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Cyprus Community of NSW launches Cyprus EU Presidency Essay Award

The Greek Herald
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Cyprus Community of NSW launches Cyprus EU Presidency Essay Award

The Cyprus Community of NSW has recently launched the Cyprus EU Presidency Essay Award as part of a broader Cyprus EU Presidency Program commemorating Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The Community has been celebrating Cyprus’ leadership through a comprehensive program of events highlighting European values and human rights.

The Community’s Honorary President, Michael Kyriacou, said the Community, like the EU, has long been a champion of fundamental human rights – the cornerstone of the EU’s foundation and an essential part of Australian society.

“We often take our freedoms and liberties for granted – the freedom to buy, sell, move around Australia and express opinions with very few limits. These rights are always under scrutiny and in recent times, they are increasingly being questioned and, in some instances, attacked,” Mr Kyriacou said.

He noted that the Cyprus Community has been a staunch advocate for human rights, including the right to safety, life, and freedom of movement. Unfortunately, many Cypriots living in the occupied territories of Cyprus do not enjoy these same rights.

Australia is a tolerant, pluralist society that does not discriminate. Minorities are free to practice their religion, preserve their language, and contribute to the rich fabric of the nation, Mr Kyriacou said.

Honorary Secretary Kyriakos Panayi added that these are values shared with Europe, and they are the values the Community seeks to instil in young people so they may become future leaders who continue the Community’s tradition of advocating for human rights.

“We looked at the most accessible way to reach our younger members while also engaging the wider Australian community, and at the same time highlighting the plight of Cyprus, which remains home to the last divided capital city in the world,” Mr Panayi said.

In recent times, the Cyprus EU Presidency has highlighted the security challenges faced by the EU as it grapples with complex issues on multiple fronts.

The Cyprus EU Presidency Essay Award was launched specifically to engage junior students and encourage greater involvement with the Community.

Honorary Assistant Secretary Andrew Paschali said: “The essay competition is a very accessible way to motivate students to think about the freedoms we all enjoy, while encouraging young people to promote the values of equality, fairness, progress, tolerance, respect, and the protection of human dignity.”

Mr Panayi added that following extensive consultation with educators, stakeholders, and Community members, the Community carefully considered how best to engage young people and mark the Cyprus EU Presidency in a meaningful way.

“We decided on an essay competition because it is something most students can relate to. With the vast amount of information available online, this initiative encourages independent thinking, analysis, and the expression of personal opinions. It is a valuable exercise in civic responsibility and in recognising Cyprus’ work in the field of human rights,” Mr Panayi said.

Mr Kyriacou described the essay competition as a world-first initiative.

“What better way to motivate critical thinking about the freedoms we enjoy, while also raising awareness of the plight of Cyprus and its people, as well as many others around the world who have had these freedoms taken away,” he said.

The Essay Competition is open to NSW-based students aged 10 to 18, whether enrolled in primary school, high school, university, or TAFE. Essays may be submitted in either English or Greek.

First place winner will receive a $2,000 prize, a commemorative medal, and a certificate of achievement. The top five shortlisted essays will received $200 each.

“We have engaged with many educational institutions and encouraged them to invite their students to submit essays describing, in their own words, the importance of these values and the consequences when they are not respected,” Mr Kyriacou said.

Eligibility criteria, application details, and terms and conditions are available online at:
https://thecyprusclub.org.au/scholarships/ 

Kyrgios skips Australian Open singles to focus on doubles

The Greek Herald
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Kyrgios skips Australian Open singles to focus on doubles

Nick Kyrgios has ruled himself out of playing singles at the Australian Open, conceding his body is not ready for five-set tennis and ending speculation he would receive a wildcard.

The 30-year-old, whose ranking has fallen to 670 after multiple wrist and knee surgeries limited him to seven singles matches in the past three years, confirmed he will instead play doubles alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis when the tournament begins on January 18.

“After some good conversations with TA, I’ve made the call to focus on doubles for this year’s AO,” Kyrgios wrote on Instagram.

