Search
Home Blog Page 1104

Official program released for the 2023 Antipodes festival in Melbourne

The Greek Herald
-
0
Official program released for the 2023 Antipodes festival in Melbourne

With only a few days away from the thrilling Antipodes festival, once again the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) is bringing the buzz back to the historic Greek precinct on February 25-26.

This year’s main act will be the famous vocalist Alkistis Protopsalti who is eagerly awaiting to perform her most popular songs at the main stage of the Antipodes festival on Saturday, February 25.

Leo Vlahakis, Community Outreach + Cultural Programs Chair, shared his excitement about the upcoming visit of Alkistis.

“We are honoured that Alkistis is going to perform at this year’s 2023 Antipodes Festival. She is an artist with more than 40 years in the music industry. She has successfully created a following with people from all walks of life. We are certain that she will stun the crowd and create an electric atmosphere,” Mr Vlahakis said.

The GCM Vice President, Jim Bossinakis, also commented on Alkistis’ appearance at the Antipodes festival.

“Having this opportunity to see this worldwide famous artist live is priceless. I am sure that the visitors of the festival will get the opportunity to enjoy her amazing songs as much as we do,” Mr Bossinakis said.

This year, GCM is partnering up with Scoot Airlines to offer a return ticket to Greece to the winner of the infamous “Zorba till you drop” on Saturday, February 25. The contestants will dance their heart out until there is only one standing.

The Antipodes Festival will feature 80 stalls, three stages with live performances and extended trading hours at local Greek businesses across the weekend.

Over seventy hours of music and dance performances are planned for the weekend, in addition to cooking demonstrations, “Karagiozis” shadow theatre, various competitions with amazing prizes to be won and bonus impromptu street performances by festival visitors.

President of the GCM, Bill Papastergiadis, said: “Welcome the 35th Antipodes Lonsdale Street Greek Festival. This year we are proud to announce an action-packed festival full of fun for the whole family to enjoy.”

“To be Greek is to be proud. Proud of our heritage, our language, our history, our culture and our values. At the heart of this pride is the joy we find in celebrating together,” Mr Papastergiadis added.

“Since its inception, the Antipodes Festival has always brought together friends and family to experience Australia’s largest celebration of Greek culture in what is Australia’s largest Greek speaking city.

“We encourage you all to enjoy what Antipodes Festival has to offer, the music and dance from our talented musicians and performers. Be entertained by the hilarious new skits from Karagiozis Shadow Puppets and the talented vocalist Alkistis Protopsalti – we guarantee she will stun the crowds with her amazing performance.”

Full Program (subject to change)

Main Stage Saturday:

12:30 PMZorba Til You Drop
02:30 PMAnatreptix (with guests)
03:25 PMDemotika
04:25 PMGCM School Dance Group
04:50 PMGreek Orthodox Community of SA Dance Academy
05:40 PMThe Central Pontian Association Of Melbourne and Victoria ‘Pontiaki Estia’
06:10 PMBagpipes of Greece – A Dance Group Collaboration
06:45 PMGCM Dance Group | Foustanella Bracket
07:00 PMAlphington Grammar School Choir
08:50 PMAlkistis Protopsaltis

Main Stage Sunday:

10:00 AMRythmos
12:30 PMNestoras College Band
01:05 PMSt Johns School Band
01:35 PMAlphington Grammar School Greek Band
02:05 PMO Periklis – Thraki Opos Palia
02:45 PMDance with Alki
03:00 PMCanberra Hellenic Dancers
03:25 PMPegasus Dance Academy | Senior
03:50 PMKalymnian dancing group
04:20 PMAkrites Tou Pontou
04:45 PMThe Cultural Centre of Florinians “O Aristotelis” (TCCOFA)
05:15 PMPontiaki Estia Musicians “Οι Μαυροθαλασσίτες”
06:10 PMBendjo Academy
06:25 PMGCM Dance Group | Zournades
06:50 PMPanagia Soumela Pontian Association of Melbourne
07:20 PMCretan Brotherhood & Pancretan Association Dance Group Collaboration
07:40 PMKarkanis Band
08:50 PMAnagennisi

LoveLonsdale Saturday

11:00 AMRythmos
12:00 PMCooking Demonstrations
02:30 PMOmiros College
02:55 PMPaddy and Wayne
03:45 PMOikogenia Anastasiadis
05:20 PMCats and the Canary
06:15 PMThat Changes
07:25 PMAnagennisi
08:45 PMDemotika
10:05 PMPaul Kaspar

