The Annual General Meeting of members of Sydney Olympic Football Club Limited (SOFC) will be held at the Canterbury League Club (Terrace Bar), 26 Bridge Rd, Belmore at 6.30pm on Thursday 25 February 2021.
During the AGM, Sydney Olympic will provide the president’s report and financial statements from the 2020 season. A re-election of directors will also take place during the meeting.
“The AGM is a great opportunity for Life Members and Season Pass Holders to get together and hear about not only the previous year but plans for the future,” Club CEO John Boulous said.
“It is an opportunity to ask any questions and provide feedback, we are always interested to hear from our Members which will help us continue grow the Club”.
Life Members and Voting members are eligible to attend the AGM, with 2021 season pass application forms to be available to complete.
“Season Pass Holders can apply for their season pass ahead of our big Round 1 match against Sydney United 58 FC at Belmore Sports ground on Saturday 27 February,” Boulous added.
Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the last agenda item.
A pilot version of digital platform, myConsulLive, has officially been launched at the Greek Consulate in Perth to offer diaspora a fast and easy way to communicate with officials and apply online for documents and certificates.
Consul in Perth, Ms Georgia Karasiotou, tells The Greek Herald that the program has been going well so far and it is expected to be rolled out across Australia in the near future.
“More than ever in the last year, we have realised how useful and necessary it is to be able to do some work remotely,” Ms Karasiotou says.
“It is true that many of the transactions of the Consulates cannot be done without the physical presence of the citizen concerned, for example, the issuance of a passport or a notarial deed. There are others, however, where the services our fellow citizens need can be done by utilising the means technology gives us, such as the issuance of some certificates or photocopies of acts.
Μέσω της υπηρεσίας myConsulLive οι πολίτες θα μπορούν να συνομιλήσουν με προξενικό υπάλληλο με βιντεοκλήση. Είναι ένα πρώτο βήμα στο σχέδιο ψηφιοποίησης των προξενικών υπηρεσιών, που έχει στόχο να εξυπηρετούνται καλύτερα και να ταλαιπωρούνται λιγότερο οι Έλληνες του εξωτερικού. pic.twitter.com/Rs5RZK9a2u
“This is the philosophy of myConsulLive, which is a personalised service in the sense that the appointment via teleconference gives, on the one hand, the citizen the opportunity to provide the required proof of identity and on the other hand, to communicate directly with a Consular Officer.
“But the obvious, big advantage of myConsulLive is that for some services our fellow citizens will no longer need to take leave from work or travel to visit the Consulate.
“For Western Australia, which is half the size of Europe, but also for the whole of Australia, this is a great relief. That is why, starting from Perth, the platform is expected to operate in the rest of our Consulates in Australia in the near future.”
Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, was briefed on the first steps of the digitisation of consular services abroad at an e-meeting he held with the Greek Consulate General in New York back in December 2020.
Since then, the Perth Consulate, along with the Greek Embassy in London and Greek Consulates in New York, Toronto, Canada, Boston, Istanbul and Dusseldorf, have all been digitised.
The simmering tennis feud between Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios has exploded ahead of the Australian Open, with the world No.1 declaring “I don’t have much respect” for the Aussie star.
Speaking in his pre-Australian Open press conference, Djokovic was asked what he thought about Kyrgios calling him “a tool” on Twitter in mid-January.
The name-calling came after Djokovic made a list of requests to Tennis Australia and the Victorian government for tennis players stuck in hard hotel quarantine.
“Off the court, I don’t have much respect for him, to be honest. That’s where I’ll close it. I really don’t have any further comments for him, his own comments for me or anything else he’s trying to do,” Djokovic said.
As for Kyrgios’ on-the-court antics, Djokovic is far more willing to lavish praise on the controversial 25-year-old star.
“I think he’s good for the sport. Obviously he’s someone that is different. He goes about his tennis, he goes about his off-court things in his own authentic way. I have respect for him,” Djokovic said.
“My respect goes to him for the tennis he’s playing. I think he’s a very talented guy. He’s got a big game. He has proven that he has a quality to beat any player really in the world in the past.”
The feud between the pair dates back to a 2019 podcast, where Kyrgios described Djokovic’s “sick obsession” with wanting to be liked.
