Thymios Karakatsanis was a man with a strong personality and one of the best comics of modern Greek theatre.
The renowned Greek actor and theatre director always associated himself with the comedies of Aristophanes and performed regularly at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus.
Karakatsanis was born on December 8, 1940 in Tambouria, Piraeus. He studied at the Charles Kun Art Theater and since 1960, worked as a “key member” of the Art Theater and then in the free theater.
Thymios Karakatsanis was one of the best comics of modern Greek theatre.
He had a strong interest in the plays of Aristophanes, performing most of the roles in the poet’s comedies. He starred in Koon’s historical performance of Ornithes (1959), as it was presented in 1962 and 1964-1965 on a world tour. He also played a wide range of roles in works by Psatha, Pinder, Hasek, Calderon, Moliere and Neil Simon.
Although his background was as a theatrical actor, Karakatsanis even had a small presence on the big screen, with 11 films to his credit from 1967 to 1986.
Karakatsanis had a strong interest in the plays of Aristophanes.
Some of his final theatrical roles included: Death of Arthur Miller’s Merchant and Dandades by George Skourtis, and in June 2011, he directed and starred in Aristophanes’ Lysistrata with co-stars George Constantinou, George Partsalakis, Vassilis Tsivilikas , Costas Voutsas and Vasia Trifilli.
In November 2011, in an interview with the Espresso newspaper, Karakatsanis announced that he was retiring from the theater due to serious health problems he had been facing in recent years. Asked if he would ever appear on stage again, he replied: “I will appear in the Second Coming. For me, the curtain has fallen.”
Thymios Karakatsanis died on June 30, 2012, at the age of 71. Until the last moment, his beloved wife Roula, their two daughters, the actress Alexandra Karakatsani and the artist Katerina Karakatsani stood by his side.
Taxpayers have spent $1 million compensating employees who lost wages and entitlements in the collapse of Made Establishment, the restaurant empire founded by celebrity chef George Calombaris.
But despite the taxpayer payment, more than two dozen former kitchen and waiting staff have received none of the money owed to them in superannuation and redundancy entitlements because as temporary visa workers, they do not qualify for government support. Some are out of pocket more than $15,000.
The Made Establishment empire, which included a dozen restaurants and employed 364 permanent and casual staff, collapsed under the weight of a $7.8 million wages underpayment scandal, significant financial debts and poor trading conditions despite a large 2017 investment by former Swisse vitamins boss Radek Sali.
The company’s eateries included The Press Club, Hellenic Republic and Jimmy Grants.
However, four months after the collapse, some staff entitlements remain unpaid despite the company’s hopes that workers would not be left out of pocket.
Radek Sali (left) and George Calombaris (right). Photo by Paul Jeffers.
“All staff have been paid up to date and will receive their entitlements as part of the administration process and will be redeployed swiftly wherever possible,” Mr Sali told the media in the days after the collapse.
Documents filed by liquidator KordaMentha this month shows Made Establishment still owed $1.3 million in employee entitlements when it closed in February 2020, including annual leave, superannuation, redundancy payments and back wages for more than 100 former full time workers.
Nearly $1 million of this debt has been covered by the federal government’s Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG), a program that pays the outstanding wages, leave and redundancy entitlements of citizens and permanent residents when their employers are unable to meet their commitments after going insolvent or bankrupt.
A number of employees contacted by The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald who qualified for the program were happy with the outcome. “The process was pretty quick and I got what I was owed,” a former chef said.
But at least 27 staff on temporary visas are ineligible for FEG payments because of their immigration status and have received no money. One former Jimmy Grants worker, who asked to have his name withheld while he continues to look for work in the hospitality sector, said it was a “stupid rule” that had cost him more than $10,000.
“They’ve told us we’re not eligible to receive our own hard-earned money. It’s heartbreaking. We’re not asking for some kind of extra benefit, just what we have already earned ourselves,” he said.
“Made Establishment was a good, fair employer before this. There were not many of us in this situation so I thought the company would take care of us.”
