Turkey is set to build an 8.5-kilometre fence along its northwestern border with Greece, with plans to extend it in the future, as revealed by Yunus Ceser, the prefect of Adrianople (Edirne).
This marks the first time Turkey will implement physical border security measures on its western frontier.
Ceser confirmed that the construction of electric towers for surveillance is ongoing, with support from the Interior and Defence Ministries.
He also noted that border roads had been strengthened last year, and patrol routes had been completed.
“The first stage of the project will see the construction of a wall on the Greek border, with a potential expansion in the future depending on the situation,” Ceser said.
“This year, we aim to build 8.5 kilometres of the fence.”
The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has received 24 expressions of interest for the highly anticipated OFC Professional League, which is set to begin in January 2026.
With the submission deadline closing on Friday, February 28, clubs from across the Pacific have expressed their intention to participate in the game-changing competition.
The 24 expressions of interest include:
4 from Australia
6 from New Zealand
4 from Fiji
4 from Papua New Guinea
2 from New Caledonia
1 each from Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tahiti, and Vanuatu.
“Yes, we have submitted our application and I am optimistic that we will be part of this new competition,” President of South Melbourne Nick Maikousis told The Greek Herald.
“Everything has been done legally. Before submitting the application, we communicated with Football Australia and Football Victoria and received their approval. Our club will continue to compete in the National Premier League and the Championship.”
Maikousis added, “We are a historic football club striving to compete in the top football championship, but we are constantly facing obstacles and are not allowed to participate, even though we meet all the requirements to compete. I believe that with our participation in the Oceania championship, South Melbourne will return to the top competitions where we belong.”
The process is now underway for clubs to secure a spot in the elite eight-team competition, which will run from early January to May 2026, with the application process continuing until the end of June.
OFC Professional League Director Stuart Larman welcomed the strong response as a significant milestone.
“In recent years, a lot of work has gone into building a professional league that will accelerate the development of football across the region, including the detailed preparation of the Club Application Process. It’s very exciting for all involved that the response shows so many clubs share our vision and passion for the growth of professional football across Oceania,” Larman said.
Timeline:
End of June 2025: Completion of club application submission process.
August 2025: Recommendations from the OFC Licensing Group Committee to the OFC Executive Committee.
September 2025: Final approval and issuance of licenses to the eight selected clubs.
January 2026: Launch of the OFC Professional League.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy extended an olive branch to US President Donald Trump following a tense exchange during their meeting last week in the White House.
Describing the meeting as “regrettable,” Zelenskyy addressed the strained talks and called for cooperation under Trump’s leadership.
The exchange, which included heated criticism from both sides, centered around discussions about a potential peace deal with Russia.
In a post on social media, Zelenskyy stated, “Our meeting in Washington, at the White House on Friday, did not go the way it was supposed to be,” and emphasised his desire to “make things right” and work with Trump.
He also expressed Ukraine’s readiness to sign a minerals deal proposed by the Trump administration and affirmed the country’s appreciation for US assistance in maintaining Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Zelenskyy continued, “Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer.”
He reiterated that “nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians,” and expressed his team’s readiness to work under Trump’s leadership to achieve peace.
I would like to reiterate Ukraine’s commitment to peace.
None of us wants an endless war. Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer. Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians. My team and I stand ready to work under…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 4, 2025
The US has been a significant military and aid donor to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
However, relations between Zelenskyy and Trump have soured recently, especially after Trump returned to the White House.
The US president has been outspoken in his criticism of Zelenskyy, even calling him a “dictator” and repeating Kremlin-backed claims about Ukraine’s role in the war.
Trump’s approach to foreign policy has also shifted, with warmer relations developing between him and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
European leaders have voiced concern about this change, especially as Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine.
In response, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to significantly increase Europe’s military spending, proposing a €150 billion ($254 billion) borrowing plan to enhance defence capabilities.
The plan is part of a broader effort to boost Europe’s rearmament in the face of growing concerns over US disengagement.
The Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) departed from typical International Women’s Day (IWD) platitudes at the Amora Hotel Riverwalk in Richmond on Monday, March 3, confronting the grim reality of domestic violence and its deadly consequences for women.
Speakers Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Chair of Respect Victoria, highlighted the national crisis, while Sylvia Hadjiantoniou, PRONIA CEO, focused on its impact within the Greek Australian community. Professor Alex Christou moderated the panel.
HACCI Chair Fotini Kypraios declared, “We’ve been doing this for over a decade. This year, we’re not talking about the pay gap. We’re talking about 101. A hundred-and-one women dead from gender-based domestic violence in Australia in 2024.”
