Search
Home Blog Page 1400

Greek Community of Melbourne looks back at 2019 achievements

The Greek Herald
-
0
Greek Community of Melbourne looks back at 2019 achievements

The Greek Community of Melbourne looks back on the year 2019 as a year full of activities and creative projects that “set the foundations and paved the way for the future of our historic organisation and the Greek community in general”.

They invested in Culture and Education through unique events like the Greek Writers Festival, Greek Film Festival and Lonsdale Street Greek Festival – which is occurring again under a different name this month.

READ MORE: Antipodes Festival is back on Lonsdale Street

The Greek Community of Melbourne also invested heavily in addressing the global concern regarding the continuation of the Greek language through the Greek diaspora. Through theatrical productions, school holiday programs, seminars and lectures, and with the Greek School for Language and Culture, the Aphington Grammar School, the Creative Drama and Arts Center, the Greek and Ancient Greek Programs for Adults, the GCM has become one of the largest cultural and educational institutions in Australia.

Regular meetings with prime ministers, premiers and politicians in Australia and Greece to promote various issues were an essential part of GCM actions during 2019.

Partnerships and collaborations with universities, cultural organisations and other Greek organisations in Australia and overseas to host their events at the Greek Center, such as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Latrobe University, University of Melbourne and University of the Third Age, were also a significant part of the GCM’s activities in the past year.

Here is a full list of the Greek Community of Melbourne’s 2019 achievements:

  • The GCM honoured Greek tennis player Stefanos Tsitsipas  in a special event held at the Greek Centre.
  • The GCM honoured Dr Konstantinos Pantos, world renowned specialist in fertility medicine. He was awarded by Bill Papastergiadis (President) and Associate Professor Marinis Pirpiris a commendation for his work in furthering the intellectual and trade exchange between Greece and Australia.  
  •  In a spirit of cooperation and noting historical support from minister Mikakos and the Andrews Labor Government, President Bill Papastergiadis, together with the Secretary of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Costas Markos met with the Hon Jenny Mikakos, the Victorian Minister for Health, on Tuesday 20 January at the Minister’s office. 
  • The biggest and best Lonsdale Street Greek Festival was organised by the GCM. Close to 150.000 people visited the historical Lonsdale Street Greek Precinct to enjoy the best in Greek music, dance and food.
  • Leaders of the South Sudanese Federation of Associations met for the first time with members of the Greek Community to discuss how the Greek Community of Melbourne, one of the oldest cultural organisations’ in Australia could assist the present-day South Sudanese community. 
  • The Melbourne International Comedy Festival presented a number of its shows at the Greek Centre.
  • The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) had the pleasure of hosting the Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon Scott Morrison at the Greek Centre for Contemporary Culture on his first visit.  
  • During the visit of Prime Minister Mr Scott Morrison at the Greek Centre, honouring plaques were presented to businessman Mr Greg Kaias and Mr Jim Sarris, head of Delphi Bank, in appreciation to their financial contribution towards the development of The Kaias Education Level and The Delphi Bank Mezzanine Level.  
  • On 17 May the tribute concert “Romosioni & Beyond” honoured Mikis Theodorakis, featuring international vocalist Dimitris Bassis, conductor George Ellis and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at the Melbourne Recital Centre. In association with the Australian Institute of Macedonian Studies, The Greek Community of Melbourne, organised and presented this great cultural event.
  • The GCM welcomed the $5m funding from the Federal Government
  • The GCM organised the Women’s Forum where a series of initiatives were announced.
  • The GCM organised the 2019 Greek Writers Festival at the Greek Centre. More than 50 academics and writers participated.  
  • Archbishop Makarios paid a historic visit to the Greek Community of Melbourne where he met Board and staff members. 
  • President Bill Papastergiadis, met with the President of the Hellenic Republic, Prokopis Pavlopoulos and the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, as well as with the Minister for Interior, Takis Theodorikakos and the then Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Diaspora Greeks, Antonis Diamataris.
  • Minister of Immigration met with GCM President Bill Papastergiadis and General Secretary Costas Markos.
  • Discussions regarding the future of the Greek Program at the Coburg West Primary School.
  • Dimitris Christopoulos & Kostis Karpozilos: Two prominent Greek academics visited Melbourne in late September and presented a series of lectures at the Greek Centre, as a part of the Greek History and Culture Seminars.
  • The Delphi Bank 26th Greek Film Festival returned to Palace Cinemas with an injection of Greek culture, history and stories for twelve days, from 9 to 20 October. Its program included 15 acclaimed and award-winning features, 3 fascinating documentaries and some interesting shorts.  
  • The GCM honoured Senator Arthur Sinodinos AO during a fundraising tribute dinner, which coincided with the 28th of October Greek National Day, at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.
  • The GCM delivered a submission and proposals for the voting right of the Greeks living abroad to the Greek government and to a special Greek parliament committee.
  • During the GCM’s Christmas Party, the students that excelled in the VCE exams were awarded.

