Oakleigh Grammar student Noah Peoples was presented with a prestigious Swannie Award at the Debating Awards night held at MLC in Kew on October 7.
Noah was also named as one of five finalists for the Victorian State title.
The ‘Swannie’ is awarded to the best speaker in each school year level in each region, based on the average speaker score on completion of at least three debates during the year. It is named after Alan Swanick – a long-time member of the Debaters Association of Victoria (DAV) and a pioneer of debating in Victoria.
Noah won the Swannie for Best Year 11 Speaker in the Glen Waverley region, which includes schools such as Huntingtower, Caulfield Grammar, Wesley, and others – the first for Oakleigh Grammar.
Oakleigh Grammar’s Noah Peoples accepts his Swannie Debating Award and is named one of Victoria’s Top 5!
“Debating has been a passion of mine for years as it allows me to not only express myself vocally, but also to express my ideas in a semi-professional but not too serious way,” Noah said after his win.
“Winning this award is an honour, as being recognised as one of the top debaters in the state has boosted my confidence and made me even more comfortable with public speaking.”
During the year, Noah won all but one debate in the Interschool Competition at Wesley College on a range of political, scientific and social topics, and was judged best speaker in each of those wins.
Noah Peoples displays his debating skills at a school competition.
Noah also won every debate he undertook in the Oakleigh Grammar Interhouse Debating Competition, and was judged best speaker in the grand final arguing successfully that “Australia should introduce mandatory national service.”
“We’ve worked hard to strengthen our students’ debating capabilities with the introduction of Interhouse debating and the dedicated effort of Teacher and Debating Coordinator Leigh Gridley,” Oakleigh Grammar Principal, Mark Robertson, said.
“We are very proud of Noah’s efforts and excited about his and his peers’ potential in 2023 and beyond.”
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has today announced that a re-elected Labor Government will commit $500,000 in funding to Northcote City FC for new facilities at John Cain Memorial Park.
The announcement was confirmed by Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous MP, on her Facebook page.
Ms Theophanous said the funding will go towards new female-friendly changing rooms and bathrooms at the park, “which are critical to encourage more women and girls in our suburbs to play the world game.”
“The inner north has a deep love of sport and backing our local clubs is something I’ll always do,” the Greek Australian politician continued.
“It’s an honour to support Northcote City with a commitment to much needed upgrades that will take their clubrooms to the next level.”
Northcote City has a strong Greek history, having been formed in 1960 by a group of Greek migrants new to Australia with a passion for sport and a need to form friendships in a new country.
The Club first secured its move to John Cain Memorial Park in 1980 and, besides football, it is also used for lawn bowls competitions and international cycling events.
As of Friday, October 14, mandatory isolation requirements for people diagnosed with COVID-19 will end across Australia. In Victoria, they ended overnight on Wednesday.
Federal government payments for most casual and contract workers who come down with COVID-19 are also ending.
By definition, casual workers don’t get sick pay.
The federal government has confirmed that now the only casuals in future who will get payments of between $750 to $450 to not go to work for a week while sick with COVID-19 are those in key healthcare settings.
COVID subsidies for casual workers are ending.
Victorian retail worker, Ioannis Tsiavos, told ABC News that the end of COVID subsidies puts “casual workers in a really tough spot.”
“It’s between doing what we know is morally right and what is good for the community and not spreading infectious disease or actually being able to live and to pay rent,” Ioannis added.
Following weeks of preparation, the Greek team tied 3 – 3 with Iraq on Sunday, October 16 in the second round of the annual football competition – the All Nations Cup.
The All Nations Cup has run since 1982, pitching representative teams that comprise of players representing the country of birth of their parents origin.
The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) decided to enter a Greek team in the competition as part of a broader outreach into the football community, with a view to bring together and represent the many players of Greek origin currently playing football in Victoria.
After the Greek team’s match against Afghanistan last Sunday, the President of the GCM, Bill Papastergiadis, said “it was a great experience.”
“We have so many talented players of Greek background playing for us. They are training under the watchful eye of NPL coaches George Katsakis (Heidelberg Utd FC) and Con Tangalakis (Kingston City FC),” Mr Papastergiadis added.
