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.
After postponing its 70th anniversary event three times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney wasn’t letting anything stop its celebrations this time around.
Proud members of the Hellenic Lyceum, their family, friends and representatives of numerous Greek communities across Sydney all showed up to The Grand Roxy in Brighton-Le-Sands on Sunday afternoon to support the women’s organisation and its hard work over 70 years.
VIP guests at the anniversary event. All photos copyright: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.Jenny Morrison with Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney President, Liana Vertzayias. (L-R) Steve Kamper MP, Mark Coure MP and Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Christos Karras.
Among the special VIP guests were the wife of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Jenny Morrison; the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Christos Karras; His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia; the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Coure MP; Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis MP; Member for Rockdale, Steve Kamper; the President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW, Harry Danalis; the Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney, Nia Karteris; and the President of the Lyceum, Liana Vertzayias; among many others.
(L-R) Jenny Morrison, Christos Karras and Marina Efthimiou.
These guests, as well as the over 150 other people in attendance, were treated to a beautiful three course meal as they mingled and took in all the formal proceedings.
The proceedings began with the singing of the Australian and Greek National Anthems by Jim Tsolakis and Despina Lucas.
Singing of the National Anthems of Greece and Australia.
This was followed by the Hellenic Lyceum dancers, under the guidance of Dimitri and Stavroula Papapetrou, performing a number of traditional Greek dances related to Asia Minor and the Greek Revolution.
Hellenic Lyceum dancers.
They were accompanied by Olga Mytika-Kremisis on vocals, Michael Platyrrahos on the violi and lyra, Vassilis Tsatsagos on the laouto and ode, and Tassos Tsagaris on the toubeleki.
Afterwards, a number of small speeches were given by Bishop Christodoulos, Mrs Vertzayias, Mr Karras, Mr Coure, Ms Cotsis and Mrs Morrison.
In her speech, Mrs Vertzayias thanked everyone for attending the anniversary celebrations and gave a brief history of how the Lyceum is well-known for “pioneering women’s rights and promoting Greek culture and traditions.”
Bishop Christodoulos.Liana Vertzayias.
“Our objectives have changed from the early days of the 50s and 60s when we were assisting newly-arrived migrant women, as we now reach out to the third and fourth generation Greek Australians to imbued them with our Hellenic values and promote Hellenism in the broader Australian community,” the President of the Hellenic Lyceum said.
“To reach this stage of the Lyceum’s development, hundreds of women have given their time and energy. We salute and acknowledge all those women.”
The Greek Consul General then approached the stage and congratulated the Hellenic Lyceum on “successfully maintaining and promoting Greek culture, traditions and heritage in Australia.”
Christos Karras.Mark Coure MP.
Next up was Mr Coure who stressed that the Hellenic Lyceum has provided “more than 70 years of service to women of Greek origin in NSW, making it one of the oldest organisations servicing women of Greek origin in Australia.”
“Congratulations,” the NSW Multicultural Minister said. “This is a dynamic organisation always ready to change with the times and needs of the community.”
This was followed by Ms Cotsis who spoke passionately about the Hellenic Lyceum and her strong connection to the organisation since she first entered politics.
“We stand on the shoulders of all of you. You have done all the hard work and we are here today to celebrate and to say thank you,” Ms Cotsis said.
Sophie Cotsis MP.Jenny Morrison.
Last up to the podium was Mrs Morrison, who shared the tragic migration story of one of her Greek friends and stressed how it highlights the resilience of the Greek community and women.
“I think that’s the spirit of Greek people,” Mrs Morrison said.
“They came and they knew what they came from and they wanted to make a better place for their children and their children’s children, meanwhile sharing a wonderful culture and amazing stories and dances.”
After a round of applause by all those in attendance, two awards were then handed out to Marina Efthimiou for being the longest-serving President of the Hellenic Lyceum, and to Dimitri and Stavroula Papapetrou for their 30 years of service as dance instructors.
Marina Efthimiou receiving her awardThe Papapetrou’s receiving their award.
Official proceedings were concluded with the cutting of a special cake by the committee and members of the Hellenic Lyceum, followed by Greek dancing.
*All photos copyright: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
The Kytherian Association of Australia (KAA) hosted its annual Aroney Awards Night at The Lemnos on Saturday, April 9, 2022.
Thanks to a trust established by the late Kytherian benefactor, Nicholas Anthony Aroney, the KAA has been hosting the Aroney Encouragement Awards for over 30 years.
The Awards encouraged young Australians with Kytherian descent to further their scholastic endeavours by completing their Higher School Certificate.
All photos by: Nick Bourdaniotis.
This year, there were sixteen award recipients including: Billy Bourdaniotis (Top Award recipient who received a 99.95 ATAR, placing him in the top 48 students in NSW); Phillip Andrews; Emmanuel Aroney; James Nicholas Aroney; Nicholas Aroney; William Aroney; Chloe Avgoustou; Olivia Cassimaty; Elly Coolentianos; Theo Fatseas; Hannah Simos; Lily Simos; Mia Alice Simos; Athanasia Strikopoulos; Christopher John Tsolakis; and Jake Zantis.
