After a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the popular Odyssey Festival has returned to South Australia with its familiar glamour.
The 15th edition of the festival officially opened last Friday, September 30, with the historic Olympic Hall in Adelaide shining once more with the colours and sounds of Greek culture.
Member of the SA Legislative Council, Irene Pnevmatikos, spoke at the event on behalf of the state Premier, Peter Malinauskas, and referred to the festival’s theme – the bicentenary of the Greek Revolution – by paying tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for freedom and prosperity.
“It is no exaggeration to say that Greek culture today is alive here in South Australia as a result of this heroic struggle,” Ms Pnevmatikos said.
The Greek Orthodox Community of SA (GOCSA), who organised the event, was praised for its 90-year presence and unstoppable activity in the state by both the Federal Member for Adelaide, Steve Georganas MP, and Chair of the SA Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission, Adriana Christopoulos, who attended the event.
The event was also attended by Member for Badcoe, Jayne Stinson; Mayor of the City of Charles Sturt, Angela Evans; Mayor of the City of West Torrens, Michael Coxon; and Board member and Treasurer of Community Language Schools SA, Manoher Soroush.
The Vice President of GOCSA, Panagiotis Gardiakos, spoke about how cultural events such as the Odyssey festival strengthen the Greek diaspora and their connection to their heritage.
He also asked the attendees to observe a minute of silence to honour the former President of GOCSA, the late Bill Gonis.
Alongside the formalities, the evening was filled with traditional songs and dances, with the Meraki orchestra filling the Olympic Hall with nostalgia and the Community Dance Academy enchanting the crowd.
During the event, the presentation of the Odyssey Art Awards also took place, with prizes for first, second and third place being handed out.
The works were evaluated by three art judges, Russell Leonard, Jane Blacket and Joe Felber.
The Odyssey Festival will be running until Sunday, October 30, 2022. For more information visit gocsa.org.au.
President of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Andrew Liveris, has used his maiden speech to announce the Organising Committee’s first major contract is now on the market to deliver the Brisbane 2032 brand.
The lucrative contract is expected to be highly sought after by brand design agencies across the country with the Brisbane 2032 brand expected to draw global recognition.
Mr Liveris said the Organising Committee will use the brand to entice people to South East Queensland long before the torch is lit and to stay well after the flame goes out.
“We want to deliver a compelling brand that reminds the world why they should come to Brisbane, stay and do business in Australia, and enjoy the Olympic and Paralympic Games along the way,” he said.
“South East Queensland’s superpower is our lifestyle, our ingenuity, our innovation, our entrepreneurship and our hospitality.
“To help us communicate our unique blend to the world in an increasingly crowded and noisy market, we will unite this message under the Brisbane 2032 brand.”
Mr Liveris said people across the community would be given an opportunity to participate in the brand design process, with community consultation, market research and market testing forming key elements of the brand development process.
“We want the Brisbane 2032 brand to reflect who we are as a region, state and nation. To do that, we need to hear from our community, industry, First Nations peoples, Paralympians, Olympians and beyond,” he said.
President of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Andrew Liveris, has announced the Organising Committee’s first major contract is now on the market to deliver the #Brisbane2032 brand.
“We will be coming to members right across our community in various ways throughout this process to get your ideas, and the winning agency will encapsulate this aspiration into the design of the brand.”
Some of the deliverables required within the contract will include the Brisbane 2032 Brand Strategy, market research on brand values and aspirations, design of branded materials like signage and videography, and most importantly, the official Olympic and Paralympic Emblems.
“During the bid process, the International Olympic and Paralympic Committees granted permission for the use of the Brisbane 2032 Transition Emblem, which is what the Organising Committee currently uses,” Mr Liveris said.
“This Transition Emblem was designed for basic branding requirements through the candidature process, but it is not practical for long term use. We need Olympic and Paralympic Emblems that can be used across all our digital and physical materials and channels, as well as the venues and field of play in 10 years’ time.
“The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Emblems are the first step in delivering all the elements required to establish the brand, with many subsequent brand assets to be unveiled over the coming decade, including the mascot, licensing product, sport pictograms and more.”