Another worker from Hellenic Republic who was owed more than $15,000 said they were told during the liquidation process that any repayment would depend on the sale of the restaurant’s assets.
A spokesman for KordaMentha said it was likely that of the temporary visa holders only the 11 who worked at The Press Club Restaurant and Bar in the CBD may eventually receive some of their payments.
George Calombaris at his Jimmy Grants restaurant at Sydney Central Plaza.
“The liquidators do not expect a dividend will be paid to employees of the other employing entities given the minimal circulating assets available for realisation within these entities,” he said.
A spokesman for Mr Sali noted the entrepreneur had spent more than $7 million covering staff underpayments that occurred before he bought into Made Establishment in 2017, and that he had made “significant capital contributions” before the insolvency to “ensure that former employees received their full entitlements.”
“Any suggestion that he has sought to rely on the Fair Entitlements Guarantee scheme is wrong. As a result of the administration process, it would have been illegal for Radek to make any further contributions to the business for entitlements, necessitating any historic entitlements identified by the administrators to be met by the Fair Entitlements Guarantee scheme.”
The spokesman also said Mr Sali was “unaware” of any employees being ineligible under FEG.
Mr Calombaris did not respond to a request for comment.
“This is tragic. No person should ever die in these circumstances… This is a location that is loved across Melbourne. It is on the map as a safe place for people to dine and come together. There is no place for violence in our community. Not now. Not ever,” Mr Dimopoulos wrote.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
UPDATE:
20-year-old Thomas “Tommy” Tran, has been identified as the young man killed in Oakleigh last night.
His distraught mother told Nine News her son was meant to be at the gym when he was killed and she has no idea why her only child was attacked.
A 15-year-old Dandenong boy, two 19-year-old men from Lynbrook and Lyndhurst and a 20-year-old Dandenong South man were arrested, but have been released from custody pending further inquiries.
Thomas “Tommy” Tran and his mother Amy. Photos by Nine News.
In these -sometimes contradictory
words- one could summarize the story behind Sydney based not-for-profit
organisation, “Project Generosity”.
A project that began
as a gesture of support from one mother to another, from Australian mum and
social worker Jasmine to Greek Australian mum Gina, and evolved into a support
net for families who struggle.
For the last four
years, Jasmine and the organisation’s volunteers prepare ‘smile boxes’, boxes
full of gifts, to offer comfort to families who need it.
“Yianni means God is generous, and I named the organisation as a tribute to Yianni,” Project Generosity Founder and CEO, Jasmine Issa, told The Greek Herald.
But this is how it all started.
Yiannis’ story
“After trying for 3
years we finally learnt we were pregnant with our miracle boy Yianni. On 11th
May 2013 our son was born, his heart was beating perfectly and seemed to be a
healthy boy. His kidney function was not 100%, but other than that things seemed
fine. After 9 days in special care we got to take our boy home,” said Gina
Kaly, Yianni’s mother.
Six months later,
Yianni was diagnosed with epilepsy and, according to his mum, he could have up
to 100 seizures a day. His development was severely delayed and by the age of
18 months he could no longer eat orally.
“In January 2015 we were told that our Yianni ‘would not see old bones’ and that they did not feel as though he had many years to live. This, was never something we expected to hear even with Yiannis undiagnosed condition, he was our boy, he was normal to us, even with all the challenges he faced he was always smiling,” Gina said, explaining how important the support of friends, family and the wider community was during these hard times.
Gina (L) and Jasmine (R) with Project Generosity ‘smile boxes.’ Photo supplied.
The Australian social worker and her gesture of support
When social worker and
mum Jasmine heard Yiannis’ story, she decided she had to do something to comfort
Gina and her family.
“A friend told me Gina’s
story. She wanted to organise a gift for her friend Gina after she was given
some very difficult news about her son. As a mum of two at the time, that sort
of grief and pain is unimaginable. I still clearly remember feeling an ache in
my heart when I heard the news, and felt the desire to help somehow.
