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Football Australia unveils the ‘Australian Championship’  

Chris Spyrou
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Football Australia unveils the ‘Australian Championship’  

Following the confirmation of the National Second Tier (NST) format in October, Football Australia has today announced the launch of the Australian Championship, the official name and brand for the long-anticipated competition. 

This transformative initiative marks the next era for Australian football, providing a new national platform to showcase the talent, passion, and heritage that unite communities across the country. 

Scheduled to kick off in October 2025, the Australian Championship will feature 16 teams in a dynamic and sustainable format, blending eight Foundation Clubs with eight Member Federation Invitational Clubs selected from the National Premier Leagues (NPL).

This innovative format bridges state-based competitions with the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s pathway, redefining Australian football’s domestic football ecosystem and creating new opportunities for players, clubs, and communities to shine. 

Football Australia Chief Executive Officer James Johnson hailed the Australian Championship as a bold  leap forward for the sport: “The Australian Championship is much more than a competition – it’s a  national celebration of football; uniting proud historic clubs, emerging talent, and inter-generational  community connection. It reflects the core values of Australian football: authenticity, opportunity, and  ambition.”

“This competition will complement the A-League, NPL, and Hahn Australia Cup, providing a connected,  meaningful pathway for players and fans alike. Today’s brand launch is a statement of our commitment  to grow domestic football in Australia and unlock its full potential,” Johnson added.

national second tier sydney olympic south melbourne fc
James Johnson, CEO of Football Australia (right), speaking at a press conference. Photo copyright: The Greek Herald.

The competition format will include a group stage – four groups of four teams playing home and away  matches – with the top 2 in each group crossing over to a high-stakes elimination Finals Series, culminating in the inaugural Australian Championship Final in early December 2025.  

This innovative format prioritises competitive integrity, fan engagement, and commercial viability,  creating a platform for players, clubs, and communities to thrive. 

Designed to deliver competitive integrity, excitement, and commercial appeal, the Australian  Championship will celebrate Australian football’s authenticity, ambition, and connection while engaging fans nationwide. 

What the Australian Championship stands for 

  • Authenticity: Celebrating local clubs, iconic grounds, and historic rivalries. 
  • Discovery: Unveiling new talent and rising stars from across the country. 
  • Connection: Bridging state competitions, professional pathways, and grassroots football.
  • Pride & Belonging: Uniting fans, players, and communities through football’s universal appeal. 

Clubs and Pathways

The eight clubs confirmed as Australian Championship Foundation Clubs include APIA Leichhardt FC  (NSW), Avondale FC (VIC), Marconi Stallions FC (NSW), Preston Lions FC (VIC), South Melbourne FC  (VIC), Sydney Olympic FC (NSW), Sydney United 58 FC (NSW), and Wollongong Wolves FC (NSW). 

national second tier sydney olympic south melbourne
South Melbourne FC and Sydney Olympic FC are among the eight Foundation Clubs. Photo copyright: The Greek Herald.

These clubs represent the heart of Australian football with rich histories, fierce rivalries, and strong  community ties. They will be joined by eight Member Federation NPL Clubs, drawn from their respective NPL competitions across Capital Football, Football Queensland, Football NSW, Football South Australia, Football Tasmania, Football Victoria, Football West and Northern NSW Football. 

This unique structure ensures the Australian Championship remains inclusive, aspirational, and  representative of the national football landscape. 

Football fans are encouraged to follow the NPL competitions and Hahn Australia Cup around the country throughout the 2025 season to get a glimpse of the talent and rivalries set to feature in the Australian Championship. From the local grounds to the national stage, these clubs will bring the raw  energy and excitement that define Australian football. 

Brand Identity: Bold, Vibrant, and Dynamic 

The Australian Championship’s brand identity, anchored by the theme of “Breakthrough,” reflects the competition’s energy, ambition, and momentum. Its bold design features Championship Green and Deep Steel, symbolising growth, resilience, and unity while celebrating the raw talent and vibrant communities that make Australian football unique. 

Stay Connected and Join the Journey 

Fans can stay up to date with the Australian Championship by visiting the official website and following  its social media channels. A dedicated fan registration page through Football Australia’s Football Account, offers exclusive access to news, ticketing information, competitions, and more as the countdown begins to October 2025. 

Further announcements, including fixtures, participating NPL teams, broadcast details, and commercial  partnerships, will be made in the lead-up to the competition’s historic debut in October 2025. 

