A 37-day-old baby, which developed Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) after contracting COVID-19, died on Monday, becoming the youngest victim of the disease in Greece.
The news was announced by Health Minister, Vassilis Kikilias, in a tweet.
Έσβησε σήμερα στο «Αγλαΐα Κυριακού», το μικρότερο θύμα της νόσου Covid. Δυστυχώς, η αθώα αυτή ψυχούλα δεν άντεξε. Κουράγιο στην οικογένειά του.
The infant had been treated for approximately two weeks in the Intensive Care Unit of the Athenian children’s hospital “Aghia Sofia.”
Δυστυχώς σήμερα είχαμε το νεότερο θύμα της πανδημίας στη χώρα μας. Ένα βρέφος που πέρασε τις 17 από τις 37 ημέρες ζωής του παλεύοντας με τον κορωνοϊό. Ο ιός δεν κάνει διακρίσεις, όμως σήμερα η θλίψη είναι δυσβάσταχτη. Στην οικογένειά του εκφράζω τα πιο ειλικρινή μου συλλυπητήρια.
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) March 8, 2021
“Unfortunately today we had the youngest victim of the pandemic in our country. An infant who spent 17 of his 37 days fighting the coronavirus,” Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, wrote on Twitter.
Passionate, dedicated and a trailblazer. Three words which sum up exactly why Suzane Peponis-Brisimis is the perfect female to feature in The Greek Herald’s International Women’s Day special for 2021.
Ever since her mother’s passing from a brain tumour in late 2013, Suzane has launched the White Pearl Foundation in her honour and became a leading female philanthropist raising funds and awareness for brain cancer research.
To acknowledge her hard work, we spoke exclusively with the proud Greek Australian and let’s just say that whilst Suzane remains humble, she doesn’t hesitate to state the facts about what’s needed to find a cure for brain cancer once and for all.
1. Suzane, you are the founder of the White Pearl Foundation. How did the Foundation come about?
Whilst mum was being treated by an extraordinary, eminent medical team at North Shore Private Hospital, I became aware that members of her team founded and remained on the Board of a charity in support of brain cancer patients. This further commitment to their patients, in addition to their highly respected busy medical practices (which includes the building of ateam because it really takes a teamto treat brain cancer) is very impressive.
Then known as Sydney Neuro-Oncology Group (SNOG), now The Brain Cancer Group, Care2Cure (TBCG), they established programs within the 3 pillars of the charity – Research, Education and Support, for patients and carers.
November 2012, birthday celebration. Suzane and her mum a few weeks after her brain surgery by Dr Raymond Cook. Photo supplied.
I learnt from mum’s Medical Oncologist, Associate Professor Helen Wheeler, one of the founders of the charity, about the appalling survival rates, lack of funding reaching brain cancer research and the challenges of funding their programs with no government support.
I found this lack of government support and the pressure on these incredibly busy doctors to fundraise, for example, for a nurse care co-ordinator for their patients (an invaluable resource for brain cancer patients and carers) and their other programs, unacceptable.
With unchanged survival rates in over 3 decades for the worst type and most common brain cancer, glioblastoma multiforme, much more money was required for research. I felt confident we could spread the word and gather support from our generous community, so I resolved to raise funds and awareness of their research arm.
After a few successful events, the White Pearl Foundation – named as such because mama loved white pearls and wore them practically every day- was established. Our 2 main annual events are the White Pearl Ball and Breakfast for Brain Cancer.
2. As a female, what were the challenges and rewards you faced when setting up the foundation?
I can’t say I experienced any challenges due to being a woman in setting up the Foundation. In fact, I have been very much supported and encouraged by many organisations and individuals, for which I remain and always will, very grateful. These include, but are not limited to, Bank of Sydney, Ahepa Medical Foundation, Pan-Arcadian Association of NSW, Sophie Cotsis MP, St Spyridon College, Economos Chartered Accountants, Orama Communications, Hellenic Club NSW, Levendi Jewellers, Harry Georje Diamonds and King Furniture. Our many sponsors and donors are acknowledged on our website. To all supporters, an enormous thank you.
