The Paniyiri Greek Festival roared back to life in Brisbane, Queensland this weekend after an almost three-year long COVID-19 pandemic pause.
Organisers couldn’t be happier with the response as record crowds poured through the gates over the weekend to join in the fun and festivities.
Chris Kazonis, Chairman of the Paniyiri Organising Committee, said he was thrilled with the results, particularly for those organisations which rely on Paniyiri for their fundraising, as the numbers confirmed that the people of South-East Queensland have a deep love for this unique festival which is an authentic celebration of Greek culture, cuisine and community.
“We had record numbers through the gate on both days at Paniyiri, with the Sunday being almost as good as the Saturday, which is just wonderful for everyone involved as it means all the hard work that went on behind-the-scenes to bring the festival back, has all been worth it,” Chris said.
“The entire weekend was just an incredible atmosphere of community and celebration of Greek culture, and it was just a wonderful weekend that saw people from all ages and backgrounds coming together to join in the fun in what was a truly festive atmosphere.
“We had people pouring in from all areas of south-east Queensland to create what we like to say is Brisbane’s biggest Greek family, with everyone attending embracing the Greek way of life and just really getting into the spirit of the day.
“Paniyiri is a special festival that benefits the community in so many ways, as not only does it bring people together from all ages and ethnicities to experience our culture, but we don’t have any commercial operators down in the stall area at Paniyiri – every stall is run by volunteers raising money for community programs or charities, and I expect this weekend has helped many of them get back on track both financially and emotionally after a tough few years.
“There are so many people to thank for their help and support in making Paniyiri possible, and I’m very proud that most of the regional associations had a presence and participated in the weekend.
“Paniyiri has always been popular, but this previous weekend was something truly special, and we are just so thankful to the people of south-east Queensland for coming out and supporting us.”
Euro 2004 legend, George Karagounis, was honoured on Friday, October 14 with a charity gala dinner at The Grand Roxy in Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney.
There were over 250 people in attendance on the night, including a number of special guests such as football legends Peter Katholos, Christos Paxinos, and Peter Sarikakis; the founder of Heartbeat of Football, Andrew Paschalidis; Nick Mouzourakis from the Football Brilliance Academy; among many others.
The night began with Karagounis entering The Grand Roxy to loud applause from everyone in attendance.
Next, formal proceedings began with a speech by Mr Paschalidis who introduced Karagounis to the crowd and gave a brief history of the Greek footballer’s connection to Euro 2004.
Mr Mouzourakis spoke next, welcomed everyone to the event and explained how Karagounis has influenced him and his work at the Football Brilliance Academy.
“Watching you play inspired me to play and now coach to the best of my abilities. I intend on educating my young players on who you are and what made you great. Your story can inspire the future generations of footballers,” Mr Mouzourakis said.
After this, Karagounis took to the stage and was interviewed by The Greek Herald‘s Sports Editor, Takis Triadafillou.
During the interview, Karagounis spoke openly about his incredible football career and his hope to pass on his love for football to the next generation.
At the conclusion of these formal proceedings, the Greek footballer worked the room, speaking with fans and signing autographs. A number of jerseys and paintings signed by Karagounis were also auctioned off.
Under the package, revealed by NSW Treasurer Matt Kean last week, taxi licence owners will receive an additional $500 million in assistance payments as part of a comprehensive $645 million package to fully deregulate the taxi industry and benefit customers long term.
At the time of the announcement, Mr Kean said “the package will provide $100,000 for each eligible Sydney metro taxi licence up to six licences per owner. It will provide up to $130,000 for each taxi licence outside of Sydney with no cap on the number of licences per owner.”
NSW Treasurer Matt Kean.
Since then, The Daily Telegraph has reported that a raft of government MPs, including Member for Castle Hill Ray Williams MP, have slammed the package after NSW Transport Minister David Elliott introduced it to a party room meeting on Tuesday, October 11.
The MPs said the payments would not be “fair” to taxi drivers and the government needed to find more money.
‘It is criminal’:
This sentiment is echoed by taxi licence owners across NSW, including 74-year-old Andrew Demas.