Experts ‘cannot rule out volcanic eruption’ as earthquakes continue to hit Santorini

The Greek Herald
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Experts ‘cannot rule out volcanic eruption’ as earthquakes continue to hit Santorini

A volcanic eruption cannot be ruled out as seismic activity has continued to impact Santorini, Greece, since late January, according to Professor Kostas Synolakis, a natural disaster expert.

Speaking to Greek TV station MEGA, Synolakis acknowledged the ongoing earthquake swarm but reassured residents, stating, “If I lived there, I would return home – provided my house was well built and complied with modern building regulations.”

The seismic activity, which includes a 5.3-magnitude quake recorded on Monday, February 10, has triggered concerns.

Synolakis outlined three possible scenarios: a gradual fading of the activity, a major earthquake of unpredictable magnitude, or a small volcanic eruption at Nea Kameni or the Kolumbo submarine volcano.

Nea Kameni.

He emphasised that a volcanic eruption would not be a cause for fear, noting that Santorini has experienced small eruptions in the past without casualties.

The swarm of earthquakes, with several thousand recorded, has alarmed authorities. In response, a state of emergency has been declared, and rescue crews have been deployed to the island.

Thousands of residents and tourists have left, and schools on Santorini and nearby islands are closed for the week. Additional medical staff and disaster teams are on standby at Santorini’s hospital.

Since January 26, about 12,000 quakes have been recorded, with 109 on Monday alone.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Greece’s oldest living Olympic medallist Giorgos Roubanis dies

The Greek Herald
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Greece’s oldest living Olympic medallist Giorgos Roubanis dies

Giorgos Roubanis, Greece’s oldest living Olympic medallist, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, at the age of 95.

Roubanis won a bronze medal in the pole vault at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, securing Greece’s first post-war Olympic medal and providing much-needed joy to a nation recovering from World War II and its civil war.

He achieved his bronze with a 4.50-metre leap, setting a national record.

Born to a gymnast father, Roubanis initially pursued boxing, basketball, and track and field before discovering his pole vaulting talent.

He served as Greece’s flag bearer in Melbourne and competed in the 1960 Rome Olympics before retiring in 1961.

After relocating to the US, Roubanis founded an advertising company and worked with Spyros Skouras, president of 20th Century-Fox. He later returned to Greece, where he established a film distribution company.

A passionate supporter of sports, Roubanis co-founded the Association of Greek Olympians in 1985. His funeral will be held on February 17 at Athens’ First Cemetery.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Debt cleared as Hellenic Village engages new $119.5 million buyer for Austral site

The Greek Herald
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Debt cleared as Hellenic Village engages new $119.5 million buyer for Austral site

The sale of the Hellenic Village’s 105-acre property at Gurner Avenue in Austral, New South Wales, has taken a significant turn following the withdrawal of the initial purchaser.

According to a President’s Update seen by The Greek Herald, the Board of Hellenic Village Ltd has now entered negotiations with a third-party buyer, with a new offer of $119.5 million, an increase from the previous agreement.

Background and Sale Developments

The Greek Herald first reported in October 2023 that the 21 Greek associations (Unit Holders) that form Hellenic Village Ltd unanimously agreed at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to sell the Austral property for $117.5 million. The decision came after lengthy discussions about the future of the land, which has been a key asset for the Greek Australian community for decades.

Following this agreement, the original purchaser entered a Due Diligence period and paid a non-refundable deposit. However, in December 2024, they terminated the contract, citing unresolved issues, including concerns about road access to the site.

The Board attempted to renegotiate, requesting a good faith payment and coverage of legal costs, but the purchaser declined. This led the Board to approach other interested parties in line with the resolutions adopted at the EGM in October 2023.

hellenic village
The Hellenic Village’s 105-acre property at Gurner Avenue in Austral, New South Wales.

New Buyer and Financial Improvements

With the original purchaser withdrawing, the Board engaged with the second and third preference buyers from the original Expression of Interest campaign.

The second preference party declined to make an offer, but the third preference buyer entered negotiations, initially offering $117.5 million (inclusive of GST) before increasing their bid to $119 million and later to $119.5 million. This new offer also includes a $200,000 donation to the Australian-Hellenic Future Fund (AHFF), a charitable structure intended to support future Greek Australian community initiatives.

As part of the agreement, the new buyer made a non-refundable good faith payment, followed by a non-refundable fee for the Due Diligence period.

The total funds received by Hellenic Village from both transactions has now enabled the Board to clear all outstanding debts with the Bank of Sydney, marking a significant financial milestone for the organisation.

The Due Diligence period for the new purchaser is scheduled to conclude in March 2025, at which point a 5% deposit will be made. A second 5% deposit will follow six months later, with settlement planned for February 2026.

