It was a proud moment for Greek Rugby League Women’s coach Stuart McLennan as he watched his team defeat some of the world’s best women’s sides, making it through to the grand final of the Sydney International 9s tournament on February 20 at Cabramatta.
The women’s team got together three weeks prior to the tournament, holding only two training sessions. Unsure how they’d fair, McLennan said he was “extremely proud of their efforts” on the day.
“I couldn’t have asked for more from the girls,” McLennan said to The Greek Herald.
“They were just fantastic. They showed a lot of talent, but also they bonded well as a team with spirit and a lot of resilience as well. So I was very impressed.”
Greek Rugby League Women’s team with coach Stuart McLennan. Photo: Twitter
Despite forecasted rain, the day turned out perfect for the women to enjoy a full tournament without disruption. Prior to its commencement, the team was presented with jersey’s by Cronulla Sharks and Greek national side representative Billy Magoulias.
“That was amazing and just shows how solid the Greek Rugby League family is. The fact that Billy took the time out to come and have a chat to the girls and hand out the jerseys.”
Captain Samantha Economos was prepared to lead the women in their matches on Saturday, yet unfortunately suffered an ankle injury in a trial that same morning.
International representative Alexis Mavrantonis was fortunately able to step up to the plate and help the squad bond together, McLennan said.
The team was presented with jersey’s by Cronulla Sharks and Greek national side representative Billy Magoulias. Photo: Ladies Who League / Mary Konstantopoulos
“She took over as captain and not only was fantastic on the field, she was a great leader off the field as well. Was an inspirational display.”
The teams were divided into four brackets of three teams, with the Greek side going up against Malta and Cabramatta in the first round. The first match against Malta ended 12-12, with the girls then needing a win against Cabramatta to advance to the semi-finals.
Despite being name the ‘Powerhouse Club’ of the tournament, the Greeks managed to defeat Cabramatta 6-0 and advance to the semi-finals to face Cook Islands.
“We played our semi-final against Cook Islands and we won that game 8-4, which was probably our best effort in the tournament to be honest,” McLennan said about the semi-final match.
“The girls played really well in that game as Cook Islands were a strong team.”
Greek Rugby League Women’s team in action. Photo: Ladies Who League / Mary Konstantopoulos
Up against Lebanon in the final, the Greek girls managed to get ahead 4-0 at half time. Lebanon proved to come back strong as they drew the match 4-4, putting intense pressure in the final moments of the match.
In what McLennan described as a “miracle” for Lebanon, the Greeks’ opposition managed to score a try in the last play of match, with the final siren having already gone off. Lebanon converted the try and beat the Greeks 10-4.
“As far as we’re concerned, it’s a starting point for the squad. And it was always going to be a starting point… the number one reason to get them together, but also to have a point where we could move onwards.”
“So we’ll be looking at holding regular training sessions and social events.”
McLennan concluded that Greece is currently in negotiations to play a women’s international match in Vanuatu at the end of the year.
The Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW, together with the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand, hosted a tribute concert for Cretan icon Kostas Mountakis, honouring his timeless music and longstanding impact on the Greek community.
The musical tribute, held on Thursday night at the Marana Auditorium in Hurstville, marked the 50th anniversary of the arrival of Kostas Mountakis in Australia in 1971, as the first Cretan artist to come to Australia, as well as the 30th anniversary of his death.
Photo: Vasilis Vasilas
In presence at the event were Mr Konstantinos Giannakodimos, Communication Advisor at the Office of Public Diplomacy of the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney who represented the Consul General of Greece in Sydney Mr Christos Karras, and President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand, Tony Tsourdalakis, as well as representatives of Greek community organisations.
“Mountakis was the first Greek artist who arrived to Australia to entertain the Cretans who had migrated to the country some years earlier… Today we are celebrating the memory of an artist who has left a legacy to the overall musical tradition,” said Mr Tsourdalakis.
