The administrators appointed to a group of companies at the centre of a $400 million alleged fraud say they are within 24 hours of reaching an agreement to sell the main business unit, Forum Group.
According to The Australian Financial Review (AFR), during an adjourned creditors meeting on Wednesday, Domenic Calabretta of Mackay Goodwin said negotiations were almost complete to sell Forum Group to an interested suitor, just before it was removed in its role over certain entities in the broader Forum group.
That includes Forum Finance, Forum Group Financial Services, Forum Enviro Australia.
Westpac is the largest creditor to the group and is chasing the whereabouts of more than $285 million of money it lent to Forum Finance.
A Federal Court hearing is scheduled for this afternoon.
Other banks have also revealed large exposures through Federal Court claims. Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui has an exposure of about $100 million to the alleged fraudulent scheme while Société Générale says it has $12 million of exposure, the AFRreported.
On Wednesday, the bank successfully sought a replacement of Mackay Goodwin with McGrath Nicol as liquidators to the broader group. The AFR said this move was supported by other creditors, given the extensive inter-company transactions between the entities.
Meanwhile Basile Papadimitriou, also known as Bill Papas, the director of the Forum companies, has yet to return to Australia from Greece, after departing some time in late June.
France and the United States on Wednesday publicly criticised a move by Turkish Cypriot authorities to partially reopen an abandoned town in Cyprus for potential resettlement.
Turkish Cypriots said on Tuesday that part of Varosha would come under civilian control and people would be able to reclaim properties – angering Greek Cypriots who accused their Turkish rivals of orchestrating a land-grab by stealth.
Varosha, an eerie collection of derelict high-rise hotels and residences in a military zone nobody has been allowed to enter, has been deserted since a 1974 war split the island.
Varosha has been deserted since a 1974 war split the island of Cyprus.
French Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, discussed the matter with his Cypriot counterpart on Tuesday and will raise the topic at the United Nations, a spokesperson for Le Drian’s ministry said.
Cyprus is represented in the EU by an internationally recognised Greek Cypriot government. France presides over the UN Security Council this month.
“France strongly regrets this unilateral move, upon which there had been no consultations, which constitutes a provocation and harms re-establishing the confidence needed to get back to urgent talks over reaching a fair and long-lasting solution to the Cypriot question,” Le Drian’s spokesperson said.
In the US, Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, said any attempt to reopen Varosha would be at odds with UN resolutions and commitments to resume peace talks.
“The US is working with like-minded partners to refer this concerning situation to the UN security council and will urge a strong response,” he said in a statement.
In congressional testimony, US Undersecretary of State, Victoria Nuland, also condemned the Turkish resettlement plan.
Peace efforts have repeatedly floundered on the ethnically split island. A new Turkish Cypriot leadership, backed by Turkey, says a peace accord between two sovereign states is the only viable option.
Greek Cypriots reject a two-state deal for the island that would accord sovereign status to the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state that only Ankara recognises.
Sydney’s longest running delicatessen, Olympic Continental Deli, has closed its doors after 65 years in Bankstown Plaza, the Local News Plus has reported.
Olympic Deli was established by the Karpouzis family in 1956 and has been serving generations of locals in the Canterbury-Bankstown region ever since.
Panagiotis (Peter) Karpouzis migrated to Australia in 1948 from the village of Paleokipos, Lesvos. He became business partners with Manolis Lagoutaris in a milk bar at Guildford. An opportunity arose to lease premises on Chapel Street, Bankstown, and Manolis and Panagiotis instantly opened Olympic Deli.
At that time, delicatessens were the trojan horse of the Australian cuisine as they initially only imported goods across Europe to cater for the European migrants.
But Manolis and Panagiotis catered for all their customers’ range of needs and tastes, learning how to make small goods, smoke their meats and make their own continental sausages.
Manolis passed away in 1980 and Panagiotis retired four or five years ago, with daughter Joanne at the helm since then.
“I’ve worked here for 30 years and I’m now caring for dad and mum who has dementia,” Joanne told Local News Plus.
Sydney’s longest running delicatessen, Olympic Deli, closes its doors after 65 years. Photo: Vasilis Vasilas.
“I’ve been in mourning for the shop for a while now because it was getting too much for me. I have a nephew who doesn’t live in Australia but if he did, we may have continued as he loved it. It’s not easy to leave, me and my two sisters were born upstairs, this is our second home. But after working 50 or 60 hours a week, it’s time to say goodbye.
“Also COVID knocked us around last year and we had a big drop in business; most younger people now would rather shop at a supermarket, so it’s definitely time to go.
“Dad, mum, my sisters and myself would like to thank all of our wonderful customers over the years; we will miss you more than you know.”