The Hellenic Village property at Austral.
The Hellenic Village property at Austral.

Future Plans and AGM Considerations

A key issue that remains unresolved is the distribution of the proceeds from the sale. During the October 2023 EGM, the Board proposed that 50% of the net proceeds be distributed to Unit Holders based on their shareholdings, while the other 50% would be donated to the AHFF. However, no consensus was reached, and this matter is expected to be discussed further at the next Annual General Meeting (AGM).

In his update, Hellenic Village President George Mpliokas said the AGM, which will also include elections for new Board positions, has been delayed due to the ongoing preparation by BT&A Consultants of the financial statements for the 2024 financial year.

Mr Mpliokas said the Board has considered holding the AGM without finalised financial statements but remains committed to completing this process before issuing an official notice.

Despite this, sources have told The Greek Herald that Unit Holders are increasingly frustrated, questioning the reasons for the delayed financials. With the AGM now eight months overdue, many are pushing for it to be held as soon as possible to address the distribution of sale proceeds.

International stars, local talent and cultural delights await at Greek Festival Darling Harbour

The Greek Herald
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International stars, local talent and cultural delights await at Greek Festival Darling Harbour

The highly anticipated Greek Festival Darling Harbour is set to take over Darling Harbour this February 22-23, showcasing the rich heritage of Greece with a vibrant lineup of performances, entertainment, and cultural experiences.

One of Australia’s largest and most beloved cultural festivals, this two-day event promises an unforgettable celebration of Greek traditions, food, music, and more.

greek festival darling harbour

The festival will feature internationally acclaimed artists as part of its star-studded musical lineup. Nikos Zoidakis, known for his captivating blend of traditional Greek music and contemporary influences, will take the stage on Saturday, February 22, bringing a dynamic performance that is sure to captivate audiences. Also, on stage on Saturday, the festival welcomes the Xylourides ensemble, offering a unique performance that blends traditional Greek folk music with modern sounds.

greek festival darling harbour
Xylourides ensemble.
greek festival darling harbour
Nikos Zoidakis.

On Sunday, February 24, Rena Morfi, one of Greece’s most beloved voices, will close the festival with an exhilarating set that will transport the audience to the heart of Greek culture.

The Greek Festival Darling Harbour is an essential event for those seeking to immerse themselves in Greek culture, and it’s a unique opportunity for the public to engage with the diverse and vibrant traditions of Greece. From live music performances and traditional Greek dance shows to authentic food stalls and family-friendly activities, this festival offers something for everyone.

greek festival darling harbour
Rena Morfi.

As one of Australia’s largest cultural festivals, Greek Festival Darling Harbour continues to attract thousands of visitors each year, celebrating the Greek community’s significant contribution to Australia’s multicultural landscape. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Greek culture or discovering it for the first time, this event is a must-attend for all.

The festivities will be held at the iconic Darling Harbour, a location that will undoubtedly provide a stunning backdrop for the exciting program of events.

Don’t miss out – mark your calendars for February 22-23 and enjoy an unforgettable weekend. Get ready to experience Greek culture at its finest, with exceptional performances, mouth-watering food, and an atmosphere of pure celebration.

For more details visit www.greekfestivalofsydney.com.au

‘Good Samaritan’ Nick Karagiannis sentenced for fraudulent car dealings

The Greek Herald
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‘Good Samaritan’ Nick Karagiannis sentenced for fraudulent car dealings

Nick Karagiannis, who once gained attention as a so-called ‘Good Samaritan’ for many brave and philanthropic acts, has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment to be served in the community after pleading guilty to fraudulent car dealings.

Karagiannis, who is the founder of CrashClaim Accident Management, appeared before the Sydney District Court on Monday, February 3. He was sentenced to one year and ten months of imprisonment, to be served via an Intensive Correction Order (ICO) in the community.

Karagiannis had been charged with dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception, following an investigation into fraudulent transactions while he worked as general manager with former employer Suttons Motor Group in Homebush.

Nick Karagiannis surprises aspiring Olympian with generous gift. He is known for his ‘Good Samaritan’ acts. Photo: Supplied / A Current Affair.

The court heard Karagiannis “juggled” money and caused a financial disadvantage of $475,675 to the company between 2016 and 2019.

The “juggling” involved organising for customers to pay for cars through his personal bank account and reimbursing his employer from his own account. Karagiannis wasn’t able to catch up with those repayments and his debt grew.

When sentencing Karagiannis, Judge P. Hock took into consideration his philanthropy and public acts of goodwill since being fired by Suttons. He has also been awarded an Australian Bravery Decoration.

