Merri-Bek has been a Sister City of Sparta for nearly 40 years and is home to a thriving Greek community.
Far from simply symbolic, the Sister City Status supports local community groups to host international events and programs, maintain important cultural connections and cement Melbourne’s status as an international city.
Addressing the council meeting, Councillor Theodosis spoke of her own Greek heritage and the importance of keeping the Sister City status for cultural, economic and historical ties.
“I myself am the very proud daughter of two Greek Migrants who moved to our city in the 1970s,” Cr Theodosis told council.
“These migrants worked hard, many in factories, to contribute to building the Merri-bek we know and love today.
“It doesn’t cost the council anything, but the return is substantial – particularly from our community organisations who have strong ties to Sparta.”
Following her impassioned speech, Cr Theodosis’ motion was supported unanimously, meaning the Sister City relationship will continue for many years to come.
Cr Theodosis thanked the many community members who showed up to support her motion and the continued relationship between Merri-Bek and Sparta.
At just 20 years old, Zoe Haritopoulou-Sinanidou is already leaving her mark on the world of biomedical science — and beyond. Named the inaugural Woman to Watch at this year’s Greek Herald Woman of the Year Awards, Zoe shares the honour with her sister Melina, reflecting not only their individual achievements but the strength of their shared journey.
Currently completing her Honours year at the prestigious Doherty Institute’s Kent Lab, Zoe is helping develop a cutting-edge nanoparticle vaccine for influenza and COVID-19. But her story is just as much about resilience and cultural pride as it is about scientific innovation.
From leaving Athens to move to rural Australia at 13, to navigating the challenges of being a young woman and migrant in STEM, Zoe has turned every obstacle into an opportunity.
In this exclusive interview, she opens up about her Greek heritage, her inspirations — particularly the powerful women in her family — and her mission to foster respectful, inclusive environments in science. Warm, grounded and forward-thinking, Zoe embodies the future of STEM: diverse, driven and deeply human.
At just 20 years old, Zoe Haritopoulou-Sinanidou is already leaving her mark on the world of biomedical science.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a biomed graduate doing my honours year at the Kent Lab of the Doherty Institute, generating a nanoparticle vaccine for influenza and COVID.
I came to rural Australia after finishing Year 7 in Greece. Now in Melbourne, I enjoy all the city has to offer. At uni, I am part of the committee of the Italian club, MUISC, where we share Italian culture.
Coming from Athens and moving to Australia in 2017 must have been a significant transition. How has your Greek heritage shaped your journey in STEM, and how do you stay connected to your roots while pursuing your career?
Moving from Athens, a bustling city, to rural New South Wales in 2017 was a huge shift. There were no Greeks there and this forced me to adapt to the outback lifestyle. My move to Melbourne made it easier to find more opportunities in science.
Growing up in Athens, I would go to the Eugenides Foundation/Planetarium, the Hellenic World and so many other science venues. At school we were taught from a young age about Archimedes and Pythagoras. Our school would also send me to mathematics competitions and robotics events, and I was a member of a chess club and attended weekend competitions. Here in Australia, I enjoyed the Australian education system and it suited my way of learning. Whether in Greece or Australia, maths and science were passions of mine because I had a knack for them.
My Greek heritage has shaped my journey in STEM because the language of science uses Greek words and even though I couldn’t speak English as well as my classmates when I first arrived, I could still understand these subjects. This was great for my self-esteem.
Regarding my Greek heritage, it is simply a natural part of who I am. I grew up there and have friends in Athens that I catch up with regularly. I also speak Greek at home, visit my dad in Athens, enjoy cuisine in Oakleigh, enjoy NUGAS and Pallaconian Brotherhood events, was an assistant teacher at the Greek Community schools, but overall I embrace the multicultural lifestyle Melbourne offers.
I am also a member of many other youth groups. I really appreciate living in a country where multiculturalism is embraced.
Zoe embraces the multicultural lifestyle Melbourne offers.
You’ve spoken about the influence of your grandmother and mother, as well as mentors. Can you share more about how they have shaped your path in science and leadership?
I am lucky to have been inspired by strong women. First and foremost, my sister Melina, whom I share the Woman to Watch Award with. As young girls she would share her knowledge and wonder in the world, whether this be looking at bugs through a magnifying glass or just talking about the Big Bang Theory and coming up with crazy hypotheses.
