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Here are the candidates of Greek heritage running in the NSW Local Government elections

Andriana Simos
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Here are the candidates of Greek heritage running in the NSW Local Government elections

Local government elections are set to get underway in New South Wales on Saturday, December 4, 2021 and The Greek Herald has compiled this list of all the candidates of Greek heritage who will be in the running in your council electorate.

Among the over 3,800 candidates are roughly 55 people of Greek heritage running in 128 local government councils.

Bayside Council:

  • Theo Farasopoulos, Ward 1, Independent, Councillor
  • Constance Gerakis (Connie Gerakis), Ward 3, Independent, Councillor
  • Vicky Roussos, Ward 3, Labor, Councillor
  • Andrew Tsounis, Ward 3, Independent, Councillor
Andrew Tsounis.

Andrew Tsounis is a first-generation Greek Australian running as an independent candidate for his community, which he has been a resident of for almost 20 years. He is passionate about protecting green spaces and taking a stance against overdevelopment. 

  • Fotios Koutsioukis, Ward 5, Independent, Councillor
  • Ilias Tzortzis, Ward 5, Independent, Councillor
  • Elizabeth Antonopoulos, Ward 5, Independent, Councillor
  • Andrew George Pandelis (Andrew Pandelis), Ward 5, Independent, Councillor

Bogan Council:

  • Anthony John Elias (Tony Elias), Councillor

Brewarrina Council:

  • Angelo George Pippos (Angelo Pippos), Councillor
Angelo George Pippos.

Angelo George Pippos was elected to Brewarrina Council in 2008. He has been on various committees including the Aged Care Committee, Big Sky Library, and the Tourism and Cultural Committee.

Canada Bay Council:

  • Angelo Tsirekas, Canada Bay Ward, Our Local Community, Councillor and Mayor
Angelo Tsirekas.

Angelo Tsirekas started his service as a local councillor with Canada Bay Council in 1995, served as deputy mayor for three terms and was elected Mayor of the City of Canada Bay in 2002 and again as popularly elected Mayor in 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2017. 

He has served as President and Vice-President of the Inner Metropolitan Regional Organisation Council, Director of the Inner Sydney Waste Board and the NSW Architects Registration Board. 

Canterbury-Bankstown Council:

  • Nicholas Hatzis, Canterbury Ward, Independent, Councillor
  • Tina Flaskas, Canterbury Ward, Labor, Councillor

Cowra Council:

  • Alexander Constantine Cozadinos (Alex Cozadinos), Cowra Ward, Councillor
Alex Cozadinos.

Alex Cozadinos moved to the Cowra region a couple of years ago after living in Canberra and working as a Head Teacher of Science, as well as holding a number of representative positions with the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies.

If elected to council, Mr Cozadinos will focus on the growth of new and established locally owned businesses, the local farming community, mental health issues, as well as community-based groups that allow residents to feel safe and included.

Cumberland City Council:

  • Stavros Christou (Steve Christou), Granville Ward, Our Local Community, Councillor
Steve Christou.

Steve Christou is an elected Councillor and Mayor of Cumberland City Council. He was elected on September 9, 2017 representing the Granville Ward after receiving a high Primary Vote of 43.5%.

Cr Christou has made numerous major achievements including the completion of the Granville Centre, Eric Tweedale Stadium, restoring Granville Town Hall and revamping Wentworthville Swimming Centre, in addition to countless community-focused programs and steadfast advocacy for the people of Cumberland amidst the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Georges River Council:

  • Mary Cassimatis, Blakehurst Ward, Georges River Residents and Ratepayers Party, Councillor
  • Sandy Hope Grekas (Sandy Grekas), Blakehurst Ward, Independent, Councillor
Sandy Grekas.

Sandy Grekas is a local mum and high school history teacher, having worked in both St George and Sutherland Shire schools. She has also proudly volunteered for the past 12 years with Oatley PS P&C, and is now the School Council President, as well as the P&C President at Port Hacking HS.

Sandy is running for Council because she wants to be a strong, independent advocate for the local community. She is committed to an open and transparent Council, responsible development and improving local facilities like sports grounds, recreation centres and playgrounds.

