Football Australia has announced the appointment of Football NSW’s Club Technical Development Coordinator Alex Epakis as the new Young Matildas Head Coach reinforcing its commitment to strengthening the national team coaching pathway, developing elite talent, and fostering a world-class high-performance environment for women’s football in Australia.
A passionate builder of grassroots and elite pathways in Australian football, Epakis brings a wealth of experience, having played a key role in youth and professional coaching development. Epakis has previously served as:
Technical Adviser, Football NSW Girl’s Youth Development (2024 – Present)
Head Coach, Football NSW, NSW Girls State Team (2024 – Present)
Head Coach, Perth Glory FC Women (2020 – 2024)
Lead Opposition Scout, Philippines Women’s National Team (FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Australia and New Zealand™)
Senior Head Coach & Technical Director, Sydney University SFC NPL Women’s NSW Team (2017 – 2020)
Academy Age Group Head Coach & Administrator, Sydney FC (2015 – 2017)
Senior Assistant Coach, Canberra United FC A-League Women (2017/18 Season)
Football Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex Epakis as Head Coach of the CommBank Young Matildas and Michael Cooper as Head Coach of the CommBank Junior Matildas.https://t.co/4orvOdpG3h
A strong advocate for the professionalisation of women’s football, Epakis is recognised for his possession-based, attacking style of play, his ability to nurture young talent, and his commitment to creating positive, high-performance team cultures.
Holding a Football Australia/AFC Professional Diploma, a Master of Education (Sports Coaching) and an accredited Football Australia Coach Educator and Developer, Epakis is well-positioned to lead the Young Matildas’ program into its next phase, ensuring a clear pathway to the Matildas.
In his current role as Technical Adviser for Football NSW Girl’s Youth Development, Epakis supports the technical development of coaches and clubs to develop best practice coaching methodology across NSW’s Women’s National Premier Leagues youth league programs.
Football Australia has also announced a Team of Coaches initiative which aims to develop the next generation of high-performance football coaches by providing hands-on experience in national team environments, international camps, and tournaments, while maintaining their club commitments.
Two known NSW female coaches in Catherine Cannuli and Emily Husband will be part of this team along with Melissa Barbieri and Kat Smith.
A Greek MP from the ultra-Orthodox Niki party has been charged with a misdemeanour after vandalising four artworks at the National Gallery in Athens.
The lawmaker, Nikos Papadopoulos, removed the pieces from the wall and smashed them, claiming they were “blasphemous.”
The attack, which took place on Monday, targeted works by Paris-based Greek artist Christophoros Katsadiotis. The artworks were part of the exhibition “The Allure of the Bizarre,” running alongside Francisco Goya’s “Los Caprichos.”
Katsadiotis, known for his dark and provocative engravings, has defended his right to artistic expression.
“An artist has the right to express his or her personal point of view, to react and, in so doing, ask the questions they want to ask,” he stated.
Nikos Papadopoulos MP.
Papadopoulos had criticised the exhibition in a social media post before entering the gallery with another individual and destroying the pieces. Witnesses reported that he forcibly removed the works titled ‘Icon 1,’ ‘Icon 16,’ ‘Icon 17,’ and ‘Saint Christopher,’ throwing them to the ground. Security detained him before police arrived.
The National Gallery strongly condemned the act, stating that “any act of vandalism, violence, and censorship that undermines the constitutionally protected freedom of artistic expression” is unacceptable. The institution released photographs of the damaged works and assured the public that restoration efforts were underway.
Katsadiotis responded to the attack by saying, “Religion often preemptively categorises believers as either loyal followers or outlaws. Those who do not conform and obey are traditionally warned that they will be judged and condemned to eternal damnation – a clear form of intimidation.”
Despite the destruction, the MP’s charges were limited to minor property damage, allowing him to avoid arrest under parliamentary immunity laws. His lawyer later claimed he had been unlawfully detained at the gallery. Papadopoulos later argued that the paintings had merely “slipped” from his hands.
Scaffolding and a false platform at St Sophia and Three Daughters Greek Orthodox Parish in Surry Hills, Sydney have finally been removed after five long years, bringing relief to parishioners ahead of Orthodox Easter celebrations.
Parish President Con Zannettides told The Greek Herald the scaffolding was first put in place after the church suffered severe water damage from rain storms a few years ago.
Scaffolding was put up in the church at least five years ago after the ceiling sustained water damage.
