Olympus restaurant, Sydney’s newest Greek dining destination, was officially inaugurated by the City of Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore and NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis MP on Wednesday, December 11.
Although the restaurant had already begun welcoming diners, the event marked its ceremonial opening, paying homage to its Greek heritage.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald.
Nestled in the heart of Surry Hills’ and Redfern’s redeveloped Wunderlich Lane precinct, Olympus brings the dream of a Greek taverna to life.
With its striking modern-Hellenic design by George Livissianis, a retractable glass oculus ceiling that creates an alfresco dining experience, and a 50-year-old bougainvillea tree as the centrepiece, the restaurant offers a setting that is both elegant and inviting. Designed to evoke the warmth of a bustling Greek village, Olympus is a place where friends and family come together to share stories over exceptional food and drinks.
The events official proceedings began with a moving Welcome to Country from Uncle Ray Wetherill, setting a respectful and reflective tone for the day.
Nicholas Ingall, operations manager of The Apollo group, then addressed the audience, reflecting on the group’s 12-year journey of celebrating Greek culture through food.
“This is a restaurant for the people to share great food, great stories with loved ones, friends, and family,” Ingall said, capturing the essence of what Olympus represents.
His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis offered grace and conducted a blessing, grounding the event in the traditions of the Greek Orthodox faith.
Paul Nicolaou, executive director of Business Sydney and co-host for the event, welcomed an esteemed guest list of government officials, business leaders, and media representatives. He commended the entrepreneurial vision of owners Jonathan Barthelmess and Sam Christou, whose bold investment brought the concept of Olympus to life.
Lord Mayor Moore reflected on the rich history of the site, formerly home to the Wonderlich factory, a cornerstone of Sydney’s architectural heritage. She spoke about the precinct’s transformation into a thriving mixed-use hub, celebrating the City of Sydney’s efforts to enhance public infrastructure, support nightlife, and attract diverse patrons. She noted Olympus exemplified the ongoing growth and evolution of Redfern, seamlessly blending its rich history with culture and innovation.
Minister Cotsishighlighted the significance of the restaurant to Sydney’s Greek community and praised the collaboration between the NSW Government, the City of Sydney, and Business Sydney in promoting Sydney as a global destination. She lauded Barthelmess and Christou for creating a space that honours Greek traditions, while enhancing Redfern’s reputation as a culinary hotspot.
Guests enjoyed a selection of Olympus’s signature dishes, paired with innovative cocktails and wine. The restaurant’s wide-ranging menu, designed by Barthelmess and head chef Özge Kalvo, reflects the abundance and freshness of Greek cuisine, with something for everyone to enjoy.
As the event concluded with dessert and lively conversation, Olympus affirmed itself not just as a dining destination, but as a cultural landmark. Its blend of tradition and modernity, coupled with its commitment to community, ensures it will remain a treasured venue for locals and visitors alike.
As the Christmas seafood season approaches, the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) has issued its annual GoodFish sustainable seafood guide, advising consumers on the most eco-friendly choices.
Notably, farmed Tasmanian salmon has been added to the “naughty list” due to its environmental impact, including pollution and its role in threatening the endangered Maugean skate. Australian salmon, which is sustainably caught using low-impact netting, is recommended as a better alternative.
Wild prawns from New South Wales and Queensland have been linked to overfishing and bycatch concerns, though seafood industry experts maintain that significant efforts are being made to reduce bycatch.
Seafood Industry of Australia chief executive Veronica Papacosta has questioned the notion that wild-caught prawns have unacceptable levels of bycatch.
“There is always work going on to reduce interaction with other species, and it’s one of the best-performing issues in the country in terms of bycatch,” she told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“We stand very strongly by the fact that if you’re buying Australian, [you’re buying from] one of the highest regulated and best-performing fisheries management systems in the world… we do an excellent job here and we should be proud of that.”
