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Fairfield’s Greek Amphitheatre Granted Heritage Protection

The Greek Herald
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Fairfield’s Greek Amphitheatre Granted Heritage Protection

By Jim Claven*

In a big win for Melbourne’s Greek community, this week saw Victoria’s Heritage Council grant heritage protection to Melbourne’s iconic Amphitheatre complex at Fairfield on the banks of the Yarra. The decision comes after an immense community campaign led by Melbourne’s Stork Theatre, which founded the theatre with the then Northcote City Council. 

Heritage Council Victoria issued its decision on 18 January, determining “that the Fairfield Park Amphitheatre Complex is of State-level cultural heritage significance and is to be included in the Victorian Heritage Register”.

Significantly, the decision covers the whole complex – the Amphitheatre, Kiosk and Pavilion – a key aspect of the Stork Theatre’s campaign and was made against the recommendation of Heritage Victoria, part of the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, as well as a previous VCAT decision.

This is great news not only for the Stork Theatre but also to all interested in the theatre’s role as a supporter of Hellenic culture and the wider arts community. In granting protection, the Heritage Council cited the theatre’s importance as a reflection of Victoria’s migration story, specifically the role of the local Greek community in supporting its creation.

With the then Northcote City Council overseeing its development, the Amphitheatre was conceived on the model of Greece’s world famous Epidavros Amphitheatre, reimagining recycled bluestone from the streets of Northcote. The whole project was support by the then Federal Labor Government and its local MP the Hon Brian Howe. Since its creation the Amphitheatre has been the site of original Epidivros Festival, many Stork Theatre productions and witnessed many productions of Hellenic artistic works – from theatrical productions to the recent readings from Homer’s Iliad. 

The Heritage Council Victoria decision specifically recognizes the Amphitheatres significance as “an expression of the consolidation of Greek migrant identity in Australia”, as an expression of Australia’s multiculturalism and in “its bi-cultural importance to Greek-Australians in Victoria’s cultural development” through its “symbolism, design, programming, community engagement and cultural influences”. The Amphitheatre Complex demonstrates the underpinning of migrant acceptance by the broader Australian community, and a self confidence in established migrant communities in the expression of their own identity and cultural heritage in Victoria.

The public campaign has been widely supported by members of Melbourne’s Greek community – from politicians, through community organizations to the thousands of individuals who joined in the campaign petition. This has included local MP Kat Theophanous and colleague Lee Tarlamis MP, local school students, NUGAS representatives and the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria amongst many others. 

In welcoming the decision, Local MP Kat Theophanous said that she was overjoyed at the decision. “I have been working in support of the campaign for many months. Not only is the Amphitheatre an important and iconic arts facility, but it represents an important aspect of Melbourne’s multicultural history, a cultural asset that has been supported since its inception by the local Greek community.”

Ms Theophanous hoped to that the local council would now work to support the growth and long term future of the Amphitheatre. In welcoming the decision, she was joined by Lee Tarlamis MP who has also taken part in the campaign in support of the Amphitheatre and congratulated Helen Madden and the Stork Theatre campaign team for their efforts.

Greek Community President Bill Papastergiadis welcomed the decision on behalf of the wider Greek community and committed to working with the Stork Theatre to enhance the use of the theatre.

“The Greek community has a long tradition of supporting community arts projects, including those who came together to support the development and use of this theatre. I look forward to working with others in the community to continue this commitment into the future. I strongly believe that we need to seize the opportunity presented by the Amphitheatre’s heritage protection to expand its use as a centre for the appreciation of the Hellenic culture to our common heritage”, he said.

Bill Papastergiadis said that he had been proud to support the campaign and would be holding urgent discussions with Stork Theatre and relevant Greek community organizations to advance this commitment in coming weeks. He was also keen to engage with the State and Federal Government’s as to how they might support the future of the complex.