Mr Demas first bought his licence plate in 1972 for roughly $27,000 and now, he told The Greek Herald, it’s worthless.
“When Uber was introduced, everything went downhill. Now we can’t even sell it [the licence plate]. The government wants to take our plates back and is giving us peanuts,” Mr Demas added.
It’s for this reason the 74-year-old was one of the hundreds of taxi plate owners who turned out in front of Parliament House in Sydney on Thursday to protest against the proposed packaged.
The protest is planned for Thursday in front of Parliament House in Sydney.
“Whichever way you look at the package, I think it’s morally wrong and criminal what they’re doing,” Mr Demas said.
“[By going to this protest] we hope the government can do the right thing and pay us a proper compensation.”
Martin Rogers, the CEO of the NSW Taxi Council – which organised the protest– also said he hoped the government would “revisit the package” and address inadequacies such as the dates during which you have to own the licences to receive compensation.
Under the package, in order to be eligible for assistance, people need to own their taxi licence as of September 21 this year and still have it. Those who have had to sell due to hardship, will receive nothing.
“The protest is an opportunity for those in the taxi industry to express their disappointment with the proposed package and we are inviting MPs, who will be sitting in Parliament, to come out and hear first hand the impacts of their decisions,” Mr Rogers told The Greek Herald.
“We hope the government will revisit the fair and proper compensation and make the package one that is more appropriate for the true impact of the loss.”
The Student Film Festival is returning to Sydney after two years due to COVID-19 restrictions to offer students the opportunity to use the Greek language in creative and innovative ways, whilst simultaneously encouraging the maintenance of the Greek culture.
The topic for this year’s competition is ‘Returning’to our life – to ourselves – to our roots – to our family -to our home – to our country – to school – to love – to security – to normality – to peace – to our friends…
Participants were encouraged to interpret the topic as creatively as they wish.
This year’s signature item, which must be included in each film, will be a spinning top toy.
The films will be screened at the 2022 Greek Film Festival on Sunday, October 23 at 12.30pm at Leichhardt’s Palace Norton Street Cinema, where prizes will be awarded to the students. Free Entry.
The Greek Film Festival, presented by the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW and the Greek Festival of Sydney, runs from Thursday, October 13 to Sunday, October 23. Screenings will be at Palace Norton Street, 99 Norton Street, Leichhardt, NSW, 2040.
Ms Katsavos was unlocking the front door of the church, where she volunteered, when 27-year-old Amrick Roy viciously attacked her shortly after 6am on March 13, 2021.
She lay alone on the ground on Barry Street for half an hour before she was found by a council worker. Ms Katsavos suffered bleeding on the brain, a fractured wrist, severe facial injuries and a badly broken pelvis.
Penelope Katsavos after the attack.
In a victim impact statement read to the County Court of Victoria on Friday, Ms Katsavos said the impact of these crimes have been “immense, life-changing and utterly devastating first and foremost to me and then like a shockwave throughout my entire family.”
The grandmother of six said the attack robbed her of her independence and the ability to care for her husband.
Penelope Katsavos with her husband Thomas, who suffers dementia.
“At 78, I was looking forward to spending any time I had left loving and caring for my husband. Amrick Roy, your choice means I’ll be spending my last days, months and years trying to cope with pain and fatigue… isolated from my friends and family and separated from my husband,” the statement reads.
“I miss having freedom, I miss feeling safe… No sentence you are given will change the life sentence you have given me.”
Despite this, Ms Katsavos added that she had forgiven Roy and hoped he would somehow learn to be a better person.
Ms Katsavos said she has forgiven Roy (left). Photo: (R) Lana Murphy Twitter/Nine News.
Roy has pleaded guilty to five charges including recklessly causing serious injury, robbery and three counts of assault stemming from his spree of violent attacks in Prahran and South Yarra.
Two people have died after flash flooding swept across the Greek island of Crete over the weekend.
According to The Guardian, the body of Kostas Vergakis was found in his car on Saturday, where he was trapped as severe storms struck the Greek island.