In addition to salmon and prawns, farmed mussels and oysters are among the most sustainable seafood options. These shellfish are part of “restorative aquaculture,” which improves local ecosystems by filtering water and supporting marine biodiversity.
As the festive season draws near, consumers are encouraged to consider the environmental impact of their seafood choices, opting for options that promote sustainability and protect marine ecosystems.
The Greek team is expected to compete with a major change on the bench at the 2025 United Cup, which will take place in Australia from December 27 to January 5.
Theodoros Angelinos is set to replace Apostolos Tsitsipas, who was the captain of Team Greece in the previous three editions of the tournament.
The 40-year-old former world No. 251, originally from Lesvos, who has a deep and long-lasting friendship with both Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari, is a graduate of CMA University in Virginia, a Greek doubles champion, and a two-time singles finalist.
Stefanos Tsitsipas with Theodoros Angelinos.
Team Greece, which is made up of Stefanos and Petros Tsitsipas, Stefanos Sakellariadis, Maria Sakkari, Despina Papamichaïl and Valentini Grammatikopoulou, will begin its campaign against Spain on Saturday, December 28 in Perth, Western Australia.
This will be a crucial match, as the Kazakhstan versus Spain game on December 27 will take place beforehand, and the Greek team will need a strong start to stay on track for a quarterfinals spot.
After that, Greece will play again on Monday, December 30, against Kazakhstan. The top six teams from the groups will advance to the quarterfinals, with the two best runners-up from the six groups also qualifying for the final eight.
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is set to undergo a major restoration, including the dismantling of its iconic dome, to ensure the structural integrity of the historic monument. The project, which will focus on the dome’s exterior, is necessary due to damage caused by the lead covering and cement-based materials over time.
A temporary roof will be installed to shield the site from weather, allowing uninterrupted work. The restoration will use materials and techniques consistent with the original construction, though some critics have raised concerns about the relevance of Ottoman-era methods to the Byzantine monument.
Repairs will also address damage to the building’s north and east facades, replacing non-original materials with traditional Ottoman ones.
Photo: The New York Times.
The restoration is part of a broader conservation effort at Hagia Sophia, which has already seen work on its four minarets. Despite the extensive nature of the project, officials plan to minimise disruptions to visitors and worshippers.
Originally built as a Christian cathedral in 537 AD by Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia has been a mosque, a museum, and now a mosque again since its conversion in 2020. The restoration is crucial to preserving its rich history and ensuring its continued legacy as a symbol of both Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.
Donald Trump has announced Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and fiancée of his eldest son Donald Trump Jr, as his nominee for US Ambassador to Greece.
In a statement, Trump described Guilfoyle as “a close friend and ally” and said she is “perfectly suited to foster strong bilateral relations with Greece, advancing our interests on issues ranging from defence cooperation to trade and economic innovation.”
Guilfoyle, who has served as a campaign surrogate and fundraiser for Trump, accepted the nomination on social media, expressing her gratitude and stating, “I’m honoured to accept President Trump’s nomination to serve as the next Ambassador to Greece and I look forward to earning the support of the US Senate.”
I’m honored to accept President Trump’s nomination to serve as the next Ambassador to Greece and I look forward to earning the support of the U.S. Senate.
President Trump’s historic victory is bringing hope and optimism to the American people and to freedom-loving allies across… pic.twitter.com/ThyyDwOTNk
Her appointment, which requires Senate confirmation, would mark her first role in foreign diplomacy, having previously worked as a California prosecutor and television personality.
Guilfoyle’s nomination is part of a broader trend of Trump appointing loyalists and family members to key positions. Notably, Trump has also appointed Charles Kushner, father of son-in-law Jared Kushner, as ambassador to France, and Massad Boulos, father-in-law of daughter Tiffany Trump, as a Middle East adviser.
In 2020, allegations of sexual harassment were made against Guilfoyle by a former assistant, which were reported by The New Yorker. Guilfoyle left Fox News in 2017.
