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‘Underdog candidacy’: Drew Pavlou on running for Senate at the next federal election

The Greek Herald
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‘Underdog candidacy’: Drew Pavlou on running for Senate at the next federal election

22-year-old, Drew Pavlou, was suspended from the University of Queensland last year for protesting against Chinese government influence on Australian university campuses.

His case received international attention and he became a martyr of free speech as his actions enraged the Chinese Communist Party.

Now, over a year later, he’s opened up to The Australian about his new life after going through a “really dark place.”

“Now that I look back on it, I was just so agitated at the time and I was probably quite unwell mentally,” Pavlou told The Australian from his ­parents’ home in Coorparoo, Brisbane.

Drew Pavlou. Picture: Justine Walpole.

“I was ­trying to show a brave face and tough-guy image because, like, I didn’t want to ever be seen as weak… I haven’t talked about this much in the media. I think it got to a point where I did have a sort of breakdown.

“Mentally, I was in a really dark place. I really wanted to die at certain points. Not to the point of taking my own life, but if I got struck down by lightning or if I got hit by a car or something like that, that’d be fine.”

Despite this, Pavlou says he’s getting his life back on track and has resumed the final leg of his Arts degree at The University of Queensland. He’s also reconnected to the Greek Orthodox Community of St George, where he was baptised.

“I have rekindled my Christian faith. That became a big thing for me in trying to remove the hubris, in trying to see something above myself… I’d been quite spiritual when I was younger,” Pavlou said.

“For me, it was always just about the fact that it’s founded on love and compassion… that was my experience of it when I was younger. And I guess I lost that a bit when I grew older and went to university. I’d just gone away from that, sort of drifted away from it.”

With this new outlook on life, his latest plans are to now form his own party and run for the Senate at the next federal election. 

“It’s very much an underdog candidacy. I like the David-versus-Goliath odds. Never say never, right? I’m just going to try and sell a positive vision,” he said to The Australian.

“I’m going to explain my beliefs, how they’re founded very much on humanitarian ­values, how I want a fair economy, how I want to put human rights at the centre of Australia’s foreign policy. I’m not going to be doing the crazy aggressive attacks that I was sort of known for.”

Source: The Australian.

Halimah Kyrgios stuns with amazing singing talent on The Voice Australia 2021

Andriana Simos
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Halimah Kyrgios stuns with amazing singing talent on The Voice Australia 2021

Halimah Kyrgios stepped out from her brother’s shadow on The Voice Australia last night, wowing the judges and crowd with her stunning rendition of Tina Arena’s classic song, Chains.

Ahead of her audition, the Canberra raised singer made it clear she wasn’t the only family member with big ambitions, but admitted she wasn’t as “out there” as her “little” brother, tennis star Nick Kyrgios.

“Having Nick in the limelight, it’s been a good and a bad thing. There is added pressure,” Halimah said in her pre-audition tape.

Halimah with her brother, Nick Kyrgios.

“Growing up we were always together, he was also singing and dancing, but then he just had a natural gift for tennis. I look to him a lot for inspiration, because he’s such a fighter — everyone knows he battles for everything. So even though he’s much younger than me I think if he can do it, then what’s stopping me?”

What followed was one of The Voice’s top performances of the night, with Halimah turning the chairs of all four judges – Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, Keith Urban and Rita Ora.

Ora quizzed the singer if she had a penchant for musical theatre and Halimah confirmed she has travelled around the world performing in musicals.

“You can tell because your stamina is really fantastic,” Ora remarked. “It felt so natural for you. I’m a fan of yours.”

Sebastian cheekily added: “You are seriously talented, as is your brother.”

Just before Halimah decided which coach she was going to choose to take her through the next round of the singing competition, Nick himself popped up on the video along with her mum and dad.

Nick Kyrgios was there to support his sister. Picture: Channel 7.

“I just flew back from Sydney so I missed it,” Nick laughed but agreed his older sister was always “amazing.”

In the end, Halimah couldn’t help but be a complete fan-girl and went with the international superstar Ora, who saw it as a huge honour to have the singer on her team.

“I did not expect her to pick me, I’m really flattered. That’s an Australian song, a classic and I’m glad she trusts me. There’s a lot we can do together,” Rita told the camera, before admitting there was a bit of flirting going on between herself and Nick.