The discovery led to a extensive search operation for the vehicle’s passenger with rescue workers recovering a second female body on Sunday in the Mediterranean off Agia Pelagia, a seaside resort north-west of Crete’s capital, Heraklion.
A man crosses a flooded street following heavy thunderstorms, in the village of Agia Pelagia, on the island of Crete. Photo: AP Photo/Harry Nakos.
The victim, a 49-year-old mother of two, had been swept into the sea as she tried to get out of the car while it was washed away by the floods.
These deaths come after the weekend storm unleashed the equivalent of four months’ rainfall in a matter of hours on coastal villages, flooding roads, shops and homes.
Cars abandoned by the sea following heavy thunderstorms, in the village of Paliokastro, on the island of Crete. Photo: AP Photo/Harry Nakos.
Footage emerged of cars and other debris submerged under seawater in Agis Pelagia and Sitia in the east of the island, where a state of emergency was declared.
The Mayor of Sitia, Giorgos Zervakis, said he has “never seen anything like it.”
“The situation is out of control,” the Mayor added. “There have been landslides, roads are closed, areas are impassable because of cars and streets have turned into rivers.”
Greek government officials inspect the damage. Photo: AMNA.gr.
A Greek government taskforce has since visited Crete on Sunday and announced a package of support measures that will include a 400,000 euro compensation package with immediate effect.
Greece’s Alternate Interior Minister, Stelios Petsas, expressed his condolences for the deaths of the two people swept away by the flood water, and pledged that the government will do everything possible to help survivors “get back to normality” after the damage caused by the flash floods.
After 12 rounds of intense fighting at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia on Sunday, Devin Haney defeated George Kambosos Jr for the second time to retain his undisputed lightweight title.
Haney won by unanimous decision (119-109, 118-110, 118-110) to keep hold of his IBF, WBC, WBA and WBO belts that he won off Kambosos in June this year.
With some early aggression and change in fighting style catching Haney off guard, the pro-Kambosos crowd was hopeful Sunday’s result would see the belts returned to the Greek Australian fighter.
However, Haney was quick to adjust, with the odds finding themselves firmly in his favour as Kambosos struggled to find any answer to the American’s right hand.
Despite predictions in commentary that a knockout would end the fight, Kambosos ended the 12-round bout on his feet and not without hurting the undisputed world champ.
Speaking after the fight, a bloodied Kambosos was met with a roar of applause, correcting a remark that Haney was “a pretty good fighter” with “he’s a great fighter!”
A bloodied Kambosos lands a right hook on undisputed lightweight world champ, Devin Haney. Photo: The Greek Herald / Chris Spyrou.
“He gave me a good boxing lesson the first time… he’s slick man, he’s a good boxer,” Kambosos said of the 23-year-old.
“I landed some great shots in round one, he just knows how to adapt… I respect him a lot.”
Pointing to his second career loss, Kambosos said: “I gave it my all, my blood, my sweat, my tears… I hope Australia, Greece and the world is proud.”
“I want to thank everybody that came out, the support is amazing,” he added.
“Devin, I wish you all the best for the future, [you’re] gonna be there for a long time. I hope you guys remember Ferocious Kambosos. It’s not the end, I’ll be back.”
The 29-year-old hinted that whilst he gives his heart to the sport, it’s time for a “good rest.”
“I need to enjoy some time with my three kids, my wife and enjoy some family time. I’ve had three big fights within a year,” Kambosos said, referring to his earlier fights with Teofimo Lopez and Haney.
Speaking with The Greek Herald, the former world champ said he was humbled by the support from within Rod Laver Arena.
“What a great atmosphere, that was unbelievable,” he said.
Kambosos’ wife Bec cheering him on during his world title rematch. Photo: The Greek Herald / Chris Spyrou
“Bringing that action, that blood, the wars, that’s what I love. You could hear the roof bouncing.
“I was landing big shots and the blood was coming and as I was trying to hunt him down, the crowd was behind me. I’m very humbled by the support and appreciative of the fans.”
Prior to the fight, Greek superstar Nikos Vertis performed the Greek national anthem and was followed by Melbourne-based Australian singer of Greek and Italian heritage, Maria Maroulis, who performed the Australian anthem.
