A suspected arson attempt occurred at the popular Melissa Oakleigh Cafe on Wednesday morning, March 5, with at least two individuals attempting to set fire to the well-known Greek establishment in Eaton Mall.
Police report that the perpetrators caused minor damage to the cafe’s outdoor area, damaging railings, tables, and chairs. Fortunately, the cafe remains open and operational.
Emergency services responded quickly, with firefighters extinguishing the flames before they could spread to the cafe or neighbouring businesses in Oakleigh‘s “Greek precinct.”
Cafe owner Kostas Tangalakis, who was in Sydney at the time of the incident, remains confident that authorities will track down the suspects, as security cameras captured their movements.
Seismic activity around Santorini, which began on January 26, is subsiding, though experts continue to monitor the situation closely.
“We are almost back to normal,” said Costas Papazachos, seismologist at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
While the intensity and frequency of earthquakes have significantly decreased, with only two quakes exceeding magnitude 4 last week, experts caution that strong aftershocks remain a possibility.
“It’s rare, but it’s not impossible,” Papazachos added, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of volcanic movements.
Geological oceanographer Evi Nomikou explained that magma movement has entered a phase of dormancy, with ground deformations diminishing.
“The magma seems to be settling back into its original state,” she noted.
Photo: AA.
A dense network of seismographs has been installed around Santorini and neighbouring islands to ensure continuous monitoring, with Nomikou emphasising, “It is crucial to systematically monitor the Kolumbo volcano.”
Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni confirmed that life on the island is returning to normal.
At the ITB Berlin 2025 tourism expo, she stated, “Latest data show that seismic activity in the region of Santorini has noticeably dropped, and by following closely scientists’ guidance and directions, life on the island is returning to normalcy.”
She reiterated that “the safety of residents and visitors was and remains our absolute priority.”
Kefalogianni also highlighted two consecutive record years for tourism in 2023 and 2024, with positive outlooks for the year ahead, based on talks with international tourism agencies.
The Greek government is facing a motion of censure after PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis tabled the motion in Parliament on Wednesday, March 5.
Co-signed by 85 deputies from PASOK, SYRIZA, Nea Aristera, Plefsi Eleftherias, and independent members, the motion criticises the government’s handling of the deadly Tempi train crash.
The motion follows massive public demonstrations on January 26 and February 28, where citizens voiced their outrage over the government’s responsibility in the accident, which killed 57 people.
The motion accuses the government of attempting to cover up its role in the incident, which occurred when two trains ran on the same line for 12 minutes, leading to the collision.
Μιλάτε για αξιοκρατία εσείς, κ. Μητσοτάκη. Προσωπικά δεν έχω κάνει ποτέ ούτε ένα ρουσφέτι στη ζωή μου. Ούτε έχω ποτέ διορίσει κανέναν στο δημόσιο. Αν τα δικά σας ρουσφέτια και τα διαχρονικά ρουσφέτια της οικογένειάς σας, τα βάλουμε σε μία γραμμή, είναι μεγαλύτερα από τη γραμμή… pic.twitter.com/P05OgyxzEU
— Nikos Androulakis (@androulakisnick) March 5, 2025
Under Parliament rules, this triggers a three-day debate, with the final vote requiring an absolute majority of the 300 deputies for the censure to pass.
As the debate unfolds, protests continue to grow in intensity.
On Wednesday, March 5, a large rally took place in Athens’ Syntagma Square, where demonstrators demanded justice for the victims of the train disaster.
Thousands of people, including trade unions, students, and social organisations, gathered in the square, which was blocked off by the authorities.
Protests were also held in other cities such as Heraklion, Larissa and Patra.
The rally in Athens turned violent later in the evening when assailants clashed with police, setting fire to trash bins and throwing Molotov cocktails.
Police responded with tear gas and stun grenades, resulting in the detention of 32 individuals.
“We will be here every day,” rally speaker Maria Karystianou told the crowd, which also released 57 lanterns in honour of the victims.
With growing unrest and widespread public demand for accountability, the motion of censure threatens to further destabilise the government as it faces mounting pressure for justice and safe railway transportation.
Around 200 attendees gathered this weekend for the private viewing of Cypriot-born Australian graphic designer George Petrou’s latest series of portraits, featuring 40 men and women who have demonstrated a commitment to others.
The portraits focus on individuals linked to the First World War and its aftermath, alongside five Australians of the Year, highlighting their enduring humanitarian contributions.
Petrou’s vivid artistic style, familiar from his previous work The Art of Sacrifice, is prominently featured in these new works.
The portraits are also part of Petrou’s latest book, The Art of Humanity, a lavish 400+ page publication that includes historical and biographical articles on each subject.
