George Georgiadis and long-time friends, Tim Boast and Sean Baxter, left established careers in 2017 to launch Never Never Distilling Co. in the South Australian wine region of McLaren Vale.
In an interview with The CEO Magazine, Georgiadis said his decision to leave an executive job with Macquarie Bank in Sydney and launch Never Never in SA was a good one.
“Certainly from a business perspective the spirits market was really starting to take off back then,” Georgiadis said in the interview.
“When we started doing the preparation there were maybe 10 or so gin brands in Australia.”
George Georgiadis (left) and long-time friends, Tim Boast and Sean Baxter. Photo: The CEO Magazine.
Never Never now has more than 40-odd staff split between manufacturing, hospitality and exports, and the business has become a formidable name in Australia’s spirits market.
Founded on the mantra of creating gins that are bursting with flavour and designed to enhance classic serves, the distillery’s Triple Juniper Export Strength was named the World’s Best London Dry Gin this year.
“More flavour makes better gin and better gin makes better drinks, so that’s our mantra and around that we’ve always tried to push the boundaries of innovation,” Georgiadis, who was recognised in the SA 40 Under 40 list 2021, said.
Gin by Never Never. Photo: Meaghan Coles.
Now, Georgiadis, Boast and Baxter hope to further expand their rapporteur with the recent launch of a beeswax and olive gin in collaboration with Sydney’s Maybe Sammy bar.
According to The Advertiser,Never Never is also set to host its first event over the July 22 weekend – Oyster Palooza – in a bid to collect local oyster shells for its next batch of hugely popular oyster shell gin.
John Vellis and Peter V’landys have been named among the top 30 most powerful people in the New South Wales racing industry by The Daily Telegraph.
Who are they and how have they become so successful? The Greek Herald finds out.
Peter V’landys:
Racing NSW chief executive, Peter V’landys, was listed as the most powerful person in the state’s racing industry.
Peter V’landys.
Under his leadership, NSW racing was given a $235 million rescue package during the 2007 equine influenza outbreak, secured the race fields legislation case in the High Court in 2008, and then in 2015 he negotiated with the NSW state government to achieve wagering taxation parity with Victoria.
The Greek Australian has also targeted a younger generation of racegoers by introducing new races including the world’s richest race on turf, the $15 million The TAB Everest in 2017.
V’landys is also the Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission.
He ripped millions out of the bottom line in the NRL’s head office, kept the game afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic and helped the NRL become the first major sporting code to return to play. He also introduced a raft of rule changes.
John Vellis:
John Vellis is a major player at Tabcorp and Sky.
TAB executive, John Vellis, came in at 12th place on The Daily Telegraph‘s most powerful figures list.
Vellis is armed with more than two decades of media and marketing experience and uses those skills in high profile roles at Tabcorp and Sky Thoroughbred Central.
Vellis has held a senior executive position for a number of years at Tabcorp before his role was expanded to include a managerial role at Sky Thoroughbred Central, the racing channel dedicated to showcasing NSW racing.
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) July 20, 2022
The 27-year-old made his debut for Greece in the 2014 FIBA World Cup, and this was followed by the EuroBasket 2015 competition, the 2016 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, and the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
Overall, he has averaged 11.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 14.5 PIR over 22 games on the international stage.
Greece will play in EuroBasket’s Group C, where they will face Estonia, Ukraine, Great Britain, Italy, and Croatia.
Greek Australian students have been recognised at the annual Premier’s Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Awards during a presentation ceremony on Wednesday, July 20 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The awards recognise students in Victoria who have demonstrated hard work and outstanding academic results during the 2021 VCE.
Olivia Voulgaris from Our Lady of Mercy College and Peter Frangos from Melbourne Grammar School were named ‘Top All-Round VCE High Achievers’ for 2021.
Two students from the Greek Community of Melbourne’s Language and Culture Schools, Varvara Kapetanea and Chrysoula Lampropoulou, were also recognised for their outstanding results in Greek during the 2021 school year.
Elsewhere, Jake Agelopoulos from Xavier College and Natalie Hrysikos from Caufield Grammar School were both awarded for their results in Further Mathematics.
Zara Boubouras from Presbyterian Ladies’ College was recognised for History Revolutions, whilst Ariana Argyrou from Methodist Ladies’ College received her award for her achievements in Hospitality (VCE VET).
