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On this day in 2014, Greek singer Tzeni Vanou passed away after a battle with cancer

The Greek Herald
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On this day in 2014, Greek singer Tzeni Vanou passed away after a battle with cancer

Tzeni Vanou was a famous Greek singer renowned for her unique hoarseness and jazz voice, as well as her ‘larger than life’ character.

Eugenia Vrachnou, as her real name was, was born in Athens on February 10, 1939. She had a difficult childhood after the separation of her parents and grew up with her grandmother. She said that at the age of 14 she tried to commit suicide because her father did not allow her to see her mother.

Tzeni first intended to study at the School of Physics and Mathematics. However, after her acquaintance with the composer Mimis Plessas, whom she considered her mentor, she decided to take up singing. At the urging of Plessas, she took an exam at the EIR and was hired in 1959 as a singer in the light music orchestra of the state radio station. 

The artistic nickname with which she built her career was the idea of ​​the conductor and composer Gerasimos Lavranos, with whom she collaborated in her first steps.

Her first hit song was ‘If I Deny You My Love’ and later signed her first big album, which included her great success'”I see you in my glass’. Her song ‘Tora’, developed in collaboration with Mimis, won first prize at the Thessaloniki Festival in 1964.

She soon established herself as a singer of light song and duettist, collaborating mainly with Giannis Vogiatzis. In the late 60’s, Nikos Mamagakis asked her to sing “I love you” (“The sun rises in your eyes”) for Nikos Foskolos’ film “Avenue of Hate”. The song was a great success and Manos Hadjidakis suggested that they collaborate. She refused because she did not want to betray Mimis Plessas, who promoted her.

In the early 70’s her career took a turn towards folk. She had just returned from America, where she worked for two years, separated and alone with two young children (Michalis and Athena from her marriage to businessman Vassilis Rigopoulos). In this difficult phase of her life, one day she met Tolis Voskopoulos, who helped her start all over again. He wrote her two folk songs (“My boy” and “Please, get up and leave”), which became great hits. Plessas wrote her the hit “I see you in my glass” and in 1984 she got a gold record with “Train of life”.

Tzeni Vanou passed away from cancer at the ‘Metaxa’ hospital in Piraeus on February 5, 2014. During her last few months of life, she had undergone a surgery to remove a tumour in the larynx.

Sourced By: San Simera

Leaders of over 50 multicultural communities gather with Federal MP to plan vaccine rollout

The Greek Herald
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Leaders of over 50 multicultural communities gather with Federal MP to plan vaccine rollout

A major roundtable was held yesterday involving more than 50 community leaders to discuss how they can partner together in supporting the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in Australia.

Greek Community of Melbourne President Bill Papastergiadis was in attendance for the meeting, asking the Minister for Health and Aged Care Mr Greg Hunt the question below:

“Covid has had a profound impact on communities and the economy by dislocating Australia from the rest of the world. It has stopped many families from reconnecting and has stranded many students abroad. What is the timeframe for opening Australia’s borders with the rest of the world in line with the proposed vaccination rollout?“

Below is Minister Hunt’s response:

“As the vaccination program is rolled out, community groups should step up their representations with State Governments about the ability to leave and return to Australia,” Mr Hunt said.  

“I and the Federal Government do not support the long term closing of our borders. The effect on family reunions and our economy has been hard. In terms of a time line, Australia will continue to open up green lanes with countries that have low levels of cases. 

“Next, as cases subside overseas, then Australia will continue to progressively open up channels with other countries. All of this will be staged an much will depend on transmission rates overseas, albeit the results from the U.K that are coming out now seem somewhat positive. 

“Progressive steps will be made on opening up Australia which will take place during 2021”

A comprehensive plan, including communication activities and community engagement strategies, has been developed in partnership with multicultural specialist agencies and, with advice from the national CALD Communities COVID-19 Health Advisory Group, to reach people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

The campaign will reach Australians through a range of channels including regular website updates, social media, health professionals and community and grass roots organisations, networks, and the media. It includes advertising in 32 languages across radio, print and social media, and will extend to communities that are harder to reach through traditional channels.