Nikos Vertis performing the Greek national anthem.Maria Maroulis performing the Australian national anthem.Photos: The Greek Herald / Chris Spyrou
The Hellenic Fan Club was once more in full force, with their renditions of “Siko seto” being a not-so-subtle reminder of home for Euro 2004-winning legend, George Karagounis, who was in the crowd.
In the post-match press conference, American promoter, Lou Dibella said: “George is the pride of Sydney, Australia and Greece.”
Addressing the former world champ directly, he said: “I think you should be very proud of what you did there today, you gave it everything you have.”
For his part, George’s father and manager, Jim Kambosos congratulated his son, adding: “I’m so proud of him.”
“He’s given Australia two big events in a very short period of time. Credit to you mate.”
L to R: Promoter, Lou Dibella; George Kambosos Jr; Jim Kambosos; lead trainer, Chris Bakis. Photo: The Greek Herald / Chris Spyrou.
“What he [George] did tonight was a tremendous exhibition of heart, will and he never quit. People love that,” Dibella added.
“There was no chance George wasn’t going to put on a brave performance tonight… he fought like a warrior.”
It was a sentiment shared by George’s on-ring rival, who in a post-match meeting said: “you’re tough man, warrior, warrior.”
“Thank you for the opportunity … you changed my life,” the American added before George embraced him.
The Kytherian Association of Australia (KAA) has celebrated its centenary with a bang. From its annual debutante ball to a special Nostalgia Day and Mamma Mia taverna night, every event has been enjoyed by both the young and elderly.
But who has been behind all these events? The Chairman of the KAA’s Centenary Committee, Andrew Malanos, and his dedicated team of volunteers.
As the KAA’s centenary year comes to a close, The Greek Herald spoke to Mr Malanos about the celebrations and what’s coming next.
How did you first become involved with the KAA?
My father, Constantine Malanos, gave 40 years of service to the Greek community including AHEPA Grand President, Chairman of St Basils, and as emcee at many Kytherian Balls. My mother, Nina Malanos, was the very first Secretary of the very first Kytherian Ladies Auxiliary over 52 years ago. So of course, they introduced me to the KAA – first as a child attending the annual Christmas picnics then I attended Greek dancing lessons in the 70s. In the 80s, I became Treasurer of the Kytherian Youth Association Committee that become legendary for amazing events such as ski trips, dances and New Year’s Eve parties.
Andrew Malanos.
What are the benefits and challenges of your role as Chairman of the Centenary Committee?
I took this project on over three years ago whilst also being the Vice President of the KAA Board of Directors. This combination of executive leadership responsibly and discretionary powers, along with the Board’s delegated authority, gave me the creative freedom, the tools, finances and the confidence to deliver such a successful centenary year.
Sure, there were also plenty of challenges, the most demanding one being COVID-19 and lockdowns, QR codes and all sorts of ever-changing rules and restrictions. I took every challenge as an opportunity, but I needed to draw on every drop of my 40 years of corporate management experience to be able to steer, mentor, advise, direct, appoint and task everyone to harness their strengths to deliver this most amazing centenary year.
The centenary committee was a hard-working committee of 14 volunteers, each with strong skills, wills, minds and opinions. Many had years of experience and were themselves capable members of other committees, so it was a real powerhouse. My first words to the Centenary Committee were there must be no preconceived ideas, no limits and no restrictions. The forum was open to everyone and there was to be no such thing as “can’t be done” or even “a bad idea”. So the real challenge for me was to bottle all that energy, and put it where I needed it, and I think did that well.
Andrew (front row, second from right) with his committee.
Why do you do it?
It was a most unique opportunity, one that will never be repeated again and of such critical importance to the KAA that I had to get it just right. Looking back, you almost don’t realise how much of your life the task consumes. I put everything into it, and I expect nothing back. Results are reward enough. It’s extremely satisfying for me to see good people do good things. The constant giving and sacrifices are more than worth it in the end.