Mr Liveris said the Brisbane 2032 brand will also need to do heavy commercial lifting to support the requirements for the Organising Committee to deliver its operations on a cost-neutral basis.
“We want to build a compelling brand that will attract a premium for merchandise, broadcasting, sponsorship and drive ticket sales,” he said.
“A clearly defined brand that articulates our unique selling point as a games and a region will be critical to separate ourselves from other mega sporting events in the market. We cannot expect to rely on the value of the Olympic Rings and Paralympic Agitos alone.”
The Invitation to Offer goes live today via the Queensland Government’s QTenders website and agencies will have until 5.00pm (AEST) 19 October to submit their bids.
Mr Liveris said the agencies should bring their best, brightest and boldest bids to the table.
“We want to see the creativity of our nation’s brand agencies come to life in these bids, and we also want to see the agencies are Brisbane 2032 ready,” he said.
“We’re asking businesses to demonstrate their sustainability credentials, supply chain transparency, First Nations peoples engagement, and if they have operations based locally to Brisbane, Queensland and Australia. People have high expectations of our games and we too have high expectations of the businesses that will become part of the Brisbane 2032 story.”
Delivery and ownership of the games brand is one of the key responsibilities of the Organising Committee, along with other operational responsibilities including: raising revenue through sponsorship, philanthropy, ticketing and Brisbane 2032 licensing product, delivery the sport schedule, managing the temporary overlay and operation of the venues, security, recruiting the Brisbane 2032 volunteers and the other elements that bring together the event itself.
“In addition to our own operational responsibilities, the Organising Committee is responsible for organising the games, as the name suggests,” Mr Liveris said.
As the owners of the Brisbane 2032 brand, we will coordinate and track the progress of all Games Delivery Partners and contributors to ensure that together, we deliver one of the most important events in the history of Queensland and Australia.”
Games Delivery Partners including the Australian and Queensland Governments, councils, Paralympics Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee all have a significant role in delivering the venues, Games villages, and supporting infrastructure in coordination with the Organising Committee to ensure South East Queensland is ready to host the Games.
To view the Invitation to Offer visit qtenders.epw.qld.gov.au
Hospitality and filotimo are words that encompass the experience of many whilst in Greece.
Making his second journey to the motherland this year was Leandros (Lee) Papastergiadis who trained for two weeks in the AEK Football Academy under the watchful eye of the head training director, Mr Kiriakidis and two team coaches, Fotis and Thodoris Tripotseris.
“It was Lee’s second journey this year to the AEK Football Academy,” Lee’s father and President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis, said.
Lee took part in a fully funded program organised by AEK owner, Dimitris Melissanidis, which involves over 20 football coaches overseeing approximately 100 players.
The players train in a purpose-built training facility that arguably matches those of well-known European Football Clubs.
“What drew us back again more so than the football training, was the care and attention which the coaches exhibit to the young players. It’s an environment where the young players are made to feel welcomed, supported and part of a broader family,” Bill said.
“This sense of family at the Football Academy is encouraging to watch as it is equally translated in terms of the respect the players hold for their coaches and one another. Video analyses, ice baths, strength and conditioning are just a small part of each session.”
The philosophy at this Academy follows closely the Hellenic philosophy of hospitality, with their motto being: ‘Only when playing as a team can you win’.
Each member of the team is encouraged and supported with respect and compassion, Bill said.
“When I met Mr Meliissanidis I thanked him for his significant interest in nurturing and developing the careers of young people, to which he responded: ‘I don’t want to stop at the Football Academy’.”
The AEK owner continued: “My next step is to build accommodation for kids and their parents, who cannot travel daily to the Club. I want to have a library for them. Education is critical.”
Lee and Bill Papastergiadis with AEK Owner, Dimitris Melissanidis.
Mr Meliissanidis also spoke with pride about the new stadium and the events marking its opening.
For him, it represents the journey of refugees from Asia Minor who created a new life for themselves in Greece.
AEK to him is a symbol of refugees who have progressed with their lives despite the trauma experienced.
The stadium now offers a new home to the Club along with two museums for the Club.