My grandmother overcame obstacles on Imbros and pursued her dreams as a young teenager studying in Istanbul before heading on a scholarship to the prestigious Arsakeio Teachers Academy in Athens and then becoming a principal in Istanbul. She instilled in me the importance of an education. And my grandfather believed in her and was the type of man who respected gender equity, shared household duties, was an active listener and, frankly, I don’t remember him ever saying anything demeaning or degrading about gender roles or women – something unusual for his generation.
Naturally, with parents like that, my mother (The Greek Herald journalist Mary Sinanidis) was a powerful example of breaking gender stereotypes. As a sole breadwinner in a cut-throat industry like journalism, she worked tirelessly, juggling multiple jobs so my sister and I could pursue our dreams. Though she made it look effortless, I witnessed firsthand that this was not easy. I remember visiting her at one workplace and seeing verbal abuse and rampant bullying. This happened in progressive Australia in recent times — not in Greece, not in past decades. It helped me understand the effects that a person’s workplace can have on a person’s self-esteem and family. Her ability to overcome this abuse, to maintain her self-belief and passion regardless of it, and to ultimately succeed, taught me the importance of patience and perseverance. And I vowed to be very careful about the environments I choose to work in.
Zoe (right), with her mum Mary (left) and sister Melina (centre).
Finding mentors at the Kent Lab of the Doherty Institute was life-changing. They provide consistent support and training, fostering a positive and effective learning environment. Their respectful treatment of everyone contrasts sharply with some negative experiences others have shared with me. It is no secret that academia is brutal. I actually hesitated pursuing a science career due to these horror stories, but I am lucky that my lab has so far demonstrated that respectful environments do exist. My goal is to contribute to creating more such environments, where diversity is valued, and everyone feels safe to express themselves and perform their best work.
As a young woman excelling in STEM, what challenges have you faced in the field, and what changes would you like to see to make the industry more inclusive for women?
While I’ve been fortunate in some respects, I’ve encountered subtle yet persistent challenges as a young woman in STEM. The constant emphasis on the rarity of women in this field, and the surprise expressed at my mathematical abilities simply because of my gender, creates a sense of unease. It’s discouraging to feel like your competence is questioned based on stereotypes. At school I had a teacher who told me that I was “great for a girl”, and I found this off putting.
Beyond gender, I’ve also experienced instances where my race seemed to be a factor. For example, a university academic advisor, despite my Australian citizenship and academic performance, suggested I pursue opportunities as a ‘diversity hire’ or relocate to Greece. This felt dismissive and unprofessional, and I discontinued our meetings.
To create a more inclusive STEM industry, I believe we need to address unconscious bias and shift the narrative away from highlighting the rarity of women in STEM and, instead, focus on celebrating their contributions.
Zoe Haritopoulou-Sinanidou at a graduation ceremony.
You’re already making waves in biomedical research at just 20. What are your long-term career goals, and how do you hope to contribute to the future of science and healthcare?
My immediate goal is to pursue a PhD, solidifying my research skills and deepening my expertise in biomedical science. While my current research focuses on virology, I’m eager to broaden my scope to tackle other critical health challenges.
Specifically, I’m passionate about contributing to research on issues I have seen my own family struggle with first-hand: multiple sclerosis, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. These illnesses have personally impacted my life, because I have seen first-hand the profound challenges they present.
My long-term aspiration is to contribute meaningfully to the development of innovative treatments. Ultimately, I hope to play a role in shaping a future where scientific advancements lead to more effective and accessible healthcare for all.
Receiving the inaugural TGH Woman to Watch award is a remarkable achievement. How did it feel to be recognised, and what message do you hope to share with other young Greek Australian women?
Receiving the inaugural TGH Woman to Watch award is an incredible honour. It’s deeply motivating, and makes me determined to not only live up to the title but to exceed expectations. I feel an immense sense of gratitude and responsibility.
Zoe (left) and her sister Melina (right) at The Greek Herald Woman of the Year Awards ceremonies. Photo: Effy Alexakis.
My message is not just for Greek Australian women, but for whoever needs to hear it. Whether you are a woman in science or a male childcare worker – believe in your potential, don’t be afraid to pursue your passions, even if someone tells you they are unconventional.
Surround yourself with supportive people who lift you up, and remember that collaboration can amplify your impact. We are capable of incredible things when we work together, and by this, I mean women supporting women, men supporting a fair workplace and room for all people regardless of their pronouns or race.
Whoever you are, don’t be afraid to be you, to share your voice, your ideas, break barriers and shine your light!
You and your sister Melina are both excelling in STEM and lifting each other up along the way. How has working alongside your sister influenced your journey, and do you see more collaborations in your future?
