In a statement, the company said it deliberately limited public comment “out of respect for the memory of our people who were lost and their families,” adding that “in moments of mourning, responsibility and dignity come first.”
Photo: InTime News.
Violanta also cautioned against speculation, saying that while official investigations and legal proceedings are ongoing, “rumours and unfounded interpretations have been lightly circulated in public debate.”
Describing the case as complex, the company said a full and in-depth investigation was required and concluded that “respect for the memory of our people and the truth is imperative” as it awaits final findings.
South Island United and South Melbourne FC shared six goals in an epic 3-3 draw on match day two of Round 2 at the OFC Pro League in Port Moresby.
The Kiwis had a win and a loss to their name following the first round, whilst South Melbourne FC were looking to continue their 100% record following two wins from two in Auckland.
It was South Island United who made the more pressing start, opening the scoring after just nine minutes through Haris Zeb. The forward taking advantage of Ilia Shalamanov-Trenkova’s inability to claim a cross and firing in the loose ball.
To their credit, South Melbourne reacted well and were level ten minutes later. Jordan Lampard’s well-weighted pass finding Yuki Uchida and the Japanese forward calmly slid the ball under the on-rushing Steven van Dijk.
Sinisa Cohadzic’s side grew into the game well and were on top for much of the remainder of the half.
They were rewarded for their dominance just before the break, when Uchida collided with Van Dijk in the box and referee Ben Aukwai pointed to the spot.
Maximilian Mikkola made no mistake with his penalty, rifling the ball into the top corner.
Photo: OFC Media via Phototek.
South Island United were able to shake off that late disappointment as they started the second period well and truly on the front foot.
Just seven minutes were on the clock when Haris Zeb picked up the ball and drove into the South Melbourne box, cutting the ball back for David Yoo to bury from close range.
It got even better three minutes later, when Jaylen Rodwell scored what will surely be a candidate for goal of the season. The midfielder picking up Marco Jankovic’s clearance 30 yards from goal and arrowing a stunning effort into the top corner to give South Island United the lead.
The end-to-end action continued as the Australians chased an equaliser. Jordan Swibel was denied by a good block from Daunte Mariner before Van Dijk made an excellent double save to keep out Swibel and Bonada in quick succession.
The former Sydney FC striker wasn’t to be denied however as he finally got his goal, finishing neatly from close range after an good run and cross by substitute Arran Cocks.
Both sides were clearly not content with settling for a point and the match continued to be stretched as they went in search of a late winner.
That winner wouldn’t come for either side however, with a point apiece arguably a fair reflection of a fantastic game.
Carlos Alcaraz has defeated Novak Djokovic to claim the Australian Open men’s singles title, becoming the youngest male player in history to complete a career Grand Slam.
The 22-year-old Spaniard recovered from a slow start to win the final in four sets at Melbourne Park, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5, overcoming the most successful Australian Open champion of the Open era in a match that underlined a generational shift at the top of men’s tennis.
With the victory, Carlos Alcaraz joins an elite group as just the ninth male player to win all four Grand Slam tournaments. The triumph also consolidates his position as world No. 1, extending his advantage over Italian rival Jannik Sinner, who sits second in the ATP rankings.
Djokovic, 38, entered the final chasing multiple milestones. A win would have made him the oldest men’s Grand Slam champion in the Open era and delivered a record-breaking 25th major title, moving him clear of Margaret Court’s all-time tally of 24. Instead, he was ultimately outmatched by Alcaraz’s speed, variation and sustained intensity as the contest wore on.
The Serbian started strongly, breaking serve early and dominating the opening set with ruthless efficiency. His serve proved particularly effective, limiting Alcaraz’s opportunities and allowing Djokovic to take the first set in just over half an hour.
Alcaraz responded decisively in the second set, lifting his level as Djokovic’s intensity dipped slightly. An early break proved enough for the Spaniard to level the match, before a more physical and hard-fought third set saw Alcaraz edge ahead after a prolonged battle on Djokovic’s serve.
The fourth set remained on serve deep into the contest, with Djokovic showing characteristic resilience and emotion as he fought to stay in contention. However, at 5-5, Alcaraz forced a decisive error to earn championship points, sealing the title when Djokovic sent a forehand long.
The win marked Alcaraz’s seventh Grand Slam title, adding his first Australian Open crown to two titles each at Wimbledon, the French Open and the US Open. It also continued a remarkable run in men’s tennis, with the last nine Grand Slam tournaments now won by either Alcaraz or Sinner — the most recent exception being Djokovic’s US Open victory in 2023.