There are however challenges, not necessarily related to being a woman.
Suzane Peponis-Brisimis.
The most recent has of course been the COVID pandemic which curtailed fundraising activities in 2020. This has affected donations by White Pearl Foundation to The Brain Cancer Group in this financial year but our commitment to the cause has not diminished.
The pandemic necessitated the postponement of the 6th Annual White Pearl Ball from October 2020 to, COVID permitting, Saturday November 27, 2021. Themed “Mediterranean Nights,” the menu was planned with Chef Sven of the Hyatt Regency Sydney even before the 2019 Ball, so we really look forward to bringing this event to the community. Please watch this space!
Although tickets to the 2021 Breakfast for Brain Cancer, on Friday March 19, 2021 celebrating International Women’s Day, sold out within days of release, we hope to welcome readers to this event in 2022.
We are already registering interest for the 2021 Ball and 2022 breakfast here. We may in fact hold a second Breakfast for Brain Cancer in June 2021 as there has been such a strong demand.
Another challenge in any charity work is that there are a great number of charities vying for the donation dollar. I believe there is room for all of us, but one has to work hard for a share of that market. In the case of brain cancer research, advocating for patients by raising awareness of the appalling survival rates, the challenges of this particular cancer for the patient and carers, the lack of funding and progress in finding solutions, is as important as raising funds.
Members of The Brain Cancer Group Board and Bank of Sydney CEO, Mr Miltos and Mrs Despo Michaelas, at the 2018 White Pearl Ball. Photo supplied.
A significant part of the fundraising process is seeking prize and services donors and sponsors. I do find it uncomfortable at times as I don’t ever wish to bother people but it’s an important part of the process that is unavoidable and must be done. That’s why I am always grateful for any support we receive, however modest.
Rejection is also occasionally difficult but that is part of the process and you must continue on your path and never take it personally. Those who can’t help this time, may help at some stage.
Finally, it has been a challenge to integrate the work of the Foundation and that for The Brain Cancer Group into what was already, like for so many other women, a very busy life juggling commitments to an ever-expanding family, my business and community. Although busier than ever and determined not to drop the ball on my other commitments, finding the balance remains a bit of a challenge.
Now for the rewards which far outweigh any challenges or discomfort.
It is very rewarding to see so many people gathered at events, enjoying themselves whilst supporting brain cancer patients, comfortable in the knowledge that 100% of the fundsdonated by the White Pearl Foundation supporters are applied to brain cancer research. For over 5 years now, our supporters have funded much needed equipment, researcher salaries, consumables and seed funding for new, innovative projects. Raising awareness and educating guests at our events is of the utmost importance.
Donors attending a lab tour and plaque presentation, led by Dr Raymond Cook, at the Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital campus. Photo supplied.
We receive comments after each and every event from many people that they had no idea of the challenges of brain cancer and lack of progress and that they learnt a great deal from our esteemed speakers. We’ve had the opportunity to thank our major supporters and donors by hosting lab tours and presentations by The Brain Cancer Group researchers and doctors, all of which raises awareness.
A strong community has developed around the White Pearl Foundation and The Brain Cancer Group. The Foundation’s support base has expanded, beyond the Greek community, attracting supporters from all communities and walks of life. This too is very rewarding. I have been fortunate to meet courageous patients and their families and others through this work. We feel privileged and thankful that some have shared their stories at White Pearl Foundation events.
3. You are also on the Board of The Brain Cancer Group. What does this role involve?
I was invited in late 2015 to join the Board of The Brain Cancer Group (TBCG), then known as Sydney Neuro-Oncology Group, and look after donor engagement and fundraising for the Group. Together with fellow TBCG Director and Company Secretary, Tracey O’Donoghue, I also voluntarily oversee the day-to-day operations of the Group. In fact, all Board members offer their time and expertise pro bono.
The philosophy of the Board has always been to keep administration costs as low as possible so that close to 100% of donations are applied to the programs. This has been possible due to the ongoing generosity of TBCG’s Operational Partner, Ramsay Health Care’s North Shore Private Hospital, which funds the TBCG office.