From a young age we had fun with science, and have many shared experiences. She was, and still is, the first person I turn to for advice (sorry mum) – whether it is about navigating a difficult research problem or personal problems.
Her work ethic is one of the best! Of course I would love to collaborate with her should the opportunity arise.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
STEM is great, awards are wonderful, but what matters most in life is cultivating meaningful relationships with people that matter and practicing kindness and self-care.
Two special screenings of the documentary ANZAC: The Greek Chapter were held in Canberra and Sydney, commemorating the bond between Australia, New Zealand, and Greece during World War II.
In Canberra, the screening was hosted on April 4 at the Hellenic Club, with support from the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra & Districts (GOCCC).
The event was attended by the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, along with community leaders such as the President of the GOCCC John Loukadellis and President of the Hellenic Club of Canberra Steve Kartsonas, as well as veterans’ families and supporters. Melbourne Imvrians’ Society representative George Xinos was also present on the day.
The film, which tells the story of the ANZACs’ involvement in Greece during the 1941 campaign, details their heroic efforts in places like Vevi, continental Greece, and the island of Crete.
During the event, historian Jim Claven OAM, who contributed as an Associate Producer, was recognised for his role in curating the Imbros and Gallipoli Pictorial Exhibition, which was displayed alongside the screening in the Club’s Apollo Room.
The exhibition highlighted the ANZAC-Hellenic connection across both world wars, and the evening was marked by emotional reflections from attendees.
After the screening, a Q&A session allowed the audience to engage with the filmmakers, with a strong response and many requests for repeat viewings.
The Sydney event followed closely, with a screening hosted by the Pan Macedonian Association of NSW at Leichhardt Palace Cinema. The cinema was packed and the audience responded warmly to the film.
A celebratory gathering at Leichardt’s Koutouki Greek restaurant followed, where attendees shared stories and discussed the historical impact of the Greek campaign during WWII.
Both events were well-received, with many attendees expressing their appreciation for the documentary and its contribution to preserving the history of the ANZACs in Greece.
The screenings were a reminder of the enduring friendship between Australia, New Zealand, and Greece forged during World War II.
Mary Coustas, known for her comedic roles in Wogs Out Of Work and Acropolis Now, is stepping outside her usual genre with her first serious role in 13 years.
The 60-year-old actress joins the cast of the upcoming BINGE TV drama Strife, starring Asher Keddie, in which she plays psychologist Sylvie.
Coustas, who has long found solace in comedy due to her naturally serious nature, explained her preference for the genre.
“Comedy is the only thing that perforates my intensity… it is my drug,” she told The Daily Telegraph.
Despite her affinity for comedy, Coustas couldn’t resist Strife, drawn in by the show’s tension and high-quality production.
“I love comedy and I love relationships, and there was so much to this idea,” she said.
Mary Coustas as Effie Stephanidis in Acropolis Now. Photo: IMDB.
Although comedy has remained her primary focus, Coustas acknowledged that Strife offered a compelling opportunity, with its fresh, aspirational energy.
“It was just happening and buzzy and it was fast, fresh and relevant,” she said.
Coustas is also staying busy with two live shows, Effie Upyourselfness and Mary Coustas This Is Personal, currently touring the country.
“If it is not relevant, I don’t know why I would do it,” she said of her approach to work.
Strife season two will premiere on May 8, with Coustas joining a talented cast including Keddie, Matt Day, Tina Bursill, and Tim Minchin.
Stavros Economidis, founder of the Hellenic Art Theatre in Marrickville, Sydney, must have had his reasons for this year choosing to perform ‘Christopher Columbus by Nikos Kazantzakis’ — rather than another play.
The performances began last Friday and will continue on weekends until early next month, at the Mandouridion Theatre, as part of this year’s Greek Festival of Sydney programme, which each year offers us a wealth of noteworthy cultural events.
Kazantzakis’ Christopher Columbus—which, as we’ve written before, had its world premiere right here in Sydney in the early 1970s—is not a play that brings laughter. But it does offer the pleasure of powerful performances by the theatre’s members, as well as insight into the intellect and convictions of Kazantzakis, conveyed through the monologues and dialogues delivered to the audience by remarkable performers.
Outstanding among them is leading actor Leonidas Ellinas, who moved us deeply on numerous occasions, masterfully portraying Columbus—a role through which the inner world of Kazantzakis is expressed, encompassing his spiritual beliefs and perpetual quests.