The promotion of Greek studies worldwide is gaining fresh momentum through the Strategic Plan for the Greek Diaspora recently announced by Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and inspired and implemented by Deputy Minister Giorgos Kotsiras.
At a time when Chairs of Greek studies have been shrinking dramatically — from 344 in 2006 to around 200 in 2019 — this strategic plan emerges as an ambitious endeavour to preserve and promote the Greek language and culture across the five continents.
As part of this strategy, Mr Kotsiras has announced a significant initiative for the Greek community in Australia through an exclusive interview with The Greek Herald. The Greek Studies Programme at La Trobe University in Melbourne will receive financial support in 2024, marking the Ministry’s tangible commitment to the educational communities of the diaspora. According to information gathered by The Greek Herald, this funding will initially amount to €10,000 (approximately $16,500).
At the same time, Mr Kotsiras has expressed his intention to visit Australia at the earliest opportunity. The aim of the visit is to further strengthen ties with the dynamic Greek community, with which he maintains continuous communication, and to present the comprehensive strategic plan in person.
The plan, however, is not limited to academic Chairs. It also places particular emphasis on the sustainability of Greek community media, which serve as vital guardians of the Greek language and culture in multicultural environments like Australia.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs aims to establish a sustainable framework for the development of these media, ensuring the continuation of their crucial role.
With vision and targeted initiatives, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mr Kotsiras are laying the foundations for a new era in the relationship between the homeland and the Greek diaspora. Their approach focuses on addressing the genuine needs of the diaspora while also leveraging the opportunities offered by technology and global collaboration.
Giorgos Kotsiras.
Deputy Minister, the plan to strengthen Chairs of Greek studies comes at a critical juncture, as many of them face serious sustainability challenges. What specific measures is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs implementing to support them? Is there also provision for the Chairs in Australia, where the Greek community maintains unbreakable ties with the homeland?
Chairs and programmes of Greek studies are invaluable hubs of Hellenic learning and Philhellenism. They foster the study of the Greek language, showcase our rich cultural heritage, and promote academic research. These Chairs serve as key points of reference for Greeks in the diaspora, contributing to the strengthening of their identity. Their presence at leading universities around the world carries both symbolic and substantive significance for Hellenism. They enhance Greece’s prestige and act as bridges connecting Greece with the wider world.
At a time when Greek studies are indeed facing sustainability challenges, we have decided to take proactive steps to support them. Our aim is to provide strategic support in a targeted and comprehensive manner, as part of a long-term plan that mobilises all relevant stakeholders. For this reason, we have included the promotion of Greek studies in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Strategic Plan for the Greek Diaspora (2024-2027).
Within this framework, we are planning a series of initiatives, such as networking and connecting these programmes with universities and institutions in Greece, as well as exchange and hosting schemes for students, researchers, and educators. We will also facilitate the distribution of books and educational materials and leverage digital tools for distance learning.
Our planning could not overlook the Chairs and Greek studies programmes in Australia. Their contribution to the preservation of the Greek language, the promotion of our culture, and the strengthening of the identity of Australia’s large and active Greek community is indisputable.
Has the process for the Chairs in Australia to be supported begun? Is there a specific timeline for the implementation of these measures?
As part of the multifaceted support for Chairs of Greek studies, we have also included financial assistance, based on available resources, in a coordinated manner and in accordance with the recommendations of our embassies and consulates abroad.
In the initial phase for 2024, I am pleased to announce that the Greek Studies Programme at La Trobe University in Melbourne will receive financial support. Our objective is to provide regular support for these Chairs, with adjustments made according to available resources and emerging needs.
La Trobe University.
With the creation of a registry of Chairs and Greek studies programmes in higher education institutions abroad — a project that has been incorporated into the Recovery and Resilience Fund — we will be able to systematise the recording of their activities, impact, and needs. This will also enhance their communication with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and strengthen their connections with universities and institutions in Greece, as well as with organisations within the diaspora.
