A fire on destroyed the community hall adjacent to the Holy Monastery of St Nectarios in Croydon Park, Adelaide, while the main church building and a neighbouring nursing home were saved following the swift response of emergency services.
The blaze broke out on Regency Road shortly after 7pm on Friday night, 24 January, with crews from the Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) called to the scene as flames engulfed the hall and thick black smoke rose into the sky. Firefighters remained on site into the early hours amid concerns of possible reignition, as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.
The community hall sustained extensive damage, with its roof collapsing, glass doors shattered and debris scattered throughout the interior. Walls were blackened by soot, and the smell of burnt timber lingered across the site.
Parish Council President Vladimir Devrelos praised the efforts of emergency services, saying their actions were critical in protecting the church, which has stood for more than 50 years.
“I do my cross and thank God for the dedication shown by our emergency services,” Mr Devrelos said. “They did a wonderful job. All of them are heroes, to say the least. “The blessing for us is that the church itself is untouched and intact, and God willing, services will be able to proceed.”
The destroyed hall, established in 2017, played an important role in parish life, hosting community celebrations, cultural events and after-school Greek language classes. Its loss has been described as significant for the local Greek Orthodox community.
Also spared was St Basil’s Nursing Home, located beside the church and home to approximately 80 residents. No injuries were reported among residents, parishioners or emergency personnel.
MFS Commander Phil Ross said it took around five hours to fully extinguish the blaze, with 16 firefighters deployed at the scene. He said the fire spread rapidly after entering the roof space, making it difficult to contain.
In the aftermath, there was an outpouring of relief and support from the wider community. Many expressed gratitude that the church and nursing home were spared, while others sought clarification after early reports referred to an “administration building.” Parish representatives later confirmed that the structure destroyed was the community hall, not the church.
A public smoke warning was issued on Friday night before being lifted later in the evening. Authorities have confirmed the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Subject to electrical safety checks, regular church services are expected to proceed.
Thanasi Kokkinakis might be better known for his on-court achievements tennis, but off court he’s a serious food lover, according to good food and the Sydney Morning Herald.
Heading into this year’s Australian Open, where he’s slated to play doubles with close friend Nick Kyrgios and, fitness permitting, singles too, Kokkinakis has also been exploring the food and drinks world. He recently filmed a lamb-cooking segment with chef Curtis Stone, and serves as an ambassador for Altos tequila, an official sponsor of the tournament.
While training and rehab have dominated his schedule, Kokkinakis says nothing beats a lively meal with friends. That’s why Jim’s Greek Tavern in Collingwood holds a special place in his heart. “It feels like a chaotic family backyard,” he says speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald. The fish – especially blue-eye trevalla – and the lamb remain firm favourites.
Melbourne’s food scene is rich in his rotation: Marbl Steakhouse in Prahran, where the wagyu rib-eye impresses; Gilson in South Yarra for cotoletta with wood-fired bread and burrata; Marion Wine Bar’s flatbread and vodka pasta; Maison Batard for French steak and salad; and Oushou for quality Japanese.
Photo: Giorgos Psomiadis
For takeaway, he recommends Zeus Street Greek Food – especially the seasoned fried pita chips and, on cheat days, fried chicken or a smash burger.
His café picks include Norman South Yarra (famed for chilli scramble and oat lattes), Operator Diner’s TikTok-famous fried chicken and waffles, Hector’s Deli’s mushroom melt, Urban Provedore coffee and Yugen Dining’s weekend brunch matcha.
Overseas, London tops his list, with Greek favourite Zephyr in Notting Hill, Myrtos, Gold and the vibrant Park Xinhua. At home, it’s fried eggs with avocado, and his ultimate guilty pleasure: a glazed doughnut.
The Hellenic Youth Club (HYC) of Canberra has provided a dedicated space for Greek youth to connect since it was formally incorporated in 1973. Despite undergoing several name changes over the years, the essence of HYC has remained the same: a place for young people in Canberra to meet others with shared life experiences.