I attended the premiere of Columbus at the theatre, which was graced by the presence of the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, and his wife; the Vice-President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW and Greek Festival of Sydney Chair, Nia Karteris; members of the media; and other invited guests.
But before we present a few words about Columbus himself, let us first acknowledge the people who contributed to the production’s success. These include the director, the cast, and those who worked behind the scenes. Listed in the order in which they appeared:
Captain Alonso – Yiannis Daviskas
Abbot – Dimitris Daviskas
Juan – Polyzois Patelis
Novice – Iasonas Oikonomidis
Columbus – Leonidas Ellinas
Virgin Mary – Foula Morfiadou
Jesus – Iasonas Oikonomidis
Queen Isabella – Evelyn Tsavalas
Angel A – Foula Morfiadou
Angel B – Anet Kerry
Director/Set Designer: Stavros Oikonomidis
Production Manager: Evelin Tsavala
Stage Manager: Mimika Valari
Set Design: Thanasis Fotiadis
Image Painting: Iasonas Oikonomidis
Lighting/Technical: Thanasis Fotiadis
Sound: Lakis Morfiadis
English Surtitles: Mimika Valari
Surtitle Projection: Costas Vertzayias
One of the many thought-provoking lessons in Kazantzakis’ Columbus is the power of faith—through which human beings can achieve even the impossible. It was with such faith that Columbus reached what was then an unknown land—America—and returned with some rewards for Queen Isabella, who had funded his expedition.
Columbus later undertook further voyages to the Americas, naming the indigenous peoples “Indians” due to their darker skin. He reached neighbouring islands, such as Cuba, and there are countless other stories and details that accompany even the briefest account of his life and achievements.
Another notable point is the longstanding controversy over the explorer’s origins, which has persisted for years. Some have even claimed Greek heritage for the man who opened the way for European conquest of the Americas at the end of the 15th century. There is also disagreement over the true location of his remains.
It is known that he died in Valladolid, Spain, in 1506, but wished to be buried on the island of Hispaniola—now divided between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. His remains were transferred there in 1542, then to Cuba in 1795, and later, according to many, to Seville in Spain, in 1898.
Event Details:
What: Christopher Columbus – A Theatrical Masterpiece by Nikos Kazantzakis
On Monday, April 7, the Greek Centre hosted a public forum titled ‘Who’s Afraid of Khaled Sabsabi? Art, Fear, and the Collapse of Institutional Courage.’
Organised by the editorial collective Memo (Helen Hughes and Paris Lettau), the forum addressed the recent withdrawal of artist Khaled Sabsabi as Australia’s representative for the 2026 Venice Biennale. His removal followed media and political commentary surrounding earlier works that referenced 9/11 and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Soon after, Monash University also postponed an exhibition that included his work, Flat Earth, originally scheduled to open in May 2025.
Both decisions were framed as consultative and intended to preserve public confidence and social harmony. However, these developments have raised wider concerns about institutional decision-making, political influence in the arts, and the growing pressures of self-censorship.
The panel brought together key voices from across the arts, academia, and cultural institutions, including:
Louise Adler – Arts board member and cultural leader
Anthony Gardner – Art historian, 2025 Dobell Chair in Art History at ANU, and advisor for the Venice Biennale Australian Pavilion
Ghassan Hage – Professor of anthropology and author of The Racial Politics of Australian Multiculturalism
Josh Milani – Director of Milani Gallery, representing Khaled Sabsabi
Azza Zein – Interdisciplinary artist and writer
Moderated by Memo editors Helen Hughes and Paris Lettau
Introduction by cultural theorist Nikos Papastergiadis, author of The Cosmos in Cosmopolitanism and John Berger and Me
In his opening remarks, Mr Papastergiadis highlighted concerns over transparency and accountability in institutional processes. He questioned whether the decisions to withdraw and postpone Sabsabi’s work were based on genuine consultation or on reactive responses to political pressure. He stressed the importance of public dialogue, peer-reviewed processes, and institutional transparency, drawing a parallel between democratic values and the governance of cultural institutions.
The forum aimed to create space for nuanced discussion and to reflect on how institutions might better support freedom of expression while navigating complex political and social climates.
Over 800 people were on the waitlist for the event, underscoring the high level of public interest in the topic. A video recording of the forum is in preparation for wider access.
Some people are born to serve and to give. These are people who place their own private interest in second place and undertake to dedicate time and money as well as their own skills and virtues with which nature endowed them for the general good, for the good of the community, that is, of the people, of the citizens, of the wider society. These individuals offer voluntarily, without being forced by anyone, motivated by philotimo and sensitivity, aiming at the general good, the good of the public. These individuals believe in the public benefit, not just the private one.
