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‘You are part of a family’: St Nectarios Burwood celebrates 50 years with luncheon

Andriana Simos
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‘You are part of a family’: St Nectarios Burwood celebrates 50 years with luncheon

The St Nectarios Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Burwood and District celebrated its 50th anniversary with a Luncheon and Service Awards on Sunday, November 6 at Le Montage in Lilyfield, Sydney.

The parish’s 50th anniversary was officially marked in 2020 but some celebrations were postponed for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The luncheon was attended by over 200 parishioners and officials including Archbishop Makarios of Australia; the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis; Chris Rath MLC, representing the NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet; Member for Strathfield, Jason Yat-Sen Li MP; Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis MP; Member for Reid, Sally Sitou MP; the Mayor of Burwood, Cr John Faker; and the President of the St Nectarios Parish and Community, Penelopy Kioussis; among many other politicians, clergy and representatives of Greek community organisations.

Official guests.
Event attendees.
Event attendees.

The Nassibian Dancers, choreographed and directed by Secretary of the Parish Board Christina Efthymiades AM, opened the event with a special dancing performance called ‘May the Dances Never Stop.’

Emcees Themis Kallos and Ms Efthymiades then welcomed everyone to the event and asked Demi Kioussis and Diandra Minas to light a memorial candle in honour of parishioners who have passed away. This was followed by a minute’s silence.

Official attendees at the event.
The Nassibian Dancers.
Christina Efthymiades.
The Nassibian Dancers.
The Nassibian Dancers.
Cake for the 50 year Anniversary.
Demi Kioussis and Diandra Minas lit a candle in honour of parishioners who have passed away.

Throughout the event, there were a number of videos played including one containing messages from Members of Parliament and Mayor’s, as well as one about the history of the parish and how they celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2020.

Young students from the St Nectarios Greek School also recited extracts from St Nectarios’ Odes to the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. The Australian Hellenic Choir gave a resounding musical performance.

Lucky door prizes such as a $250 gift voucher from the Dedes Waterfont Group and a $150 gift box of roses from Mr Roses were won on the day as well.

Young students from the St Nectarios Greek School also recited extracts from St Nectarios’ Odes to the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.
The Hellenic Choir.

The 50th Anniversary Keynote Speech was read out by Greek School teacher for over 40 years and former Principal of the parish’s Greek language school, Catherine Christogeorge, in Greek and by Parish President, Ms Kioussis, in English.

In her address, Ms Kioussis spoke about the recent restorations of the St Nectarios parish building and said: “It is now shining brightly in all its glory, ready to face the next 50 years.”

“I can proudly say that we have fifth generation in the St Nectarios parish and I pray that our strong connection with this parish continues in the years to follow,” Ms Kioussis added.

Official speeches by Mr Rath, the Consul General, Archbishop Makarios and parish priest, Father George Liangas, were also given.

In his speech, Mr Rath spoke about the important role the St Nectarios parish plays in the multicultural community that makes up NSW.

“This Greek Orthodox parish has been a place of community, faith and service. The tapestry of our state’s culture has a rich Greek thread running through it and your parish and community has been such an important part of that for 50 years now,” Mr Rath said on behalf of the NSW Premier.

Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis.
Chris Rath MLC, representing the NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet.

The Consul General also gave a small speech and said that although he is new to Sydney, he has been made aware of the Burwood parish’s contribution to the “Greek presence and activity” in the area.

In his speech, Archbishop Makarios congratulated St Nectarios Burwood on celebrating 50 years and acknowledged the “tireless dedication” of the late Archimandrite Father Ezekiel Petritsis, as well as former parish priest, Father John Kapetas, and Father George.

Father George was the last to officially give a speech and thanked everyone who has helped him in his duties as parish priest. He also spoke of the future of the parish and how although it “may not be a migrant church soon,” it will continue to bear “spiritual fruit.”

Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
President, Penelopy Kioussis.

These official proceedings were followed by a number of award presentations on the day.

Archbishop Makarios presented Father John and Father George with plaques for their service, before the Service Awards were handed to dedicated volunteers who had supported the parish for over 10, 15 and 25 years.

The event concluded with the cutting of the 50th anniversary cake and Greek dancing to music by Tassos Lambrou on the bouzouki and George Lambrou on the accordion.

