Victoria Police have shot dead a man believed to be fugitive gunman Dezi Freeman at a rural property in the state’s north-east. He was reportedly shot shortly after 8.30 this morning following a three-hour stand off.
Victoria Police is yet to officially confirm the identity of the man but mainstream media understands it was Freeman who has been on the run since the fatal shooting of two police officers last August. The police report that no officers were injured in the incident.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said a “very formal identification process” had to be carried out before the man’s identity could be confirmed.
The State Coroner will attend the scene and Professional Standards Command will oversee the investigation into the shooting of Freeman.
“There was an opportunity for him to surrender peacefully, which he declined,” Chief Commissioner Bush said.
Victorian government minister Sonya Kilkenny said, “The main thing is that our thoughts, our concerns and our support are with the Porepunkah community and, of course, the families of the two police officers killed in that tragic incident almost six months ago.”
Freeman, 56, has been on the run since August over the fatal shooting of two police officers at Porepunkah. Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart, 35, were killed in the shooting.
Freeman, a self-proclaimed “sovereign citizen”, then fled into bushland at Mount Buffalo National Park and had not been seen since.
For the first time in centuries, Catholic religious leaders were prevented from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass.
Jerusalem police blocked the Church clergy from entering the holy site. The Latin Patriarchate described the move as “absurd and flagrantly disproportionate,” highlighting in particular that the Cardinal and Custos — who hold the highest ecclesiastical authority for the Catholic Church and the Holy Land — were denied entry to the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified.
The current Home Front Command guidelines only permit gatherings of up to 50 people if there is a bomb shelter nearby that can be reached in time. It is unclear whether such a space exists near the Holy Sepulchre.
The Latin Patriarch of Jersualem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa had outlined in a letter how Holy Week and Easter services were expected to be conducted amid the war.
The letter was issued by the supreme authority of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land and was published under the title Jerusalem: Holy Week Behind Closed Doors. It detailed the instructions and restrictions that would apply during the Easter period and ultimately aimed to ensure the safety and spiritual unity of the faithful.
During a Palm Sunday mass on Sunday in St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo rebuked political leaders who wage war, saying God rejects the prayers of those who “stain their hands with blood,” and that the name of Jesus must not be invoked to justify violence or armed conflict.
With the ongoing Middle East conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed plans to widen the country’s invasion in southern Lebanon, advancing deeper into territory that has already been under attack for over three weeks.
The announcement comes after a weekend of additional strikes across Lebanon. The number of people killed in Israeli attacks against claimed Hezbollah targets has risen to nearly 1,200.
Among those killed on Saturday were three journalists: Ali Shoeib from the Hezbollah-linked Al Manar network, and siblings Fatima and Mohamed Ftouni from Al Mayadeen. Their deaths have sparked anger among Lebanese officials and media organisations both domestically and internationally.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has convened discussions with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, seeking to establish itself as a central mediator in the conflict. Recently, Pakistan delivered a US-prepared proposal to Iran aimed at ending the war, but Tehran rejected it.
During these diplomatic efforts, Iran cautioned the United States against initiating a ground offensive, accusing Washington of sending contradictory signals by expressing interest in negotiations while simultaneously increasing its military presence in the Middle East.
Israel has also carried out strikes against Iran, claiming to have hit facilities involved in missile and drone production as well as weapons storage sites. Iran retaliated by launching missiles toward Israel, with one striking a chemical plant near the southern city of Be’er Sheva and causing a significant fire.
At the same time, international leaders have urged Israel to permit Easter services in Jerusalem’s Old City. Tensions rose after a senior Catholic figure in the region was prevented from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday. Leaders including Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron and US ambassador Mike Huckabee criticised the decision.
Netanyahu defended the restriction as a security measure but indicated that arrangements would be made to allow access ahead of Easter. Earlier, the Al-Aqsa Temple Mount compound had been closed during Ramadan due to safety concerns amid the conflict, and missile debris has recently fallen within the Old City.
Marinella, one of Greece’s most celebrated singers, has died at the age of 87, marking the end of a remarkable career that spanned several decades.
She had been in declining health since September 2024, when she suffered a stroke and collapsed during a live performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens. After four months in hospital, she returned home to continue her recovery.
Born Kyriaki Papadopoulou in Thessaloniki, Marinella was raised in a musically talented refugee family and showed early promise, appearing on radio at just four years old. Her career breakthrough came in 1957 through her collaboration with Stelios Kazantzidis.