French planemaker, Dassault Aviation, delivered on Wednesday the first Rafale fighter jet to the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) in a ceremony at the company’s flight test center in Istres, southern France.
The event was attended by Greek Defense Minister, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, and General Konstantinos Floros, Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (GEETHA).
The delivery of the first jet came six months after Greece signed a 2.5 billion euro deal with France to buy 18 Rafale warplanes, 12 of them used.
— GEN Konstantinos Floros (@ChiefHNDGS) July 21, 2021
According to the company, the first six aircraft will be used to further train the HAF pilots and technicians in Dassault’s conversion training center in Merignac before they are deployed to the Tanagra base near Athens.
“The Rafale will provide the HAF with a latest-generation multirole fighter, enabling the Hellenic Republic to ensure its geostrategic stance in full sovereignty,” Dassault said in a statement.
“The delivery of the first Rafale is a clear demonstration of France’s determination to meet the government of the Hellenic Republic’s expectations and to participate actively [in protecting] the sovereignty of the country.”
Θαυμάζοντας τα Εθνικά μας Χρώματα στο 1ο #Rafale! Πραγματικά μοναδική στιγμή για την #ΠΑ και τις 🇬🇷 #ΕΔ. Εν αναμονή για τις ακόμα 17 «Ριπές» που θα «αλλάξουν τα δεδομένα», εξασφαλίζοντας καθαρό στρατηγικό πλεονέκτημα στους Ουρανούς μας!! @Hellenic_MOD@Armees_Gouv@hndgspiopic.twitter.com/9SGVQNyZF4
— GEN Konstantinos Floros (@ChiefHNDGS) July 21, 2021
During the ceremony, Dassault chairman and CEO, Eric Trappier, described the Rafale as a “strategic game changer” for Greece.
“Following the Mirage F1 in 1974, the Mirage 2000 in 1985 and the Mirage 2000-5 in 2000, the Rafale is now proudly flying with the Hellenic Air Force colors,” Mr Trappier said.
“[The Rafale] will play an active role by securing Greece’s leadership as a major regional power.”
At least five people have been arrested after police clashed with demonstrators protesting against compulsory vaccination in central Athens.
Police fired tear gas, stun grenades and water canon to disperse the crowds from Syntagma Square, in front of the parliament building.
An estimated 3,500 people took part in the protests.
Demonstrators hold a Greek flag during a protest against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccinations outside the parliament building, in Athens, Greece, July 21, 2021. Photo: Reuters/Costas Baltas.
Some protesters wore religious garb while others carried icons and Greek flags. Leaflets from far-right parties were also distributed at the protests.
According to the police, the trouble started when protesters were requested to clear Amalias Avenue, where they were obstructing traffic.
When protestors started throwing bottles and other objects at the police, the police responded with water canon and tear gas.
A protester scuffles with riot police officers during a protest against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccinations outside the parliament building, in Athens, Greece, July 21, 2021. Photo: Reuters/Costas Baltas.
Outside the University of Athens, there were clashes between anti-authoritarians and anti-vaccination protestors.
Meanwhile in Thessaloniki, citizens, responding to an call put out on the internet, held a rally and march against compulsory vaccination.
The demonstrators gathered in the White Tower and then marched through the main streets of the city, holding banners, Greek flags, crosses and icons and shouting slogans against the government and mandatory vaccination.
Anti-vaccine protesters hold a banner during a rally at Syntagma square, central Athens, on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Photo: AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis
These protests come after the Greek Health Ministry submitted an amendment to Parliament on Wednesday according to which healthcare professionals will remain on unpaid leave if they do not get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Infections in Greece have been rising in recent weeks, and authorities reported almost 3,000 new cases on Wednesday, bringing the total since the pandemic began to 463,473 people. More than 12,800 have died.
Brisbane has won the right to host the Olympic Games in 2032.
The decision was confirmed after a meeting of International Olympic Committee delegates in Tokyo this evening.
Queensland’s delegation — including Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Federal Sports Minister Richard Colbeck — had to restrain themselves to standing and clapping with COVID-19 restrictions ruling out any close-contact celebrations.
Brisbane’s CBD riverside erupted in fireworks as the announcement was made.
Following the announcement, Ms Palaszczuk, Cr Schrinner and Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates took part in the formal signing of the Olympics contract.
Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, Australia, has been confirmed as host for the 2032 Olympic Games. Photo: Jaimi Joy/Reuters.
Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games president Hashimoto Seiko congratulated Brisbane on its winning bid.
“My heartfelt congratulations go to the people of Brisbane and Australia,” he said.
“Over the past year, the world’s sporting community has faced the multiple challenges of COVID-19; however, under the steadfast leadership of IOC president Thomas Bach, the Olympic movement has made steady progress, culminating in today’s decision in favour of Brisbane.”
Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, also said in a statement securing the Games was a coup for the nation.