All the awardees.Bill Bourdaniotis with his family.
The Awards were presented by Stephen Aroney, a Nicholas Anthony Aroney Trust trustee, and Victor Kepreotis, a KAA Board member and ex-President.
Each of the Awardees received a financial prize of up to $1,000, a book on Kythera and a free first year membership as an adult with the KAA.
The second annual Youth Scholarship was also awarded to Abby Simos on the night. Last year’s winner, Andrea Conomos, and the Chair of the Scholarship Committee, Spiro Coolentianos, presented Abby with a certificate and a $2,000 prize. Victoria Alfieris and Georgia Galanas were named finalists.
Abby Simos received the 2022 Youth Scholarship.Emmanuel Alfieris gave a small speech.
This was followed by a nice recognition of past President, Peter Vanges, who served twice as President of the KAA in the early 1980s and 1990s. Peter was unable to attend the KAA’s Centenary Launch where there was a roll call of all past 24 Presidents and he was pleased to be recognised on the night.
Six of the limited edition KAA centenary gold medallions were also made available for silent auction on the night and raised $8,500.
After these formal proceedings were over, the KAA’s dance group performed modern and Kytherian dances where they wore the island’s traditional costumes, Spalleta, which the KAA maintains.
Bourdo Photography Copyright
At Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Date: 09 April 2022.
This was enjoyed by all in attendance including proud parents, KAA members and representatives from other community organisations such as the Kalymnian Association, the Cyprus Club, the Greek Australian Society, the Jewish Board of Deputies, SATH and The Greek Herald, who are proud Media Partner’s for the KAA’s Centenary Year.
After a night where dozens of youth ‘owned the dance floor, KAA President, Emmanuel Alfieris, closed the event by saying: “Ladies and Gentlemen, the future of our Association is here tonight.”
There was plenty of Greek food, dancing and music at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra on Saturday as ‘The Agora: Greek Cultural Festival’ returned with a bang.
About 10,000 people streamed through the gates of the museum and happily browsed the numerous Greek stalls which were set up indoors. They were selling hand-made clothing and jewellery, as well as perfume and beauty products, textiles and homewares.
All photos copyright: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.Anastasia Poniris from Mini Mati.Crowds at The Agora.
One stall holder, Anastasia Poniris from Mini Mati, told The Greek Herald on the day that she really enjoyed the festival as it gave her a chance to share her local products with visitors.
“Today has been great!” Anastasia said.
“The music and dancing is really nice. Everyone is just having fun… I came here last time as well and it was really good.”
(L-R) Andrew Satsias, Hellenic Club of Canberra President, and John Loukadellis, GOCCC President, gave speeches.
As Anastasia, and other stallholders, were holding down the fort inside, a number of small Greek businesses and local Greek associations were also keeping people well-fed outdoors.
The food ranged from the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra’s (GOCCC) famous souvlakia and calamari, to loukoumades from MrPuff’s, and halloumi chips from Halloumi-Me.
Throughout the day, people were even treated to a show from Agapi, music from the Australian Hellenic Choir, Canberra’s Kefi Band and DJ Stavros, as well as dancing performances from the Canberra Hellenic Dancers.
After their performance, the dancers encouraged the public to get involved in a group Zorba dance, which left everyone with huge smiles on their faces.
The Australian Hellenic Choir.The Kefi band.Canberra Hellenic Dancers.Everyone joined in for a Zorba dance.
Some people were also lucky enough to visit the NMA’s current Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes exhibition, which explores competition through sport, politics, drama, music and warfare, with the help of more than 170 objects from the British Museum.
“It’s been such a fun day,” festival attendee, Melissa Delfino, told The Greek Herald.
“I love the fact that I can bring my six-year-old here and he’s part-Greek and it’s really good to involve him in the culture of his dad.”
Attendees enjoying the food at the festival.People were also encouraged to visit the Ancient Greeks exhibition. Pictured: John Loukadellis.
The President of the GOCCC, John Loukadellis, added that it was great to see people enjoying “so many great vendor stalls,” as well as the kids workshops organised by the Greek School of Canberra teachers.
“The hard work we put into promoting our faith, language, heritage, history and culture through events such as the AGORA this weekend makes me a proud Greek Australian,” Mr Loukadellis said.
“A huge thank you to everyone who played a part in making the weekend such a huge success. Hellenism is alive and well in the greatest country in the world.”
*All photos copyright: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Liberal MP Fiona Martin has responded to a recent report by The Australianthat there had been a staff exodus from her office, saying she is being targeted by conservatives within her own party who are bitter about her stance on progressive issues.
“At times, the far right of our party might not like what I’ve done, but I’ve worked to be representative of the people of Reid,” Dr Martin said.