  • Christopher Tofalakis, Kogarah Bay Ward, Georges River Residents and Ratepayers Party, Councillor
  • Nickitas Katris (Nick Katris), Kogarah Bay Ward, Labor, Councillor
  • Sam Stratikopoulos, Kogarah Bay Ward, Liberal, Councillor
  • Michael Stephen Apokourastos (Michael Apokourastos), Mortdale Ward, Liberal, Councillor
  • Nicholas Smerdely, Mortdale Ward, Liberal, Councillor
  • Christina Petrakis Jamieson (Christina Jamieson), Mortdale Ward, Georges River Residents and Ratepayers Party, Councillor

Hunters Hill Council:

  • Alison Jane Voulgaris (Alison Voulgaris), North Ward, Independent, Councillor

Inner West Council:

  • Julie Helen Passas (Julie Passas), Ashfield – Djarrawunang (Magpie) Ward, Independent, Councillor

Julie Passas is from both Greek and Lebanese heritage and has lived in Ashfield and Summer Hill all of her life. She is a long-term councillor and is passionate about and committed to serving the community. Julie believes that rate paters are not only her constituents but also her neighbours

Julie is the vocal local of the Inner West Council, who believes in robust democratic debate no matter what the issue. She does not partake in political game playing but rather, focuses on local issues.

  • Bill Passas, Ashfield – Djarrawunang (Magpie) Ward, Independent, Councillor
  • John Stamolis, Balmain – Baludarri (Leather Jacket) Ward, Independent, Councillor
John Stamolis.

John Stamolis was born in Adelaide and move to Balmain in 1986. He studied maths and statistics at the University of Adelaide and has obtained qualifications in management and finance in Sydney.

He is a professional statistician. He worked for the Australian Bureau of Statistics for 20 years. He has also served on the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC).

  • Zoi Tsardoulias, Marrickville – Midjuburi (Lillypilly) Ward, Labor, Councillor
  • Marika Kontellis, Marrickville – Midjuburi (Lillypilly) Ward, The Greens, Councillor
  • Melinda Dimitriades, Marrickville – Midjuburi (Lillypilly) Ward, Independent, Councillor
Melinda Dimitriades.

Melinda Dimitriades was raised in Earlwood to Greek-born migrants and has continued to work and live in the Inner West over much of the past two decades. Melinda is a passionate advocate for older people and wants to be part of creating relationships and community activities that engage all generations and cultural backgrounds.

She is interested in all levels of government leading the charge to create good policies and work with business to address climate change, environmental impacts and smart building design. She believes that everyone should have access to green space and sky, and that you can’t just buy your way into everything. 

  • Markela Panegyres, Stanmore – Damun (Port Jackson Fig) Ward, Socialist Alliance, Councillor

Kiama Council:

  • Anthony Varayiannis (Tony Varayiannis), Kiama Ward, Councillor

Lismore Council:

  • Alexander Paul Coronakes (Alexander Coronakes), Lismore Ward, Independent, Councillor

Liverpool City Council:

  • Ellie Robertson (Kritsotakis), South Ward, Independent, Councillor
Ellie Robertson.

Born to Greek parents, Ellie Robertson is also living with a significant physical disability, getting about in a motorised wheelchair. Having previously run for elections, Ellie’s background is in customer service with the Public Service. Ellie was later engaged by the Government to promote disability rights via speaking engagements at workshops and conferences, appearing in YouTube videos, and TV segments. 

Ellie currently serves on several committees that include the Executive Board of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association NSW, 3 Liverpool City Council committees as well as Board Member of South-West Scripture. 

Mid-Coast Council:

  • Phillip John Costa (Phillip Costa), Mid-Coast Ward, Labor, Councillor
Phillip Costa.

Phillip Costa is a former teacher and School Principal of public schools in the Oaks and Buxton. This makes him passionate about funding for education, including early childhood education.

Costa was a Labor Party member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 2007 until 2011, representing the electorate of Wollondilly. He served as Minister for Water and Minister for Corrective Services.

Mid-Western Council:

  • Alex Karavas, Mid-Western Ward, Independent, Councillor
  • Andrew Andrews, Mid-Western Ward, Independent, Councillor

North Sydney Council:

  • Steven Houvardas, Cammeraygal Ward, Independent, Councillor
  • John Lepouris, St Leonards Ward, Independent, Councillor

Parramatta Council:

  • Nicholas Nikolaidis, North Rocks Ward, Labor, Councillor

Randwick City Council:

  • Anthony Andrews, Central Ward, Independent, Councillor
Anthony Andrews.

Anthony Andrews was first elected to Randwick City Council in 2000 and has resided in the area for almost 40 years. Some of his key objectives as Councillor have been no more parking meters, the continuation of the Maroubra Beach promenade to South Maroubra, and the introduction of residential-based parking schemes, among many other things.

Cr Andrews has also been on several committees including, but not limited to, the Australia Day Committee, the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils and the Community Affairs Committee.

  • Georgia Anastasopoulos, South Ward, Independent, Councillor
  • Harry Stavrinos, West Ward, Our Local Community, Councillor
Harry Stavrinos.