The two became both artistic and personal partners, marrying in 1964 before separating two years later. Together, they enjoyed widespread success in Greece and among diaspora communities, touring internationally and performing works by some of the country’s leading composers.
Marinella embarked on a solo career in 1966, working with prominent songwriters and establishing herself as one of the defining voices of Greek music. She later married singer Tolis Voskopoulos in 1973; the couple divorced in 1981.
That same year, she represented Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest, becoming the country’s first-ever entrant
Something very exciting is happening in Greece! A new and innovative health care program is being piloted here at the moment, officially titled “Cultural Prescription as Complementary Care in Mental Health”. This pilot project is led by the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Health and involves approved, encouraged and literally prescribed patients’ visits to places such as the National Theatre, the Athens State Orchestra, the National Opera and other cultural venues.
The progressively minded, social project is not only aimed at psychiatric prescription, but aims to include the involvement of all health care professionals in this ‘out of the box’, patient well-being focus.
The ethos behind “Cultural Prescribing” is that attendance at theatrical plays, concerts and museums for example, enhance people’s mental health. Such outings have been proven to reduce depression, anxiety, stress – including ‘burnout’, and social isolation.
Similar programs have been trialed in other European cities whereby studies have shown success, with reported overall reduction in emotional distress; part of which is due to improved and enhanced social interaction. This focus is on a more holistic health approach that enhances, improves and complements traditional psychotherapy, even reducing the frequency of appointments.
Forerunners to Greece’s pilot ‘Cultural Prescription’ include Brussels, and Neuchâtel in Switzerland which additionally includes free entry to botanical gardens. Also, and for several years now, the United Kingdom’sNational Health Service has incorporated the program “museums on prescription” within its social care incentives.
The United States too, have such a program, under the auspices of the Art Pharmacy founded in 2022. It aims to respond to mental health problems addressing social issues like loneliness, for example which is identified as a ‘crisis’ within itself. It essentially connects people to community-based activities. This has led to the ‘Mass Cultural Council’ which has launched a multi-USA state, cultural prescribing program.
‘Cultural Prescriptions’ programs work side by side with traditional medical therapies and add a much-needed focus on holistic health care. What is most heartening though, is that the implementation of such a new, health care approach such as cultural activity referring or “prescribing”, is being institutionalised within Greece’s mainstream health care system. Perhaps Australia will follow…
As Chef Georgia Koutsoukou — the Kalamata-born “SoulChef” — continues her SoulChef Sundays series with The Greek Herald, she turns to the simplicity and depth of Lenten cooking.
From crisp fried cod to nourishing tahini-based dishes, this is food rooted in tradition — designed to sustain, to comfort, and to bring people together during the fasting period.
Palm Sunday: Cod “Tempura” with Skordalia Cream
Fish is permitted on Palm Sunday, making this a traditional favourite across Greece.
Ingredients
1 kg salted cod (soaked and desalted)
Flour, water, pinch of baking soda
5–6 boiled potatoes
4–5 cloves garlic
Extra virgin olive oil and vinegar
Method
Cut cod into portions, dip in batter and fry until golden.
Mash potatoes with garlic, olive oil and vinegar into a smooth skordalia.
SoulChef’s Tip
Put care into the soaking process — it makes all the difference.
Holy Week: Velvet Tahini Soup with Lemon
A nourishing Lenten recipe inspired by the monasteries of Mount Athos.
Ingredients
1 cup orzo
200 g tahini
Juice of 2 lemons
1.5 litres water or vegetable broth
Salt and pepper
Method
Boil the orzo until tender.
Whisk tahini with lemon juice and slowly add hot broth.
Return mixture to the pot, stir and remove from heat.
SoulChef’s Tip
Finish with a little lemon zest to awaken the flavours.
A Message from SoulChef
“Lenten cooking is not about restriction — it’s about returning to simplicity. With a few honest ingredients, we create dishes that nourish both body and soul. To our Greek community in Australia, may these flavours bring a sense of balance, warmth and home to your table.”
Patricia Valeri Kotaridis is helping reshape the voice of Formula One fandom, bringing fresh perspective and inclusivity to a sport long dominated by men, according to heraldsun.com.au
As co-host of the Melbourne-based podcast Paddock 43, Kotaridis-alongside Eleanor Baillieu-has built a platform that resonates with a diverse and rapidly growing audience. What began as a shared passion quickly evolved into a widely followed show at a time when female-led F1 content was rare.