Photographs by Grace Petrou and text editing by Christine Ballis complement the work. The book, with a foreword by His Excellency General David Hurley, AC DSC (Retired), delves deeply into these remarkable individuals’ lives and achievements.
At the event, several author contributors were present, including Dr Harry Ballis, Arlene Bennett, Michael Lawriwsky, George Ballas OAM, and Jim Claven OAM who wrote articles on various historical figures.
Dr Ballis also shared his ongoing research on Joice and Sydney Loch, who helped resettle refugees after the First World War.
The invitation-only event, created by Petrou as a thank-you to supporters and contributors, also included notable figures such as Nick Mylonas, Tony Roussos and Vicki Kyritsis, long-time supporters of Petrou’s work.
The evening concluded with a heartfelt address by Petrou, expressing his gratitude for the support of contributors, his family, and the veteran community. His speech was warmly received by the attendees.
The Art of Humanity will be formally launched later this year.
Taking place at The Grand Roxy – Reef Room in Brighton-le-Sands, Sydney, on Sunday, March 16 at 3:30pm, the exhibition presents portraits of women who have inspired and made a meaningful impact in their communities.
For Alexakis, this exhibition is deeply personal, as it features women she had not previously photographed but whose stories she believes deserve recognition.
Effy’s mum (left), Panayiotis and Eleni Doukas (right).
“I chose women who I have not photographed before, who I consider inspirational and who have made a difference within their community,” she explains.
Among the striking portraits is that of Matina Mottee (née Cassimaty), whose journey from a self-described “scared little Greek girl” growing up in Hobart to a passionate advocate for migrant women exemplifies the resilience and determination of the women featured. Mottee only found her voice and purpose at the age of 53, once her children had grown, and has since become widely recognised for her work in supporting migrant women.
The exhibition also includes a portrait of Chanel Contos, the fearless activist who led the ‘Teach Us Consent’ movement, shedding light on rape culture and sexual violence against young girls. In just a few years, Contos’ advocacy has gained global recognition, and she was honoured as one of BBC’s 100 Women in 2022. Alexakis managed to capture a fleeting moment with Contos in Sydney before she returned to the UK for her studies.
A particularly poignant piece in the collection is a ‘work in progress’ project inspired by Alexakis’ mother, Maria Kritikos, and the shared history of a single wedding dress. Arriving in Australia in 1956 on the ‘bride ship’ Tasmania, Maria wore a wedding dress purchased by her brother, which was later worn by five other brides. Alexakis has embarked on a journey to track down original wedding photographs and, where possible, capture images of the women today.
“I have located five original photos. Sadly, of the six couples, only two widows and one couple are still alive,” she reflects.
This unique collection, curated by Alexakis alone, marks a significant moment in her work, celebrating the strength, struggles, and achievements of women from different generations.
As part of the Greek Festival of Sydney’s International Women’s Day event, supported by The Greek Herald, the exhibition offers an opportunity for the community to engage with these compelling stories, honouring women’s contributions to society.
The exhibition is open to all attendees of the ‘Hellenic Horizons’ IWD event. For more information or to register attendance, click here.
Event Details:
Event:Hellenic Horizons: Greek Women Leading the Path to Progress
Date: Sunday, March 16, 2025
Time: 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Venue: The Grand Roxy | Reef Room (Bayside Plaza, 128 The Grand Parade, Brighton-Le-Sands NSW 2216)
The Sydney Comedy Festival launched its 20th anniversary celebrations in style on Monday, 3 March 2025, at the historic Enmore Theatre.
Hosted by Business Sydney and Century Venues, the event brought together industry leaders, comedians, and arts supporters for an evening of laughter, reflection, and major festival announcements.
Guests gathered for pre-event drinks and networking before moving into the theatre, where Rhys Nicholson emceed the proceedings with sharp wit and humour.
A heartfelt Welcome to Country was delivered by Binowee Bayles, setting the tone for an evening that celebrated the festival’s rich history and impact on Sydney’s cultural landscape.
Since its inception, the Sydney Comedy Festival has showcased over 2,000 artists and 10,000 performances across Sydney’s most famous venues, including the Sydney Opera House, The Comedy Store, and, of course, the Enmore Theatre. The festival has become a breeding ground for local and international talent, nurturing emerging comedians and amplifying diverse voices.
The night also acknowledged the influence in the festival’s creation, with Jorge Menidis and Elia Eliades playing pivotal roles in establishing the event as a premier cultural fixture.
A night of laughter and reflection
Paul Nicolaou, Executive Director of Business Sydney, took the stage with an energetic presence, leading the crowd in a spontaneous rendition of “Happy Birthday” in honour of the festival’s milestone.
