Lord Ashcroft is standing among rows and rows of headstones at the Suda Bay War Cemetery in Crete, which commemorates the lives of the more than 1500 fallen Commonwealth servicemen from World War II.
Whilst there, he reflects on the life of Charles Hazlitt Upham – a New Zealand farmer turned army officer who risked his life time and again defending Crete from its German assailants.
In a piece for the NZ Herald, Lord Ashcroft details the life of this incredible man and shares how he is one of only three people ever to win the Victoria Cross (VC) twice for his actions in Crete in 1941 and Egypt in 1942. Upham is the only person to have achieved this as a combat soldier.
Lord Ashcroft pays his respects to fallen soldiers at the memorial cemetery at Crete. Photo / Angela Entwistle.
Who was Charles Upham?
Born in Christchurch in 1908, Charles Upham joined the 2nd NZ Expeditionary Force soon after war broke out in September 1939.
Upham earned the VC for outstanding gallantry and leadership in Crete in May 1941, and his Bar at Ruweisat Ridge, Egypt, in July 1942.
According to the NZ Government, Upham was severely wounded in Crete. In one particular incident, Upham led a counterattack on Maleme airport, which had fallen into enemy hands.
“When his company was forced to withdraw, Upham carried a wounded comrade back under fire,” Lord Ashcroft writes.
“A comrade who witnessed the incident said later: “Bullets and shrapnel were flying about. A chap walked out of olive trees and across open country. No shirt, shorts blood-smeared, carrying a badly wounded man. I said to my CSM [Company Sergeant Major], ‘He’ll either get a wooden cross or a Victoria Cross’.”
Charles Upham receiving his VC from General Auchinleck, November 1941. Photo: stuff.co.nz.
Upham was later captured by the Germans. After a failed escape attempt while recuperating in an Italian hospital, he was transferred to Germany in September 1943.
A particularly audacious solo attempt to scale his camp’s barbed-wire fences in broad daylight saw Upham become the only New Zealand combatant officer sent to the infamous Colditz camp for habitual escapers in 1944.
It was here that the Americans liberated him and others close to the end of the war.
After the war Upham returned to farming life in Canterbury, where he died in 1994 surrounded by his wife and daughters. He was 86 years of age.
Modest and selfless, but extremely tough and single-minded, Upham came to symbolise the steely determination and professionalism of the New Zealand Division in the Second World War.
Mytilineos has secured funding of solar power projects in southern New South Wales from ANZ, Westpac, and Societe Generale.
The company says the solar parks in Corowa, Junee, and Wagga Wagga will produce 220-gigawatt hours of electricity and reduce 180,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year.
“We applaud Mytilineos Group’s commitment to develop sustainable energy solutions, and in turn support Australia’s energy transition,” said Alastair Welsh, manager at Westpac Institutional Bank.
Westpac’s Alastair Welsh (Photo: Aaron Francis)
“ANZ is very pleased to have supported MYTILINEOS in… providing valuable renewable energy generation in New South Wales as the state transitions to net-zero carbon,” ANZ executive director Mark Clover said.
The project is part of a 10-year ‘Green’ Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Coles.
Mytilineos says its remaining projects in Australia will be ready to start construction next year.
Construction is nearing completion on St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in the Financial District of New York City.
According to the New York Yimby, the reinforced concrete structure is now nearly fully clad in Pentelic marble and stone.
The radiant, cream-coloured light of the Pentelic marble will reflect a warm ambience outward toward those who stand on the hallowed ground of Ground Zero, where nearly 3,000 people perished in the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001.
The shrine lit up on the 9/11 anniversary this year. Photo: Jeremy Campbell / Twitter.
The cross has also been reinstalled back on the top of the dome.
The St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church was recently blessed on November 2 in which Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop of New York, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, took part.
24 aid workers accused of espionage, forgery, and intercepting radio frequencies in Greece are in legal “limbo” after their trial was postponed.