“There actually was an immediate audience, which was pretty amazing. We were one of the only female F1 podcasts, especially in Australia,” Baillieu says. “A lot of people gravitated to us pretty quickly, which was an incredible thing. And we’ve got the most amazing community and audience now.”
For Kotaridis, the podcast’s success reflects a broader cultural shift. Today, their audience is nearly evenly split between men and women, reinforcing their belief that F1 spaces should be inclusive rather than segmented.
“Paddock 43 is female-led, but we never set out to be just for the girls. We are for everyone.”
Kotaridis has been part of conversations pushing the sport forward—not only by amplifying women’s voices but also by challenging outdated approaches to inclusion. The duo have openly criticised initiatives that isolate female audiences instead of integrating them into the wider F1 community.
On the rocky islet of Ro, plans are moving forward to install a statue honoring Despina Achladioti, widely known as the “Lady of Ro,” a figure deeply associated with resilience and quiet patriotism, according to parapolitika.gr
The mayor of Kastellorizo, Nikolaos Asvestis, visited the islet together with sculptor Evangelos Tympas to initiate the project. After paying respects at Achladioti’s grave, they selected a striking location: a rock rising approximately 10 meters above the sea, a site chosen for its symbolic and historical significance.
The statue will depict the defining moment that made her a national symbol-raising the Greek flag. The aim is not only to capture her likeness but also the powerful daily act that embodied dedication and national identity.
According to local authorities, the sculptor approached the work with sensitivity and respect for historical accuracy, ensuring the monument harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. The intention is for the statue to “interact” with the sea, the land, and the memory of the place.
The initiative, led by the municipality, is presented as a gesture of gratitude and remembrance. It seeks to preserve the connection between the remote island and the woman who gave it lasting meaning.
Achladioti lived on Ro from 1924 and, from 1943 until her death in 1982, raised the Greek flag every morning and lowered it at sunset. This unwavering routine over 40 years transformed her into a lasting symbol of commitment and national pride.
It’s not every day that someone quits a promising career in banking to pursue a career in music, especially in this economy. But for Thomas “Tommie” Tsiamis, music is what lights up his soul.
The Greek Herald spoke to Tommie about his story.
“My birth name is Thomas, but I never felt it suited my character, which is why everyone has always called me Tommie,” he says.
Born in 1997 in Newtown, Sydney, Tommie’s parents ran a family business established by his maternal grandfather, Louie (also known as “Illia”) Vellios.
“When I was 12 years old, my grandfather sadly passed away from brain cancer. Following this, the family made the decision to sell the business and move back to Sydney. At that point, my father returned to the hospitality industry—an industry he had grown up in. My paternal grandfather ran a takeaway shop at Flemington Markets called Café Tom’s, which had been operating since 1986,” he says.
Tommie attended primary school at St Mary’s Star of the Sea in Hurstville before being accepted into Marist College Kogarah in 2010.
“Marist was a school that focused heavily on shaping young men—emphasising respect, honour, mateship, and becoming the best version of yourself. It was also where I developed a strong network of lifelong friends. Interestingly, many of them were Greek, which reflected the large Greek population in Kogarah and the surrounding areas.”
Throughout school, Tommie played rugby league, volleyball, and touch football, and at ages 15–16 he represented the St George Dragons in rugby league.
“The team was made up of players from mixed nationalities, with only two out of the 21 players being of Greek heritage.”
Tommie feels deeply connected to his homeland and travels back every few years.
“I’m deeply in love with Athens—the ‘concrete city’—its people, its food, and its culture. Being there makes me feel truly at home.”
He also experiences that same feeling when he travels to Kos and stays at his yiayia’s apartment in Zipari. His favourite islands are Symi, Kalymnos, and Mykonos.
“I love Symi for its beaches and natural beauty, Kalymnos for its rugged landscape and the Monastery of Agios Savvas (Saint Savvas), and Mykonos for its unmatched energy. As one of the most popular party destinations in the world, Mykonos is home to some of the best clubs globally, and it’s a place where I aspire to play regularly in the future.”
Speaking of music, Tommie grew up in a household that valued music as much as breathing. It was part of his everyday life—playing while his parents cooked, cleaned, and relaxed in the backyard.