When The Greek Herald asked parishioner, Harriet Fotaras, what she thought of the luncheon and why it was so important to celebrate the parish’s 50th anniversary, she summed it up nicely: “It feels like you’re part of a family. That’s what makes our church so special.”

Archbishop Makarios presented Father John and Father George with plaques for their service.

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

Lesvians in Sydney celebrate 110th anniversary of the island’s liberation

The Greek Herald
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Lesvians in Sydney celebrate 110th anniversary of the island’s liberation

The Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney & NSW commemorated the 110th anniversary of the liberation of the Greek island of Lesvos with a church service on Sunday, November 6.

The service was held at the Sts Raphael, Nicholas and Irene Greek Orthodox church in Liverpool in Sydney’s south west.

Following the Divine Liturgy, a small wreath laying ceremony was held at the cenotaph outside.

In attendance was the President of the Mytilenian Brotherhood, Peter Psomas; the President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Canberra, John Loukadellis; and the Presidents of the Antissian Association, Maria Iatrou and Trish Loukis.

After the event, Mr Psomas said in a post on Facebook: “Eternal memories, long live freedom, long live Greece, and long live our lovely island of Lesvos.”

Celebrations for the 110th anniversary of the liberation of Lesvos will continue next week with the Mytilenian Brotherhood’s annual dance on Saturday, November 12 from 7.30pm at the Mytilenian House in Canterbury.

‘Keeping the Cretan spirit alive’: Sydney commemorates the Arkadi holocaust

Andriana Simos
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‘Keeping the Cretan spirit alive’: Sydney commemorates the Arkadi holocaust

Over 270 people from Sydney’s Cretan community gathered at the Mytilenian House in Canterbury on Saturday, November 5 for a dinner dance to commemorate the 156th anniversary of the Arkadi Monastery holocaust.

The dance was organised by the Cretan Association of Sydney & New South Wales to honour the over 1,000 Cretan men, women and children who were massacred by the Ottomans in Arkadi, Crete in 1866.

All photos copyright: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

On the night, there were plenty of youth dressed proudly in traditional Cretan costumes, along with their families and a number of special guests including Archbishop Makarios of Australia; the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis; and the President of the Cretan Association, Emmanuel Vitetzakis; among many others.

Mr Vitetzakis gave a speech on the night describing the history of the Arkadi Monastery holocaust, before thanking the Cretan youth in attendance for keeping the “Cretan spirit alive.”

“To all our kids, you make us proud. You may not realise the pride you instil in all of us when we watch you dance. The passion you show when you are out there is the reason why we continue to work hard behind the scenes to keep the Cretan spirit alive,” Mr Vitetzakis said.

Next to speak was Archbishop Makarios, who not only stressed how proud he is to be Cretan, but also recited Cretan ‘mantinades’ to the crowd.

The Consul General also spoke on the night. He shared a personal experience of how his dad brought the Arkadi holocaust to his attention and emphasised the importance of “knowing one’s history so we know our destination.”

“The Cretans are always present in battles… and you should be very proud of that,” Mr Mallikourtis said.

After these speeches, Mr Vitetzakis presented small gifts to Archbishop Makarios, the Consul General, and the three Cretan musicians present on the night.

Giannis Tsourdalakis (lyra and vocals) and Giorgos Psarakis (lute and vocals) arrived from Crete to perform live music at the dinner dance. They were accompanied by local Sydney talent, Manoli Karageorgiou (lute).

The 2022 Megalonisos Award was also presented on the night to former President of the Cretan Association, George Tsiganakis.

At the conclusion of these official proceedings, the Cretan Association’s junior, intermediate and senior dancing groups performed to loud applause from family and friends.

The night ended with people mingling and everyone on the dance floor dancing to traditional Cretan music.

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

Guy vows to support Greek community in Melbourne’s south-east

The Greek Herald
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Guy vows to support Greek community in Melbourne’s south-east

The Matt Guy Liberals and Nationals Government has vowed to provide $2 million towards the construction of a new community centre at the Greek Orthodox Church in Clayton South.

The main church building in Clayton South was damaged by water in February and upon investigation, black rot was discovered throughout the roof structure. The building was shut, and a temporary tent facility was set up.

The new community centre would include a commercial kitchen, multi-purpose function spaces, a shop front, multiple classroom spaces including audio visual facilities, and a new toilet block.

