Greece’s Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vasilis Kikilias, met with the Australian Ambassador to Greece, Alison Duncan, this week to discuss joint efforts in addressing the escalating climate crisis and preventing forest fires.
Central to the talks was the upcoming visit of senior executives from Greece’s Fire Service to New South Wales, Australia. The visit aims to facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices in wildfire prevention and response.
Ambassador Duncan echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of bilateral collaboration in addressing wildfires, which have increasingly threatened both Greece and Australia in recent years.
“Great to catch up with Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Kikilias to discuss Greek-Australian collaboration to combat wildfires,” Duncan said on X.
Great to catch up with Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Kikilias to discuss 🇬🇷🇦🇺 collaboration to combat wildfires. https://t.co/LlFitZ1kqT
The cooperative effort comes at a critical moment as both countries face longer and more intense wildfire seasons due to climate change.
Greece’s devastating wildfires during the summer of 2023 highlighted the urgent need for more effective strategies and international partnerships to mitigate the impact of such disasters.
Greek Australian creatives Effy Alexakis, Sam Scoufos and Michael Zavros have been listed among the finalists for the prestigious Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award 2024.
The Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award 2024 offers a range of portfolios by artists leading the contemporary photography world.
The award plays a key role in representing modern photography practices and how these contribute to rendering impactful work.
As the highest monetary prize for photography in Queensland, the $25,000 award is open to all Australian artists working in the broad medium of contemporary photography.
Visitors to the exhibition determine the $5,000 People’s Choice Award by voting for their favourite piece.
The exhibition at HOTA Gallery is free to visit and is open 10am to 4pm daily until May 11, 2025. More details here.
A star-studded night was held at the Hellenic Club of Canberra on Tuesday, December 10, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Greece’s historic Euro 2004 victory.
The event, co-hosted by Canberra Olympic Football Club and the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra (GOCCC), brought together 140 people to celebrate the iconic triumph in the presence of Greek football legends George Karagounis, Theodoros Zagorakis, and Angelos Charisteas.
The highlight of the sold-out evening was a Q&A session with Zagorakis, Charisteas and Karagounis.
Hosted by John Loukadellis, President of the GOCCC, the session provided fascinating insights into the players’ experiences before, during, and after the Euro 2004 tournament.
The evening was filled with nostalgia, excitement, and a strong sense of community. The trio captivated the audience with stories from their journey to Euro 2004 glory.
After the formal event, the players spent significant time interacting with fans, signing autographs and taking photos.
“On behalf of the GOCCC and Canberra Olympic Football Club we would like to thank the team at Football Brilliance Academy, John Dimitropoulos and Bill Kalpouzanis for bringing the players to Canberra, and to our Euro 2004 legends who 20 years later still make us proud and make our hearts beat as one,” Mr Loukadellis said.
“Thanks everyone for coming and to Mazi Restaurant and The Hellenic Club of Canberra for always looking after us.”
The event concluded with a dinner at Mazi Hellenic restaurant, providing a fitting end to a memorable night with attendees mingling with the football legends.
The event also featured two auctions with proceeds benefiting Canberra Olympic FC.
The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Schools have once again demonstrated outstanding academic excellence in the VCE Greek Language Exams.
Specifically, 54% of the students from the GCM Schools scored 35 or higher out of 50. Notably, 8 out of 42 students achieved a score of 40 or above (raw score), not including any scaling. Overall, 85% of the students at the GCM Schools secured scores of 30 out of 50 or higher.
A particular highlight is Savina Koumides, a third-generation Greek Australian student, who achieved an extraordinary near-perfect score of 49 out of 50. Also impressive is the GCM Schools’ overall average, which significantly surpasses the Victorian state average in both oral and written examinations.
The success of the GCM Schools extends beyond Modern Greek, with notable achievements in the Ancient Greek subject. All five students from the GCM Schools scored between 30 and 36 out of 50 (raw score).
“These results reflect our ongoing dedication to high-quality education and our commitment to preserving and promoting Greek language and culture,” Maria Bakalidou, Principal of the GCM Schools, said. “We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements and their continued excellence in all pursuits.”