Djokovic’s path to the final had been aided by a series of shortened matches, including a walkover in the fourth round and a quarter-final retirement by Lorenzo Musetti, before a draining five-set semi-final victory over Sinner. Despite the defeat, his performance in Melbourne suggested he remains capable of challenging at the highest level.
For Alcaraz, however, the Australian Open title represents another defining moment in a career that continues to gather momentum, confirming his status as the leading figure of the new era in men’s tennis.
Greek Australian author Arthur Antonopoulos returns with Dark Salonica, a novel that positions Thessaloniki not simply as a backdrop, but as a living presence shaped by memory, myth and buried histories.
Following Dark Athens, Antonopoulos’ latest work shifts north, into a city he describes as carrying a distinctly haunting energy. “Moving the story from Athens to Thessaloniki felt like a natural evolution rather than a change of scenery,” he explains. “Dark Athens explored deception and truth through the hidden symbols of the capital, while Thessaloniki is a city of ghosts – Byzantine, Ottoman, Jewish and modern – all layered beneath the surface.”
That layered identity became central to the novel. Antonopoulos says what fascinated him most was how fragmented yet complete the city feels. “Myth and history blur here,” he says. “The towers, tunnels and the sea reflect the characters’ own conflicts. In Dark Salonica, Thessaloniki isn’t just a setting – it’s a living presence that challenges both readers and characters to confront what lies beneath.”
Arthur Antonopoulos
While the novel blends crime, historical mystery and existential reflection, Antonopoulos says – remains the driving force of his storytelling. “The historical mystery still drives the story – that’s where my heart is,” he says, describing the long hours spent researching connections between the ancient and modern worlds. At the same time, the existential dimension deepened organically. “Writing these books means disappearing into the characters’ emotions and voices,” he explains. “Many scenes were written exactly where they take place, and that gave me a kind of raw authenticity.”
Readers will encounter the return of Ariadne and Aliatis, characters who have matured since Dark Athens, but who are also more exposed. “They’ve both grown, but the weight of secrets still defines them,” Antonopoulos says, noting that Aliatis’ true intentions remain deliberately ambiguous. Drawn into a conspiracy rooted in the Byzantine world, the pair must navigate a space where truth and deception are inseparable. “Their journey this time is about what knowledge costs,” he says. “Sometimes truth destroys more than it reveals.”
Arthur Antonopoulos
Thessaloniki’s hidden histories play a powerful role throughout the novel. Antonopoulos speaks of countless hours spent wandering its museums, courtyards and sea walls. “From underground catacombs to arcane churches and the aftermath of a disastrous fire, the city never stops revealing new layers,” he says. One detail that particularly struck him was learning that Thessaloniki expanded seawards by more than a hundred metres in the early 20th century. “It captures the spirit of buried lives and forgotten truths,” he adds – an idea that runs quietly but persistently through the book.
At the heart of Dark Salonica is the hunt for an ancient relic – the Club of Hercules – which Antonopoulos describes as deeply symbolic. “The relic represents truth and how it’s manipulated, buried or reshaped over time,” he says. As part of what he calls the “Dark” trilogy, the novel also challenges historical narratives that downplay Hellenic innovation. “I wanted to explore how philosophy, science and spirituality born in the Hellenic world evolved into Byzantium and beyond,” he explains. “The Club becomes a metaphor for that continuity – fragile, but enduring.”
For readers paying close attention, Antonopoulos confirms there is a clear thread connecting Dark Athens and Dark Salonica. “The books are building toward Dark Crete, the final part of the trilogy,” he says. “Dark Athens focused on symbolism; Dark Salonica on architecture and how physical structures hold memory. The past keeps echoing through the present. We are its continuation.”
Much has changed for the author in the four years since Dark Athens was released. Antonopoulos has completed a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, now teaches in the Psychology Department at Hellenic American University in Athens, and is shaping the direction of his PhD research. The pandemic years limited travel, but this December he will return to Australia. “I’m excited to reconnect with the Greek community and with my family and friends,” he says. “Melbourne has changed, but the sense of belonging hasn’t – especially when I walk past the streets around Lonsdale and the Queen Victoria Hospital.”
Dark Salonica
Looking ahead, Dark Crete is planned for release in 2027 and will span the entire island. Antonopoulos describes it as the culmination of everything explored so far. “It will reveal the characters’ true motives and challenge readers to think about identity, deception, and how personal history shapes belief,” he says – and how that belief, in turn, can be manipulated.
With Dark Salonica, Arthur Antonopoulos continues to merge literature, history and psychology, offering readers not just a story, but an invitation to look again at what lies beneath the surface – of cities, of narratives, and of themselves.
Two long-time friends are putting Adelaide on the map with a national first: plantable children’s books with characters that grow into real vegetables.