“I’m fit and back on court, but five-setters are a different beast, and I’m not quite ready to go the distance yet.”

Kyrgios, who reached the Wimbledon final in 2022, said he wanted any wildcard to go to someone ready to “make their moment count”, adding: “It’s all building blocks, and I’ll be back next year and pumped to compete.”

His most recent singles outing was a 66-minute loss to American Aleksandar Kovacevic at the Brisbane International earlier this week.

Source: ABC.

Tributes pour in for Melbourne musician Achilles Yiangoulli following his death

Andriana Simos
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Tributes pour in for Melbourne musician Achilles Yiangoulli following his death

The Greek Australian community is today mourning the passing of Achilles Yiangoulli, a highly respected composer, arranger, producer and multi-instrumentalist whose influence extended well beyond the stage and studio.

Based in Melbourne, Victoria, Yiangoulli built a distinguished career as a recording engineer and producer, guitarist, vocalist, bouzouki and tzoura player, and choral conductor.

Renowned for his breadth of musical knowledge and quiet dedication, he was a central figure in Australia’s community and Greek Australian music scenes, where he played a vital role in nurturing collaboration, creativity and cultural continuity.

Tributes have flowed from musicians, colleagues and friends, many describing Yiangoulli as a mentor whose impact was often felt more deeply than it was publicly acknowledged.

In a post on social media, the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) wrote: “Achilles was an incredible musician with a deep love for his community. Everything he did, he did with a smile. Always humble, always supportive, always present.”

Lawyer and close friend Konstantinos Kalymnios said he was “gutted” by the news, describing Yiangoulli as “a dear friend and teacher in ways he may never have realised.”

“We shared a birthday, a fondness for the obscure and the absurd, and the deep privilege of making music together many times,” he said. “Achilles was a quiet force for good in the world… instrumental in sustaining the life of our community music scene.”

Prominent community figure Peter Mousaferiadis also paid tribute, recalling their shared time at university in the mid-1980s.

“When I heard the news my heart sank,” Mousaferiadis said on social media. “We were at university together and I have such fond memories of Achilles — so many fun times and great music making. His contribution and his generosity will be missed by so many. May his memory be eternal.”

Known for downplaying his own achievements, Yiangoulli’s legacy lies not only in the music he created and produced, but in the generosity, humour and integrity with which he supported others.

Kokkinakis pins comeback on rare tendon transplant surgery

The Greek Herald
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Kokkinakis pins comeback on rare tendon transplant surgery

Thanasi Kokkinakis is weighing up his return to singles at the Australian Open after undergoing what is believed to be a tennis-first surgery to address the right pectoral injury that has plagued his career for seven years.

The 29-year-old traced the issue back to his breakthrough Open in 2019, when he retired injured against Taro Daniel after qualifying for his first grand slam.

“I hit a forehand against Polansky, and something didn’t feel right,” Kokkinakis said, adding he later realised he had followed “bad doctor’s advice.”

According to Sydney Morning Herald, after extensive research, Melbourne surgeon Greg Hoy reattached Kokkinakis’ pectoral muscle to his shoulder using an Achilles tendon graft.

“If someone recommended me not to do it, I just blacklisted them,” Kokkinakis said. “I was fine with retiring rather than keeping on doing what I was doing.”

Kokkinakis made an emotional doubles return alongside Nick Kyrgios in Brisbane last week and says while his shoulder remains stiff, he has so far felt no pectoral pain.

He will use the Adelaide International to decide whether he is physically ready to contest the Australian Open, which he can enter using a protected ranking.

“I want to be able to play a match, and know that I can play the next one healthy,” he said, adding he does not expect to be near his best until at least mid-year.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald.

First Lady resigns from charity fund as secret video triggers Cyprus political turmoil

The Greek Herald
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First Lady resigns from charity fund as secret video triggers Cyprus political turmoil

A secretly recorded video has plunged Cyprus into political turmoil, allegedly showing senior officials discussing campaign financing methods and sanctions evasion just one day after the country assumed the EU presidency.