“I suggested reaching
out to the community and some businesses on social media to arrange a
“smile box” for this family,” said Jasmine.
In July 2015, as she was collecting the gifts and donations, Jasmine was given the news that Yianni had passed away.
Project Generosity smile boxes in the making. Photo supplied.
The ‘smile box’ was
given to Gina as a ‘comfort box’ and Jasmine didn’t get to meet Yianni, but a
bigger idea was born.
“I continued to do
more boxes for other struggling families. I named the organisation ‘Project
Generosity’ as a tribute to Yianni. He is the reason this organisation exists
and he will always be at the heart of what we do,” Jasmine said.
“In a world where
there is so much sadness and hurt, we can all sit back and complain but I refuse
to do that. I want to remind people that kindness exists, and allow people to
feel some sense of hope and comfort through the act of giving,” she concludes.
In a statement released today, Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison has sent a message of gratitude and thanks to His Eminence Archbishop Makarios to mark the one year anniversary of his enthronement.
“On that winter’s morning, one year ago, you (Archbishop Makarios) were greeted by a faith community filled with anticipation and expectation,” Mr Morrison began.
“And in the months since, as Australia and the world have faced unforeseen challenges, you have worked hard to fulfill those hopes.”
Mr Morrison then went on to send his “thanks and appreciation for the efforts and sacrifices of the Australian Greek Orthodox community in responding to COVID-19.”
“I am grateful for the Greek Orthodox community’s efforts to implement physical distancing in places of worship throughout this dreadful global pandemic. You offered compassion and acted with wisdom,” Mr Morrison said.
“I extend my thanks for your commitment to Australia’s future, and for your contribution to the rich spiritual and multicultural life of this nation.”
The ‘bad boy’ of Australian tennis is recognised by
present and former professionals as one of the biggest tennis talents in the
past five years.
Yet, the expression ‘bad boy’ is not one of
endearment commonly used by the media. Instead, it has been used to showcase
his apparent arrogance and disrespectful attitude to his opponents, on and off
the court.
Nick Kyrgios has copped massive slack for showing
disrespect specifically to the glorified ‘Big Three’: Comprising of Roger
Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Nick Kyrgios of Australia reacts to his opponent during his first round match against Lorenzo Sonego of Italy on day two of the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Arena in Melbourne, Tuesday, January 21, 2020. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
Yet this observation of his attitude as being one of ‘disrespect’ is sorely misplaced. Instead, tennis audiences should admire the mentality of a player that does not glorify his opponents, but instead works to prove he is better than them.
As the reign of the ‘Big Three’ looks to come to a
slow close, it is time to shine a light on why Nick Kyrgios’ on-court attitude
should be looked upon and admired by tennis players of the next generation.
The ‘Big Three’ have earned their way into the history books
Before there are comments labelling me as ‘Big
Three hater’ or ‘Kyrgios admirer’, it must, almost needlessly, be prefaced that
the achievements and accolades accomplished by the Big Three are truly once in
a lifetime showcases of talent and should be admired by tennis viewers in
centuries to come.
To date the Big Three have collectively won 56 Major titles (with Federer a record 20, Nadal 19 and Djokovic 17). It would be foolish to think, as many may, that Kyrgios does not recognise this talent and respect their accomplishments.
Photo: AP/Andy Brownbill
“Always playing at my local tennis (club) and
we were watching these guys at Grand Slams…saying who’s gonna win the next
Grand Slam, who’s gonna beat Murray, Djokovic, Federer and Nadal,” Kyrgios
says to Tennis World in July 2018.
“When I look back…to know that I’ve beaten
all four it’s pretty special..it’s something that not many people can
say.”
Yet, instead of bowing down and glorifying the
tennis champions that dominate the competition, Nick Kyrgios looks to prove
that they are not standing on a pedestal too tall to reach.
In an interview with the Daily Mail in March last year, Kyrgios notes that while they have brought an incredible amount fans to the world of tennis, they are competitors just like everyone else.