The Board of The Brain Cancer Group. Photo supplied.
4. Knowing all this, tell us a little bit about your personal life and Greek heritage.
My late parents, George and Christina, were born in the village of Levidi, beautifully situated at the foothill of a pine forest and believed to have been established by a French Jewish settler, Levi, in the 1400s. It is a 20-minute drive from the large town of Tripoli which is the capital of the state of Arcadia in the Peloponnese.
When she was a small child, my mother’s family moved to Kalamata. Her mother was from there and as grandfather was away at war, they felt it best that my grandmother be near her family during this incredibly difficult time. So, mum and her sister were raised in Kalamata with, you could say, a Kalamatiano sensibility that was different to that of my fathers who was raised in Levidi. My parent’s different qualities, shaped by their respective environments, brought a rich and complex dynamic to our home life and provided an interesting balance.
In the mid 1950s, mum’s family moved back to Levidi as grandfather found work there. That’s when my parents met, in their late teenage years, and got engaged. Dad moved to Australia in 1956 to find work and set up home in preparation for mum’s arrival. She joined him in late 1957. They were married in Sydney and I was born in late 1959 at Bethesda Hospital in Marrickville. I am an only child.
In Kalamata, Greece, 2003. Four generations. L-R: Suzane’s daughter Alexia, Suzane, Suzane’s mother Christina and her maternal grandmother Anastasia. Photo supplied.
As a very young couple in their mid-twenties, my parents were one of the founding couples of the All Saints Parish in Belmore, which featured enormously in my childhood. My father was on the Parish Board and served for a time as President and until his death, remained a Trustee. He also served on the Archdiocese Mixed Council. Mum worked alongside him for many years on the Parish Ladies’ Auxiliary.
I witnessed the building of the Parish, and wonderful community, from the small church first purchased on part of the land on which All Saints College is now built, to dad’s voluntary involvement, as a builder of the new church. I also attended Greek afternoon school there until 13 years old and took up Modern Greek studies again in university, it was one of my 3 majors.
My father was also heavily involved in the Levidion Association of NSW. Again, a great number of fundraising and community events, the proceeds of which built infrastructure back in Levidi and secured the future of the Association with the purchase of a building in Marrickville.
Their story was similar to that of many young Greek migrants. My parents, and so many of their generation, worked extremely hard to support their families and secure their financial future, educate their children, learn a new language, integrate into their everydayness a new culture, whilst contributing to the building of churches and communities and infrastructure for Greek Australians and the broader community.
They also financially supported their extended families and communities back in Greece, which many missed terribly. They preserved their Hellenic culture and traditions for their own sake, but predominantly I believe for their children and future generations. We as a result are much richer for this. I marvel at the pioneering spirit and indefatigable work ethic of that generation and miss those that have left us. I also miss their legendary storytelling.
I imagine many had been quite traumatised as young children by what they had experienced in World War II and the Civil War that followed, but they seemed to just get on with it and forge a new, successful life in their new homeland and in most cases, with no support, as grandparents and extended family remained in Greece.
5. Do you find being a Greek woman influences the way you raise money for brain cancer research? How?
Yes, definitely. When I began, I drew entirely on my experience and that of my family, of the type of events that appealed to the Greek community and also the fundraising process. It’s only natural that when raising awareness and funds, one approaches the community one knows best and so I approached the Greek community in Sydney and it really has rallied behind this cause.
Suzane’s welcome address at the 5th Annual White Pearl Ball, November 2019.
6. How does it feel to be recognised for the work you and your Foundation does in supporting brain cancer research?
This really isn’t about personal recognition… I mean that sincerely. If recognition of the White Pearl Foundation serves to gather more support for brain cancer research and brain cancer patients, then that is fantastic and should be the goal.
I am most grateful to The Greek Herald for the recognition and thank you for spreading the word within our community and beyond, about the need to get behind research into this insidious and difficult disease and support patients and their families.
7. How should other women raise money for a cause they’re passionate about?
Do whatever you can, in a manner which is comfortable for you. No matter the size of the contribution, it is needed by the causes out there and should be very much appreciated. Don’t ever feel your contribution won’t be enough. We all do what we can and the cumulative effect of even the smallest contributions really does make a difference.