The Greek Community of Melbourne congratulated all students on their outstanding performance and wished them every success in their future endeavours.
The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) proudly marked the conclusion of another successful academic year with a number of End-of-Year ceremonies for its Afternoon and Saturday Schools.
The enchanting events unfolded at the school halls on various dates starting from December 4 with Beverly Hills North Public School, December 6 at Panania Public School, December 7, 9 and 10 at Clemton Park Public School, and December 11 at Connells Point Public School.
The festivities vibrated with the energy and enthusiasm of students from all participating schools, who took centre stage to showcase their talents. There were heartfelt poetry recitations, engaging sketches, theatrical plays, soulful singing, and the vibrant rhythms of the traditional Greek Kalanta (Christmas carols).
A highlight of the events was the inauguration of the prestigious “Αιέν Αριστεύειν” Certificate of Excellence award by the Association Vorion Dimon Spartis Orea Eleni of NSW Inc. This distinguished honour, and a $100 voucher, was given to the top four performing students:
Matthew Paton Englezos – Year 4, Summer Hill Campus
Emmanuel Kasadelis – High School Clemton Park Campus
Gia Asargiotis – Year 4, Clemton Park Campus
Victoria Stratis -Year 6, Clemton Park Campus
President of the Association, Maria Glekas, and Secretary Dimitra Lendros, both expressed profound pride in the students’ accomplishments and their unwavering dedication to the preservation of Greek heritage.
The End-of-Year ceremonies transcend mere academic recognition; they serve as a vibrant testament to the GOCNSW’s commitment to nurturing cultural spirit and academic excellence among its students.
Fresh talent abounds on social media’s comic scene, and one page that is causing a stir is Are You Even Greek?Kristina Liotis is the face behind the page and has been making people of all ages laugh, a lot!
Kristina has a devoted fan base on social media because of her amusing observations about growing up Greek in Australia. She discusses the sources of her comedy with The Greek Herald and how her cultural background influences her sense of humour.
Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a Melbourne-born mother-of-two, proud of my Greek heritage (my parents are both born in Greece). My father is from Kerkyra and my mother is from Lesvos (with Asia Minor roots). My love for Greece is deeply rooted, and I was thrilled to have a destination wedding there with my husband.
Tell us about your childhood. What do you remember the most fondly?
Growing up in Melbourne as a child of Greek parents was a vibrant and rich experience. My childhood was filled with the warmth of tradition, family, and community. One of my fondest memories is falling asleep on chairs at dances, exhausted from dancing and laughing with cousins and friends. Those moments, surrounded by loved ones and Greek culture, shaped my identity and created lifelong memories.
My childhood was a beautiful blend of Greek heritage and Australian upbringing, and I feel grateful for the traditions and values passed down to me.
You make a lot of people laugh! What inspired you to create Greek comedy content?
Thank you! I’m thrilled to have brought laughter to so many. For me, creating Greek comedy content was a labour of love. Growing up Greek Australian, I was surrounded by rich cultural nuances that were both relatable and ridiculous. I wanted to celebrate those quirks in a humorous way.
My inspiration came from everyday experiences: family gatherings, traditional celebrations, and the hilarious clashes between Greek and Australian cultures. I saw comedy gold in the eccentricities of Greek aunties, the passion of Greek dads, and the antics of Greek cousins.
By sharing these laugh-out-loud moments, I hoped to: (1) make Greeks feel seen and proud of their heritage, (2) introduce non-Greeks to our vibrant culture, and (3) show that even in our differences, we’re all connected through laughter.
It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to spread joy and Greek laughter worldwide!
How did you get started on social media and what made you start?
It all began during my maternity leave, when boredom met creativity. In a friends’ group chat, I started sharing celebrity trending photos and adding my own twist – witty Greek-related jokes. The feedback was instant: “You need to start an Instagram page!”
Encouraged by their enthusiasm, I took the leap. My page was born, blending Greek humour, pop culture, and relatable moments. Initial posts were just for fun, but the engagement was overwhelming. People connected with my light-hearted take on Greek culture, traditions, and quirks.