Nick Kyrgios (Getty)
“I don’t know how much respect the others show
them but I’m not going to really respect someone just because they can hit a
ball over the net, that’s not enough for me to give them respect,” said
Kyrgios in an interview with the Daily Mail.
“Why would I give them an inch? They’ve
already got the advantage with always playing on the best courts in the best
conditions, all that sort of stuff, so I don’t know why you would give them
inches.”
“Obviously what they (the trio) do for the sport is huge, they inspire millions around the globe. But when I’m on the court we are competing and I’m not trying to be your friend.”
2020 ATP Cup sees ‘bad boy’ become tennis role model
Those who
watched the 2020 ATP Cup would have seen one of the greatest tennis ‘bromances’
come to life.
Nick
Kyrgios and Australian teammate Alex De Minaur built their relationship during
their tournament run in the ATP Cup, reaching the semi-finals together.
However, one year prior to the competition, Kyrgios was nothing but excited for
what De Minaur was set to achieve.
“It’s always great seeing other Aussies do well. I am not the jealous or envious type – if others have success I am happy for them,” Kyrgios said.
Alex de Minaur and Nick Kyrgios celebrate winning their Quarter-finals. Photo: Reuters
“Seeing
what Alex has been doing, he is now on the big stage. I know he is excited
about the Aussie summer and I am sure he will do very well.”
A special
handshake between the two players, along with their chemistry on the court,
showed nothing but the special bond the two players have.
“I
kind of look as him as my little brother in a way,” Kyrgios said after
defeating Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie.
“I try and be a good influence on him whenever I can, whenever I’m around him.”
After
watching the attitude of Kyrgios evolve during his career, there’s reason to
believe that he is the missing piece to tennis’ survival.
Regardless
of his performance on the court, Nick Kyrgios continues to demonstrate what
sport is about. Enjoying it while you can and not being afraid to prove that
you are better than your opponent.
Mixed
with an entertaining display of tennis, the attitude and dedication presented
towards the game is why he continues to play. And it’s how the next generation
of tennis stars should play.
Brimbank Mayor Georgina Papafotiou has written to the State Government requesting it consider establishing a joint State Government and Brimbank Council COVID-19 Taskforce to oversee the local health, wellbeing and economic responses to coronavirus in the wake of rising case numbers in Victoria.
Mayor Papafotiou has written to the Premier, Minister for Health, Chief Health Officer and the Treasurer, requesting urgent strategic briefings from Government on the ongoing and emerging health impacts, risks, measures and considerations of COVID-19 in Brimbank and in consideration of the economic impact of further possible restrictions on local businesses, workers and community cohorts.
“I acknowledge the work of the State Government and the Department of Health of Human Services (DHHS), for the leadership that has been shown to help our community through the COVID-19 Pandemic,” Mayor Papafotiou wrote in a statement.
“Any outbreak of COVID-19 in a community is a concern, and Brimbank Council’s number one priority has continued to remain the health, wellbeing and safety of our residents, while ensuring those impacted economically and financially are also supported through Council’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Strategy, and Council’s advocacy to the Federal and State Government for a local ‘Health, Wellbeing and Economic Partnership.’
“Through our own Whole-of-Council COVID-19 Response and Recovery Strategy, and in line with State Government advice, Brimbank has been working to support our community through the health, wellbeing, social and economic impacts during this period. However, the Brimbank community already experiences a range of socio-economic issues, and is particularly vulnerable to a prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.”
Mayor Papafotiou said Brimbank’s high levels of socio-economic disadvantage, levels of unemployment, youth unemployment, workforce casualisation, educational outcomes, high diabetes and obesity rates, mental health rates, elderly community, and our high number of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities mean that Brimbank is particularly vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brimbank’s business community is also particularly vulnerable to a prolonged pandemic. Over 33 per cent of local businesses who are associated with the transport, logistic, warehouse, tourism, accommodation, retail, food services, arts and recreational sectors, have been heavily impacted by social distancing restrictions.