Messages will target specific multicultural groups to ensure everyone in Australia has a full understanding of the vaccination program. Many people working in sectors such as aged care will be in the first groups to be vaccinated and are from CALD communities, with the government highlighting that it is critical that they receive translated information that is culturally appropriate.

Translated resources have been developed for multicultural communities, including radio and print editorials, a video development guide for community leaders to film their own videos, in-language web content, social media posts, posters, and newsletter articles. The Department of Health’s vaccine hub also has a translation button for 63 languages available on its website and on mobile devices.

Professor Michael Kidd during the roundtable said that by late February, the first doses will be given for Pfizer. In March, the AstraZeneca vaccines will arrive from overseas (assuming they are TGA approved). CSL will produce the AstraZeneca vaccines from late March here in Australia.

Dr Monique Stone made the point that all the correct steps for approval have been taken by the TGA.

‘We’ll do much better’: Greek PM sees tourism rebound in summer

The Greek Herald
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‘We’ll do much better’: Greek PM sees tourism rebound in summer

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has forecast a strong rebound in tourism this summer, saying speedy vaccination drives in key markets including Britain and Israel will pave the way for tourists to return despite the current industry gloom.

Tourism, which accounts for about 20% of the Greek economy and employs one in five workers, collapsed last year as the coronavirus pandemic sent its revenues slumping to 4 billion euros ($4.8 billion) from 18 billion in 2019.

Since last summer, when the pandemic subsided across Europe, the virus has surged, triggering renewed lockdowns and travel restrictions and pushing the region’s death toll above 750,000.

“I am a realist but I am also cautiously optimistic that we will do much better than last year,” Mitsotakis told Reuters.

“Last year we were at 20-25% of what we would have gotten in a regular year. If we were to get 50% of what a regular year would look like, it’s still going to be 100% better than last year.”

Greece has created its own standard vaccination certificate and is pushing for a European Union-wide certification system, which could be electronic. There is still an EU debate on whether certificates should be required for cross-border travel.

Mitsotakis said certificates would not be mandatory for visitors this summer but he noted that Britain and Israel were leading the way in the speed of their vaccination rollouts.

“Essentially we are dependent on the pace of vaccination in our main markets,” he said.

“For example, Israel is a very important market for Greece and if 70% of the Israeli population is vaccinated by the end of March, it makes it easier to gradually start opening up to Israelis who have a real interest in travelling.”

Sourced By: Reuters

New ATP Cup schedule sees Greece face off against Team Spain on Friday morning

The Greek Herald
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New ATP Cup schedule sees Greece face off against Team Spain on Friday morning

By Bill Roumeliotis

The ATP Cup will resume on Friday with three group stage ties at Melbourne Park, with Team Greece facing Team Spain at 10am in the Melbourne Arena.

The two team countries were scheduled to face off last night at the Rod Laver Arena, yet a new COVID-19 case forced all tennis players to get tested and isolate before receiving their results.

At 10 a.m Michalis Pervolarakis will face Pablo Carreño Busta, followed by Stefanos Tsitsipas playing against Roberto Bautista Agut. Rafael Nadal continues to suffer from his waist problem and therefore withdrew his participation in the round. The doubles match will follow, where Greece will line up with their two top players.

Greece has mathematical hopes of qualifying for the semifinals, but in order to achieve this they will need to win all 3 matches against Spain. In any other case, the Spaniards will be the ones to enter the next stage.

Also with a one day delay, due to the postponement of yesterday’s matches, Maria Sakkari will start her run for the Grampians Trophy in Melbourne. The top Greek tennis player, who qualified directly for the round of 16, will face the very talented 18-year-old Leylah Fernandez in the first match at Court 8, at 11 am.

Hotel in Greece levelled after catastrophic explosion

The Greek Herald
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Hotel in Greece levelled after catastrophic explosion

A large night-time explosion levelled a three-story lakeside hotel just outside the northern Greek town of Kastoria early Thursday, authorities said. The hotel was closed and empty at the time, and no injuries were reported.