Djokovic and Kyrgios have only played each other twice, both in 2017 (at Indian Wells and Acapulco) and both times the Australian won.
Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is facing mounting anger over claims he attended a dinner that exceeded the limits on gatherings on the very day health restrictions had been tightened to stop transmission of the virus in Greece.
“[He] ought to say a very big sorry to the Greek people,” Nasos Iliopoulos, the spokesman for the main opposition party Syriza, said as criticism of the incident grew.
“It’s even worse when it has happened on the day that the government has asked citizens to remain indoors from 6pm.”
Mitsotakis was visiting the Aegean island of Ikaria to meet medical staff, when he found himself in the line of fire after he and his entourage were filmed enjoying lunch on the terrace of the harbour-front home of MP Christodoulos Stefanidis.
Media reports described the leader’s entourage as being far in excess of the limit of nine people congregating at any one time.
Μπράβο στον Κυριάκο που άνοιξε την εστίαση. Για την πάρτη του βέβαια αλλά μην έχετε και απαιτήσεις ρε μαλακες pic.twitter.com/rOIuUzvlV3
In no time, images and video footage of the event were circulating on the internet. By Sunday, the Syriza leader and former Prime Minister, Alexis Tsipras, had also uploaded the video on his Instagram account, castigating the government for “profound presumption and arrogance.”
For his part, the minister holding the dinner, Stefanidis, defended Mitsotakis and acknowledged that a crowd had spontaneously congregated outside the building to see the PM “up close,” but insisted that during the brief time people were inside his home health protocols were upheld.
“During the meal all the measures … were observed,” he told The Guardian, noting that the entourage not only dined outdoors but that the number of people around each table was strictly limited with mask-wearing studiously observed in between.
“I am sincerely sorry that the images and conditions, beyond the space where the Prime Minister was [and] where people had converged spontaneously to see him up close, were not correct.”
A crowd had spontaneously congregated outside the building to see the PM “up close.” Photo: Keep Talking Greek.
Responding to the criticism late on Sunday, the government’s spokesman Christos Tarantilis criticised the opposition for suggesting that “a fiesta” had taken place in Ikaria in which Mitsotakis had participated, calling the claims inaccurate and divisive.
But he added: “in the Prime Minister’s future tours every possible care will be taken so that the wrong image is not created.”
This is not the first time Mitsotakis has been in the spotlight for flouting rules his own government has set.
In early December, the politician was criticised after images emerged of him posing with admirers during a mountain biking excursion with his wife in the Parnitha range north of Athens. No one was wearing a mask or keeping social distancing rules. He subsequently apologised.
Imagine a Greek backyard without a lemon tree? Impossible, and this isn’t only to spice up the look of the garden. Lemon is known to be a great source of Vitamin C, improves skin quality and helps with digestion. Oh, and it also tastes amazing with spanakopita.
Sage
Native to Greece, Sage was originally used as a meat preservative and to preserve memory. Salvia officinalis, as it was called in ancient times, was used for warding off evil, snakebites, increasing women’s fertility, and more. The Romans referred to sage as the “holy herb,” and employed it in their religious rituals. Common sage is grown in parts of Europe for distillation of an essential oil.
Mint
Photo: Nicole Lindstrom/WanderLust
According to Greek mythology, Minthe was a Greek water nympth to the river Cocytus. She wanted to seduce Hades after seeing his golden chariot but was thwarted by Queen Persephone, who turned Minthe into the herb, mint. Today, it used primarily for cooking and to settle people’s stomaches. It has a warm, fresh, aromatic, sweet flavour with a cool aftertaste.
Artichoke
Native to the Mediterranean, artichoke was created in Greek mythology when Zeus turned his desired into a thistle after being rejected. Varieties of artichokes were cultivated in Sicily, with the the Greeks calling them kaktos. In that period, the Greeks ate the leaves and flower heads, believing it was highly healthy and used it as an aphrodisiac, a diuretic, a breath freshener, and a deodorant.
Lavender
The ancient Greeks called the lavender herb nárdos, and was used to heal aches and pains from labouring. The flower was sold for the equivalent of a farm worker’s month salary. After scientific analysis in the 21st century, it’s been found that lavender can be used to improve sleep for people with insomnia. It can also treat certain hair diseases.