Initially known as the Greek Youth Club of Canberra, the group dissolved before being re-established by The Hellenic Club as the Hellenic Youth Association in 1988. Since then, HYC has been grateful for the continued support of The Hellenic Club and its strong connection with Canberra’s broader community.
Today, HYC aims to be a pillar for Greek youth in Canberra by promoting culture and faith, while providing opportunities for young people to connect through events. Past events have included an RnB night, Don’t Stop The Music, a ski trip in collaboration with The Hellenic Society of UNSW, and its popular Bouzouki Night, which attracted 320 Greek youth this year. HYC also organised an interstate trip to Melbourne, where 30 members spent a weekend bonding at a Greek concert, a SIGMA night, the NUGAS Ball, and a winery day trip with the Lemnian Youth of Victoria.
The Greek Herald spoke with current HYC President Olivia Kambouris about her seven years with the club and the joy and passion she continues to find in being part of the youth community. Olivia joined as a general committee member at the age of 19 and has since served as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice-President and, for the past two years, President. She was introduced to the club by her cousins during a HYC trip to Melbourne. Reflecting on that experience, she recalled, “I was a pretty reserved and shy kid, but the club was just so welcoming, and it was a great weekend.”
Most HYC committee members are students or young professionals, and Olivia says she is fortunate to have met “so many good people on the committee… who have been equally passionate about Greek youth.” Her time as President has been enjoyable, and she has loved “seeing new members come in – and not just Greek members, anyone who is interested. That’s been the biggest reward, seeing the growth and engagement… As long as we’ve got people coming and we’re hosting good events, we’re setting up something good to pass on to the next generation.”
Olivia also acknowledged concerns about the long-term future of Canberra’s Greek community and the possibility that it may one day diminish. “I feel like it’s probably a big driver behind why I’m on the committee,” she said. “But looking at the Canberra community, I can’t see that happening with the senior leadership we have, the initiatives they run, and the passion behind the people I see turning up to events.”
She noted that Canberra’s Greek community remains active and collaborative, despite having a relatively small number of major organisations. “Everyone seems to work harmoniously to create space for the Greek community,” Olivia said. “We all work together and we’re not segregated… so I think we’re sitting on a gold mine of good and active youth.”
HYC will elect a new committee this December and hopes to expand its interstate collaborations in 2026 with youth groups in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Darwin. Olivia emphasised the importance of uniting Greek clubs across Australia.
“We need to have a clear channel between all the states. Being able to connect with different Greek people has always been a positive experience,” she said. “Next year, we’ll keep building on those connections with larger youth groups and see where that takes us.” She added that promoting the Greek language would also be a focus in the year ahead.
HYC expressed its appreciation to everyone who has volunteered and supported the club, with Olivia saying she hopes to see the organisation “grow bigger and better.” The drive and passion behind HYC suggest that young Greek-Australians in Canberra can look forward to an event-filled 2026.
Figure skater Hektor Giotopoulos Moore has been selected to represent Australia at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, marking a major milestone in his international skating career and a moment of pride for the Greek community in Australia.
Giotopoulos Moore will compete in the Pairs event alongside partner Anastasiia Golubeva, following the official announcement of the first athletes selected to the Australian Olympic Winter Team.
Speaking following his selection, Giotopoulos Moore said he was proud to represent both his heritage and his country. “I am very proud to be able to represent the Greek community as well as the Australian, and the fact that the Olympics were originally from Greece is a very cool bonus,” he said, in comments published by the Australian Olympic Committee.
The pair secured one of just 19 Mixed Pairs quota places for the Olympics after finishing ninth at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Boston in March 2025. Their qualification followed a breakthrough bronze medal at the ISU Grand Prix in Halifax in 2024 – the first medal ever won by Australia at a senior International Skating Union Grand Prix – as well as back-to-back silver medals at the World Junior Championships in 2022 and 2023.
Hektor Giotopoulos Moore and Anastasiia Golubeva have secured their place on the Australian team following strong international performances and the pair’s Olympic qualification.
Giotopoulos Moore, who began skating at the age of eight, has described his Olympic selection as the culmination of more than a decade of dedication and sacrifice. “Being selected for the Olympic team is a dream come true,” he said. “To me, it shows all the hard work and sacrifices I’ve made over the past 15 years have been worth it.”