The explosion occurred at around 1:30 a.m., destroying the 80-room facility located about four kilometers (2.5 miles) outside of Kastoria. The reason for the blast was unclear, but authorities said they suspected a gas leak.

Iordanis Michailidis, head of the Union of Hotel Owners of Kastoria, said the sound of the blast reached the town of Kastoria, where he lives, and was accompanied by a momentary power cut.

The 3-star Tsamis Hotel is located 2.5 miles away from the city of Kastoria and was said to have sent debris flying in a radius of nearly 100 meters.

Firefighters from Kastoria were dispatched on the scene while police officers cordoned off the area and blocked traffic on the main highway leading to the city, which passes near the hotel.

Sourced By: AP News

Adelaide Olympic FC mourns death of coach Pavlos Vaggelis

The Greek Herald
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Adelaide Olympic FC mourns death of coach Pavlos Vaggelis

Adelaide Olympic FC mourns the loss of Team Coach Pavlos Vaggelis who died at the age of 37, after a short battle with an aggressive form of cancer.

Adelaide Olympic announced the passing of Vaggelis on social media on Thursday evening, extending their condolences to his family.

“With tremendous sadness the Adelaide Olympic Football Club regretfully informs it supporters and the greater football community of the passing of First Team Coach Pavlos Vaggelis surrounded by his family and loved ones in Greece after a short battle with a very aggressive form of cancer. Our thoughts are with his family. May he Rest in Peace,” reads the post.

Adelaide City FC, Modbury Jets SC, Adelaide Titans Football Club, co-players and supporters have led tributes to a “good man who will be sadly missed”.

Ngoni Hwenjere: ‘I don’t look like a Greek but inside I feel 100% Greek’

The Greek Herald
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Ngoni Hwenjere: ‘I don’t look like a Greek but inside I feel 100% Greek’

When he first arrived in Australia from Zimbabwe in 2008, little did Ngoni Hwenjere know that a Greek organisation would change his way of life and even give him a Greek name, Polidoros. Thirteen years later, Ngoni says Greek culture is now part of his psyche. He even received the prestigious Outstanding Contribution staff award from the biggest Greek not-for-profit aged care organisation in Victoria, Fronditha Care. 

Ngoni decided to leave his motherland, Zimbabwe when he was 23. His parents and his four other siblings immigrated to the UK but, in search of adventure, Ngoni thought Melbourne to be the ideal place to create his new life. Armed with courage, commitment and the lessons learnt from his devoted grandmother who played a fundamental role in his upbringing, he made the move.

“My grandmother always told me to be kind and welcoming. Be a good boy. Her words guide me until today, and it’s what made me who I am now.”

The close relationships with and respect for his elders led Ngoni to work in the aged care sector.  He started with Fronditha Care as a personal carer in the organisation’s Clayton residence, working night shifts and studying by day to be an accountant.

“I have a lot of cherished memories. I will never forget one lovely yiayia used to tell me stories from Greece and asked me about my story. I started exploring and loving the Greek culture straight after.”

Ngnoni with his wife, children and sister in law.  

His opportunity to move to the Finance Department of Fronditha Care came when the then CEO saw him treat a distressed resident and asked him about his background and plans. Six months later, after completing his accounting degree, he knocked on the CEO’s door and joined the finance team in a part-time role. Since then, he has successfully obtained a Masters Degree in Banking & Finance, become a CPA and completed Fronditha Care’s Emerging Leaders Program.

Currently the Financial Controller of Fronditha Care, Ngoni has worked within the team in various capacities and projects displaying diligence, dedication and leadership. He attributes his growth to Fronditha Care and the willingness of his managers to empower him.

“I grew along with Fronditha Care. There are many opportunities to grow here, which is one of the things that I love in the organisation, you can flourish if you want.”

I share the same values as the organisation: Respect, Do Right, Bring Joy, Inspire Better. I espouse and implement all these every day.”

