The head of the NSW gambling regulator has today declared unequivocally that Crown Resorts CEO, Ken Barton, and independent director, Andrew Demetriou, must step down from their roles after a damning report into the company’s suitability to operate its Sydney Casino.
Two representatives of major shareholder, James Packer, resigned from Crown’s board on Wednesday, after the independent report highlighted the billionaire’s harmful influence over the group as a key reason it was unfit to hold the licence to its casino at Barangaroo.
But despite James Packer heeding the criticism of the report directed at him, Mr Barton and Mr Demetriou have so far refused to resign, according to a report in The Australian.
In response, NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) chair, Philip Crawford, was speaking on ABC Radio National this morning and when asked whether Mr Demetriou and Mr Barton should resign, he answered: “Yes… yes.”
“There need to be changes in the top and in senior management,” Mr Crawford said. “A lot of board changes, and that’s started already and we look forward to seeing a bit more of that.”
Commissioner Bergin’s report into Crown Resorts – released on Tuesday following an explosive 18-month public inquiry – found that Crown had facilitated money laundering at its Melbourne and Perth casinos, partnered with figures linked to organised crime, and disregarded the safety of staff in China before 19 were arrested there in 2016.
Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, launched a fierce attack against Greece and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday.
Speaking in Parliament, Erdogan told lawmakers from his AK Party that he could not meet with Mitsotakis, despite a resumption of talks between the two NATO members over their maritime disputes.
Erdogan said Mitsotakis had “challenged” him and called on the Greek PM to “know his limits.”
Speaking in Parliament, President #Erdogan hurled threats against #Greece today, said Greek Prime Minister does know his place, deserted by allies, made it clear #Turkey would respond to Greece with whatever necessary when needed, and ruled out a unified #Cyprus option for good. pic.twitter.com/FI9y9HhCZ8
“Even though we agreed to continue explanatory talks with Greece in March, Mitsotakis targeted us once again. Now, how can we continue our talks?” Erdogan said.
The remarks came in response to Mitsotakis saying on Monday that the only viable solution to the Cyprus issue is the creation of a unified state on the island.
“Ending Turkish occupation and finding a viable solution are a fundamental Greek foreign policy priority,” Mitsotakis said after a meeting with Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, in Nicosia.
“The only viable solution is a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality.”
The Turkish president dismissed Mitsotakis’ proposal on the issue and further stated that: “The Greek side has not made the slightest change in its stance disregarding the existence of Turkish Cypriots on the island.”
“Two-state solution is the sole option for Cyprus, a federal system is no longer an option on the agenda,” Erdogan added.
Mathias Cormann and Anna Diamantopoulou are one of four candidates left in the race to lead the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) after a second cull of candidates.
Ulrik Vestergaard Knudsen, currently serving as Deputy Secretary-General of the OECD, withdrew from the race on Wednesday.
The Greek and Australian leaders are now up against Swiss nominee Philipp Hildebrand, as well as Sweden’s candidate Cecilia Malmström, for the role of OECD Secretary-General.
According to The Sydney Morning Heraldand The Age, sources at the Paris-based OECD have told them that Cormann and Malmström have the strongest support.
“Further consultations will take place in February, with a view to identifying collectively the candidate around whom consensus can be built,” the OECD said in a statement.
The Greek and Australian leaders are now up against Swiss nominee Philipp Hildebrand, as well as Sweden’s candidate Cecilia Malmström.
Established in 1961, the OECD is a Paris-based international organisation of 37 member states with market economies that aim to promote economic growth, prosperity and sustainable development.
A Cormann victory would be the first time the OECD has been led by someone from the increasingly important Asia-Pacific region. If Diamantopoulou was to claim the top job, she would become the first female to do so.
Student protesters hurled bottles, rocks, and gasoline bombs at police in central Athens on Wednesday during nationwide demonstrations against an education bill that would allow police to patrol university campuses.
In the capital, riot police used tear gas and detained two protesters after clashes broke out outside parliament. Protests also turned violent in Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki.
The center-right government says it wants to establish a campus police force to stop university grounds from being used for illegal activities such as selling counterfeit goods or organising violent protests.
Protesters throw a patrol bomb to riot police during a student rally against campus policing, in Athens, on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. Photo: AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris.