Bill Kollatos’ company that delivers fresh food nationally has collapsed

The Greek Herald
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Bill Kollatos’ company that delivers fresh food nationally has collapsed

A national fresh food distribution company has gone bust, with its devastated boss blaming “snap lockdowns” for sending the business to the wall.

In2food, which also trades as Yarra Valley Farms Australia, delivered the hammer blow to staff late on Friday afternoon, The Daily Telegraph reports.

They were told that receivers FTI Consulting had been appointed, with plans to keep the limping business afloat until a new buyer was found.

In2food Australia chief executive, Bill Kollatos, tried to soften the distress of staff with a letter attached to the receivers’ circular and seen by The Daily Telegraph.

“The disruption of snap lockdowns in multiple states in combination with the problematic retail journey within the Ready To Eat meals category, has left us with no choice but to enter into Voluntary Administration,” Mr Kollatos said in the letter.

Bill Kollatos is the CEO of In2Food. Source: Twitter.

“In consultation with our lender, they have appointed a receiver to trade the business and undertake a recapitalisation/sale process.”

In2food supplied supermarkets, hospitals, aged care, retailers, airlines and restaurants with fresh farm foods.

The company will continue to trade during the administration period, with no job cuts announced in Friday’s statement, The Daily Telegraph reports.

Mr Kollatos said he was determined to keep the business going with the help of the administration process and the support of the company’s lender.

“We strongly hold to the belief that the collective support of all stakeholders through a short period of disruption will restore the business back to its core strengths and will continue to provide employment, opportunity for suppliers to grow, and a great value proposition to its customers,” he said.

Source: The Daily Telegraph.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese confirms All Saints Grammar gym to be pop-up vaccination centre

The Greek Herald
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Greek Orthodox Archdiocese confirms All Saints Grammar gym to be pop-up vaccination centre

After The Greek Herald reported this morning that the facilities of All Saints Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Belmore would become a pop-up vaccination clinic, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia released the following statement this afternoon:

The Greek Orthodox Church in Australia actively supports the vaccination program:

The Holy Archdiocese of Australia through the Parish – Community of All Saints in Belmore, Sydney, is making a practical contribution to accelerating the vaccination program against Covid-19, which is being implemented by NSW Health.

For three days, from Wednesday 18th to Friday 20th August, the indoor gym of the Greek Orthodox College of All Saints Grammar will be provided free of charge for its operation as a pop-up vaccination centre. The large area, as well as the easy accessibility of the location, make it suitable to facilitate the work of the health practitioners in carrying out simultaneous mass vaccinations.

The opening hours of the vaccination centre on each of the three days will be from 10am until 4pm. It is estimated that approximately 450 vaccine doses will be administered daily.

The Department of Health will provide the necessary health and support staff, while volunteers from the local parish will be there to help out.

The Holy Archdiocese of Australia reaffirms its willingness to cooperate with the relevant authorities and to contribute through all appropriate means to the successful implementation of the vaccination program. His Eminence Archbishop Makarios urges everyone, Greeks and non-Greeks alike, to support this effort, each according to their position and strength, with the aim of overcoming the current pandemic as quickly as possible.

Remembering Greek film pioneer, Spyros Skouras

The Greek Herald
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Remembering Greek film pioneer, Spyros Skouras

Spyros Skouras, was one of the most important figures in the film industry and a man that played a key role in some of Hollywood’s most important movies. He also helped alter the course of the industry through his many contributions, innovations and hard work.

Skouras was born on March 28, 1893, and was raised in Greece before moving to the United States in the early years of the 20th century.

Here are some important things you need to know about the legendary film executive:

He was born in Skourochori of Pyrgos and he had two brothers, Karolos (Charles) and Giorgos (George) with whom he migrated together to the city of Saint Louis in Missouri.

Skouras served as president of the well-known film studio 20th Century Fox for two decades. In fact, he was the one behind the creation of the company when he pushed forward the merger of Fox Studios with 20th Century Pictures.

He helped launch the career of many aspiring actors and actresses. Most notable among them was a young Norma Jean Baker, who would eventually change her stage name to Marilyn Monroe. She was known to affectionately call him “Papa Skouras.”

Skouras was the mind behind the creation and introduction of CinemaScope to movie theaters, a move which brought back audiences to the cinemas and helped secure the future of the industry for at least the next few decades. Via CinemaScope, movie-makers could use a wide-angle lens to capture the scenes of their films, which in turn could only be shown inside a movie theater.