Harry Stavrinos was first elected to Randwick City Council in 2012 and has resided in the area for over 11 years. As Councillor, some of his key objectives include opposing inappropriate overdevelopment in the area, tackling parking and traffic issues and keeping local streets clean of rubbish and graffiti.

Cr Stavrinos has also been a delegate on several committees including, but not limited to, the Community Affairs Committee, the Multicultural Advisory Committee and the Business Awards Committee.

  • Angelina Stratigos, West Ward, Our Local Community, Councillor
  • Alexandra Luxford, West Ward, Labor, Councillor
Alexandra Luxford.

Alexandra Luxford was first elected to Randwick City Council in 2017 and has resided in the area for 50 years. Her key objectives as Councillor have been to be a strong voice for the community, to stop overdevelopment, to protect Randwick’s green spaces and to promote cultural diversity.

Cr Luxford has been a Delegate on the Australia Day Committee, the Community Affairs Committee, the Sport Committee and the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils Committee. She has also been Chairperson of the Multicultural Advisory Committee.

City of Ryde Council:

  • Antonia Gerdina Courtelis (Antonia Courtelis), Central Ward, Liberal, Councillor

Snowy Monaro Council:

  • Olivier Kapetanakos, Snowy Monaro Ward, Independent, Councillor

Strathfield Council:

  • Helen Apostle, Strathfield Ward, Strathfield Independents, Councillor

Sutherland Council:

  • Theoharis Strangas (Haris Strangas), C Ward, Liberal, Councillor

City of Sydney Council:

  • Philip Thalis, Sydney Ward, Clover Moore Independent Team, Councillor
Philip Thalis.

Councillor Professor Philip Thalis is a Registered Architect ARAIA and Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects LFRAIA, with 30 years’ experience in the design of public space, urban design, multiple housing, infrastructure and heritage adaptation.

First elected to Council in 2016, Philip is currently Deputy Chair of the Transport, Heritage and Planning Committee, the Chair of the Local Pedestrian, Cycling and Traffic Calming Committee and a member of the Central Sydney Planning Committee and Green Square Advisory Committee.

  • Angela Vithoulkas, Sydney Ward, The Small Business Party, Councillor and Mayor
Angela Vithoulkas.

During her time on Council, Angela Vithoulkas has filled the role of Deputy Chairperson of the City of Sydney Economic Development and Business Sub-Committee. She is also the first Australian Greek woman to be elected to the City of Sydney, an achievement formally recognised by the European Council.

Angela is committed to ensuring that Sydney becomes a smart city using technology that will transform the city and improve the amenity of residents, businesses and visitors. She is also actively involved with Sydney’s small business and start-up community. 

Willoughby Council:

  • Angelo Arthur Rozos (Angelo Rozos), Middle Harbour Ward, Independent, Councillor and Mayor
Angelo Rozos.

Angelo Rozos has been a Willoughby City Councillor for almost nine years. He grew up in Willoughby and raises his young family in the area with his wife Megan.
In his role as Middle Harbour Ward Councillor, Rozos has championed upgrades at Willoughby Park and surrounding ovals. He has a passion for developing open space, playgrounds and parks and is a supporter of small businesses and local sporting groups.

  • Megan Louise Rozos (Megan Rozos), Middle Harbour Ward, Independent, Councillor

Wollongong Council:

  • Marie Glykis, Ward 2, Independent, Councillor and Mayor
  • Andrew Anthony, Ward 2, Sustainable Australia Party, Councillor and Mayor
Andrew Anthony (centre).

Born and raised in Wollongong, Andrew Anthony has been a passionate campaigner for the environment and social justice in the community. Andrew is a strong believer in grassroots democracy and community participation in decision making. Before serving a term on Council from 2004-2008, and was convenor of his local Neighbourhood Committee and volunteered his time on a number of council committees.

As a councillor Andrew was an avid supporter of council’s Bushcare and Environmental Sustainability projects and hopes to continue the fight for sensible sustainable planning in Wollongong and safeguarding the Illawarra escarpment and foreshore from overdevelopment.

Waverley Council:

  • Paula Lexine Masselos (Paula Masselos), Lawson Ward, Labor, Councillor
Paula Masselos.

Paula Masselos was the first woman of Greek heritage to be elected Mayor of Waverley in September 2019. She is a highly experienced and award-winning strategist and communicator with a career spanning almost 35 years. She has held a number of senior positions including Director SBS Radio. She was also the Director of Education in the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.