Christopher Rozakeas from Mount Waverley Secondary College was awarded for his success in Music Performance and Philosophy, and Amelia Lemanis from Camberwell Anglican Girls Grammar School was recognised for her results in Theatre Studies.
These Greek Australians were among 298 students across 90 subjects who were recognised with awards on Wednesday for their extraordinary achievements.
The award ceremony also paid tribute to the principals, teachers, and families who play a fundamental role in providing ongoing support to the students during their VCE studies.
* Please note the above list includes the names of those who are recognised as Greek. If you know someone else, please email us at greek@foreignlanguage.com.au.
A wildfire that raged near the Greek city of Megara, some 40km west of Athens, “looked better,” the Greek Fire Service said on Wednesday night.
One fire front remained on the island of Salamina, a 15 minute ferry trip from the capital.
In Megara, the fire seems to have been restricted to the western part of the area of Zachouli, while a second, smaller fire front is active near the area of Pefkenea.
A firefighting aircraft drops water over a wildfire near Megara town, west of Athens, Greece, Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Photo: AP Photo / Petros Giannakouris.
In Salamina, firefighters managed to contain the blazes in Anemomyli and Samari and were now focusing on the front on Patris hill.
Fire authorities have already ordered the evacuation of at least four settlements in both regions.
Meanwhile, a large wildfire in Mount Parnitha, north of Athens, that forced hundreds of people to flee and damaged property has been brought under control.
The wildfire broke out on Tuesday and, fanned by gale-force winds, spread quickly to nearby urban districts – including Penteli and Anthousa – with a total population of about 90,000.
Authorities have been investigating the cause of the fire.
Speaking outside of the Crises Management Coordination Centre of the Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection in Athens, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis praised fire authorities for their “quick and timely” response to the Penteli wildfire.
“I believe that all authorities did their best with a very quick and timely presence, with a great mobilisation of the state apparatus and above all, with a much better coordination compared to what we had seen in the past. We will proceed with this sense of logic from now on,” Mitsotakis said.
Θέλω να διαβεβαιώσω όλους τους συμπολίτες μας, οι οποίοι έχουν πληγεί, ότι η πολιτεία θα είναι στο πλευρό τους. Ο κρατικός μηχανισμός θα κινηθεί με μεγάλη ταχύτητα και αποτελεσματικότητα, για να αποκαταστήσει αυτούς οι οποίοι έχασαν τα σπίτια τους ή υπέστησαν ζημιές. pic.twitter.com/s1IRLdyba0
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) July 20, 2022
The Prime Minister also assured people affected by the fires “that the state will be on their side at great speed and with great efficiency.”
“It seems that the damage is limited and of course, the state apparatus will speedily rehabilitate our fellow citizens, those who lost their homes or those who suffered damages,” Mitsotakis said.
These wildfires in Greece came as fires were also burning across southern Europe on Wednesday, but authorities in France, Spain and Portugal all reported improved conditions with a respite from the severe heat.
The 48th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus was commemorated in Cyprus and Greece on Wednesday.
In Cyprus, a memorial service was held at the Saint Barnabas cathedral, while a tribute ceremony was held at the Tomb of Makedonitissa commemorating those who fell during the Turkish invasion.
20ή Ιουλίου. Επέτειος της αποφράδας μέρασγια την Κύπρο🇨🇾. Προδοσία, εισβολή, εθνοκάθαρση. Μέρα εθνικής περισυλλογής. Εκπροσώπηση ΠτΔ στις εκδηλώσεις. Σημαντική η πολιτική & στρατιωτική παρουσία Ελλάδος 🇬🇷 με @nhardalias & Αρχηγού ΓΕΕΘΑ @ChiefHNDGSpic.twitter.com/fokiAEzQs4
Cypriot Finance Minister, Constantinos Petrides, attended on behalf of President Nicos Anastasiades, who is in isolation after recently contracting COVID-19. Greece’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Nikos Hardalias, and the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, Konstantinos Floros, were also present.
During his speech, Mr Petrides said the day was a chance for “self-awareness and national reflection so as to find a way out of this impasse.”