Some of the most notable films to be made under his supervision are Cleopatra, The Seven-Year Itch, The King and I and The Robe.

Sources: Wikipedia, Stanford.

Australian helicopters arrive in Athens and prepare to fight wildfires across Greece

The Greek Herald
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Australian helicopters arrive in Athens and prepare to fight wildfires across Greece

Four Australian water-bombing helicopters and seven crew touched down at Athens International Airport ‘Eleftherios Venizelos’ on Saturday morning and are now being assembled in preparation for heading out to fight wildfires across Greece.

The Russian aircraft Antonov An-124 carried the Australian water bombers to Greece after Greek industrial conglomerate, Mytilineos, contracted McDermott Aviation from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland to work with them.

Four Australian water-bombing helicopters touched down at Athens International Airport ‘Eleftherios Venizelos’ on Saturday morning.

READ MORE: Mytilineos sources helicopters and crew from Australia to fight fires in Greece.

The first two Bell 214B aerial water-bombing helicopters and supplies were loaded onto the Antonov An-124 in Wellcamp Airport in Queensland. Another two Bell 214B helicopters were loaded on the Antonov-124 in Perth.

From there, the four Australian helicopters headed off to Athens via Sri Lanka.

READ MORE: Australian water bombers en route from Perth to Athens.

“Mytilineos has proven over time that it is always present during difficult times of our country. This disaster has shocked us all. We knew that there was a need for aerial firefighting, however, there is a terrible shortage worldwide,” Vivian Bouzali, General Manager of Communications and Strategic Marketing at Mytilineos, told The Greek Herald last week.

The Australian helicopters.

“We did what was humanly possible and found the most advanced Erickson firefighting helicopters and brought them from Australia to Greece. Along with a crew of 20 people – pilots, engineers and even translators.

“These helicopters, with a cost of 3.3 million euros, fully covered by Mytilineos will remain in our country for two months. Until the last spark that threatens our homeland goes out. Mytilineos will also contribute both to the reconstruction of the burned areas and to the reforestation of our natural wealth.”

‘Disturbingly high’: NSW records 478 COVID-19 cases, eight deaths

The Greek Herald
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‘Disturbingly high’: NSW records 478 COVID-19 cases, eight deaths

NSW recorded 478 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases and eight deaths in the 24 hours to 8:00pm yesterday.

Premier Gladys Berejikilian said the high case numbers were “disturbingly high”.

Seven more people died from COVID-19 as well as a 15-year-old boy who contracted pneumococcal meningitis and COVID-19.

Chief health medical officer, Kerry Chant, said it was vital to “protect loved ones”.

“It is important that we understand the true impact that COVID is having on the community and why it is so critical we all pay a key role in protecting our loved ones from disease,” Dr Chant said.

Six of the deaths were aged in their 70s and 80s, one was in their 40s.

Of today’s new cases, 141 were linked to a known case or cluster and the source of infection for 337 cases is under investigation.

NSW Health said 61 cases were infectious in the community, 30 were in isolation for part of their infectious period and the isolation status of 290 remain under investigation.

There were 157,000 tests taken during the reporting period.

Melbourne curfew imposed as Victoria records 22 local COVID cases:

Melbourne’s lockdown will be extended for another two weeks, Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed today.

“We see too many cases, we see too many mystery cases. We now have 12 or 13 different chains of transmission. The origins of some are unknown to us. That means that this is spreading in an undetected way across the community,” Andrews said.

“We are at a tipping point. There is simply no option today but to further strengthen this lockdown and to, on the advice of the Chief Health Officer, extend it for a further two weeks.”

There will be a nighttime curfew for Melbourne from 9:00pm to 5:00am, starting at midnight tonight.

Health authorities are urging anyone with even the slightest coronavirus symptoms to get tested immediately. Photo: AAP / James Ross.

An 8:00pm to 5:00am curfew was introduced across Melbourne in August last year during the city’s second lockdown, and was in place for almost two months.

Victoria has recorded 22 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases, 14 of whom were in quarantine during their infectious period.

Contact tracers have linked 17 of the new cases to current outbreaks.

The results were detected from 29,986 test results processed on Sunday, when 19,880 vaccination doses were delivered at state-run sites.

Source: ABC News.