“My parents also loved hosting parties and events where family and friends could come together to enjoy each other’s company, drink into the early hours of the morning, and dance to their favourite music. The genres most commonly played in our home included Greek music, house music, ’80s funk, and early 2000s NRG and trance.”
At 15, Tommie convinced his dad to buy him his first DJ deck—and the rest is history. He has now been DJing for 13 years and has no desire to slow down.
“I want this to be my life’s work: bringing people together to dance, enjoy each other’s company, smile, let go of everyday stresses, and, most importantly, enjoy the music. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a crowd dancing together and genuinely enjoying themselves. Music beats any drug—it’s the most addictive form of happiness, in my opinion.”
From ages 16 to 23, Tommie focused primarily on private community events such as birthdays, engagements, and social gatherings.
“From 23 onwards, I shifted my focus to clubs and public venues, steadily building my presence within Sydney’s nightlife scene. I still DJ at private events and enjoy them just as much as when I first started.”
Alongside his personal DJ career, Tommie runs his own premium entertainment and events agency.
The move to music wasn’t linear and didn’t happen overnight.
“From the age of 20, I worked in the banking industry for a total of eight years with Westpac. I began my career in branch roles before moving into the corporate side of the business as a Home Finance Manager. During this time, I built strong professional networks and gained valuable experience that I genuinely enjoyed.”
As his music career continued to grow, Tommie was offered weekly DJ residencies across multiple venues.
“At the same time, I saw real potential to expand my entertainment company and take full ownership of my career. That combination gave me the confidence to make the leap and pursue DJing and music production full-time.”
Tommie hasn’t looked back since that leap of faith.
He draws inspiration from a wide range of artists within the house music genre, including ANOTR, Franky Rizardo, Josh Butler, Dom Dolla, and Calvin Harris.
“My parents also inspired me from a young age not to be scared of what other people think of me. They are always at the forefront of my mind when conducting business and when I’m on stage.”
Tommie has big dreams for the future.
He sees himself as a successful international touring DJ.
“Alongside this, I envision building a thriving entertainment business that allows me to provide for my family and future wife, travel frequently, raise my children in a comfortable and supportive environment, own my own home, build additional investments, and continue living life the way it should be lived—with love, fun, and passion.”
Future goals also include helping bridge the gap between Australia and other international destinations by strengthening relationships with overseas markets.
“My goal is to create opportunities for Australian artists to perform internationally, giving them the chance to play on a global stage and grow their love for music and the industry, just as I have.”
Key international destinations Tommie is passionate about include Ibiza, Mykonos, the United States, and Bali—places with strong cultures centred around music, events, and living life to the fullest.
“Of course, I also aim to be in Greece every year, staying closely connected to my cultural roots and community while sharing my passion for music and entertainment there as well.”
“Hopefully, I inspire people to step out of their comfort zones and follow their dreams. I also hope to preserve and strengthen our culture and our love for Greece and our heritage within the community. Being Greek is an indescribable feeling that I thank God for every day!”
Stephen Gaitanos, co-founder of Scape Australia, is quietly reflecting the success of the booming student accommodation sector through his latest high-profile property move, according to smh.com.au
The former Morgan Stanley investment banker, alongside his wife Emma, has purchased a $50 million mansion in Bellevue Hill, marking a significant upgrade from their Hunters Hill home bought for $4.2 million in 2018. The acquisition underscores the financial strength behind Gaitanos’ growing property empire.
Since co-founding Scape Australia in 2013 with Craig Carracher, Gaitanos has helped build one of the country’s leading student housing providers, with 38 developments across major cities. The business has since evolved into The Living Company, expanding into build-to-rent housing, affordable living and retirement communities.
A major milestone came last year when the group acquired retirement village operator Aveo for $3.85 billion, further cementing its position in Australia’s residential sector.
The Bellevue Hill purchase, confirmed through recently lodged transfer documents, highlights how Gaitanos has translated business success into personal investment. The property was acquired from Plenary Group co-founder Paul Oppenheim and his wife Cathie-Jane, who had previously renovated the home after buying it in 2017.
While agents declined to comment, the deal places Gaitanos among Sydney’s high-end property buyers, in a suburb where record-breaking sales continue to push boundaries.
His latest move not only signals personal wealth but also reflects the rising profitability of student accommodation and diversified living sectors he helped shape.
