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‘My success is their success’: Life coach Connie Theodoridis on her influential Greek upbringing

Eleni Patsalides
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‘My success is their success’: Life coach Connie Theodoridis on her influential Greek upbringing

As an award-winning life and business coach, Connie Theodoridis has dedicated her life to ensuring individuals and businesses have all the support they need to maximise their success and ‘achieve their goals.’

Connie talks with The Greek Herald and details how her Greek upbringing directly influenced her desire to help people in need.

Tell us about your journey as a life and business coach.

From a little girl, I always wanted to help others and make people feel good about themselves and this continued into my teenage years and then as an adult. I believed it was my purpose to help individuals and businesses become the best version of themselves and achieve extraordinary things.

I then set out to obtain my qualifications to be able to pursue my passion and have never looked back. I now have over 20 years’ experience working with people and helping individuals and businesses grow and achieve their dreams.

I am so excited about where this journey will take me because there is nothing more satisfying knowing that you are helping people and making a difference.

What was the main motivation behind your business, Opening Doors Life & Business Coaching?

My main motivation was to create Opening Doors to help any individual, couple or business move forward to success. I wanted to create an environment to help people understand what their purpose is and what makes them stand out whilst honouring their strengths.

I wanted to help empower people and help them develop the resources to better manage any future obstacles, challenges and blockages that get in their way to success. To create a practice where individuals could embrace their uniqueness.

Opening Doors now helps many individuals and businesses transform into who they were always meant to be as we are born whole and born to be extraordinary. Our aim is to help coach you to shoot for the stars as we believe you can be anything you want to be.

You recently won Most Outstanding New Business in the Sydney Hills Local Business Awards. How did that feel?

Words can’t describe the feeling I got when they announced my business as the winner. All I could think about is the wonderful people that believed in me and supported me to start this wonderful journey. I am more than blessed to have so many wonderful people by my side who see this gift in me that God blessed with me and have had faith in me right from the beginning.

To win this award for Most Outstanding New Business with over 30 finalists demonstrates to others that you can do it and that you can make your dreams come true. I am not saying it’s easy by any means, it takes determination, commitment and lots of hard work. But with the right people around you and with a solid plan, dreams do become a reality.

How has your Greek heritage and upbringing influenced your career?

From a little girl, my heart has always been drawn to my Greek heritage. Those who know me, know the love I have for Greece and know how honoured and grateful I am that I was born into such a wonderful and amazing culture. There is this feeling inside me that I can’t describe every time I go back to Greece. The minute I get off the plane I feel like I am home even though I was born in Australia.

I can’t thank my parents enough for bringing me into this world as a Greek Australian. It has definitely influenced many things I have done, especially my career. The award I won is for them not me. It’s to thank them for all their sacrifices. It is to show them how grateful I am. I know how hard it was to come to this country with one suitcase leaving your family behind so that you can provide opportunities for your future family.

So, my success is their success and I aim to keep shooting for the stars so that I bring many more happy moments into their life because they deserve it. What our parents did for us is beyond words and I hope that my story inspires others to embrace their opportunities and turn them into many other successful stories. I am a proud Greek Australian and will always be.

Is there anything else you would like to say?

I just want to thank the amazing people who have always been by my side: My husband, parents, sister, family, friends and clients. This award is for you and to thank you for the belief you have had in me throughout my journey. You are all blessings from God and words can’t describe how grateful I am. I would also like to thank Steve Loe and Precedent Productions for the amazing awards program they put on and the recognition they provide to businesses throughout the country.

Opening Doors has also made it to the 2022 Australian Women’s Small Business Champions Awards as a finalist for Most Outstanding New Business. The awards ceremony is being held on November 12 and I am hoping to make you all proud again.

Margaret Thanos receives prestigious Ensemble Theatre director’s award

The Greek Herald
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Margaret Thanos receives prestigious Ensemble Theatre director’s award

Margaret Thanos and Emma Canalese have been announced as the recipients of the 2023 Ensemble Theatre Sandra Bates Director’s Award (SBDA).

The Award winners will work on two plays throughout 2023 and each receive $8,000.

“This Award aims to explore artistic potential and nurture emerging talent, and Ensemble Theatre is
incredibly grateful to have the continued support from Jinnie and Ross Gavin to again deliver this
opportunity to our local industry,” Ensemble Theatre Artistic Director, Mark Kilmurry, said.

“Each year I am impressed by the quality of submissions, and this year was no exception. Selected from 16 entries across Australia, I am thrilled to congratulate both Emma Canalese and Margaret Thanos as the recipients of this year’s award.

Emma Canalese.