Irish law student Seán Binder is among them and also faces charges of human trafficking, money laundering, and fraud during his work for the now-defunct NGO Emergency Response Centre International (ECRI).
“I may not have been found guilty today but effectively I’m still not free.
The criminalization of humanitarianism continues,” he told the Guardian.
The aid workers, almost all volunteers, include Greek and foreigners who had participated in search and rescue work on Lesbos.
Former ERCI volunteer and competitive swimmer Sarah Mardini, who helped save 18 Syrian refugees from drowning when their dinghy sunk off Turkey, is being tried.
Mardini and Binder have spent 106 days in pre-trial detention, with Mardini incarcerated in Athens’ high-security Korydallos prison.
Under Greek law, they can be held in custody pending trial for up to 18 months.
If ultimately convicted, both could face 25 years in prison.
Mardini’s lawyer Haris Petsalnikos suggests the charges may be “the most serious any aid worker has ever faced.”
Protestors across Europe are calling for the charges to be dropped.
The European Parliament has condemned the trial.
Outside the Lesbos court, protestors held banners reading “saving lives is not a crime”.
“Today’s decision adds to the ordeal of the defendants and compounds the violation of their human rights,” said Amnesty International’s Giorgos Kosmopoulos.
The trial highlights growing hostility towards NGOs involved in migrant solidarity work and mounting accusations against the Greek government of migrant pushbacks.
Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has denied the alleged pushbacks, arguing that Greek patrols “intercept” migrant boats, as EU law allows, until Turkish coastguard vessels collect them.
He has accepted his government pursues “a tough but fair” migrant policy.
Greek pop star and former winner of Eurovision, Helena Paparizou, has become the first Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Greece.
The announcement comes just in time for International Children’s Day, which is celebrated every year on November 20.
Today marks an important milestone for the @unicef family as we announce our very 1st UNICEF Ambassador for Greece!
“Helena Paparizou, welcome to the UNICEF family! We’re thrilled to have you on board, helping us improve the lives of children in Greece,” UNICEF Greece said in a statement.
As ambassador, Paparizou will contribute to raising public awareness about the protection of children’s rights in Greece, while also contributing to UNICEF’s efforts to ensure a better future for every child with the implementation of targeted national programs and actions.
Είμαι πολύ συγκινημένη σήμερα.
Είναι μεγάλη μου τιμή και νιώθω τεράστια ευθύνη που γίνομαι η πρώτη Πρέσβειρα Καλής Θελήσεως της @UNICEF_Greece για την Ελλάδα.
“It is a great honour for me and I feel a huge responsibility to become the first Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF Greece. We must put our children and youth first, where they deserve to be,” Paparizou said on Twitter after the announcement.
Paparizou joins a group of global and national Welcome Ambassadors who, together with UNICEF, defend children’s rights in every corner of the world, like Pink, Katy Perry, Selena Gomez, David Beckham and Orlando Bloom.
Greece has imposed more restrictions on those unvaccinated against COVID-19 following a surge in cases.
From next Monday, they will be barred from indoor spaces – except churches – even if they test negative.
“This is indeed a pandemic of the unvaccinated,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said.
“Greece is mourning unnecessary losses because it simply does not have the vaccination rates of other European countries.”
In Greece, over 62 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.
That’s 8 percent less than what authorities had hoped for by autumn.
The country has also set a seven-month expiry on vaccination certificates owned by those over 60.
The number of new daily cases hit record highs this month. Greece reported 7,317 new cases and 63 deaths on Thursday.
It’s putting pressure on an already struggling health care system and has forced the government to order private sector doctors in northern Greece to assist public hospitals.
Earlier in November, the government had imposed similar restrictions on unvaccinated citizens but had allowed them access to most services, provided they tested negative.
A few days after the interview of the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis in the Greek Herald, the longest-running source of information of the Greek diaspora with 96 years of uninterrupted presence in the Greek community of Australia, the deputy minister to the Prime Minister and government spokesperson, Yiannis Economou, honoured us with an exclusive interview on many key issues that concern our compatriots throughout Australia.