With his signature humour, he introduced himself as the “Greek version of George Clooney” and encouraged guests to embrace their love for Sydney and its thriving arts scene. He also acknowledged the many distinguished guests in attendance, including representatives from Inner West Council, Destination NSW, Sydney Fringe Festival, and Create NSW, reinforcing the festival’s importance to the city’s cultural and economic landscape.
Next, The Hon John Graham, NSW Minister for the Arts, Music, Night-time Economy, Jobs, Tourism, Transport, and Roads, took to the stage, delivering a speech that had the audience roaring with laughter. He playfully referenced the number of portfolios he holds, adding a humorous touch to his remarks.
Minister Graham’s speech carried a serious note—acknowledging the vital role of the festival in Sydney’s cultural life and the government’s first-time funding of the event through Destination NSW. He highlighted that comedy fosters human connection and plays a crucial role in Australia’s multicultural and laid-back identity.
Karen Jones, CEO of Destination NSW, emphasised the significance of the festival’s 20-year milestone and the state government’s new investment in the event. She underscored its impact on the visitor economy, tourism, and job creation, calling it an essential part of Sydney’s cultural fabric.
Mr Menidis, Festival Director of the Sydney Comedy Festival, took the stage next, acknowledging the festival’s growth from humble beginnings to one of the largest comedy events in Australia. He announced exciting expansions for 2025, including new hubs in Bondi and Penrith, while reaffirming the festival’s commitment to diverse storytelling.
“Comedy is a unifying force,” he said, highlighting the festival’s reflection of Sydney’s multiculturalism, Indigenous heritage, and LGBTQ+ community. He also revealed key headlining acts such as Daniel Sloss, Iliza Shlesinger, Nish Kumar, and Sara Pascoe, alongside Australian favourites like Dave Hughes and Effie.
A stellar comedy lineup
The night wouldn’t be complete without live performances, and guests were treated to a stellar stand-up lineup featuring the hilarious He Huang, David Correos, Elf Lyons, Michelle Brasier, and Dave Hughes, who had the audience roaring with laughter.
Mr Menidis also announced the launch of “Breakout”, a new industry development initiative aimed at nurturing emerging talent. Additionally, he introduced “Comedy Crawl”, an innovative event where audiences rotate between multiple pub venues, promising a unique live comedy experience across Sydney.
The celebrations continued with drinks and canapés, as guests mingled and shared stories about two decades of comedy in Sydney. The night was a resounding success, marking the start of what promises to be an unforgettable festival season.
With Century Venues and the Enmore Theatre remaining at the heart of the festival, the Sydney Comedy Festival’s 20th year is set to honour its legacy while looking forward to an even brighter and funnier future.
The Victorian Council for Greek National Day has confirmed the highly anticipated return of the annual Greek National Day Parade to a location within full view of the Shrine of Remembrance.
As The Greek Herald first reported, after tireless efforts by the new executive team, the parade will once again be held in the heart of Melbourne’s commemorative precinct, reaffirming the enduring bond between Greece and Australia.
The 2025 Greek National Day celebrations will feature a series of significant events, including a commemorative service, a vibrant parade, a cultural festival, and a flag-raising ceremony.
This year’s program promises to honour the sacrifices of the past while celebrating Greek heritage with pride and enthusiasm.
Event 1: Greek Australian Commemorative Service
Date: Sunday, 23 March 2025
Time: 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
Location: Forecourt of the Shrine of Remembrance (in front of the Eternal Flame)
A solemn ceremony will be held at the Shrine of Remembrance to honour the longstanding friendship and military alliance between Greece and Australia.
This exclusive event will be attended by a small delegation of dignitaries, underscoring the solemnity and significance of the occasion. A wreath-laying ceremony will be conducted to pay tribute to the shared history of service and sacrifice.
Event 2: Greek National Day Parade
Date: Sunday, 23 March 2025
Time: 11:30 AM (Arrival of Participants) | 1:30 PM (Parade Start) | 2:30 PM (Conclusion)
Location: Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne (starting point) to the Australian Hellenic Memorial (end point)
Following the commemorative service, dignitaries and spectators will witness a breathtaking procession featuring Greek community organisations, schools, cultural groups, and veterans marching with pride.
It is important to note that this parade will not take place on the grounds of the Shrine of Remembrance but will be held in its vicinity, ensuring that this significant landmark remains a central backdrop to the event.
As the parade proceeds past the Australian Hellenic Memorial, participants will pay tribute to the Australian and Greek heroes who sacrificed so much in forging and preserving our identities today. This moment will serve as a poignant reminder of the courage, resilience, and unity that define our shared histories.
The parade will stand as a vibrant tribute to Hellenic culture and the contributions of Greek Australians to Victoria’s multicultural society.