Just look at what we have done, at what we have achieved. The photos are iconic, we have become a part of history, and I am so proud of that. Exceeding all my expectations, I have amazed even myself. That’s why I do it!
Andrew and his wife Elen.
How would you describe the KAA’s centenary year?
The KAA Centenary year has been sensational, brilliantly planned and executed with the most extraordinary outcome. No one could have ever imagined the groundbreaking quality, depth and breadth of our handcrafted events that were designed to showcase the combined ability, talents and achievements of the KAA, just who we are and what we are capable of. It’s not just events we did of course. We also released our 100-year gold coin from the Royal Australian Mint, and a range of merchandise branded with our centenary logo.
We also can’t wait to release our 100-year history book – over three years in the making so far.
The formal launch event at Darling Harbour was designed to showcase all the pomp and ceremony worthy of a Centenarian. Nostalgia Day was designed to showcase our rich 100-year history. Our Mamma Mia taverna night was designed to be the dance party of the century, with great food, great entertainment, great company – the perfect way to end the centenary year. So this was my absolute favourite for sure.
Andrew with the centenary committee at the launch event.
They were all special in their own way and they were all so unique that it could be another 100 years before your readers ever see these events repeated.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
I have to say, that it has been an absolute honour and privilege to work with the most talented, conscientious and capable team of volunteers ever assembled, and without them none of this would have been possible. The debt of gratitude is enormous. It’s why the KAA is so strong and is guaranteed to still be around in another 100 years.
The Greek Film Festival officially opened in Sydney and Melbourne on Thursday, October 13 to huge crowds and plenty of excitement as people watched Angelos Frantzis’ award-winning film, Eftihia.
The Greek Film Festival is presented by the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW and the Greek Festival of Sydney.
The Greek Herald was on the ground at both events and this is what happened.
Sydney:
The Greek Film Festival officially opened its doors in Sydney on Thursday night with a cocktail party and movie screening at Leichardt’s Palace Norton Street Cinema.
The event was attended by a number of dignitaries and special guests including the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yannis Mallikourtis; the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Coure MP; Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis MP; the President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW), Harry Danalis; and Head of Sales at Delphi Bank, Tom Christopoulos; among many others.
Photos by Euphoria Photography.
Following a short cocktail party, attendees moved into a theatre where a number of speeches were given by Mr Danalis, the Consul General, Mr Coure and Mr Christopoulos. A letter by the NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet was also read out.
Photos by Euphoria Photography.
In his speech, Mr Danalis welcomed everyone to the opening and thanked all the sponsors for their support.
The Consul General stressed the success of the Greek Film Festival and how, over the years, it has “transcended boundaries, extending its outreach beyond the confines of Greek-speaking audiences.”
Photo by Euphoria Photography.
Next to the stage was Mr Coure who expressed the NSW Government’s gratitude for GOCNSW and the work it does to put the Greek Film Festival all together.
Last to speak was Mr Christopoulos. In his speech, the Head of Sales at Delphi Bank said it was an honour to be at the launch of the festival and said it was great to be “back out again” after the last two years of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions.
Photos by Euphoria Photography.
At the conclusion of these official proceedings, attendees were treated to a screening of Eftihia, which was enjoyed by all.
Photos by Euphoria Photography.
Melbourne:
The cataclysmic downpour and limited parking options around the Astor Theatre in St Kilda could not keep the crowds away from the opening of the Greek Film Festival which runs through to 30 October. It was a great way to spend a rainy Thursday evening, enjoying live music belting out rebetika tunes, grazing on courtesy goodies from Bahari, Procal dairy foods and Hellenic Wines and Spirits, and then enjoying Angelos Frantzis’ award-winning flick, “My Name is Eftyhia”, featuring the remarkably talented Karyofillia Karabeti as emblematic Smyrni-born poet and lyricist Eftyhia Papagiannopoulou.
Author Jeana Vithoulkas said, “As a woman, it is really good to see a film that depicts the life of a Greek woman who has contributed, in a pivotal sense, to contemporary Greek culture.”