Pontian dancers performing at the official opening of AEK Athens Stadium last week. Photo: AEK FC Facebook
“I told Mr Meliissanidis about the migrant experience in Australia and how football was a key part of the socialisation of Greek migrants in the new country,” Bill said.
“I referred him in detail to South Melbourne Hellas and Heidelberg United, both former NSL clubs as well as the other almost 50 clubs of Greek background in Victoria.
“I told him the migrant experience was a journey fraught with difficulty and it was amazing how those people before us created these wonderful clubs that have produced not only great footballers but also gave them a social connection.”
In the course of Lee’s two-week journey at AEK, he also played in a match against the Senior Women’s Team, which he described as a wonderful experience.
“Mr Meliissanidis was proud of how AEK was transforming itself. The Club to him meant everything,” Bill said.
Bill and Lee took photos with the AEK owner and presented him with a plaque on behalf of SMFC and a SMFC Jersey.
Archbishop Makarios of Australia met with the Consul of Greece in Perth, Georgia Karasiotou, and visited the Hellenic Community Aged Care facility on Monday.
During his visit to the Consulate of Greece in Perth, Archbishop Makarios, joinedby Their Graces Bishop Elpidios of Kyaneon and Bishop Emilianos of Meloa, was welcomed by Ms Karasiotou.
The pair had a constructive discussion, in an atmosphere of cordiality, on issues of common interest, primarily concerning the needs of the Greek diaspora in Western Australia.
The Archbishop and the Consul of Greece also exchanged commemorative gifts at the end of their meeting.
Next on Archbishop Makarios’ itinerary was a visit to the Hellenic Community Aged Care facility in Perth.
During the visit, the Archbishop received a warm welcome from the President of the Hellenic Community of WA, Paul Afkos, as well as from executives and members of the staff of the nursing home.
This was followed by a tour of the premises, during which he had the opportunity to meet some of the residents.
The European Commission has approved an €800 million Greek program to support non-household electricity consumers in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
In announcing the approval on Monday, the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President in charge of competition policy, Margrethe Vestager, said: “Russia’s unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine continues to negatively affect the EU and the Greek economy.”
The EU and Greek flags near the Acropolis in Athens. Photo: Petr David Josek/AP.
“The €800 million scheme approved today will enable Greece to support affected sectors and companies, in particular the smaller ones, by ensuring that sufficient liquidity remains available to them.
“We continue to stand with Ukraine and its people. At the same time, we continue working closely with Member States to ensure that national support measures can be put in place in a timely, coordinated and effective way, while protecting the level playing field in the Single Market.”
Under the scheme, eligible beneficiaries will be entitled to receive aid in the form of direct grants. The monthly subsidy amount per company will be set according to the electricity wholesale market price.
Greece’s Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, met with a cross-party delegation of the United States House of Representatives at Maximos Palace in Athens earlier this morning.
The delegation was led by the US Chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs, Adam Smith, in the presence of the Ambassador to Greece, George Tsunis.
During the meeting, Mitsotakis informed his interlocutors about “the extreme and escalating aggressive rhetoric of the Turkish side, as well as the questioning of Greek sovereignty, which is unacceptable,” the Prime Minister’s office said in a statement.
“He also emphasised that our country is not going to accept a violation of its sovereignty or sovereign rights,” the statement continued.
Με χαρά υποδέχθηκα τη διακομματική αντιπροσωπεία της Βουλής των Αντιπροσώπων των ΗΠΑ, με επικεφαλής τον Πρόεδρο της Επιτροπής Στρατιωτικών Υποθέσεων Adam Smith. Οι ελληνοαμερικανικές σχέσεις βρίσκονται σε εξαιρετικό επίπεδο σε όλους τους τομείς. https://t.co/mwyZb00ISRpic.twitter.com/blWkWXXVcq
The Prime Minister reiterated that Greece is firmly in favour of understanding and dialogue based on International Law and the Law of the Sea.
Pointing to Greek-American relations more generally, Mitsotakis described them as “excellent,” highlighting the progress made in terms of military cooperation between the two countries, based on the second Amendment Protocol to the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA).
He also emphasised the role of Greece as a pillar of stability, peace and security in the wider region.