“Emma and Margaret are both rising stars who will bring a new dimension to Ensemble Theatre in
2023, and we look forward to working with them both over the next year.”

In a statement, Ms Thanos said she was “absolutely thrilled” to receive the award.

“This award is a fantastic opportunity for an emerging director like myself to step up into
mainstage theatre and be provided with truly valuable skills, mentorship and knowledge that may
otherwise remain a closed door,” Ms Thanos said.

“It is a great vote of confidence in my abilities as a director, and the opportunity to be paid doing what I love is something I am incredibly grateful for. I am so excited to get started!”

Margaret Thanos.

Ms Canalese also said she was “honoured to be given this opportunity to learn from and develop with the artists of Ensemble Theatre.”

This annual award commemorates the legacy of former Artistic Director Sandra Bates, after 30 years
at the helm of Ensemble Theatre.

Mr Kilmurry initiated the SBDA in 2015 and since then, recipients of the award have been mentored
on 25 productions, with several progressing to direct for Ensemble’s 2023 season, including Rachel
Chant, Shaun Rennie, Francesca Savige and Janine Watson.

Awarded each year, recipients of the SBDA are offered a paid position of Assistant Director on two of
Ensemble Theatre’s main stage productions and assist in the ongoing creative development of new
works.

Remembrance Day 2022: Steve Kyritsis on Greek Australians who fought during WWI

The Greek Herald
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Remembrance Day 2022: Steve Kyritsis on Greek Australians who fought during WWI

By Steve Kyritsis OAM.

104 years ago, in the First World War, the guns were silent after four years of destruction, which saw around forty million civilians and soldiers losing their lives.

Since 1919 here in Australia, and in the Commonwealth Countries, we stand to a minute silence on this day to remember all those service men and women that died in the war.

From Australia, 330,000 servicemen served in World War One, with 60,000 not returning home. From Victoria, 89,000 servicemen served in the war with 19,000 not returning home.

The red poppy has become the symbol of remembrance and in France at Flanders Fields the red poppy was vast, growing amongst the dead soldiers where they were buried. It has also been said that the ground become so saturated with blood that the red poppy was the only flower that was growing amongst the graves.

Poppies.

Amongst the Australians in the First World War, we do know that at least 80 Greek Australians served in the Australian Imperial Forces for their new country and 55 of them were born in Greece.

Some of these men were as young as 18, Dean Casos (Dionysios Kasos) born 1898 at Hamilton, Victoria, enlisted in October 1916 and served in France in 1917.

Thomas Krocos born in Victoria in 1874, having his two sons Harry and Alexander, served in the war. Also from the family of Frank Manousos born 1880, two sons, Leonidas and Gordon, born in NSW with Leonidas killed at Pozieres France in July 1916. Brothers from the family of Zula (Zulanos), 18-year-old Julious and 24-year-old Reuben from Victoria, with Reuben killed in action in Belgium in August 1917. The Vafiopoulos family also had two sons serving, John aged 20 and George aged 21.

It is also important to note that four soldiers from the First World War also served in the Australian Forces in the Second World War, Konstantinos Aronis – Dionysios Kasos – Harry Crocos – and Mick Gunellas, with Aronis serving in the Greek Campaign in World War Two in the Australian Forces, and receiving the British Empire Medal for rescuing many British Soldiers.

We also know some great stories from Greek Australian soldiers in the First World War, such as Nicholas Rodakis, born in Athens 1880, and enlisted at Warrnambool, Victoria age 36.

In 1916, he landed in France with his unit 14th Machine Gun Battalion and at one stage was serving with the American 105th Infantry Battalion United States 27th Division, where the Americans suffered many casualties with Rodakis rescuing many American soldiers.

Sergeant Nicholas Rodakis received the Military Medal in Belgium, September 1917, and the US Distinguished Service Cross on September 1918 in France for bravery.

Nicholas Rodakis.

Rodakis was attached to a machine gun company of the 105th Infantry Battalion of the United States 27th Division, and as the Allies advanced against the Hindenburg line, the American units had suffered heavy losses. The American Platoon, with Rodakis, was cut off under fierce fire, but he rescued an officer, a machine gun and ammunition from a disable tank. He defended its position for some hours, and finally returned under cover of darkness; picking up allied wounded on the way, and returned them to safety.

He is said to have been the first Australian soldier to have received this outstanding honour. Rodakis returned home to Australia on 2 August 1919.

The story of Pandelis Kosopodiotis born Patra, Greece in 1891, enlisted at Carlton, Victoria in September 1915, age 24, and served with the 8th Field Artillery Brigade.