What are the main challenges the Ministry faces in its efforts to preserve and expand Greek studies abroad, especially in geographically distant countries like Australia? Are there any plans for you to visit Australia soon to present the strategic plan to the Greek community?
It is true that Greek studies have faced challenges in recent years, partly due to the global decline in student enrolments in humanities departments. Preserving and expanding Greek studies is a complex, multidimensional issue, which is naturally linked to Greek language learning (Hellenic literacy). It involves multiple stakeholders, including families, diaspora organisations, the education systems of host countries where these Chairs operate, and, of course, the Greek State.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Strategic Plan for the Greek Diaspora includes the promotion of the Greek language and culture as one of its key objectives, with a particular focus on younger generations. To this end, we are developing initiatives to support Hellenic literacy by leveraging modern technological tools.
One notable example is the expansion of the staellinika.com online platform for learning Greek, as well as the provision of distance learning courses in collaboration with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and other Greek universities.
We are also placing special emphasis on expanding hosting programmes for children and young people from the diaspora in Greece. These programmes offer participants the opportunity not only to improve their Greek language skills but also to gain a deeper understanding of Greek history and culture, fostering a personal, experiential connection with their ancestral homeland.
Recently, 14 young people from Australia were hosted in Greece as part of an educational programme for diaspora youth from the Southern Hemisphere. During their visit, they had the opportunity to attend the 1st Diaspora Youth Conference held in Athens. Two of them even participated as speakers at the conference.
People at the 1st Diaspora Youth Conference.
While Australia is geographically distant from Greece, the connection between the diaspora and the homeland remains strong. The efforts of our compatriots to preserve the Greek language and cultural heritage, and pass it on to future generations, are commendable. We actively support this effort by utilising modern tools and encouraging collaborations. I am in constant communication with representatives and members of the Greek community in Australia, and I hope to visit this beautiful country at the earliest opportunity to be close to the dynamic Greek community there.
In a multicultural environment like Australia, diaspora media play a crucial role in promoting and preserving the Greek language and culture. Are there any plans from the Ministry to include them in a relevant programme so they can continue their important mission?
Indeed, diaspora media have a key role in promoting the Greek language and culture, preserving the identity and cohesion of Greek communities worldwide, and connecting them with Greece. Our goal is to provide practical, multifaceted support to diaspora media.
To this end, we encourage their collaboration with Greek organisations and media in Greece, especially with ERT and the Athens News Agency, and support any worthwhile initiative that highlights their work. One such example is the International Summer University in Boston, which will take place in May 2025, under the auspices of the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focusing on the challenges and prospects for diaspora media.
Our aim is to expand the actions and collaborations that will help community media meet the modern needs of the diaspora and fulfil their demanding role.
With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, Oakleigh Grammar‘s Year 5 and 6 students, the Philoptochos Society of Melbourne, and Backpack for Kids, organised a heartfelt fundraiser to support homeless children in Victoria.
The initiative began with the generous donation of 40 empty backpacks from the Philoptochos Society. The students then collected vital items such as clothing, stationery, books, drink bottles, and lunch boxes, which they packed into the backpacks and donated to Backpack for Kids, an organisation that supports children in foster care and temporary housing.
Michelle, a representative from Backpack for Kids, highlighted the stark reality that up to 16,500 children in Victoria are currently living in state care. This eye-opening fact had a profound impact on the students, motivating them to take action.
Representatives from Five Loaves, who attended the event, praised both the Philoptochos Society and the students for their efforts, noting the remarkable energy and generosity displayed by the young participants.
Through their involvement, the students not only provided essential supplies but also gained valuable insights into empathy, gratitude, and social responsibility, underscoring the transformative power of community and small acts of kindness.
The spirit of Christmas came alive on Sunday, December 8, as the Cretan Association of Sydney & NSW hosted their much-anticipated Annual Christmas Party at the St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Hall in Marrickville.