The consistent demonstration of these values is why he was presented Fronditha Care’s 2020 Outstanding Contribution Award, the top award granted at the organisation’s annual Staff Awards.

Ngoni on his wedding day with his grandparents.

“I live and breath Fronditha Care, every day. It was my first love in Australia, and I have so many memories from here.”

But what about his dive into the Greek culture. Ngoni proudly says that he feels the Greek culture is very close to his own African culture, and he has now adopted many of its elements into his life.

“I may not look Greek but inside I feel 100% Greek. I even speak to my two children in Greek sometimes. Also, I have a Greek name, Polydoros and every 3 September, I bring sweets to my colleagues because it’s my name day. I love it.”

When he received his award, Ngoni expressed his gratitude to his team that helped him in all his steps. Together, in the highs and lows. He also acknowledged that whatever he does, it is ultimately for the community’s most vulnerable people.

“Yiayia, pappou, wherever you are, you are all so dear to me as you are to Fronditha Care and you will always have a place in my heart,” he passionately says.

Fronditha Care is both proud and privileged to have Ngoni as a member of its family. His story, the ethos of his character and diligence is a source of inspiration for his colleagues, and it is important to recognise how a migrant from Africa has dedicated his efforts to improving the lives of elderly Greeks in Australia.

Cretan Brotherhood youth in Melbourne elect first female President in over a decade

Andriana Simos
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Cretan Brotherhood youth in Melbourne elect first female President in over a decade

The Cretan Brotherhood Youth of Melbourne and Victoria held their Annual General Meeting on January 17 and for the first time in over 10 years, the Youth Committee elected a female President.

Rhea Gotsis will be leading the new 2021 Youth Committee after taking over from previous President, Vasilios Berbetakis. The new Vice President is Bill Theodorakis.

Rhea tells The Greek Herald that she feels very ’empowered’ to have taken up the executive position and hopes she can be a role model for others.

“I can now pose as a role model for the younger females of our club, which are as young as four years old,” Rhea says. “I want to show them that there is an opportunity out there that they didn’t realise existed, of being a leader within the club.”

Rhea herself has been part of the Brotherhood for ten years, taking part in Cretan dancing classes and culture, before she became involved in the Youth Committee as the PR Advisor, then Secretary and Vice President last year.

Now in her current position as President, Rhea says she has two main priorities for the Cretan Brotherhood youth this year.

“My first priority after a year apart in isolation, is that we want to make 2021 a year of reconnection. I truly believe that by prioritising the foundation of our club, the younger children, and reconnecting them through events, will pose a strong reflection on how our club works,” she explains.

“And this aligns with the second priority, which is branching out more into the Greek community. A common misconception is that you need to be Cretan to join the club. It’s nothing like that.

“We cater for all people, all ages, all nationalities and we want to branch further into the Greek community and educate them on our values and show them the friendships and bonds we’ve made as part of the club.”

A powerful initiative from a young Greek Australian with a bright future ahead of her.

Theodoros Kolokotronis: Five facts about the Greek Revolution hero

Andriana Simos
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Theodoros Kolokotronis: Five facts about the Greek Revolution hero

Theodoros Kolokotronis was a general and a leading figure of the Greek War for Independence in 1821, as well as a politician and country advisor. He is also known as the Elder of Morias.

To mark the occasion of his birth, we take a look back at his incredible life.

1. Place of Birth:

Kolokotronis was born in Messinia to a well-known family. His father participated in the rebellion supported by Empress Catherine II of Russia in 1770, and was killed along with his two brothers by the Turks.

As a result, Kolokotronis and his mother moved to her hometown in Arkadia, where he was raised. He soon entered the klepth groups of the area and became a captain when he was 15 years old.

Kolokotronis was born in Messinia to a well-known family.

2. Liberation of Nafplion:

In April 1821, Greeks attacked the Ottomans in Nafplion and the siege started. According to Kolokotronis’ memoir, thousands of Ottomans died during the battle, while only 100 Greeks died. The siege ended on September 23 and it is now known as the “Fall of Tripolitsa.”