Medical Board members of The Brain Cancer Group at the Group’s Inaugural Annual Scientific Meeting, October 2019. Photo supplied.
The meaningful engagement with community and the camaraderie that is experienced by like-minded people working for a common cause is priceless, inclusive, heart-warming and must not be underestimated.
Always get legal and accounting advice before you begin as there are regulations you must adhere to, set up your structure first and then get started. Enjoy the journey.
Remain diligent and well organised. If you are unable to host your own fundraising events, volunteer. The White Pearl Foundation could not do what it does without volunteers, and more are welcome.
8. Is there anything else you’d like to say?
Brain cancer was for many years referred to as a “forgotten cancer” in relation to research funding. I hope with the ongoing work of The Brain Cancer Group, The White Pearl Foundation and others in this space, a significant groundswell of support may develop in the Australian community so that more funding and more research takes place.
The Brain Cancer Group Board members attending the White Pearl Foundation’s Annual White Pearl Ball. Photo supplied.
In the not-too-distant future, I pray that brain cancer patients will have the opportunity of increased survival rates and possibly cure, as is currently and thankfully, afforded patients of some other well-researched and well-understood cancers that have been so much better funded than brain cancer research. We have incredibly bright and committed brain cancer researchers in this country who need our support.
I hope your readers will avail themselves of information about brain cancer and its effects and consider getting behind the team at The Brain Cancer Group, Care2Cure by supporting White Pearl Foundation events or offering support in other ways. Please feel free to get in touch on 0418 238 723 or suzane@whitepearlfoundation.org and visit www.whitepearlfoundation.org or www.braincancergroup.com.au.
Many thanks to The Greek Herald for this opportunity.
The Dodecanesian Federation of Australia held a special church service and wreath laying ceremony on Sunday to mark the 74th anniversary of the Ensomatosi (reunification) of the Dodecanesian islands to motherland Greece.
While the reunification of the Dodecanesian islands to the mainland officially occurred on October 28, 1947, the anniversary is held on March 7 every year as that was the day the reunification was properly celebrated in Greece in 1948, with a special paniyiri attended by royals.
Church service at the Holy Monastery of Axion Estin in Northcote, Victoria. Photos: Facebook.
This year’s celebrations in Victoria began with a church service at the Holy Monastery of Axion Estin in Northcote, Victoria. The service was attended by a number of officials and Greek community members.
This included Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Mr Emmanuel Kakavelakis, President of the Hellenic RSL Sub-Branch in Melbourne, Steve Kyritsis, Maria Vamvakinou MP, Katerina Theophanous MP, Chairperson of Parks Victoria, John Pandazopoulos, and representatives from the Dodecanesian islands of Kalymnos, Kos, Kastellorizo, Leros and Rhodes.
A number of officials and prominent Greek community members were present. Photos: Facebook.
Following the service, people were invited to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on the grounds of the church. The Consul General laid a wreath, as well as President of the Dodecanesian Federation of Australia, Monique Angelides, the politicians and young children dressed in traditional Kalymnian costumes.
“The event was extremely successful. The children laid a wreath for the first time and it was a beautiful symbol of the importance of recognising the day and it means that the next generation won’t forget it either,” Ms Angelides tells The Greek Herald.
Children (left) and Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Mr Emmanuel Kakavelakis (right), were among those who laid a wreath on the day. Photos: Facebook.
A traditional lunch is typically held after the event but in lieu of that this year, the Federation is holding a celebratory dinner to mark both the Ensomatosi and the 200th anniversary of the Greek War of Independence on March 13 at the ‘Rhodes Club of Melbourne – Diagoras.’
Historical Overview of events leading up to Ensomatosi:
During the Italian-Turkish war of 1912, the Italians occupied the Dodecanese and they systematically tried to convert the Dodecanese to Italian education and religion.
With the end of the war and on June 27, 1946, it was decided by the four great powers United States, Russia, England and France in Paris, that the Dodecanese would be returned to Greece.