LoveLonsdale Sunday

11:00 AMRythmos
12:00 PMCooking Demonstrations
02:30 PMDANCEGR
02:55 PMDrama In The Family
03:55 PMThe Central Pontian Association of Melbourne and Victoria ‘Pontiaki Estia’ | Juniors
04:25 PMPegasus Dance Academy | Intermediate
04:50 PMPancretan Dancing Group
05:20 PMTotally Kicking Brass (TKB) Stage Perfomance
06:15 PMDimitris Varnas | Epirotika
07:15 PMHeirs of Apollo
08:05 PMDJ Thomas Nico
09:00 PMDJ Randy Lipz XXX

A&A Holdings Saturday

10:30 AMRythmos
11:35 AMMelbourne Bellydance
11:55 AMOpacize
12:20 PMInspirit Dance Fitness
12:45 PMFlambouro philanthropic society dance group
01:15 PMSophia Kiriakidis Greek Classical Guitar Solos
01:55 PMGales Edge | Acoustic
02:50 PMDimotica Alios
03:45 PMThe haBiBis
04:40 PMDimitris Varnas | Epirotika
05:35 PMAnthea & Mosaic Music
06:20 PMTsiftes
07:15 PMDio Patrides Band
08:25 PMPaul Kaspar
09:05 PMKosmos Events

A&A Holdings Sunday

11:00 AMRythmos
12:00 PMSt Johns College Dance Group
12:25 PMHarika Dance
12:40 PMValia Gianinska
01:00 PMIntermediates – Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne
01:20 PMArxondises
01:40 PMFreedom Dance Fitness
02:15 PMPegasus Dance Academy | Junior
02:40 PMViglatores Dance Group Seminar
03:20 PMGales Edge | Electric
04:15 PMTaxithi Project
05:10 PMAntonis Bouzouki & YK Entertainment
06:00 PMVeleCon
06:55 PMCypriot Style Entertainment
07:50 PMAgapi & Friends
08:50 PMCats and the Canary

Australia’s multicultural framework to be reviewed after 50 years

The Greek Herald
-
0
Australia’s multicultural framework to be reviewed after 50 years

On the 50th anniversary of the Whitlam Government’s ‘A multi-cultural society for the future’ report, the Albanese Government is starting consultation on the draft terms of reference for a review of Australia’s Multicultural Framework.

The Review will examine policy settings to ensure they advance a multicultural Australia, support the cohesive and inclusive multicultural society of Australia, and harness the talents of all Australians.

“Australia is proudly one of the world’s most vibrant and successful multicultural societies. Widespread community support or multiculturalism is one of our major strengths as a nation,” Minister Giles said.

Andrew Giles MP.

“50 years on from our first multicultural policy it is time to look at Australia’s multiculturalism and make sure we have the settings right. We need to make sure every Australian from a culturally and linguistically diverse background can reach their full potential.

“Drawing on the knowledge of culturally and linguistically diverse communities, the Review will assess what the Commonwealth needs to do at institutional and policy levels to ensure no one is left behind, and everyone feels as though they truly belong.

The draft Terms of Reference for the Multicultural Framework Review are now open for public comment and close on 19 March 2023.

The draft Terms of Reference and information on how to make a submission are available here.

NSW Government to invest in greater safety and security for faith communities

The Greek Herald
-
0
NSW Government to invest in greater safety and security for faith communities

A re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $10 million over four years to boost safety and security for faith communities.

Through a $10 million grants program, faith organisations will be supported to strengthen safety and security at religious institutions where there is a demonstrated risk, including places of worship, schools, community centres, and buildings with religious symbols.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said everyone across the state should be able to follow and practice their faith freely and without fear or concern for their safety and wellbeing.

“No matter where you’re from, what language you speak, or the faith you follow, everyone deserves tolerance and respect in our state,” Mr Perrottet said. “This commitment will build on this principle to protect communities, increase tolerance and ultimately help people feel safer.”

The $10 million program will provide capital and operational funding for a range of safety measures to strengthen preparedness and response to safety risks, including security and detection software and systems, communal security services, lighting, fencing, CCTV, training staff, and well-being programs for community members.

Importantly, support for guards and management of security at high-risk venues or particularly at-risk sites will also be eligible for funding, as assessed by NSW Police.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said this investment will empower faith groups and organisations to do what they need in order to keep their communities safe.

“We have worked incredibly hard over the years to foster a multicultural and multi-faith society built on mutual respect, understanding and harmony. This investment forms part of our vision to ensure that continues,” Mr Coure said.

Greater safety and security for faith communities in NSW. Photo: Freerangestock

Welcoming the announcement, NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Darren Bark said anti-Semitic incidents are at their highest levels NSW has ever seen.