“It’s time to stop what has been going on for decades, and once and for all end this atmosphere of fear, intimidation and lawlessness in universities,” Education Minister, Niki Kerameus, said during the debate on the bill that includes other higher education reforms.
Left-wing opposition parties and education unions are supporting demonstrations against the legislation, accusing the government of taking advantage of the country’s virus lockdown to impose oppressive police measures.
“I’m telling you that, in practice, this law to police universities will never be implemented,” Communist Party lawmaker, Thanassis Pafilis, said. “This is an education bill that is being co-sponsored by the Ministry of Public Order. Whoever heard of something like that ever happening? It’s unbelievable. Maybe the Ministry of Defense would like to join too.”
Lawmakers are set to vote on the education bill later Wednesday, or on Thursday if the debate is extended.
Australia’s No.1 Greek Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has made an incredible comeback victory against World No. 29 Ugo Humbert 5-7 6-4 3-6 7-6 6-4, moving onto the next round of the Australian Open.
The two players both had convincing wins against their round one opponents, with Kyrgios showcasing a strong effort against Portuguese player Ferreira Silva.
Only one word can describe the show-stopping performance tonight: Incredible. The Greek-Australian fed off the energy of the crowd like fuel, putting his best work on display.
It didn’t take long for Kyrgios to start getting into a disagreement with the referee, having two aces denied from a supposed let. The Australian didn’t let it faze him, however, immediately hitting an ace and taking the set afterwards.
Despite Kyrgios’ showboating, his French opponent held strong to take his games and not let his opponent earn a break. Humbert is to be especially commended for his strong forearm, helping earn crucial points at times.
Kyrgios almost suffered an early set loss, yet brought it back to an intense 5-5 draw. In a disappointing game, however, with a missed net chip, Humbert managed to take the first set 5-7.
The Kyrgios comeback began in the second set, instantly claiming a break point to get ahead of his opponent. In a crazy following two sets, neither opponent managed to claim their service game, both earning successive break points.
Photo: Nine’s World of Sport
Some aggressive and risky plays by the Australian saw him lose some risky points, but ultimately claim his service games. Arguments with the referee ensued after more serves by Kyrgios weren’t counted for allegedly hitting the net, causing the audience to stir up. At one point, the Australian insisted he wouldn’t play until ‘the machine’ was reset.
Regardless of the incident during the match, Kyrgios went on to win the set 6-4.
Things didn’t go Kyrgios’ way in the third set. A mix of frustration and exhaustion, along with the talented expertise from the Frenchman, saw Humbert earn a break point. The Australian was unable to physically recover after exhausting all his energy in the set prior, losing the set 6-3 and being down two sets to one.
Kyrgios’ dip in form continued into the next set, with Humbert earning a break point in the first game. From there, Kyrgios went in all out attack, punishing his opponent when receiving the slightest soft hits.
Photo: Getty Images
A tough, tough few games faced Kyrgios in the next 30 minutes. Pure sweat beaded off the Greek- Australian understanding the importance of his next few shots. Kyrgios came close to breaking Humbert late in the fourth set, yet the Frenchman did well to hold him off and push it to 5-3.
Taking his service game with ease, all eyes were on Kyrgios in the next game, who required a break point to stay in the game and tournament.
And the Australian made the magic happen. Pushing the Frenchman to three deuces, Kyrgios finally took a break point to make it 5-5 and draw up the set.
Kyrgios went on to take the service game and leave all eyes on Humbert. Unable to break World No. 29, the set was forced into a tiebreaker.
Two match points saved by @NickKyrgios to send it to a fifth set ‼️🔥
Safe to say the tie-breaker went the Australians way, winning 7-2 and pushing the match into a final and decider set.
More arguments with the referee ensued in the decider set after a camera was broken off the net, causing Kyrgios to plead for a machine review. The referee proceeded to deny the claims of the device not working.
The opponents fought hard game for game. Tweeners were on display by Kyrgios, a strong backhand by the Frenchman put his opponent in a difficult position at times.
But unfortunately for Humbert, he couldn’t find the flow of the game and was left chasing Kyrgios. One break point and hitting a total of 30 aces, Kyrgios went on to run away with the set and match victory.
“I’m lost for words, that was one of the craziest matches I’ve ever played,” Kyrgios said in a post-match interview.