His partner Golubeva, who received Australian citizenship in December 2025, said representing Australia at the Olympics was a significant achievement and expressed gratitude for the opportunities she has received since joining the national program.
Australian Olympic Team Chef de Mission Alisa Camplin said the selection of Giotopoulos Moore and Golubeva reflected years of sustained excellence at the highest level of international competition.
The newly selected skaters will next compete at the Four Continents Championships in Beijing before returning to Montreal to complete preparations for the Games.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will commence on 6 February 2026, with figure skating events held at the Milano Ice Skating Arena across 12 days. Australian athletes are expected to compete in figure skating on 9, 11, 15 and 16 February.
Concerns surrounding governance, transparency and the future direction of Sydney Olympic Football Club have continued to build following a members’ meeting in December 2025, formal requests for information, and a public statement issued by the club’s board.
At the centre of the discussion are member-approved financial deeds, member concerns relating to the club’s constitution, and what members describe as a lack of clarity around decision-making authority and accountability within the organisation.
Those in attendance stressed that the move was not intended to undermine the club, but to ensure members were properly informed about its financial position, governance framework and long-term strategy.
Following the meeting, a formal written request was sent to the board on 18 January 2026, seeking access to information including financial records, governance arrangements and documentation relating to deeds approved by members at previous AGMs. Members have asked that the information be provided by 25 January 2026.
Financial deeds approved by members
Central to the concerns raised are two legal instruments approved by members at the club’s Annual General Meeting on 16 June 2022:
a Financial Support Deed, dated 23 December 2021, between Damon Hanlin as lender and Sydney Olympic Football Club Ltd as borrower; and
a General Security Deed of the same date, securing the club’s obligations under the Financial Support Deed.
According to the signed AGM minutes, both deeds were circulated to members in advance, explained during the meeting, and approved unanimously.
Some members have since questioned the accuracy of the attendance record for the 2022 AGM, which formed the basis for quorum when the deeds were approved. They say that individuals listed in the minutes as present have since stated they were not in attendance, raising concerns about whether quorum was properly constituted. The club has not publicly addressed those claims, and members say they are seeking clarification through formal channels.
The deeds were executed on behalf of Sydney Olympic Football Club Ltd by the club’s directors at the time, Lawrie McKinna and Chris Gardiner, acting in their capacity as directors. Hanlin executed the deeds as the lender and counterparty, not as a signatory for the club.
(L-R): Chris Gardiner and Lawrie McKinna.
The minutes further record that Hanlin, who was president at the time, declared a conflict of interest, stepped aside as chair during discussion of the resolutions, and did not vote on their approval.
While the deeds were approved by members, the AGM minutes do not disclose the total value of funds advanced. Based on subsequent financial reporting, some members estimate the amount exceeds $2 million.
At the AGM, McKinna and Gardiner told members the arrangements were intended to secure and formalise ongoing funding, underwrite operations, and restore confidence with Football NSW, at a time when the club was emerging from significant financial instability.
That period followed the sudden departure of then-president Bill Papas in June 2021, after allegations linked to the widely reported Westpac fraud investigation became public. Papas subsequently left Australia, and Sydney Olympic FC was left facing uncertainty.
The 2022 AGM minutes note that balance-sheet issues from prior years had been corrected and that operational losses were being met through secured funding arrangements, which were presented as necessary to stabilise the club and ensure its ongoing participation in the NPL.
Hanlin comments on funding, stepping back and Championship structure
The nature of the funding arrangements returned to public discussion following public comments made by Hanlin, in which he said that the majority of funds he had provided during his tenure had been treated as non-repayable at the time. He acknowledged, however, that “at the present time” some funding may be treated differently, adding, “I’m considering my options.”
In the same comments, Hanlin said he stepped away from the NPL club due to the personal and financial burden of running it, describing the role as demanding and time-consuming. He stated that he now has “no involvement” in the club’s governance or day-to-day operations, while reiterating that Sydney Olympic remains a member-based club under its constitution.