The hall was filled with festive cheer, as families came together to celebrate the season, share delicious food, and enjoy a day of fun-filled activities.
The event saw Cretan families contribute to a remarkable spread of food and desserts, making for an incredible feast that left everyone satisfied.
The afternoon was filled with wonderful company and lively conversation, with musical performances from the youth, coordinated by Ari Paraskakis, adding to the festive atmosphere.
One of the highlights of the day was the Cretan Christmas Cupcake-making activity, where children had a blast decorating their own festive treats. A special surprise visit from Santa Clause delighted the children, who received presents and trophies for their dedication to Cretan dance throughout the year.
The event also served as an opportunity to honour one of the community’s longest-serving members, Dimitrios Fokas, who was awarded the prestigious Megalonisos Award for his 40 years of service. Mr Fokas had missed out on receiving the award formally during the COVID-19 restrictions in 2021, making this presentation all the more meaningful.
As the day progressed, the older youth took over, entertaining the crowd and keeping the party going with music and dance. Guests danced, mingled, and indulged in the irresistible dessert buffet, marking the perfect end to a festive celebration.
The Cretan Christmas celebration was a heartwarming reminder of the strong bonds that tie the community together.
The Pan-Macedonian Association of Melbourne and Victoria has announced that former Premier of Victoria, Jeff Kennett AM, has been awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his enduring contributions to Hellenism and the Macedonian cause.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Mr Kennett’s historic declaration on the steps of Victoria’s Parliament House affirming that “Macedonia is Greek.” This defining moment has left an indelible mark on the community and remains a cornerstone of his legacy.
To commemorate this milestone, the Association’s President, Peter Stefanidis, personally visited Mr Kennett at his office to present the award and reflect on this pivotal moment in history. During their meeting, Mr Kennett expressed great interest in the current direction of the Greek community, particularly the evolving role and vision of the Pan-Macedonian Association.
He showed enthusiasm for the Association’s new cultural initiatives and future engagement strategies, offering his ongoing support to help achieve these goals.
Mr Stefanidis expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr Kennett, stating: “It is a profound honour that the first Lifetime Achievement Award presented during my presidency is awarded to someone who has had such a transformative impact on the Macedonian cause and on my personal journey. Mr Kennett’s declaration 30 years ago continues to resonate deeply within our community.”
The Pan-Macedonian Association thanked Mr Kennett for graciously accepting this honour and for his unwavering commitment to the values and heritage of Hellenism.
Get ready for a festive and creative experience this Christmas with Hellenic Kids! The popular Christmas Workshops are returning to the Hellenic Club of Canberra on Wednesday, December 18, for kids in Kindergarten to Year 6.
These fun-filled sessions will offer children the chance to explore a variety of Christmas arts and crafts and sing along to Christmas carols that blend both Hellenic and Western traditions. It’s the perfect way for kids to get into the holiday spirit.
Workshop Details:
Date: Wednesday 18 December 2024
Venue: Apollo Room, Hellenic Club of Canberra, Matilda Street, Woden, ACT 2606
Cost: $10 per child (Bookings essential)
Session Times:
10:30am – 12:00pm
1:00pm – 2:30pm
3:30pm – 5:00pm
With only 20 spots available per session, be sure to book early to secure your child’s place. Each child can attend only one session.
Please note, bookings are exclusive to Hellenic Club of Canberra members, and you will need to provide your member badge number to complete the online booking.
Important session information:
All sessions will feature the same activities.
No food will be provided during the sessions.
Children will be fully supervised throughout, with restroom facilities within the room.
For safety, parents/carers must drop off and pick up children outside the event space. Parents will not be allowed inside the room during the session.
Should you need to collect your child early, please notify the session coordinator on the day.
This is a wonderful opportunity for children to engage in hands-on Christmas activities and enjoy a day of festive fun! Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out – secure your child’s spot today!
