congressional approval.
The long-term fleet will consist of eight submarines and will be fitted with vertical launch systems to fire cruise missiles.
I’m here in San Diego with @JoeBiden and @RishiSunak to announce the AUKUS agreement.
This significant and enduring investment will create thousands of direct jobs, advance our Defence capability, and transform our sovereign manufacturing capacity. pic.twitter.com/QyZh4u9zy1
20,000 direct jobs will be created in Australia by the AUKUS pathway – with the bulk of the jobs in SA and Western Australia – to build the submarines and new infrastructure.
Mr Albanese, Mr Biden and Mr Sunak said in a joint statement that the AUKUS pathway will elevate the industrial capacity of all three countries and expand their presence in the Indo-Pacific.
“Our nations are committed to further trilateral collaboration that will strengthen our joint capabilities, enhance our information and technology sharing, and integrate our industrial bases and supply chains while strengthening the security regimes of each nation,” the three leaders said.
Western Sydney Wanderers have claimed all three points in a blistering match against Sydney Olympic FC at Wanderers Football Park as the hosts ran out 3-2 winners.
The Wanderers opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a clever attacking move. George Antonis switched the play to find Jesse Cameron, who after combining with Marcus Younis crossed into the feet of Ariath Piol in the box.
The striker latched onto a bouncing ball, held off his defender well and laid the ball off to Jarrod Carluccio, who finished emphatically.
Sydney Olympic FC.
Piol doubled the Wanderers’ lead in the 31st minute, after being slid in by Younis off a clinical attacking transition.
However, Sydney Olympic fashioned a fantastic first half comeback, as Adam Parkhouse converted a good finish into the far bottom right corner off a loose ball, before setting up Roy O’Donovan to find the equaliser with a pinpoint cross to the back post.
At the end of the first half, Sydney Olympic’s continued comeback was stagnated, as they were reduced to ten men with no. 3 sent off after picking up a second yellow card.
Sydney Olympic FC.
The Wanderers capitalised and went ahead in the 70th minute as substitutes Zachary Sapsford and Nathanael Blair combined, with the latter finishing off a good cross at the back post.
Sydney Olympic had chances to find an equaliser, and the Wanderers could have extended their advantage, but neither found the back of the net and the home side picked up their second victory of the campaign.
Grandparents will have the opportunity to help secure the future of their grandkids as part of a re-elected Liberal and Nationals plan to futureproof the finances of a whole generation through Kids Future Fund accounts.
NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet, said this would give grandparents the opportunity to give their grandkids a head start in life.
“We know that grandparents want the best for their grandchildren, which is why we’re giving them the opportunity to help set their grandkids up financially for the future,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Through the Kids Future Fund, grandparents will be able to partner with parents to make contributions to their children’s future and help change the lives of the next generation of kids across NSW.
“For some kids in NSW, there could be up to six adults contributing to their fund, making small investments over time to grow their wealth and help secure their financial future.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole, said even a small contribution could help grandparents build a sizeable nest egg for their grandkids over time.
“Nothing brings greater joy to a grandparent than seeing their grandkids grow up and knowing they’ve got what they need. Any money they chip in to their grandkids’ Future Fund will grow right along with them, setting them up for the future,” Mr Toole said.
“Plenty of us remember getting cash inside a birthday card from gran or pop. Getting a nest egg that could help set you up to buy your first home or train for your first job is a gift with lasting impact.”
Treasurer, Matt Kean, said enabling grandparents to contribute to the Kids Future Fund would help bolster their grandchild’s wealth and help them on the path to financial security.
“A small cash birthday or Christmas present placed in the fund would deliver big dividends down the track,” Mr Kean said. “This initiative will help build financial security for a whole new generation.”
As part of the Kids Future Fund, parents and grandparents together will be able to contribute up to $1,000 annually to each fund.
The Kids Future Fund:
Each account will receive an initial $400 contribution provided by the Government when it is created.
Each year, the child’s parents (or grandparents) will be able to contribute up to $1,000 per year to the account. The Government will match these contributions up to $400 per year until the child turns 18.
If parents (or grandparents) make a contribution of $400 each year, alongside the Government’s co-contribution, the fund is expected to be around $28,500 by the time the child turns 18.
If parents (or grandparents) contribute the maximum amount of $1,000 per year, the fund is expected to be around $49,000.
For families receiving Commonwealth Family Tax Benefit A, the Government will automatically contribute $200 a year to the child’s account without requiring a matched contribution from parents (or grandparents).
