(L) The one of four men arrested for the alleged kidnapping of Stuart MacGill (right).
Defence barrister Thos Hodgson argued that MacGill had no knowledge of the deal and received no benefit, while prosecutors allege he facilitated the initial meeting.
Prosecutors also claim MacGill regularly purchased drugs from Person A and suggested that Sotiropoulos could supply high-quality cocaine.
The deal later spiralled out of control when Person A allegedly scammed the suppliers, prompting a search for him that resulted in MacGill being kidnapped and assaulted.
Melbourne-based Nikos Property Group has acquired a 50% stake in Northland Shopping Centre from GPT Wholesale Shopping Centre Fund for $385 million.
According to Business News Australia, the acquisition marks Victoria’s largest retail transaction since 2018.
This is Nikos Property Group’s fourth partnership with Vicinity Centres, which co-owns and manages the asset.
Nikos Property Group is founded and chaired by Nick Andrianakos who once drove forklifts for the Pratt family but has gone on to become a billionaire in his own right.
Nick Andrianakos.
Now managed by his son Theo, the group has invested $828 million in four 50% stakes in Vicinity-managed shopping centres, including Adelaide’s Elizabeth City Centre ($170m), Colonnades Shopping Centre ($138.2m), and Melbourne’s Broadmeadows Central ($134.5m).
Experts see the acquisition as a strategic and opportunistic move, with investor interest in large regional shopping centres increasing.
The 19ha Northland Shopping Centre in Preston offers strong tenant covenants, development potential, and a WALE (weighted average lease expiry) of 7.1 years by income.
On March 3, Greece celebrated Clean Monday, known locally as ‘Kathara Deftera,’ marking the onset of Lent with nationwide festivities.
Families and friends gathered outdoors to enjoy traditional foods, music, and the customary flying of kites.
In Athens, the Filopappou Hill became a focal point for celebrations. From early morning, residents and visitors assembled with baskets filled with Lenten delicacies.
Χιλιάδες Αθηναίες και Αθηναίοι, αλλά και επισκέπτες γιορτάσαμε όλοι μαζί την Καθαρά Δευτέρα στον πανέμορφο λόφο του Φιλοπάππου.
Ο Δήμος Αθηναίων φρόντισε να δημιουργήσει μια ατμόσφαιρα γιορτής με μουσική, χορό και παραδοσιακά εδέσματα για όλους.
The Municipality of Athens organised a public festivity, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere for Athenians welcoming Lent. The Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality initiated the festivities at 11am, creating a festive ambiance.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas remarked, “Thousands of Athenians and visitors celebrated Clean Monday together on the beautiful Filopappou Hill. The Municipality of Athens ensured a festive atmosphere with music, dance, and traditional delicacies for all. The wind helped the kites fly very high! A note of joy and carefreeness, which we so much need! Happy Lent!”
In Thessaloniki, despite strong winds, residents ascended the city’s Acropolis to partake in kite flying, a cherished Clean Monday tradition. The skies above Thessaloniki were adorned with colourful kites, symbolising the day’s spirit.
Flying a kite at the Acropolis of Thessaloniki. Photo: Eurokinissi.
Patras, renowned for its vibrant carnival, continued the festivities into Clean Monday. Following the ceremonial burning of King Carnival, locals flocked to parks to indulge in food, music, and spirited games, all under a sunny sky that complemented the lively atmosphere.
Throughout Greece, Clean Monday, also referred to as ‘Koulouma’, is synonymous with outdoor excursions and picnics.
Traditional foods such as ‘lagana’ (a type of unleavened bread), ‘taramosalata’ (fish roe dip), olives, and various seafood dishes are savoured. The custom of kite flying adds to the day’s festivities, with skies filled with colourful kites of all shapes and sizes.
A new establishment has emerged in the heart of Brunswick: a veritable ark of repurposed nostalgia, with furniture straight from Maria Vamvakinou’s living room.
It’s called Patris, in honour of the ship that brought Maria and so many other migrants to Australian shores, and it is a captivating, and perhaps deliberately provocative, collision of migrant history, considered kitsch, and culinary fusion.