Facilities of All Saints Greek Parish in Belmore set to become vaccination hub, Minister confirms

Andriana Simos
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Facilities of All Saints Greek Parish in Belmore set to become vaccination hub, Minister confirms

Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, Tony Burke MP, confirmed on ABC Insiders on Sunday that there are plans to turn All Saints Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Belmore into a pop-up vaccination hub.

NSW Health is in discussions to use the facilities of All Saints on the corner of Cecilia Street and Etela Street to support the local community.

The Greek Herald understands this vaccination hub at All Saints was being considered by NSW Health over the past week.

During the program, Minister Burke was discussing what he believes needs to be done in the Canterbury Bankstown Local Government Area (LGA) to stop the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant and stressed the success of community vaccination hubs in the area.

“We’ve been working really hard to get pop-up clinics on the ground… we’ve got one at the Iran Centre at Campsie today, we’re trying to get one at All Saints Greek Orthodox Parish at Belmore,” Minister Burke said.

“These pop-up clinics work. People see people they know and one of the best ways to combat hesitancy about vaccines is for people to know they’re getting vaccinated in their own community, at your local pharmacy, at your local GP, at these pop-up clinics, at places that people already trust.”

A number of mosques in the Canterbury Bankstown LGA have also become pop-up vaccination hubs, with some vaccinating 1000 people a day.

This news comes as NSW recorded 415 new local cases of COVID-19 yesterday, with 167 of these from the Western Sydney Local Health District (LHD) and 98 from South Western Sydney LHD.

Mitsotakis says Greece ‘at forefront’ of tackling climate change as locals face wildfire aftermath

The Greek Herald
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Mitsotakis says Greece ‘at forefront’ of tackling climate change as locals face wildfire aftermath

Greece and Europe are at the forefront of the fight to tackle climate change and the ambitious goals that have been set can be achieved, Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, told CNN on Sunday.

Mitsotakis expressed his belief that the catastrophic fires in the country in recent days are a sign of the climate crisis and a situation that we will often have to face from now on, both in the Mediterranean and elsewhere.

“We did the best we could. We evacuated tens of thousands of people and fortunately we managed to protect human life, we lost only one life. That is why Civil Protection did a great job for us,” Mitsotakis said.

“Of course we have before us a great environmental catastrophe, a significant number of forests have been destroyed but I am afraid that this is going to be the reality that areas like the Mediterranean will face in the future. This was not just a Greek problem, there were fires in Sicily, Algeria, Turkey. It is a climate crisis that is affecting us here and now and we all need to look very seriously at what we need to do about it.”

The Greek Prime Minister said Europe must work together with other big players such as the US, China and India, to tackle the issue of climate change effectively.

“Europe is a pioneer in tackling climate change. We have set a very ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and our goal is to be climate neutral by 2050,” he said.

“The good thing is that we now have the financial tools to support such policies. Of course we also need the people by our side. Greece was at the forefront of (phasing out lignite as a fuel) even before this crisis hit us. In 2019, I announced that in a short time Greece will abolish all thermal power plants, and we have worked very hard with the local communities to ensure that we can achieve this transition, that it will be in their favor and will create more jobs than lose.

“However, we must also explain to people that this is a one-way street, that this is not a crisis that will be overcome with loud statements. We must apply what we say. I definitely intend Greece to remain at the forefront of this effort.”

Tears and anger as Greek island residents face wildfire aftermath:

Mitsotakis’ interview with CNN comes as residents from the Greek island of Evia returned home to see the aftermath of the bushfires which devastated the island over 10 days.

Ilias Nikolakarakos, a volunteer, puts out fires in resin forest. Photo: Laila Sieber/Al Jazeera.

Wildfires have turned the forest and beehives into ashes and burned down about a dozen houses in Rovies, those on the outskirts, and dozens more across the island.

One of these homes belonged to 72-year old Costas Constantinidis, a former pastry cook.

“There was a paradise here and now… it’s hell,” Constantinidis told Reuters, in tears as he stood in front of his house, much of which was destroyed by flames.

“My wife and I worked hard for many years to build this so we could enjoy it in our old age, and now, we must start again from the beginning.”

Goats are seen at a burn area near Krioneritis village on Evia island, about 181 kilometers (113 miles) north of Athens, Greece, Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021. Photo: AP Photo/Petros Karadjias.

In Rovies, as in other villages across the island, residents said the government failed to protect their homes and the forest.