The Greek – Australian relations, the coronavirus and its treatment, the climate change that concerns all leaders and the position of Greece in the post-memorandum era are some of the questions answered by Mr Economou. Of course, he could not fail to consider the issue of the expatriate vote that concerns the community, but also the cooperation of Greece with the diaspora.
At the same time, he responded to whether there is a thought for early elections, how foreign investment will come to Greece even from Australia, while he did not fail to throw o criticise the main opposition on issues that according to him and the government create a problem in the country. Finally, he spoke about Turkey, while he also sent his message to all Greeks living in Australia.
Greece has entered into a major defence deal with France at a time when Emmanuel Macron’s relations with Scott Morrison are at their worst because of AUKUS. Do you consider that this May to some extent disrupt Greece’s bilateral relations with Australia?
“Greece concludes international agreements in order to strengthen its geopolitical and defence power. The ultimate goal of our decisions is to promote peace and international cooperation, within the framework of international law. We do not want competition, but cooperation. Greece has deep and strong historical bilateral ties with Australia”.
The trilateral agreement on submarines has been the No1 issue on the agenda globally for days and still remains in the news, especially after the cross-accusations heard in Glasgow. What is Greece’s position in this dispute Mr Economou?
“Greece always supports any attempt at international understanding, with reciprocity and justice in mind. The resolution of any disputes contributes to a better world, to which we all aspire”.
During the hard years of the memorandum Greece was something like the black sheep, the sinker from which foreigners could not disengage themselves bloodless. What is the current position of the country with “New Democracy” in government?
“Two years after the 2019 elections, the image of Greece abroad is completely different. The management of the major crises (migration and coronavirus), the complete reconstruction of the Greek economy and the global leadership of the Prime Minister in dealing with the climate crisis and promoting the 4th Industrial Revolution have completely reversed the climate described above. This change is not just a matter of prestige. Greece receives its added benefit in investment and international confidence and support in the fields it is battling. Greece is now shining and nothing will change that”.
There was great disappointment in the ranks of the parochial society for the fact that the bill of the Ministry of the interior for the removal of restrictions on the vote of expatriates was not passed by the House. We would like your comment on this and what to expect in the future…
“The Government has demonstrated in practice its worthy adherence to the unity of the nation. Hellenism, in its long historical course, is synonymous with ecumenism. The Greeks have always grown apart from the narrow geographical space of Greece, without losing their cohesive bond with the mother land. Although part of the Greek political spectrum perceives in terms of small-party Greekness, clearly inferior to our history, New Democracy insists on the coherence of Hellenism and will do everything to strengthen it”.
Why in your view they were so fiercely against it? There is an opinion that says that it is unfair for those who are far away, to take part in the elections of a country they do not live in. What is your position?
“Those who use such arguments do not understand the history of Hellenism and its peculiarity. Greeks have a millennia-long tradition of spreading outside Greece, without this causing their alienation from the National core at all levels: cultural, economic, social and political. Unfortunately, SYRIZA tries to apply – in the case of Greek universality – interpretive schemes of Marxist induction, which have been bankrupt scientifically and politically as early as the 20th century. The attitude of SYRIZA is deeply reactionary and divisive and turns us to the 19th century and the conflict of indigenous and heterochthonous, which has hurt us for a long time”.
Are early elections possible?
“Greece is going on the path of developing and reconstructing its production model, in order to find itself in the global vanguard of the 4th Industrial Revolution and overcome chronic weaknesses and inefficiencies. There is no reason to stop this. New Democracy is a robust party that respects institutions. We do not operate opportunistically. We will present a complete work to the voters in two years, and we will be judged for it.”
The issue of climate change was put on the table at the 26 leaders’ summit meeting in Glasgow. The truth is that Australia has been targeted for its delays to zero emissions over the next few years. How does Greece plan to move on this crucial issue?