Giannis Antetokounmpo “Greek Freak” becomes a father

The Greek Herald
-
0
Giannis Antetokounmpo “Greek Freak” becomes a father

Milwaukee Bucks’ superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and his girlfriend Mariah Riddlesprigger welcomed a new baby boy into the world.

The proud papa tweeted a picture of his little guy, saying simply “Liam Charles Antetokounmpo in the house ❤️”

And, it looks like the reigning MVP will be taking a little time to bond with Liam. He is currently listed as questionable for Monday night’s game against the Sacramento Kings.

Congratulations, Giannis!

Sourced via NBC.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is being marketed to overtake LeBron James as the NBA’s most famous player

The Greek Herald
-
0
Giannis Antetokounmpo is being marketed to overtake LeBron James as the NBA’s most famous player

Antetokounmpo is so serious about basketball, he didn’t sound entirely thrilled about receiving the most fan votes (more than 5.9 million) among Eastern Conference players. That tally made him team captain for the second straight year, requiring him to draft players.

“If I’m the captain, I’m the captain,” he said. “But by being the captain, you have more things to do and it takes away from the game. I don’t like things that take away from the game.”

And therein lies the conundrum for those pushing Antetokounmpo to overtake LeBron James as the sport’s most famous player: What if he doesn’t want to be the face of the NBA? Or if he’s simply ambivalent?

The Bucks (45-7 heading into Monday night’s game in Sacramento) have lost only once since Jan. 8. They held off the Celtics on a 40-point night by Kemba Walker. They beat the Bulls as Antetokounmpo scored his 10,000th career point and recorded his 18th career triple-double (28 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists). They beat the Hornets in Paris.

Seven days later they were back home at Fiserv Forum, the glistening House That Giannis Built, for a special occasion: Greek Night.

The Bucks distributed a bobblehead of Giannis and teammate Thanasis Antetokounmpo, the older brother Giannis hugged moments after the Bucks made him the 15th pick in the 2013 NBA draft. Thanasis wears No. 43 to mirror Giannis’ No. 34 jersey.

Coach Mike Budenholzer gave Thanasis his only start of the season on Greek Night, and he scored 62 seconds after the opening tip on a breakaway slam. He laid one in off a feed from Giannis to give the Bucks a 13-4 lead. The team’s bench and the sellout crowd went nuts.

But long story short, the Nuggets shot 22 of 46 (47.8%) on 3-pointers and stunned the Bucks 127-115. It made for a quiet scene in the Bucks locker room, a Friday night that felt more like a Monday morning.

Peppering Antetokounmpo with non-basketball questions seemed even sillier than usual.

Asked how he has adjusted to the spotlight, the NBA’s reigning MVP replied: “To be honest, I try not to think about it. I know my name might be out there, but I’ve never cared about that and don’t now.”

Told of Giannis’ comment that the captain’s duties might detract from his play during the All-Star Game, Thanasis understood. Of course he did.

The brothers are so attached that when Saratsis presented them with two hotel room keys shortly after Giannis was drafted, they looked at him quizzically. They explained that they had never slept in separate rooms. Even adjoining hotel rooms didn’t provide enough closeness.

“(Giannis) is all about the essence,” Thanasis said. “How he practices will translate to the game.”

Though Antetokounmpo doesn’t seek fame, it finds him. He has the NBA’s second most popular jersey after James and ahead of Stephen Curry. He has more than 7.2 million Instagram followers, which ranks 11th in the NBA and first among international players.

Although Antetokounmpo plays in one of the NBA’s five smallest markets, Feigin said he could make the case that the 6-11 forward is actually the league’s most famous player.

Where else other than Greece?

“If you did a survey in Paris,” the Bucks executive replied cleverly, “he might win.”

Because Antetokounmpo’s parents are Nigerian, Saratsis said, he “touches two continents.”

“Europe has a massive immigrant population, and his story resonates with so many people,” Saratsis said. “He has blazed a new trail with fans that are immigrants and have multinational parents.”

Antetokounmpo, 25, partnered with Nike in 2017 and last year became the first European-born player to have a signature Nike shoe — the Zoom Freak 1.

Don’t expect to see him doing ads for Binny’s or Majestic Star Casino while he’s in Chicago this weekend.