The footage features former energy minister Giorgos Lakkotrypis, presidential office director Charalampos Charalambous and Cyfield executive Giorgos Chrysochos discussing funding President Nikos Christodoulides’ campaign through cash or donations to a social support fund managed by First Lady Philippa Karsera.

The government dismissed the video as a “malicious montage” and “hybrid activity,” challenging anyone with evidence of bribery to present it to authorities.

Amid mounting pressure, Karsera announced she would step down from the management committee of the Independent Social Support Agency, citing an “unrelenting attack” against her and her family on social media and confirming she had sought legal advice.

Opposition parties have demanded explanations, with AKEL criticising the delay in her resignation and questioning why senior officials remain in office.

A 2025 audit found the fund lacked transparency over private donations, while coalition partners are reportedly considering withdrawing support ahead of parliamentary elections in May.

Iran warns of retaliation as protest death toll rises

The Greek Herald
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Iran warns of retaliation as protest death toll rises

Iran has warned it will retaliate if attacked by the United States as activists report hundreds of protesters have been killed in a widening government crackdown.

The Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) says it has verified the deaths of 495 protesters and 48 security personnel, with more than 10,600 people detained nationwide.

A source in Tehran told the BBC: “Things here are very, very bad… It’s like a war zone, the streets are full of blood.”

BBC-verified footage shows rows of body bags near Tehran, while hospital staff told the BBC they have been overwhelmed with dead and injured protesters.

One health worker said: “Around 38 people died… direct shots to the heads of the young people, to their hearts as well.”

The protests, sparked by soaring inflation, have evolved into calls for an end to clerical rule.

Iran’s attorney general said protesters would be considered an “enemy of God,” while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed demonstrators as a “bunch of vandals.”

US President Donald Trump said the US “stands ready to help” as Iran “is looking at FREEDOM,” with US officials confirming he has been briefed on military options.

Iran’s parliament speaker warned that any US attack would make American and Israeli targets in the region “legitimate.”

Iran has imposed a severe internet shutdown, and international media cannot report freely from inside the country.

Source: BBC.

Fatality confirmed as bushfires continue to burn across Victoria

The Greek Herald
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Fatality confirmed as bushfires continue to burn across Victoria

The Victorian bushfire emergency has taken a fatal turn, with one person confirmed dead as more than 20 fires continue to burn across the state, two of them at emergency warning level.

Victoria Police said the body was found on Sunday night in an area affected by the Longwood fire near Gobur in central Victoria, about 100 metres from a vehicle.

The person has not yet been formally identified and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

Premier Jacinta Allan said her thoughts were with the person’s family and loved ones.

“This loss will be felt far beyond Gobur, and it marks the first known fire-related fatality during what has already been an incredibly challenging period for our state,” she said.

Photo: Michael Currie / AAP.

Total fire bans are in place for Victoria’s north-east and north-central districts, with poor air quality forecast from Monday.

The fire near Walwa on the NSW border remains at emergency warning level, while residents in Irrewillipe in the state’s south-west have been told to take shelter as a fire in the Otways burns towards Bungador.

By Sunday evening, about 390,000 hectares had been burnt. Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said the death “really takes the wind out of [his crew’s] sails”.

“We always have the primacy of life at the forefront and the centre of our thinking — It’s what drives and motivates us,” he said.

Photo: James Ross / AAP.

While lower winds on Sunday aided firefighting efforts, Hardman said the Otways fire front remained “really concerning” and warned conditions could worsen later this month.

At least 300 structures have been impacted, with damage assessments continuing.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Allan on Sunday announced a $19.5 million support package for affected communities, including funding for fodder distribution, emergency accommodation and mental health support.

Source: ABC.

Epiphany Blessing of the Waters and Greek Festival at Carss Park cancelled

The Greek Herald
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Epiphany Blessing of the Waters and Greek Festival at Carss Park cancelled

The Blessing of the Waters and Epiphany Greek Festival scheduled to take place today at Carss Bush Park has been cancelled due to hazardous weather conditions.