Paula was also Chair of Sydney’s Carnivale Multicultural Arts Festival and served for six years as a Community Relations Commissioner in NSW. She was on the National Women’s Advisory Council and shaped multicultural TV broadcasting as a member of the Ethnic Television Review Panel. 

*NOTE: the above candidates were identified by surname. If you believe you should be on this list, please email us at info@foreignlanguage.com.au.

‘Never give up’: Pelagia Markogiannakis on her ADF career and supportive Greek family

Andriana Simos
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‘Never give up’: Pelagia Markogiannakis on her ADF career and supportive Greek family

Pelagia Markogiannakis is what many people would call a trailblazer. She has not only had an extensive career as a Lieutenant Commander in the Australian Defence Forces (ADF), but she has also worked for former Governor of NSW, Peter Sinclair, and is now Director of Infrastructure Operations for Amazon Web Services (Australia & New Zealand).

Through it all, she’s had the support and love of her Spartan – Cretan family and this becomes especially clear during her ‘Kazzie Connect’ digital talk on November 11, which was organised by the Kastellorizian Association of Victoria.

During the event, which was in conversation with Freda Miriklis, Pelagia spoke openly about her connection to her Greek family and of course, shared what they thought of her decision to join the ADF.

“I always wanted to join the navy. The sea calls to me. I think my sense of adventure was why I wanted to join,” Pelagia said.

“I wanted to join as soon as I finished high school but I was 16 so dad says, ‘let’s make a deal.’ The deal was I could go to uni and then I could do whatever I wanted. So that’s what we did.”

‘Kazzie Connect’ digital talk on November 11, which was organised by the Kastellorizian Association of Victoria. Photo: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

‘Didn’t think it was possible’:

In the years that followed as a Lieutenant Commander in the navy, Pelagia contributed to Australia’s efforts during the Gulf War and also travelled to Gallipoli on the HMAS Tobruk for the 75th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign.

The journey itself took six months and included a stop-over at Piraeus port in Athens, Greece, which Pelagia remembers fondly.

“We were coming into Piraeus, I got out of my dirty overalls, had a shower, put my uniform on and went up to the bridge and the captain said to me, ‘call the Pireaus pilots, tell them where we are, ask them where they need us to pick them up so we can get into port’,” Pelagia explains with a laugh.

“So I get on the blower [radio] and say in Greek, ‘this is the Australian navy ship HMAS Tobruk, come in please’ and you can hear them in the background talking Greek like ‘someone’s pulling our leg.’

“I’m thinking, ‘oh God I don’t want the captain to find out’ so I get back on to the radio and say in Greek, ‘this is the Australian navy ship HMAS Tobruk, come in please and quickly because otherwise my captain will learn that you don’t know what’s happening.’

“All of sudden, it’s like a scramble. You can hear the microphone being jostled, they gave me the coordinates and we went to the station to pick them up.

“They didn’t think it was possible for a Greek speaking woman to be on an Australian warship.”

Breaking glass ceilings:

This is just one of many glass ceilings broken by Pelagia over her entire career.

In fact, during the Kazzie Connect discussion, Pelagia also speaks proudly of becoming the first female to ever hold the position of Aide-de-Camp in Waiting to the Office of His Excellency the Governor of NSW.

“I get a call from the naval poster [about the job]… and he told me, ‘just so you know a woman’s never done the job so you haven’t really got a chance of getting the job. But if you want to put in for it, we’d really like to see your application’,” she says.

“After he hung up, I rang my dad and said, ‘dad this has happened’ and he goes, ‘what are you going to do?’ and I said, ‘I’m going to apply for it. I haven’t got a good chance of getting it anyway but I’m going to apply for it, what have I got to lose?'”

Photos from when Pelagia was younger. Photo: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Pelagia was offered the job and although she was initially going to turn it down as she had recently bought an apartment in Sydney and was yet to finish her Masters thesis, Governor Sinclair convinced her to take it on.

Two years later, when Governor Sinclair retired, Pelagia moved on to work at other companies such as Shell and AGL Energy before moving to her current role at Amazon Web Services in 2021.

Now, she says she’s happy to continue learning and growing and encourages other people who want to pursue a similar career path as her to ‘never give up.’

“There is nothing you can’t do. Ever. You’ve got to do your best. Be the best you can be. Be true to yourself. Yes, you’ll question yourself. Yes, you’ll fail at things. But you know what, fail fast and move on and learn,” Pelagia stresses.

“Don’t ever, ever, ever give up and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. Whatever it is.”

‘Ancient Greeks’ exhibition fever hits Canberra ahead of opening at National Museum of Australia

Andriana Simos
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‘Ancient Greeks’ exhibition fever hits Canberra ahead of opening at National Museum of Australia

The excitement has hit fever-pitch in Canberra ahead of the official opening of the ‘Ancient Greeks’ exhibition at the National Museum of Australia on December 17.

