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Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs work with All Saints Parish to deliver toys to those in need

Andriana Simos
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Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs work with All Saints Parish to deliver toys to those in need

The All Saints Greek Orthodox Parish and Community in Belmore have been working hard this Christmas season to help those in need through the ‘Mother Maria of Paris Mission.’

The Mission has joined forces with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the Canterbury Leagues Club to deliver toys to hundreds of young children who might miss out this Christmas.

In fact, with the help of the Parish community and a $7,500 donation from the Canterbury Leagues Club, the Mission was able to distribute toys and vouchers to places such as Barnardos at Marrickville Youth Resource Centre, Riverwood Community Centre, Mission Australia, Canterbury Hospital, and Campsie Police Area Command.

The Mission has also partnered with GO Family and Friends Ministry, the St Elesa Food Initiative, Feed the People and Ark of Love, for their 2021 Christmas Hamper Appeal.

READ MORE: Greek Orthodox churches in Sydney deliver hampers and toys to those in need this Christmas.

‘Good to give back’:

During one toy delivery to the Riverwood Community Centre, a number of Mission volunteers attended, as well as Bulldogs players, Matt Doorey, Jayden Okunbor and Ava Seumanufagai; Bulldogs legend and Community Ambassador, Hazem El Masri; and the President of the Canterbury Leagues Club, Peter Winchester.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs work with All Saints Parish to deliver toys to those in need. Photo supplied.

One of the Mission Co-ordinators, Jenny Hantzopoulos, tells The Greek Herald the visit was fantastic and she was really happy to help.

“I love it. We went to Riverwood and Canterbury and discovered how much homelessness there is so it was a really good feeling to give back,” Ms Hantzopoulos says.

“There were also a lot of teenagers this year so having the vouchers [from the Canterbury Leagues Club] was really good and we’re looking forward to doing more of this in the future.”

  • Some of the vouchers donated by the Canterbury Leagues Club.

‘Long history with the Greek community’:

This initiative is one of five the Bulldogs have partnered with this year in an attempt to work more closely with the community.

Bulldogs General Manager – Community, Fayssal Sari, tells The Greek Herald he wanted to partner with the Mission and All Saints Parish as they “have been a very important community contributor for a very long time.”

“The club has a long history with the Greek community and supporters and we were really impressed with the setup the Mission had at the church… so we decided to partner up,” Mr Sari says.

“It means a lot to us. We are aware of the difficulties the community faces post lockdown and finding community partners makes it easier for the community to benefit. We look forward to continue working closely with the Greek community.”

Another Mission Co-ordinator, Chris Constanti, couldn’t agree more and tells The Greek Herald the toy drive would not have been possible without the support of the Bulldogs, the Leagues Club, the volunteers and of course, the Parish community who also donated hundreds of toys.

“We’re very grateful and fortunate the Bulldogs came to All Saints and Mother Maria to support our programs. It’s really gone a long way towards supporting many families and children who may have not seen any gifts this year,” Mr Constanti concluded.

READ MORE: Greek Orthodox churches across Greater Sydney support those in need during lockdown.

Dr Dimitrios Salampasis named 2021 Blockchain Educator of the Year

The Greek Herald
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Dr Dimitrios Salampasis named 2021 Blockchain Educator of the Year

Swinburne’s Director of Master of Financial Technologies (FinTech), Dr Dimitrios Salampasis has been named the 2021 Blockchain Educator of the Year by Blockchain Australia.

The award recognises the important work of educators who are dedicated to the improvement of blockchain awareness and knowledge.

“It is an honour to receive this award, which recognises academia and higher education as a foundational and critical pillar of the FinTech and Blockchain ecosystem,” Dr Salampasis said.

“As for me, it encapsulates years of hard work in developing educational and pedagogical expertise within such a multi-faceted, complex, novel and fast developing space.”

Prior joining academia, Dimitrios worked in the management consulting industries being involved in global advisory and consulting activities on emerging market investing assisting companies in developing long-term strategic focus and sustainable market business strategies.

He is an MAICD (Australian Institute of Company Directors) and a FINSIA (Financial Services Institute of Australasia) Senior Associate.

“Blockchain has the potential to change not only businesses and the economy, but also society and our world as a whole.