“If you were inside my head there were some dark thoughts… But I live to fight another day and I hoep to keep playing entertaining tennis for you guys.”
Nick Kyrgios will face World No. 3 Dominic Thiem in the next round of the Australian Open.
Tsitsipas brothers Stefanos and Petros suffered a disappointing defeat to US pair Mackenzie McDonald and Tommy Paul in the first round of the Australian Open doubles, losing 6-4 3-6 6-4.
While Stefanos played only last night, defeating Frenchman Gilles Simon in straight sets, Petros has not played since participating in a pro circuit in Tunisia last year. Clearly the more inexperienced player on the court at only 20-years-old, Petros was guided by his brother as the two communicated through hushed tones.
The two were unlucky to give away two break points to the Americans in the first set. Despite narrowing the gap and looking to make a comeback, the pair suffered a 6-4 set-loss.
A token of the American success in the first set was largely due to the strong serve by Mackenzie McDonald, who is ranked 192nd in the world ATP rankings. Stefanos’ serve is also to be commended however, claiming four aces in the first set.
The two Greeks still seemed in high spirits after the first set, cheered on by Greek attendees in the crowd. Stefanos stood out from the court decked in bright yellow this afternoon, as opposed to his brother who styled the Hellenic blue and white look.
The two teams played game-for-game in the second set, with neither side looking to give out. That is, until Petros Tsitsipas stepped up to the plate and helped earn the Greek duo a break point, eventually giving them a 5-3 lead. The Greeks cleaned up the second set 3-6 to bring the game into a decider third set.
The Greeks had an impressive 85 percent first serve win percentage after the conclusion of the second set.
While the third set started off well for Tsitsipas brothers, the match took a turn after the US duo earned a break point. From there, the two Greeks couldn’t regain their footing, losing points from unforced errors.
Aces turned to repeated double faults for the Greeks. The Tsitsipas brothers saw a spark of hope late in the set, earning a break point against their opponents to tighten the gap, yet unfortunately couldn’t bring the set any closer. The match finished 6-4 3-6 6-3 in favour of Mackenzie McDonald and Tommy Paul.
A dead language, too hard to learn, who uses Greek these days, how useful is it going to be in the future?
According to various studies, Greek is one of the hardest languages for an English speaker to learn. But once you master it, you are in for a treat, to not only better understand about 150.000 words of the English language that are derived from Greek but to also experience the culture!
Is this not convincing enough?
Six non-native speakers from around the globe and of different age groups gave us their own reasons for learning Greek.
Kimberley May Lynn Chan, Melbourne
Kimberley, 24, is of Malaysian – Chinese background, lives in Melbourne and started learning Greek due to her love for languages, but also to be able to communicate with her partner’s ‘γιαγιά’.
“I wanted to be able to speak with her without needing my partner around to play translator. Nowadays, I can safely maintain a basic conversation.
“It helped me feel closer to my partner and his family. It’s a special feeling being in the moment and understanding the jokes and banter right off the bat rather than having to interrupt my partner and ask what’s happening during Christmas, Easter and ‘γιορτή celebrations’,” says Kimberley.
“My advice to fellow Greek learners, whether you are 2nd/3rd generation Greek abroad or someone who’s just fascinated with the country, people and culture, be persistent. I found that whenever I expressed my desire to learn Greek, I’ve been advised by other Greeks or Greek-Australians that it’s a hard language.
“On the other hand, they get very proud and excited when you make the slightest attempt to converse in their language and will help you in any way possible, with constructive feedback or just gawk because they weren’t expecting it. Welcome aboard this wonderful journey of learning one of the mostly beautiful languages in the world!”
Olga Tsuprykova, Ukraine
Olga is Ukrainian but she has Greek roots as family from her paternal side hails from the Kostyantynopil’ in Donetsk Oblast.
“This region has plenty of settlements founded by Greeks displaced from their native lands in Crimea in late 18th century. Today, the region is home to nearly 100,000 ethnic Greeks,” Olga, 31, tells The Greek Herald.
“I started learning Greek since I first visited Greece in 2016… My primary motivation was caused by a need to discover parts of my identity.
“I used to be a Young European Ambassador in Ukraine and because I knew Greek I was able to connect with Greek speaking young leaders from the European Union,” Olga says.
