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Ethnolink launches Australia’s first online multicultural communications training platform

The Greek Herald
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Ethnolink launches Australia’s first online multicultural communications training platform

In an Australian-first, leading multicultural communications agency, Ethnolink, has launched Ethnolink Education, an online multicultural communications training platform for communications and community-sector professionals, made available entirely for free.

At launch, Ethnolink Education includes 14 hours of on-demand video training, on topics relevant to communicating with Australia’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities including writing for translation, website translation, community engagement, video translation, and multilingual government communications.

Having worked on multicultural communications campaigns with some of Australia’s leading agencies, including award-winning agency, Thinkerbell, Ethnolink hopes that the launch of their online training platform will be beneficial to both agencies, as well as to professionals working in government and community sectors.

READ MORE: New media diversity directory features Greek and Cypriot experts.

Founder and CEO of Ethnolink, Costa Vasili, who grew up in Australia’s most culturally diverse region, Dandenong, was inspired to launch Ethnolink Education after seeing first-hand the knowledge gap that mainstream communications professionals typically have when it comes to multicultural communications.

Commenting on the launch, Costa said: “Ethnolink Education is a passion project that I am incredibly proud of, fuelled by a burning desire I’ve had for over ten years to improve the quality of multicultural communications across Australia.”

After noticing that no one in Australia was regularly producing educational content on multicultural communications, Ethnolink’s management team decided to invest in the development of the Ethnolink Education online training platform.

“Over the past decade, I’ve noticed that communications professionals have great enthusiasm for diverse communications, but generally have a lack of understanding on how they need to tailor their communications across language and culture. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been a place for them to learn and develop — that’s why we created Ethnolink Education,” Costa said.

Regularly asked to consult with state and federal government departments on multicultural communications strategies, Costa has led the content development that underpins Ethnolink Education.

Continuing, Costa added: “After ten years in the industry, it became apparent that we could improve the quality of multicultural communications across Australia at a wider-scale by developing educational content and promoting it to the masses, rather than just working with clients on a one-to-one basis.”

The launch of Ethnolink Education supports rather than replaces Ethnolink’s professional services offering, which includes multilingual content development, translations, and multicultural marketing.

Training content available on the platform includes hand-picked recordings of Ethnolink’s most popular webinars, as well as lesson outlines and overviews.

Ethnolink plans to release additional lessons onto the platform on a monthly basis, and aims to promote the platform Australia-wide in the hope that it leads to improved outcomes for multicultural communities.

The launch of Ethnolink Education follows a string of recent announcements including Ethnolink being awarded a 2-year contract with HealthShare Victoria, as well as the doubling of Ethnolink’s team over the past two years, now standing at 40 professionals servicing clients Australia-wide.

Peter Conistis set to open new venue on Sydney’s Oxford Street

The Greek Herald
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Peter Conistis set to open new venue on Sydney’s Oxford Street

Renowned Greek chef, Peter Conistis, is set to open a new venue on Oxford Street in Paddington, goodfood.com.au has reported.

Conistis said the yet-to-be named eatery would open at the end of the year because he’s currently got too much on his plate with his two other restaurants – Alpha and Ploos.

He has promised “a new concept” at the venue.

READ MORE: Look who’s cooking: Top five favourite Greek Australian chefs.

Conistis is well-known for his iconic Greek food. Photo: Jude Cohen.

The Greek chef only recently opened his restaurant, Ploos, at The Rocks in Sydney where he serves iconic southern Mediterranean food.

READ MORE: Peter Conistis’ new restaurant ‘Ploos’ opens at The Rocks in Sydney.

This includes zucchini fritters with eggplant hummus, blackened chickpeas and molasses, and a halloumi tart.

Conistis also runs Alpha, which is owned by the Hellenic Club of Sydney.

Source: goodfood.com.au.

Greek Health Minister says COVID passes for travellers to be ‘suspended’ from May 1

The Greek Herald
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Greek Health Minister says COVID passes for travellers to be ‘suspended’ from May 1

It’s official. Greece is fully reopening for the summer tourism season of 2022.

In an interview with SKAI TV on Tuesday, Greece’s Health Minister, Thanos Plevris, announced that COVID-19 vaccination and recovery certificates, as well as mandatory mask use indoors, would not longer be required as of May 1.

This announcement comes as part of the Greek government’s efforts to ease pandemic-related restrictions after Greek Easter and ahead of summer.

READ MORE: EU sets binding nine-month expiration date on its COVID-19 vaccine passport.

Greek Health Minister, Thanos Plevris.

Plevris was quick to point out, however, that the measure is temporary and that the certificates will not be abolished but “suspended.”

According to Keep Talking Greece, Plevris told local media that “the measures will be reviewed again in September.”

Plevris then touched on a possible fourth dose of the coronavirus vaccine for Greek citizens and said a decision on this will be made at the European level this month.