“The numerous applications and use cases show the magnitude of evolutionary transformation that is emerging and that is yet to come. This award encourages me to further excel excellence and lead innovation as an integrative part of the global blockchain thought leadership community.”

Click HERE to see the full list of Swinburne Awards and Achievements.

Ange Postecoglou lifts first trophy with Celtic FC

The Greek Herald
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Ange Postecoglou lifts first trophy with Celtic FC

By Peter Oglos.

Ange Postecoglou has become the Greek Australian hero in Scotland as he celebrates his first trophy as Celtic manager, winning the Scottish League Cup.

The Scottish side came from behind to defeat Hibernian 2-1 at Hampden Park in a nail-biting victory.

Things were looking shaky for Posetcoglou’s team in the first half as Hibernian’s Paul Hanlon struck one past English goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Postecoglou and Celtic fans owe thanks to Kyogo Furuhashi, who scored a double to earn Celtic a 20th League Cup triumph.

Furuhashi’s magic touch has been evident since he was spotted by the formerly Japan-based Postecoglou, who brought him to Parkhead in the summer.

“A fantastic player – but what a person,” Postecoglou said.

“He just had it in his mind he was going to play. We were thinking it won’t happen, but he just made himself available even though he’s not 100 per cent.

Callum McGregor of Celtic lifts the Premier Sports Cup trophy. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“To be honest, I don’t know how he did it today.

“This football club and him are a match made in heaven.”

The former Socceroos manager took the reins at Parkhead five months ago, and a Scottish Cup victory is all he could have asked for.

“We’ve had a hell of a ride from the moment I arrived, we’ve had some real challenges, up and down results and I’m so proud of this group of players, they’re just so resilient,” Postecoglou told the BBC.

Postecoglou gave thanks to the fans for having trust in the manager from down under.

“These fans are everything, mate,” he said.

“My first task when I took the role was I wanted to give them hope.

“I couldn’t guarantee them success, I couldn’t guarantee anything but I wanted to give them hope – and I think they saw that from the first day.”

Celtic FC currently sit second in the Scottish Premiership with a game in hand, seven points behind leaders Rangers.

Former police officer James Delinicolis avoids jail for picking up schoolgirl on duty

The Greek Herald
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Former police officer James Delinicolis avoids jail for picking up schoolgirl on duty

Former Sydney police officers Angelo Dellosa, 31, and James Delinicolis, 30, have avoided jail time after pleading guilty to routinely picking up women for sex and having a threesome with a teenage schoolgirl.

The former officers pleaded guilty to one count of misconduct in public office and were sentenced in the NSW District Court on Friday.

In March 2020 Delinicolis was stationed at a bus stop at Cabramatta railway station when he saw Violet, 17, wearing a school uniform.

Violet is a pseudonym to protect her identity.

The policeman asked her several intrusive questions then handed her his number from a pile he carried in advance to hand out, according to the facts.

NSW Police Senior Constable Angelo Dellosa. Photo: Daily Mail

“As the police officers drove away, some of the officers, to their discredit, congratulated Delinicolis,” the judge said.

That same day Violet contacted Delinicolis on Whatsapp and the two began exchanging sexually suggestive messages. Later that evening, the two checked in to a hotel.

Dellosa soon arrived and engaged in further sexual acts, all of which have been suppressed by the court.

After the encounters the men said: “Don’t tell anyone because we are police and we might lose our job”.

NSW Police officer Angelo Dellosa. Photo: The Daily Telegraph

A complaint by Violet prompted their arrest.

The judge was satisfied both men spent a “frightening” time in custody and that both had shown genuine remorse, especially Dellosa, who sobbed giving evidence.

“Both offenders were of otherwise good character before they committed the offence for which I will sentence them,” he said.

Delinicolis was sentenced to an intensive corrections order of two years and 400 hours of community service. Dellosa was subject to a community corrections order for 18 months, and ordered to perform 300 hours of community service.

Source: 7News.com.au

GOCSA recognised by South Australian government for 90 years of service

The Greek Herald
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GOCSA recognised by South Australian government for 90 years of service

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia was recognised by the South Australian government on Friday for its 90 years of service and contribution to the State.