Step inside, and you’re immediately immersed in a meticulously curated chaos. Reclaimed wood and industrial interiors sit alongside resurrected relics from a grandmother’s attic – think velvet-upholstered armchairs with dubious provenance and side tables that seem to whisper tales of bygone eras. The walls are a gallery of contradictions: metallic Seventies decor juxtaposed with abstract prints and paintings, many created by Cypriot artist Michalis Michael, co-owner of Patris along with his children, Stella and Stavros Michael and son-in-law Johnny Hasan.
A new establishment has emerged in the heart of Brunswick. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
A visual feast designed to both stimulate and disorient. The culinary offerings, naturally, are equally ambitious. Maria and Michalis’ son, Stavros, marathon runner and chef, presides over a kitchen where global flavours collide with reckless abandon.
“We’re not playing it safe,” confides son-in-law Johnny, with a hint of both pride and trepidation. “We’re doing pig and tomato chutney, chickpea salad, and this insane chili oil and mushroom pâté.”
Imagine Cypriot loukanika, the cured meat staple, reimagined as a fig and tomato chutney toastie, a culinary tightrope walk that could either soar or plummet.
A few minutes later, he is serving delectable bite-sized pavlovas to guests, because Australia is also integral to Patris’ multicultural offerings.
The name itself, “Patris,” is a knowing wink to Melbourne’s past, a nod to the Greek ocean liner that ferried thousands of migrants to Australian shores after World War II. For many, it’s a vessel of memory, a floating symbol of hope and hardship. Here, however, it’s also a brand, a carefully crafted narrative woven into the very fabric of the space.
Ahmet Keskin, a prominent figure in intercultural dialogue, lends an air of gravitas to the Open Day.
“Getting migrant communities to Australia and promoting the Australian identity is vital,” he states.
Patris does this authentically, and fills with locals, friends, and even young entrepreneurs such as 13-year-old Sylvana Tramontana, whose little biscuit jars are on sale for $25.
“It began as a project and gifts for teachers, and now I sell them,” she says, with her proud mother adding that she earned $5,000 in November-December from market sales.
Though not a social enterprise, Patris has a social conscience, paying homage to Christos Tsirkas with a frame on a bench in his honour, and even an International Women’s Day event on March 8 featuring some of the Greek community’s most powerful and unassuming women, hosted by Greek Community of Melbourne Vice President Anthea Sidiropoulos. The panel includes former minister Jenny Mikakos, Deputy Mayors Emily Dimitriadis (Darebin) and Helen Politis, and of course Ms Vamvakinou.
Patris is already making waves, and Brunswick is watching. Open from 9am to 2pm from Thursday to Sunday and for books and special occasions. Located at 140 Barkly Street, Brunswick.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
Melbourne’s annual Halloumi Festival at the Cypriot Community Hall on Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2 wasn’t just a celebration of grilled cheese; it was a defiant roar of a community determined to build its future.
Theo Theophanous, President of the Cypriot Community of Melbourne and Victoria (CCMV), wasn’t shy about his community’s impact.
CCMV President Theo Theophanous invites VIP guests to join the rest of those present. Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis / Andrea Demetriou.
“[It was] the largest gathering and demonstration on the 50th anniversary of the invasion anywhere in the diaspora (including London and New York).”
Yet, this monumental effort, coupled with the festival’s growing popularity and cultural significance, failed to secure funding.
Official guests.
“We used to receive a $20,000 grant for the Halloumi festival,” Mr Theophanous revealed to The Greek Herald, “but despite it being bigger than ever, there were no grants for this year’s.”
Undeterred, he vowed to make the festival “a large annual event on the Victorian events calendar for the entire community, not just Cypriots.”
As Federal Member for Wills, Peter Khalil, representing Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, aptly stated, “It is the people that make the festival.”
Peter Khalil MP.