The audience were treated to a performance by iconic Greek lyra performers and vocalists Sifis Tsourdalakis, Giannis Pollakis, Antonis Petrantonakis and Michalis Platyrrachos. These performers were accompanied by Angelos Goutzios (Lute), Manolis Karageorgiou (Lute), George Ganakis (Bass Guitar), Themis Ioakimidis and Fotis Lampis (Percussion).
Photo: Vasilis Vasilas
Photo: Vasilis Vasilas
“Kostas Mountakis not only wrote dozens of lyra songs… If anyone hears the words, ‘Kostas Mountakis’, they mainly think of the lyra and the type of music. He popularised Greek folk music and his legacy continues today,” Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW President Terry Saviolakis said.
The full concert can be watched on the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW’s Facebook page.
Gold Coast businessman George Boulos has been handed down a five year prison sentence after being found guilty of selling cocaine to women and prostitutes in exchange for sexual favours, a court has been told.
Initially reported by The Australian, mortgage broker George Boulos was unaware police had bugged his Southport office with cameras and microphones to reveal the lucrative trade he shared with associates over six months in 2016.
Boulos pleaded guilty to eight drug-related charges, including supplying, producing, trafficking and possessing dangerous drugs. He also pleaded guilty to possessing a weapon.
Brisbane Supreme Court was told on Wednesday how the broker’s “stupidity” caused him severe reputational and financial damage.
Mortgage broker George Boulos. Photo: News Corp
His Southport office was used as a “distribution point” to supply drugs to his clients, many of them friends or associates, and he was supplying drugs up to six times a week.
Acting Justice Anthony Rafter said he supplied the drugs 160 times to about 15 customers.
“On some occasions you sold drugs to female customers in exchange for sexual favours,” Jstice Rafter said.
“You also supplied prostitutes with cocaine in exchange for sexual favours.”
Justice Rafter sentenced Boulos to five years’ jail but ordered the term be suspended after serving 14 months behind bars.
“You had the financial means to satisfy your own cocaine addiction without resorting to selling cocaine,” he said.
“You did not need to resort to selling cocaine in order to satisfy your own habit.”
Maria Sakkari was defeated by Spanish-Venezuelan tennis player Garbiñe Muguruza 6-3 6-1, signalling the end of her Qatar Total Open campaign.
The Greek tennis player quickly ousted Madison Keys 6-2 6-2 only one day prior. Tipped to advance to the Open finals, her upset today came as a shock to Greek tennis fans.
In the beginning of the first set, it looked like it could be stretched to a three set game. Both players played fiercely with the Greek even showing hopes for a break point. It was sadly Sakkari, however, who gave away the first break point and was unable to recover.
Muguruza was on fire this morning, boasting a first serve percentage of 77. Sakkari was unable to disrupt the rhythm of her Spanish opponent, who left no opening for the Greek.
Muguruza will face eighth-seeded Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in the semi-final.
For over a century, International Women’s Day, held on 8 March each year, has marked a day of celebration and advocacy for women’s rights and equality around the world.
This day, highlights the role we can all play in helping to create an inclusive world and is a great opportunity for women of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to come together, to reflect and choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality.
This year’s theme ‘Choose to Challenge’ focuses on individual responsibility and the ability to ‘call out’ gender bias and inequity in every day situations.
Here are some great events you can attend:
Food for Thought Network & The Greek Australian Women and Friends Around the World forum – (ONLINE EVENT)
Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos- A Woman of Impact, Influence and Success! Food for Thought Network and The Greek Australian Women and Friends Around the World forum invite you to celebrate IWD on the actual IWD, which is on Monday 8 March at 8.00 pm. The celebration and the presentation will take place via zoom and everyone can join for free.
“Apart from giving us an update on the efficacy of the vaccines, this presentation will delve into the person Vasso and the challenges this remarkable woman has had to overcome to reach the pinnacle of her scientific career. We would appreciate you bringing this to of the attention your young women
“She will inspire young and old and those in between with her story. We look forward to hearing the path that has taken her to being a pioneer in world research. A path that has seen her achieve over 100 awards for her endless and tireless work.