“An attack on one faith is an attack on us all, and this much-needed funding will go a long way to keeping all communities in NSW safe from harm,” Mr Bark said.

“Hate leads to violence, and today’s announcement ensures faith communities are equipped to deter violent attacks, and assists authorities with the prosecution of the offenders.

“We thank the NSW Government and the members of the Religious Communities Advisory Council, who have made this a reality.”

Australian National Imams Council President Sheikh Shadi Alsuleiman also welcomed the announcement.

“Islamophobia and other faith-based hate is on the rise, and all of our institutions need ongoing support in order to be protected,” Mr Alsuleiman said.

“Safety and security was identified as a priority when the Council was formed, and with increasing threats to our communities from right-wing extremists. We are very grateful to the NSW Government for this important funding.”

This commitment complements a range of measures implemented by the NSW Liberals and Nationals to improve community safety and social cohesion, including prohibiting the public display of Nazi symbols and creating a new offence of publicly threatening or inciting violence against people on several grounds, including race and religious affiliation.

The NSW Government consulted with the new Religious Communities Advisory Council on safety and security during its inaugural meeting on Monday, 23 January 2023.

NSW taxi licence owners receive first cash payments

The Greek Herald
-
0
NSW taxi licence owners receive first cash payments

The Liberal and Nationals Government has delivered its first cash payments to taxi licence owners
in NSW today, as part of the Government’s $760 million financial assistance package.

This is in addition to the $145 million in assistance already provided to the industry by the NSW Government, taking the total amount of the financial package to $905 million.

NSW Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the scheme is available to owners of eligible taxi licences to assist them with the transition to the removal of any limits on taxi licence supply.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government has delivered the first cheques to NSW taxi licence holders as part of the country’s most generous assistance package.” Mr Elliott said.

“It’s pleasing to see the delivery of much-needed financial assistance to taxi licence holders and will ensure families who paid out their hard earned cash are not left with the burden of debt.”

The package provides $150,000 for every Sydney metropolitan taxi licence holder with a cap of six plates. Each regional taxi plate will be paid between $40,000 and $195,000, with no cap on the number of plates.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said more than 4000 licence owners will be eligible to apply for financial assistance.

“As at today, licence owners have made 2516 applications for financial assistance,” Mr Farraway said. “Licence owners who have been assessed by Transport for NSW as eligible to receive assistance funds will start to receive cheques in the mail over the coming weeks.”

The application process for financial assistance can be completed online and will be open until Wednesday, 31 May 2023.

Those who wish to apply for the financial assistance scheme or for a new licence during the transition period can ask for help on 131 727. For more information on the licence transition you can click here
To apply for financial assistance click here

GOCSA to strengthen community ties with Melbourne’s Greek Community

The Greek Herald
-
0
GOCSA to strengthen community ties with Melbourne’s Greek Community

Members of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia’s (GOCSA) Administrative Council will travel to Melbourne, Victoria this weekend in support of the GOCSA Dance Academy and the Greek Community of Melbourne’s (GCM) Antipodes Festival 2023.

The GOCSA Dance Academy will be performing at the two-day festival, held in Melbourne’s historic Greek precinct of Lonsdale Street.

Packed with live entertainment, cultural displays, traditional food and more, the Antipodes Festival holds the title of Melbourne’s longest running Greek Festival, launched in 1987.

The trip to Melbourne will also provide an opportunity for newly elected members of GOCSA to meet with Board members of the GCM, in a bid to strengthen friendships with interstate Hellenes and Philhellenes.

President of GOCSA, Peter Gardiakos, said: “I am so proud of our dance academy. They have been at the heart of our community for many years, showcasing not just their passion for dance, but also their willingness and desire to promote a very rich cultural history through dance and traditional costume.”

“We’re honoured to travel over there and support them this year. The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne & Victoria, under the leadership of Bill Papastergiadis, has grown phenomenally over the past decade. We have much to learn from organisations such as GOCMV and I’m really excited to get over there and see how they do things, and how we can model that within our own community,” Mr Gardiakos added.

Cultural committee chair and Dance coordinator, Hellas Lucas, said: “Our dance academy has once again been asked to perform at the Antipodes Festival this year, so it goes to show how well-regarded our dancers are.”

“It is quite humbling for our academy to be asked to dance at an interstate festival. Dancing brings people together. If we can do that, whilst promoting our culture and our home state of South Australia, it’s a win-win for everyone,” Ms Lucas added.

“Lots of studies, including a recent one by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, found that by participating in traditional Greek dancing you can improve your cardiovascular health as well as your strength, endurance and jumping.”