“I look forward to full program of cultural events being held at the Amphitheatre, encompassing the Stork Theatre’s events, its incorporation into our annual Antipodes Festival, Greek community cultural events and local schools and tertiary institutions. I can see the Amphitheatre as a hub for theatre, readings and celebrations – all recognizing the vitality of our Hellenic culture in Australia”, Bill said.

In welcoming the decision, the Stork Theatre’s Helen Madden looked forward to a new and bright future for the Amphitheatre. Helen said that with the decision she felt that something truly magical has happened on the banks of the Yarra – Greek culture has been recognised by the Heritage Council Victoria in its manifestation in the Fairfield Amphitheatre Complex.

“The decision is a great relief to all who know and love the Amphitheatre. “As we said in our submission to Heritage Council Victoria, the Ampitheatre is the only professionally equipped amphitheatre and outdoor performing arts venue in Victoria with unique acoustic qualities. The challenge now is to secure its future as a vibrant community facility and importantly as a permanent home for a theatre company. I look forward to working with the Greek community and its representatives to realize this vision”, she said.

*Jim Claven is a trained historian, freelance writer and published author. He reviewed the Stork Theatre’s recent production of Homer and has been an active supporter of the Fairfield Amphitheatre campaign. 

Macarthur FC’s Apostolos Giannou: ‘It will be a great stepping stone for my career’

The Greek Herald
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Macarthur FC’s Apostolos Giannou: ‘It will be a great stepping stone for my career’

Macarthur FC have confirmed the signing of former Australian international, Apostolos Giannou, for the remainder of their 2021-22 A-League campaign.

This is the first time the dual Greek-Australia citizen, who has 12 caps for the Socceroos, will be playing in the A-League.

Though born in Naousa, a small region of northern Greece, Giannou moved to Australia as a child and grew up in Melbourne.

He has since represented both Greece and Australia at youth levels and as a senior player, with 13 international appearances in total. He most recently represented Greek side OFI Crete FC, having departed the Super League 1 side earlier this year.

Giannou most recently represented Greek side OFI Crete FC.

After the announcement of his signing, Giannou said he’s excited to see what’s ahead for him at Macarthur FC.

“Although it is mid-season, I believe I can add my part to the club and continue the club’s success for the remainder of the season,” he said.

“It’s an exciting opportunity and challenge which I’m looking forward to and I believe it will be a great stepping stone for my career.”

Macarthur FC head coach, Ante Milicic, echoed these statements and said he’s thrilled to have secured “such a valued player.”

“Even though he will be joining us mid-season, I believe he will have a smooth transition into the club and onto the pitch,” Milicic said.

In the weeks leading up to the 2021/22 A-League competition, Macarthur FC has signed a handful of players to increase the depth and strength of its squad.

That work has paid off, as the club currently sits in second place on the ladder after six games, with four wins, one loss, and one draw.

Source: FTBL.

Geoffrey Edelsten leaves $300,000 to Lewi Karalis in will, nothing to ex-wives

The Greek Herald
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Geoffrey Edelsten leaves $300,000 to Lewi Karalis in will, nothing to ex-wives

Controversial Melbourne business identity, Geoffrey Edelsten, has left his two most famous ex-wives, Gabi Grecko and Brynne Edelsten, nothing in his will.

But according to The Age, Edelsten left $300,000 to his long-time friend, Lewi Karalis, and up to $100,000 to the Carlton Football Club Foundation and an equal amount to his former school, Mount Scopus Memorial College.

The flamboyant businessman also left his only child, Matthew Beard, just $50,000 plus $1000 per year from 2017 until Edelsten’s death.

Edelsten’s son Matthew Beard.

Edelsten’s will states he has made “no provision” for his former wives Brynne and Gabi, having made “substantial and excessive provision” for them during their marriages.

This news comes after Edelsten’s will, which was drawn up in September 2017, was probated this week.

Geoffrey Edelsten and then fiancee Gabi Grecko at the 2014 Melbourne Cup. Photo: Jesse Marlow.