The former child psychologist added that anyone with a grievance “should come and talk to me in the first instance, rather than orchestrated political attacks.”
“…the people of Reid are not interested in political mud-throwing,” she said.
Dr Martin faces a tough contest to retain her marginal seat of Reid, but said she will continue to liaise with local religious leaders as part of her commitment to passing religious discrimination laws.
She also called for an end to factional infighting ahead of the federal election on Saturday, May 21.
Telecommunications entrepreneur, Michael Omeros, has bought a new weekender at Sunshine Beach in Queensland for $18.75 million,The Australian reports.
The six-bedroom, three-bathroom home was initially listed last April through Tom Offermann Real Estate agent Tim McSweeney.
Marketed as “Sunshine Beach chic,” the home comes with 22 metre beach frontage and 410 square metres of living space.
Michael Omeros. Photo: The Daily Telegraph.
It ranks as the Sunshine Coast’s third-priciest house sale this year.
The dearest sale was a double block development site that fetched $21.5 million, while the second-dearest sale came when mindfulness philanthropist, Kerry Harmanis, spent $19.5 million at Noosa Heads.
Andrew N. Liveris AO has been named as the President of the Organising Committee Board for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Following the announcement, Mr Liveris said he expects his new role will be one of the greatest and most satisfying opportunities to contribute to Australia.
“Brisbane holds a special place in my heart,” the former Chairman and CEO of Dow Chemical Company said.
“I am honoured to have been asked to make an important contribution to our State and nation in this critical role.”
In an interview with The Age,Mr Liveris pledged to showcase Australia’s hospitality to the world with a 2032 Games that will “go down to the ground level of sustainability.”
Mr Liveris has his work cut out for him but he’s not alone.
He’s also joined on the Committee by five new independent directors including Wesfarmers chief executive, Rob Scott, Brisbane Lions deputy chairwoman, Sarah Kelly, Queensland Rugby Union chairman, Brett Clark, and Indigenous leader and KPMG director, Shelley Reys.
Andrew Liveris.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has welcomed these new appointments and said “the Board of the Organising Committee represents some of this country’s most successful leaders who will ensure the 2032 Games are the world’s best ever.”
John Coates AC, Vice President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the President of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), agreed and said Mr Liveris “adds tremendous value and international credibility,” to the Committee.
Brisbane will be one of the smallest host cities in recent times, dwarfed by Beijing, London, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, as well as future hosts Paris and Los Angeles.
But this won’t stop Mr Liveris from pulling out all the stops.
The President of Greece, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, visited the Greek-speaking villages of Apulia, in the Salento region of southern Italy, on Saturday.
Sakellaropoulou was accompanied by Greek Culture and Sports Minister, Lina Mendoni, and they were both greeted with songs in the local Griko dialect and traditional dances.
In a speech, the Greek President highlighted the Greek roots of the local residents and celebrated the “brotherly bonds” with Greece.
Sakellaropoulou in Italy. Photo: InTime News.
Sakellaropoulou also visited the villages of Castrignano dei Greci, Carpignano Salentino, Melpignano, Zollino, Calimera, Martignano and Sternatia.
The President was attending festivities marking the 20th anniversary of the Union of Communities of Grecia Salentina’s foundation after an invitation by the President of the Union, Roberto Casaluci.
“The Union’s effort to preserve the Griko language dialect and its cultural richness deserves our support,” Sakellaropoulou said on Twitter after her visit.
Ukrainian soccer club, Shakhtar Donetsk, opened its government-backed “Global Tour for Peace” with a 1-0 loss to Greek club, Olympiakos, on Saturday at Karaiskaki stadium in Piraeus.
According to AP News, the tour aims to raise money for Ukraine’s military in the war against Russia, and also help Ukrainian refugees displaced by the war.
During their match against Olympiakos, Shakhtar players replaced their names on the back of their jerseys with those of cities bombarded by Russian forces, including Mariupol.
⚽️ #FootballStandsTogether 🙌 Every highlight of the charity match between Shakhtar and Olympiacos.
Shakhtar captain, Taras Stepanenko, said “the names of those cities, where so many people died, will remain forever in our hearts.”
This was Shakhtar’s first game since December 2021 and was played in front of a lively contingent of Ukrainians as well as the Ukrainian ambassador to Greece, Sergii Shutenko, and Greek Foreign Minister, Nikos Dendias.
Many of Olympiakos’ hardcore fans did not attend, AP News reports. Their official fan club, called Gate 7, boycotted the game.
A small section of seats was also filled with 176 teddy bears and other children’s toys in memory of the 176 children who, Ukraine said on Saturday, have died in the war since Russia’s February 24 invasion.
Toys filling the seats. Photo: IMAGO/ANE Edition.
After a minute’s silence for the victims of war, the match began with Olympiakos’ forward Tiquinho scoring a goal in the 22nd minute.
“We thank Olympiakos for giving us the opportunity to play the game… We hope we passed our message against war and for peace,” Stepanenko said at the conclusion of the match.