Mitsotakis has publicly apologised for delays in the firefighting effort and announced 500-million-euro ($587 million) relief package, while defending his government’s action.

“I want to tell them that I completely understand what they feel, both the pain and the disappointment, and the desperation,” he told a news conference on Thursday. “I want to tell them they will not be unassisted, the state will be close to them.”

Source: Ekathimerini.

In Photos: The commemoration of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Australia and Greece

The Greek Herald
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In Photos: The commemoration of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Australia and Greece

By Argyro Vourdoumpa and Andriana Simos.

The Dormition of the Theotokos is a Greek Orthodox celebration held every year on August 15. Due to the current COVID-19 lockdowns in New South Wales, Victoria and Canberra, parishioners were unable to attend church services and instead, watched them from their homes via live streams.

But in South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and Queensland, the faithful were able to gather and commemorate the important day.

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia also issued a message to mark the religious day, calling on Orthodox Christians “to be an example through their faith; to not be discouraged, to not lose heart, and to not lose hope,” during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“Panagia always was, and will always be, our unshakeable support. Let us turn to her again today, intensifying our prayers so that we may gain consolation, hope and strength to effectively deal with the current tribulation,” His Eminence wrote in his message.

“I am certain that your prayers to our Most Holy Theotokos will also include our brethren in Greece, who have been severely affected by the devastating fires these last days.”

Of course, Greece also marked the occasion and in Turkey, the Ecumenical Patriarch officiated at the Liturgy at Soumela Monastery.

Here’s our rundown of how the Dormition of the Theotokos was celebrated in Australia and Greece.

South Australia:

With masks on and under COVID-19 safety rules Greeks across South Australia gathered to commemorate one of the holiest dates in the Orthodox Christian calendar.

St George Greek Orthodox Church, Thebarton:

The service at St George Greek Orthodox Church in Thebarton, was led by Parish priest Fr Diogenis Patsouris. Pictures: The Greek Herald/Argyro Vourdoumpa
© The Greek Herald/Argyro Vourdoumpa
© The Greek Herald/Argyro Vourdoumpa
© The Greek Herald/Argyro Vourdoumpa
Copyright: The Greek Herald/Argyro Vourdoumpa

Greek Orthodox Church of the Koimisis Theotokou, Croydon:

Picture: The Greek Herald/Argyro Vourdoumpa
Picture: The Greek Herald/Argyro Vourdoumpa
Picture: The Greek Herald/Argyro Vourdoumpa
Picture: The Greek Herald/Argyro Vourdoumpa
Picture: The Greek Herald/Argyro Vourdoumpa

Western Australia:

The Greek Orthodox Community of WA Inc celebrated the Vespers of the Dormition of the Theotokos at the Parish of Evangelismos, West Perth.

The service was presided over by His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea and involved the recital of lamentations of the Virgin Mary. Seven girls also performed the role of ‘myrophores’ or flowergirls and attended to the epitaphio.

All Photos: Facebook.

Tasmania:

Over 100 people attended a Matins and Divine Liturgy from 8.30am on Sunday at St Georges Greek Orthodox Church in Hobart. The church service was presided over by parish priest, Father Panagiotis, who was also celebrating his nameday.

After the church service, souvlakia and Greek sweets, made by the Greek womens philoptochos, were available for purchase. All proceeds from the sales will be donated to the people in need after the recent fires in Greece.

All Photos: Facebook.

Queensland:

The Vespers and Divine Liturgy services in honour of the Virgin Mary were both held at St George Greek Orthodox Church in South Brisbane. The services were presided over by parish priest, Father Dimitri Tsakas, and over 100 people were in attendance.

Greece and Turkey:

Faithful from across Greece attended church services to celebrate the Dormition of the Theotokos, adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols. The Archbishop of Greece presided over a service at the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Tavros, while the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, attended a service at the Church of Panagia Vourliotissa in Nea Filadelfeia, Athens.

In Tinos, a traditional procession of the icon of the Virgin Mary was not held this year in order to protect the faithful, according to ertnews.gr.

In Turkey, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew officiated at the Divine Liturgy at the monastery of Panagia Soumela in Trabzon, Turkey.

It is the first time, after six years of forced silence, that the Liturgy for the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is taking place, due to the restoration works of the monastery.

Photo: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ/ΟΙΚΟΥΜΕΝΙΚΟ ΠΑΤΡΙΑΡΧΕΙΟ/STR.
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