Member for Southern Metropolitan Region, David Davis, said this commitment will go towards a much-needed facility which will support the local Greek community.

“The Greek community make a wonderful contribution to Victoria’s culture and this commitment by the Liberals and Nationals will continue to support them,” Mr Davis said.

Liberal Candidate for Clarinda, Anthony Richardson, said this announcement would support the Greek community across the south-east.

“Victoria’s Greek community is a vibrant and essential part of what makes Victoria such a great place to live.”

“Only the Liberals and Nationals are committed to supporting multicultural communities by providing a space to come together and celebrate their history and cultures.”

Liberal Candidate for Oakleigh, Jim Grivokostopoulos, said this funding will ensure the Greek community in Victoria will have the resources to celebrate their culture with all Victorians.

“Only a Matt Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will ensure that our wonderful multicultural communities have the resources to share and celebrate their culture and positive contributions they have had and continue to have on this great state.”

Greek Australian Cultural League launch new exhibition ‘Lost Homelands’ in Victoria

Andriana Simos
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Greek Australian Cultural League launch new exhibition ‘Lost Homelands’ in Victoria

The Greek Australian Cultural League’s (GACL) new exhibition Lost Homelands was officially launched at Steps Gallery in Carlton, Victoria on Saturday, November 2.

The group art exhibition was organised by the GACL to align with this year’s commemoration of the 100 year anniversary of the Asia Minor Catastrophe (1922-2022). It will be open at the gallery until November 13.

Lost Homelands contains artworks from artists from Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia in a number of genres and mediums. The artworks are based around the theme of loss and displacement.

The exhibition was officially launched by Dr Antonis Piperoglou, Hellenic Senior Lecturer in Global Diasporas at the University of Melbourne.

Dr Antonis Piperoglou.

In his speech, Dr Piperoglou encouraged exhibit visitors to let the artworks challenge them and guide them to “new visions of what may constitute a lost homeland.”

“What I take from this torrent of artistic thought is just how variable our conceptions and attachments to homelands are,” Dr Piperoglou said.

“Please allow yourself to wrestle with these thoughtful pieces. Have a conversation with them. Linger with them. Allow them to challenge you.”

The President of the GACL, Cathy Alexopoulos, also spoke at the launch and described the activities of the GACL, as well as congratulated the artists for participating in the exhibition.

“This is not in any way an exhibition that may produce many sales, although we always live in hope, it is an exhibition more of thought, insight and feeling, an evocative display of different art forms which create discussion, reflection and emotion,” Ms Alexopoulos said.

You can visit the Lost Homelands exhibition at the Steps Gallery in Carlton, Victoria until November 13. Monday – Friday, 11am – 4.30pm and Saturday – Sunday, 11am – 4pm.

Taxi industry rejects NSW Government’s ‘final offer’ of $905 million assistance package

Andriana Simos
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Taxi industry rejects NSW Government’s ‘final offer’ of $905 million assistance package

The NSW Government has presented a final assistance package to NSW taxi licence holders worth a total of $905 million.

The extra cash injection will see the passenger service levy (PSL) increase by 20 cents to $1.20 (ex GST) and be extended to 2030.

According to Transport for NSW data, the package is more than double the compensation offered by the Victorian Government and more than nine times the package offered by the Queensland Government.

NSW Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway made the announcement today and said the changes to the financial assistance package were as a result of continued discussions and feedback from representatives from the taxi industry.

This now takes the total assistance package, designed to help fully deregulate the industry, from $645 million to $905 million.

Mr Elliott said the final assistance package delivered fair and equitable financial assistance to all taxi licence holders across the state.

“I urge the taxi industry to support this generous package so that taxi licence owners receive the money they deserve as soon as possible,” Mr Elliott said.

The new package provides $150,000 for every Sydney metropolitan taxi licence holder with a cap of 6 plates. Each regional taxi plate will be paid between $40,000 and $195,000, with no cap on the number of plates.

Mr Faraway said the NSW Government had presented the most generous taxi assistance package in the country.

“This package is our final offer and should it be accepted by the NSW Taxi Council and its members then the funding will be in the bank accounts of taxi owners as soon as early next year,” Mr Faraway said.