“The match was played in great spirit and the atmosphere at the ground was electric. The hosts (Knox) remarked to us that they were ecstatic of the involvement of the Greece team as it brought crowds and another dimension to the event.
“Win, lose or draw, the fact that we are bringing so many players and coaches together from so many top clubs is what really counts. And if we can bring them closer to the GCM, then that is a bonus.”
Sixteen teams take part in the competition and after facing Afghanistan and Iraq, the Greek team will next play against France on Sunday, October 23 at 1pm.
Mr Papastergiadis said the All Nations Cup “is a great way to unite communities and the involvement of the GCM in hosting a team reflects the broad outreach of the organisation.”
“All facets of our lives are intertwined. Sport is a major focus of our lives in Australia. The GCM needs to play a role in reaching all Victorians and football is a clear pathway for this,” Mr Papastergiadis added.
“So many young boys and girls play this sport. Hence, we can use our involvement in the All Nations Cup to reach so many different people that we never had a relationship with.”
GCM education conveyor, Nick Dallas, added that the community will continue to offer educational programs remotely for kids who play football and train three times a week and don’t have time to attend structured classes in the Greek language.
“The GCM has acquired experience in delivering Greek language courses to different types of student cohorts both online and face-to-face. Anecdotally, we know that many kids involved in sport are generally less likely to pursue language courses. We want to be a bridge in this conversation. Football is multilingual,” Mr Dallas said.
Mr Papastergiadis thanked Mr Dallas, Steve and Harry Tsalikidis, Michael Karamitos, Chris Pavlidis and Kon Kyranakis for their input and sponsorship of the GCM Greek Football Team. Jorge Menidis has also been instrumental in the team.
The GCM Vice President, Michael Karamitos, also expressed his appreciation to the coaching team and said “it’s so good to involve people and players with the GCM who previously were not linked to us. I am hopeful that we can leverage from this to build some of the connections referred to by Nick Dallas.”
The GCM also said it aims to reintroduce the Hellenic Cup in 2023 with further announcements to be made in the near future.
The 38-year-old mother of a 12-year-old girl who was raped and pimped by a man who is also in custody was arrested on Wednesday afternoon by Greek police.
The arrest came after evidence emerged during the ongoing rape investigation which linked the 38-year-old to the sexual abuse and exploitation of her daughter.
In the meantime, 53-year-old shopkeeper Elias Michos, and 42-year-old Giannis Sofianidis, were led to jail after testifying before an investigative magistrate.
The shopkeeper is also facing charges of human trafficking and illegal weapons possession.
According to the case file, he allegedly raped the girl several times between April and August and also arranged for 213 men, whom he met online, to sexually abuse her.
Sofianidis is believed to be one of the men whom Michos arranged to sexually abuse the girl.
Police revealed the men’s identities on Tuesday with the permission of a prosecutor to urge anyone with information on the case to come forward.
The European Commission’s annual enlargement report criticised Turkey on Wednesday over its continuous violation of Greek airspace and threats to the sovereignty of Greece and Cyprus.
The Commission also cautioned Ankara over its military exercises in the maritime zones of Cyprus, and the illegal obstruction of survey activities in the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by Turkish warships.
The EU has slammed Turkey for Greek airspace violations and threats in a new report.
“Despite international condemnation, Turkey continued with its plan to open the fenced-off area of Varosha. Tensions in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean were not conducive to good neighbourly relations and undermined regional stability and security,” it said.
The Commission report then called on Turkey to “respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all EU member states.”
This report comes as Greek Defence Minister, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, met with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels on Wednesday on the sidelines of a summit meeting of alliance defence ministers.
According to government sources, the Greek minister emphasised Greece’s contributions to the war in Ukraine and condemned all revisionism that destabilises Europe.
The 2022 Council Elections will be held across South Australia on October 14 through November 10. South Australia has 68 Local Government Areas (LGAs) or councils and the number of area councillors representing those councils varies.
There are at least 16 candidates of Greek heritage vying for a position on SA’s councils. Here are their names:
Council: Corporation of the City of Adelaide, North Ward
Councillor Nominee: Mary Couros – Independent
Mary Couros has served the City of Adelaide for the past 4 years.