Brimbank’s local employment impacts (which include JobKeeper) is forecast to fall by an estimated 14.5 percent in the June quarter, or impact 12,682 local jobs.
Council is encouraging the State Government to adopt a targeted, meaningful and supportive approach, in partnership with Council, to help our community through this period.
In considering possible further restrictions for Brimbank, Mayor Papafotiou said Council was keen to build off existing working groups, engagement and relationships with the State Government in establishing a new joint taskforce that could work towards and oversee:
A strengthened local health, safety and wellbeing response including increased testing of residents across the community more often and more regularly.
A dedicated State Government COVID-19 Health, Wellbeing and Economic Package for Brimbank LGA, that supports the local economy, businesses, workers and impacted residents during the pandemic and as part of recovery efforts, building on the existing relief efforts being provided to local business and workers.
State Government support towards delivery of Council’s 2020-21 Draft Budget, and Council’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Strategy and its 5 pillars.
Mayor Papafotiou said Council considers this approach would provide both the State and Council with a genuine pathway to engage, collaborate and address both the short term and longer term local health, wellbeing and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, which the Brimbank community is particularly vulnerable and exposed to.
Slogans in favor of gay, bisexual and transgender rights and other music and dance events filled the streets of Thessaloniki on Saturday afternoon as part of the colorful free expression march for the 4th self-organised Thessaloniki Pride.
The procession, which started from the statue of Venizelos, was preceded by a gathering in the Court Square, where the attendees shared personal experiences.
In the square, more than 300 protesters were shouting the event’s main slogan: “Male or female, our life is trapped and normalcy is tainted with blood.”
The 4th self-organised Thessaloniki Pride festival took place over the weekend.
They were protesting against the racist behaviour they receive and sending a universal message against inequality.
Among other things, body painting, speeches and dance shows were also held, while many carried colorful flags.
In a statement, the participants stressed, among other things, that “even in conditions of pandemic, we are here to show solidarity and care for each other. The situation we are going through is very critical and getting out onto the streets is a necessity. ”
Turkey has disdainfully rejected a proposal by the European Union’s High Representative Josep Borrell to broker talks between it and the Republic of Cyprus, calling it “far from being serious” and reiterating that it does not recognise the “Greek-Cypriot administration” as representative of the Republic of Cyprus.
Borrell’s proposal called for cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey and welcomed Nicosia’s offer to Ankara to negotiate in good faith the maritime delimitation between their relevant coasts.
In response, Hami Aksoy, spokesman for Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said “the proposal was far from being serious” and was made by the same EU “which always ignores the existence of the Turkish Cypriots and has never referred to their equal rights over the natural resources of the Island in any of its statements.”
Aksoy also reiterated that until the Cyprus issue on hydrocarbon resources is resolved, the interlocutor of the Greek Cypriots is the Turkish Cypriots.
He said that in this context, interlocutor of the Greek Cypriot administration’s Foreign Ministry is not Turkey but Foreign Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Kudret Ozersay.
“If a solution is desired in the Eastern Mediterranean, as a first step, the two peoples of the Island should come together and establish a joint cooperation mechanism for the exploration and exploitation of the hydrocarbon resources, including revenue sharing, as soon as possible,” Aksoy said.
“Turkey itself will never sit down with the Greek Cypriot Administration ever which has usurped the title of Republic of Cyprus and does not represent the Turkish Cypriots.”
He concluded that the limitation of maritime jurisdiction areas in the west of the Cyprus Island is possible only after the Cyprus issue is resolved.
It was Sunday, January 31, 1965 when the
first Messinian Association’s picnic, took place at the little coastal town of
Victor Harbor in South Australia. From then on and every year until 2005,
Greeks and philhellenes alike -from across the state- would gather to celebrate
Greek culture and spend a weekend away with friends and family.
For the nearly two thousand Messinians who
made South Australia home from the early 1950s the picnics, held on the Sunday
of the Australia day weekend, became a staple and one of the most important
events in their calendars. A great opportunity to celebrate the home country
they left behind and pass on the love for the Greek culture and language to
future generations.