Professor Vrasidas Karalis to give seminar at Melbourne’s Greek Centre

The Greek Herald
-
0
Professor Vrasidas Karalis to give seminar at Melbourne’s Greek Centre

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) has announced the launch of their upcoming 2023 Greek History and Culture Seminars series with an engaging lecture on Greek philosophy. The series aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage and history of the Greek community to a wider audience.

The opening lecture, titled “Cornelius Castoriadis 100 years later: Greek Philosophy after the Greeks,” will be presented by Professor Vrasidas Karalis, the Chair of Sir Nicholas Laurantos in Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies at the University of Sydney.

It will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at 7pm, at the Greek Centre (Mezzanine level, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne). Admission to the lecture is free, and it is open to the public.

During the lecture, Professor Karalis will delve into the intriguing paradox of Cornelius Castoriadis’ philosophy, which comprises an extremely dense yet lucid philosophical language. This linguistic paradox offers a unique opportunity to explore the origins of philosophical articulation and the influence of the Greek language on the way Castoriadis understood and wrote philosophy in French.

Professor Karalis will also explore a text that Castoriadis added to the Greek translation of his Imaginary Institution of Society in 1978, which is not known in any other language. The brief text maps out the relationship he developed with his own Greek language through his philosophical writing in another language. This paper discusses the connection between thinking and articulating while interrogating Castoriadis’ relationship with ancient and modern Greek.

Who is Professor Vrasidas Karalis?

Professor Vrasidas Karalis is the Chair of Sir Nicholas Laurantos in Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies at the University of Sydney. He has a wealth of experience in the field, with numerous publications to his credit, including A History of Greek Cinema (Continuum 2012), Realism in Greek Cinema (I.B. Tauris, 2017), Recollections of Mr Manoly Lascaris (Brandl & Sclesinger, 2007), The Demons of Athens (Brandl & Schlesinger, 2013), Reflections on Presence (re.Press, 2016)., Realism in Post-War Greek Cinema (Bloomsbury, 2017), The Cinematic Language of Theo Angelopoulos (Berghan Press, 2021), and Theo Angelopoulos Filmmaker and Philosopher (Palgrave, 2023). He has also edited several collections, including Cornelios Castoriadis and the Project of Radical Democracy (2013), Martin Heidegger and the Aesthetics of Being (2008), Power, Justice, and Judgement in Hannah Arendt (2012).

Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday 2 March 2023.
  • Time: 7:00 pm
  • Location: Greek Centre (Mezzanine, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne)
  • Admission: Free

Fiona Douskou endorsed as NSW Liberal candidate for Newtown

The Greek Herald
-
0
Fiona Douskou endorsed as NSW Liberal candidate for Newtown

Cybersecurity specialist and technology entrepreneur, Fiona Douskou, has been endorsed as the Liberal candidate for Newtown.

Ganddaughter of a migrant Greek family that settled in Newtown, Fiona grew up in a small business family with her parents and grandparents successfully running their own businesses locally, and she started her own child entertainment business straight after high school.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community, creating valuable local employment opportunities and helping people to get ahead,” Ms Douskou said.

“Our communities have endured a challenging time, and the Perrottet Government has been working incredibly hard to provide support and take the pressure off businesses and families.

“At the coming election people will be asked to make a choice that will decide the future of our state, and only the Perrottet Government has the real leadership and experience to move NSW forward.

“I’m running to be a part of the Perrottet Liberal Team, which has been focused on making it easier for people to get health care services at the local pharmacy, fixing stamp duty to help our first home buyers, and standing up to powerful interest groups.”

Fiona Douskou.

Fiona is a member of the Australian Women in Security Network, NSW Cybersecurity ambassador and youth mentor, and is the Culture Chair of a Diversity and Inclusion Team delivering advocacy and support for Women, LGBTQI+ and Indigenous Australians.

“I have always been focused on creating a better future for our community, by championing diversity and embracing the great things we can achieve by working together,” she said.

“I am excited by this opportunity to use my passion and experience to advocate on issues that are important to this community – from easing the pressure on household budgets to investing in more local public transport.

“If elected, I will be a strong and effective voice for Newtown, advocating for more local jobs, frontline services this community needs, and community infrastructure. I am running to make a real difference and be the change catalyst for this community.

“The Perrottet Government’s plan to support and empower this community will make living here better and more affordable and together we will keep NSW moving forward.”

NSW Labor to lift ban on International Baccalaureate in public schools

Andriana Simos
-
0
NSW Labor to lift ban on International Baccalaureate in public schools

A Minns Labor Government would lift the ban on NSW public schools being able to run the International Baccalaureate (IB) to provide equitable access to the programme across all school sectors. 