“We look at it as quality over quantity,” Feigin said. “What are the right spots? We want to market him as a global brand. It’s not ubiquity, it’s not everywhere, anyway, anyhow. How do we make things special?”

Antetokounmpo is scheduled to appear at Water Tower Place at 3:30 p.m. Saturday for a panel discussion with hip-hop artist Swoope, a fellow JBL endorser. They will explore the intersection of basketball and music.

On Sunday he’ll be the focal point of Team Giannis; he selected Walker, Joel Embiid, Pascal Siakam and Trae Young to round out his starting five. Last year Team Giannis lost 178-164 despite his game-high 38 points in 27 minutes.

Then he will return to his comfort zone of Milwaukee, a bright light in a city without all that many.

“He really enjoys life here,” veteran wing Kyle Korver said. “I don’t think he’s doing this well because he’s in a small market. He could flourish anywhere. But with his upbringing and how he thinks, he wants to keep the main things the main things — his family and the game.”

Sourced via Chicago Tribune.

Stefanos Tsitsipas admits Rafael Nadal inflicted a ‘painful’ humiliation on him, but he’s happy he did

The Greek Herald
-
0
Stefanos Tsitsipas admits Rafael Nadal inflicted a ‘painful’ humiliation on him, but he’s happy he did

Stefanos Tsitsipas has opened up about his 2019 Australian Open defeat to Rafael Nadal, admitting it was a ‘painful’ experience.

Tsitsipas knocked Roger Federer out of the tournament already before running into Nadal, but he was soundly beaten in the semi-finals.

In fact, it went so wrong for the Greek that he was even bageled in the third set to add the final insult to the 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 defeat.

Tsitsipas, though, while happy to admit it was a painful experience, also believes it was an absolutely necessary one.

“Tough losses are important for my career as they make me want to come back stronger, and without them I feel like I’m perfect: which I’m not,” Tsitsipas told ATPTour.com on that defeat to Rafael Nadal.

“They are crucial for everyone. That semi-final loss was painful, even though it was in three sets.

“I came so close to reaching a Grand Slam final, something I have always dreamed of doing. I also didn’t deliver much in that match, he played well.

“It was a shame, as I’d played well in the two weeks. I went back to the court two days [later] and started to improve.

“You can’t hit winners and aces all of the time, but I had this let-down [last] summer.

“I was trying to get better and better, but I started to go backwards — when you put in so much work and effort, but it has the reverse effect.

“But that’s what happened, and I knew I had to loosen up and not to expect too much.

“I had to enjoy the game, and not go out to get a big lead and win. You can’t get everything perfectly done.”

Sourced via Tennis Head.

Greek government planning 1.8 billion euros in relief for middle class

The Greek Herald
-
0
Greek government planning 1.8 billion euros in relief for middle class

As part of its bid to lighten the load of the Greek middle class, in line with its pre-election pledges last year, the conservative government is expected to include a package of measures in a midterm fiscal program to be submitted in Parliament after Easter foreseeing 1.8 billion euros in relief in 2021, Kathimerini understands.

Of the 1.8 billion euros in measures, more than half (some 1.16 billion) would come from the abolition of the so-called solidarity levy on income that was introduced in 2011, at the peak of the country’s financial crisis. The remaining relief would come from a reduction of two percentage points in social security contributions.

Along with a further reduction scheduled for June, the total reduction in social security contributions is estimated to come to three percentage points.

In practice, the implementation of the planned measure will bring an estimated increase of up to 4 percent in the incomes of millions of salaried workers who were not included in the relief measures that the conservative administration introduced last year.

The planned reform must first be agreed with representatives of Greece’s international creditors who, although no longer dictating fiscal policy following the country’s emergence from its bailout status in 2018, are still supervising the authorities’ efforts to keep the budget on track and avert any backsliding. Talks between the government and foreign officials in the coming weeks will seek to ensure that the required fiscal space is available for the relief to be offered.

A precondition for such an agreement, it appears, is that the two sides reach an agreement on the lowering of high primary surplus targets, a demand that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has long been pressing Greece’s international creditors to consider in view of the improvement in the fiscal situation and prospects for the economy improving even further. 

Last week, following talks in Athens with Mitsotakis, European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni said he agreed on the need for the launch of talks on reducing Greek primary surplus targets. Although the final decision will be taken by the Eurogroup, Gentiloni said that Greece’s “momentum” in economic reforms and its “very positive economic figures overall” meant that the time was ripe for a discussion on this topic.

Sourced via Ekathimerini.