A peace treaty is signed in Paris between the Allies, as well as Greece and Italy, according to which Italy cedes to Greece with full sovereignty over the Dodecanese and the adjacent islands.
On March 31, 1947, the British commander of the allied forces, Parker, handed over the command to Rear Admiral Pericles Ioannidis, and a transitional period of the military command of the Dodecanese begins.
On January 9, 1948, the first article of law number 518 on the annexation of the Dodecanese to Greece stipulates that: The islands, Astypalea, Rhodes, Symi, Nisyros, Kos, Chalki, Kastellorizo, Kasos, Karpathos, Tilos, Kalymnos, Leros, Patmos, Lipsi, as well as the adjacent islands are annexed to the Greek state from October 28, 1947.
This law is the Registar Act of the integration of the Dodecanese with motherland Greece.
March 7, 1948 is defined as the day of the solemn formal integration, where the ceremony took place. In 1955, the Dodecanese became a prefecture with Rhodes as its capital.
Sydney Olympic FC suffered a disappointing 1-0 away loss to Rockdale Ilinden FC on Sunday afternoon. Yet, unlike the week prior, the boys in blue showed the strong passion that Olympic fans have been urging for, showing positive signs for weeks to come.
With Olympic captain Hagi Gligor suffering an injury, centre-back Tom Whiteside stepped up to the plate to try bring home their first away win of the season.
Within the first ten minutes, Olympic missed a crucial opportunity to go 1-0 up after a free kick by midfielder Brendan Cholakian hit the inside of the post, bouncing across the goal line before it was sent away from the net.
Sydney Olympic FC first team. Photo: Peter Oglos/The Greek Herald
Olympic had strong possession in the first fifteen, with Rockdale’s only opportunity being parried away by goalkeeper Luke Kairies.
Only thirteen minutes into the match, Rockdale player Daniel Araujo fell onto his arm, which resulted in a terrible dislocation and break. Players waited as two ambulances arrived on the scene, with paramedics spending 45 minutes providing treatment before loading him into the vehicle. Sydney Olympic FC and Rockdale Ilinden FC sent well wishes to Araujo.
Our players and club send our well wishes to injured Rockdale player.
— Sydney Olympic FC (@SydneyOlympicFC) March 7, 2021
According to my clock, the first half between @RockdaleCitySFC and @SydneyOlympicFC took 1hr 27 mins to complete today, due to stoppage for injury. #NPLNSW always throws up something different! Thoughts with Daniel Araujo after significant arm injury #NPL#aleague
Following the injury break, both teams continued on their aggressive runs as Olympic tried to poke holes through the Rockdale defence. A second yellow card to Rockdale meant another free kick opportunity for Olympic just outside the box. Cholakian again stepped up to plate, yet sent the ball high and wide above net.
Free kick opportunities kept landing at Olympics feet in Sunday’s match, yet the team was unable to capitalise on any of them. The closest of these opportunities came midway through the first half when Peter Kekeris, who appeared to have slipped, sent the ball to Cholakian’s feet. After a cut to get a clear shot at goal, Cholakian again smashed the ball at the cross bar, failing to bring an Olympic lead.
There was a momentary shift to Rockdale as the half came to a close, with a dangerous corner from Rockdale, resulting in Daniel Dias making a goal line clearance.
Match action during the PS4NPLNSW Men’s Round 2 match between the Rockdale Illinden FC vs Sydney Olympic FC at Ilinden Sports Centre on March 7th, 2021 in Rockdale, Australia. (Photos by loopii for Football NSW)
Despite holding onto possession, not as much action in the second half from both teams as they looked to drill holes through the oppositions defence. The first opportunity came for Rockdale after a header by Kyle Cimenti hit the cross bar, resulting in now three combined post hits from both teams.
Olympic switched to crosses in an attempt to get some balls past the opposition defence. Kekeris and Dias both tried their luck yet Hasegawa or Cholakian unfortunately couldn’t get on the other end of it.
A slip in concentration came from Olympic in the 59th minute during a Rockdale throw in, where Alec Urosevski was left unmarked in the box and drilled the ball into the bottom left corner past Kairies, bringing Rockdale a 1-0 lead.