Kolokotronis is said to have ridden his horse up the steep slopes to the castle of Palamidi to celebrate his victory.

He was also famously quoted as saying, “Greeks, God has signed our Liberty and will not go back on his promise.”

3. The Battle of Dervenaki:

Dramali and his army were defeated in the Battle of Dervenaki on July 28, 1822.

On July 28, 1822, the Turkish campaign suffered a huge defeat at the Battle of Dervenaki by a Greek army led by Theodoros Kolokotronis, Dimitrios Ypsilantis, Papaflessas and Nikitaras.

By the summer of 1822, the Ottomans were preparing to move southwards and crush the Greek uprising. The Turkish army under Mahmut Dramali passed through the narrow gorge of Dervenaki and posted no forces where other gorges exposed his flanks. 

Kolokotronis pursued a scorched earth policy, aiming at starving the Ottomans out. The Greeks looted the villages, burned the grain and foodstuff they could not move, and damaged the wells and springs.

READ MORE: On This Day: The Expedition of Dramali comes to an end.

Dramali’s army was trapped in the sweltering Argolic plain at the same time as Greek troops surrounded them from all sides.

Dramali dispatched an advance guard consisting of 1,000 Muslim Albanians to occupy the passes. The Greeks brought down devastating fire and then charged, slaying the Ottomans in vicious hand-to-hand fighting. Very few of the Ottoman light cavalry managed to escape.

4. After the war:

Kolokotronis was a big supporter of Kapodistrias and his policies, and was a leader during the events of Otto’s enthronement. However, in 1833, he had a serious conflict with the Regents, eventually sending him and other heroes of the Revolution to prison in Nafplio, charged with treason.

In 1834, he was sentenced to death, but after Otto’s coming of age, he received a royal pardon and became an “Advisor of the Country.”

5. Death:

Kolokotronis died on February 4, 1843 after a stroke, while returning from a celebration at the palace.

George Calombaris opens up on ‘hard’ toll of empire collapse

The Greek Herald
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George Calombaris opens up on ‘hard’ toll of empire collapse

Former Masterchef host, George Calombaris, has revealed today in an interview with the Herald Sun what emotionally devastated him most about his restaurant collapse, while also vowing “to do good things” following a wage scandal.

“The hard thing was to see how my team suffered,” Calombaris said in the interview, while stressing that the past three years were “very hard.”

“I’m really excited the last of them is now overseas cooking in an amazing place in Singapore. All my head chefs and managers are in great places and doing great things and that makes me really happy.”

READ MORE: Calombaris’ empire crumbles as he places 22 businesses in voluntary administration.

Calombaris’ restaurant empire, MAdE Establishment Group, collapsed in February last year. Photo: Ten.

The former Jimmy Grants and Hellenic Republic chef has been missing from the public eye over the last few months or so, but he says he is excited to re-emerge.

“I’m really excited about this year, I think personally I will never go back to the crazy world that I used to live in,’’ Calombaris told the Herald Sun.

“I really enjoyed my family [wife Natalie and their two children] because I was never really around for them. Being around them for the last nine months, I’ve missed out on a lot.”

Calombaris’ restaurant empire, MAdE Establishment Group, collapsed in February last year. It came after the business was beset by reputational damage following a $7.8 million underpayment scandal.

READ MORE: George Calombaris restaurant empire’s collapse costs taxpayers $1 million.

“If I keep looking backwards I’m going to get a sore neck. So I just look forward and I want to do good things,” he said.

Do this involve a TV return? Colambaris said yes, but it’ll be on his terms.

“After you come off what was one of the most incredible television shows in MasterChef, I’m very grateful I’ve had time to just breathe and time to spend with my family,’’ he said.

“I love television and I will do it again but it’s got to represent who I am and talk about the story. Hopefully I’ll be able to help people through all of my good, bad and ugly.”

READ MORE: George Calombaris sells Toorak mansion to help settle $8.5 million debt.

Source: Herald Sun.

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