‘The offer is still short’:

Following the assistance package announcement this morning, the NSW Taxi Council CEO Martin Rogers said the state government needed to do more.

“It’s not just us, it’s other MPs across a number of parties who have said to me, the offer presented last night is still short,” Mr Rogers told ABC News.

Mr Rogers wants taxi drivers to get $350,000 per car, which he said was the value of a taxi licence in 2015, when companies like Uber were permitted to legally operate.

“They got these from the government and they still have significant loans against them,” Mr Rogers said. “Getting $150,000 still leaves them with a debt but no asset or income.”

Should this final package not be accepted by the taxi industry, legislation will not be introduced.

A Government appointed review will then be launched to assess a compensation package, based on the existing passenger service levy.

READ MORE: ‘Wanted to leave a legacy for my kids’: NSW taxi licence owners repeat calls for fair compensation.

Labor government commits $6 million to deliver multicultural storytimes across Victoria

The Greek Herald
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Labor government commits $6 million to deliver multicultural storytimes across Victoria

The Victorian Labor government has today committed extra funding to support new parents and multicultural communities if re-elected at the upcoming state elections in November.

In a press release today, the Andrews Labor Government confirmed that if re-elected it will ensure all new parents get the support they need in the crucial first months of a new baby’s life.

Victorian Labor will invest $69 million to help parents when their babies are born – including more access to free Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services, new Early Parenting Centres and additional support for multicultural and Indigenous communities.

To make those early weeks and months easier, Victorian Labor will also:

  • Boost the number of hours MCH nurses spend with families;
  • Increase free consultations to eight hours’ worth of appointments;
  • Invest $4 million for free appointments with midwives and nurses who are trained to provide lactation consultations, to help women through the challenges of latching and establishing milk supply. 

Every new parent expects to be sleep deprived, but sometimes significant sleep problems can really affect the mental health and wellbeing of families.

Parents shouldn’t go through this alone, so Victorian Labor have supported them by investing $148 million to build or upgrade 10 Early Parenting Centres to help with things like sleep and settling, child behaviour and health and wellbeing for children and parents.

A re-elected Labor Government will build on this record, investing an extra $15 million in a new Early Parenting Centre in Northcote, meeting growing demand from local families.

“Pregnancy, childbirth and parenting affect us in all kinds of ways. This centre will provide vital support for parents in and around Northcote as they grow their families – a place of care during the early stages of their babies’ lives,” Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous said.

Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous (in red), at Clifton Street Childcare Centre in Northcote, with Premier Daniel Andrews and his wife, Catherine.

They will also help create the first dedicated Early Parenting Centre – investing $3.9 million for a centre in Frankston that’s completely dedicated to Aboriginal families and children.

And so that every young Victorian can experience storytime in their mother tongue, Victorian Labor deliver multicultural story times across Victoria – strengthening kids’ connection to their heritage and culture.

Victorian Labor will invest $6 million to deliver multicultural storytimes across Victoria, enabling councils and community groups to set up reading sessions at up to 60 locations in places like libraries, community centres and language schools for kids up to five in languages like Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Arabic, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Italian and Greek.

Additionally, a re-elected Labor Government will invest $2 million in grants for the creation of more fathers groups across the state.

The funding will be distributed through local councils via a grants process and will focus on creating new after-hours dads groups and to support existing dads groups.

“Every family is different, but what is universal is how a new baby will completely change your life. We’ll help parents feel supported and connected in those early weeks and months,” Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said.

NSW Government partners with 15 councils to host major cultural events and festivals

The Greek Herald
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NSW Government partners with 15 councils to host major cultural events and festivals

The state’s events calendar just got bigger thanks to the NSW Government investing $8 million into 21 major cultural festivals and events run by local councils across Sydney, the Hunter and Newcastle, and the Illawarra. 

Grant funding of up to $500,000 a year for two years has been awarded to 15 local councils across the state’s Six Cities regions to host major multicultural events and festivals in partnership with the NSW Government. 

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said each partnership with the councils will help make their events bigger tourism attractions and local economy boosters.

“To have 21 different multicultural events hosted by 15 councils across the state’s Six Cities regions is a testament to NSW’s rich cultural and religious diversity,” Mr Coure said.

“This funding will help each of these councils take their events and festivals to the next level.”