A photo from one of the picnics, posted recently on the Association’s social media pages was enough to bring up treasured memories reminisced by many generations of Greeks in South Australia.
‘Adelaide like Athens, Victor Harbor like Kalamata’
“My mum would be up from about 3am to
prepare a picnic for a king. We would line up for the special bus with other
families. It was so exciting none of us kids could sleep. It was more exciting
than Xmas or Easter. It is one of my fondest childhood memories,” Mrs
Panayiotakopoulos commented.
It was due to the tireless work of its dedicated
members and volunteers and the support of the wider Greek community, that the
Victor Harbor Messinian picnics became an institution which lasted for more
than 40 years. One of them is Mr. Angelos Bouzalas, the Association’s first
secretary and current Honorary President.
“Our Association was established on October 4, 1959 aiming to assist Messinian migrants adjust smoothly in South Australia, support them when necessary and to help maintain our hometown’s culture,” Mr Bouzalas, 85, told The Greek Herald.
Messinian Association of SA current committee. Top row, third from L, Kostas Mantis, fourth from L, Mr Angelo Bouzalas. Bottom row, third from left president Martha Ioannides.
“We thought Victor
Harbor was great for the picnics due to its seaside location. We hired buses to
pick up people from specific spots around the city of Adelaide. Not many people
had cars back then and we wanted everyone to feel included,” Mr Bouzalas said.
Somewhere along the
way to Victor Harbor, the buses would meet with the few Holden and Ford cars.
And the celebrations would kick off. Some, would use the picnics as an
opportunity for a short holiday at Victor Harbor.
“Thousands of Greeks attended. Not only Greeks but Australians as well.
The local council knew we boosted the local economy with the event. They even supplied
the power for us, that we didn’t have the first years,” he remembers,
highlighting that the Association was never short of volunteers.
“If Adelaide is – as many claim – the Athens of the South, then Victor Harbor is certainly its Kalamata,” reads an excerpt of the Victor Harbor Times newspaper, published on January 31st 1986.
Victor Harbor Messinian Picnics: A link between generations
The company, the food, the laughter and the
memories transformed in a link that held together more than two generations of
Messinians in South Australia.
“We would have more than 5000 people participating every year. Most would book rooms or houses and make a weekend of it. We had live Greek bands, lots of dancing and drinking and we would have a tent where we served food, sweets and drinks. The youth saw it as a day to meet with friends and display their latest fashion,” said Peter Sardelis, a member of South Australia’s Messinian Association, who for the last 25 years has also served as a committee member, treasurer, vice president and president.
“In 1994, the government made a decision to
hold the Australia Day public holiday on January 26th. So the day
was different every year and no longer a weekend. We continued to have the
picnic for a couple of years after the change and held it on the Sunday before
Australia day, but numbers declined and a decision was made by our then
committee to stop the picnic,” Mr Sardelis said.
Now, the new
generations of Messinians in South Australia, are looking for a way to bring
these iconic events back.
“My late father,
George Mantis, made me a member of the Association the day I was born, so it’s
safe to say the club is in my blood,” Kosta Mantis said.
“As a kid, the annual Victor Harbor Messinian Picnic was an event I was looking forward to, all year. My late father, who was a lifelong volunteer and President of the Messinian club, would leave home early on Saturday morning driving a truck full of meat to Victor, so my mother would drive my sisters and myself to Victor later that morning.
Kosta Mantis as a kid with his first cousin, they share the same name
“It was so exciting
because once we arrived, we would be greeted by cousins, friends and kids of
the community we had grown up with. My most memorable moments of being away for
the weekend was seeing the Penguins of Granite Island, Donkey rides on the
sand, going on the Go-Karts and playing soccer”.
“It would be great to
bring an event like this back, in the future,” concludes Mr Mantis, highlighting
that it’s his generation’s turn to support the Association as passionately as previous
generations did.