A vibrant tapestry was present. Maro Ostrognay’s South Melbourne Dance Group dazzled, as did her unique Cypriot culinary delights. Sotiris Sotiriou’s Pegasus troupe evoked generations of tradition, and Theano Milidis’ violin strings wove magic with singer Sotiris Stylianos’ band, Aetos. They filled the air with sounds of home, a poignant reminder of the island they yearned for.
Enjoying Cypriot hospitality.
The shadow of the 1974 invasion loomed large. His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora, with palpable emotion, reminded attendees, “Half a century has passed and still the words of division remain.”
Yet, he offered a message of resilience: “Borders may be drawn, and may be taken, but the spirit of people when greeted injustice and righteousness can never be broken.”
Kat Theophanous MP emphasised the festival’s unifying power: “Food truly is a universal language.”
Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Dimitra Georgantzoglou, freshly minted in her post, celebrated “Cypriot civilisation.”
Kat Theophanous MP.Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Dimitra Georgantzoglou.
The festival also ignited debate over halloumi’s designation, currently a unifier between the Turkish-occupied north and Greek south of the island.
High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis declared, “Australia will need to rename Halloumi as Cypriot cheese,” if legal protections are secured.
Maria Vamvakinou MP, however, vowed to be a “formidable adversary” in defending the name’s use among local makers of Cypriot heritage.
High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis.Maria Vamvakinou MP.Evan Mulholland MP.
There were references to the community’s ambitious redevelopment project. Last year, Mr Theophanous, speaking to The Greek Herald, detailed plans for a six-storey “Greek village” within Melbourne, a partnership with Lucent Property Development Group.
The project includes a 600-square-metre function room, a traditional kafenio, retail spaces to address the community’s $3 million debt with a “steady income stream.” There will be community offices, a potential after-hours school, a consular office, underground parking, a rooftop garden, and 50 apartments.
“Our biggest challenge is bringing the next generation, but we hope they will be able to make use of the facilities of the new building,” Mr Theophanous admitted. “The CCMV has now been granted charity status after years of trying and this will significantly reduce our tax burden but also gives us obligations to help the disadvantaged in our community.”
This year, he shared new challenges.
“Problems due to a music venue across the road which would have meant significant additional cost in installing sound barriers. We have had to come to an agreement with the music venue owner, even though it is no longer operating, to purchase the music licence and remove it but we are still waiting for the Council to give the green light,” he said.
Mr Theophanous added, “We are hoping to demolish the existing building this year and commence construction with the aim of having it completed by 2027.”
Interested parties signed up for future housing. They hope that construction will begin before next year’s Halloumi Festival.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis / Andrea Demetriou.
On Saturday, March 1, the Food for Thought Network (FFTN) hosted a compelling International Women’s Day (IWD) event under the theme ‘From Silence to Strength: Reclaiming the Female Narrative.’
The virtual gathering brought together more than 60 attendees from Australia, the United States, Canada, Greece, and South America, creating a global moment of unity and empowerment.
The event, expertly moderated by Helen Karagiozakis, featured an inspiring keynote address by human rights lawyer Stella Boyages and an engaging panel discussion with VASSY (award-winning singer-songwriter), Andriana Simos (award-winning journalist and Digital Editor of The Greek Herald), and Stavroula Lampropoulos (visual artist, photographer and mother).
In her opening remarks, FFTN founder and chair, Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou AM, welcomed participants, highlighting the importance of amplifying women’s voices and honouring the network’s 24-year commitment to empowering women.
“We have been connecting, inspiring, and mentoring women for over two decades. Giving voice to women, profiling their achievements, and financially supporting underprivileged women are at the heart of what we do,” Varvara noted.
Challenging ‘His Story’: A thought-provoking Keynote
Stella Boyages gave the keynote speech.
Keynote speaker Ms Boyages captivated the audience with her talk, ‘Her Story vs. His Story.’ She explored how history has traditionally been written from a male perspective, often erasing or misrepresenting women’s contributions.
“For too long, women’s voices have been forgotten, misrepresented, stereotyped, maligned, and usurped,” Stella stated. “It is time for women to be heard. Time for women to tell their story their way.”