Greece can become one of Europe’s “green champions”: EU Commissioner for Economy

The Greek Herald
-
0
Greece can become one of Europe’s “green champions”: EU Commissioner for Economy

Greece is in a position to take the lead among European Union (EU) members in sustainable policies and investments, European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni said.

In the first presentation of the European Commission’s new “European Green Deal Investment Plan” in Greece, Gentiloni explained the objectives and goals of the EU-wide project, stressing that “Greece could even become one of the green champions for Europe.”

“Its geographical location and natural wealth offer opportunities for sustainable tourism, high-value eco-label products, renewable energy, and green logistics,” said Gentiloni, a former Italian prime minister.

Sustainable development provides abundant opportunities for Greece to invest in areas such as management of solid waste, water treatment, or production of energy from renewable sources, explained Gentiloni.

“As of December 2019, total financing under the European Fund for Strategic Investment in Greece amounts to 2.7 billion euros,” he said, adding that it’s set to trigger 12.1 billion euros in additional investment.

Gentiloni also noted that “tackling climate change is the defining task of this Commission, and probably of those to follow, too.”

He presented data showing that a quarter of the EU budget for the next seven years will head to tackling climate issues, as the bloc intends to invest a total of one trillion euros for that purpose over the next decade.

“This is necessary, but not sufficient,” admitted the Commissioner, “as our agencies have calculated, we need to spend 260 billion euros per year. We need to transform our housing, transport, energy, agriculture, etc.”

He further announced that the Commission will soon launch a public consultation process on a sustainable financial system and that “we are preparing guidance for green budgeting” for EU member states.

Sourced via Xinhua.

Calombaris’ empire crumbles as he places 22 businesses in voluntary administration

The Greek Herald
-
0
Calombaris’ empire crumbles as he places 22 businesses in voluntary administration

Celebrity chef George Calombaris has put much of his restaurant empire in the hands of administrators, jeopardising about 400 jobs.

A “devastated” Calombaris placed 22 companies in the Made Establishment Group into voluntary administration on Monday, with advisory and investment firm KordaMentha appointed.

The collapse of the chef’s empire came after a meeting on Monday afternoon.

KordaMentha said in a statement that Calombaris’ 12 restaurants and food venues in Melbourne would stop trading immediately.

The only part of the business excluded from administration is a chain of four Yo-Chi outlets.

“My dream for MADE Establishment 13 years ago was a vision to create something truly special for all those who entered our restaurants,” Calombaris posted on his personal Instagram account.

“To all my team, I truly regret it has come to this. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your loyalty and friendship … I’m gutted it’s come to this.”

View this post on Instagram

🧿

A post shared by George Calombaris (@gcalombaris) on

The decision to shut down the chef’s businesses comes after it emerged last year Made Establishment staff were back-paid $7.8 million in wages and superannuation in 2017.

The administrators said in a statement that employees have been paid outstanding wages and superannuation up to the date of KordaMentha’s appointment.

Monday’s announcement prompted an angry union reaction.

“This is a double assault on working people – first, Calombaris rips off workers and owes them $7.8 million in wages and now they face losing their jobs,” Victorian Trades Hall Council secretary Luke Hilakari told AAP.

“No worker should lose a job, or a dollar, when Calombaris is still cashed up.”

The Melbourne-based company was fined $200,000 by the Fair Work Ombudsman in July after current or former employees of the Press Club, Gazi and Hellenic Republic were back-paid for work between 2011 and 2017.

Unions were outraged by the size of the fine, saying it should have been bigger.

Fair Work Ombudsman Sandra Parker said media coverage and vilification of Calombaris meant there was a high deterrence factor stemming from negative publicity.

KordaMentha blamed “difficult trading conditions in the hospitality industry” and services such as UberEats for changing costumer tastes to cheaper dining options, leading to the business not being able to turn around despite strong reviews.

The administrators will now seek alternative operators for the venues.

Claiming the last few months have been the most challenging he had faced, Calombaris asked for respect as he goes through the process.

His family property in Melbourne’s affluent Toorak has also been listed for sale.

Real estate firm Kay and Burton confirmed the property has been listed for expressions of interest.

Sourced via Yahoo! News.

Greek director of Lyon Ballet sacked for firing ballerina after she gave birth

The Greek Herald
-
0
Greek director of Lyon Ballet sacked for firing ballerina after she gave birth

The director of a French ballet has been sacked for firing a dancer after she had a baby, the French culture ministry confirmed last Friday.

The unions had called for Greek-born Yorgos Loukos to leave after he lost his appeal over discrimination against dancer Karline Marion, who was 34 at the time.