Source: Keep Talking Greece.

Greece to speed up gas exploration to cut reliance on Russia

Andriana Simos
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Greece to speed up gas exploration to cut reliance on Russia

Greece will speed up gas exploration as it looks to cut its reliance on Russian energy, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a meeting held at the Hellenic Hydrocarbon Resources Management company, Mitsotakis said Greece aims to complete its first test drilling in more than two decades by the end of 2023.

One land and five offshore areas have been selected for the accelerated hydrocarbon process. This includes an area northwest of Corfu, in the Ionian Sea, in the Gulf of Kyparissia and in the sea west and southwest of Crete, as well as in the regional unit of Ioannina.

Mitsotakis said this decision was made in the face of the ensuing international energy crisis due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“Accelerating the exploitation of the country’s national energy resources will allow us, if we are lucky and we have exploitable natural gas fields, to boost our energy independence, our energy security,” Mitsotakis said.

Mitsotakis at a meeting held at the Hellenic Hydrocarbon Resources Management company.

The Prime Minister added that whilst Greece aspires to become a hub for the storage and transfer of gas to the rest of Europe, this will not undermine the country’s plan to boost green energy and cut carbon emissions by 55% by 2030.

“It is simply an alternative path towards the same target,” he said.

If all goes according to plan, this expansion will eventually allow Greece to export gas to its northern neighbours Bulgaria and North Macedonia, which are also heavily reliant on Russian gas.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Greek central bank reduces economic growth projection to 3.8% for 2022

Eleni Patsalides
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Greek central bank reduces economic growth projection to 3.8% for 2022

Greece’s economic growth projection has seen a reduction of almost 1 percent this year at 3.8 percent from the earlier projection of 4.8 percent. 

In a report released last week, the inflation rate has also been raised to 5.2 percent under the base scenario. 

In the report, Bank of Greece governor Yannis Stournaras, mentioned that under said scenario Greek economic growth would slow to 2.8 percent and the inflation rate would rise by 7 percent. 

“The war in Ukraine is a new, major exogenous supply-side shock to the global economy that also affects, through various channels, aggregate demand,” said Stournaras. 

Yannis Stournaras. Photographer: Angelos Tzortzinis/AFP/Getty Images

Stournaras went on to say that Greece has a historical chance to turn the current crisis into an opportunity and that the main economic objectives for the country should maintain growth and strive to regain investment again. 

The performance of the economy will be dependent on the duration of the ongoing crisis and the extent of the effects it will continue to have globally on the prices of energy and food. 

“Although the main drivers of growth this year are domestic demand and tourism, there is significant uncertainty: the negative impact of inflation on households’ real disposable income will drag down private consumption,” Stournaras said.

Greece’s annual consumer inflation accelerated to 7.2 percent in February, the highest rate the nation has held in 25 years. 

Source: Reuters, Ekathimerini

A little bit about Basil: a Greek superfood

Eleni Patsalides
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A little bit about Basil: a Greek superfood

How many times have your grandparents sent you out to their ‘garden of plenty’ to pick some fresh basil for whatever yiayia is cooking? Or maybe to boil if your stomach was upset as a child. 

The basil plant is a staple in every Greek family, whether it stands tall in a plant in the yard or a tiny little pot plant on the windowsill. 

As we lead into Easter, it would be remiss of us to ignore the sacred connection that the basil plant has to the Greek Orthodox religion.

The sacred plant has been a huge part of the religion since Saint Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine, came across it in her travels in search of the Holy Cross. 

It is said that Saint Helen stepped on the aromatic plant and was taken by the smell, she named the plant “Vassilikos” meaning ‘king’ or ‘flower of royalty’. 

The aromatic plant is used commonly in the Greek church as a blessing or ‘agiasmos’ by the priest to bless the congregation, getting rid of the evil spirits and wishing for prosperity and light. 

Similarly, to the church and how the herb is used, in cooking it can be found to elevate flavours in those perfectly traditional dishes and even in some modern fresh salads. 

Like many things in the Mediterranean diet, the basil plant has been proved to be packed with vitamins, be a source of zinc, magnesium, potassium and also for its antioxidant qualities. 

These health benefits have always meant that whenever it can be added to food, it should. 

Source: The Greek Vibe

Three Greek hotels claim top places in Historic Hotels of Europe Awards 2022

Eleni Patsalides
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Three Greek hotels claim top places in Historic Hotels of Europe Awards 2022

Every year the Historic Hotels of Europe Awards are selected by a huge number of tourists and academics in culture and history as they vote for their favourite hotels across many different categories. 

This year, three hotels in Greece took out top places in the awards for various categories including the two new categories that they introduced this year being the Historic Hotel sustainability Award and the New Entry Historic Hotel Award. 