If the parents (or grandparents) also contribute $200 each year, the Government will match this with an additional $200.
Contributions can be made to the fund after the child turns 18, however the Government will not provide any further matched contributions.
When the child turns 18 they will be able to draw down on the fund for only two purposes:
Housing – e.g. a contribution towards purchasing a residential property
Education – e.g. textbooks and other learning materials, laptops, private tuition fees, micro-credentials, tools required for getting a qualification
The fund will be open for children aged up to 10 years old (in the 2023 calendar year). From 2024, new accounts will only be created for newborns.
There are around 974,000 babies and children aged up to 10 years old in NSW in 2023.
There are around 100,000 babies born in NSW each year.
Three generations of Pontian women and their proud families filled the Pontian House in Sydney on Sunday afternoon for an inaugural International Women’s Day afternoon tea by Pontoxeniteas NSW.
There was standing room only at the event as members and VIP guests gathered to celebrate past female Presidents and Secretaries of the Association who were integral to its survival.
Three generations of Pontian women. All photos copyright: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.Pontian youth with their grandparents.
Among the VIP guests were Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis; the First Secretary for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, Anastasia Christofilopoulou; Vice President of the Federation of Pontian Association of Australia, Esta Paschalidis-Chilas; President of Pontoxeniteas NSW, Maria Anthony; President of Panagia Soumela Sydney, Peter Papoulidis; President of AHEPA NSW, Bill Skandalakis; Nena Lambousis representing the Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW; and historian Dr Panayiotis Diamadis; among many others.
Sophie Cotsis MP (left) with event attendees.(L-R) Nena Lambousis, Peter Papoulidis and Maria Anthony.
Ms Paschalidis-Chilas was emcee on the day and started the official proceedings with a traditional Acknowledgment of Country.
Female dancers from Pontoxeniteas’ senior dance group then performed a number of traditional Pontian dances to music by Kosta Papoulidis and Prodromos Moysiadis. The dancers were under instruction by dance teachers Christina Iwannidou, Alexandra Papoulidis and Kosta.
Pontian females dancing.(L-R) Kosta Papoulidis and Prodromos Moysiadis.
Ms Iwannidou took to the stage next and spoke in Pontian dialect about her family story including her grandmother’s life in Pontos, her mother in Greece and her move to Australia.
Ms Iwannidou brought the audience to tears with her impassioned speech encouraging everyone to keep speaking Greek to the next generation to ensure the survival of the language.
Dance teacher Christina Iwannidou (centre).
The Pontoxeniteas Inaugural International Women’s Day Awards for 2023 were then presented by Ms Cotsis and Ms Christofilopoulou to Helen Macris (first female President of the Association), Calliope Gelastopoulos (Past Secretary), Dorothea Papadopoulos (leader in the culture and arts of Pontoxeniteas), and the late Fotini Rodintsis (first female Secretary).
Award recipients.
To conclude these formal proceedings, Dr Diamadis gave a presentation on Australian heroines in Greece during 1915 – 1930. The afternoon ended with afternoon tea and an opportunity for members to mingle.
Dr Diamidis giving his lecture.Afternoon tea.
During afternoon tea, The Greek Herald had an opportunity to speak with the first-ever female President of Pontoxeniteas NSW, Ms Macris, who said it was an honour to be recognised at the event.
“When I was younger, I didn’t want to be part of all of this. I was busy working and looking after my family. But I was told by an older member here, ‘do it for the soul of your ancestors,’ and once I got involved, that was it,” Ms Macris said with a smile.
Helen Macris with her family.AttendeesYouth at the event.
“I don’t know how much I succeeded as a President but it was a good experience for me. I think it gave the go-ahead to other women that it’s something they can do even better.
“I mean we Pontian women are very strong. Historically, we were the ones that were left after the genocide and I think it’s inherent in every Pontian women to have that strength. We’ve made it into something that’s part of our DNA.”
Female committee members of Pontoxeniteas NSW.More youth.
Maria Rodintsis-Kouvalakis, daughter of the Association’s first female Secretary the late Ms Rodintsis, also spoke to The Greek Herald and said she attended the event to “honour” her mother’s memory.
Maria Rodintsis-Kouvalakis and her family.
“Today was a chance to connect with who I am and who was before me,” Maria said.
A perfect summary of the inaugural International Women’s Day event by Pontoxeniteas NSW.