“Greece is in the global vanguard of tackling the climate crisis. The protection of the environment, and of Greek nature in particular, is our historic and national duty. Greece, as a tourist and agricultural-livestock country, has every reason to lead in Environmental Protection. The Prime Minister is personally engaged in the de-lignification and the promotion of environmentally friendly policies”.
The Greek community of Australia is one of the most powerful in the country, with continuous actions in order to keep the “flame” and love for the homeland alive. Is Greece moving towards better joint actions and closer cooperation?
“The government and the relevant state authorities have high in their priorities the close and productive cooperation with the Hellenism of Australia and New Zealand, which is booming and makes us proud. Our initiatives are already many and our mutual plans even more”.
The Prime Minister in his interview to the “Greek Herald”, spoke of an arm of World Hellenism, recognizing the dynamics of the diaspora. We would like your point of view on this.
“The Prime Minister expressed in an eloquent and knowledgeable way our perception of the diaspora. Hellenism is single and indivisible. At the same time, it is universal. It exceeds the National re and this is our maximum national advantage and at the same time a term for the survival and flourishing of Hellenism as a whole”.
The key axes of Greece’s policy are to bring foreign investment, even from Australia. Please elaborate…
“Greece is now implementing pro-investment policies, which have already allowed giant companies, such as Pfizer and Microsoft, to invest in Greece. Greece is a reliable and safe country, which offers many opportunities for long-term returns. Its comparative advantages make it the main investment destination in the SE Mediterranean. The existence of the diaspora in Oceania is a bridge for investment projects for Australians in Greece”.
One of the” wounds” of Greece is that it loses young people that chooses to leave, believing that in other countries they will have more opportunities for advancement and a better life. How will Greece convince its young people not to leave and at the same time bring back those already living abroad?
“Hellenism has always been extroverted and ecumenical. The Greeks, having confidence in their strengths and abilities, open themselves up to the international environment, benefiting Greece as well. The acquisition of international experience and the establishment of international partnerships is a matter for the advancement of the homeland and the nation. On the other hand, Greece has become attractive again and many Greeks abroad are repatriated. In addition to the unique way of life, Greece now provides opportunities for young people to grow in the motherland with internationally competitive conditions”.
The coronavirus pandemic is plaguing the planet and the virus remains alive in various forms due to mutations. The truth is Australia has dealt with it quite effectively than other countries. Is it a management “model” that Greece could possibly follow?
“Greece lacks the luxury of Australian geography. It is geographically interconnected with two other continents and is an international hub for the transport of goods and people. At the same time, a maximum part of its economy rests on tourism. It is therefore not de facto capable of adopting policies equivalent to those in force in Oceania. The Greek government organised a vaccination program that became an international standard. At the same time, it has unprecedentedly strengthened the NHS. The question from now on is to further strengthen the vaccination coverage”.
Apart from the Greeks from Greece, there are Cypriot Greeks who have a loud voice here in Australia and are concerned about unruly and aggressive Turkey.
“The Greek government has unfolded a multifaceted and multimodal diplomacy, which has strengthened the international position of Greece and the righteous of Hellenism in the SE Mediterranean. At the same time, our armament program, defence partnerships with the USA and France, close cooperation with Israel and Egypt and the cooperation of the Mediterranean countries of the European Union have shielded Greece and Cyprus, which has an active role within this grid. Greece defends both national law and international legitimacy”.
Finally, a comment on the Greek expatriate, who always wants to have this connection with the homeland and feel that it is part of the country, regardless of whether it is so far away.
“Expatriate Hellenism is a dynamic part of the single ecumenical Hellenism. It is the ambassador of Hellenism to the ends of the Earth and at the same time the bridge of Greek Hellenism with the world community. We are proud of the bond of Greeks abroad and as a government we are committed to further strengthening it and maximizing the cooperation of Greeks. Hellenism is part of the homeland, which transcends the narrow geographical space in its cultural horizon”.
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
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.
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 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
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).
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.
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
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