The Community was presented with a Certificate of Recognition by the Hon Jing Lee, MLC Assistant Minister to the Premier on behalf of the Hon Steven Marshall together with the Chair of SA Multicultural Commission Adriana Christopoulos during a Special Parliament House Afternoon Tea on Wednesday.

The certificate presentation form part of the Government’s policy to acknowledge and celebrate significant milestones within the diverse multicultural community of South Australia.

READ MORE: GOCSA Dance Academy marks Greek Revolution bicentennial with impressive performance
READ MORE: Behind the scenes of the GOCSA Dance Academy ‘EPANASTASI’ spectacle rehearsal

The Afternoon Tea was attended by the President Mr Bill Gonis and Treasurer Mr Peter Gardiakos on behalf of the Greek Orthodox Community of S.A., as well as representatives from other communities which also received Certificates of Recognition.

Mr Gonis said he was pleasantly surprised but felt particularly honoured to be presented with the Certificate explaining that it’s a big yet rewarding responsibility to represent a Community such as the Greek community.

Gala Evening to celebrate the Greek Orthodox Community of SA’s celebrations for the 200th Anniversary from the beginning of the Greek Revolution. Photo: The Greek Herald/March 31, 2021.

“I was taken a bit by surprise when I was called up to receive the Certificate from the Minister’s hands but then immediately thought that we have been around as an active Community for over 90 years and is a reflection of the hard work from past members & leaders in our community so this is well deserved,” said Mr Gonis.

The GOCSA applauded the number of other communities who have made their contribution to the multicultural character and fabric of the State in the last few decades, with the Greek Orthodox Community feeling “proud for being one of the oldest and most active in South Australia”.

Eleni Petinos receives cabinet promotion as NSW Premier announces frontbench reshuffle

The Greek Herald
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Eleni Petinos receives cabinet promotion as NSW Premier announces frontbench reshuffle

By Peter Oglos.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has revitalised his frontbench ahead of the 2023 election, elevating Miranda MP Eleni Petinos and eight other ministers to cabinet.

Eleni Petinos was named as the new Minister for Small Business and Minister for Fair Trading. Oatley MP Mark Coure will take over as Minister for Multiculturalism, also becoming Minister for Seniors.

There are other seven first-time ministers in the new cabinet include:Goulburn MP Wendy Tuckerman, Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC, Cootamundra Nationals MP Steph Cooke, Manly MP James Griffin, Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders, Ben Franklin MLC and Sam Farraway MLC.

Oatley MP Mark Coure.

Mr Perrottet’s cabinet includes the new portfolios of Minister for Cities (Pittwater MP Rob Stokes), Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology (Ku-ring-gai MP Alister Henskens) and Minister for Homes (Lane Cove MP Anthony Roberts).

The Premier said the new ministry “harnesses experience, while allowing for renewal and injecting fresh energy into the team”.

“This is a cabinet with a purpose, carefully shaped to deliver on our vision, and my expectation is that every minister will work hard and get outcomes for the people of our state,” Mr Perrottet said.

Premier Dominic Perrottet. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Flavio Brancaleone

“Our focus remains on getting the people of NSW back on their feet and we will be with them every step of the way as we navigate our way through the pandemic.”

The police portfolio will return to the NSW Nationals as Police Minister David Elliott will take on the Minister for Transport role.

Deputy Premier Paul Toole said he was proud of the new Nationals talent coming through the party’s ranks, adding: “I know they are going to bring fresh ideas to our government and throw all their energy into helping us build a bigger, brighter future in the regions.”

Greek Jewish manuscripts ‘return home’ after being stolen by Nazis nearly 80 years ago

The Greek Herald
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Greek Jewish manuscripts ‘return home’ after being stolen by Nazis nearly 80 years ago

The Greek Jewish community is celebrating the return of a trove of manuscripts and community documents that the Nazis stole nearly 80 years ago.

The Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece (KIS) announced in a statement earlier this month that Russia, which was in possession of the archives, had agreed to return them to their Mediterranean origin, after a diplomatic process supported by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Nazis looted Thessaloniki, formerly home to one of Europe’s most vibrant Jewish communities, on July 11, 1942. The Soviet Union came into possession of the archive after their capture of the city on April 23, 1945. They took them to Moscow where they remained to be inherited by the Russian federation, after the USSR’s dissolution in 1991.