“My advice to those who are thinking of learning it, is to fall in love with its sound, the way words are formed, its connection to the ancient civilizations and its role in the development of the global culture”.
Irene Podovsovnik, Vienna
Irene, 58, is a lawyer and lives in Vienna with her family. She fell in love with Greece and started learning the language in 1979 during her first trip to the country.
“In the 90s I met my husband who shared my love for Greece. Since then, we go to Rhodes almost annually for vacations. The wish to learn the language properly was always there so when I was 50 years old, I donated to myself Greek private lessons. After some years I even took an exam level A2 at university.
“I had to stop for a while but now I’m studying again. I need the language when I stay in Greece and I might use it in my profession in the future,” Irene says.
Fiona Craig, Melbourne
Fiona is originally from Melbourne and decided to learn Greek after a trip to Greece to visit her great uncle’s grave who lost his life in Greece during WWII.
“My great uncle who was a war hero, died in Greece in WWII. In 2016 I made a pilgrimage to Farsala where he died and to his grave in Athens War Cemetery. I loved the country so much that I extended my trip and have been back a few times since!
“I have been learning Greek for about 6 months. I started learning because I love the sound of the language, how expressive it is, and I would love to spend more time there. Learning Greek is also very interesting from a historical and cultural perspective. I am not an expert but I think to learn Greek you have to be patient, have fun and don’t try to be perfect,” Fiona says.
Ayşe Nermin Önol Altipat, Turkey
Ayşe’s grandfather was born in Thessaloniki and went to Turkey when he was still a child.
“I have been learning Greek for three years. My mother raised me with Greek music. One day, I decided that I wanted to be able to understand the meaning of the songs.
“My life changed after I learnt the language. Especially my way of thinking. I am able to think more analytically and, in my opinion, speaking Greek is a great skill for everyone to have,” Ayşe said.
Jim Cleary, England
Jim Cleary, 67, is a retired British Hellenophile who has visited Greek over 20 times and as he says has made sporadic attempts during the last ten years to learn Greek.
“I started learning the language from my desire to learn a bit more than ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ as I think it shows respect for the country and the culture. I also see it as a good activity to keep mentally active during lockdowns,” says Jim.
Asked about his advice to people who learn Greek he says “keep trying – don’t be put off by the different alphabet”.
The Inner West Council voted last night to officially rename the Marrickville Rd Precinct as ‘Little Greece’.
The decision was announced by Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne, who said it is about, “respecting our migrant heritage and continuing to build our multicultural future.”
“To all the Greek Australians who have built Marrickville into one of the best places on earth we say simply, Efharisto,” the mayor said in a Facebook post.
Item 2: Following community engagement, Council has identified a Greek Precinct – Marrickville Rd between Livingstone Rd & Victoria Rd & will submit an application for ‘Little Greece’ to the Geographical Names Board (more…) @greek_herald@livingroomtv
Mayor Byrne said this precinct will recognise the long-standing contribution of Greek Australians in the Inner West.
“Naming a section of Marrickville as ‘Little Greece’ is a gesture of respect to all the Greek migrants who helped establish the Inner West as the birthplace of Australian multiculturalism,” Mayor Byrne said.
“By establishing ‘Little Greece’ in Marrickville, we have an opportunity to reinforce Marrickville as one of Sydney’s great cultural assets. This precinct will formalise the ongoing special bond that exists between Marrickville and Greece.
“I wish to thank everyone in the Marrickville and broader Inner West community for all their hard work in seeing ‘Little Greece’ realised. Special thanks need to go to Councillor Sam Iskandar, who first approached me with the idea for this precinct.”
The precinct be celebrated on 25 March in conjunction with Greek Independence Day, which this year marks its 200th anniversary.
Lykourgos Logothetis was one of the most important Greek leaders of the first half of the 19th century. He distinguished himself as the political and military leader of Samos during the Revolution of 1821.
Lykourgos Logothetis was born on February 10, 1772 in Karlovasi as George Paplomatas. When he was 16 he settled in Constantinople, where he was taught philosophy and appointed secretary of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
In 1795 he moved to Bucharest to become secretary to the ruler of Moldavia, Constantine Ypsilantis, and then to the ruler of Wallachia, Alexandros Soutsos. He was promoted to logothete (an role similar to that of a minister) and henceforth used this title as a surname instead of Paplomatas.