In addition to being a gateway for the influx of energy into Europe, Mitsotakis said that Greece is also becoming a data management and storage hub with investments by companies such as Amazon, Microsoft and Google.
Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis pictured with General Manager of Google Southeast Europe, Peggy Antonakou (L) and President of Google Cloud International Adaire Fox-Martin (R) on September 29, 2022.
The meeting has been seemingly met with disapproval by Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who, according to reports by Ekathimerini, said: “The Prime Minister of Greece asks for help from the United States. He is asking for help against who? Against Turkey,”
“Whatever you do, we will always do what we must, and we are ready to do it. Turkey is a country that stands out for its economy, its defence, its military capabilities, as well as its position on humanitarian crises,” Erdogan added.
The Australian players and official members of Greece’s Rugby League World Cup Squad departed Sydney for Athens on Monday. They will then jet off to England, where they will take on France later this month.
Speaking with The Greek Herald prior to their departure, the squad’s head coach, Steve Georgallis, said he was feeling relieved and thrilled to see the team make their tournament debut as they head to the rescheduled 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England.
“Last year we thought we were going and then Covid hit so I can’t believe the day has come where we’re actually leaving to go overseas,” he said.
“We’re really excited and we can’t wait to play.”
Steve Georgallis (left) and Terry Liberopoulos (right) after the Greek national Rugby League team qualified for the World Cup.
This will be Greece’s first-ever World Cup after they qualified in November 2019 when they beat Serbia 82-6.
“I’m so proud of the team and proud that Greece is playing in a World Cup for rugby league,” team manager, Terry Liberopoulos, told The Greek Herald.
“Out of our 24-man squad, we’ve got 16 heritage players who are mostly Australian and eight players from Greece who we’re so proud to have.”
Pointing to the eight domestic players, Liberopoulos said: “These guys are one day running around playing for their local teams and the next they’re taking on England. That is a massive, massive achievement.”
Terry Liberopoulos and Peter Mamouzelos.
Greece’s World Cup Squad, announced last month, will be captained by Australian-born, Jordan Meads, who will be joined by four players holding NRL experience, namely: South Sydney Rabbitohs half-back Lachlan Ilias, hooker Peter Mamouzelos, Canterbury Bulldogs prop Billy Tsikrikas and former Cronulla Sharks forward Billy Magoulias.
Ilias and Mamouzelos will play alongside fellow reserve grade Rabbits players, Chaise Robinson and Nick Mougios.
The squad also includes: Terry Constantinou (Sunbury Tigers), Nick Flocas (Ipswich Jets), John Mitsias (Wests Magpies), Mitchell Zampetides (Wests Magpies), Jake Kambos (Wests Magpies), Sebastian Sell (Mittagong Lions), Robert Tuliatu (London Broncos), Liam Sue-Tin, Myles Gal, Theodoros Nianiakas (Woolston Rovers), Aris Dardamanis (Aris Eagles), Greg Koutsimporgiorgos (Aris Eagles), Ioannis Rousoglou (Aris Eagles), Nikolaos Bosmos (Rhodes Knights), Kosta Katsidonis (Rhodes Knights), Stefanos Bastas (Coventry Bears) and Ioannis Nake (Attica Rhinos).
Rising Rabbitohs half-back, Lachlan Ilias, discussed his involvement with the team with The Greek Herald and explained how his first time pulling on the blue and white jersey will be a fitting tribute to his pappou who recently passed away.
“My yiayia and pappou were both born in Greece, and I actually lost my grandfather a couple of months ago. So that really motivated me to play for Greece,” the 22-year-old said.
The Greek team is set to face off against France on Tuesday, October 18 before taking on rugby league powerhouses Samoa (October 24) and host-country England (October 30).
“They’re calling it the group of death,” head-coach Georgallis laughed.
“We’re looking to give it our best. It’s a tough group but we’ve got the fighting spirit and when push comes to shove, we’ll fight with everything.”
“It’s the hardest group,” Liberopoulos added. “But just to be there, we’ve already won.”
As to which game he is most excited about, the team manager said England.