The Hellenic Club of Canberra, which is the official Community Partner of the exhibition, has even dressed up its building in colourful banners to promote ‘Ancient Greeks.’

Speaking with The Greek Herald, the President of the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra, John Loukadellis, says he’s really excited for people to visit the Museum and witness this ‘once in a lifetime opportunity.’

  • Photos: The Hellenic Club of Canberra / Facebook.

“We’ve hand-picked 178 pieces, 16 of which have been in the southern hemisphere before while the remaining pieces haven’t been outside of Greece or the British Museum,” Mr Loukadellis says.

“We welcome everyone with open arms to visit the ACT to see the exhibition and for all your dining needs, pay a visit to the Hellenic Club.”

‘Ancient Greeks’ will be running until May 1, 2022 and we can’t wait. You can buy your tickets here: bit.ly/3lCYHHk.

Hellenic Initiative Australia launch their 2021 Winter Appeal for Greece

The Greek Herald
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Hellenic Initiative Australia launch their 2021 Winter Appeal for Greece

The Hellenic Initiative Australia (THI Australia) has today launched its Winter Appeal for Greece and invites the Greek diaspora and Philhellenes to support the vulnerable communities which need immediate help this winter.

As the bitter winter cold arrives, many Greek compatriots are already suffering the effects of the recent natural disasters that hit Greece – the fires, earthquakes and floods – and many are bracing for the next wave of the COVID19 pandemic.

According to THI Australia’s CEO, Stergitsa Zamagias-Hill, the organisation’s trusted partner charities in Greece say that, once again, there will be an ‘urgent need for food produce, care packages, emergency accommodation, medical assistance and basic necessities to support many vulnerable communities – including families and individuals living below the poverty line and the elderly who live alone.’

THI Australia and its generous supporters successfully raised $100,000 for its 2020 Winter Appeal and enabled it to provide:

• Six tonnes of food produce to three charities, Aspres Petaloudes (Volos), Kivotos tou Kosmou (Chios, Epirus, Kalamata) and Konstanteio Home for the Elderly (Kavala).

• Access to monthly supermarket vouchers for families living below the poverty line for a 6 month period, with access to psychological support.

• The delivery of hundreds of care packages, PPE kits, and over a thousand hot meals in Athens and Thessaloniki, and

• Temporary accommodation and rental assistance for destitute families and individuals in the Attica region.

The Winter Appeal has showcased the Hellenic diaspora’s compassion and empathy and restored dignity to people who have found themselves at very low and vulnerable points in their lives.

It will take only 5 minutes to make a gift, and yet it can transform a vulnerable life.

• $50 can purchase a care package with basic necessities.
• $75 can purchase 3 Hope Boxes providing 18 kilos of food produce or a food voucher.
• $100 can enable a person sleeping rough or an elderly person to have one bag of clothes laundered weekly, for 5 months by a mobile laundry service.
• $250 can provide access to medical and psychological support services.
• $500 can provide temporary accommodation, one-off rental assistance for struggling families who are facing eviction and require assistance with utility bills.

NOTE: Donations to The Hellenic Initiative Australia are tax deductible in Australia.

Federal Labor Leader Anthony Albanese meets with Archbishop Makarios of Australia

Andriana Simos
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Federal Labor Leader Anthony Albanese meets with Archbishop Makarios of Australia

Federal Labor Leader, Anthony Albanese, paid a visit to the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia in Redfern, Sydney on Wednesday, November 17.

An official luncheon was held for Mr Albanese, which was attended by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, His Grace Bishops Emilianos of Meloa, Iaokovos of Militoupolis, Elpidios of Kyaneon, Siluanos of Sinopis, Kyriakos of Sozopoleos, Christodoulos of Magnesia, Prochoros of Charioupolis, as well as the brother of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Nikolaos Archontonis and his wife Catherine.

During the luncheon, special emphasis was given to issues related to the needs of Hellenism and the local Greek Orthodox church in Australia. Archbishop Makarios also presented to Mr Albanese the renovation plans for the Archdiocese and the new theological school.

Archbishop Makarios also stressed the need to reopen the Theological School of Halki, while also mentioning the 30th anniversary of the enthronement of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

According to a press release from the Archdiocese, Mr Albanese expressed his willingness for closer cooperation with the Greek community and promised to contribute to the completion of the plans for the Archdiocese.

“Honoured to again meet with my dear friend, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios and the newly ordained Greek Orthodox Bishops from around Australia today in Sydney. Australia without our Greek community is unimaginable,” Albanese wrote on Twitter after the meeting.