“The church suffered severe damage to the plaster ceiling, causing partial collapse of the plaster and hence creating a future risk hazard of further plaster collapsing,” Mr Zannettides said.
“The scaffolding and false platform was a make safe measure to prevent any future plaster collapsing from injuring any parishioners.”
The repairs to the church were costly.
A safety precaution soon turned into an insurance nightmare, with Mr Zannettides putting the years of delays to remove the scaffolding down to challenges with the insurance company.
“As always, the insurance company was attempting to give us bear minimum amounts towards our claim. However, we challenged the insurance company and stood our ground,” Mr Zannettides said.
“We made it very clear that we would be prepared to litigate our claim and bombarded them with numerous building reports, heritage requirements and works required by both State and Local authorities. Eventually, we were successful in achieving a financially beneficial outcome.”
The scaffolding restricted access to the top floor during church services.
In January 2025, after roof and ceiling repairs worth in excess of approximately $250,000, the scaffolding and false platform were taken down.
The Board, parishioners and parish priest, the Very Reverend Archimandrite Father Irenaeus are overjoyed at the positive outcome.
With the scaffolding removed, the church looks brand new. Photos copyright: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
“Glory to God, it is a true blessing to see our church restored and free from scaffolding after so many years. Now, our congregation can once again fully appreciate the beauty of our place of worship, just as it was meant to be,” Father Irenaeus told The Greek Herald.
Mr Zannettides added that it was an “extreme relief for all involved” and “an amazing outlook for many new parishioners who have never been exposed to the parish without the scaffolding.”
Parishioners are looking to the future at St Sophia and Three Daughters parish in Surry Hills.
As the parish celebrates 50 years this year, there are now exciting future plans in motion. These include working on the iconography for the ceiling, as well as getting approval for the church’s centre door (narthex) and the facade to be returned to sandstone.
“We are proud of what we are doing to our church building – we are restoring it to its former glory with its heritage features with a slight influence of our Byzantium and Orthodox character,” Mr Zannettides concluded.
The Melbourne Greek Ensemble recently released their highly anticipated album to a sold-out crowd at Brunswick Ballroom on Sunday, March 9.
Titled ‘Journey to Rebetika,’ the album is a collection of classic Rebetiko songs that highlight the ensemble’s repertoire, encompassing both Smyrneika and Rebetiko.
Formed in January 2024, Estudiantina of Melbourne — meaning “students of Melbourne” — is more than just a musical ensemble; it is a passionate advocate for traditional Greek music, especially Smyrneika, which is deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Greece.
With a profound appreciation for the diverse influences that shape Smyrneika, including Greek, Turkish, Jewish, and Armenian traditions, the ensemble creates a mesmerising fusion that breathes new life into this ancient genre. Their music, enhanced by instruments such as the oud, bouzouki, violin, kanun, and guitar, resonates with an authenticity that captivates audiences.
Beyond Smyrneika, the ensemble also explores the world of Rebetiko, another powerful form of Greek folk music. Born from the struggles and triumphs of Greece’s urban working class, Rebetiko’s soul-stirring melodies and evocative lyrics reflect themes of adversity, displacement, and resilience.
Through the harmonious interplay of instruments like the bouzouki, baglama, and accordion, Estudiantina of Melbourne creates a soundscape that honours the rich cultural heritage of Greece.
Their debut album aims to capture the journey the ensemble has taken so far.
The band is currently touring this album scheduled to play shows in regional Victoria, Sydney Greek Festival and also Dark Mofo Tasmania.
The University of Sydney’s MacLaurin Hall was filled with applause on Sunday, March 9, as the Dionysios Solomos Awards 2025 honoured New South Wales’ top students in Modern and Classical Greek for the 2024 Higher School Certificate (HSC).
The prestigious ceremony—supported by the NSW Education Standards Authority and organised by the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW)—formed a highlight of the 43rd Greek Festival of Sydney, celebrating excellence in Greek language education and the preservation of Hellenic heritage.
The Dionysios Solomos Awards, named after the Greek national poet who wrote Hymn to Freedom, recognise the top-ranking HSC students in Greek language studies each year, rewarding their dedication and encouraging them to continue their academic and cultural journey with Greek.
The Dionysios Solomos Awards 2025 honoured New South Wales’ top students in Modern and Classical Greek for the 2024 Higher School Certificate (HSC).