*All photos copyright: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Past and present members of the Sydney University Greek Society (SUGS) rocked up to Le Montage in Lilyfield, Sydney on Friday, March 10 to celebrate the society’s 65th anniversary.
Members of the Kytherian Youth Association attended the ball. All photos copyright: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.Young members of SUGS.Table 17 at SUGS.Attendees.
On the night, attendees celebrated this momentous occasion with live entertainment by FiloXenia band, great food, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks, and even better company.
FiloXenia band.Dancing the night away.
There were a number of official guests including the Sir Nicholas Laurantus Chair in Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies at USYD, Professor Vrasidas Karalis; current SUGS President, Kosta Plegas; as well as many other past Presidents of the Society.
Professor Vrasidas Karalis.Kosta Plegas.Official speeches
In a speech, Professor Vrasidas thanked everyone for attending the event and for being “loyal friends” SUGS.
“Nothing can happen at Sydney University without the collaboration of students. You are the heart of the university. Not just the heart but essentially the main locomotive that moves the university forward. You are the future,” Professor Vrasidas stressed about the Society and its student members.
Mr Plegas also gave a speech on the night, outlining the recent activities of SUGS to reconnect with its members including youth nights and cultural events.
The event was sold-out.
“The 65th anniversary ball of SUGS serves as a reminder to all of how a student society can grow into an institution and a staple of the Greek Australian community,” Mr Plegas.
Students attendees to the ball.People enjoyed the sunset at the start of the event.
“It has enriched the lives of many and I’m sure it will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of all.”
Following these speeches, as well as a raffle draw of prizes such as a gold cross by Aurea Designs Jewellers and flowers by Mr Roses, everyone hit the floor to dance the night away.
Gold cross prize.Group photo.Boys do a zeibekiko.
*All photos copyright: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
The Roxy Theatre in Bingara is a wonderful venue for a dinner dance. The Roxy auditorium has some of the most striking original Art Deco architecture to be seen in NSW and it still contains the original fixtures and fittings, including the ornate stucco plaster, paintwork and coloured lights from 1936.
Designed both as a picture theatre and a dance hall, it has an expansive floor of cypress pine boards, ideal for dancing the night away.
Bingara some 560 kilometres north-west of Sydney, enjoys an admirable situation on the banks of the upper Gwydir River and the rich soils of the long extinct Kaputar volcano. From the early 1900s there were Greeks in Bingara. In 1907, Comino and Panaretto opened an ‘Oyster Saloon and Refreshment Room’ there.
Later, Kytherians Emanuel Aroney, Peter Feros, and George Psaltis, erected the Roxy building comprising the cafe, the cinema and a row of three shops. They also built a guest house nearby which is still standing. The Roxy building forms an attractive facade on Bingara’s main commercial way, Maitland Street.
The ambitious Roxy development opened with great fanfare in March 1936 but the partners were soon obliged under a bankruptcy settlement to assign the entire property to their creditors. Feros and Psaltis left Bingara while Aroney stayed and ran the Regent Cafe for many years.
In the early 1990s, a group of community members, among them Nancy MacInnes, recognised the Roxy’s significance and lobbied the council to restore the theatre. The council purchased the building in 1999 and with state and federal grants, set about restoring it to its former glory.
In 2006, after the Roxy’s re-opening, the publication of the book ‘Katsehamos and the Great Idea’ by the writer of this article (a grandson of Peter Feros), led to an upsurge in interest in the Bingara Roxy, particularly among Kytherians. Large Greek-themed gatherings were held in the town with the council-appointed Roxy Manager, Sandy McNaughton, and other council staff much involved in their organisation.
Donations from the Kytherian Association and the Nicholas Aroney Trust, and substantial government and council grants, funded the restoration of the Roxy Cafe and the development of the Roxy Greek Museum.
The museum was opened in April 2014 by the NSW Governor, the Hon Marie Bashir, and in 2015 it was awarded first place in its category of the Museum and National Gallery Awards. In 2017, the Roxy Theatre was formally recognised as having state heritage significance “as a rare surviving example of an Inter-War Art Deco cinema with its distinctive street presence and intact, luxurious, interior detailing.”
The ‘Back to Bingara Dinner Dance’ will be held on Saturday, March 18 at The Roxy Theatre, Bingara from 7pm. Tickets are $95 and can be purchased here: https://www.trybooking.com/CEFTQ
On Wednesday, March 8, the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) celebrated International Women’s Day by holding its 9th annual special event, titled ‘Cracking the Code: Innovative Storytelling Towards Equality.’