Dutch journalist in heated exchange with Mitsotakis flees Greece amid safety concerns

The Greek Herald
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Dutch journalist in heated exchange with Mitsotakis flees Greece amid safety concerns

Dutch journalist, Ingeborg Beugel, who caused a stir after questioning Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on migrant pushbacks last week, has confirmed that she has left Greece after allegedly facing attacks and bullying.

The Dutch journalist, who has lived in Greece for 40 years, claims she has been threatened and even had rocks thrown at her after her testy exchange with Mitsotakis over migrants became a hot topic both in Greece and across the world.

READ MORE: Greek PM defends migration policy in heated exchange with journalist.

“A man threw a stone a my head. He called me a Turkish… spy and told me to go to Turkey. The stone hit me in the forehead. I was shocked and started running toward my house,” she said.

In an interview with Dutch media NL Times, Beugel said she was advised by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Dutch embassy in Athens to leave Greece as soon as possible.

She said the Dutch Journalists’ Association (NVJ) has been providing assistance to her, whilst the Greek authorities provided no help.

Beugel doesn’t plan to be gone for long, however. She stated that she still has “important work to do here” and that she will return to Greece when it is safe.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Global Network for Independent Journalism (IPI) condemned the threats against the Dutch journalist.

“IPI is appalled that Dutch journalist, Ingeborg Beugel, has been driven out of the country after facing threats, insults and even a physical attack. She was targeted in a malicious smear campaign and branded a Turkish propaganda agent after questioning the PM about illegal pushbacks,” the statement reads.

Source: Keep Talking Greece.

Vassilis Kikilias: Tourism is an area where Greece and Turkey can cooperate

The Greek Herald
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Vassilis Kikilias: Tourism is an area where Greece and Turkey can cooperate

Greek Tourism Minister, Vassilis Kikilias, arrived in the Turkish city of Izmir on Tuesday, heading the Greek delegation to the 4th Session of the Joint Tourism Committee and the 9th Greek-Turkish Forum on Tourism.

The last meeting of the Joint Tourism Committee and the Forum on Tourism had taken place in Athens in October 2011.

During the meeting, Kikilias stressed that the tourism sector was one in which Turkey and Greece could cooperate.

READ MORE: Greek Health Minister, Vassilis Kikilias: There’s light at the end of the tunnel for Greek diaspora.

Greek Tourism Minister, Vassilis Kikilias, at the meeting.

“We live in sensitive times, which are occasionally difficult, but we must all agree that tourism and travel is the framework in which we can and shall be able to work together even better and cooperate,” the Tourism Minister said in his address.

Kikilias also welcomed the fact that the joint committee and forum were meeting again in a constructive way after 10 years and said that Greece’s goal was to increase the number of cities and islands that are linked by ferries.

“If I had to prioritise our goals based on the pandemic and respect for health and hygiene protocols… it would be to reduce bureaucracy and facilitate travel from Turkey to Greece but also from Greece to Turkey,” he said.

The Tourism Minister also added that visitors from Turkey were “welcome, quality tourists” and that Greece wanted to increase the tourist flow from Turkey.

In response, Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Minister, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, referred to the importance of developing cooperation between the two countries in the tourism sector and the benefits this will bring for their relations.

Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Minister, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy.

Ersoy also stressed the significance of a temporary visa and how useful this will be for Turkish travellers to the Greek islands.

The meeting ended with the signing of a memorandum of cooperation in tourism issues between the two countries.

Source: The National Herald.

Greeks hold peaceful march on anniversary of deadly Athens Polytechnic uprising

Andriana Simos
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Greeks hold peaceful march on anniversary of deadly Athens Polytechnic uprising

Some 20,000 people marched peacefully through Athens on Wednesday to mark the 48th anniversary of a bloody anti-dictatorship uprising in 1973, according to AP News.

More than 5,000 police were deployed to keep order. They were supported by drones, a helicopter and water cannons as violence regularly breaks out during the annual march to the US Embassy in Athens.

A similar demonstration was held in Greece’s second-largest city of Thessaloniki, with about 14,000 participants. The march ended peacefully, but afterwards masked youths threw petrol bombs at police who responded with tear gas and a water cannon. No injuries or arrests were reported.

In a tweet on Wednesday, Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, said the 1973 uprising reinforced the country’s “daily commitment to a secure democracy.”

“48 years since the historic uprising of the Polytechnic, we remember and honour. We inspire and dare. We think and move on! The messages of those great moments are being transformed, today, into a daily orientation towards a secure democracy,” Mitsotakis wrote.