In pre-war Thessaloniki, the Capon family gathers for a festive afternoon at a taverna. Third from the left is Lina, with her sister Alice just behind her. Their father Hasdai is in front on the right, with their mother Vida beside him. Photo: Greece-is

“Our history returns home!” the Board wrote in the statement. “Greek Jews with immense emotion welcome the decision of the Russian President Putin that Russia returns the pre-War archives of the Greek Jewish Communities, and especially the archive of the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki.”

According to KIS, the archives include books and religious artifacts from 30 synagogues, libraries, and communal institutions in Thessaloniki.

Before the Holocaust, Thessaloniki was one of the most Jewish cities in Europe with a Jewish majority or plurality for much of the 19th century. The city’s Jewish community was primarily Sephardic, though it also included a small community of Romaniotes, Judeo-Greek speakers from Greece and Turkey who predated the Sephardic migration to the area after their expulsions from Spain in 1492.

During the spring and summer months of 1943, almost all of Thessaloniki’s Jews were deported to Auschwitz, where most perished.

“For Greek Jewry, these archives bring light to its historic course, sacred heirlooms of the light of life and the darkness of the looting and the Holocaust,” KIS said. “Their restitution would mean justice and would transmit knowledge about a part of the Greek people that contributed to the progress of the country and no longer exists, that of the 60,000 Greek Jews who were deported to and exterminated in the Nazi death camps.”

Source: Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA)

‘Resign, Mr. Mitsotakis’: Tsipras claims Greek PM failed to manage COVID-19

The Greek Herald
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‘Resign, Mr. Mitsotakis’: Tsipras claims Greek PM failed to manage COVID-19

Greek opposition leader Alexis Tsipras made a bold call for the resignation of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, saying he has failed to manage the COVID-19 situation in the country.

The claim was made during the 2022 budget debate, with the SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance leader saying the government has proved “ineffective” and “incapable” of managing the country’s big problems.

“The Tsiodras-Lytras study alone would have been enough — ignoring the experts which cost thousands of lives, but also the lies that followed its publication — for any government of another European country to resign,” he said, referring to a study by Sotiris Tsiodras which found that intubation outside ICU has a mortality rate of 87%.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis arrives for an EU Summit at the European Council building in Brussels, Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021. (Kenzo Tribouillard, Pool Photo via AP)

“And there’s only the way out of the current impasse. Resign, Mr. Mitsotakis. Call elections.”

Mitsotakis ruled out the possibility of early elections, also challenging the opposition leader saying SYRIZA’s low polling statistics meant Tsipras had “the most to lose” from an early election.

This didn’t deter Tsipras, however, who called on Greeks to “resist the politics of arrogance, corruption and decay you represent.”

Greek Parliament: INTIME

“I call on the Greeks to demand that the government of the guilty leave. I call on the Greeks to impose their constitutional right to decide for themselves about their own tomorrow,” the Syriza leader said.

The Parliament approved Greece’s 2022 budget 158-142 Saturday, with only the ruling conservative New Democracy party voting for the budget as a whole.

The Parliament Speaker noted that the 5-day budget debate lasted over 61 hours, with 225 MPs and 36 ministers speaking.

https://greekherald.com.au/subscription/

Greek School of Canberra students celebrate end of year with Christmas party

Andriana Simos
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Greek School of Canberra students celebrate end of year with Christmas party

Young students from the Greek School of Canberra dressed up in Christmas hats and elf ears to celebrate the end of term this week.

The special Christmas party was held to celebrate the students’ achievements over the past year and to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the Greek school teachers.

READ MORE: Enrolments at Canberra’s Greek School soar with help from new creative syllabus.

  • All photos copyright: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

The event began with a small prayer from Father Petros Kipouros, the parish priest at St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Canberra, followed by the recital of the Greek and Australian national anthems.

President of the Greek Orthodox Community & Church of Canberra (GOCCC), John Loukadellis, then gave a small speech to the students and congratulated them on their achievements.