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia announced the decision after strong wind gusts exceeding 55 km/h were forecast for the area, citing public safety as the primary concern.

“The safety of our visitors is our priority,” the Organising Committee said in a statement.

The statement thanked the community for its understanding and continued support.

What happens to a lease in Greece when a landlord dies?

The Greek Herald
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What happens to a lease in Greece when a landlord dies?

By Anastasia Miliou, Attorney at the Supreme Courts

When a landlord passes away, their rights and obligations do not disappear. Instead, they are transferred to their heirs. Once the heirs accept the inheritance, they automatically step into the role of landlord – there is no need for additional paperwork or registration for this to take effect.

The case in question

In this case, the heirs of a deceased landlord took legal action against a tenant who had rented an apartment from the late owner. The apartment was used as the tenant’s main residence.

Although the tenant was informed of the landlord’s death and told who the new landlords were, she stopped paying rent. Over a period of 12 months, she failed to pay any rent at all.

The heirs went to court asking for two things:

  • payment of all outstanding rent, divided according to each heir’s share of the inheritance, plus interest; and
  • the return of the apartment to them.

The tenant’s argument

The tenant argued that she did not refuse to pay the rent deliberately. Instead, she claimed she was unsure who she should be paying after the landlord’s death and said this uncertainty justified her non-payment.

However, the court found this argument unconvincing.

The tenant admitted she personally knew the deceased landlord’s wife, who was one of the heirs. In addition, another tenant in the same building had no difficulty continuing to pay rent after the landlord’s death – they simply contacted the deceased landlord’s lawyer to confirm how payment should be made.

Why the court ruled against the tenant

The tenant had received a formal written notice giving her 15 days to settle her unpaid rent. Despite this, she made no effort to clarify payment details or to pay what she owed.

The court ruled that a reasonable person would have taken steps to resolve the situation, especially since the tenant had clear ways to obtain information. Because she failed to do so, the court found that the non-payment was her own fault.

The court also noted that if the tenant truly felt unsure about who to pay, the law allowed her to deposit the rent with a public authority until the matter was clarified. She did not use this option.

The outcome

The court ruled in favour of the heirs. The tenant was ordered to:

  • pay all outstanding rent with interest; and
  • hand back possession of the apartment to the heirs.

Key takeaway

If a landlord dies, tenants cannot simply stop paying rent. The heirs become the new landlords, and tenants must continue meeting their obligations. If there is genuine uncertainty, tenants are expected to take reasonable steps to resolve it – not ignore their responsibilities.

*Anastasia C. Miliou is an Attorney at Law at the Supreme Courts with experience in international law and a large clientele in both Greece and abroad. Her telephone number is 6945028153. If you would like questions answered as part of her articles in English online, you can e-mail her at natmil@otenet.gr or visit www.legalaction.gr

Australian and US Greeks drive international demand for The Ellinikon

The Greek Herald
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Australian and US Greeks drive international demand for The Ellinikon

Residential developments at The Ellinikon continue to attract strong international interest, with buyers coming from more than 110 countries. According to the latest update from Lamda Development, the buyer mix currently stands at 55% Greek purchasers and 45% international investors, of whom 22% are members of the Greek diaspora, according to protothema.gr

A significant share of overseas demand is driven by Greeks living abroad, particularly in the United States and Australia. Lamda Development notes that its international roadshows, along with targeted promotional campaigns, have played a key role in boosting the project’s visibility across global residential and investment markets.

As part of these efforts, Lamda recently presented The Ellinikon and its latest investment opportunities at Property Congress 2025, Australia’s flagship real estate event, held in Perth. The presentation highlighted Athens’ growing profile as an international destination for modern and sustainable urban living.

The update also shows that total proceeds from property sales at The Ellinikon have reached €1.5 billion since the launch of the project through November 30, 2025. During this period, 84% of the 671 residential units in the Little Athens neighborhood have already been sold or reserved, underscoring sustained demand for the landmark redevelopment.

Source: protothema.gr

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