Created by Anthony Savas and Elias Anargyros, both 37, Sprout Story brings storytelling and sustainability together in a format designed to get kids off screens and reconnect with nature, more specifically, their gardens.
The idea grew from the values the pair were raised with – many of which were shaped by their Greek grandparents. Backyard veggie gardens were a familiar backdrop in both families’ homes, representing simple traditions centred around patience, connection and learning by doing.
As adults, Anthony and Elias realised fewer children experience those kinds of hands-on moments today, with screens often replacing outdoor play. Sprout Story became their way of honouring their grandparents’ influence while creating something modern, fun and meaningful for today’s families.
“Growing your own produce was a way of life for immigrant families,” said co-founder Anthony Savas, whose background spans 20 years across entrepreneurship, food, wine and tech consulting. “Those gardens taught us patience, responsibility and appreciation. We wanted to find a way to preserve that and help families bring those lessons back.”
Tommy the Tomato
Co-founder Elias Anargyros, who has experience in law, entertainment management and now works in his family’s printing business, added: “Our grandparents gave us childhoods grounded in homegrown food and hands-on learning. Sprout Story is our way of keeping that tradition alive.”
Sprout Story launched with a series of three books – Tommy the Tomato, Cara the Carrot and Leah the Lettuce – each carrying gentle messages about nature, kindness and growth.
After reading, children tear out a page, soak it in water, plant it in soil, and watch as the seeds embedded in the biodegradable paper begin to sprout.
This interactive process turns reading into a multisensory experience, reinforcing early literacy, problem-solving skills, patience, environmental awareness, and responsibility. “Kids don’t just read about Tommy the Tomato – they actually grow him,” Anthony said. “It brings the story to life in the most magical way.”
Although Anthony originated the idea in 2020, he first presented it to Elias in late 2023. During 2024, they undertook extensive research into product refinement and trialled plant cultivation. This process ensured they developed a product that was engaging, safe, durable, and entirely biodegradable.
Each book features a beautifully crafted paperback design, bound with natural cotton thread and printed with eco-friendly soy-based inks on FSC-certified paper, making it a thoughtful choice for both the little ones and the planet alike.
Sprout Story marks a new chapter in children’s reading – one where stories don’t finish at the final page, but take root in the real world, growing alongside the child who planted them.
“If we can help kids spend less time on screens and more time connecting with nature, we’ll have done our grandparents proud,” Elias said.
Priced at a RRP of $21.95 each, or $59.95 for the 3-book series, the books are currently available for purchase online, with stockist opportunities now being explored by the co-founders. A teacher guide is also being developed to support educators in incorporating Sprout Story into early years curriculum across Australia.
Solo travel is no longer a niche choice but a defining trend in global tourism, and Greece has earned a spot in the world’s top ten destinations for solo travelers in 2026, according to a recent report by FTLO Travel.
According to news.gtp.gr, the ranking highlights not only preferred destinations, but also shifting travel habits, with solo travelers planning further ahead and favoring experience-driven, immersive journeys. FTLO Travel, a boutique company focused on travelers aged 25 to 39, examined booking timelines and destination wish lists to identify emerging travel preferences for the coming year.
Greece placed seventh overall, outranking popular destinations such as Thailand, Iceland, Peru and Switzerland. Its strong performance reflects its ability to combine history, diverse landscapes and authentic local culture-qualities increasingly valued by independent travelers.
On a regional level, Australia/Oceania and Asia shared the top position for bucket-list travel in 2026, followed by Europe, South America and Africa. Interest in these regions points to a growing desire for long-haul, meaningful trips rather than short, fast-paced getaways.
Among individual countries, Australia, Japan and New Zealand ranked highest, with Argentina, Italy and South Korea also attracting strong interest.
The report also sheds light on what motivates solo travelers today. Experiences now outweigh nightlife, which ranked last as a deciding factor. Nearly three-quarters of respondents said their main goal was simply to explore the world. Adventure, fun and human connection followed, while rest and personal development ranked lower, suggesting a preference for active and outward-looking travel.
Travel inspiration continues to come mainly from friends and word of mouth, closely followed by Instagram, while TikTok played a more limited role.
A new housing protection mechanism is set to offer a lifeline to thousands of vulnerable households in Greece who risk losing-or have already lost-their primary residence, according to en.protothema.gr. By summer 2026, the Property Acquisition and Leaseback Agency is expected to become operational, aiming to protect more than 20,000 financially distressed borrowers from homelessness due to foreclosure or bankruptcy.
Under the scheme, a private entity selected through an international tender will purchase the primary residence of an eligible vulnerable debtor before or after foreclosure. The home will then be leased back to the same household for a period of twelve years, allowing them to remain in their residence as tenants rather than owners. Rent will be subsidized by the state, and tenants will retain the right to repurchase the property if their financial situation improves.