📍Κύπρος Με @nhardalias στην 48η Επέτειο Μνήμης Πεσόντων Αξιωματικών & Οπλιτών κατά την τουρκική εισβολή του 1974
Ελλαδίτες & Ελληνοκύπριοι χαραγμένοι για πάντα στα μάρμαρα του Τύμβου της Μακεδονίτισσας & βαθιά στις ψυχές όλων μας
— GEN Konstantinos Floros (@ChiefHNDGS) July 20, 2022
“We honour victims, Greeks and Cypriots, who fell for this land and have not been vindicated to this day,” Petrides added.
Later that day, President Anastasiades issued a statement on Twitter and said “today we honour the heroes who fell defending the democracy and territorial integrity of our homeland.”
“We honour their relatives and the relatives of those missing. We honour prisoners of war and those injured. 48 years later, Cyprus still suffers from the brutal consequences of the invasion.” Anastasiades added.
Ο οξύς ήχος της σειρήνας που και σήμερα ήχησε 48 χρόνια μετά την τουρκική εισβολή στην Κύπρο, μας υπενθύμισε για ακόμη μια φορά τη βαριά ευθύνη: Αυτή η θλιβερή επέτειος να είναι η τελευταία με το νησί μας μοιρασμένο και τους πολίτες μας να στερούνται πανανθρώπινα δικαιώματα. pic.twitter.com/yjQhYjKkUq
— Nicos Anastasiades (@AnastasiadesCY) July 20, 2022
“We shall never accept the option of surrendering. Our goal remains to reunify Cyprus, liberated from third-party dependencies, truly provide a potential for peaceful coexistence to all legal citizens within the framework of the acquis communautaire and EU values.”
Elsewhere in Greece, President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also issued statements on social media condemning the invasion and demanding the resumption of negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus issue.
“48 years after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the trauma of the illegal occupation remains deep,” President Sakellaropoulou wrote.
48 χρόνια μετά την τουρκική στρατιωτική εισβολή στην Κύπρο, το τραύμα της παράνομης κατοχής παραμένει βαθύ. Θυμόμαστε πάντα όσους θυσιάστηκαν για την ελευθερία της Μεγαλονήσου και διεκδικούμε την επανένωσή της, με βάση τις αποφάσεις των ΗΕ και τις αρχές του διεθνούς δικαίου.
“We will always remember those who sacrificed their freedom for Cyprus and claim its reunification based on UN decisions and principles of international law.”
In his message, Mitsotakis said that “the occupation line in Nicosia remains the only partition wall in Europe.”
“History and Law demand that it fall,” the Prime Minister added. “That’s why we fight. For the united bi-communal Republic of Cyprus to rise to its place.”
Σαράντα οκτώ χρόνια μετά, η γραμμή κατοχής στη Λευκωσία παραμένει το μόνο τείχος Διχασμού στην Ευρώπη. Η Ιστορία και το Δίκαιο απαιτούν να πέσει. Γι’ αυτό αγωνιζόμαστε. Για να υψωθεί στη θέση του η ενωμένη δικοινοτική Δημοκρατία της Κύπρου. pic.twitter.com/UiZkqeMcry
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) July 20, 2022
Andreas Charalambous first started taking an interest in the history of his Cypriot heritage as a teen. As the years went on, it was that interest which sparked the idea to explain the rich and complex history of Cyprus in the most modern and accessible medium – a podcast.
Andreas talks to The Greek Herald in time for the anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, and explains how there are many misconceptions about Cyprus that he hopes his podcast will clarify.
Here is what he had to say.
Tell us a little bit about yourself, Andreas.
I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. As a Canadian of Cypriot descent, part of my identity has been shaped by parents who raised me to celebrate my Cypriot heritage. And so, it started there – at home and in my community as a member in The Cypriot Communities of Mississauga and Toronto where I even taught traditional Cypriot dance for a period of time. Now I currently teach history in Toronto where I live with my wife and two children.
What was the motivation to start this podcast?
I specifically developed an interest in Cypriot history as a teen. I started buying typical tourist books when visiting Cyprus that gave a broad overview of Cypriot history. But as I got older, and especially in post-secondary, I began to understand that the real research was published in journals. The problem you find is that often they’re quite inaccessible. Books can get expensive and even hard to track down. It occurred to me that podcasts have become a really popular medium – a way to reach a wider audience. So, I had the thought of reaching out to the experts to have them share their wealth of knowledge.