The room fell silent.
“Two women a week,” she repeated, the phrase hanging in the air like a death knell. “This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a national crisis, an epidemic. And it’s not going away. Twelve women have already been murdered in the first two months of this year.”
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
Kypraios didn’t mince words.
“Government funding alone won’t solve this. It requires action, understanding, and a tangible shift from every single one of us. This is about a deep-rooted culture of violence, a culture that bleeds into every corner of our lives,” she said.
“It’s your colleague, the woman trapped in isolation, the one gaslighted and abused until she feels powerless.
“These women are everywhere. They are professionals, mothers, women from diverse backgrounds. Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate. It’s a community issue, a business issue, a societal issue.”
Professor Christou emphasised the urgency.
“We have a responsibility to listen, to speak, to act. These discussions are confronting, but they are necessary,” he said.
Fitz-Gibbon laid bare the system’s failures.
“Sexual violence? Less than 10% of cases are reported. And of those, only 1% result in a court conviction. We have a national crisis, and it’s impacting every single corner of our community,” she said.
Fitz-Gibbon didn’t shy away from the pandemic’s role.
“COVID-19 didn’t cause the violence, but it amplified it. It increased the severity and frequency. And now, the cost of living crisis, housing shortages, they’re all fuelling the fire,” she said.
Hadjiantoniou spoke of the human cost.
“We’re seeing a surge of domestic violence cases. It’s a social pandemic. There are gaping holes in our culturally sensitive services. Women are walking through our doors, traumatised, homeless, and terrified,” she said.
“People ask, ‘Why doesn’t she just leave?’. They don’t understand the fear, the isolation, the feeling of being trapped. They face homelessness, even death, if they try to escape.”
Sylvia HadjiantoniouKate Fitz-Gibbon with her Respect Women earrings from Haus
As an organisation focused on business and industry, HACCI’s panel exposed the insidious nature of workplace abuse.
“Abusers sabotage careers, they isolate, they destroy,” Fitz-Gibbon stated. “Workplaces have a crucial role to play, but it needs more than HR policies. It needs a cultural revolution.”
Hadjiantoniou described the situation as a “societal cancer,” as speakers outlined how endemic violence can spread to elder abuse and violence against the LGBTQIA+ community, creating an interconnected spiral of intolerance.
The event also challenged the status quo with a significant male presence, many of whom were actively engaged, primarily seated in the back rows.
Michael Malakonas, Chief Operating Officer of Good Shepherd, received applause when he stated, “Less talking, far more doing. We are doing more, I ask you to do more.”
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
The Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney & NSW is set to host a Mytilenian Glenti on Sunday, March 9 at 12:30pm, welcoming members of the Palesviaki Enosi of Melbourne & Victoria as part of their visit to Sydney.
This event will bring together members of the Mytilenian communities for an afternoon of music, dancing, and traditional cuisine, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Lesvos.
Guests will enjoy live entertainment, performances from the Brotherhood’s dance group, and an authentic selection of mezedakia and kontosouvli.
There will be dancing performances from the Mytilenian Brotherhood’s Dancing Group.
The Palesviaki Enosi of Melbourne & Victoria will be travelling to Sydney by bus for the weekend from March 7 – 9, with this event serving as a highlight of their visit. The gathering reflects the strong bonds between Greek organisations across Australia and aims to foster a continued sense of unity and shared tradition.
The event will take place at Mytilenian House in Canterbury, Sydney, with entry priced at $25 per person, inclusive of food.
Bookings are essential. To reserve a table or for more information, contact the organisers at 0402 207 546 or 0435 604 433.
On Sunday, March 2, the Panipirotiki Enosis of NSW held a memorial service for the 112th anniversary of the Liberation of Ioannina at All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Belmore, Sydney.
This solemn day of remembrance honoured the men and women who fought and sacrificed themselves for the freedom of Epirus from almost 500 years of Ottoman rule.
The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who presided over the Divine Liturgy, and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis.
All guests and parishioners participated in the Divine Liturgy and memorial service, where the Archbishop spoke eloquently about the history of Epirus and purpose of our memorial and celebration.
Following the service, the Secretary of Panipirotiki Enosis, Evangeleah Plakias, shared a short history of the wars and struggles that led Ioannina and Epirus to freedom.
A wreath laying ceremony was held within the Church. Wreaths were laid by Consul General Mr Mallikourtis; the President of Panipirotiki Enosis of NSW, Bill Kriezis; the President of the Philanthropic Association of Preveza Nikopolis NSW, Peter Tsoutsis; the President of Pontoxeniteas NSW, Maria Anthony; Head of School at All Saints Grammar, Elfa Lillis along with school students; Nick Vagerakas in memory of late members and friends; and Ms Plakias representing the youth of Greek Australians and Epirotans.