The turning point came when Angelo Tsarouchas, renowned comedian and podcast host, invited me to join his show. As my page was anonymous, I was faced with a difficult decision. I gave in and chose to reveal my identity.
I’ve had the privilege of meeting and dining with renowned Greek singer Anna Vissi, a childhood idol of mine.
What’s something no one knows about you that you would like people to know?
I’ve researched our family tree and traced one branch back to the 1700s, discovering fascinating stories and connections.
What are some goals you are working on and where would you like to be in five years?
Building on the success of ‘Greek Eats’.
Develop a comprehensive guide to Greek cuisine in Melbourne and Australia.
Develop new projects and initiatives that showcase untold stories, hidden gems, and unsung heroes of Greek culture.
Kristina said that as opportunities arise, she’ll adapt and evolve, while staying true to her mission and passion of celebrating and sharing Greek culture.
On Wednesday evening, December 11, the Vespers to celebrate the feast day of St Spyridon, the Miracle Worker, was held at St Spyridon Greek Orthodox church in Kingsford, Sydney.
The Vespers was officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, flanked by a multitude of clergy from the city of Sydney, including parish priests Fr Steven Skoutas and Fr Stavros Ivanos.
His Eminence Metropolitan Prodromos of Rethymno and Avlopotamos, their Graces Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis and Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia were also present.
Metropolitan Prodromos of Rethymno is visiting Australia from Crete, bringing fragments of the holy relics of the Holy Four New Martyrs of Rethymno, Manuel, Angelos, George, and Nicholas. He is accompanied by the Most Eminent Archimandrites, Vasilios Papadakis and Theologian Papalevyzakis.
Also present were the Federal Minister for Immigration, Matt Thistlethwaite MP, the State Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig MP, and the Mayor of Randwick, Dylan Parker.
Archbishop Makarios warmly welcomed the Metropolitan of Rethymno and his entourage, as well as the representatives of the political leadership and local government.
After thanking everyone for their honorary presence at the Vespers, he gave the floor to the Minister for Immigration to address a brief greeting.
Mr Thistlethwaite spoke warmly of the valuable contribution of the Greek diaspora to Australian society, while praising the leadership of Archbishop Makarios.
At the end of the Vespers, the awarding of the Order of the Philochrist, the highest honorary distinction of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA), took place.
The distinction was given to four women who have dedicated their entire lives to the preservation of the Greek language, the Orthodox faith and the Greek Orthodox traditions.
They were described as four “teachers of the Nation” by Fr Steven, since “they have offered national and spiritual work, with a sacrificial spirit, under the most adverse conditions of exile here in the Antipodes.”
Those honoured by Archbishop Makarios with the Order of the Philochrist were:
Artemisia Ierokli, originally from Kos, who has been teaching Greek in the schools of the GOAA since 1970, particularly at St Spyridon.
Varvara Lykoudis, from Monopolata, Kefalonia, who served since 1973 and for 50 years in the schools of the Parish of St Spyridon.
Anna Lambrou, originally from Kythera, who for 65 years kept thousands of Greek children in touch with the language and faith of their ancestors.
Sofia Haska, from Rhodes, who has emerged as the “Mother” of Greek dance in Australia, as she has been teaching Greek dancing to members of the Greek diaspora for almost seven decades.
Inspirational, innovative and multi-dimensional – the Greek Government’s new Strategic Plan for the Greek Diaspora is an initiative that stands out. It is unprecedented in the history of Hellenism in the diaspora.
Greece’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Kotsiras is leading the implementation of this plan, which highlights the contemporary needs and visions of the Greek diaspora.
The Greek Herald thoroughly studied the strategic plan and identified two important initiatives that directly impact Hellenism in Australia.
Greece’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Kotsiras.
Centre for Greek Studies and Culture in the Southern Hemisphere
The establishment of a Centre for Greek Studies, Culture, Intercultural Education and Expatriate Hellenism in the Southern Hemisphere is one of the initiatives of the plan. The Centre, which will be based at a university in Sydney, Australia, is expected to be a pillar for connecting Greece with the diaspora.