Referencing Greek mythology, historical biases, and modern feminist perspectives, Stella traced the evolution of patriarchal narratives and urged women to reclaim their rightful place in history.
Panel Moderator Helen Karagiozakis.
Women leading in their fields: A dynamic panel discussion
Following the keynote, three inspiring and young Greek Australian women shared their personal journeys and perspectives on this year’s theme for IWD – “March Forward.”
Internationally renowned singer-songwriter VASSY spoke about the challenges of being a Greek Australian woman in a male-dominated industry.
VASSY speaks.
“I was kicked out of school choir as a child because I was told I didn’t have what it took [to be good],” she recalled. “Years later, I became a multi-platinum, number one Billboard artist. So, it just goes to show you that rejections are simply redirections.”
She also highlighted the importance of supporting women in the entertainment industry: “Women need to come together and celebrate each other.”
The Greek Herald’s Digital Editor Miss Simos passionately spoke about her commitment to ensuring Hellenic women’s voices are heard in Australian media.
The Greek Herald’s Digital Editor, Andriana Simos.
“So many Hellenic women are under-recognised and underrepresented in mainstream media in Australia. My role is to find them, share their stories, and ensure they receive the recognition they deserve,” Miss Simos said.
She also highlighted the impact of The Greek Herald’s ‘Woman of the Year’ Awards, which are in their second year and shine a spotlight on ‘unsung heroines’ within the Hellenic community in Australia.
“Every year, we receive an amazing response from the community. These awards give people a chance to nominate women who they believe deserve to be recognised in our community, they encourage active participation, and foster conversations around the importance of recognising female contributions to the Hellenic community in Australia,” she said.
As a young female editor leading a predominantly female team, Miss Simos added that she sees her work as breaking barriers for future generations of female journalists.
“I hope that in my role, I can lead by example and encourage more women to pursue journalism. It’s a demanding job, but it’s one of the most rewarding ways to amplify stories that often go unheard,” she said.
Photographer and mother Ms Lampropoulos shared how society forces women to choose between career and family, a system she actively challenges through her work.
Stav Lampropoulou speaks.
“We must stop comparing ourselves to men, to get ourselves out of that patriarchal system and stop trying to achieve the same things as them because we are different. It’s time for us. We have all the resources in the world to make our lives and our careers serve us,” Ms Lampropoulos said.
“For me, ‘March Forward’ means finding empowerment in our wisdom, our abilities and our resources. We are very resourceful so we need to build that village, stay true to our values, our wants and our needs, and also our family’s needs.”
Her words resonated with many, especially young mothers navigating the same struggles.
A wave of global support and recognition
The event concluded with an open discussion, where attendees expressed appreciation for the empowering conversations and the growing global impact of FFTN.
Questions from the audience. (L) Founder of the Food for Thought Network, Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou.
“Varvara, you have started a movement that is slowly but surely going global,” one participant wrote. “This is not just about our cultural pride; it’s about building a worldwide network of women who are taking their rightful place in the narrative and amplifying each other’s strengths.”
Another participant praised the event’s inclusivity and engagement.
All the attendees.
FFTN announced that its next event, scheduled for April 2025, will focus on women’s health and menopause.
As the event wrapped up, Varvara left attendees with a powerful call to action: “We must keep moving forward. We must keep amplifying our voices. Together, we are shaping history.”
With that, the Food for Thought Network’s IWD’s 2025 event left a lasting impact, proving that women’s voices are stronger together.
For more details on FFTN’s upcoming events, visit their official website here.
Pontoxeniteas NSW’s Parakath (Pontian for taverna night) was a vibrant celebration of the community’s achievements.
Pontoxeniteas NSW president Maria Anthony, alongside committee members Esta Paschalidis-Chilas, Kyriaki Tsavdaridis, Athena Belogiannis, Despina Poniris, Nena Lambousis, and Sophie Karatasas, expressed their gratitude for the support, financial contributions, and donations that made the renovations possible.