“My focus in council has been delivering more for residents, while ensuring our main streets remain vibrant, with services and amenity to complement the unique character of North Adelaide…If elected, you will find me fighting to save our heritage, improving the maintenance of our Park Lands, supporting our main streets and local businesses, speaking out to improve elected member conduct and helping fix the day-to-day problems that can have such a big impact on you and your quality of life”.
Council: City of Charles Sturt, Findon Ward
Councillor Nominee: Peter Ppiros – Member of the Australian Labor Party (SA Branch)
A resident of Kidman Park, the current secretary of SA’s Greek Orthodox Community says he is worried about the increasing density of dwellings in Findon, Seaton, Kidman Park and Fulham Gardens.
“Families need space for walking, playing and gardening. The Torrens Linear Park is one of my highest priorities. If elected, I’ll order an audit of the City’s pavements to make sure they are safe for prams, gophers and pedestrians. Retailers should be made accountable for their abandoned shopping trollies.
“We should experiment with hidden CCTV at hoon-driving haunts and places where fly-tippers disfigure our neighbourhoods. I’ll save our weekly rubbish collection from proposals canvassed in the media to make it fortnightly and preserve our three-bin system. With cost-of-living pressures increasing, I’ll be a vote against rate increases.”
Council: City of Charles Sturt, Hindmarsh Ward
Councillor Nominee: Paul Alexandrides – Member of the Australian Labor Party (SA Branch)
As a councillor Paul says he has focussed on upgrading the area’s parks and gardens such as MJ McInerney Reserve at West Croydon/Kilkenny and Josiah Mitton Reserve at Brompton/Ridleyton.
“Our pavements need to be safe for pedestrians, gophers & prams, which has led to the upgrading of footpaths, ramps and street lighting in the ward, with much of the work in Renown Park & Ovingham.
“I’ve supported greening groups because Council should be part of addressing the climate emergency. I have lived in Brompton for 28 years with my wife Stella & we have two children. If re-elected, I will continue working with, and advocating for, the community to make our neighbourhood an even better and safer place to live.”
(L-R) Paul Alexandrides, Mary Couros and Peter Ppiros.
Council: City of Marion, Warracowie Ward
Councillor Nominee: Chris Metevelis – Independent
A former ABC Journalist and Media Adviser currently studying law at Flinders University, Chris says he’s seeking the community’s support to initiate changes that will benefit ratepayers.
“I will advocate for a 50% annual rate reduction for Marion Council ratepayers aged over 80 years and endorse improvements in efficiencies for all ratepayers. I also seek your support from your vote to ramp up graffiti removal on targeted ratepayers’ properties through a casual primary assistance program and to encourage participation in council decisions from people of Indigenous, culturally diverse and LGBTIQA+ backgrounds. I want to prioritise transparency for all council activities and for in-camera meetings to rarely occur.”
Council: City of Mitcham, Boorman Ward
Councillor Nominee: Adriana Christopoulos – Member of the Liberal Party of Australia (SA Division)
If re-elected Ms Christopoulos says she will advocate for lower council rates and unnecessary spending, especially as the cost of living is soaring and to that end I would support rate capping to protect the vulnerable and elderly in the community.
“I would like to see Council work within its means on infrastructure projects such as more footpaths, rather than increase the wages of the Executive and Consultants. I would also advocate for a solution to redirect large trucks off of Cross Roads, for the protection of our residents. I support Christmas Carols in the community and will look for more savings on larger projects such as the Blackwood Library Hub. Council needs to find more efficiencies in its budget.”
Council: City of Mount Gambier
Councillor Nominee: Steve Paleokastritis – Independent
A resident of almost ten years, Steve says he is passionate about Mount Gambier.
“I nominated because I hope to make a difference and bring a fresh perspective to local government. I am also keen to promote the continued growth of the city through its culture, economy and livability.