Match action during the PS4NPLNSW Men’s Round 2 match between the Rockdale Illinden FC vs Sydney Olympic FC at Ilinden Sports Centre on March 7th, 2021 in Rockdale, Australia. (Photos by loopii for Football NSW).
The arrival of Adam Parkhouse for Olympic brought a bit more crossing action into the match, yet nothing was able to threaten the Rockdale keeper.
The last minute of the match brought excitement to Olympic fans when a total of four shots were made from a corner sent in by Parkhouse, yet all were unbelievable blocked by the Rockdale defence and signalled the end to a very tight NPL NSW match.
Speaking to Football NSW, Sydney Olympic coach Ante Juric spoke about his team’s lack of recent luck.
Match action during the PS4NPLNSW Men’s Round 2 match between the Rockdale Illinden FC vs Sydney Olympic FC at Ilinden Sports Centre on March 7th, 2021 in Rockdale, Australia. (Photos by loopii for Football NSW)
“It’s disappointing to lose by one goal, but it’s early days in the season,” he said.
“If we play like we did today in the rest of the games, we’ll be okay.
“Today was a tough game, and on show were two of the best teams from last year, but we were well in the game.
“We have not been scoring in our first two games because of a bit of bad luck; it is what it is, but we have hit a few posts here and there, and maybe our luck will change if we keep working hard.”
Greece’s Minister of Finance, Christos Staikouras, will take part in a special Zoom conference with the Greek diaspora in Australia on Tuesday, March 16 at 5pm.
Mr Staikouras is the next speaker of the Greek Australian Dialogue Series, which has been organised by Katia Gkikiza, Trade Commissioner of Greece in Australia, Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, and Paul Nicolaou, Director of the Business Leaders Council, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
During the Zoom session, the Minister will talk about the Greek Government’s strategies in bolstering Greece’s business environment, diversifying production, fostering productivity through investment and innovation, and boosting employment, as key areas to drive the post COVID-19 recovery.
Mr Staikouras will underline that a resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery will require international co-operation.
During the presentation, the Minister will also present Greece’s recovery plan, which will focus on 12 key areas, and the government’s priorities including transitioning to greener practices, digital transformation and enhancing skills and productivity.
The Minister will articulate that reducing inequalities and fighting poverty are essential to ensuring the success of his Government’s efforts and that Greece will also be required to address new challenges created by the COVID-19 crisis, including the need to improve and strengthen public health systems.
Following his presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask the Minister a question in the Q&A session.
Details for the video conference:
Date: Tuesday, March 16, 2021. Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (AEDT – NSW, ACT, Vic, Tas) Link: Zoom link will be forwarded to you after you RSVP
To RSVP, please email paul.nicolaou@australianchamber.com.au as soon as possible to secure your place in this video conference.
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man reported missing from Sydney’s south.
John Coutsoudes, aged 43, was last seen leaving a home on Old Taren Point Road, Taren Point, about 6.30pm yesterday (Sunday 7 March 2021) in a black Range Rover Evoke, with NSW registration plate LMC70M.
When he failed to return home, officers from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command were notified and commenced an investigation.
Despite an extensive search of the area, he could not be located, and police are now appealing for public assistance.
Police and family members have concerns for Mr Coutsoudes welfare.
Mr Coutsoudes is described as being of Mediterranean appearance, about 190cm tall, of medium build with brown hair, brown eyes, and facial stubble.
He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and black shorts.
Anyone who may have information on John’s whereabouts or may have seen his vehicle is urged to contact Sutherland Shire Police Area Command on (02) 9542 0899 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Dr Peter Alexakis has been accused of “undue influence” and “fraud” after his Western Sydney property tycoon patient left him 90 per cent of his more than $30 million will, according to court documents obtained by The Daily Telegraph.
Raymond John McClure, who never married and had no children, made six wills between 1986 and his death at 84 in November 2017.
The Daily Telegraph reports that Mr McClure’s estate included $30 million in share holdings, $1 million held in the US, a historic Strathfield house and the mystery contents of a Swiss bank account.