Former Sydney Olympic President Damon Hanlin. Photo: The Greek Herald.
At the club’s Annual General Meeting on 28 October 2025, Hanlin outlined the structure of Sydney Olympic’s participation in the national second-tier competition, explaining that the Australian Championship entity is separately owned by him and operates independently from the member-based NPL club. As reported by The Greek Herald at that AGM, he said this structure was adopted to protect his personal investment, noting the member-based club had not contributed capital to the Championship licence. Hanlin added that the Championship entity pays heritage and branding fees to Sydney Olympic Football Club as part of that arrangement.
Some members, however, say they remain unconvinced, pointing to the ongoing financial arrangements approved in prior years, the continued public association of key individuals with the club, and what they describe as a lack of clarity around who is exercising effective control and influence over major decisions.
Constitution concerns and board response
Members have also raised concerns about a document presented to them as an updated constitution, which they say materially alters the balance of power within the club. The issues raised include expanded board discretion over membership and access to records, changes to voting thresholds, and uncertainty about when and how the amendments were adopted.
In a statement issued on 22 January 2026, the Sydney Olympic FC board acknowledged the recent commentary and opinions expressed publicly, saying it was important for members and supporters to understand where the club currently stands and what the present administration has been focused on.
(L-R): Damon Hanlin, Matthew Phelps, newly appointed director Rodolf Salem, and Chris Charalambous. Photo: The Greek Herald.
The board said it had deliberately prioritised rebuilding the club’s foundations, describing that work as essential but not always visible or immediately reflected in results on the pitch.
“The club has deliberately prioritised the culture within the Club and key operational matters – stabilising finances, rebuilding football operations, recruiting and developing player talent, and, critically, settling the coaches, volunteers, and staff who keep this club functioning week in and week out,” the statement said.
The board noted that without these fundamentals in place, “no amount of noise, criticism, or structural change” would lead to long-term success, and expressed disappointment that, during this phase, some members had chosen public criticism rather than what it described as constructive engagement.
It emphasised that Sydney Olympic Football Club is “bigger than individuals, factions, or egos,” and said the club’s future depends on unity, effort, and people stepping forward to contribute positively.
The statement added that rebuilding trust, performance and stability takes time, and reiterated the board’s commitment to placing the club on a sustainable footing so that Sydney Olympic can continue to compete “with pride, credibility and ambition across all levels.”
The statement was signed by board members Chris Charalambous, Matt Phelps and Rodolf Salem.
Next steps for members and the board
Discussion among members has continued in private forums, with many encouraging supporters to formally join the club as members, noting that membership provides voting rights and a pathway to participate constructively in the club’s future. Others have stressed that requests for information should not be viewed as disloyalty, but as part of responsible stewardship of a community-owned club.
Members say they are now awaiting confirmation on whether and when an EGM will be convened, as well as the provision of information requested by 25 January 2026. Issues relating to stability, transparency and governance remain central to ongoing discussions between the board and members.
Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos has highlighted a $200 million school maintenance and upgrade program being delivered across New South Wales over the summer holidays, with students set to return to improved classrooms and facilities for the start of Term 1, 2026.
The Minns Labor Government’s program will see works completed at almost 850 public schools, ranging from routine maintenance and minor upgrades to larger refurbishment projects led by the NSW Department of Education’s local asset management teams.
More than 1,300 projects are underway across the state, with hundreds of tradespeople working throughout the school holiday period to ensure campuses are clean, safe and ready for the new school year.
The works include painting at more than 300 schools, over 200 flooring replacement projects, close to 50 bathroom upgrades, and a range of critical accessibility improvements, including new ramps and lift upgrades. Schools will also benefit from refreshed outdoor areas, repaired walkways and essential building works.
Courtney Houssos said the summer maintenance blitz reflects the Government’s focus on delivering practical improvements that directly support students, teachers and school communities.
“While students are enjoying their summer break, work is underway at hundreds of schools across NSW to ensure they return to a great learning environment for the start of 2026,” Ms Houssos said.
“The Minns Labor Government is focused on getting the fundamentals right – maintaining our schools, improving facilities, and supporting principals, teachers and school communities with the infrastructure they deserve.”