The program is part of the Bankruptcy Law framework and is based on the international “sale and leaseback” model, adapted to Greek conditions. Eligibility is strictly defined and verified through the vulnerable household certification platform to ensure the measure supports only those truly in need.
At present, over 20,000 households meet the vulnerability criteria, with more than 1,600 expected to enter the scheme immediately. Vulnerability thresholds include low income, limited property value, and capped savings and assets.
Once certified, the agency intervenes in the auction process, acquires the property at a reduced price, and leases it back to the household. Monthly rent is set by ministerial criteria, alongside a state subsidy ranging from €70 to €210.
Importantly, the right to repurchase the home at the end of the lease period-transferable to heirs-offers families a genuine second chance at long-term housing stability.
The Triodion marks the beginning of a significant spiritual and cultural period in the Orthodox Church, officially starting on February 1, 2026. This season signals the opening of Carnival celebrations while also guiding the faithful toward Great Lent and, ultimately, the joy of Easter, according to en.protothema.gr
Named after the three-ode hymns sung during church services, the Triodion is both a liturgical period and a sacred book. It contains the hymns and prayers used from the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee – ten weeks before Pascha – through Great and Holy Saturday. During this time, the Church gradually prepares believers for the spiritual discipline of Lent through worship, prayer, fasting, and acts of charity.
According to goarch.com, the Triodion begins with the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, which teaches humility and sincere repentance. It is followed by the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, emphasizing God’s mercy and the power of repentance through the well-known parable of the loving father and his returning child. The third preparatory Sunday, known as Meatfare or the Sunday of the Last Judgment, turns attention to personal responsibility and the call to love and compassion. The period concludes with Cheesefare Sunday, also called the Sunday of Forgiveness, inviting believers to seek reconciliation with one another before entering Great Lent.
Beyond its spiritual meaning, the Triodion is deeply woven into Greek tradition, blending faith with community customs and festive gatherings, making it a time of reflection, renewal, and shared joy.
South Australia’s Arts Minister Andrea Michaels has announced she will quit politics after the upcoming state election and will not recontest her Adelaide seat of Enfield.
Ms Michaels, who was elected in 2019 and also holds the Consumer and Business Affairs and Small and Family Business portfolios, said she would remain in cabinet until the March election before returning to her law career.
“I want to go back to the law,” she told ABC News, adding she had “a great four years but [it’s] time to go and do something else”.
Her decision follows the resignation of two senior cabinet ministers last September.
Premier Peter Malinauskas thanked Ms Michaels for her “incredible service”, praising her role in rental reforms and the government’s 10-year state cultural policy, and wished her well as she returns to legal practice and family life.
Medical specialists in Western Australia have advised that Ioannis’ ongoing care and recovery will be best managed in his home country, where a comprehensive rehabilitation plan can be implemented with the support of his family and long-term medical services.
Ioannis has been receiving treatment at Royal Perth Hospital since New Year’s Eve, after sustaining a severe neck injury while swimming with family in calm conditions. He was pulled from the water by relatives and assisted by members of the public, surf lifesavers and paramedics before being transported to hospital.
According to the HCWA, doctors have determined that returning to Greece will provide greater continuity of care and improve Ioannis’ long-term quality of life. Planning is now underway to ensure a safe and supported transfer to Athens, with Australian and Greek medical professionals working closely to coordinate his repatriation.
The journey home will involve specialist medical equipment, with a nurse and doctor from Perth expected to accompany Ioannis on the flight. Once in Athens, he will be admitted to a specialist rehabilitation hospital, while modifications will be made to his family home to support his long-term mobility, care and rehabilitation needs.
Ioannis has expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his recovery.
“To all the people who have wished me a speedy recovery and to everyone who has donated to the cause, I thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he said. “I have been overwhelmed by the love and support from friends, family and strangers across the world. I know I have a long road ahead of me, but with God’s help, I am confident I will overcome this hurdle.”
The Hellenic Community of Western Australia has played a central role in coordinating community support and fundraising efforts, which have now surpassed $300,000. The funds will assist with medical expenses, rehabilitation, home modifications and repatriation costs.
HCWA CEO Paul Savvas said the response reflected the strength and compassion of the Greek Australian community.
“Our community has come together in an extraordinary way to support Ioannis and his family during this incredibly difficult time,” he said. “The Hellenic Community of Western Australia was built on faith, philanthropy and benevolence, and this support demonstrates those values in action.”
Ioannis and his mother are expected to return to Athens within the next two weeks, once final medical arrangements in Greece are confirmed.