The IB offers four courses. The Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme are offered alongside the NSW curriculum from the early years through to year 10. The Diploma Programme and the Career-related Programme are offered as alternate year 11 and 12 pathways to the HSC. 

International Baccalaureate programmes are currently only available in non-government schools in NSW. Lifting the restriction will bring NSW into alignment with public schools in Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT, which all have the option of running an IB programme. 

Allowing the introduction of the IB was recommended by a 2017 NSW Department of Education report, which the NSW Liberal Government did not release to the public. 

The report stated the program’s introduction “…would provide equity of access and will achieve a school and system improvement objective.”

It also stated the implementation of the programme would be “…feasible, possible, and practical.”

Under Labor’s plan, individual public schools would be able to lodge expressions of interest to trial the course or courses that suit their school.  

Labor’s plan for schools and education in NSW: 

This is just the latest announcement from Labor including: 

  • Ending the chronic underfunding of NSW public schools;
  • Converting 10,000 temporary teachers to permanent positions to reduce the reliance on temporary teachers;
  • Cutting admin hours for teachers by five hours per week;
  • Ending the failed overseas recruitment program and redirecting resources towards recruiting NSW teaching students into schools; 
  • Creating a permanent, targeted Literacy and Numeracy tutoring program across primary and high schools
  • Banning the use of mobile phones in all NSW public schools to reduce distraction, cyberbullying and improve education outcomes; 
  • Labor’s Growth Areas Schools Plan which will deliver new and upgraded schools in growing areas across New South Wales.
  • New co-located preschools, with 100 new public preschools and 50 new and expanded preschools at Catholic and Independent schools; and
  • Expanding co-ed school access for all families so every parent has the choice of where to send their children.

Theo Theophanous steps down from board of State Trustees Victoria

The Greek Herald
-
0
Theo Theophanous steps down from board of State Trustees Victoria

Amid findings by the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC), the former Victorian Labor minister Theo Theophanous has resigned from the board of State Trustees.

According to The Herald Sun, IBAC found Mr Theophanous had lobbied in favour of a $31 billion proposal by the Australian Education City (AEC) consortium to develop a large education, residential and employment district in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Although he was registered as a lobbyist, Mr Theophanous had not registered AEC as one of his clients, as required.

Photo: The Herald Sun

According to ABC News, the IBAC investigation found Mr Theophanous’ actions benefited the election campaign of his daughter Kat Theophanous, who is a Labor MP for Northcote.

IBAC said there was no evidence Ms Theophanous was aware of her father’s relationship with AEC.

In response, Ms Theophanous said she had always acted appropriately and IBAC’s report makes it clear she had no knowledge of the circumstances outlined.

“All donations made to my campaigns were appropriately disclosed,” she said.

For his part, Mr Theophanous resigned from the VPA board last week. In his official response to IBAC, Mr Theophanous said he “absolutely and categorically” rejected the findings.

Sources: Herald Sun, The Guardian, ABC

Lecture on Ancient Greece and Indigenous Australia to be held in Sydney

The Greek Herald
-
0
Lecture on Ancient Greece and Indigenous Australia to be held in Sydney

A lecture titled Cross Hatchings between Ancient Greece and Indigenous Australia is being held on Wednesday, March 8 at the University of Sydney’s Madsen Building from 6pm.

The lecture event is co-hosted by the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney and the Australian Archaeological Institute at Athens.

Vassilis Adrahtas will be giving the lecture. He holds a PhD in Studies in Religion (USyd) and a PhD in the Sociology of Religion (Panteion University, Athens). He teaches Islamic Studies at Western Sydney University and Ancient Greek Religion and Myth at UNSW.

cross_hatchings
Artwork: Maban Dreaming, Katerina Todorovic

The lecture will focus on how although they are geographically and historically far apart, ancient Greece and Indigenous Australia present an amazing array of similarities in their underlying hierophanics.

Ancient Greek myths are based upon and reflect the all-embracing reality of Physis (Nature), while the innumerable Indigenous Australian dreamings signify the all-encompassing nexus of what has been dubbed the Dreaming. Moreover, the Hellenic dialectics between Being and Becoming find their experiential equivalent in the Indigenous dialectics between the Visible and the Invisible.

Perhaps even more importantly, narrative, song, dancing, music and art, all of them serve so profusely both worldviews and their respective everyday practices.

The lecture is a free event at the CCANESA Boardroom, Madsen Building, University of Sydney. Those who are interested in attending can reserve their spot here.


1...1,1031,1041,105...1,973Page 1,104 of 1,973

Stay connected:

Other

© 2024 The Greek Herald. All rights reserved.