Aristotle considered these sensitive volunteers, the people who fought for the common good, to be the Aristoi (the Outstanding), the true rulers who should be honoured by all citizens, and considered them role models and examples of a good citizen, an honourer of their Republic and their Democracy. Those who were not interested in the commons, those who lived to accumulate wealth without contributing to the general good, without returning to the people a part of their wealth, Aristotle considered them to be worthless and foolish. To be idiotis (private) means to live like a fool, useless and unnecessary, this great Master shouted to all those who simply cured money and served their riches. From this “private/individual person” of Aristotle who ceases to be a “citizen”, the word “idiot” which means “stupid, foolish” came out in Germanic languages, including English.
Our Greek community fathers in Australia were volunteers. Volunteers were the Greek pioneers of the Australian diaspora. Volunteers were all those who built the churches of their faith, their shrines, those who founded the brotherhoods, the community associations, those who bled for the interests of the weak, the unemployed, the people who struggled in the foundries, the refineries, the lime mills, the quarries, the mines. Volunteers founded the first schools on the lofts of restaurants, volunteers toiled to set up sports clubs, volunteers worked as trustees in churches, in cultural, theatre and music associations, volunteers set up struggles to support the Greek world in times of war and natural disasters.
Volunteers were the women, the immigrant Greek women who offered their time and passion to charity, volunteers were these heroic women who, during the difficult years for the Homeland, opened their homes and collected money for the victims of wars and natural disasters in Greece and Cyprus. The current image of the Hellenic World in the diaspora was based on volunteerism. Associations, Fraternities, Communities, Parishes, community welfare organisations, sports, nursing homes, sports clubs, geriatric clinics are the result of volunteering. A volunteer was also Michael Tsilimos, one of the above noble Archons of the offering, one of the above giants of volunteerism. Simple, transparent, authentic, consensual where there could be compromise, good-natured towards progress and change. I met him 40 years ago and while we lived in different states, we were united by the same passion for the Greeks, the same passion for participation in the commons.
In 1997, together with Panagiotis Sarelas, they came to Melbourne, visited me at the National Centre for Greek Studies and Research (EKEME) and as officials, envoys of the historic Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, they wanted to be initiated into the organisation of the Archives of Hellenism, the creation of a Centre for the Study and Learning of Hellenism. They intended to spread the wings of creation and discuss the establishment and operation of bilingual kindergartens in the Sydney Metropolitan Area. They had the vision of establishing and operating a bilingual day school, like the ones that my team and I had established in Perth and in Melbourne. This was followed by meetings, planning and discussion, and, finally, a special conference in Sydney.
Michael was a child of the diaspora and the world of expatriated Hellenes, an honest fighter, a persistent patriot, without sobs and ornaments of the leadership. As a person who served a certain left-wing ideology, as a person who lived through the difficult post-war years of the Civil War, an unnecessary and bloody fratricidal conflict that essentially did not end but began to weaken in intensity and irrational passion after 1981, he could have isolated himself in the staticness and limitations of his ideology. Tsilimos did not do it. He had the revolutionary ethos within him.
A worker of labour and a child of contribution, whether he lived as a painter on the barges of the port, or as a young fighter with the bougel and posters, or as a leader of Hellenism, from whatever position the members of the Community honoured him, or as a businessman and family man, he showed a tolerant, liberal face, and had the approach of a smiling child. That’s how I met him, that’s how I lived him, and that’s how I appreciated and respected him.
Certainly, his honourees found him combative, brave and a fighter. His goal has always been the interest of the “base”, the members of the people, the assembly, the Community. There was no compromise on this issue. And of course, there were cases where he failed, issues that he did not interpret correctly, there were also deviations. However, never out of personal selfishness, never out of self-interest. Michael was not an anarchist, he was not a civil libertarian either. He understood and accepted progress. With his early exit from this world, the Greek diaspora was deprived of his services and lost a leading fighter. However, as we all know, people die when we forget them. History and Archaeology are sciences that have defeated death and preserve eternal memory for those who passed through and benefited society with their contribution.
Michael has his own place in the history of Hellenism, after fifty years of robust activity. He has, justly and axiomatically, a dividend in eternal memory, because there were thousands of students of the Community schools and child-minding centres, who learned the Greek language, the language spoken by Socrates and Alexander the Great, because of Michael and the other fathers of the Community. Thousands of Greeks lived his passion for the progress of Hellenism and thousands were all those who lived his perseverance and his moral stature to raise Greece higher and higher. History will remind us of him through his nobility of volunteerism.