READ MORE: Auction at Nick Bourdaniotis’ Evzones exhibition in Canberra raises $15,000 for Greek school.

John Loukadellis giving a small speech.

Mr Loukadellis also gave an update on the Greek School, stressing how enrolments have grown to over 140 children this year. For the first time ever, there are students with one or no parents of Greek background enrolled.

One of these students, Nausica, who has part-Japanese heritage, told The Greek Herald at the party that she loves Greek School, especially the tests and learning the Greek language.

“I enjoy it [learning Greek]. At first I thought it was a hard language, but it’s pretty easy. The people in my class are nice too,” Nausica, 8, said with a small smile.

Father Petros with Nausica.

After this, Father Petros gave a small speech about the meaning of Christmas and then students were given a certificate of completion by their teachers, as well as a small gift by members of the Mytilenian Association of Canberra.

The day was concluded with pizza and candy for the kids, while the teachers were recognised for their hard work by Mr Loukadellis with a gift.

Greek School teachers with committee members from GOCCC.

Yannis Kotsiras: ‘Through music I communicate with the world’

Argyro Vourdoumpa
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Yannis Kotsiras: ‘Through music I communicate with the world’

After a summer full of concerts around Greece succeeded by strict restrictions and lockdowns, much loved Greek singer-songwriter Yiannis Kotsiras and his ensemble are preparing for their Australian Tour in March 2022. 

“When people ask me which country I would like to live in if not Greece, I always say in Australia, specifically Melbourne,” the popular artist tells The Greek Herald. 

“Maybe it’s because every time I come [to Australia], I have a great time and I’ve met so many amazing people,” he says.

Despite his remarkable artistic career that spans over twenty years, multiple records that became hits, sold-out concerts and historic collaborations, Yannis Kotsiras remains grounded and approachable.

“With this tour we aim to remind our compatriots of quality Greek music -because Greece continues and produces excellent music- and also to reconnect them with memories of their home country,” he says, expressing his excitement that this time he will also perform in Darwin. 

Asked how he managed to stay creative during the pandemic he explains that he transformed the lyrics in his songs into a Trojan Horse in order to communicate with the world.

“I love music very much and I have my ears and eyes open to what is happening around us. This unsettling situation forces an artist to speak and communicate with the world. And through music, I communicate with the world,” he says.

“I can say that despite the circumstances, the last 2-3 years I have been very creative and that makes me happy.”

It is not the first time the singer-songwriter mentions his family and how parenthood has redefined him both as an artist and an individual.  

In his latest song “Koita Giro” (Look Around), Kotsiras talks about how smaller the world has gotten and wonders why people are lonely.

“The song started as a future letter to my sons and turned out to be a modern take at reality,” he says. 

“It is dystopian but apart from hate this song also speaks of love. Because everything that happens in the world can only be overcome with love and solidarity. Nothing else.”

We chat about the future and he says he is happy that “Greek music has been encouraged in recent years” but worried as an artist and a parent about the civilisation decay and social disintegration. 

“The problem is that people have become numb to violence and hatred. We watch and hear about deaths, wars and pandemics as if we were watching a video clip,” he says. 

I ask him what he teaches his children and if there is something he would like to share with the youth. 

He speaks about freedom of spirit and democracy and his words come to me as a reminder that the things that count in life are not things but ideals, values ​​and principles.

“What I am trying to teach my children is for them to be free, not to get into molds designed by the system. I am trying to teach them to have a free spirit to think critically and to love people around them.”

Yannis Kotsiras is so passionate about the youth that during the lockdown in Greece he created his own YouTube channel where he shares videos of children’s songs that he sings.

“I started the videos as a way to calm down my two hyperactive sons and it was my wife’s idea to share with other parents. It’s also a good way to draw the kids to music and away from the violence they are exposed to online,” he says. 

I could chat for hours with Yannis Kotsiras. 

Maybe because I always resort to his songs every time my heart desires something from Greece or when I feel a bit too restricted in my little box and I am looking for a better view of the clear blue sky. 

As we wrap up this interview, I ask him to send a message to Australia’s Greek community. 

“Stay safe and have love for everyone! Until we meet again!” he says.

The countdown has begun. We will see you in the Antipodes Yanni!

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