Greek Community of Melbourne Committee Member Leonidas Vlahakis, who organised the event, pointed to two films: the opening film, “My Name is Eftyhia”, and “Smyrna My Beloved”, the closing film. He said these were particularly meaningful bearing in mind the 100-year anniversary since the Asia Minor Catastrophe which resulted in the displacement and population exchange of 1.5 million refugees.
“If you don’t cry with both of these, or either of these, you can’t be my friend,” he told The Greek Herald. Judging from audience reactions, it appears that Mr Vlahakis must have a lot of friends.
Mr Vlahakis, who has been part of the committee organising the Greek film festival for the last 21 years, said the film festival first started 32 years ago but had to stop after 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We waited two years for the event, and now people are out and about,” he said. “The public response has been overwhelming. We’re looking forward to a week of films, the Antipodes Festival (22-23 October) and then another week of films.”
Greek Consul General to Melbourne Emmanuel Kakavelakis, who had been appointed to his role during the pandemic, had been looking forward to finally attending the festival he had heard so much about. He said Eftyhia, an unconventional woman, “shows the cultural wealth of all those people who had been transported to Greece”. He added that regardless of the quality of the production, it shows that “what matters is that we, as Greeks, need to wake up from our winter hibernation.”
Culture is very much appreciated in the Antipodes, judging from people’s reaction to the songs. As Ms Vithoulkas said, Eftyhia “penned lyrics to songs that marked the soundtrack of my childhood, and I imagine all of yours”.
In the upstairs lounge, yoghurt sales representative Harry Ioannou and Georgia Diamantopoulos from the Procal Dairy team had carefully laid out their products and looked forward to sharing samples as courtesy movie snacks. “It’s a home-made recipe from the horio,” Mr Ioannou said.
“Great for people to enjoy while watching the movie,” Ms Diamantopoulos added.
Mother and daughter, Ioanna and Argyro, of Spartan background, dug into their gift bags, filled with surprises, samples and snacks, from Greek businesses, while Bendigo Bank – which has acquired the Festival’s long-time sponsor Delphi Bank – was the event’s Presenting Partner.
“We come every year,” Argyro said.
“My daughter is a nurse and also helps teachers at Panagia Soumela, but she scheduled some time off to watch this film,” Ioanna said.
She would have brought her young students too, but thought it was ‘akatallilo’ (unsuitable), while Maria Bakalidou, head of the Greek Orthodox Community Schools of Melbourne, would welcome students – especially those doing VCE Greek – to attend.
Many of the schools will be represented in the 10th Greek Student Film Festival. While more 13 feature films and three documentaries will be hosted at The Astor and Palace Cinema Como in Melbourne (13-30 October), Sydney at the Palace Cinema Como (13-23 October), Adelaide at Palace Nova (3-6 November), Brisbane at the Palace Barracks (17-20 November), and a venue to be announced in Canberra.
K2 Property Development Group has won five awards across multiple categories at the NSW Housing Industry Association (HIA) Awards night on Saturday, October 8 in the Grand Ballroom at ICC Sydney.
The Housing Awards showcase, highlight and reward the achievements of the HIA member builders and building professionals in the NSW housing industry.
Chainmail House.
The building and development company’s winning projects include the Chainmail House which won Home of the Year, the Custom-Built Home of the Year and Custom-Built Home over $2.5 million; as well as the Point Piper building that won Apartment of the Year and Apartment Complex up to 20 apartments.
Managing Director of K2 Property Development Group, Michael Koundouris, said: “The awards are validation of K2’s continued focus on delivering high quality projects with innovative and contemporary designs.”
“I’m immensely proud of the team for their hard work and commitment to these projects.”
Furthermore, K2 in conjunction with Architects MHND Union was awarded the ‘good design award’ for Architectural Design, which is a globally recognised seal for design excellence. It certifies the project has met international design criteria.
Point Piper apartment.
K2 have recently completed projects in Bondi, North Bondi, Waverley, Vaucluse, and Casey (Canberra).
The K2 Team are delivering 1A Hill Street, Dulwich Hill (71 Apartments) with Squillace Architects, and are excited to announce a soon-to-be released upcoming project in Five Dock.