Pandelis was wounded in action on three occasions in France. In May 1917, he was wounded in the head and in June 1917 was wounded on two occasions in the leg. In March 1918, he returned to England where he was admitted to hospital and in 1918 returned to Australia.

Another story on Peter, when he left Greece with his other two brothers in the first decade of the century. One brother went to USA, and the other brother was never heard. Peter came to Australia and was naturalised in 1913. After joining the Australian Army, he was sent to serve in World War One in France. One night in France, he was introduced to some Greek soldiers serving with both the Australian Forces and Allied Forces. One of these soldiers, a French Officer, previously an officer with the French Foreign Legion, turned out to be his disappeared brother. They spent all night talking and catching up and parted company in the morning.

They did not meet again and no further information of what happened to his brother ever came to light.

In total, 10 Greek Australians in the Australian Forces killed in action in World War One, and 28 wounded in action.

From the 12 that served in Gallipoli, Peter Rados was the only one that died at Gallipoli at the age of 23. Peter was born in Athens in 1891. He enlisted in NSW on 18 August 1914, and served with the 3rd Battalion 1st Australian Infantry Brigade.

He is buried at ANZAC Cemetery, ANZAC COVE, Gallipoli.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. LEST WE FORGET.

Arthur Sinodinos hoses down concerns about a global economic slowdown

The Greek Herald
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Arthur Sinodinos hoses down concerns about a global economic slowdown

Australia’s Ambassador to the United States, Arthur Sinodinos, has hosed down concerns about a global economic slowdown.

Mr Sinodinos was speaking at News Corp’s Beyond 23 conference.

At the conference Mr Sinodinos said although he thinks there will “be a slowdown,” he is confident in the “bullish” nature of the US economy.

“Obviously, there’ll be slowdowns because interest rates are going up,” the Ambassador said.

“There will be an adjustment (to rising interest rates), but I’m actually quite bullish about the US economy in that sort of medium term sense.”

Source: The Australian.

READ MORE: Federal Government officials lobby to extend Arthur Sinodinos’ US posting.

Commemorative memorabilia released marking 80th anniversary of the Battle of Crete

The Greek Herald
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Commemorative memorabilia released marking 80th anniversary of the Battle of Crete

On Friday 11th November 2022 during Australia’s Remembrance Day, the Australia Post in conjunction with the Cretan Federation of Australia & New Zealand will release a limited edition Commemorative Medal & Commemorative Envelope marking the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete in 1941.

This medal and this envelope on the eve of Australia’s Remembrance Day is launched as a reminder for what the ANZACS did on Cretan soil over 80 years ago. This medal is a fitting tribute to the memory of the hundreds of ANZACS that made the sacrifice and eventually paid the ultimate price and never returned home.

The envelope on the other hand will continue to serve the future generations of Australian Youth as a reminder of the strong bonds that exist amongst the Greek and Australian people for years to come.

Front of envelope. Photo supplied.
Insert Front. Photo supplied.

The Medal is made of Zync Alloy and finished in Silver with a gross weight of 70 grams, a thickness of 4.2mm and a maximum size of 60mm in diameter.

During World War II, from 20 May 1941, Australian, New Zealand and British troops, along with a Greek garrison, were involved in ten days of fighting against Axis forces on the Greek island of Crete, a strategically important location given its proximity to the Middle East.

Cretan villagers and allied forces fought valiantly to contain German units on the ground but were outnumbered and overrun. The Germans had significant support from the air and from Italian submarines. Allied forces were weary from previous battles in Greece, and their supplies on the island were minimal, as was naval and air support.

The intense fighting exacted a heavy toll: more than 3,500 allied personnel were killed (274 Australians) and more than 12,000 were captured. Crete remained occupied until the end of the war. The people of Crete provided food and shelter to allied personnel and hid many from enemy forces.

The Australia Post, Manager of Philatelic, Mrs. Cheryl Roy paid tribute to her late father Mr. Frank Colledge Roy who served on Crete and could only praise the respect and the warmth he received from the people on Crete, especially after what they endured in 1941. She felt it was small but very important way of keeping their memory alive. She continued to praise the work that the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand, does on a National level promoting the Battle of Crete eighty years on. Cheryl also mentioned that a total of 2000 pieces will go on sale from Friday 11th November across most Australia Post stores in Australia.

Front of Medal. Photo supplied.

The President of the Cretan Federation of Australia & New Zealand Mr. Tony Tsourdalakis sincerely thanked Australia Post and the Philatelic Department for all the work they did to produce the medal. It was an initiative that commenced in 2020 but unfortunately wasn’t completed due to Covid 19 until 2022. He praised the commitment of Mrs. Cheryl Roy and her team to complete this project in memory of her Father and all his mates that served in Crete and Greece. He was excited that over 2000 pieces will be distributed across the nation giving Australians the chance to purchase one as a collectable. The Medal and the Envelope follows the release of the Commemorative Anzac Biscuit Tins in 2021 by the Victorian Returned Service League and the Major League Brands.

