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.
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 Hanlinfor 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.
In the first Himalayan casualty of the year in Nepal, Greek alpinist Antonios Sykaris has died on Dhaulagiri on Tuesday, The Himalayan Timeshas 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.
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.
«Μπορούμε στη Λαϊκή» με εθελοντές τον κ. Αθανάσιο Σπύρου, Πρέσβη της Αυστραλίας στην Ελλάδα, τους συνεργάτες του, αλλά και εκπροσώπους από την Ελληνική Πρωτοβουλία Αυστραλίας για να σώσουμε και να προσφέρουμε περισσευούμενα🍊🥕. Ευχαριστούμε από καρδιάς!https://t.co/FbtexyJFEVpic.twitter.com/yxFIFWwtQo
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.
The NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Coure MP, made a special mention of The Greek Herald in Parliament recently during a speech about the importance of community media and how they contribute to the country’s multicultural tapestry.
In his speech, Minister Coure acknowledged the national mullticultural and multilingual broadcaster but also paid tribute to non-mainstream, independent community media outlets saying that they “provide incredibly important information for culturally and linguistically diverse groups in New South Wales and across Australia.”
Having visited several community media outlets since he took on the Multiculturalism portfolio, Minister Coure turned to his recent meeting with the team at The Greek Herald and described how the paper has “evolved into an important part of the Greek community in NSW” since its humble beginnings 96 years ago.
Great catching up with Ali El Bahnasawy from SBS Arabic News yesterday.
Ali and I had a great discussion about my role as Minister for Multiculturalism and Seniors, and how I am working with members of the Arabic community. pic.twitter.com/wYkfmvtbcX
— Mark Coure MP – Min for Multiculturalism & Seniors (@markcourelive) March 30, 2022
“Often when I am out and about in local communities and I stop at a cafe in the likes of Brighton-Le-Sands, Earlwood, Mortdale or Blakehurst, I will see a copy of The Greek Herald on a table, showing visible signs of having been read a number of times. That is a testament to how much people in the community value The Greek Herald,” Minister Coure said.
“It covers local, overseas and community news, and carries classified advertising, TV programs and sports results. Beyond that, the paper is relied on heavily by many older Greek Australians, who find it a great way to stay informed and connected with what is happening in their community.”
Mr Coure then praised The Greek Herald team for their recent innovations to the paper’s business model including our increased online and social media presence.
NSW Multicultural Minister, Mark Coure MP, met with the Publisher and members of The Greek Herald team in March.
“That has enabled them to expand their readership beyond their traditional base. Now it is a paper that younger people can enjoy online, so future Greek Australians will continue to read the paper for many years to come,” Mr Coure said.
From here, the Minister for Multiculturalism spoke about how ensuring multicultural media is relatable to the younger generation is important as it allows them “to have a greater connection not only with their cultural heritage but also with their language.”
“I feel it is incredibly important that we empower everyone to speak a second language, and using the media is one way people can do that,” Mr Coure concluded.
“I cannot praise our multicultural media and its place in our rich multicultural society enough. I thank each and every provider for the role they play in keeping communities in New South Wales safe and informed.”
Regarded as the greatest composer in Greek history, Mikis Theodorakis used his artform to express the inexpressible, galvanising an entire nation when penning the film score to Zorba the Greek, along with countless other rousing symphonies and ballads.
The work by Mikis Theodorakis, The Ballad of the Dead Brother, and his greatest hits will be presented in concerts around Australia.
Mikis Theodorakis.
The Ballad of the Dead Brother, like a modern tragedy, is placed in the most tragic period of Modern Greek history. Based in the 1940s, a battle for independence gradually escalated into a civil war and it becomes the basis of a great tragedy.
The composer himself has said:
“With the Ballad of the Dead Brother, I identify myself more than any other piece of my work, in all aspects: musical, humane, personal, activism, and above all “Greek,” because the civil war immersed Greece in tears, blood and an ever-ending struggle.”
Dimitris Basis. Photo: Bourdo Photography.
This ballad has been performed in Greece by four of the most important voices, Grigoris Bithikotsis, Giorgos Dalaras, Dimitris Mitropanos and Dimitris Basis.
It is our pledge to honour the memory of Mikis Theodorakis, the man who not only composed the work of great poets but managed to recreate it in such a way that it reaches our souls.
George Ellis.Maria Yiakoulis.
In Australia, it will be performed by international vocalist Dimitris Basis, accompanied by the symphonic orchestra under the direction of George Ellis and special appearance by performer Maria Yiakoulis in the following dates:
Melbourne: Friday 6th May 2022 – Melbourne Recital Hall – (03) 9699 3333
Greece’s Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, John Chrysoulakis, has sent a letter of congratulations to the Kytherian Association of Australia (KAA) to mark their centenary anniversary.
In a letter addressed to the President of the KAA, Emmanuel Alfieris, Mr Chrysoulakis congratulated the Association for “always serving the national goal of preserving the ties of Greeks abroad with our ancestors and ancestry.”
“It is this characteristic which has ensured the full support and cooperation for 100 years of thousands of members who volunteer their time and money [to the KAA],” Mr Chrysoulakis wrote, while stressing the diaspora’s continued and strong love for Kythera.
