Nothing changes if nothing changes goes the saying and a group of Greek Australian women with the name ‘Golden Angels’ are committed to making a difference in the lives of children in palliative care and their parents.
“Petroula Gekas and I heard that the government stopped supporting kids in palliative care and we wanted to do something about this,” Founder of Golden Angels, Vicki Antoniou, told The Greek Herald.
And so, they did.
The two ladies organised the first High Tea in 2014 and the event was supported by nearly 380 members of South Australia’s Greek and wider community.
“After the first year Petroula left due to work and family commitments and it was my husband’s idea to put a committee together,” says Vicki.
“We are now 13 women who work voluntarily and give up our time to support those children but I always say we are 14, because we have Panayia (Virgin Mary) looking over us.”
“The Golden Angels Committee consists of Jo Chapley, Angela Gondzioulis, Sylvia Hristo, Vas Koumoulas, Betty Livaditis, Zoi Papafilopoulos, Sia Patsouris, Tina Psaromatis, Patty Sardelis, Mary Skandalis, Stella Tsagouris, Peggy Veloudos and myself,” Vicki says, expressing her gratitude for the ladies who she now calls family.
Due to the group’s collective efforts the latest High Tea held in November 2019 was attended by more than 1000 people and raised over $186,000.
“We work in collaboration with the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation to support children who are being cared for by the palliative care service and their parents in all aspects of their life including funeral costs, equipment for home use to enable the child to remain at home longer, and transportation assistance so that a parent can travel with the sick child,” says Vicki.
Our wonderful friends the Golden Angels raised an outstanding $186,314.61 at their High Tea event held in November last year!
The funds will establish the Golden Angels Palliative Care Support Fund.
With the funds raised during the years the Golden Angels have funded and contributed to essential programs to shine some light in the lives of children and families who need it the most.
“We are in awe of the Golden Angels ability to rally the Greek community in support of some of our community’s sickest children and their families. The funds raised by the group’s fundraising efforts have made a significant impact on families whose lives are devastated by illness,” said Jane Scotcher, Chief Executive of Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation (WCHF).
Jane Scotcher, Chief Executive of Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation (WCHF)
“They have funded key projects such as equipment enabling children to be cared for in their homes, funded an art therapist, supported funeral expenses and were major contributors in the development of the Laklinyeri Beach House Program at Victor Harbor, a specially designed holiday home for families to have a much-needed holiday – sometimes their last as a family.”
The construction of the @WCHFoundation Beach House is complete!
Earlier this week the wonderful team at Bella Build and Design officially handed over the Beach House keys to the WCH Foundation.
Although the pandemic has paused big gatherings and events, the Golden Angels continue to work tirelessly and selflessly behind the scenes towards their next project.
“Our vision is to build a hospice facility for palliative care children in South Australia as the state doesn’t have one but at the moment, we focus on creating a more spacious and comfortable space for these kids and their families at Adelaide’s new Women’s and Children’s Hospital,” Vicki says.
“We know we are working for a reason. We are helping palliative care children and their families and this is really a great thing. Something exceptional,” she says proudly.
“I often say, ‘we cannot change the journey for these families, but we can certainly make it easier’ and the Golden Angels help to make that possible,” Jane Scotcher concludes.
Questions fought with problems. On one hand trying to trace your DNA can be viewed as a nationalistic pursuit. On the other it could be a way to find lost family members.
I share my DNA map here and I must say I was shocked when I got this as both sides of my family, as far as I know, come from Asia Minor, Constantinople (now Istanbul) and Nicomedia (now IZMIT) with some heritage from Argyroupoli in Pontos (now Gumushane) so I was surprised to see so much Peloponnesian DNA when we have no relatives there at all.
One explanation is that the ancient Ionians travelled form there to Asia Minor to set up colonies of which my family on both mother’s and father’s side come from.
I had expected some Turkish but all the results I got were Greek and some Caucasian. I suspect they do not have enough markers needed to give a more accurate result. However, it seems I have more Greek DNA than many of my friends who originate from mainland Greece but whose DNA’s include Albanian, Bulgarian, Italian with a minority of Greek DNA. Does that mean I am more Greek than many in mainland Greece and the islands? How is that possible?