“It’s a historic day not just for Brisbane and Queensland, but for the entire country,” the Prime Minister said.
“Only global cities can secure the Olympic Games – so this is fitting recognition for Brisbane’s standing across our region and the world.
“It’s a proud day for Queenslanders and Australians everywhere.”
The Evangelismos Church in east Melbourne has been given a donation to fund massive restorations to repair “significant damages” caused by a fire five years ago.
The heritage-listed church will upgrade its flooring, lighting, and seating following a donation to the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) by a well-known benefactor.
“The works to now be funded … include the installation of a finished floor, the purchase and installation of the churches chandelier lighting and the purchase and installation of the pews for the church proper,” a statement from the GCM reads.
So far, the mezzanine has been rebuilt, the heritage-listed LED light windows have been replaced, and ongoing archaeological work continues to restore the “templo”.
The Evangelismos Church in Melbourne on the day of the blaze (Left: The Age/Jarrod Kiven) (Right: Julian Smith/AAP)
“Andreas Andrianopoulos … recently met with GCM president Bill Papastergiadis, Vice President Tammy Iliou, church priest Father Antonios Vanikiotis and members of the church committee to further commit to funding” the restorations ahead of the church’s 120th anniversary next year.
Andreas and the Andrianopoulos family have close ties and are significant supporters of the restoration of the church and benefactors of the GCM.
The church is the second oldest Greek Orthodox church in Australia and remains a historic staple within the Greek Orthodox community in Melbourne.
“For many years, it was the only church we had, it was a meeting place, a place where we celebrated our greatest joys, and our deepest sorrows,” Mr. Andrianopoulos said.
GCM president Mr. Papastergiadis echoed a similar sentiment.
“Our community was founded with the support of benefactors,” he says.
“Construction of Evangelismos was made possible in the late 1890’s as a result of the generous donations of early Greeks in Melbourne.”
The church closed for two years following the fire which broke out during Orthodox Easter celebrations, leading 200 in neighboring buildings to evacuate and causing caused an estimated $500,000 in damages, according to Mr. Papastergiadis, in mid-2016.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has made NBA history as the Milwaukee Bucks claimed their second ever NBA Championship with their 4-2 series win over the Phoenix Suns.
Defeating the Phoenix Suns 105-98 in the sixth and decisive game of the NBA Finals, the Bucks got their first championship since 1971.
Greek star Giannis Antetokounmpo made history as he finished the night with 50 points, becoming just the seventh player to ever hit that mark in a Finals game.
There are few players in all of sports I actively root for. Giannis is one of them. I’m crying, you’re crying, we’re all crying. pic.twitter.com/vJSOyIcDCf
The Greek Freak was outstanding for the Bucks on the day, also getting 13 rebounds and being an overall dominating presence on the court. The emotional player broke down after the final buzzer, embracing his wife and young child.
Giannis was named MVP of the match.
“I want to thank Milwaukee for believing in me,” Antetokounmpo said after the victory. “I thank my teammates, they played hard every freaking game.
“I trusted this team. I wanted to do it here in this city, I wanted to do it with these guys so I’m happy. I’m happy I am able to get it done.”
As South Australia counts its first day of a seven-day lockdown to contain the spread of the Delta variant the Greek and wider community have created a ‘net of support’ for individuals and businesses affected by the state’s worst outbreak to date.
On Wednesday, South Australian health authorities updated their list of exposure sites as the state recorded one new locally-acquired case of COVID-19. The new case is linked to The Greek restaurant on Halifax, the chief health officer has confirmed, as fears grow about a potential super spreader event.
With a FB post the owners of the family-owned Greek restaurant have extended their gratitude to the community “for their love and support” as well as the health officials who have assisted them.
“Our primary concern is for the health and safety of our staff and customers, and as a family business, we consider so many of you as extended members of our little family,” reads the post.
With a post on social media SA Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas said that “Great small business owners like this, are some of the silent heroes in this pandemic.”
I just rang the owner of the Greek on Halifax to see how they were going. Their only concern was the welfare of their staff, their customers and doing the right thing by our state. Great small business owners like this, are some of the silent heroes in this pandemic. I ❤️ SA.
Greek family-owned company Gaganis Bros, also listed as an exposure site earlier this week have announced that “Whilst they prepare to open in the coming few days, their Wholesale team is busy working away fulfilling orders with Supermarkets” and that their online shop is open for orders.
“Gaganis is an Adelaide icon. Take of what needs to be done and stay safe,” reads a post on social media.
BREAKING: The Premier is vowing to match the Federal Government’s assistance package for regional businesses/ workers in areas not declared hotspots by the Commonwealth. @7NewsAdelaidepic.twitter.com/nKWPSi1nT7
Earlier today, the South Australian government announced a $100 million dollar support package for businesses during the lockdown just a day after the Morrison government activated income support payments of up to $600 a week for residents living in areas which have been declared ‘hotspots’.