Australian Federation of Pontian Associations (ONLINE EVENT)
“Pontian Women of Australia – A Celebration of Heritage”
“As part of the Australian Federation of Pontian Association’s (AFPA) efforts to promote and showcase the young people of the Pontian communities in Australia we are delighted to five young women of Pontian heritage who have been nominated by member associations to tell their story. The women will share their experiences growing up Pontian in Australia and their involvement and contribution to Pontian culture in their respective communities.”
The presentation, which coincides with Women’s Day, will be hosted by Sophia Siachos. “Pontian Women of Australia – A Celebration of Heritage” will be streamed online on our Facebook page (facebook.com/pontian.org.au) on Monday the 8th of March at 7:00pm (Melbourne time).
Taking part in the presentation are: Penny Papagiordanidis-Tsombanopoulos, Christina Tsiantoulas, Despina Theodoridis, Olga Antoniadis, Eleni Anastasiadou.
This year on #InternationalWomensDay, we’re celebrating women’s leadership in all its forms.
SydWest asks every woman to #choose to challenge (SYDNEY)
SydWest Multicultural Services is pleased to announce its celebration of International Women’s Day which will be on Friday 5th March 2021 at Lily’s Restaurant in Seven Hills from 5.30pm.
This year, SydWest Multicultural Services is pleased to advise that our inspirational guest speakers include:
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales
Effie, renowned entertainer and comedian, presented by Mary Coustas. A Logie award winning performer, Effie has been in the hearts and homes of Australians for the last three decades.
Clr Sera Yilmaz, an inspirational youth leader and Councillor at Fairfield City Council. Sera will share her lived experience and insights, as faced by multicultural women in leadership: she is young, of Turkish background, a Muslim and active in the Labour party in Fairfield.
“I am so excited by this year’s event for International Women’s Day, which aims to entertain and inspire our local women…. After a year of being covid-safe and our communities coming together online, we are pleased to be hosting this in-person event featuring strong, culturally diverse women to showcase what is possible when women #choose to challenge” said Elfa Moraitakis, CEO of SydWest Multicultural Services.
AHEPA NSW Chapter Antigone (SYDNEY)
“The Women of 1821”
On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, AHEPA NSW Chapter Antigone has organised a event on the topic “The Women of 1821”.
This is a roundtable discussion, with Dr Patricia Koromvokis (Macquarie University), educator Charoulla Themistokleous and communications expert Nia Gitsas talking about the involvement of women in the Hellenic War of Independence.
See you all on Sunday, 7 March 2021, at AHEPA NSW Hall, 394-396 Princes’ Highway Rockdale NSW, at 6:00 pm. The event is under the auspices of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia as part of the program of the National Committee.
GCM Celebrates International Women’s Day 2021
(HYBRID EVENT: MELBOURNE & ONLINE)
“Manto Mavrogenous: Between Two Worlds”
The Greek Community of Melbourne welcomes you to an evening of discussion, food and music to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2021, on Thursday 11th March, at 7.00pm, at the Greek Centre. Dr Eleftheria Zei will present a lecture entitled “Manto Mavrogenous: Between Two Worlds”.
The event will commence with an official message for women of the diaspora by the President of Greece, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Greece’s first female president. We are honored that the GCM will be delivering this message at our IWD event.
This year’s IWD theme is “Let’s all choose to challenge”. Collectively, we all have an important role to challenge inequality and gender bias. We need to celebrate women’s achievements, especially those of women in our community.
So, hand up high to show you’re in.
When: Thursday 11 March, 7.00pm
Where: Greek Centre (Mezzanine, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne)
This seminar will be delivered in Greek. It will be a hybrid seminar, so people are encouraged to attend the mezzanine. As the Mezzanine has a limited capacity of 80 persons, seating will be limited to those that have requested a booking here: https://www.trybooking.com/BPLAE
Papaflessas Social Club(MELBOURNE)
A Conversation with Despina Meris, Author of “Every Conceivable Way”
Every Conceivable Way is an illuminating and poignant look at the strength of human endurance and the lengths one woman would go to become a parent. Despina Meris’ debut memoir portrays a fascinating, often heartbreaking, nine-year journey through miscarriage, IVF and surrogacy and depicts the ultimate wonder and fulfillment a child brings.