There has been much racism towards the people from the north who may have Slavic roots (knowlingly or unknowingly). Many were under pressure by Greek government policies to assimilate with the Greek nation and speak only Greek. With the influx of the Greeks from Asia Minor during the population exchange many of them were treated abominably and called “Turkish seeds” even by academics such as Giorgios Vlachos in a book about Eleftherios Venizelos. Well, well, with a name like Vlachos, he should have kept quiet. Our names often give away our roots.
Though DNS tests can be confusing indeed. Next week I continue on this idea we have of what makes you Greek.
Join the discussion – add your DNA details and comments on our FB page.
On Saturday night, all Australians will be cheering on World No. 1 Ash Barty as she takes on Karolína Plíšková to claim her second career Grand Slam.
After her semi-final victory, she became the first Australian woman to reach the final since her idol and mentor Evonne Goolagong Cawley won her second Wimbledon title in 1980.
Speaking to ABC News, Ipswich Mayor Theresa Harding said having the Wimbledon final falling in NAIDOC week and following on from Goolagong Cawley gave the achievement extra significance.
“Ash is a very proud Indigenous woman and she’s been very open that Evonne Goolagong Cawley is her role model and an icon for her,” she said.
Ash Barty says she hopes to win the Wimbledon women’s final in honour of her grandpa.(Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
“I can absolutely assure you we’ll be laying everything out for Ash when she gets [home].”
She is wearing a specially designed dress in tribute to the iconic scallop outfit Cawley wore that day.
“It’s a really special anniversary for Evonne,” said Barty.
“I couldn’t be more proud to be in a position to wear an outfit inspired by her. Now to kind of give myself a chance to create some history almost in a way that’s a tribute to her is really exciting.”
Win or lose Barty will extend her gap ahead of Naomi Osaka atop the women’s rankings — a win that would see her move a whopping 2,299 points clear.
Barty was welcomed home a champion after her 2019 French Open title and became world number one soon after.(AAP: Darren England)
Also win or lose, she will claim a place in the heart of all Australians, as the humble tennis player looks to turn into one of the nations greatest national treasures.
“Being able to play on the final Saturday here at Wimbledon is gonna be just the best experience ever!” Barty said.
“I’m incredibly proud of myself and my team and now we get a chance on Saturday to live out a childhood dream.”
“I’m excited I could repay them the favour in a way, of giving us an opportunity as a collective, as a whole, to do something pretty special this week.”
The match will be broadcast on Channel 9 and streamed on Stan Sport at 11:00pm Saturday in the eastern states of Australia, 10:30pm in the central time zone and 9:00pm in the west.
South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett said a few days ago that youngsters Peter Mamouzelos and Blake Taaffe would become the “future of the club”.
On Friday, fans got a small glimpse into this very future, and the talents of both kids shone brighter than possibly even Bennett expected.
The Rabbitohs were missing a lot of big names in their dominant victory against the North Queensland Cowboys on Friday night. Most notably Latrell Mitchell and Damien Cook, who are preparing to face teammate Dane Gagai on the Origin stage on Wednesday.
Not that the missing players appeared to worry the Rabbitohs attacking force, with Milne, Johnston and Walker combining for one of the greatest trio of performances so far this season.
Without masterclass hooker Cook, the missing hole in the Bunnies pack was filled by Greek Australian Peter Mamouzelos, earning his first ever starting spot in the NRL – Making his debut off the bench against the Knights less than a month ago.
Anybody listening Andrew Voss’ commentary on Friday night would’ve heard the name ‘Mamouzelos’ ring about every 30 seconds. The reason: He was everywhere.
Mamouzelos had 64 running metres and managed 8 runs throughout the match. But the 20-year-olds biggest impact came in defence, making 25 tackles on the field – the third most tackles in the Rabbitohs squad behind Nicholls and Su’a, who both knocked up 26 tackles.
The Greek Australian played with more passion than I’d seen in a 20-year-old in a long time. And the best part was, he barely put a foot wrong the whole match.