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests and officials from the Greek Australian community and beyond, including Harry Danalis, President of GOCNSW; Ioannis Mallikourtis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney; The Hon. Mark Buttigieg, MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism; Anastasia Christofilopoulou, First Secretary for Public Diplomacy, Consulate General of Greece in Sydney; Professor Vrasidas Karalis, Sir Nicholas Laurantus Chair in Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies, University of Sydney; Elfa Lillis, Head of School, All Saints Grammar; Penny Pachos, Principal of St Euphemia College; Sana Zreika, Principal, Secondary College of Languages, Kogarah; and George Vithoulkas, President of the Zakynthian Association of Sydney & NSW.
The evening commenced with Master of Ceremonies Maria Kakali, a past recipient of the Dionysios Solomos Award, Minister’s Award, and HSC Modern Greek high achiever, who welcomed the audience and encouraged students to continue their Greek studies beyond high school.
“Without you, the future of our language and culture in institutions like this [the University of Sydney] could be at risk,” she said, setting an inspiring tone for the evening.
A series of insightful speeches followed, focusing on the importance of Greek language education, cultural preservation, and policy changes to support bilingualism in Australia.
Mr Danalis highlighted the ongoing struggle to maintain the Greek language in Australia, emphasising that it requires community-wide dedication.
Harry Danalis, President of GOCNSW.
“Successive Australian governments have not paid as much attention to the teaching of languages, and we must continue the struggle to preserve our heritage,” he said.
Mr Danalis praised teachers, parents, and students for their collective efforts in keeping Greek studies alive and called for greater institutional support for language education.
The Consul General Mr Mallikourtis spoke about the Greek language as a foundation of identity and a link between generations.
Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis.
“Language is more than a tool of communication; it is the foundation of identity and a symbol of our heritage,” he stated.
He also acknowledged institutional challenges that make language retention difficult, such as HSC subject scaling and the need for greater family engagement in language learning at home.
Representing the NSW Government, Mr Buttigieg delivered a special recognition, announcing that the Dionysios Solomos Awards had been officially acknowledged in NSW Parliament.
The Hon. Mark Buttigieg, MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism.
“Fostering mother tongues like Greek is crucial, as each language provides a unique perspective on humanity,” he said.
Mr Buttigieg explained that he had moved a motion in the NSW Legislative Council to formally recognise the significance of the Dionysios Solomos Awards and the contributions of Greek language education in New South Wales. The motion acknowledged the achievements of HSC Greek language students, the role of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW in promoting Greek studies, and the broader cultural importance of language preservation in a multicultural society.
To mark the occasion, Mr Buttigieg presented a framed copy of the motion to Mr Danalis, reinforcing the government’s appreciation for the efforts of students, educators, and community leaders in sustaining the Greek language in Australia.
Professor Karalis delivered a passionate speech, advocating for policy changes to support bilingual and trilingual Australians.
“Australia must recognise that multiculturalism means multilingualism. We must encourage all citizens to be bilingual or trilingual,” he urged.
Professor Karalis called for government reforms to ensure that heritage languages like Greek receive more support in schools and universities, arguing that multilingualism strengthens Australia’s social and intellectual fabric.
Professor Vrasidas Karalis.
The evening’s highlight was the presentation of awards to the top 10 HSC students in Modern and Classical Greek, as well as the Minister’s Awards for Excellence and Greek Orthodox Community of NSW Greek Afternoon Schools’ Outstanding Achievement Awards.
Following the awards, Vasileios Manis, the 1st place recipient in HSC Modern Greek Extension, delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of all the awardees, expressing gratitude to teachers, parents, and the community for their support in their language studies.
Vasileios Manis.