“That’s going to be 30,000 people at Bramall Lane in Sheffield. Just to see our boys walking out there, singing the national anthem, that’s alone is a huge victory for us and Greece,” Liberopoulos concluded.
From sequined dresses to 70s-style wigs, the Kytherian Association of Australia’s (KAA) Mamma Mia: ABBA’s Back taverna night on Saturday, October 1 went off with a bang.
Held at the Mytilenian House in the Sydney suburb of Canterbury, over 200 Super Troopers and Dancing Queens took to the dance floor and grooved along to iconic songs by Swedish supergroup, ABBA.
All photos copyright: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
A live ABBA band, ABBASBACK, performed on the night and drew loud applause from everyone in attendance.
When people weren’t dancing or enjoying the live music, they were treated to a Greek taverna dinner, music by DJ Darcy, a Santorini photo wall, as well as ABBA prizes and giveaways.
On the night, emcee, Christine Gazepis Stavropoulos, also introduced a number of people to the stage for small speeches. This included the President of the KAA, Barbara Zantiotis; the President of the KAA’s Centenary Committee, Andrew Malanos; Centenary Committee member, Sophia Poulos; and Secretary of the Board of the KAA, Dennis Cordato.
All three spoke proudly of the event and congratulated Centenary Committee member, Patricia Samios, for putting together such a successful night.
The Greek Herald spoke with Ms Samios on the night and she said she was “really proud” of organising the taverna night with a Mamma Mia twist.
“It’s the most amazing thing to see all of our communities come together. There’s Kytherians here, Mytilenians, Pontians, Spartans and all we want is to be together and enjoy our heritage and I’m so proud of that,” Ms Samios said.
“I think we should do more of this. We all need to do these sorts of functions so that our children can learn about their heritage and be proud of where they’ve come from.”
Attendee, Christina Wellham, who was from the island of Imvros, couldn’t agree more with Ms Samios.
“I’m really enjoying the night. I’m a huge ABBA fan. There’s a lot of imitation ABBA bands that circulate, but this one was really nice and close to home!” Christina concluded with a smile.
A glowing response for a great event with a unique twist.
Parish priest at the Holy Monastery of Panagia Kamariani in Red Hill, Victoria, Father Eleftherios (Papa Lefteris), has announced his resignation from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
Papa Lefteris made the announcement in front of a large crowd after the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 2.
In a Facebook video, the faithful in attendance could be heard expressing their anger as Papa Lefteris confirmed Sunday would be his last day as parish priest at the monastery following a recent disagreement with the Archdiocese and Archbishop Makarios.
After the Divine Liturgy, Papa Lefteris was also captured in a video saying his final goodbyes to the church he has called home for years, and wished the incoming parish priest well.
“It is my last night here. From tomorrow a new priest arrives and I hope he is… able to work with the youth here, who I love and continue to live for,” Papa Lefteris said.
The priest’s announcement was met with disappointment by some in Melbourne’s Greek community.
Papa Lefteris has resigned.
“Red Hill will never ever be the same. His legacy will live on for forever,” one faithful wrote on social media.
“An absolute legend… Words can’t describe how much this has impacted our lives,” another Facebook user wrote.
Papa Lefteris’ resignation comes after the Archdiocese issued a statement last month expressing its disapproval of the priest for his “belligerent rhetoric” towards the church and Archbishop Makarios.
“The announcement of his resignation from duties, as much as it saddens us that a member is removed from the Body of the Church, nevertheless, we consider it to be the most appropriate solution for the sake of peace and for maintaining the spirit of unity…” the statement reads.
“Since in this struggle, no one is spared and no one is excluded, we declare that we will not stop praying for Fr Eleftherios, beseeching God to enlighten him and for his steps to be directed to return to the canonical Orthodox Church, in a spirit of love, unity, and mutual respect.”
Tennis star, Nick Kyrgios, will seek to have his assault charge dismissed on mental health grounds, The Guardian has reported.
Kyrgios’ lawyer, Michael Kukulies-Smith, appeared in the Australian Capital Territory magistrates court on Tuesday and asked for an adjournment so forensic mental health reports could be prepared.
Mr Kukulies-Smith said his client’s mental health issues were well known and the court granted the request.