Not even looking at the youngsters stats and focusing on his on-field highlights, Mamouzelos got his side two six again calls, challenged the strength of one of the NRL’s toughest forwards in Jason Taumalolo, and provided the bursts of energy needed to stop multiple Cowboys attacks and shift the tide towards the Rabbitohs favour.
He even copped a nasty head-high whack from Heilum Luki, which saw the Cowboys player get sent of for 10 in the bin.
It’s not to say the youngster didn’t have any room for improvement, he is only 20-years-old and still has plenty to learn from his more experienced teammates. However, the level of involvement with, and without, the ball showed Mamouzelos has the potential to reach Cook’s expertise.
While Bennett failed to mention them in his post match press conference, Mamouzelos and Taaffe, who earned his first-ever NRL try, would have certainly impressed the experienced coach.
Mamouzelos and Taaffe, alongside fellow Greek Australian Lachlan Ilias, have been described previously as “best mates” by Mark Ellison, Head of Football at South Sydney.
“(Thy are) inseparable at training and outside of footy, and they have similarly strong combinations on the field as well having played and trained alongside each other for the past three years,” Ellison said.
Mamouzelos joined from the Maroubra Lions and has been a mainstay in the Rabbitohs’ Jersey Flegg side throughout 2019 and 2021. He has represented Greece in seven matches including World Cup Qualifiers throughout 2018 and 2019.
In 1951, Christian Dior held one of the most iconic photoshoots in Greek fashion history, capturing women standing outside the Parthenon on the Acropolis. This month, the fashion agency recreated that famous photo for their new runaway show in Athens.
The show venue was set up at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, where the first modern Olympic Games were held and the only large stadium in the world constructed entirely of marble. The exclusive content Dior posted on social media regarding the show at the Panathenaic Stadium had more than 85 million views in just five days.
The Central Archaeological Council (KAS), the main guardian of Greece’s cultural heritage, green-lighted the use of several key sites for the shoot.
Dior’s choice of presenting the new collection in Athens not only promoted the country but also brought in direct revenue for the state; some 700,000 euros just for the permits to conduct shoots in archaeological sites and museums.
Speaking to Greece Is, Dior’s chief communications officer Olivier Bialobos did not fully agree with the word “revival” to best describe the aesthetic spectacle taking place. “I would say that it is a new view of a historic photograph. We have definitely not attempted to recreate the 1951 photo”.
The French selected 10 Greek female photographers to work with exclusively on this project.
Maria Grazia Chiuri was inspired by the works of Italian Surrealist Pioneer Giorgio de Chirico. Based on the profound memories of Greece, Maria Grazia Chiuri depicts a supernatural scene condensed in the contrast of silent light and shadow.
Mihalis Lefantzis said he always had a positive attitude towards the project, so the result only justifies his stance.
“The breaks, pauses and rhythm of this visual event were very interesting”, he says.
“Until recently, the old school “gesture” of contrapuntal breaks from garments in harmony with fragments of monuments in the background attempted a formalistic veneer of sanctity, frozen in space and time. But there is nothing static or unchanged about sanctity.
“Despite the contrapuntal breaks with numerous historical references, I discerned that Dior’s modern attempt is not a simple ‘promotion’ of the iconic brand on the Acropolis; it is a profound dialectic interaction with the monuments, redefining the idea of sanctity with particularly refined aesthetic criteria.
“On the opposite end of the spectrum I see a conservative version of this veneer of sanctity, which is gambled with to promote subjective needs and claims on monuments and archaeological sites. Of these two versions, the more experimental but also more progressive is the former, the one adopted by the Greek state.”
Ten Greek American and Cypriot American organisations have sent a letter to US President Joe Biden ahead of the anniversary of Turkey’s invasion of the Mediterranean island to express their concern over the “new and renewed existential threats” posed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The letter, which was republished by Ekatherimini, shows the organisations draw attention to Erdogan’s recent decision to reopen Varosha, a beach resort abandoned by Greek Cypriots fleeing Turkey’s invasion in 1974.
The organisations point out that Biden is in a “unique position” to make Cyprus a higher policy priority in American foreign policy. They request that the President demands that the United Nations assert its jurisdiction over Varosha.