“Whether it’s new paint and flooring, upgraded bathrooms, vital repairs or accessibility improvements, these works are about ensuring every student can access a world-class public education.”
Across NSW, the summer school maintenance program includes:
$36 million for painting works
$28 million for upgraded bathrooms and amenities
$21 million for flooring projects
$14 million for accessibility improvements
$12 million for roof repairs or replacements
$2.4 million for specialist classroom upgrades
Ms Houssos said the upgrades would ensure classrooms and shared spaces are refreshed and ready for day one of Term 1.
Discussions surrounding a possible Australian tour by internationally acclaimed Greek contralto Marita Paparizou have already generated strong interest among music lovers. Paparizou has appeared on some of Europe’s most respected operatic stages, earning recognition for her expressive interpretations, technical precision and the distinctive colour of her voice. With a career spanning demanding roles from the classical repertoire, contemporary works and major international collaborations, she is regarded as one of the most accomplished Greek operatic voices of her generation.
Born and raised in Greece, Paparizou showed a natural affinity for music and lyrical singing from an early age. She went on to study classical singing and advanced music theory before continuing her artistic training in leading European opera centres under renowned vocal instructors. Her career has since become closely associated with Italian, French and German repertoire, with performances in major opera houses and concert halls across Europe, collaborating with respected orchestras and conductors.
Reflecting on her musical identity, Paparizou describes herself as deeply versatile, both vocally and artistically.
“I would describe myself as a true multi-tool, in every sense of the word. I have sung everything from pre-classical and Baroque music to 21st-century composers; from jazz to Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hadjidakis; from Sougioul to traditional Greek and even Sephardic music. On stage, I have embodied both women’s and men’s roles.”
As a contralto – one of the rarest voice types – Paparizou explains that her vocal range has shaped the trajectory of her career.
“The contralto is characterised by a velvety middle register, a deeply dark lower register, and the ability – briefly – to rise into the soprano tessitura with brilliance. This is why contraltos replaced the castrati, and why many composers originally wrote male roles for female contraltos.”
Looking back on the defining moments of her artistic journey, Paparizou recalls that, like all artists, her debut remains etched in her memory. That first appearance took place in Genoa during the modern-era revival of Nicola Porpora’s Ariadne in Naxos. Another pivotal moment followed with her first collaboration with legendary conductor Claudio Scimone at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris.
She also cites major roles that further shaped her international profile, including Tancredi in Rossini’s Tancredi in Monte Carlo, Orpheus in Gluck’s Orpheus and Eurydice at the Hermitage Theatre in St Petersburg, and Circe in Gluck’s Telemachus, performed in both London and at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Scimone, she notes, was not only a mentor but a defining influence.
“Beyond being a student of our own Dimitri Mitropoulos, he became my artistic ‘father’ – a noble figure in music and art, truly unique.”
Despite her extensive international career, Paparizou speaks of opera not merely as a profession but as a lifelong anchor.
“It has been, is, and always will be my great love — my foundation and my harbour. Through opera, I have travelled the world, worn countless costumes, and portrayed heroes and heroines, victims and perpetrators, lovers and beloveds, witches, knights, queens and kings.”
Yet, she admits that the anticipation of stepping onto the stage has never diminished.
“I still long to step onto the stage as if it were the first time — even when performing a concert rather than a full role.”
Among the composers who resonate most deeply with her voice and spirit, Paparizou points to Antonio Vivaldi, George Frideric Handel and Gioachino Rossini.
“Each for different reasons, but above all for the way they elevate the human voice – through psychological depth, dazzling coloratura that feels like fireworks, and legato lines that resemble melted chocolate.”
Even now, there are roles she continues to dream of performing, ranging from Ulrica in Un Ballo in Maschera and Azucena in Il Trovatore, to Dalila in Samson and Delilah and even Julius Caesar in Handel’s Giulio Cesare.
When approaching a new role, Paparizou says her process begins with deep respect for the work itself.
“I immerse myself in the libretto. Often, the words guide the music – and therefore the voice. Each era demands its own approach; you cannot sing Baroque as if it were Verdi, nor Mozart as Wagner.”