There is also the need to dispel common misconceptions about Cypriot history. It’s unique in its approach as I’ve enlisted the experts in their fields to speak to their research and really redress some of the misconceptions in Cypriot history and challenge common narratives. For example, one common narrative is that the Venetian period brought about a period of island-wide decline and neglect. This is simply not true. This was, in fact, a period of rich cultural diversity and growth. You only need to listen to the experts to hear how and why!
What will the podcast focus on?
To begin with, the podcast is free. You can access the show pretty much wherever you get your podcasts – Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, etc. Episodes are uploaded monthly where we’ll cover Cyprus from 10,000 BCE to the 20th century, discussing language, culture, religion and political and social history. But there are also “bumper” episodes that tease next month’s release. This is unique as far as history podcasts go. These “bumper” episodes are dramatic readings of primary sources as they pertain to the next episode – performed by voice actors with musical accompaniment in order to dramatise the historical source that most would never get a chance to hear or read. The first one will be uploaded July 15th.
I’ve focused quite a bit on Cyprus in antiquity in my first handful of episodes. However, I have some great conversations coming up with Professor Benjamin Arbel and Professor Andrekos Varnava who will discuss Venetian and British Cyprus respectively. I intend to cover all periods: Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, etc. As far as I am aware, this is the first such English podcast dedicated to Cypriot history, while providing a platform for academics to share new and exciting research in their respective fields.
How is the podcast ‘interdisciplinary’?
The word “history” can sometimes be inadequate. What makes this podcast unique is that Cypriot history is weaved together from different disciplines: archaeology, anthropology, linguistics. In order to appreciate Cyprus’ history and the “full picture,” so to speak, you need to see it through each lens.
What has been the response to the podcast so far?
It’s been incredible. I want Cypriots and non-Cypriots alike (especially those in the diaspora) to learn just how diverse and rich the history is. I’ve had a number of listeners reach out asking to be directed to guests’ publications or just simply to ask follow up questions. Similarly, guests on the show have been so willing to participate and supportive of the project. It’s very humbling.
Will your podcast feature a special episode to honour the anniversary of the invasion?
Not at the moment but I do intend on discussing this tragic event in future episodes.
To mark the 48th anniversary of the Cyprus invasion, what do you feel is important to pass onto the next generation?
Cypriot history is rich and complex. It, like many stories, has moments of both triumph and tragedy. But a common thread I’ve found is that the story of the Cypriot people is one of resilience, innovation and of possibilities.
Cypriot communities around Australia have issued messages today to mark the 48th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
In a message posted on Facebook, the Cyprus Community of NSW called on “all Australians from all walks of life to join us and demand justice for Cyprus.”
“As a Cypriot Community in the diaspora, we pledge to do all in our power to keep the issue of Cyprus alive and in the forefront of the minds of the Australian people. It is unacceptable to do otherwise,” the statement reads.
In the message, signed by PASEKA President Georgia Alexandrou, the organisation called on the Australian government to “continue their support for the territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, to reject Turkish aggression in the region, and to support the pursuit of a settlement to the Cyprus issue…”
PASEKA message.
“The Cypriots of Australia express the hope that the new situation shaping internationally would lead to the creation of a climate in which other Security Council resolutions, including those on Cyprus, would also be implemented so that justice and peace might be restored in Cyprus as well,” the message continued.
These messages come as Cypriot communities in South Australia and the Australian Capital City (ACT) have already held wreath laying ceremonies and commemoration events to mark the anniversary of the Turkish invasion.
In South Australia, the Cyprus Community of SA and Justice for Cyprus (SEKA SA) organised a memorial service at The Nativity of Christ Church in Port Adelaide and a wreath laying ceremony at the Cyprus Community club in Welland on Sunday, July 17.
From L to R: Justice for Cyprus SA President Peter Ppyros pictured with his parents and Labor Member for Adelaide Lucy Hood. Photo: The Greek Herald/Argyro Vourdoumpa
A number of events were also held in Melbourne to commemorate the anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. On Friday, July 15, a candlelight vigil was held at the steps of the Victorian Parliament House in protest against the invasion and illegal occupation of 37 percent of Cyprus by Turkish troops.