Read the full letter below
Dear President Biden:
As we approach the 47th anniversary of Turkey’s illegal invasion of the Republic of Cyprus, the undersigned ten nationwide Greek American and Cypriot American Organizations write to convey grave concern regarding the new and renewed existential threats currently facing Cyprus coming from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
On October 6, 2020, Turkey re-opened the beach in Varosha, the fenced-in area of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus which Turkey has occupied since it unlawfully invaded the Republic of Cyprus in 1974. This action violates United Nations resolutions and international treaties to which the US and Turkey are signatories. In particular, Turkey is in direct violation of UN Security Council resolutions 550 (1984) and 789 (1992) that address the transfer of this area to the United Nations and the 1979 High Level Agreement between the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities that stated that priority should be given to the resettlement of Famagusta, of which Varosha is a subdivision, under UN auspices. During the past year, President Erdogan and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar have spoken openly about their support of a “two-state” solution regarding Cyprus–the permanent partition of the island. As such, President Erdogan’s attempt to change Varosha’s status demonstrates a lack of interest in resuming serious settlement talks in favor of pursuing tangible steps to advance a “two-state” solution regarding Cyprus, which contravenes the positions of the United Nations and the US government.
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden (L) meets with Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan at Beylerbeyi Palace in Istanbul November 22, 2014. REUTERS/Murad Sezer (TURKEY – Tags: POLITICS)
In addition, Turkey’s actions violate a European Parliament Written Declaration in 2012, which called on the government of Turkey to act according to UN Security Council Resolutions and previous European Parliament Legislative Committee reports and return the Famagusta sealed-off section to its lawful inhabitants.
Moreover, the US government has previously reaffirmed its support by endorsing the Statement by the President of the United Nations Security Council on October 9, 2020, calling for “the reversal” of Turkey’s actions vis-a-vis Varosha. However, Turkey has not reversed its actions regarding Varosha. Therefore, mere rhetoric or criticism of Turkey no longer suffices. Substantive action needs to be taken immediately. UN Security Council resolution 550 (1984) explicitly states that an effort to change the status of Varosha necessitates the transfer of the area to the administration of the United Nations. To that effect, we urge your Administration to call upon the United Nations to enforce UN Security Council resolution 550, in which Varosha would be under the U.N. control.
According to press reports, President Erdogan will visit Varosha this July 20 and purportedly make further announcements about its status. It is essential for the United States government and the international community to be proactive and head off any further illegal actions of Turkish expansionism against Cyprus. A failure to act will only embolden President Erdogan in his pursuit of a “two-state” solution regarding Cyprus, which would be a disaster for the people of Cyprus and would not be in the United States’ best interests. It would constitute an egregious violation of the rule of law and fundamental principles of the United States and the international community.
In many ways, President Erdogan’s efforts to change the status of Varosha in furtherance of a “two-state” solution poses as dire a threat to Cyprus’ sovereignty as Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus in 1974. When Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974, Secretary Henry Kissinger refused to take actions that potentially could have remedied the crisis due to a desire to appease Turkey. The Congress, with the support of Senators such as yourself, imposed an arms embargo on Turkey in February 1975 over the objections of Secretary Kissinger. The US government must not engage in the same diplomatic malpractice regarding Cyprus as it did in 1974.
On January 27, 1989, as a United States Senator, you wrote a letter to a Greek American leader from Delaware, Dr Dean Lomis, then-Chairman of the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), stating: “… we must urge the new Administration [President George H.W. Bush] to make Cyprus a higher policy priority in American foreign policy … We cannot lose sight of the fact that the rights of Greek Cypriots have been trampled upon, and we must ensure that their claims to ancestral land and property seized during the 1974 invasion are not compromised. Finally, we must send a signal to Turkey that until it has removed every last soldier from Cyprus, it will never be recognized as a full member of the international community.”