The Chairman of the Battle of Crete & Greece Commemorative Council of Victoria Mr. Jim Papadimitriou also expressed his excitement at the presentation of the Medal and the Envelope saying that these collectors’ items come at the right time, as we commemorate Remembrance Day, putting a perfect closure to all the events that were hosted during 2021 and 2022 to mark the important Anniversary of the 80 years since the Battle of Crete.

New digital registration process for NSW Seniors Card program goes live

The Greek Herald
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New digital registration process for NSW Seniors Card program goes live

Businesses will now be able to register for the NSW Seniors Card program faster and more efficiently online, thanks to the new digital registration process officially going live from today.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the new and improved digital registration process will save businesses time and make it easier for them to update their discounts and business details.

“Until now, businesses were required to submit paper forms and wait up to four weeks to get approved to join the program with on average just fifteen new businesses on boarded each month,” Mr Dominello said.

“With the new online registration process, we have the ability to register hundreds of new businesses every week. For most businesses the registration process will take less than 10 minutes.

“We have also added a new enhanced map experience that will provide seniors with a bird’s-eye view of the savings on offer.

“Since launching the Digital Seniors Card in April, we have had an average of 24,000 seniors joining the program every month. Our digital savvy seniors are really enjoying the experience with a customer satisfaction rate of 90 per cent.”

Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said increasing business participation in the NSW Seniors Card program was a win-win for seniors and businesses.

“By reducing the registration time, we are making it much easier for businesses across the State to get involved in the program and promote themselves to the almost two million seniors in NSW,” Mr Coure said.

“The new digital platform will also allow new and existing businesses to easily update their discounts with the click of a button. This is a great opportunity for businesses to directly reach one of the State’s biggest markets.

“While giving them opportunity to connect with more customers, these businesses will ultimately be helping ease some of the pressure on seniors’ house hold budget.”

To register their business for the NSW Seniors Card program, business representatives must be authorised to act on behalf of the business by being listed as an associate in the Australian Business Register. If they are not, they’ll be guided through the steps for authorisation when they start their registration. Alternatively, they can supply a letter of authority. 

For more information or to register, call Service NSW on 13 77 88 for assistance or to complete the online form go to: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-be-nsw-seniors-card-program-participating-business 

SA football club left in limbo over proposed oval lease agreement

The Greek Herald
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SA football club left in limbo over proposed oval lease agreement

MA Hawks Football Club in South Australia fears it will lose its longstanding home if the proposed Adelaide Crows Football Club lease agreement for the Thebarton Oval Precinct goes ahead, The Advertiser has reported.

The precinct’s Kings Reserve has been home to the MA Hawks FC for 20 years.

But on Monday night, the West Torrens Council voted 8-4 for the $85 million project to proceed. Under the plans, there would be two ovals that the Crows would use for training. The community would have access at other times.

The proposed development.

President of the MA Hawks FC, Peter Bouras, said no one has spoken to him about what impact the proposal for the Crows to lease the area would have on his club.

“We may lose our home – Kings Reserve reflects our club,” Mr Bouras said.

Mr Bouras did acknowledge though that there were some benefits to the redevelopment plan.

“Improving the surface conditions, improving the environment, cleaning it up and making it more aesthetically appealing is favourable,” he said.

Source: The Advertiser.

Greek Prime Minister calls for new energy interconnection with Egypt at COP27 summit

The Greek Herald
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Greek Prime Minister calls for new energy interconnection with Egypt at COP27 summit

Greece’s Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, called for a new energy interconnection with Egypt using Renewable Energy Sources (RES) during a conference with the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on the sidelines of the COP27 climate change summit.

The conference was titled ‘Coordinating Climate Change Actions in the Eastern Mediterranean & Middle East’ and was also attended by the Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades.

Mitsotakis underlined during the conference the importance of regional cooperation and coordination against climate change in the Eastern Mediterranean, with a focus on electricity interconnections and management of natural disasters.

“It is necessary to further cooperate as regards energy interconnection. It is an issue of high importance for us,” the Greek Prime Minister said.

“Of course, we are examining with President El-Sisi the possibility of developing a new, significant interconnection between Egypt and Greece in order to be able to transfer cheap energy from renewable energy sources, which will be produced in this part of the world, not only to Greece but also to other European markets that seek cheaper energy generated from RES.”

After this conference, Mitsotakis also met with the US Special Presidential Envoy on Climate, John Kerry.