The event was further graced by the presence of members from Panagia Soumela Sydney and Diogenes Wollongong, with respective Presidents Peter Papoulidis and Nick Chrissostomidis, their committees, and members joining in the celebrations.
The warmth and unity among the Pontian community was palpable, as all attendees reaffirmed their shared heritage.
A highlight of the evening was the musical performances, with talented youth from Pontoxeniteas NSW (Kosta Papoulidis, Peter Tsenkas, Prodromos Moysiadis, Zoe Karatasas) and Panagia Soumela Sydney (Eric Fotiadis) — taking to the stage, adding to the festivities.
The event also featured an exceptional buffet, thanks to the BBQ Kings Chris Taxidis, Glenn Anthony, Alex Lambousis, and the rest of the committee.
Attendees enjoyed a delightful meal while celebrating together.
The night reflected the Association’s intergenerational spirit, bringing together members of all ages. The Association expressed appreciation for the ongoing support of members, families, and friends.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia celebrated a Doxology Service at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, Sydney on Friday, February 28, to mark the graduation of students from St Andrew’s Theological College.
During the service, His Eminence also awarded certificates to graduates of the Byzantine Music School, who completed a four-year course of study.
Degrees were also conferred by His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim of Sevasteia, Their Graces Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis and Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, Christophoros Krikelis, Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, and Ioannis Mallikourtis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney.
Also present were Assoc. Professor Philip Kariatlis, Sub-Dean of the Theological College, faculty members, teachers from the Byzantine Music School, and the graduates’ families and friends.
In his address, Archbishop Makarios praised the Byzantine Music School, which he founded shortly after his arrival in Australia, for its role in preparing individuals to support the local Church by serving at sacred chanting stands during services.
He then congratulated the graduates of the Theological College, highlighting the importance of the faculty and families’ support in their academic journey. The Archbishop emphasised that theology is not merely an academic discipline, but a divine gift.
“Theology is a gift ‘coming down from the Father of lights’ (James 1:7) that brings us before the mystery of God’s love,” he said.
The Archbishop reminded the graduates that theology is not only informative but also transformative, urging them to present a living testimony of the presence of Christ in their future ministries.
Finally, Archbishop Makarios stressed that for theology to remain authentic, it must offer a glimpse of Christ’s future kingdom.
For the past 47 years, Sydney’s Patrino Karnavali has brought the vibrancy of Greece’s largest carnival to Australia, giving the Greek community and friends from all backgrounds an unforgettable night of celebration.
This year, on Friday, February 28, The Grand Roxy at Brighton-Le-Sands transformed into a dazzling carnival hub, filled with music, laughter, and a lively atmosphere that captured the spirit of the iconic Patrino Karnavali from Patras, Greece.
The Panachaian Philanthropical Association (PPA), founded in 1974, has been the driving force behind this event, keeping the tradition alive in Sydney with an exclusive one-night-only celebration.
Everyone enjoyed the night. Photos supplied.
Inspired by Patras’ 180-year-old carnival, Sydney’s version blends Greek and Brazilian Karnavali traditions, encouraging guests to step away from their daily routines for a night of carefree fun, fancy dress, food, drinks, and of course, dancing.
This year’s fancy dress contest brought an extra layer of excitement, making the event even more interactive and engaging. From elaborate costumes to high-energy performances, every element of the night was a tribute to the festival’s rich history and the enduring passion of the Greek Australian community.
Guests were treated to an incredible culinary experience courtesy of Bill Mougios and his exceptional team at The Grand Roxy.
The venue’s atmosphere was further enhanced by the electrifying music selections of DJ Vasilis Karantzias, who brought the authentic sounds of Karnavali to Sydney’s dance floor.
Live performances by singer Katherine Theofanopoulou and bouzouki player Antoni added an extra layer of magic.
The 47th Patrino Karnavali Sydney was yet another incredible testament to the enduring love for Greek culture and tradition within the community.
The event’s fancy dress contest, live music, traditional flavours, and energetic dancing made for an unforgettable evening that will be talked about for years to come.