Blacktown City Council
Campbelltown City Council
City of Canterbury Bankstown
Cumberland City Council
Georges River Council
Inner West Council
Lake Macquarie City Council Liverpool City Council		Maitland City Council
City of Newcastle
Port Stephens Council
Shellharbour City Council
Strathfield Council
Willoughby City Council
Wollongong City Council  

Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said the partnerships will be a real win for the residents and visitors of local communities.

“Local Councils are the level of government closest to the community, so the NSW Government working directly with councils in our six cities will ensure these celebrations benefit their communities directly,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“By partnering with councils, we are boosting local cultural celebrations led by local leaders, helping to cater for bigger crowds so tourists can experience everything their city has to offer.”

The Six Cities Regions comprise the Lower Hunter and Greater Newcastle City, Central Coast City, Illawarra-Shoalhaven City, Western Parkland City, Central River City and Eastern Harbour City.

Funding recipients include:

  Council  FestivalFunding over two years
Liverpool City CouncilMotherland African Cultural Festival Pacific Summer Primavera Latin American Festival$800,000
Cumberland City CouncilLunar New Year Ramadan Street Food Festival Diwali$700,000
Willoughby City CouncilLunar New Year Gai-mariagal Festival Emerge Festival$980,000
Strathfield CouncilStrathfield Festival$468,000
Inner West CouncilCulture X Ashfield$137,454.80
City of Canterbury BankstownRamadan Nights Lakemba$1,000,000
Wollongong City CouncilDancePlant Festival$625,000
Port Stephens CouncilWinter Heat Raymond Terrace$100,000
Shellharbour City CouncilCultural Treasures – Enchanted Forest$400,000
Blacktown City CouncilFlavours of Blacktown$500,000
City of NewcastleNew Annual$400,000
Georges River CouncilThe Good Taste Festival featuring Lunar New Year$240,000
Maitland City CouncilMaitland Riverlights Multicultural Festival$650,000
Campbelltown City CouncilCampbelltown Ramadan Night Markets$600,000
Lake Macquarie City CouncilLiving Smart Festival Weekend$400,000

Leo Skliros on the challenges facing NT growers this mango season

The Greek Herald
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Leo Skliros on the challenges facing NT growers this mango season

Australia is set to have a successful mango season this year, with between nine and 10 million trays predicted to be produced nationwide, ABC News has reported.

But according to Northern Territory Farmers, the industry is still dealing with COVID-related workforce shortages, with some growers unable to take full advantage of a successful mango season in the NT.

Other farmers, such as Leo Skliros from Berry Springs, are also dealing with damage to their mangoes due to rainy weather almost three weeks ago in the territory.

Two of every three mangoes picked at Leo’s farm are rain affected. As many as possible have been sold for juicing, but many will go to waste and piles of them sit underneath mango trees around the packing centre.

Mangoes.

“It’s perfectly good on the inside, but damn ugly to look at,” he told ABC News.

All up, between unpicked fruit, transport shortages and rain damage, Leo, who is also the president of the NT Mango Industry Association, said 40 percent of his crop will go to waste.

“People are down 60 to 40 percent of their workforce — it’s a real challenge,” he said.

Some industry experts in the NT have put these workplace shortages down to a stipulation in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, which only allows farmers to employ Pacific workers for a minimum of six months, when they are needed for much less.

A DFAT spokesperson told ABC News the government was working to increase the number of PALM scheme workers in Australia to around 35,000 by June 2023.

Source: ABC News.

George Gizas: Last Evzone fighter from WWII passes away aged 106

The Greek Herald
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George Gizas: Last Evzone fighter from WWII passes away aged 106

The last fighter from the 2/39 Evzone Regiment, George Gizas, has passed away at the age of 106 in his hometown of Nafpaktos, Greece.

The Evzone Regiment were one of the first ground contingents to fight for Greece against the Italians during World War II.

Gizas’ death was confirmed by the President of Greece, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, on Twitter.

“The death of George Gizas, in the wake of the national anniversary of OXI Day, moves us very much. My heartfelt condolences to his family,” Sakellaropoulou’s post read.

In 2021, Gizas was honoured with a medal by the Mayor of Nafpaktos, Vasilis Gizas.

The Mayor also acknowledged Gizas’ death on social media and said: “May his memory live forever!”

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