The commemoration event continued with a lunch service at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba.
AHEPA Victoria’s Nafsika Unit hosted a spectacular Masquerade Event on Saturday, March 1, at Normanby House, bringing the community together for an elegant evening of generosity and purpose.
The event was a resounding success, raising over $7,035 to support vital research into Parkinson’s disease, contributing to advancements in understanding and treatment for those affected.
The night featured keynote speaker, Professor Dionysios Velakoulis, Neuropsychiatrist at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, who delivered a compelling talk on the current state of Parkinson’s research and the profound impact of the disease on patients and their families.
AHEPA Victoria President, George Keskerides, was in attendance, offering unwavering support and leadership.
The event’s success was made possible by the generosity of guests, who participated enthusiastically by donating, purchasing raffle tickets, and embracing the masquerade theme with stunning attire.
A special acknowledgment was given to the AHEPA Unit Nafsika committee, President Niki Matziaris-Garay and organising team, whose meticulous planning and dedication ensured a flawless and memorable evening.
The event concluded with dancing and celebrations well past midnight, as attendees reflected on their shared commitment to making a difference.
Prosecutors are appealing the “manifestly inadequate” sentence handed to Christopher Joannidis, who was jailed for five-and-a-half years after causing a devastating crash that killed five people and a dog in Strathmerton, Victoria.
According to Nine News, Joannidis was warned by police just minutes before the crash about the dangers of the road and had been issued a speeding ticket for travelling at 118km/h in a 100km/h zone.
Despite this, he ignored give way signs, crossed three sets of rumble strips, and drove onto the Murray Valley Highway without stopping.
The Strathmerton crash was the deadliest in the state in more than a decade. Picture: Ian Currie.
This led to a collision that pushed a Nissan Navara into the path of a milk truck, killing 62-year-old Deborah Markey, four farm workers from Taiwan and Hong Kong, and Markey’s dog.
Despite pleading guilty to five counts of dangerous driving causing death, Joannidis could walk free on parole in less than three years.
The Office of Public Prosecutions has now confirmed an appeal, arguing the sentence fails to reflect the severity of the tragedy.
Christian groups have expressed outrage over a provocative Mardi Gras photo depicting drag performer Felicia Foxx in a pose appearing to spear Jesus Christ.
The image, which surfaced online following the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras last weekend, has been condemned by Christian leaders and conservative commentators, who argue it is an act of religious mockery.
On social media, Christian podcaster Charlie Bakhos questioned why the image was not considered hate speech.
“Mocking of Christianity as well as mocking Indigenous people themselves… Hate shouldn’t be accepted against anyone,” Bakhos said.
Cumberland City Councillor and former Mayor, Steve Christou called the depiction “disgraceful” and demanded that public funding for Mardi Gras be revoked.
Taxpayer/Ratepayer money should not be used to fund the Mardi Gras.
It is disgraceful that people’s religion is being openly mocked with an individual dressed like an Aboriginal stripper pretending to spear Jesus.
— Councillor Steve Christou (@ChristouSteve) March 3, 2025
“It is disgraceful that people’s religion is being openly mocked with an individual dressed like an Aboriginal stripper pretending to spear Jesus,” he wrote.
“Any other religion this would be considered a hate crime. No religion deserves to be mocked.”
LGBTQIA+ activists and Indigenous leaders pushed back, dismissing the criticism as homophobic and transphobic attacks.
Foxx has yet to formally respond but shared messages of support for the LGBTQ+ community.
American media outlets are today reporting that US President Donald Trump has paused all military aid to Ukraine, demanding that Ukrainian officials demonstrate a commitment to peace negotiations.
“The president has been clear that he is focused on peace. We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well,” an official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told The New York Post.
“We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution.”
Donald Trump. Photo: Video Screenshot / CNN.
The decision follows a heated White House confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom Trump accused of not wanting peace and of relying too heavily on US and European support.
Trump expressed frustration after Zelenskyy stated that the war with Russia was “very, very far away”, calling it “the worst statement that could have been made.”
Trump reiterated his belief that a deal with Russia and Ukraine could be reached quickly, stating, “It takes two to tango” and suggesting those unwilling to negotiate “won’t be around for long.”
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Ukraine, stressing that the US remains vital in securing peace and advocating for continued military and economic pressure on Russia.