Taking the golden award in the category of Historic Romantic Hideaway Hotel was the Esperas Santorini, in Oia, Santorini. This hotel will take your breath away with parts of its hotel etched into the classic rocky hillside of the island. These private terraces are the reason alone for the golden award.

Esperas Hotel, Oía, Santorini

In the category of Historic Natural Setting Award, the hotel Kyrimai in Gerolimenas, Mani won the silver award for its extraordinary architecture and its award-winning restaurants which infuse the flavours of Greece and Europe to create the perfect harmony. 

Hotel Kyrimai in Gerolimenas, Mani

Greece also took the bronze award home for one of the awards newest categories, Historic Hotel Sustainability Award. The new category was awarded to the Allegory Boutique Hotel in Rhodes. The hotel balances tradition and modern design perfectly with its 6 suites ergonomically designed and the earthy colours that reflect the rustic island lifestyle of Rhodes. 

Allegory Boutique Hotel, Rhodes.

Source: Thema News

‘I’ve never seen us step out so brightly’: Sydney Olympic FC hold sponsor and player night

The Greek Herald
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‘I’ve never seen us step out so brightly’: Sydney Olympic FC hold sponsor and player night

By Takis Triadafillou and Chris Spyrou.

Sydney Olympic FC hosted their annual sponsor and player night at Canterbury Leagues Club in Belmore on Monday night. 

The event featured panel discussions with the first-grade men and women players, along with Q&A’s moderated by well-known journalist and sports commentator, Andrew Paschalidis.

In attendance was a number of prominent members of Sydney Olympic and representatives of sporting organisations. This included Sydney Olympic CEO, John Boulous; Sydney Olympic President, Damon Hanlin; Sydney Olympic Director, Lawrie McKinna; Football NSW CEO, Stuart Hodge; Canterbury League Club CEO, Greg Pickering and Director, George Coorey; and Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis MP; among many others. 

Sophie Cotsis MP, Lawrie McKinna and Damon Hanlin.
Football NSW CEO Stuart Hodge with SOFC CEO John Boulous. Photo: Supplied.

Paschalidis commenced the evening with a special mention of the role the 65-year-old club has played in Australian football.

“Sydney Olympic has led to the production of more Socceroos than any other team in Australia,” he said.

The sports commentator was then joined on stage by Mr Hanlin for a short Q&A, where he encouraged Greek fans to band together and support the club as they once did. 

Q&A with Andrew Paschalidis and SOFC President, Damon Hanlin. Photo: Supplied

When asked about the origins of his unwavering passion for football, Mr Hanlin answered: “football’s been in my blood since I was a little boy.”

“At four years of age, my father dragged me by ear to watch Sydney Olympic whilst we listened to the Greek radio,” he continued.

Damon Hanlin with his father, Nick. Photo: Supplied

“This game just brings so much more than just playing. It brings, passion, teaches us teamwork, how to lose, how to win.”

Despite the challenges and cancellations associated with the pandemic, Mr Hanlin stressed his belief that Sydney Olympic is in the best position it has ever been in.

“I feel sorry for the players – they’ve put in a lot of shift and effort to get a lot of false starts. It’s been a frustrating couple of years for them but this year honestly I’ve never seen us step out so brightly,” he told Paschalidis.

The President also specifically mentioned the Club’s woman’s program and remarked, “I love the woman’s program. It’s one of my prouder moments of being part of this club.”

“The fact they’ve been promoted into NPL1, the fact that we attract such a quality playing group, these girls do proud things for the club,” he said. 

The CEO of Sydney Olympic then addressed the event, directly thanking the sponsors.

“We can’t exist without sponsors, the role you play in our club is vitally important. Your support enables us to run one of the best men’s and a women’s football programs going around,” Mr Boulous said.

Afterwards, there were also statements from the women’s team coach, George Beltsos, and Ante Juric, who coaches the men.

SOFC CEO John Boulous. Photo: Supplied

Here is a list of Sydney Olympic’s 2022 sponsors: 

  • JASO 
  • Charas Constructions
  • Canterbury League Club 
  • Simon Curwood Jewellers 
  • Eremea, Arc Energy Group, Pickles
  • Crowne Plaza Burwood 
  • Danas Property, Conquest, LB Wire Ropes, Signlite
  • The Greek Herald
Beltsos and Juric. Photo: Supplied

Greek alpinist Antonios Sykaris dies after scaling Mt Dhaulagiri in Nepal

The Greek Herald
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Greek alpinist Antonios Sykaris dies after scaling Mt Dhaulagiri in Nepal

In the first Himalayan casualty of the year in Nepal, Greek alpinist Antonios Sykaris has died on Dhaulagiri on Tuesday, The Himalayan Times has reported.

According to his expedition organiser, Sykaris fell ill during the descent at an altitude of around 7,400m.