Edelsten, who died in Melbourne in June last year aged 78, was famous for founding a chain of medical clinics and for once owning the Sydney Swans AFL club.

He was known for his lavish lifestyle, which featured sports cars and big spending on women, despite debts of millions of dollars.

The Age has sought comment from Mr Beard, Ms Gordon and Ms Curtis/Grecko.

Source: The Age.

Christian Porter and barrister Sue Chrysanthou ordered to pay $430,200 in legal costs

The Greek Herald
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Christian Porter and barrister Sue Chrysanthou ordered to pay $430,200 in legal costs

Christian Porter and barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC have been ordered to pay $430,200 in legal costs to Joanne Dyer, a friend of a deceased woman who had accused the former Attorney-General of raping her three decades ago.

It came after Mr Porter launched legal proceedings against the ABC, when the broadcaster published a story about an unnamed cabinet minister accused of a historical alleged rape.

At the time, Dyer began her own legal action, seeking to block Chrysanthou from acting for him.

READ MORE: Christian Porter’s defamation barrister, Sue Chrysanthou, faces legal action.

Jo Dyer outside the federal court in May 2021. Photo: James Gourley/AAP.

Dyer argued successfully that Chrysanthou had a potential conflict arising out of a meeting about a separate matter between the two women in November 2020. A federal court judge ruled in May 2021 that the lawyer had received confidential information which was relevant to the case and could present a “danger of misuse.”

Four days later, Porter dropped his case against the ABC, despite failing to secure an apology or retraction from the public broadcster.

Instead, the ABC agreed to pay mediation costs and publish an editor’s note stating it “regretted” that some readers had “misinterpreted” the article “as an accusation of guilt against” Porter.

Christian Porter and barrister Sue Chrysanthou ordered to pay $430,200 in legal costs

READ MORE: Sue Chrysanthou is one of three laywers helping Christian Porter sue the ABC for defamation.

The separate case between Dyer and Chrysanthou has continued to make its way through the courts. Following the decision that Chrysanthou should stand aside, lawyers for her and Porter sought to have the costs claim reduced, as well as access to timesheets and invoices to challenge the claim.

But in a brief hearing on Wednesday, national judicial registrar Tim Luxton found Dyer was entitled to costs of $430,200 as part of a lump-sum payment. The costs order applies to both Chrysanthou and Porter, The Guardian reports.

Source: The Guardian.

Nick Kyrgios beaten by Daniil Medvedev in four sets at the Australian Open

The Greek Herald
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Nick Kyrgios beaten by Daniil Medvedev in four sets at the Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios went down to world No. 2, Daniil Medvedev, in four sets 7-6 (7-1), 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 during their second round clash at the Australian Open on Thursday night.

There were moments of magic from Kyrgios — like a ridiculous reaction volley that sent him running away for half a lap of honour — but Medvedev was simply too good for too long.

Medvedev blasted 68 winners, including 31 aces, compared to Kyrgios’ 47 winners and 17 aces, respectively. 

Despite this tough result in the second round of his home slam, Kyrgios said he was “incredibly proud” of his performance against the man many expect to hold the trophy aloft now Novak Djokovic is out of contention.

“I gave it everything, I put on a good performance. I think he’s going to be favoured to win the Australian Open. I can’t be too upset,” Kyrgios said after the match.

For his part, Medvedev said he came to “win the match” and he was “happy” he managed to do it.

Kyrgios tried his best — and produced some stunning tennis in the process, but it wasn’t enough. Photo: Getty Images.

“It was a fighting match, we both served big,” Medvedev added. “These matches can get tight.”

Kyrgios is now scheduled to play singles at next month’s Dallas Open. But first, the men’s doubles competition continues today for Kyrgios and countryman Thanasi Kokkinakis, as the wildcard pairing meet top seeds Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic.

Medvedev will take on world No. 57 Botic van de Zandschulp in the third round of the Australian Open.