READ MORE: Aristotle Sarrikostas: The photoreporter who captured the invasion of the tank at the Polytechnic.

Elsewhere, Greek President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, laid a wreath at a memorial to the victims of the uprising.

“We honour the victims, the students and all the fighters who stood up against violence and anomy. Their sacrifices, just like their love for freedom and democracy, continue to inspire us,” Sakellaroupoulou said on the day.

The Greek president also stressed the importance of supporting young people and their “expectations for a better future.”

“The young men and women of today, who after the economic crisis are also having to deal with the pandemic, are required to make their way in a world full of challenges and uncertainties,” she said.

Sakellaropoulou at a memorial service.

“It is our duty to stand by them and to support their expectations for a better future, in the context of an open society that includes as all.”

The anniversary commemorates the 1973 student-led pro-democracy protests at the Athens Polytechnic which were crushed by police and troops sent by the military regime. Officers opened fire on unarmed demonstrators and bystanders near the Polytechnic, and an army tank smashed in the gates of the university complex behind which many students were gathered.

At least 20 are thought to have been killed, though the precise death toll of the November 1973 events remains unknown.

READ MORE: Polytechnic Uprising: Spark of the revolution against the Greek Junta.

Source: AP News.

Aristotle Sarrikostas: The photoreporter who captured the invasion of the tank at the Polytechnic

The Greek Herald
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Aristotle Sarrikostas: The photoreporter who captured the invasion of the tank at the Polytechnic

By Thodoris Roussos

Some photographs taken by the then AP Greek photoreporter Aristotle Sarrikostas, together with the film of just 35 seconds of the Dutch cameraman Albert Courant, proved to be irrefutable documents and contradicted the original statement of the Colonel’s Junta that “nothing happened at the Polytechnic University”.

The only photoreporter who captured the moment of the invasion of the tank at the dawn of November 17, 1973, unfolds his memories and recounts in his own words the events of that evening.

“It was a suicide mission”

“It was five – six in the afternoon. It was dark. After I had taken several photos around the Polytechnic, I returned to the offices of The Associated Press, situated at the end of Academy Street-near the Parliament House, so that I could send the material to AP headquarters in New York. Back then, to send a black and white photo via transmitter and telephone line, it took 21 minutes! Today to send a photo it takes under 5 seconds.

Early on we photographed everything we could. And you know it wasn’t easy with the police, the army and the provocateurs to flash-photograph everything that was going on. It was like a suicide mission.

Take a picture of a police officer hitting students on the head with batons and sticks? That was impossible! They would of arrested me and send me to Bouboulinas (the security headquarters that was close to the Polytechnic).

Around 9pm, I heard a noise, a loud rumble.

They were the crawlers of the tanks, coming down Panepistimiou Street to go to the Polytechnic.

I immediately called my manager, Phil Dopoulos, who as soon as he heard the noise told me to leave immediately. I didn’t refuse, of course, but I needed someone with me. It was too dangerous to walk around in the dark. So I persuaded him to come with me.”

“We found ourselves in the middle of the phalanx”

“My manager had a Jaguar, with English plates. We got into his car and going down Americis Street we found ourselves facing the convoy of tanks.

As we were heading to the Polytechnic we were approached by a police patrol car. His driver – at the threat of a revolver – was cursing us and asking us to leave at once. The manager scared me. My reaction was instinctive.

I lowered the window of the car, looked at him, put my finger in front of my mouth, and with a long-drawn “Shhh,” I asked him to be silent! He was shocked.

He turned to his colleague and they drove off. Maybe when they saw the English Jaguar plates they thought we were the CIA or the Intelligence Service!

“I hid the films in my underwear”

“Moving between the tanks we reached Patision Street (the Road where the Polytechnic is located).

All tanks were set up in front of the Polytechnic with the searchlights on. We stood in a place about 40 meters from the main gate in Stournari Street. It was full of policemen, soldiers and provocateurs, whom I knew – they were wearing civilian clothes.

They were the ones who beat people with batons. As I was photographing, I was approached by a police officer.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, “You’re going to sit here and I will be watching you.” When he spoke to me he was heard by the rest of the police officers and soldiers close by. I was taking pictures without a flash.

“As many as I could and when a film finished, I would hide it in my socks, in my underwear. I gave some to my manager as well. I thought that was the only way to save the material.”

“The time of the invasion”

“I was nearby and I heard the students shouting at the police officers: “we are unarmed, we are brothers, come with us.” I could hear the sergeant in the main tank answering the radio. “Yes, sir. Yes, sir. At your command,” he was saying.

With the other hand he held a pistol. My manager walked out and I gave him all the film I had up to that time. It was midnight.