The Greek language and the Hellenic culture and history is the heritage of all Europeans. We should be marketing it as such.
We cannot just rely on a couple of organisations nor are they the best fit for all to learn Greek. We need to market the language to all age groups and all backgrounds in the greater community.
Money needs to be spent in our universities to create and offer the best courses in the language, the literature, the culture, the history. Specialised courses could be offered for Archaelogy students and Medical students and even in the sciences and Modern Greek Philosophy.
If we can only appreciate the amazing academics, thinkers, poets, writers, philosophers, scientists and musicians in Greece today and those of Greek background in the Diaspora then we would be a force to be reckoned with. This would be the best help we can offer Greece.
By showing the world that the Greeks still have amazing capabilities similar to their ancestors. We cannot assume everyone knows what our ancestors did for Europe and the World.
We need to translate as many Greek books into foreign languages as possible in order to show the world the wealth of thought and the wisdom of our modern thinkers. This will attract philhellenes who will then support Greece and want to learn the language so that they can enjoy the beauty of it too.
Delicious, packed with Mediterranean flavours and covered in a rich and thick tomato sauce! This traditional soutzoukakia recipe was introduced to the Greek cuisine in the beginning of the 20th century and has its origin from the city of Smyrni.
This is a hearty Greek dish, perfect for a big family meal!
Ingredients
3 thick slices of bread, soaked in water
500 gr. / 1 lb. finely minced beef
1 egg
6 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Salt and pepper
2 small glasses of white wine
30 gr. flour (for frying)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons tomato puree or 2 cans tomato roughly chopped to garnish
Chopped parsley (to garnish)
Instructions
Soak the bread in water for 10 minutes and discard the crust. Squeeze the water from the bread and mix with the mince, egg, garlic, cumin, cinnamon, salt, pepper and 1 small glass of the wine. The best results for mixing are always achieved by using your hands.
When properly mixed make long thin shapes, like fat cigars, about the length of your finger (around 15 of them), roll them in the flour and fry in the vegetable oil on medium heat, making sure that they are crisp all over.
In the meantime, put the olive oil in a saucepan and when it’s warm, add the tomatoes and the rest of the wine. Cook slowly for 5 minutes, stirring and ensure it does not stick.
Add the Soutzoukakia as they come out of the frying pan, covering them with tomato sauce, add a little more water if needed, cover and cook slowly for 10 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley. With its rich sauce it can be served with plain white rice or mashed potatoes as a main dish. They also make great starters for a dinner party!
Positive signs for the Greek art market arise from the results of the recent auction of Modern Greek paintings & philhellenic objects, conducted by Vergos Auctions on 27 January and aired live from the company’s Youtube channel.
More specifically, at the historically highest price for the Greek art market (€370,680) and among the 5 highest in the world, the work “the apotheosis of beauty” (1940) by the creator Constantine Parthenis, was enshrined.
Work was originally intended for the decoration of a wall of the city hall of Athens. The intense interest manifested for the modern “white iconostasis” of Steven Antonakos resulted in another first for the largest, purely Greek, auction house. The work was sold at the highest price achieved for the artist, touching €28,274 (initial estimate price €10,000 – 15,000).
Several more works exceeded the initial appreciation prices in the section of Modern Greek painting, with the total sold tickets of the category amounting to 75%.
The “composition” of Giannis Gaitis went for €25,704, a price more than three times the initially estimated €6,000 – 8,000. Also, the work “Infinity Fields” from the Lefkada series of Theodoros Stamos, sold for €28,274, with an initial estimate price of € 12,000 – 16,000.
Finally, in the category of historical & philhellenic objects, the work of Nicolackis Mitropoulos arborant L’étendart de la Croix à Sâlona, le jour de Pâques 1821, by Louis Dupre, also attracted great interest from the auction participants, with the final price reaching €9,786, while the initial estimate ranged between €1,000-1,500.
Design subjects in school sometimes aren’t given the proper acknowledgement they deserve from within the school community, and the general Australian public.
Which is why when 2020 graduate Yianna Nikos found out her Textiles and Design project would be displayed at the Powerhouse Museum as part of a special exhibition, she was over the moon.
“It was extremely rewarding to find out my major work would be on display in the powerhouse museum,” Yianna said to The Greek Herald.