Award winners
HSC Modern Greek – Beginners
1st – Ellie Marmara (NSW School of Languages) 2nd – Ioanna Kalergis (NSW School of Languages) 3rd – Ferenique Bris (NSW School of Languages) 4th – Anna Tzotsika (Endeavour Sports High School) 6th – Stylianos George Vasill (Newington College) 7th – Ta Xanthis (NSW School of Languages) 8th – John Kontellis (Endeavour Sports High School) 9th – Gabrielle Papas (NSW School of Languages) 10th – Maria Soldatos (NSW School of Languages), Eirini Vlachaki (Endeavour Sports High School)
HSC Modern Greek – Continuers
1st – Mary Glekas (St Euphemia College) 2nd – Alexandros Vidiniotis (St Euphemia College) 3rd – Eleni Koinaris (Secondary College of Languages, Kogarah) 4th – Evangelia Zotos (Secondary College of Languages, Kogarah) 5th – Mikayla Epsimaris (St Euphemia College) 6th – Evangelia Miyakis (NSW School of Languages) 7th – Stefania Gounara (Secondary College of Languages, Kogarah) 8th – Vasiliki Delimarkou (Secondary College of Languages, Kogarah) 9th – George Gianna (NSW School of Languages) 10th – Athanasios Karras (NSW School of Languages)
HSC Modern Greek – Extension
1st – Vasileios Manis (All Saints Grammar) 2nd – Mary Glekas (St Euphemia College) 3rd – Alexandros Vidiniotis (St Euphemia College) 4th – Leah Katsaros (All Saints Grammar) 5th – Mikayla Epsimaris (St Euphemia College) 6th – Eleni Koinaris (Secondary College of Languages, Kogarah) 7th – Nikolaos Dallas (Secondary College of Languages, Ashfield Boys Campus) 8th – Stefania Gounara (Secondary College of Languages, Kogarah) 9th – Evangelia Zotos (Secondary College of Languages, Kogarah) 10th – Spyridoula Karagiorgou (St Spyridon College)
The Dionysios Solomos Awards 2025 once again proved to be a vital celebration of Greek language education in Australia, reinforcing the importance of keeping the Greek language alive for future generations.
Hundreds of people gathered at Mytilenian House in Canterbury, Sydney, for a spectacular Mytilenian Glendi on Sunday, March 9, with many travelling from Melbourne to take part.
Hosted as a successful joint effort between the Mytilenian Brotherhood of New South Wales and Palesviaki Enosis of Melbourne & Victoria, the event was a vibrant celebration of Lesvian culture, heritage, and community spirit.
The energy in the room was electric from start to finish. With a live band setting the rhythm, guests danced throughout the day, fully immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere.
The energy in the room was electric from start to finish. All photos copyright The Greek Herald.
A highlight of the event was a dance presentation by the Mytilenian Brotherhood of NSW, which captivated attendees and brought an extra burst of enthusiasm to the gathering. Delicious food was served, adding to the warm and welcoming environment.
Adding to the significance of the event, the committees of both co-host organisations were in attendance, showing their strong support for this historic gathering.
A memorable and emotional day
Reflecting on the event, President of the Mytilenian Brotherhood of NSW, Peter Psomas, described it as “one of the most memorable and emotional days” of his presidency.
“Melbourne meeting Sydney and feeling the warmth of emotion, watching relatives hugging each other was a priceless moment. You could hear people saying, ‘He was my friend growing up in the village,’ and ‘This is my cousin’,” Mr Psomas said.
His words perfectly captured the deep emotional connections rekindled at the Glendi, as families and friends reunited in a way that only a celebration of shared culture and history could provide.
The event was a vibrant celebration of Lesvian culture, heritage, and community spirit.
Honouring heritage and strengthening bonds
During the formal proceedings, Mr Psomas took the stage to congratulate the Melbourne association on the recent sale of their property and their exciting journey towards acquiring a new one. He emphasised that this milestone represents a significant step forward for the Palesviaki Enosis of Melbourne & Victoria, ensuring a stronger foundation for the future of the Lesvian community in Melbourne.
In return, President of the Palesviaki Enosis of Melbourne & Victoria, John Karanikolas, addressed the attendees, reinforcing the importance of unity and collaboration between the two organisations.
As a symbolic gesture of their bond, the Melbourne association presented a plaque to the NSW Brotherhood, while the latter gifted an ornament honouring Lesvian heritage – a meaningful exchange reflecting their ongoing commitment to cultural preservation and cooperation.
There was a meaningful exchange reflecting an ongoing commitment to cultural preservation and cooperation.
A special guest in attendance was NSW Minister for Workplace Relations, Sophie Cotsis, a proud Lesvian herself, who was joined by her family in celebrating this historic and heartwarming event.
This joint event was a resounding success, reinforcing the strong ties between the Lesvian communities of Sydney and Melbourne.
Sophie Cotsis MP (right) attended the event with her family.
Both presidents confirmed their commitment to continuing this relationship and fostering more opportunities for collaboration in the future.
With a packed venue, endless dancing, heartfelt speeches, and priceless moments of reunion, the Mytilenian Glendi was truly a testament to the strength and vibrancy of the Greek community in Australia.