Some of her most indelible memories come from moments of complete stillness after a performance – moments that test both vulnerability and confidence.
“Twice, actually, I experienced that silence: once at the final performance of Dido and Aeneas in Corfu, and again at the premiere of Tancredi in Monte Carlo. Those seconds feel endless. Then comes the eruption – applause, cheers, Brava! Those moments make you forget the hardships of this profession.”
On the subject of international productions, Paparizou is careful not to draw distinctions that diminish Greece’s artistic standing.
“It is a mistake to separate Greek from international productions. That diminishes the Greece of Callas, Baltsa and Mitropoulos. Every production deserves the same professionalism. Artists have no schedule – we must always be prepared.”
While discussions are underway regarding a possible Australian tour, Paparizou remains discreet,“In our profession, announcements only come once contracts are signed. Hopefully, we will meet very soon.”
What she hopes to offer Australian audiences, however, is clear, “A symbol. An idea. A woman. Greece.”
Her connection to Greek communities abroad, she believes, transcends geography.
“Greek hospitality is always the same. All of Greece is one embrace – even when we are far from home.”
Looking ahead, Paparizou hints at presenting a program that audiences can easily connect with – one rooted not in traditional classical form, but in a 20th-century period spanning from the early 1900s to the 1970s.
For Paparizou, promoting Greek musical tradition internationally is not simply an artistic choice, but a deeply emotional one.
“Tradition is the most universal value there is. I have seen audiences moved to genuine tears by Greek song – even far from Greece – because migration, memory and heritage speak to everyone.”
She describes opera as a form of elite endurance, requiring constant discipline and emotional resilience.
“Practice never stops. Emotional balance is personal – some need family and companionship, others solitude. There is no formula.”
Ultimately, she says, applause is both sustenance and reward – but knowing when to step away is the profession’s greatest challenge.
“It is painful to see great artists diminish themselves by refusing to accept the end.”
As for what lies ahead, Paparizou recently performed once again with I Solisti Veneti at the Stavros Niarchos Hall and will appear in 2026 with the Athens State Orchestra, alongside further performances in Greece and Italy.
Asked to leave a message for Greek and Greek-Australian audiences, her words are simple and heartfelt, “Stay strong, my Greece.”
The development application, lodged with the City of Sydney by Cracknell and Lonergan Architects on behalf of partial landowner Vicinity Centres, sought approval to replace the QVB’s stained-glass shopfront panels with clear glass. Proponents argued the existing glass reduced visibility for retailers and negatively affected the commercial appeal of the heritage-listed building.
The proposal attracted significant opposition, with 1,755 submissions lodged with council objecting to the plan. City of Sydney planning staff also advised that the removal of the coloured glass was not supported on heritage grounds, noting the QVB’s status as a state-listed landmark.
The withdrawal follows public criticism from business and civic leaders, including Nicolaou and the Lord Mayor, both of whom had raised concerns about altering the QVB’s heritage features and argued that strengthening city vibrancy – rather than changing the building’s appearance – should be the priority.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the Queen Victoria Building remained one of Sydney’s most important and cherished heritage structures.
“As the city around the QVB changes, it remains a bold and significant example of both our architectural history and cultural fabric,” she said. “I’m glad its operators have listened to the community and will maintain and honour this important aspect of the original vision for the building and its superb craftwork.”
Ms Moore noted the building had narrowly avoided demolition in the 1960s and has since been carefully restored and repurposed, continuing to serve as a central meeting place and commercial hub in the city.
Nicolaou, who had previously questioned the need to alter the shopfronts, said the withdrawal reflected a sensible outcome.
“Business Sydney thanks the owners of the QVB for withdrawing a plan to replace stained-glass shopfront window panels with clear glass,” he said. “Replacing the multi-coloured panels would have irrevocably changed the heritage fabric and appearance of the QVB. Its owners are to be applauded for listening to the people.”
He reiterated that long-term CBD revitalisation depended on creating a lively, engaging city environment rather than altering heritage features.