More than 120 people attended the sold out event which took place at Le Ciel in Cremorne, and was centered around a panel discussion hosted by journalist-turned-CEO of the Social Studio, Dewi Cooke.
The panel featured three remarkable Greek Australian women who have carved their own path in the world of journalism, media, communications, and marketing. They are:
HACCI 2021 Woman of Influence Award winner, Niki Savva. She is a celebrated political journalist, author, and former advisor to the Howard Federal government.
Helen Kapalos used her fame after a successful career as a newsreader to fight for causes she believed in. In 2015, she was appointed as chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission; at the same time, she embarked on a different journey, as a documentary filmmaker and advocate for medicinal cannabis.
Expert marketing strategist, Mia Fileman, is a full-time trainer, mentor and consultant for women in business. After 20 years in marketing, she set up her own business, Campaign Del Mar, a marketing education platform for marketers and entrepreneurs offering online training and education in multi-channel marketing. She is also the producer and host of a popular industry-focused podcast, ‘Got Marketing?’
Dewi Cooke, Helen Kapalos, Mia Fileman, and Niki Savva.
In what was an open discussion about their careers and experiences as communicators, the three panellists provided the audience with ideas, insights and practical tools to influence discussions in many facets of their lives.
“It’s as simple as shifting our attitude when it comes to the context of community,” Helen Kapalos said. “Make the shift from a community of problems to a community of possibilities.”
Nikki Savva had some practical and direct advice for the audience: “If there are people in here who employ women, give them a pay rise,” she said.
“If you see men disrespecting women, tell them to stop. The most important thing is for people to stay engaged; connect to organisations, even if it’s a political party or a community group, donate to organisations that help other women,” she added.
“There are all sorts of practical ways that each of us as individuals can do. We can all make a difference.”
For her part, Mia Fileman focused on aspiring business owners: “If your daughter, your sister, or your wife comes to you saying she wants to start a business, be her support. This is how we can crack the code and get to equality. Please throw support behind them; running a business is risky, but it also gives women incredible opportunities.”
Dewi Cooke closed the event with a call to action: “Think about what is the one thing you can do once you walk out of this room to create change in the next 24 hours.”
Dewi Cooke, Mia Fileman, Niki Savva, and Helen Kapalos.
“It can be an email you send to someone, a conversation at the office, a donation, or joining a political party, be active; we are active, not passive participants of the world,” she added.
The discussion continued further during the rest of the night, as the attendees, including prominent members of the Greek Australian community, networked over drinks and canapés, enjoying the spectacular view of the city.
HACCI Board Chair, Fotini Kypraios, said: “I’m very proud of how our annual International Women’s Day event is growing stronger and more popular every year.”
“HACCI has been celebrating International Women’s Day since 2014, and it looks like we’ll keep doing this for many years to come, because no matter how hard we fight, no matter how many discussions we hold, how many actions we take, we’re still living in a man’s world, where women are still facing inequality, discrimination, or worse, on a daily basis,” Ms Kypraios added.
South Melbourne FC is unstoppable at the start of this year’s National Premier Leagues Victoria (NPL Victoria), as the Blue and Whites celebrated their fourth win in as many games.
Esteban Quintas’ men claimed a 1-0 victory over Dandenong Thunder over the weekend.
In front of approximately 1,500 spectators at George Andrews Reserve, South Melbourne FC entered the field hungry, had control of the game and looked for the goal which came in the 27th minute by Patrick Langlois.
In the second half, things seemed to be easier for South Melbourne as Dandenong Thunder were left with 10 players due to the dismissal of Ismaili with a direct red card for a hard foul on Norton.
But still, South Melbourne missed important opportunities to double the score, resulting in an anxious victory in the end.
With this victory, the Blue and Whites continue to lead the “race” of the standings with 12 points.
The author warned that elderly people could be forced to travel hours further west or south to bury their loved ones.
Mr Scott has been issuing these warning since 2020 after he authored the 11th Hour Report and said all crown cemeteries could close to burials in 10 years.
Since then, the NSW Government announced the separate Crown cemeteries, which include Rookwood, would be consolidated in 2021.
A spokesman for the Department of Planning and Environment said the government is yet to decide a final operating model, and pointed to the Catholic Metropolitan Cemetery Trusts’s new Varroville cemetery as evidence the government is finding new burial ground.