The house in Strathfield which is part of Raymond McClure’s estate. Picture: Julian Andrews.
According to documents filed at the Supreme Court, the second, third and fourth wills in various forms, left his house and the “residue” of his wealth to his 40-year business partner, Frank Camilleri, who maintained Mr McClure’s investment properties, long time friend Hildegard Schwanke, and the Salvation Army.
In the last years of his life, Mr McClure received treatment from Strathfield GP Dr Peter Alexakis.
Less than six months before he died in 2017, Mr McClure wrote two new wills that left the bulk of his estate to Dr Alexakis, according to court documents obtained by The Daily Telegraph.
In response, Mr Camilleri, Ms Schwanke and the Salvation Army have launched legal action in the NSW Supreme Court challenging the validity of the two 2017 wills.
The legal battle comes as the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has placed several conditions on Mr Alexakis’ operating licence, including banning him from conducting home or nursing home visits.
When approached on Saturday by The Daily Telegraph, Dr Alexakis said there was a lot he could say but was unable to because of the court case.
In a message to mark International Women’s Day 2021, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia has praised the holiest woman, the Virgin Mary, while also recognising “the important and the multi-dimensional role of all women.”
Full Message in English:
For the whole Christian world and especially for us Orthodox Christians, the holiest and most respected human person is Panagia, the Virgin Mary. We respect, honour and express our gratitude to the Most Holy Theotokos, who contributed to the fulfillment of the divine Incarnation and, through it, paved the way for our salvation.
Praising and glorifying the Virgin Mary, the woman who united earth with heaven, we cannot but simultaneously recognise both the important and the multi-dimensional role of all women, in family, in our society, in humanity as a whole.
Today, on the occasion of the internationally agreed date that is dedicated to women’s rights, we are called to ponder our duty to build a world without discrimination between males and females, without contempt, without oppression, without exploitation of women; a world with absolute respect for our neighbour, whoever they may be.
Apostle Paul reminds us, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus,” and inspires us to struggle daily with dedication, and in every aspect of our lives and in our daily routines, for the elimination of discrimination and inequality.
“… for you are all one in Christ Jesus…”!
Full Message in Greek:
Για όλον τον Χριστιανικό κόσμο και ειδικώς για εμάς τους Ορθόδοξους Χριστιανούς το ιερότερο και σεβαστότερο ανθρώπινο πρόσωπο είναι η Παναγία. Σεβόμαστε, τιμούμε και καταθέτουμε την ευγνωμοσύνη μας στην Υπεραγία Θεοτόκο, η οποία συνέβαλε στην πραγμάτωση της Θείας Ενανθρωπήσεως και, δια αυτής, άνοιξε τον δρόμο για τη Σωτηρία μας.
Υμνώντας και δοξάζοντας την Παναγία, τη γυναίκα που ένωσε τη γη με τον ουρανό, δεν μπορούμε παρά να αναγνωρίζουμε ταυτόχρονα τον σπουδαίο και πολυδιάστατο ρόλο όλων των γυναικών, στην οικογένεια, στην κοινωνία μας, συνολικά στην ανθρωπότητα.
Σήμερα, με αφορμή μια συμβατική ημερομηνία, που είναι αφιερωμένη στα δικαιώματα των γυναικών, καλούμαστε να αναλογιστούμε το χρέος μας για την οικοδόμηση ενός κόσμου δίχως διακρίσεις ανάμεσα στα φύλα, δίχως περιφρόνηση, δίχως καταπίεση, δίχως εκμετάλλευση σε βάρος της γυναίκας. Ενός κόσμου με απόλυτο σεβασμό στο πρόσωπο του πλησίον, όποιο κι αν είναι αυτό.
“Οὐκ ἔνι Ἰουδαῖος οὐδὲ Ἕλλην, οὐκ ἔνι δοῦλος οὐδὲ ἐλεύθερος, οὐκ ἔνι ἄρσεν καὶ θῆλυ· πάντες γὰρ ὑμεῖς εἷς ἐστε ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ”, μάς υπενθυμίζει ο Απόστολος Παύλος, και μάς εμπνέει να αγωνιστούμε με αφοσίωση, κάθε μέρα και σε κάθε έκφανση της ζωής και της καθημερινότητάς μας, για τον σκοπό της εξάλειψης των διακρίσεων και των ανισοτήτων.