Event 3: Hellenic Museum Glendi
Date: Sunday, 23 March 2025
Time: 2:30 PM
Location: Hellenic Museum, 280 William Street, Melbourne
After the parade, attendees are invited to an afternoon of festivities at the Hellenic Museum. The Glendi will feature live music, traditional dance performances, food stalls, and interactive exhibits, offering a perfect opportunity for the community to come together in celebration.
This event is hosted by the Hellenic Museum in collaboration with the Victorian Council for Greek National Day.
Event 4: Flag Raising Ceremony at Federation Square
Date: Tuesday, 25 March 2025
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Federation Square
To mark Greek National Day, the Greek flag will be proudly raised at Federation Square, accompanied by the national anthems of both Greece and Australia. A small delegation will be present at this ceremony, emphasising the significance of this patriotic moment.
This brief yet significant ceremony will serve as a powerful reminder of the Greek Australian community’s enduring presence and contributions to Melbourne’s cultural fabric.
The Victorian Council for Greek National Day has extended a warm invitation to all Greek Australians and friends of Greece to participate in these special events.
Team Agapes’ International Women’s Day (IWD) event at Merrimu Receptions was an outstanding success, bringing together a diverse group of inspiring speakers and raising an impressive $8,345 for Beyond Blue with the support of generous attendees and sponsors.
The event featured a keynote speech from Associate Professor Magdalena Simonis AM (MBBS FRACGP DRANZCOG), who highlighted the importance of mental health and self-care.
Comedian and social media personality Anastasia Katselasprovided a heartfelt yet humorous take on her own mental health struggles while growing up in Australia with Greek parents.
Guests also had the opportunity to hear from representatives of Victoria Police, who shared insights into the challenges they face in their line of duty. Among the speakers were Acting Sergeant James McKay from Bayside Police Station and Detective Sergeant Kellie Maher from the Bayside Family Violence Investigations Unit.
Another highlight of the evening was a talk by Katy Karabatsos, who spoke about her book Greek Women of Influence 1821 – 2021. Several copies of the book were gifted to attendees, celebrating the historical impact of Greek women over two centuries.
Organised by Team Agapes – Ann Bendouli, Sue Diamataris, Mircina Mayas, and Eleni Tsaptsalis – the event drew a crowd of over 180 guests, reflecting the community’s strong commitment to supporting mental health awareness and women’s achievements.
With its powerful messages, engaging speakers, and remarkable fundraising efforts, the event was a true testament to the impact of unity and shared purpose.
The MANASIS school contributes greatly to Apokries celebrations across the wider community, and over recent years has presented countless ‘dromena’ from topical and isolated regions across Greece.
Traditions and customs vary from region to region, but all have similarities whereby participants dress-up with masks and wear bells to ring off evil spirits.
The school’s notable contributions include the famous Gainnitsaroi and Boulles of Naousa, Rougatisa of Karditsa, Kamiles & Divitzides of Anatoliki Romilia, Pourpouris & Kortopoula of Isaakio, and the epic Rougatsaria and Koudounoforoi from Soxos, Anthi Serron, Monastiraki, Xiropotamo, and other regions of Northern Greece.
As a pinnacle and a final “hoorah,” students from MANASIS brought the season to a close with a Masquerade Party which saw hundreds of students, families and other members of the community, converge at Vanilla, Oakleigh.
Notably, there was a significant presence of younger students and their families who also attended the event and participated in festivities.
The non-stop glendi included dance performances, live music, and a special impromptu roving set through the Eaton Mall.
Differing from years where the school places a significant focus on traditions and customs, this year’s theme was more light-hearted, with participants dressing up as various well-known characters, including from Squid Games, Ghostbusters, Minions, Cobra Kai, and even a ‘bromance’ between a billionaire Arabic oil tycoon and US President Donald Trump.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) and the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW) have announced the celebration of Greek Independence Day on 23rd March 2025, and invite all associations to join in commemorating this important occasion.
A memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony will be held on Sunday, March 23 at 1pm at the Martin Place Cenotaph, Sydney.
Following the ceremony, at 2.30 pm, students will participate in a parade towards the Sydney Opera House for a festive program and speeches.
The GOAA and GOCNSW invite all associations, organisations, and community groups to participate in the celebration and contribute to the event. This is a unique opportunity to honour Greece’s history, language, and culture alongside the broader Australian community.
This year marks the 204th anniversary of the Greek Declaration of Independence on 25th March 1821, a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
For those wishing to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph, please contact in advance. Participants must bring their own wreath.
RSVP and Participation Registration:
Please contact via email at greeknationaldaysydney@gmail.com by Monday, 17th March 2025, to confirm participation and arrange for any special requirements.