“In-store events, late-night trading, pop-ups, live music and cultural programming are what encourage people to spend more time in the city,” Nicolaou said. “When the city feels vibrant and alive, arguments for changing the appearance of an iconic heritage building quickly fall away.”
Vicinity Centres said it had taken community sentiment into account and acknowledged the strong connection many Sydneysiders have with the QVB, confirming the decision to withdraw the application.
Deputy Lord Mayor Jess Miller also welcomed the outcome, expressing satisfaction that the building’s distinctive stained-glass shopfronts would be retained.
The withdrawal brings to a close a proposal that prompted widespread debate and highlights the influence of public advocacy in decisions affecting Sydney’s historic landmarks.
Leading real estate auctioneer Luke Banitsiotis says Melbourne’s housing market gained early momentum following a surge in Boxing Day property listings, helping drive strong activity through January.
The chief auctioneer for Ray White said the festive-period influx of new listings brought buyers and sellers back into the market earlier than usual, contributing to a busier-than-expected start to the year.
Ray White ran around 10 per cent more auctions in January compared to last year, with roughly 300 properties testing the market.
Buyer activity is picking up across Melbourne as new property listings surge into the new year.
“The idea is to bring together buyers who missed out late last year with those who have decided to act while they have time off over summer,” Banitsiotis said.
He said early signs were encouraging, with strong attendance at open homes for newly listed properties.
“Our open homes for new stock have been quite strong,” he said. “That gives us confidence January auctions will perform well.”
New property data shows Melbourne listings in December rose by more than 10 per cent compared to the same period last year, a trend Banitsiotis says reflects renewed confidence among sellers after firmer market conditions through much of 2025, when prices grew across much of the year following softer conditions in 2024.
Suburbs to watch
Banitsiotis said buyer demand was already evident in established suburbs such as Ferntree Gully and Glen Waverley, where competition has remained solid.
Other major agencies have also reported an increase in December listings, suggesting the Boxing Day surge was part of a broader market reset ahead of the traditional autumn selling season.
With buyer engagement holding firm and more sellers entering the market earlier than usual, Melbourne’s property market appears to have entered the year with renewed momentum.
For long-time seafood retailer Harry Kouros, the closure of the old Sydney Fish Market site marked the end of a chapter that has defined much of his working life.
Describing the former market as “a huge part of my life,” Kouros reflected on decades spent trading from the original site, even as he prepared to farewell it and begin anew at the market’s striking new home at Blackwattle Bay.
While the transition carried emotional weight, Kouros said it was also filled with optimism. The new building’s open design and expansive views across the harbour – including towards Anzac Bridge -represent a fresh start for one of Sydney’s most recognisable food institutions.
The final day of trading at the old Sydney Fish Market was a demanding one for Kouros, who was overseeing operations across his businesses, including The Boatshed and Squid Inc, as traders and customers said their goodbyes.
Sydney Fish Market before a multimillion dollar revamp.
A family tradition carried forward
As the Sydney Fish Market prepares to open its new $836 million facility, Kouros sees the move as more than an infrastructure upgrade. For him, it also marks a gradual transition within the family business.
His son, Panayioti Kouros, now manages the Boatshed, continuing a family presence that has spanned many years at the market. While the setting may be new, Panayioti said the core offering would remain unchanged.
“Fresh seafood, like always,” he said.
Familiar faces in a new setting
The new Sydney Fish Market building will house more than 40 retailers and offers more than double the retail space of the former Pyrmont site. Importantly, most existing traders — including all six seafood vendors – have made the move to the new location, supported by transitional lease arrangements, with a rent review scheduled in five years.
Alongside seafood wholesalers, retailers and restaurants, the new market will also feature a bakery, deli and a range of specialty food outlets, expanding its appeal while preserving its role as a working market.
The new Sydney Fish Markets.
The new site will trade from 7am to 10pm from Sunday to Thursday, with extended trading hours until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
For Harry Kouros, the move represents a careful balance between honouring decades of hard work and community connection, while allowing space for the next generation to lead.
As Sydney Fish Market enters a new era, the enduring Greek presence – built on family, resilience and quality – remains firmly anchored at its heart.