On Sunday, March 9, Archbishop Makarios officiated at the 2nd Lenten Vespers of Holy and Great Lent at the venerable Patriarchal Church of Saint George, at the Phanar.
Later, the Archbishop also took part in the celebration of the Sunday of Orthodoxy at the Holy See of the First-Throne Church of Constantinople.
The Divine Liturgy for the Sunday of Orthodoxy was presided over by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, concelebrated by His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine.
The service featured a sermon by Archimandrite Isidoros Katsos, Assistant Professor of Theological Epistemology and Philosophy at the School of Theology of the University of Athens.
The ordination service.
A significant moment during the Divine Liturgy was the ordination of subdeacon Athanasios Karagiannidis to the rank of Deacon by the Patriarch. The new cleric, named Germanos, will serve in the Holy Metropolis of Ireland.
After the Dismissal, Patriarch Bartholomew, alongside Metropolitan Epiphaniy, celebrated the Trisagion for the repose of the souls of those who fought for the Orthodox faith.
Following the procession of the Holy Icons, the Patriarch and the Metropolitan blessed the faithful from the balcony of the Patriarchal House.
South Australia’s Chief Justice, Chris Kourakis, has declined to disclose the reasons for his recusal from the Operation Ironside case, stating that his decision “was not a judgment or order” and does not require release.
The decision was made in response to requests for the sealed reasons following his recusal in the case involving two alleged users of the AN0M app.
Kourakis explained that revealing his reasoning “at this point in time” could compromise the proper administration and enforcement of criminal law.
His refusal contrasts with previous rulings where he emphasised the principle of open justice and the public’s right to access court documents.
Photo: AFP.
The Advertiser had reportedly sought access to Kourakis’ reasons for recusal, arguing that the same principles from a previous case, in which he ruled to allow public access to documents, should apply.
However, Kourakis clarified that a recusal is a decision not to continue hearing a case, and as such, it does not constitute a judgment or order.
Kourakis further noted that his recusal was made to preserve procedural fairness, and, under Section 131 of the Supreme Court Act, permission is required to access his reasons.
He ultimately denied this request, citing concerns over the potential impact on the ongoing enforcement of criminal law.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has appealed the prison sentences given to two con artists who defrauded the owners of a motel out of nearly $3 million.
The DPP argues that the sentences for David Stakic and Apostolos Lapatis were “manifestly inadequate.”
Stakic, 72, and Lapatis, 54, swindled the owners of Fawkner Airport Motor Inn, Robin and Roslyn Nagorcka, of $2.9 million between December 2013 and January 2018, claiming the money was needed to fund a secret court case.
Stakic was sentenced in September 2024 to a minimum of 20 months and a maximum of two-and-a-half years for obtaining property by deception.
Fawkner Airport Motor Inn.
Lapatis received a minimum sentence of three years and two months, with a maximum of four years and nine months.
During an appeal hearing in the Court of Appeal on Monday, Stakic argued his sentence was fair, citing his age, early guilty plea, lack of prior convictions, and the delays in his case.
Lapatis also defended his sentence, stating that the judge had considered the significant delays in his case, his admissions to the police, and his positive rehabilitation prospects.
Both men requested the court dismiss the appeal, with judgment reserved.
The NRL Integrity Unit is investigating a complaint regarding an alleged confrontation between Sydney Roosters Chairman Nick Politis, Director Mark Bouris and referee Mitch James during the NRL Vegas Nines competition last month.
James, who officiated a match between the LA Roosters and Brisbane Veterans on February 28, claims that after the game, Bouris and Politis approached him on the sideline and criticised his officiating.
Bouris confirmed the incident, stating, “We were not in his face, I made sure we stayed our distance. We were not threatening, and we didn’t abuse him and didn’t swear. I do not believe I said to him he ‘reffed us out of the game’.”
Bouris also clarified that they filed a complaint about the refereeing standard during the tournament.
Sydney Roosters Board members.
James further alleged that after the confrontation, he was removed from officiating the Greece versus USA match later that day, despite being originally appointed.
He expressed his frustration, stating the removal reinforced the perception that influential individuals were exerting undue pressure on officials.
Bouris, however, denied having any involvement in the decision to remove James, suggesting the change in duties likely stemmed from the formal complaint filed against James.
James, who also raised concerns about ongoing abuse faced by referees, stated that his complaint aimed to address broader issues affecting the officiating community.
An NRL spokesperson confirmed the complaint has been received and is under investigation.