“Shape has been a dream of mine since I started High School and it feels surreal knowing that my work will be part of this year’s exhibition.”
Yianna placed first in her course at Presbyterian Ladies’ College Sydney in Croydon, designing a beautiful evening apparel gown with a strapless corset, straight skirt and traditionally smocked cape.
She drew inspiration from 1940s figure-hugging, asymmetrical silhouettes and luxurious fabrics.
“My mother and both my grandmothers all have a love for textiles, something which has been passed down to me,” Yianna added.
“My affinity for Textiles has driven me closer to them, and I constantly seek their advice. I am studying Fashion Design this year and it is my dream to make a career in this field.
“Textiles has always been a part of my daily routine, so I could not imagine myself having a life or career without it.”
De La Salle Catholic College Cronulla received an astounding 18 student nominations for the exhibition in February, including a nomination for Greek Australian student Julia Tsounis. De La Salle’s Design and Technology teacher Andrew Christoforidis said he was overwhelmed with the results achieved by his students.
“One of the things that’s amazing is they weren’t really affected by COVID-19,” Andrew said to The Greek Herald.
“So we were sort of expecting a bit of a dip or results might be down on the previous year, but it wasn’t the case at all. The kids really rose to the occasion and they did really well.”
Andrew said that one of the shining moments of teaching Design and Technology was the diversity between projects. The final assessment of all design subjects allows students to showcase a project they are passionate about, bringing awareness to a particular style or societal issue.
“I like the creativity, I like that it’s unpredictable, and I also that it’s student centred learning.
“I don’t determine what they’re doing. They do it, the student themselves. We give suggestions but really, the ideas are coming from the students themselves. And basically I’m a facilitator.”
Andrew Christoforidis (right) with teachers at De La Salle Catholic College Cronulla. Photo: Supplied
Speaking about the Powerhouse Museum exhibition, Andrew said it’s a great opportunity for students to get their work out to the world. An exhibition not only for students however, it allows Australians to witness the remarkable talents of the early 2000s generation.
“It’s really an inspiration, and also recognition of all that hard work that is only confined to one school community, but when it’s shared across the state like that, it’s a real celebration of what students can achieve.
“It also helps teachers. It broadens our perspective because you sort of get locked into a certain view or think a project should be something like this.
“And often you’ll go to shape and they’ll have something that’s completely out of the box, completely unexpected and it’s just a celebration of their educational achievement.
“They’re looking at the pinnacle of what these students can design.”
Maria Sakkari has come out victorious against German tennis pro Angelique Kerber and moves on to the semi-finals of the Grampians Trophy.
Maria Sakkari had a strong run of form entering this afternoon’s Grampians Trophy match, beating Canadian Leylah Fernandez in straight sets only yesterday.
A former World No. 1, Angelique Kerber is a veteran Open player and one that Sakkari knows well having met her twice before, losing to the German on both occasions.
Looking under pressure in the beginning half of the first set, the Greek turned it around after thirty minutes to dominate the German physically and with intelligence. Sakkari secured a break point to go up 5-4, later claiming the first set 6-4.
Why play it safe on second serve when you can just fire an ace down the line and win the first set? 😲🔥
Despite losing the first set, Kerber’s serve looked unmatched at the start of this afternoons game. Sakkari, on the other hand, finished the first set with 5 double faults and a first serve win percentage of 45. As witnessed during the match, however, this is largely accompanied by Sakkari’s tendency to take more risks in her second serve.
Entering the second set, Sakkari brought with her the energy from her first-set victory, earning a break point on the first game. Her ability to out-stamina her opponent meant she was able to survive and win many of her rallies.
Sakkari’s somewhat lacklustre serve in the first set was also completely turned around later in the match, showing her incredible power which has helped her in the past in victories against Serena Williams and Elina Svitolina.
The Grampians Trophy semifinals await @mariasakkari 💫
Sakkari glided through the second set, being up 4 games to 0 at one point in the match. Claiming her second victory of the Grampians Trophy 6-4, 6-2, the Greek will move on to the semi-finals to be played tomorrow.
“I have my Greeks here which feels great, it’s one thing I look forward to when i come to Australia,” Sakkari said in a post-match interview.
“This is my home tournament… Every-time I come to Australia I feel like I’m at home.”