With the support of distinguished Greek educational institutions, such as the Athens Academy and the Greek Language Centre, as well as diaspora organisations, the Centre will promote educational and cultural programs.
From Modern Greek language programs for the younger generations, to summer sports camps and the establishment of the “Children’s Greek University,” the Centre aims to sustainably preserve and strengthen the Greek identity.
Support of the expatriate Mass Media
The second initiative includes the support and strengthening of the expatriate Mass Media, as confirmed by the Deputy Minister in his exclusive interview with The Greek Herald.
Greek media in Australia play a key role in maintaining the community’s language, culture and connection to Greece. The government aims to strengthen the expatriate media by taking initiatives.
This strategic plan highlights the importance that Greece gives to diaspora Hellenism, recognising it as an integral part of Greek identity and history.
These initiatives are not limited to Australia, but form a global network of actions that strengthen the role of expatriates in the modern era.
Oakleigh Grammar have congratulated Rebecca Bettiol, MYP Learning Leader (Art and Design) and Round Square Coordinator, for being named in TheEducator’sHot List 2024, a prestigious list celebrating the most inspiring and influential educators in Australia.
The Hot List recognises outstanding professionals who go above and beyond to make a meaningful impact on students, schools, and the education sector. Rebecca’s innovative leadership and dedication to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and global citizenship have made her a standout in this year’s list.
In her dual roles, Rebecca oversees the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Art and Design, where she inspires students to explore their creative potential and develop interdisciplinary skills. She was also instrumental in bringing to life the School’s first Junior School Production in 2024, The Wind in the Willows.
As Oakleigh Grammar’s Round Square Coordinator, she leads the school’s participation in a global network of schools committed to character education and experiential learning through Internationalism, Democracy, Environmental Stewardship, Adventure, Leadership, and Service (IDEALS).
Rebecca’s influence extends beyond the classroom as she collaborates with global educators, facilitates student engagement in international conferences, and champions initiatives that align with the school’s values of academic excellence and social responsibility.
Principal Mark Robertson proudly expressed how “Rebecca Bettiol exemplifies the spirit of excellence at Oakleigh Grammar, as a leader in Art and Design within the IB MYP program, a dedicated Round Square facilitator, and a highly respected Performing Arts teacher.”
“Her drive to inspire our students to push their creative boundaries and embrace the value of global citizenship, along with her commitment to nurturing both academic and personal growth makes her a truly deserving recipient of the Educator Hot List award,” Mr Robertson added.
Reflecting on the recognition, Rebecca said, “I am incredibly proud and humbled to be recognised on the Educator Hot List Awards for 2024.”
“As a teacher at Oakleigh Grammar, I am passionate about fostering creativity through the Arts and Design, and empowering students with a global perspective that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. This recognition fuels my commitment to inspire, challenge, and support every student in reaching their fullest potential, and I am grateful to be part of such a vibrant and forward-thinking community,” Rebecca added.
This accolade is a testament to Rebecca’s unwavering commitment to her students and Oakleigh Grammar’s dedication to empowering educators to reach their full potential.
Victorian students have received their Victorian Certificate of Education exam results this morning, with 47,461 students completing the VCE.
A total of 41 students achieved the highest possible ATAR rank of 99.95, compared to 39 last year.
Among the students achieving academic excellence with an ATAR above 90 are some with Greek heritage. They include:
George Vasiliadis, of St. Leonard’s College, Brighton, with an ATAR of99.40.
Dimitris Gasis of Melbourne Grammar School, with an ATAR of 98.90.
Anastasia Konstantina Karagianni, of Cheltenham Secondary College, with an ATAR of 96.9.
Eleni Calypso Gerostamoulos, of Wesley College Melbourne, with an ATAR of 96.05.
Andrew Katsaros, of Parade College in Bundoora, with an ATAR of 94.45.
Myrto Melliou, of Brunswick Secondary College, with an ATAR of 96.40.
*Please note the above list includes the names of those who are recognised as Greek, and will be updated. If you know another Greek VCE high-achiever this year, please email us at greek@foreignlanguage.com.au.