The Greek alpinist along with his guide, Dawa Sherpa, scaled the 8,167 metre mountain on Monday.

Greek alpinist Antonios Sykaris.

Sykaris’ lifeless body is currently at camp III on the mountain, where Sherpa is waiting for help to bring his body down.

Sykaris had 32 years of mountaineering and climbing experience and had been on over 66 mountaineering expeditions around the world.

Source: The Himalayan Times

‘The Greek diaspora is making a real impact’: THI Australia’s CEO, Stergitsa Zamagias-Hill

The Greek Herald
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‘The Greek diaspora is making a real impact’: THI Australia’s CEO, Stergitsa Zamagias-Hill

By Stergitsa Zamagias – Hill*

Last month, after an absence of a couple of years, I was in Athens again on a personal trip and worked as a volunteer with The Hellenic Initiative Australia’s partner charities in Greece. 

Walking around Piraeus late one evening, with the temperature barely 7 degrees, I came across elderly people sleeping on metal benches for the night. Layers of cardboard and blankets created a mattress, and their belongings were simply in a box close by. This was a vastly different picture to what I’d seen at Piraeus in previous years while waiting to catch the afternoon ferry to the island of Poros. 

On this night, I was with our partner charity, Emfasis Foundation, and a remarkable team of people who are out every night helping the homeless and isolated in Attica. We had essential items including long lasting food, facemasks, sanitiser, blankets and care packages. 

I was struck by the close relationship the Emfasis team members had built with all the people we met that night. They visit the same spots regularly to provide help and comfort to the people they have spoken to in the proceeding days and months. The relationships were touching and were based on care and respect.

Top image: Volunteering with Emfasis at Piraeus, Bottom image: Stergitsa (3rd from the left), the Emfasis team and Natasa (in the red coat) a beneficiary of our support.  

I was touched by the trust the people had placed in the social worker and psychologist that were speaking to them about their situation and who made follow up appointments to access social and medical services. Hearing the words ‘thank you’ and seeing the smile that followed as we left them with a care package was so heartwarming. 

It was obvious to me just how effective every dollar of our support to Emfasis has been. It was inspiring to witness the dedication and empathy displayed by charity staff towards the homeless people sheltering in the cold. 

Earlier in the day, I volunteered with the Boroume and the Farmers’ Market program which The Hellenic Initiative Australia has been supporting since 2015. Pushing borrowed shopping trolleys from the local supermarket to the Halandri farmers’ market, we collected 235 kilos of fresh vegetables and fruit generously donated by the farmers at the end of the day. Two days later we collected a further 260 kilos of fresh food at the Ellinoroson market. The generosity of the farmers, even though they too are doing it tough because of the cold snap that had destroyed many of their crops, was remarkable. 

Stergitsa volunteering with Boroume at the Farmers’ Markets

As I was unloading the food from the trolley into the waiting local charity van, I could see the workers were overwhelmed by the amount of produce we had collected. This local charity is regularly caring for over 100 people who benefit from these food distributions.   

A visit to the farmers’ market as a volunteer is an opportunity for anyone travelling to Greece this summer. If you have a few hours to spare you can choose from thirty farmers’ markets in Athens and Thessaloniki and take part in this wonderful volunteer program organised by Boroume.

All you need to do is stop at the stalls to see if there is any leftover produce and put it in the trolley for the selected local charity to repurpose the saved food into meals. Not only do you get to see the colourful farmers’ markets in Greece, but you are also making a valuable contribution to Boroume. 

I left Athens feeling deeply satisfied that The Hellenic Initiative Australia and the Greek diaspora is making a real impact in providing hope and support to the vulnerable communities in Greece today. 

As Greek Australians who are immensely proud of our Greek heritage, we welcome news that Greece is on a path to economic recovery and seeing major international investments now happening in Greece. The challenges that vulnerable and socially excluded communities and families living on or below the poverty line face remain, and that is why the help of the Greek diaspora is still needed. The huge increase in the price of utilities such as electricity and water together with food insecurity are common areas of concern for so many people earning as little as 400 euro per month. 

COVID19 has had an impact on our fundraising activities, and any amount you can donate to The Hellenic Initiative Australia is welcomed. As you can see every dollar goes a long way to bringing a smile to the people that are supported by our charity partners in Greece. 

*Stergitsa Zamagias-Hill is The Hellenic Initiative Australia’s Chief Executive Officer which raises funds to provide much needed aid to vulnerable and socially isolated communities across Greece. Since 2015 it has committed more than AU$1.5 million, helping thousands of people in need across health, social services, education and employment pathway programs. A registered charity in Australia, all donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.

*If you are interested helping The Hellenic Initiative Australia you can contact Stergitsa by email, stergitsa@thehellenicinitiative.com.au or donate online https://au.thehellenicinitiative.org/donate/

 

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