“If elected, I would do my very best to address the issue of red tape, advocate for improved public health services, explore diverse avenues to address housing affordability, work towards limiting rate rises during the current inflationary period, improve councils transparency and communication with residents and support developments that strengthen our community such as, local markets, community events provide a space for locals to trade cottage industry goods and other essential items, and explore the development of a local botanical garden to boost tourism.”
(L-R) Steve Paleokastritis, Adriana Christopoulos and Chris Metevelis.
Council: City of Onkaparinga, Thalassa Ward
Councillor Nominee: John Photakis – Australian Greens SA
A Disability Support worker John says he helps people others navigate their lives and participate in their communities.
“I’ve been involved in the Aberfoyle Community Garden for over 10 years, volunteered to help students at Aberfoyle Park High through Inspire Mentor Program. I’ve been Chair of the Onkaparinga Northern Community Forum for the past 4 years and I’ve volunteered in programs run at the Aberfoyle Community Centre. I coined the name Affordable Onkaparinga.
“I love helping our community stay informed about developments and projects that impact them and empowering them to speak their minds. I’m friendly and easily approachable for a chat over a coffee or tea. I pledge to be an advocate for my local community and the environment we share.”
Council: City of Onkaparinga, Thalassa Ward
Councillor Nominee: Marion Themeliotis – Member of the Liberal Party of Australia (SA Division)
A Councillor for the City of Onkaparinga Marion says she has worked with her community to address local issues.
“I bring experience, leadership, a strong work ethic and a commonsense approach to create change. I share your desire for accountability, responsible spending, thriving local businesses, support for sporting and community groups, improved services and trust in Council. We live in the best community, I ask for your support to make it even better.”
Council: City of Playford, Ward 1
Councillor Nominee: Peter Rentoulis – Independent
The current Deputy Mayor, member of the CEO Review Committee, former presiding chairperson of the strategy and services committee and a member of the Virginia Resident’s Action Group, Peter has fought to keep council rates down and was one of the community leaders that successfully lobbied to prevent rate rises of between 5.7% and 200% during the 2017 rate review.
“In the last 4 years, I have been a part of a council that has kept rates to below 2% on average and one that has reduced debt levels by over $30 Million. If re-elected, I will continue to advocate for core services that include better roads, inclusive footpath connections and responsible spending consistent with growth.”
(L-R) John Photakis, Marion Themeliotis and Peter Rentoulis.
Council: City of Port Adelaide Enfield – Northfield Ward
Councillor Nominee: Lazaras Panayiotou – Member of Australian Greens SA
A 23-year-old Oakden local Lazaras wishes to be the voice that brings his youth peers into that conversation in council.
“Everyone knows how difficult housing and the cost of living are to navigate nowadays. Our council should play a larger role in addressing these issues locally alongside serving an advocacy role with our state and federal governments that strives to best represent our neighbourhood’s interests.”
A proud local, mum and teacher Sally loves the sense of community in Prospect.
“Over the coming months I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can and listening to what’s important to you. Together, we can address council rates, responsible spending, green streets, parking and traffic control. We are fortunate to live in such a wonderful community – but we need renewal and diversity on council to see our city flourish.”
Council: City of Unley, Parkside Ward
Councillor Nominee: Kay Anastassiadis – Independent
A long-time Parkside resident with a background in Nursing and the state public health sector, Kays says she is committed to community service.
“I previously chaired the Parkside Primary School governing council, was on the Village Green redesign group and I chair the Open Space Contemporary Arts (OSCA) board. As Parkside Councillor, I’ve served on the Audit and Strategic Property Committees and the Economic Development Strategy Working Group. I’ve engaged with residents to address local issues such as the Glen Osmond/Fullarton intersection upgrade, tree canopy, safety on our roads, the McLeay Park shelter and others.
“If re-elected, I am committed to ensuring responsible rates and budgets; improving green spaces, community facilities and active transport; better waste management and recycling; a community climate change mitigation strategy; heritage protection and enhancing Unley’s amenity, creativity and diversity. I seek your vote to continue working for our community.”
(L-R) Sally Frossinakis, Lazaras Panayiotou and Kay Anastassiadis.