Karagiannis was given 250 hours of community service work.

Brotherhood of Chalkidiki in NSW hosts successful Annual General Meeting

Andriana Simos
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Brotherhood of Chalkidiki in NSW hosts successful Annual General Meeting

The Brotherhood of Chalkidiki ‘Aristotelis’ of NSW celebrated a milestone event on Sunday, February 9, hosting its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and traditional Vasilopita cutting with record attendance – the highest in at least a decade.

The event was marked by strong support for the Association’s leadership, as this year was a vote of confidence rather than an election year. Members reaffirmed their trust in the current committee, with no issues raised and unanimous satisfaction expressed.

Brotherhood of Chalkidiki in NSW hosts successful Annual General Meeting
Brotherhood of Chalkidiki in NSW hosts successful Annual General Meeting
Brotherhood of Chalkidiki in NSW hosts successful Annual General Meeting
Brotherhood of Chalkidiki in NSW hosts successful Annual General Meeting

The committee for 2024–2025 consists of: President Costa Dantos, Vice President Jenny Kaporis, Treasurer John Tratselas, Secretary Alexandra Poulos, and General Committee members Vicky Stamatiou, Artemis Kelezis, Joanna Arnis, Evridiki Tsakirou, Bill Dandos, and Carol Stavropoulos.

Attendees enjoyed a morning tea filled with sweets and the cherished Greek New Year’s tradition of the Vasilopita cutting, symbolising good fortune for the year ahead.

Reflecting on the successful gathering, the Association expressed enthusiasm for the year ahead, with members excited for upcoming events and initiatives.

Arcadians in Victoria lead commemoration for Greek Revolution hero Kolokotronis

The Greek Herald
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Arcadians in Victoria lead commemoration for Greek Revolution hero Kolokotronis

On Sunday, February 9, Arcadians in Melbourne were joined by members of the Greek community to honour the memory of Theodoros Kolokotronis, who died 182 years ago on 4 February 1843.

Kolokotronis is considered the ultimate symbol of the Greek War for Independence and was also a key contributor in shaping the new Greek state.

A memorial service held at the church of Axion Estin in Northcote was followed by a wreath laying ceremony. Floral tributes were presented by the hosts, the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne & Victoria represented by President George Kotsirilos, and the Panarcadian Federation of Victoria represented by Dimitris Alexopoulos.

Arcadians in Victoria lead commemoration for Greek Revolution hero Kolokotronis

Many Greek community organisations also laid wreaths including the Australian Greek Ex-servicemen’s Association, the Cyprus Community of Melbourne and Victoria, Pontiaki Estia Melbourne, the Pan-Macedonian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, the Pan Korinthian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, Kalamata 23 March, the Association of Thessalonikeans ‘White Tower,’ the Greek Orthodox Community of Whittlesea, the Pantrifilian Association of Melbourne and Victoria, Justice for Cyprus (SEKA Victoria), Prasino Arkadia Melbourne, the Greek Australian Cultural League, and Oakleigh Grammar School.

Following the commemoration ceremony, attendees were invited to the building of the Panarcadian Association of Melbourne & Victoria ‘O Kolokotronis’ in North Melbourne. A luncheon was served to guests in the Kallisto Room, and speeches followed by Mr Kotsirilos and Mr Alexopoulos.

Arcadians in Victoria lead commemoration for Greek Revolution hero Kolokotronis

In his speech, Mr Kotsirilos spoke about the history of Kolokotronis and his bravery during the Greek Revolution.

“Today, as we lay this wreath in his [Kolokotronis’] memory, let us not only honour his past achievements, but also reaffirm our commitment to the principles for which he fought,” Mr Kotsirilos said.

“Let us strive to embody the same spirit of courage and dedication in our own lives, and let us continue to build a Greece worthy of the sacrifices made by heroes like Theodoros Kolokotronis. May his memory be eternal.”

HACCI National Federation holds strategic meetings in Greece with key stakeholders

The Greek Herald
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HACCI National Federation holds strategic meetings in Greece with key stakeholders

The Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HACCI) National Federation (HNF) made a significant step towards strengthening bilateral trade ties, through a series of pivotal meetings held in Greece in January 2025.

Dr Elena Mamouni Limnios, Chair of HACCI National Federation, met with representatives of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), and the Greek Exporters Association (SEVE).

These discussions aimed to enhance bilateral trade and cultural connections between Greece and Australia.

It was the first in-person meetings of the newly appointed HNF Council chair with the leading Greek Industry, Commerce, and Export Organisations, following the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2024.