Greek PM holds first-ever virtual meeting with the heads of Greek Embassies abroad

Andriana Simos
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Greek PM holds first-ever virtual meeting with the heads of Greek Embassies abroad

Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, held a virtual meeting on Thursday with all the heads of the Greek Embassies and Permanent Representatives abroad, including the Ambassador of Greece in Australia, George Papacostas.

This is the first time Mitsotakis has held this meeting and it was aimed at “the coordination of the government with the heads of the diplomatic authorities for the better promotion of national goals and positions.”

According to a statement from the PM’s office, Mitsotakis “intends to establish this communication at the highest level on an annual basis.”

During the teleconference, Mitsotakis presented the main priorities and challenges of foreign policy and Greek diplomacy for 2022, emphasising Greece’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and mandatory vaccinations, as well as focusing on Greek-Turkish relations and recent tripartite partnerships.

“The age of introversion, the age of misery, has passed irrevocably. Greece of 2022 is not the Greece of 2012. It is in a position where it must claim its role in the international arena,” Mitsotakis told those in virtual attendance. 

The Prime Minister also encouraged the diplomats to highlight Greece’s advantages to the diaspora abroad, as a means of strengthening the export orientation of Greek companies and attracting quality investments.

This was followed by a small speech from the Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias, who discussed the Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 2022-2026.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the heads of the Greek Embassies had the opportunity to present their views from their respective countries.

Greek and Israeli Defence Ministers re-affirm close ties during meeting

The Greek Herald
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Greek and Israeli Defence Ministers re-affirm close ties during meeting

Greek Defence Minister, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, met with his Israeli counterpart, Benny Gantz, on Thursday at the Israeli Ministry of Defence.

During a joint statement after the meeting, Gantz stressed the continued co-operation of the two Eastern Mediterranean countries based on “common interests and values.”

“There is a great potential for expanding Israel’s cooperation with its old and new friends in the fields of energy, innovation, and security,” the Israeli Defence Minister said.

READ MORE: Greece strengthens cooperation with Israel, Cyprus.

READ MORE: Greece, Israel and Cyprus affirm alliance based on shared values.

“We will continue to act in this spirit and strengthen the tripartite framework between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus.”

For his part, the Greek Defence Minister added that the close ties between Israel and Greece are based on a number of shared strategic interests and a “common vision… to create a stable, secure, and prosperous environment in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region.”

READ MORE: Israel to build new surveillance system along Cyprus’ Green Line.

“Our common goal is to expand and deepen the defence cooperation between Greece and Israel, which has reached an extremely high level in recent years, let me say, of unprecedented development that can be assessed in tangible terms,” Panagiotopoulos said.

The Greek Defence Minister is currently on an official visit to Tel Aviv, where he had successive meetings with his Israeli counterpart and the Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III.

READ MORE: Israel and Greece officially sign record $1.65 billion defence deal.

Source: Protothema.gr.

Turkish Foreign Minister accuses Greece and Cyprus of harbouring terrorists

The Greek Herald
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Turkish Foreign Minister accuses Greece and Cyprus of harbouring terrorists

Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, launched direct threats against Greece and Cyprus on Thursday, accusing the two countries of sponsoring Gulenists (FETO) or PKK terrorists by allowing them to remain in their countries.

Citing reports in the Turkish media, Cavusoglu said that Cyprus had given permission to the Syrian Kurdish PYD party to open a representative office in its capital of Nicosia. Ankara regards the PYD group as terrorists, citing their links to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

“They should not play with fire,” Cavusoglu warned Cyprus at a press conference.

Turkish Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu.

Later, the Turkish Foreign Minister also accused Greece of providing shelter to members of the PKK and ​​the outlawed Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C), a Marxist organisation.

He also criticized the country of supporting the FETO movement around US-based Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, which has been accused of orchestrating the 2016 coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

“FETO Gulenists see Greece not only as a transit country but also as a place to settle as refugees. Greece is playing with fire by hosting them,” he concluded.