For decades, you have been a staunch advocate for a Cyprus whole, free, and at peace. As President of the United States, you are in a unique position to make Cyprus a higher policy priority in American foreign policy, as you have previously stated. Therefore, we urge you to warn President Erdogan against further aggression toward Cyprus and to send a clear message that Turkey will face punitive and dire consequences if further actions toward the Republic of Cyprus are pursued that threaten its sovereignty and cause instability. In addition, we respectfully request that you direct the US government to demand that the United Nations assert its jurisdiction over Varosha.
Respectfully submitted,
George Horiates, Supreme President American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA).
Nick Larigakis, President American Hellenic Institute (AHI).
Philip Christopher, President International Coordinating Committee – Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA).
Kyriacos Papastylianou, President Federation of Cypriot-American Organizations (FCAO).
Endy Zemenides, Executive Director Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC).
Maria Pappas, President Cyprus-US Chamber of Commerce.
Dr James F. Dimitriou, President & Chairman of the Board of Directors American Hellenic Council of California.
Michael Alexandrou, President PanHellenic Federation of Florida.
Bill Mataragas, President Hellenic American National Council (HANC).
Varnavas Zagaris, President PanCyprian Association of Florida.
Foster+Partners has unveiled its design for Marina Tower, a residential project set to become the tallest building in Greece.
According to Archdaily, the building is located in Ellinikon, on the outskirts of Athens, and is part of a larger development plan meant to transform the site of the former airport into several new neighbourhoods centred around a large coastal park.
The 200-metre tall tower at the heart of the masterplan includes 200 dual-aspect apartments across 45 floors. The Marina Tower seeks to embody the character of the Greek coastal landscape, with a morphology composed of two volumes connected by multiple platforms containing water features, showcasing a strong focus on natural light and ventilation.
According to the architects, the project is set to be “the first green high-rise building in Greece” and “a model of sustainable design, incorporating best environmental practices and cutting-edge international safety protocols”. Upon completion, the building will be one of six tall structures developed within Ellinikon.
“Ellinikon masterplan gives new direction to urban development in Athens, bringing together new ways of living, working and playing, centred on a metropolitan park – a generous amenity for local communities and the city of Athens. Our proposals for Marina Residential Tower build on these sustainable principles to generate a new paradigm for high-rise living and a green beacon in the landscape,” Antoinette Nassopoulos-Erickson, Senior Partner at Foster + Partners.
The Ellinikon Masterplan envisions a new coastal development in Greece that repurpose the existing infrastructure to create a polycentric district comprising several neighbourhoods with a diverse mix of functions.
With less than 6 weeks to go until the 2021 Census, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) have kicked off its advertising campaign, looking to ensure Australia’s multicultural communities are informed and prepared to participate.
It will be Australia’s 18th Census, to be held on Tuesday 10 August. It will include over 10 million households and 25 million people.
There will be resources available to support the 21% of Australians who speak a language other than English at home. The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) is also available on 131 450 to assist those requiring additional in-language support.
Census General Manager, Chris Libreri, said it was important for our multicultural communities to have information about the Census in their own language, in particular new migrants who will be doing their first Australian Census this year.
“The last Census in 2016 showed that our diversity is increasing – with nearly half of Australians either born overseas or with one or both parents born overseas,” Mr Libreri said.
“Many people don’t realise that information collected in the Census, such as country of birth and languages spoken at home, helps inform important services and support for migrant and refugee communities across Australia.
“Our message for Census this year is “Every stat tells a story”. We’ll have illustrations and real-life examples of how Census data has benefited the multicultural community. This includes community services for new migrants, and activities to keep older people healthy and connected.
“Everyone who is in Australia on Census night needs to complete it – it doesn’t matter if you’re a citizen, a resident, or just visiting. The only exception to this is foreign diplomats and their families.”
Mr Libreri said Census staff are already engaging across the country, working with local community groups and stakeholders to get Census-ready.
“We’ve particularly focused on hiring field staff who speak additional languages, and reflect the diversity of the communities they’ll be working in.”
Mr Libreri said this year, people can start their Census as soon as they receive instructions if they know where they’ll be on Tuesday 10 August.
What is the Census? The Census, held on Tuesday 10 August 2021, is a snapshot of who we are and tells the story of how we are changing. It is one of the largest and most important statistical collections undertaken by the ABS.