*Professor Anastasios M. Tamis taught at Universities in Australia and abroad, was the creator and founding director of the Dardalis Archives of the Hellenic Diaspora and is currently the President of the Australian Institute of Macedonian Studies (AIMS).
Angela Stathopoulos, a former charity manager, has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $500,000 from the Prahran Community Learning Centre (PCLC) over an 11-year period.
The 49-year-old, from Murrumbeena, spent the stolen money on lavish expenses such as concerts, holidays, designer clothes, and even petrol, funding a lifestyle that included trips to Disneyland and Harry Styles concerts.
Between May 2011 and March 2022, Stathopoulos embezzled $531,111.52, using her position as the head of PCLC to siphon funds meant for vulnerable children.
The money was spent on personal indulgences, including dance lessons for her daughter and more than $30,000 on petrol. She also spent over $128,000 on personal items, including clothing, beauty treatments, and entertainment.
In court, psychologist Carla Lechner testified that Stathopoulos “knew it was wrong” but could not resist an urge for “constant acquiring of goods for self-gratification.”
Angela Stathopoulos.
Lechner also explained that Stathopoulos’ actions were driven by an addiction to stealing and a need to acquire goods for herself and others, though she was not diagnosed with an addictive personality disorder.
Despite having the financial means to live legally, Stathopoulos opted to steal, with defence lawyer Joshua Sheppard suggesting that she could be sentenced to a community corrections order or a suspended prison term.
Stathopoulos’ lawyer also noted she had paid back the full amount of stolen funds with help from her husband.
The fraud came to light after a detailed investigation by the charity’s new chairperson, and forensic accountants revealed the extent of the theft. Initially denying the accusations, Stathopoulos later struggled to explain her lavish spending.
Former PCLC treasurer Maggie Burke told the court last month that Stathopoulos blocked access to financial records and refused to allocate funds to the charity while spending on personal luxuries.
As a result of the scandal, PCLC, which has since rebranded, suffered both financial loss and significant reputational damage, leading to the federal government withholding funds.
Stathopoulos was taken into custody and will be sentenced at a later date.
Christopher Frangos, a former school teacher from Northern Rivers, has avoided a full jail sentence after pleading guilty to sending explicit videos, photos, and messages to a police officer he believed to be a 14-year-old girl.
Frangos, 37, who previously taught at Alstonville and Wyrallah Road Public Schools, appeared in Lismore District Court on Monday, April 7, surrounded by family.
According to The Daily Telegraph, he pleaded guilty to using a carriage service to procure a child for sexual activity in August 2023, with his sentencing delayed due to legal issues.
During the hearing, Crown prosecutor Vanessa Barros Goncalves suggested that Frangos understood his actions would end his teaching career.
She also pointed out that the attention he received from the child gave him a sense of self-worth during a period of personal and financial struggles.
Christopher Frangos’ arrest in November 2023. Photo: NSW Police.
Frangos admitted to sending explicit content to the child, acknowledging the seriousness of his actions and attributing them to his “psychological state.”
The court heard Frangos communicated with the officer using usernames “discordteacher” and “joshBruce,” knowing the individual was posing as a 14-year-old girl. He continued the exchange despite being aware of her age.
Judge Craig Smith, while expressing concern over the actions, acknowledged Frangos’ remorse and ongoing engagement with treatment.
The judge also considered Frangos’ loss of his teaching career as a significant form of punishment.
Frangos was sentenced to 20 months in jail, which was suspended, and permitted his release on a $100 Commonwealth recognisance.
George Kambosos will have another shot at world championship glory when he faces American IBF super lightweight champion Richardson Hitchins on June 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The Ring reports the fight will take place at the iconic venue, where Kambosos made history in 2021 by defeating Teofimo Lopez to become the unified lightweight champion.
Hitchins, undefeated with a record of 19-0 and 7 knockouts, won the IBF title last December by defeating Australian Liam Paro in a split decision in Puerto Rico.
Known for his technical skills, Hitchins enters the fight as the favourite. He represented Haiti at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Kambosos, ranked No. 3 by the IBF, has a 2-3 record since his win over Lopez, with losses to Devin Haney (twice) and Vasily Lomachenko.
If Kambosos emerges victorious, a potential all-Australian clash with Paro could be on the horizon. Paro, who has only lost to Hitchins, is ranked fourth by the IBF, with the No. 2 spot currently vacant.