“I want to say this: they allow them to have delegations there. For this purpose, if there is an attack from their side towards us, they will pay a heavy price.”

Athens has denied similar allegations in the past.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Stefanos Tsitsipas storms into Australian Open round three

Andriana Simos
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Stefanos Tsitsipas storms into Australian Open round three

Stefanos Tsitsipas has closed out his game against Sebastian Baez at the Australian Open, claiming a 7-6, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 win.

Tsitsipas hit 12 aces to five, but had to work for his win. He had 18 break-point chances but only took four, really taking until the third set to hit his straps.

“A lot of fighting. A little bit of swearing,” Tsitsipas said about the match in his on-court interview.

He will play the winner of Grigor Dimitrov and Benoit Paire. Paire leads 6-4, 6-4, 6-7, 7-6 in that clash on Court 3.

Australia’s Greek Associations could help the Greek Museum of Adelaide find a permanent home

The Greek Herald
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Australia’s Greek Associations could help the Greek Museum of Adelaide find a permanent home

By Chrysoula Melissinaki

This year, 2022 heralds three years since the Greek Museum of Adelaide, South Australia, a non-profit organization, was founded in 2019. The Museum, as a cultural institution, embraces all aspects of Hellenism in Australia. During these three years, the Museum has organized and presented seven exhibitions for the Australian public to enjoy. The exhibitions featured works by both Greek and Greek-Australian artists, collections of traditional objects, costumes, books and historical pieces from Greek-Australian immigrants.

The Greek Museum of Adelaide is an institution that promotes Greek culture and history through cultural activities (such as lectures, film nights and so on) and exhibitions. The state government, community leaders, Greek-Australians and other Australians, including the Hellenism of Greece, has recognized the substantial and practical contribution of the Museum, in the cultural life of the Greek diaspora.

At present, the Greek Museum of Adelaide does not have its own permanent building, nor a stable or permanent base from which to operate, thus exhibitions are not open to the public daily. Currently, it is presenting exhibitions from a temporary rental solution. Clearly, this temporary exhibition space solution cannot and does not cover all the needs of a proper functioning Museum.

Due to the lack of financial resources and sponsorships, the Museum’s Committee cannot enter into the purchase nor a leasing of a more appropriate permanent property. However, there is a possible solution for the Museum’s current problem and that is through the support of already established Greek associations based in Australia.

An appeal is made to those Greek associations that have very few members and therefore cannot offer many activities. The call is this: if it is likely that the association will cease to operate in the near future, we respectfully ask the association to seriously consider granting the association’s building to the Greek Museum Adelaide. Clearly, you would have our undying gratitude.

Fellow Greek associations of Adelaide, we trust that this request is reasonable. It has come to our attention that currently several Greek associations are under-operating and that some associations have transferred their buildings to the state government. Within the next five years, several associations may be confronted with this dilemma of what to do or where to allocate their property. The Greek Museum Adelaide is therefore making a request that you help our museum as real Greeks and Philhellenes.

We ask you this question: is it not better for a building to be bequeathed and found again in Greek hands, the hands of the Greek Museum Adelaide rather than in the hands of the state, which has its own means? The Greek Museum could continue to present and promote our Hellenism and to recognize and continue the contribution of the donor association.

Why should Greeks not support such an important Greek effort, especially now that our Hellenism has more than ever a need for promotion and recognition?

One more building to the Australian state makes little difference, but for the Greek Museum of Adelaide it would mean a necessary and substantial act of support.

We ask and appeal to all Greek associations to consider this call for the concession of a building.

Please contact us for clarifications and or discussion. The Council of the Greek Adelaide Museum Inc. is always open for any communication with you.

Respectfully and with appreciation,

President Chrysoula Melissinaki

You can get in contact with the Greek Museum on (0061) 0457456339 or visit http://greek-museum.com.au, https://www.facebook.com/GreekMuseumAdelaide

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