On Saturday, July 16, Radio Hellas 3XY 1422AM held a special Cypriot program hosted by Lambrini Lambrou Christopher. On Sunday, July 17, there was a memorial service by His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopolis at Saint Efstathios Church in South Melbourne, followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the Australian Hellenic Memorial.
Later that same day, the Cypriot Deputy Minister of Shipping, Vasilis Demertiadis, officially opened the photographic exhibition ‘Cyprus through the eyes of a photographer’ at Coburg Library.
For Sunday, July 24 in New South Wales, SEKA (Justice for Cyprus Co-ordinating Committee) have also organised a memorial service at the Cathedral of The Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, and an anti-occupation gathering at The Cyprus Club in Stanmore with speeches and a cultural program.
Greek Australian midfielder, Dimitrios Petratos has joined India’s ATK Mohun Bagan FC on a one-year deal. The club announced the 29-year-old will be making the move on their social media on Monday.
He comes from Australia, he's played in Korea and Saudi Arabia! 🤩
— ATK Mohun Bagan FC (@atkmohunbaganfc) July 18, 2022
Born in Sydney, Petratos started his career with various amateur and semi-professional players in Australia, joining Sydney FC in 2009.
In 2013, he pursued a move to the Malaysian Super League, joining Kelantan FC where he featured in the AFC Cup, scoring 4 goals across 7 matches.
Returning home, the midfielder then signed to Brisbane Roar FC, making 98 appearances across three years.
In January 2017, he accepted an offer to join Korean club, Ulsan Hyundai FC, where he remained until June before signing a two-year deal with Newcastle Jets.
Dimitrios Petratos played 85 matches with Newcastle Jets FC. Photo Newcastle Jets FC
Scoring 21 goals and assisting 21 times across 85 matches, Petratos then joined Saudi Premier League team Al Wehda FC. He played a season for the club, scoring 9 goals and assisting once in the 30 matches he played.
Petratos has regularly featured for the Australian national youth sides and also has three caps for the Socceroos senior national team, being called up to Australia’s final squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Petratos was called up to Australia’s final squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Photo: Socceroos.com.au
Greece’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Andreas Katsaniotis, had a meeting in Athens on Tuesday with the Board of Directors of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association (PADEE/WHIA).
In attendance at the meeting was the President of PADEE/WHIA, Rhode Island State Senator, Leonidas Raptakis; the 2nd Vice President of the PADEE/WHIA and Federal Member for Adelaide, Steve Georganas; SA Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Energy and Mining, Tom Koutsantonis MP; SA Minister for Small and Family Business, Consumer and Business Affairs, and for the Arts, Andrea Michaels MP; NSW Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis MP; and former Victorian Health Minister, Jenny Mikakos.
The meeting.
During the meeting, the Deputy Minister spoke about the important role of PADEE/WHIA and its diverse actions, underlining in particular its contribution to strengthening the ties of migrants with their motherland, to the promotion of the country’s national position and the promotion of Greek language, history and culture.
Katsaniotis also presented in detail the Greek government’s policy for Hellenism abroad, emphasising the digitisation of consular programs which will facilitate the services of Greeks living abroad.
Με τον Λ.Ραπτάκη,πρόεδρο της Παγκόσμιας Διακοινοβουλευτικής Ένωσης Ελληνισμού &μέλη του ΔΣ συζητήσαμε επόμενες δράσεις για την προώθηση των εθνικών θέσεων της πατρίδας μας.Με την συμβολή της Διασποράς στη Δημόσια Διπλωματία ενισχύουμε την εικόνα της Ελλάδας παντού στον κόσμο(1/2) pic.twitter.com/JO6EPCsWrh
The Deputy Minister also referred to the planning of public diplomacy actions underlining the important contribution of the members of PADEE/WHIA and the Greek diaspora in general, in promoting and strengthening the image of Greece abroad, in cooperation with embassies, consulates and the Greek authorities overseas.
“The contribution of the diaspora to the defence of our national positions and rights is decisive,” said Deputy Minister Katsaniotis.
“We are in constant contact with the Board of Directors of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association for the coordination of actions aimed at strengthening the international image of our homeland.”