Through these engagements, HNF reaffirmed its determination to foster strong ties between Greece and Australia, with a focus on driving innovation, collaboration, and economic growth.

Dr Limnios had a warm and fruitful discussion with Vassilis Korkidis, President of PCCI, exploring opportunities for collaboration within Greece’s maritime industry, particularly around the AUKUS agreement and the potential for Greek involvement in submarine construction and specialised training. Discussions also included leveraging Maritime Hellas, Greece’s first official maritime cluster, to foster innovation and strengthen maritime business ties between the two countries.

HACCI National Federation
HACCI National Federation Chair, Dr Elena Limnios, with the President of the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sofia Kounenaki-Efremoglou.

While in Athens, Dr Limnios also met with Sofia Kounenaki Efraimoglou, President of ACCI, discussing opportunities to showcase Greek entrepreneurship and innovation in Australia. Among the topics of focus was ACCI’s Athens Startup Business Incubator (Th.E.A.), which supports new entrepreneurs, and the potential for a future trade delegation from Greece to Australia, with HACCI’s support in coordinating industry-specific events.

A significant outcome from meetings with SEVE representatives Simeon Diamantidis and Panagiotis Hassapis was the confirmation that Mr Hassapis will join HACCI WA’s Back to Business event in February 2025 as a guest speaker. The focus of his presentation will be on trade and export activities between Greece and Australia. Furthermore, discussions centred around organising seminars for members via teleconference and possible sector-specific trade delegations. The HNF also committed to supporting SEVE’s initiatives aimed at enhancing Greece’s export capacity to Australia.

In her meeting with the TCCI, Dr Limnios had the opportunity to touch on a series of issues of mutual interest. One of the key agreements was to survey TCCI members to identify sectors with the highest potential for trade with Australia. Initial teleconference meetings were proposed as a first step toward building relationships between businesses in both countries. Dr Limnios also reiterated the HNF’s ongoing advocacy for direct flights between Australia and Greece to facilitate smoother business exchanges.

Looking ahead: Opportunities for growth

These meetings demonstrated the strong interest in deepening bilateral ties and fostering collaboration across various sectors. One of the common themes emerging from these meetings was the joint commitment to support the ongoing efforts to address any policy barriers impeding trade between Greece and Australia.

Dr Limnios noted that these strategic partnerships, coupled with the potential for future trade delegations and targeted events, will provide valuable opportunities for businesses on both sides of the world.

HACCI National Federation
HACCI National Federation Chair, Dr Elena Limnios, with SEVE Executive Vice President, Panagiotis Hassapis and SEVE Board Member, Vassiliki Lountzi.

“The discussions I had in Greece were incredibly fruitful, and I am excited about the future opportunities for Hellenic Australian businesses,” Dr Limnios said.

“Our ongoing collaboration with the Chambers and associations in Greece will create new pathways for innovation, investment, and trade. It’s an exciting time for our business communities, and the HACCI National Federation is committed to ensuring we continue to support these growing partnerships.”

To that end, there are already a few key initiatives under discussion, not least among them a proposal to hold sector-specific teleconference meetings to connect Australian and Greek businesses as a first step toward deeper collaboration.

The HNF remains committed to advancing its mission of strengthening the bilateral trade relationship between Greece and Australia. Through continued collaboration with key stakeholders, HNF is poised to unlock new opportunities for businesses and professionals in both countries.

“The potential for growth through stronger partnerships with Greece is tremendous. With each meeting, we are creating pathways for businesses to expand and innovate. We are excited for the future and look forward to deepening our relationships with our Greek counterparts,” Dr Limnios said.

Stan Zanakas pleads guilty to arson in Victorian firebombing case

The Greek Herald
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Stan Zanakas pleads guilty to arson in Victorian firebombing case

Stan Zanakas has pleaded guilty after accepting a sentence indication on two charges of arson and aggravated robbery in connection with a series of firebombings across Victoria.

According to the Herald Sun, the Templestowe man was involved in the deliberate destruction of multiple businesses, including a Moe gift shop and a Croydon tobacco store on Christmas Day 2023. While his co-accused, Ben Valerio, carried out the arson, Zanakas acted as a lookout.

crime scene oakleigh

Valerio, the brother of toddler Daniel Valerio, who was tragically killed in 1990, was sentenced to a minimum of four years and four months in prison for his role in the attacks.

A third offender, Finks bikie Murat Shomshe, previously pleaded guilty to similar offences. Judge Peter Lauritsen stated that the crimes were committed for financial gain, with Valerio using the payments to fund his drug habit.

Zanakas will return to court for a plea hearing on March 31.

Source: Herald Sun

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