He was ordered to pay Marion €5,000 in compensation.

Loukos, 69, who had been director of the Lyon Ballet for 33 years, was fired last Thursday.

Like the vast majority of ballerinas in France, Marion was on a temporary contract during her five years at the ballet.

In 2014, with her post about to become permanent under French law because she had worked through five contracts, Marion was let go two days after she returned from her maternity leave.

At the time, Loukas told the municipal authorities who pay the dancers’ salaries that he was sacking her because of her “physical and stylistic weakness”.

During a meeting with the dancer, which she recorded, Loukos told her: “If between the ages of 29 and 34, you did a fair bit, though not a lot, you are not going to do much more between 35 and 40, particularly with a child.”

The normally reserved world of ballet has been shaken in recent years by the #MeToo movement, with more and more dancers speaking out about bullying and sexual harassment.

Last week, the Royal Ballet in London suspended its top choreographer Liam Scarlett, who has been accused of asking students to send him naked photographs.

Sourced via The Straits Times.

Greek-Australian rockstar turned priest, Father Themi, in London to promote work in Sierra Leone

The Greek Herald
-
0
Greek-Australian rockstar turned priest, Father Themi, in London to promote work in Sierra Leone

Father Themi Adamopoulos has led a more unconventional life to what one would expect a priest to lead. In his youth he was a rock star who performed on the same stage as The Rolling Stones and The Beatles.

He was an atheist, a Marxist, a young man with an enviable education and a promising career, as well as a champion of social justice who protested for the rights of the underdog. Though, he decided put this life behind him and headed the Orthodox Mission in Sierra Leone.

In Africa, where he is known as Father Themi, he is one of those rare human beings who give without expecting anything in return. He risks his life through a sense of love without fear. His tool is faith and his dream is for a better future for the children and heroic mothers of Africa.

Father Themi in his younger, rockstar years.

The story of Father Themi has drawn the attention of Hollywood and a film depicting his life is in the works. In recent months Father Themi has lived through apocalyptic scenes after the Ebola outbreak, “the worst outbreak of the virus in the history of mankind” as he himself tells us.

They call him the “Saint of Africa” because in his face they see the monk, the man with the calm tone, the “father” who extends his hand to distribute food, medicine, water and love. Without advertising, without neon lights and without fanfare, he mixes freely with the people of Freetown and lives their lives. Even a very bad phone line connection between Athens and Sierra Leone could not diminish his apparent kindness, courtesy, humour and Greek roots.

He is in London to raise awareness of the charity Paradise 4 Kids (P4K), which is a non-profit organisation that supports Father Themi, in his mission, as well as other missions, to duly provide for those in need of assistance in third-world countries.

Sourced via Parikaki.

Brooke Robinson’s “­Deoxyribo-Whatever Acid” wins 2020 Lysicrates Prize in Sydney

The Greek Herald
-
0
Brooke Robinson’s “­Deoxyribo-Whatever Acid” wins 2020 Lysicrates Prize in Sydney

The Lysicrates Prize 2020 award was given to Brooke Robinson’s play, ­Deoxyribo-Whatever Acid, through an audience vote in Sydney on January 31.

Brooke Robinson’s play, who has entered the prize previously, was voted the best of three short plays through an audience vote, winning $15,000.

Speaking with The Australian, Robinson said writing a comedy was an extra challenge because the play had to be satisfying drama while also being funny.

“The prize has a track record of getting plays produced and that is what everyone is looking for,” Robinson said.

“And testing the play in front of an audience is a real confidence boost.”

The comedic play tells a tale about a group of scientists who journey on a task to discover an uncomfortable truth about human intelligence.

The other finalists included Matthew Whittet and Katy Warner, who were both still excited to be finalists despite winning.

The Lysicrates Prize is established under the Lysicrates Foundation, founded by Sydney couple John and Patricia Azarias. The foundation started through their desire to preserve the Lysicrates Monument in the Sydney Botanical gardens, and has now grown into a Foundation dedicated to upholding the dramatic arts in Sydney.

The Lysicrates Prize is named after the rich Athenian Lysicrates, who was a patron of the musical performances in the Theater of Dionysos. Founder of the foundation, John Azarias, says the Sydney Lysicrates Prize aims to replicate the Athens Great Dionysia Prize through modern technology.

“There were 17,000 Greeks attending the Theatre of Dionysus every year. No modern theatre can hold 17,000 people, but, with online voting, we can exceed these numbers,” said Azarias.

1...1,3991,4001,401...1,460Page 1,400 of 1,460

Stay connected:

Other

© 2024 The Greek Herald. All rights reserved.