At 2:45am, on 17 November I saw the tank turning the turret in a contrasting direction from the main gate of the Polytechnic.

I thought it was going to turn and go away. This relief lasted for seconds because the tank suddenly accelerated releasing black smoke, and with tremendous force crashed on the main entrance, throwing the children who were upon the pillars of the gate on the ground, like oranges from the tree.

The tank broke through the iron door, crashed a Dean’s Mercedes that was just behind the door. The children who were on the sides of the door moved away. But you can imagine what happened to the ones that were up and behind the gate…”

“I was attacked”

“As soon as the main gate fell and police and soldiers entered the Polytechnic University, I changed position to have a better point of view. At one point I perceived two policemen with sticks approaching me.

“They tried to hit me but I avoided the blows because I ducked in time. One of them pulled out a pistol and I started running zig zag because I thought he was going to shoot me. Luckily, he didn’t and today I’m here talking to you. I managed to get away.

I went back to the offices of The Associated Press to send the pictures of the tank’s invasion of the Polytechnic.”

“They cleaned the blood with hoses”

“Around 6am, I went out again. All Athens was covered by a heavy veil of smoke. The atmosphere was very heavy.

I went back to the Polytechnic University. It was messy. Discarded shoes, torn clothes, blood…

Police officers and firefighters were trying with hoses to wash the bloodstains that were on the streets and sidewalks”.

“My photos were irrefutable testimony”

“Around 11-12 in the morning the Deputy Prime Minister of the junta, Stylianos Pattakos, called journalists and photoreporters to tell us that absolutely nothing happened the previous night.

But a little later all the foreign newspapers were circulating with my pictures, which were irrefutable proof of the invasion of the Polytechnic.

Pattakos called us all back.

Greek and foreign correspondents and finally admitted it. “We had to step in to get rid of those brats,” he told us.

Fortunately there were these photographs, as was the film of the Dutch permanent correspondent in Athens, Albert Koeran, attesting to what had happened in Athens that night…”

Primary School Principal Dina Zunis receives prestigious SA Public Education Award

Argyro Vourdoumpa
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Primary School Principal Dina Zunis receives prestigious SA Public Education Award

South Australia’s North Ingle primary school principal, Dina Zunis (nee Stavrou) has received a prestigious honour at the South Australian Public Education Awards.

In a ceremony held on Friday, November 5, at the Adelaide Convention Centre the Greek Australian was the recipient of the Primary Leader of the Year Award.

“I am deeply honoured and proud to have been recognised for my work. I love working with children and help them progress with their learning and education,” Ms Zunis told The Greek Herald and stressed that the award is a result of hard work and the ongoing support of her family, mentors, the staff at North Ingle School and Preschool as well as the parent community. 

“This award also acknowledges my personal history. I am the daughter of Greek migrant parents from the 60’s,” she said, reflecting on her heritage and the challenges she faced as a child of non-English speaking background.

“Born in Adelaide to Hristina and Vasilios Stavrou from the village of Kefalovriso, Argos, I commenced Prep at Prospect Demonstration School in 1971 without a word of English. My mother and my sister always encouraged me to seek my passion and give my best and my father encouraged me to be independent.”

Dina Zunis (second from L) with her parents and siblings

Ms Zunis said that from a child who used to run away from school because she didn’t understand the language, she became a studious student as she felt “supported and really cared for” by her teachers. 

“All my schooling was through the public system. I am grateful for that and have fond memories of exceptional teachers who shaped my journey in education.”

Ms Zunis also made special mention to her late brother Spiro who stood by her side throughout her studies and was the one who helped her in maths and science as well as her husband Theo and her sons John, Chris & Billy who motivate and inspire her.

Minister for Education, John Gardner congratulated all the finalists for their exceptional work.

“This year’s winners and finalists strive to support every child and young person to be successful and deliver a world class education system for all South Australians,” Minister Gardner said.

“The awards provide an opportunity to reflect on our achievements, be proud of the work we’ve done and where we are heading together.

“COVID has thrown some challenges at our educators and they have gone above and beyond to make sure education in South Australia keeps moving forward.

“We want every child and young person in our state, no matter what town or suburb they live in, or which classroom or kindy they attend, to be supported to fulfil their potential.

“Everyone in our state’s public education system is working together as a connected team towards one goal, to deliver world class education for all children and young people in South Australia.”

As an award winner, Ms Zunis will get $10,000 to be used for professional development. 

“Whatever I do, I do with my whole heart, great passion and respect. These values I inherited from my parents and I try to model to my own children and students,” the Greek Australian principal concluded. 

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