Professor of Public International Law, Photini Pazartzis, has been elected the new Chairperson of the influential United Nations Human Rights Committee.
Ms Pazartis was elected unanimously by all 198 participating states during the Committee’s 131st session. She became the first Greek woman to assume the leadership of the Committee.
According to a press release from the Committee, Ms Pazartis said “it was a great honour… to serve as Chair for the next two years.”
Professor of Public International Law, Photini Pazartzis.
“She was touched by the kind words and support expressed by her colleagues. This was a very challenging period and she would do her best,” she said.
Later in the session, the rest of the Bureau was then elected. Christopher Arif Bulkan (Guyana), Shuichi Furuya (Japan) and Vasilka Sancin (Slovenia) were elected as Vice-Chairpersons, and Duncan Muhumuza Laki (Uganda) was elected as Rapporteur of the Committee.
The Human Rights Committee is the body of independent experts that monitors implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by its state parties.
Who is Photini Pazartzis?
Ms Pazartzis completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Athens (1983) and her graduate studies at the University of Paris-II Panthéon-Assas.
Since then, she’s become Director of the Athens Public International Law Center at the Faculty of Law of the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens. She is also the President of the European Society of International Law (from September 2019) and Member of the ESIL Board.
She’s been Visiting Fellow at the Lauterpacht Research Centre for International Law (1998), Director of Studies at the Hague Academy of International Law (French section, 2003), and has lectured in various universities and institutions, including the Universities of Bordeaux, the European University Institute and the Xiamen Academy of International Law (2015).
Ms Pazartsiz teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in the areas of public international law, settlement of disputes, international courts and procedures, international human rights law, international criminal law, law of the sea.
The Australian Football Association’s leading delegation was left more than impressed on Friday after their visit to Lakeside Stadium, where they not only watched South Melbourne FC’s game against Eastern Lions, but saw their modern facilities up close.
Both the President of Football Federation Australia, Chris Nikou, and the General Manager of the Federation, James Johnson, used their best words to express the professionalism of Hellas Melbourne and promised that soon the “blue and white” club will fight where it should be, and where it belongs.
South Melbourne FC President Mr Nick Maikousi said: “After 20 years we were delighted to host FA chairman Chris Nikou & CEO James Johnson at major corporate event at Lakeside last night. It is a glimpse of things to come in the Nation Second Devision.”
Photo: Bill Roumeliotis
Andrew Mesourouni was delighted with the attendance of the elite hierarchy of football and pointed to the significant amount of work undertaken in recent times to build the football product as South Melbourne.
Bill Papastergiadis interviewed James Johnson and Kimon Taliadoros, President of Football Federation Victoria, at half time and he asked the question: “What are the 2 most important things you would like to achieve in your leadership roles”.
Interestingly, both responded with similar answers. James Johnson said “cohesion and integration are key elements. Brining together all the elements of football will ensure that the game will develop. Football’s multicultural past is important and it needs to be respected and South Melbourne is an important part of the history and story of football in Australia.”
Photo: Bill Roumeliotis
James Johnson noted that the “National Second Division was something currently under consideration by the FA. South Melbourne could potentially be a part of any potential National Second Devision if it went ahead. it has supporters, stadium and is also doing impressive work in many other areas which are important for the fabric of a football club, such as the work South is doing in its women’s football, the blind football team and the disabled team.”
Bill Papastergiadis said: “Chris Nikou and James Johnson spent over 3 hours with us at the game. They enjoyed the match, the atmosphere and I feel they are excited about South Melbourne and what it could bring if a National Second Division was established.
“Chris and James were generous with their time and spoke to many supporters and sponsors. They seemed very interested in the South story and clearly felt comfortable. We hope this is the start of many discussions that lead to the establishment of a National Second Division. They are exciting times ahead for football in Australia.”