Council: City of Unley, Unley Ward
Councillor Nominee: Stephen Finos – Independent
As an Unley resident and business owner, Stephen lives and works in Unley and shares the local community’s aspirations. He has served on the Unley Road Association for over 26 years representing businesses and community interests
“For me, fiscal responsibility, local traffic parking management and local environmental action are important to me and I know are to you. As your ward councillor I will ensure Unley rate payers receive strong representation, keep rate rises to a minimum and always strive to improve services. Supporting an open transparent accountability on council will help achieve these goals.
“I support Unley City Councils Climate and Energy Plan,Walking and Cycling Plan, the rejuvenation and upgrade of Unley Road to name a few. I will be a truly independent councillor who will aim to put forward views and concerns of the Unley Community in a fair and strong manner.”
Council: City of West Torrens, Keswick Ward
Councillor Nominee: Elisabeth Papanikolaou – Independent
A Keswick Ward Councillor for the last 4 years, Elisabeth has served on 4 council committees and says she has worked tirelessly to address the environmental and climate change issues, local character preservation and local traffic management.
“A resident in the City of West Torrens for 56 years, married 32 years with 3 adult children, my 38 years’ work experience in many sectors has provided me with insight, acumen and competency to represent the needs of the community. I have an enthusiastic vision for the future of the City of West Torrens.
“If re-elected, I will remain dedicated, ensuring council resources are used equitably to benefit all. I will continue to be your local voice to advocate for the residents and local businesses to meet their evolving views, ideas and requests and ensure Keswick Ward is the finest place to live, work and enjoy life.”
(L-R) Stephen Finos, Elisabeth Papanikolaou, Zoi Papafilopoulos and George Vlahos.
Council: City of West Torrens, Hilton Ward
Councillor Nominee: George Vlahos – Independent
Currently the Hilton Ward Councillor and Deputy Mayor, George says he has had the privilege to represent his local community over the years, allowing him to gain valuable knowledge and a good understanding of the diverse needs of the Hilton Ward and the West Torrens community.
“Cowandilla born and bred, I continue to live here with my wife and two children. We actively support local businesses and sporting organisations with pride. I engage with local residents, sports and community groups as well as businesses to hear their concerns, suggestions and ideas to make the Hilton Ward and the West Torrens community a thriving and dynamic place to live and work.
“I seek your vote to continue to be a strong consistent voice on Council, to represent the local area, to continue supporting sustainable and sound environmental initiatives, to support upgrades to our local parks, ensure sustainable housing developments and other community concerns whilst being mindful of the impact spending has on council rates.”
Council: City of West Torrens, Thebarton Ward
Councillor Nominee: Zoi Papafilopoulos – Australian Labor Party (South Australian Branch)
A local who has lived in Torrensville her entire life, Zoe works locally for the Hon Tom Koutsantonis MP, and has served on a number of committees including Thebarton Senior College Governing Council and the Panarcadian Association.
“I am a Greek School teacher at St George, accredited through the Community Language Schools. As a local, I am acutely aware of the issues which affect our community, and want to be a part of making decisions that benefit our community. My priorities are protecting as much green space as possible for residents, discouraging inappropriate high-rise developments in our neighbourhood and enhancing security through safety-oriented design (including improved street lighting).
“I am passionate about improving mobility and access across our neighbourhood for children, the elderly and the disabled. I want to improve our environmental performance as a council and community. I pledge to keep in contact with you and the community regularly, not just at election time.”
*NOTE: The above candidates were identified by surname. If you believe you should be on this list, please email us at info@foreignlanguage.com.au.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has found former assistant tax commissioner Nick Petroulias engaged in corrupt conduct by masterminding bogus property deals to sell off more than $12 million worth of Aboriginal land near Newcastle.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the corruption watchdog found Petroulias stole the identity of a dead person to conceal his involvement in the transactions.
The ICAC also made corruption findings against two directors of the Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council, Debbie Dates and Richard Green, and Petroulias’ long time partner, Despina Bakis.
The ICAC recommended the Director of Public Prosecutions should consider charging Petroulias and Bakis with fraud, aiding and abetting misconduct in public office and conspiracy to defraud.
It also recommended potential charges against Petroulias for corruptly receiving commissions and Bakis with aiding and abetting the receiving of those commissions.