Logothetis had well known acquaintances and, when in 1805 the popular faction of the ‘Carmanioli’ temporarily prevailed in Samos, he was invited to take over the administration of the island.
Castle of Lykourgos Logothetis in Pythagorio Samos.
The strong reaction of the ‘Kallikantzaros’, who represented the ruling class of Samos, forced him to return to Constantinople, where he was eventually exiled to Mt Athos. The proud Samian returned to the island multiple times but was constantly driven out by the Kallikantzaros.
Shortly before the beginning of the Revolution of 1821, he was appointed by Alexandros Ypsilantis as leader of the revolutionary forces of Samos. He immediately took command and devoted himself to the political and military organisation of the rebel Samians. His first concern was his reconciliation with the Kallikantzaros, as a result of which his power was not questioned throughout the struggle. On May 8 the Revolution was officially proclaimed on the island and Lykourgos Logothetis was proclaimed General of Samos.
Logothetis led one of the greatest military defences against the Ottomans on Samos. After his victory, patriots from Chios persuaded him to launch a campaign on the island.
Logothetis landed in Chios with 2,500 armed Samians on March 10, 1822. He immediately replaced the local authorities with his own people and tried to organise the fight on the island. However, a strong reaction from the Protestants of Chios hindered his preparation. When a strong Turkish fleet and army arrived on the island, the island was destroyed and the inhabitants were slaughtered or sold as slaves.
Castle of Lykourgos Logothetis in Pythagorio Samos.
Lycurgus Logothetis was considered responsible for the destruction of Chios and the interim government summoned him to Nafplio for an apology and imprisoned him. After a few months, he was released due to the intervention of Kolokotronis and Nikitaras.
He returned to Samos to take over the duties of commander again. He organised the islands defences, ready to repel the new efforts of the Turks to invade the island.
An Ottoman fleet under Hosref Pasha appeared arrived on Samos. Lykourgos Logothetis convinced his compatriots that the only way out was to stay and fight to the end. His speech inspired the Samians, who fortified the island effectively. When Khosref tried to land, he met a decisive reaction and was forced to leave.
Every year since then, he was elected governor of Samos.
The castle where he planned his defence strategies was henceforth named the ‘Castle of Lykourgos Logothetis’.
During the reign of Otto in 1836, he received the rank of colonel in the Royal Phalanx. In 1843, he represented Samos as a plenipotentiary in the National Assembly that emerged from the Revolution of September 3 and passed the first Constitution after independence (Constitution of 1844).
Lykourgos Logothetis died on May 22, 1850 in Athens, at the age of 78, “from ossification of the heart valves”, according to his death certificate.
The Oakleigh Grammar School begun the academic year with an Agiasmos, giving students and staff an opportunity to start the new school year with optimism, having received the blessings for a year full of progress and prosperity.
Due to the Victoria’s COVID-19 restrictions, the Holy Communion that took place on Tuesday, February 9 was a little different for each school unit.
On Tuesday morning, the students of the Lyceum had the opportunity to attend the Agiasmos performed by the Most Reverend Bishop of Dervis, Mr. Ezekiel, assisted by the Most Reverend Fr.
Mr. Ezekiel spoke positively about the Oakleigh Grammar School and stressed to the students that it is a blessing to be part of such a large and active community. In addition, the Bishop pointed out to the students how important it is to walk the right paths always close to the church. Finally, he asked the students to work hard on an academic, physical and spiritual level in order to achieve their personal goals and offer remarkable projects to the wider society.
Mr. Ezekiel did not fail to convey the paternal love and blessings of the Archbishop of Australia, Mr. Makarios, who hopes to visit Melbourne and the Oakleigh Grammar School in the near future.
The Agiasmos was also attended by Christos Damatopoulos, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Oakleigh Grammar School, and Treasurer Sotiris Vassos.
After the end of the Holy Communion, the Principal of the school, Mark Robertson, hosted in his office Mr. Ezekiel as well as the members of the Administrative Committee. The leaders of the student body, Evangelia Athanasaki and Alexander Logan, had the opportunity to talk with the Most Reverend Bishop of Dervis and to give him a souvenir gift from the school.
Shortly before noon, the Most Reverend Fr. George Adamakis visited the elementary school to bless the young students.