Join us to hear about her personal story of determination and resilience and to break the stigma around alternative ways of making families.
At: Melina on the Rooftop. Level 13, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne On: Sunday, 21 March. Seated by 2PM. Till 5PM Cost: $70 + booking fee, includes High Tea with a Greek twist, finger food, sweets, and a glass of sparkling
Presented by Pammessinian Adelphotita ΠΑΠ, Melina on the Rooftop, Diagoras Food Co, Sent of a Flower, Greek Made Products in Australia and Venuedoor.com
Multicultural NSW have laid out their vision and goals for the 2021-2025 period, looking to build upon social cohesion and language understanding in the state.
The strategic plan affirmed the requirement of all people to demonstrate a “unified commitment to Australia, its interests and future”, irrespective of their linguistic, religious and ancestral backgrounds.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government recognises Australia’s unique diversity as a “social and economic asset”.
“It builds an inclusive society, enlarges our economy and talent pool, boosts productivity and encourages innovation,” the Premier said.
“NSW was the first Australian state and only the second jurisdiction in the world to enshrine multicultural principles in legislation. Our aim is to provide the opportunity for people from all backgrounds to participate fully in our social, economic and political system, knowing it enriches NSW overall.”
The strategic plan made a strong commitment to providing easier access to language services in the State. Multicultural NSW will:
ensure the delivery of cost-effective, high quality and trusted language services
provide leadership to safeguard the sustainability of the NSW language services industry
promote the value of language services
improve access to service delivery through more user-friendly applications
respond proactively to the language needs of small, new, and emerging communities
build pathways to interpreter training and increase the capability of current interpreters in NSW.
Minister for Multiculturalism Dr Geoff Lee said the plan has “designed and embedded a fluid, forward-thinking approach which brings together contemporary knowledge, lived experience, deep understanding and innovative practice.”
“It seeks to connect and unite people, build on our population’s strengths and grow capability within the community and across sectors,” he said.
Multicultural NSW looks to build community resilience through robust relationships that inspire people to foster social cohesion, stand united against divisive forces and come together in times of need. They plan to do this through:
strengthened leadership and effective community engagement
expanded partnerships and networks at the local level across NSW
the delivery of a social cohesion messaging
an expanded COMPACT program
the implementation of a revised COMPLAN.
“Cultural diversity is our reality – a stronger cohesive society is our goal,” the strategic plan said.
A “wall of immunity” is being built according to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis who announced yesterday that Greece has surpassed the one million mark in Covid-19 vaccinations.
The Greek PM spoke in a video message broadcast by all TV stations.
“Today, we will exceed the symbolic number of 1,000,000 doses, which means that every week that passes, we are building the wall of immunity that will allow us to leave behind this ordeal,” he said.
“In fact, from April, we will have many more doses at our disposal. And as the weather improves, it will become our ally. But it remains a crucial challenge for everyone.”
According to official data on March 3, a total of 991,409 people have received vaccination. Of them, 643,2918 have received only the first dose and just 348,191 have received the second dose.
Mitsotakis added that he was concerned about the increase in mutations of the virus, particularly of the British mutation which is currently wrecking havoc on the Greek national health system.
“Covid-19, like all respiratory viruses, has a strong seasonality. Therefore, we are at the beginning of the end. And this is not a figure of speech. But it remains a crucial bet for everyone.”
He finally called on Greeks to mark “Tsiknopempti” with family and no friends, in a bid to prevent the spread of the virus.
“It would be a pity to do great harm now that we can see the end,” he said.
A senior prosecutor in Greece has ordered a preliminary investigation into press reports claiming that two children were sexually abused at the Agia Sophia Children’s Hospital in Athens.
The investigation was launched following a hospital employee filing a complaint about a paramedic. This paramedic was accused of “committing inappropriate sexual acts” to two children aged 6 and 8 years old.
In one case, the child was in a state of light narcoses and was waiting for a medical examination.
Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias confirmed the news on Twitter, stating that the case file is being transferred to the prosecutor. The Ministry of Health has also stated that there is no tolerance for such incidents.
Για το περιστατικό στο Παίδων «Αγία Σοφία»: Ο φάκελος διαβιβάζεται αμέσως και αρμοδίως στα χέρια του εισαγγελέα. Το λόγο έχει η Δικαιοσύνη.
The hospital management was accused by multiple media outlets of covering up the incident. They allegedly failed to inform the police and instead conducted an internal investigation following the second incident.
The alleged suspect has been reportedly suspended since last Thursday.
So far, a Sworn Administrative Examination has been carried out at the hospital.
More than three million Greeks live below the European poverty line. Nearly 700,000 children up to the age of ten don’t have enough money to buy a snack at school and 500,000 people currently depend on soup kitchens for their daily meals.
These were some of the revealing data presented by Social Entrepreneur and Founder of Wise Greece, Melina Taprantzi during the first Greek Australian Dialogue Series online conference for 2021, organised by the Director of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr. Paul Nicolaou.
In attendance were people from across Australia, among them former member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly and former leader of the National Party in NSW, George Souris. The opening and closing statement for the evening were provided by Board member of HACCI NT, Magdaline Coleman and President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis respectively.
‘Trying to prove Greece is Wise’
“For the past seven years I’ve been trying to prove that Greece is wise,” said Social Entrepreneur and Founder of Wise Greece Ms Taprantzi, explaining how the idea for the social enterprise came about.
“We started in 2013 when people in Greece were searching in bins to find a decent meal. We were in the middle of the worst financial crisis that Greece has faced in its modern history and unfortunately now we have another crisis to face,” she said.
The organisation has received multiple prestigious awards and in late last year, Taprantzi was honoured with the SDGs and Her award, as one of the 7 women worldwide, whose activity significantly contributes to the achievement of the Global Sustainability Agenda 2030.
An organisation with a double mission
“At Wise Greece we have products from small food producers from all over Greece. We sell their products in various stores in Greece and abroad and we turn our profit from the sales into food supplies for people in need,” Ms Taprantzi said explaining the organisation’s purpose.
“We have a double mission. We help small family owned- businesses, which are the backbone of Greek economy while providing high quality food supply to orphanages, soup kitchens and to Greeks who live under the poverty line.
Some of the products Wise Greece offers are ouzo cocktails, smoked sea salt, mushroom spoon sweet, postcards with herbs as well as award winning moussaka and Greek salad spreads.
“Greece doesn’t only produce olive oil, olives and honey anymore,” Ms Taprantzi said, explaining how social enterprises can be a viable way of doing business while giving back to society.
“We have managed to create a sustainable business model that can actually work. Greek producers need hope especially due to this ongoing crisis and this is what we are trying to do,” she concluded.
The Greek community of Sydney gathered on Wednesday night to enjoy the launch of Peter Prineas’ new book Wild Colonial Greeks at the Mytilenian House.
The book launch kicked off with a small introduction to the book by Associate Professor Nicholas Doumanis from the University of New South Wales, where he described ‘Wild Colonial Greeks’ as a “great pre-history” of the Greek community in Australia.
This introduction was followed by a conversation between Prineas, the Associate Professor and Dr Antonis Piperoglou, where the author described the research behind his new book.
The book launch was enjoyed by all. Photo: Eleni Elefterias.
The book takes readers on a journey through colonial Australian history as Prineas looks to uncover the first Greek arrival to Australia.
One candidate, who is referenced multiple times throughout the book, is a Greek from Corfu named George Manuel, who was living in Australia in 1823. This was six years before the arrival of the seven pirate-convicts currently considered to be Australia’s first Greeks.
After the conversation, attendees, which included Greek consular official Mr George Lizidis and Dr Antonis Piperoglou, were treated to a lovely performance by Jim Tsolakis of the Hellenic Choir and Felicia Harris of the La Boite Perfoemance La Boite Performance Space.
Food and drink was also available for purchase through the night from the Mytilenian Brotherhood’s bar.