The ICAC first announced the public inquiry in March 2018, six months after a special investigation by the Newcastle Heraldshone a spotlight on the intricate web of property dealings.
20 years ago today, Maria Kotronakis was faced with the unimaginable reality that she would be returning home from her Bali holiday without her two sisters and two cousins by her side.
Maria’s twin Dimmy, 27, older sister Elizabeth, 33, and cousins Luiza Zervos, 33, and Christina Betmalik, 27, were part of the 202 victims killed when terrorists detonated bombs at Kuta Beach’s Sari Club and Paddy’s Bar at about 11pm on October 12, 2002.
Her sisters and cousins had joined her for her honeymoon on the Indonesian island some four days before the terror attacks and they were set to go to the Kuta Beach club together that night, however, Maria stayed in her room sick with a migraine.
Maria, second left, with Christine Betmalik, sister Elizabeth and Louiza Zervos, who died in the 2002 Bali bombings.
In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, the now 47-year-old credits that migraine as being “the one thing that saved my life.”
Pointing to her adolescent years, the Sydneysider said that she and the girls loved clubbing and recounted how older sister Elizabeth would sneak them in as underage students.
“My parents knew about it — they didn’t have a problem because we were with our older sister and all her friends and we would be dancing the night, every Friday, Saturday night,” she said.
“We loved pretty much a lot of different types of music. We loved dancing. We grew up in the Greek community and we did Greek dancing so whenever we’d go anywhere and there was Greek music we would always be dancing together.’’
Maria Kotronakis on her wedding day with Dimmy Kotronakis, Elizabeth (far right) and their parents. Photo: The Daily Telegraph
The tight-knit family would often travel together and so Maria’s honeymoon was no exception, she said.
The Sunday morning after the terror attacks at about 6am, Maria’s mother called after learning about the bombings from Sydney. Initially, Maria was not anxious, knowing her sisters usually come home late after a night out.
By Monday, she realised her family members were part of the 88 Australians murdered at the hands of the Islamic terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah.
“Shock, disbelief, crying, couldn’t believe it, wouldn’t believe it, wouldn’t accept it, crying, crying, crying, making myself sick,’’ she said.
“I’ve gotten older, that’s all … My emotions stayed back 20 years ago.
“You’ll see people get married, people have kids, people move on, people do whatever. I’m still stuck in 2002.”
Maria Kotronakis at a Bali victims commemoration ceremony in 2014. Photo: Craig Wilson
Maria attended today’s ceremony for the bombing victims at the Bali Memorial in Coogee, which is the only memorial in NSW bearing her sisters’ names.
The ceremony was attended by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and family members who lost loved ones in the tragedy.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet lay flowers during the 20th Anniversary of the Bali Bombings at Coogee Beach. Photo: James Alcock
Aristidis Tsoulakos has been appointed to the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s (VMC) new Multicultural Youth Network at an event October 6.
The event was hosted by the VMC’s Youth Commissioner Luna Folly and Community Representative Commissioner Abi Akinbiyi, and in attendance were the Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs the Hon. Ros Spence, VMC Chairperson Viv Nguyen, Deputy Chairperson Bwe Thay, Commissioners, parents and stakeholders.
Aristidis is among 20 people aged between 16 and 25 who were selected to represent their region of Victoria and formally advise the VMC on issues and challenges impacting young multicultural Victorians.
All of the successful youth have multicultural backgrounds, with some having lived-experience as a refugee or person seeking asylum.
Aristidis was appointed as the representative for the Eastern Metropolitan region of Victoria, which include the councils of Boroondara, Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse and Yarra Rangers.
His experience includes working with the Monash Youth Council and broader Greek community of Melbourne.
Aristidis told The Greek Herald he “feels honoured to have been selected amongst the many other young culturally diverse individuals.”
“I am looking forward to working closely with the multicultural commission and Ministers office to identify opportunities to improve outcomes for community members,” Aristidis added.
This appointment comes as Aristidis also won in the Youth Leadership category of the Sir John Monash Awards last week for his work with the Monash Youth Council and voluntary work with many local community groups.