The KAA is celebrating its centenary anniversary this year. Photo: Nick Bourdaniotis.
The Secretary General then went on to praise the Kytherian Australians for their “contribution to the economic, social, cultural, business and political life of Australia,” and wrote briefly about the KAA limited edition centenary medallions.
“It is no coincidence that the Collectible Medals issued for the centenary of the KAA were minted by the Royal Australian Mint,” the letter states.
“Having on one side the map of Kythera and on the other Aphrodite… are a completely successful depiction of the history of Kythera and honour this historic anniversary.”
Mr Chrysoulakis concluded his letter by wishing the KAA “all the best for the future.”
Oakleigh businessman, George Spiropoulos, has been left stunned by Monash Council’s decision to revert some outdoor dining spaces into car parks,Nine News reports.
Mr Sotiropoulos, who runs Greca Street, spent close to $80,000 on his outdoor space but Council has now told him he would need to be packed up by June 30.
Monash Council has made the decision to revert some outdoor dining spaces into car parks.
Monash Council Mayor, Stuart James, told Nine Newsthe council had done enough to support trades during COVID-19 and now that indoor dining was back, they need to balance such areas.
This decision has also angered the Glen Waverley Traders Association. President, Christo Christophidis, said the extra dining opportunities were fantastic for businesses.
Most other councils have given the green light to parklets remaining with some introducing new permit schemes and fees.
The Greek Australian, Armenian Australian and Assyrian Australian communities will March for Justice in Sydney and Melbourne on Sunday, April 24, the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU) has reported.
The march participants will be calling on Australia’s Prime Minister and Government to accurately characterise the 1915 massacres suffered by their ancestors as Genocide.
Sydney’s March for Justice will begin at Hyde Park at 3pm and will be led by the Homenetmen Australia Scouts and Marching band, religious and community leaders, as well as political representatives.
March for Justice 2021. File photo.
People will march through Sydney’s Central Business District before settling at Sydney Town Hall for a short program featuring cultural performances and speeches.
Melbourne’s March for Justice will follow a similar format, starting at 2pm at Parliament Square before concluding with a special program at the Victorian State Library.
ANC-AU Political Affairs Director, Michael Kolokossian, said the marches will send a strong message to the Federal Government.
“United, our communities will send a direct and clear message to Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his Government, that we will speak truth to power until we receive accurate recognition of the 1915 Genocides,” Mr Kolokossian said in a press release.
This year’s #MarchForJustice will again be held under the auspices of the Joint Justice Initiative, established in February 2020 by the Armenian National Committee of Australia, the Assyrian National Council Australia and the Australian Hellenic Council, as well as the Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee.
Last year’s March for Justice in Sydney and Melbourne. File Photos.
Last year’s marches in Sydney and Melbourne were attended by thousands of people, including a large contingent from the Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia, Pontoxeniteas Sydney and Melbourne Greek association, Akrites Tou Pontou.
At the time, the President of Pontoxeniteas Sydney, Maria Anthony, told The Greek Herald it was a great turn out, one that would make “our ancestors… so proud.”
There’s high hopes then for an even greater turn out this year.
A shipment of humanitarian aid from Greece reached the Ukrainian city of Odessa, the Greek Foreign Minister announced on Monday.
According to Ekathimerini, the shipment included food, hygiene items and medicines, and was provided by the Foreign Ministry with the help of the Region of Attica, the Greek Red Cross, Doctors of the World, the Sklavenitis supermarket chain and the Boumbouras Foundation.
The Consul General of Greece in Odessa, Dimitris Dochtsis, was on hand to receive the humanitarian aid.
A fourth Hellenic Red Cross humanitarian mission will also leave Athens for Odessa on Tuesday. The shipment includes tinned food, bottled water, antiseptic, sanitary equipment and three generators.
The Consul General of Greece in Odessa, D. Dochtsis, received today additional 🇬🇷 humanitarian aid, to be delivered to the 🇺🇦 people, including Diaspora Greeks. Τhe 4th @greekredcross Humanitarian Mission to 🇺🇦 will depart tomorrow from Athens. https://t.co/9qutpXlXJApic.twitter.com/YJIA6IErWi
This Greek humanitarian shipment comes as defenders of the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol have warned of a “last battle” in the coming hours.
According to a Facebook post from Ukraine’s 36th marine brigade, the ammunition is now running out in Mariupol and the casualties of the brigade are so extensive that even members of the city’s orchestra are firing weapons.
The writer said that the brigade had done everything that was “possible and impossible” to try and hold Mariupol from the Russian invaders but that it would be “death for us, and captivity for the rest” after being pushed back and surrounded by the Russian forces.
Mariupol has been under severe attack. Photo: Getty Images.
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said on Monday that tens of thousands of people have likely been killed in Russia’s assault on Mariupol.
The port city is home to a large ethnic Greek population.
“Mariupol has been destroyed, there are tens of thousands of dead, but even despite this, the Russians are not stopping their offensive,” Mr Zelenskyy said in a video address to South Korean politicians.
Reuters has confirmed widespread destruction in Mariupol but could not verify the accuracy of his estimate of those killed in the strategic city. If confirmed, it would be by far the largest number of dead so far reported in one place in Ukraine.