According to Mitsotakis on Twitter, the leaders discussed Greece-US cooperation in dealing with climate change, as well as the achievement of the goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

“I also had the opportunity to inform him about Greece’s initiatives regarding the diversification of energy sources, but also about the transformation of our country into an energy transfer hub, connecting Africa and the eastern Mediterranean with eastern Europe,” Mitsotakis said.

Source: AMNA.

Memorial plaque honouring Sokratis Mallios unveiled at Football St George Chairman’s Cup

The Greek Herald
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Memorial plaque honouring Sokratis Mallios unveiled at Football St George Chairman’s Cup

By Takis Triadafillou.

A memorial plaque in honour of the former Chairman of the St George Football Association, Sokratis “Sok” Mallios, was unveiled at Ador Avenue Reserve in the Sydney suburb of Rockdale on Sunday, November 6.

The unveiling took place during the Association’s Chairman’s Cup which is a charity tournament established to honour Sok, who passed away on 6 December 2018 after a battle with leukaemia.

Present at the unveiling was Sok’s family including his brother and President of the Carlton Rovers Football Club, Peter Mallios; as well as the Member for Rockdale, Steve Kamper MP; the Mayor of Bayside Council, Dr Christina Curry; Bayside Councillor Bill Saravinovski; and the Director and Chair of the St George Football Association, Irene Hatzipetros.

A number of speeches were given on the day to remember Sok’s contribution to the St George football community.

“This Chairman’s Cup tournament is held in honour of my brother Sok to encourage clubs and players to support the day by forming a team and having fun while helping raise funds for cancer research,” Peter told The Greek Herald.

Besides the unveiling, there was also an All Age Mixed competition and an over 45 competition football competition for people to watch and enjoy.

The winning teams received awards and medals at the end of the Chairman’s Cup by Ms Hatzipetros.

Theodore Pitsios’ new book shines light on immigrant experience in the United States

The Greek Herald
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Theodore Pitsios’ new book shines light on immigrant experience in the United States

“Since I’m an immigrant in the United States, I write about the lives of immigrants,” ex-merchant seaman and retired businessman Theodore Pitsios, tells The Greek Herald about his latest book ‘Walking in the Light’.

“In my writing, I’m attempting to say something about the lives of ordinary people in ordinary people’s language.” 

Born in Tsagarada, Greece, Pitsios graduated from the Maritime Academy and sailed as an engineer in the merchant navy. After some time in the Bahamas, he embarked on his own American Dream, beginning in West Palm Beach, Florida, and ultimately settling on the Gulf Coast. 

His book, follows a Greek seaman, Kosta, who jumps ship in the USA hoping to find his American Dream. But as an illegal immigrant, he starts to wonder if this dream is really achievable, or it’s a myth. 

We caught up with the author to discuss his new book, what inspires him and what are his plans for the future. 

TGH: In your latest book titled ‘Walking in the Light’, Kostas -the main character- is a Greek merchant seaman. You were one too before you retired. Does this book have autobiographical elements?

Yes, a lot of the material is based on first-hand experiences or on the experiences of people I knew. 

TGH: Kostas has a solid dream and to overcome challenges he uses his skills and resourcefulness. What are the skills he makes use of to go further in life?

He is a creative short-order cook. His mezedes, (appetizers), at the ouzeri (ouzo tavern) where he worked in Greece received praises and were responsible for the increase of business at that establishment. 

His goal is to have his own restaurant, or something close to it. In his new environment, everywhere he goes he looks at what he sees, people and places, as potential business opportunities. 

TGH: So, is the American Dream achievable or is it a myth in your opinion?

Yes, the American Dream is achievable. Unlike many other countries where family origin and social status are major ingredients for one’s success, in this country the quality of the final product, whatever that may be, is of the utmost importance. 

TGH: You have written three books so far and one of your passions is performing in community theatre. What is next for you?

As the years advance, the horizons of my long-range plans become shorter. Presently I’m endeavouring to get past page 55 of the umptieth draft of my memoirs. After that, a short trip to Greece then some seaward travel. As an ex-merchant seaman, I still enjoy the open sea and the thrill of visiting new ports.

TGH: What advice do you have for writers?

I’m a retired businessman who likes to write stories as a hobby and as such, I don’t consider myself a card-carrying author. Because of that, I hesitate to give advice for those to plan to pursue the craft as a revenue-producing means, but I have heard successful writers say that the correct path to this form of self-torture is three things: keep reading, keep writing, and keep a journal.  

*Theodore Pitsios is the author of The Bellmaker’s House, Searching for Ithaka, and Walking in the Light

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