How will people complete their Census? People will be able to complete the Census online, on their mobile device, or on paper. There will be a number of options available for people who need assistance to complete their Census form, including help from Census field staff, and phone and online help.
What’s new with the Census? People will be encouraged to complete their Census as soon as they receive their instructions, if they know where they’ll be on Tuesday 10 August. They don’t have to wait until Census night. The ABS will also introduce new questions in the 2021 Census—the first changes to questions collected since 2006. The new questions are on long-term health conditions, such as arthritis and diabetes, and on service in the Australian Defence Force.
Sultry and soulful are two words which perfectly encapsulate the music style of Kokatha Greek artist, Lady Lash.
Also known as Crystal Clyne Mastosavvas, the artist is making her mark on the First Nations hip hop scene with her trademark sultry vocals and lush beats.
In fact, when she’s not bringing her magic to stages from the Sydney Opera House to prime rooftop bars and grass root festivals, she’s releasing singles such as Thieving Hearts in 2020.
So to mark NAIDOC week, The Greek Herald thought it was the perfect time to look into her song a little bit deeper.
In this song, Lady Lash sweeps you up gently in the subtle rise and fall of her delivery, according to Double J. This lulls you into her poetic world, which references nature, the feminine, family and relationships, and how they all intersect.
Kokatha Greek artist, Lady Lash. Source: Facebook.
A gifted storyteller drawing on both sides of her cultural heritage, the evolution of Lady Lash as an artist and musician is clear with this track and her mature delivery sets her apart from contemporaries in this genre.
“I wrote this song about connecting back to my hometown and how spiritual and powerful that can be, all while honouring your culture, deep memories and your inner feminine & masculine,” Lady Lash writes on her website.
With such a clear passion for both her Kokatha and Greek heritages, we can’t wait to see where Lady Lash’s talents take her next.
The official opening of the Greek Museum of Adelaide’s sixth Exhibition entitled ‘A Cultural Trip in Greek Heritage’ was held on Thursday, July 8, at the West Torrens Auditorium Gallery in Adelaide.
The exhibition aims to celebrate the Greek culture and heritage and honour the bicentenary of the War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire through a number of art pieces donated by local and international artists.
Photo: The Greek Herald/ Argyro VourdoumpaPhoto: The Greek Herald/ Argyro VourdoumpaPhoto: The Greek Herald/ Argyro VourdoumpaPhoto: The Greek Herald/ Argyro Vourdoumpa
At the official ceremony, among others the Federal Member for Adelaide, Steve Georganas; Member for West Torrens, Tom Koutsantonis MP; Mayor of City of West Torrens, Michael Coxon; Mayor of the City of Charles Sturt, Angela Evans; newly appointed Chair of the SA Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission (SAMEAC) Andriana Christopoulos and President of the Greek Orthodox Community of SA, Bill Gonis. Serving as Master of Ceremonies was the Museum’s Vice President, Spiros Sarris.
Photo: The Greek Herald/ Argyro VourdoumpaPhoto: The Greek Herald/ Argyro VourdoumpaPhoto: The Greek Herald/ Argyro Vourdoumpa
One of the event’s three main speakers, Mayor Coxon shared how he has experienced the Greek values of ‘Philoxenia, Philotimo and Philanthropia – Φιλοξενία, Φιλότιμο και Φιλανθρωπία’ and praised the Museum’s Founder, Chrysoula Melissinakis for her efforts.
Photo: The Greek Herald/ Argyro Vourdoumpa
Federal Member for Adelaide, Steve Georganas said that Adelaide’s Greek Museum is a link between past, present and future and highlighted the contribution of Greek immigrants to the country’s multicultural tapestry.
Photo: The Greek Herald/ Argyro Vourdoumpa
President Chrysoula Melissinakis, thanked the attendees, members, supporters and volunteers before she went on to stress the importance of a permanent home for the Museum’s ever-growing collection.
Photo: The Greek Herald/ Argyro Vourdoumpa
The Exhibition will be open to the public until July 30 and features a number of Lectures (in English and Greek) as well as Fundraising Movie Nights for a Gold coin donation. For more information and details visit: http://greek-museum.com.au