NSW records 110 new COVID-19 cases
NSW has recorded 110 new Covid cases from a record 84,000 tests with 43 of the new cases infectious in the community.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the high number of cases reflects the testing record before defending Greater Sydney’s lockdown.
NSW recorded 110 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. pic.twitter.com/chClsCVlcl
“Had we not gone into the lockdown a few weeks ago, the 110 number today would undoubtedly have been thousands and thousands. There is no doubt about that. So we’ve been extremely successful in limiting the spread to what we have today,” she said.
The premier also called for “patience” from those asking when restrictions will ease, saying the true effect of the lockdown will not be known until the end of the week.
Victoria records 22 new local COVID cases
Victoria has recorded 22 new local COVID-19 cases, but all are linked to known outbreaks and most were isolating during their infectious period. The new cases take the total linked to the current outbreak to 107 active infections.
Check exposure sites often as new sites may be added and current sites may change based on further investigations.
🔶 For all testing locations, extended opening hours and wait times, visit: https://t.co/MISIpo0gkE
Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said Victoria was “on track” towards suppressing the current outbreak.
“I think we’ve peaked in terms of numbers out in the community while infectious, I don’t know that we’ve peaked in terms of new cases that are emerging [in isolation],” he said.
The Turkish invasion of Cyprus was launched on July 20, 1974 and was carried out in two phases. In the end, Turkey illegally occupied over 36 percent of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus and 162,000 Greek Cypriots fled their homes and became refugees in their own country.
Takis Christofi and Vasilis Soteriou were two of these refugees and today, The Greek Herald shares their personal stories of survival and loss.
Takis Christofi: ‘War is the worst thing in human experience’
Takis Christofi and his wife, Elizabeth, were living peacefully in the Cypriot village of Vatyli, in the district of Famagusta, for many years before the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in July 1974.
Takis Christofi used to play the violin at weddings. Photo supplied.
Takis was working as a tailor and playing the violin at weddings before eventually he was called to serve and protect Cyprus from the Turks. The role of Takis’ army unit was to shoot down Turkish airplanes flying over Famagusta and later, Nicosia.
“War is the worst thing in human experience. You lose friends next to you and you don’t know what the next moment is going to be. You don’t know if you’ll be alive or dead,” Takis tells The Greek Herald.
The 72-year-old survived the war but he lost his home and all his personal belongings. As a result, after Takis was released from the army, he left Cyprus and met up with his wife in London.
Takis as a soldier. Photo supplied.
“When you have your house and you leave with nothing, I didn’t even have my shoes… it’s a very, very bad feeling… We started from the beginning,” Takis explains.
After staying in London for about six months working as a tailor, Takis and his wife moved to Australia on February 22, 1975.
Takis says that once they reached Australian shores, he worked in a factory before opening a family fish shop in Fairfield and later, worked in the chicken business in Roselands for over 25 years.
“Australia gave us much more than the country where we were born. We are lucky to come to this country. When you work hard it pays off,” Takis says.
It definitely has paid off. Takis is now enjoying the retired life, surrounded by his growing family which includes three daughters and six grandchildren. Of course, he also makes regular trips back to his homeland.
Takis with his family. Photo supplied.
Vasilis Soteriou: ‘It was scary, but we needed to do it’
Vasilis Soteriou was doing his national service in Cyprus when the Turks invaded the island on July 20, 1974. He recalls vividly to The Greek Herald how a few days before the occupation, a young man was going around the streets and calling people to serve in the war.
“At about 3am in the morning, someone was going around to people’s houses and we’d ask ‘where is he going?’ because there was a curfew at the time. He told us people were being called to the army camp and that’s how we understood an invasion was happening,” Vasilis tells The Greek Herald.
From there, Vasilis and others from his village in Agios Nikolaos tou Lefkonikou, went on trucks and fought against the Turks in a number of areas including Aspri Moutiand Mia Mili.
Vasilis Soteriou. Photo supplied.
“At 2pm in Aspri Mouti, the battle started. At 4pm there was a ceasefire. A few minutes later, a captain was killed,” the 65-year-old recalls.
“When you go in the war it’s scary, but we needed to do it. We couldn’t do anything else.”
After months of fighting, Vasilis found out that his family had lost both of their homes to the Turks. This loss saw Vasilis finish his national service and quickly reunite with his family in Australia in March 1976.
“I left with one pant and jacket from Cyprus,” he says sadly.
On arrival, Vasilis worked hard and raised a beautiful family of three children and three grandchildren. And now he is enjoying his life and spends much of his time thinking of Cyprus and the current political climate over there.
