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Greek activist wins 2020 Nelson Mandela Prize

The Greek Herald
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Greek activist wins 2020 Nelson Mandela Prize

Greek activist Marianna Vardinoyannis, along with Guinean doctor Morissana Kouyaté, are the winners of the 2020 Nelson Mandela Prize.

The 2020 Nelson Mandela Prize, which is awarded every five years, recognises those who dedicate their lives to the service of humanity. Kouyaté and Vardinoyannis will be unveiled during a virtual ceremony on 20 July ahead of an in-person award ceremony which will take place at a later date at UN Headquarters in New York.

The Prize is one of the ways the UN commemorates the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, the first democratically-elected President of South Africa, and a life-long rights activist who was instrumental in ending the racist apartheid era in the country. The 2020 Prize was awarded just ahead of Nelson Mandela International Day, held annually on 18 July.

Marianna V. Vardinoyannis

Marianna V. Vardinoyannis, female maie laureate of the 2020 United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize.

Marianna Vardinoyannis received the Mandela Prize due to her incredible work with children’s cancer treatment for over 30 years.

Ms. Vardinoyannis is the founder and president of two foundations dedicated to children: the “Marianna V. Vardinoyannis Foundation” and “ELPIDA Friends’ Association of Children with cancer.” Notably, the ELPIDA association was instrumental in setting up the first bone marrow transplant unit in Greece, in 1999, and the country’s first oncology hospital for children, in 2010.

Her foundation also supports programmes for the medical care of refugee children and other vulnerable social groups, human rights education, programmes, and the fight against human trafficking.

Ms. Vardinoyannis has been a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador since 1999.

Morissanda Kouyate

Morissanda Kouyate, maie laureate of the 2020 United Nations Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize.

As Executive Director of the Inter-African Committee on Harmful Traditional Practices (IAC), Dr. Kouyaté is a leading figure in efforts to end violence against women in Africa, including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). He has received several international humanitarian awards for his work.

Dr. Kouyaté created IAC in 1984 in Dakar, Senegal, at a time when FGM was a highly controversial and sensitive issue for discussion.

The organization aims, through education, to change attitudes towards the practice, and allow all African women and children to fully enjoy their human rights, free from the consequences of FGM, and other harmful practices. 

Take action and inspire change on Mandela Day

The Greek Herald
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Take action and inspire change on Mandela Day

Communities across the world are affected by the spread of COVID-19, which has hit every economy, causing new social and economic challenges and exacerbating old ones.

Mandela Day is celebrated on 18 July every year. This year, organisers of Mandela Day call on citizens to be ‘active in your community’.

Individually, or as part of one of the millions of groups, they call on citizens to come together to start initiatives around delivering food parcels, making masks and protective gear, teaching online or making donations towards these efforts.

In 2020, it is the day people share the successes they have achieved and the lessons learned from the pandemic, and its effect on those less fortunate than ourselves.

The day was established in 2009 by the UN General Assembly to honour the “promotion and quality of peace” that Nelson Mandela embraced in his life and for which the former South African president fought.

“By becoming someone who makes every day a Mandela Day by taking action against poverty, you can show others that actions speak louder than words,” says Mandela Day organisers.

“Positive change was the gift left to all of us by Nelson Mandela, but it can only become a living legacy if we take up his challenge.”

American Archdiocese declares July 24 a ‘day of mourning’ over Hagia Sophia

The Greek Herald
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American Archdiocese declares July 24 a ‘day of mourning’ over Hagia Sophia

July 24 will become a day of morning, according to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, as the first day of Muslin prayers will commence at the holy UNESCO site of Hagia Sophia.

“Knowing that on Friday, July 24th, there will be an ‘inauguration’ of this program of cultural and spiritual misappropriation and a violation of all standards of religious harmony and mutual respect, we call upon all the beloved faithful of our Holy Archdiocese to observe this day as a day of mourning and of manifest grief,” the Holy Synod of the Church of America said in announcement on Thursday.

Read More: Turkey will cover Hagia Sophia mosaics during prayers, says ruling party spokesman

“We ask that every Church toll its bells in lamentation on this day. We call for every flag of every kind that is raised on the Church property be lowered to half-mast on this day.

“And we enjoin every Church in our Holy Archdiocese to chant the Akathist Hymn in the evening of this day, just as we chant it on the Fifth Friday of the Great and Holy Fast.”

Read More: Australia’s Greek organisations denounce conversion of Hagia Sophia into mosque

The statement added that the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America will not “relent in our pursuit of justice and righteousness,” and will continue to speak out “in season and out of season.”

Mr Erdogan signed a decree on July 11 transferring the 6th-century Hagia Sophia, which had bean a museum for nearly 90 years, to the Diyanet, the country’s highest religious authority. 

91-year-old Greek mariner looking to break Guinness World Record for oldest competitive amateur sailor

The Greek Herald
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91-year-old Greek mariner looking to break Guinness World Record for oldest competitive amateur sailor

Who ever said you’re too old to compete in competitive sport? Clearly not 91-year-old Greek mariner Stelios Bonas, who looks to break the Guinness World Record for being the oldest amateur competition sailor.

The former world professional is taking part again this year in the Aegean Rally, which will be running through July 20. The rally is the oldest event in the Eastern Mediterranean and one of the most difficult offshore races at the international level.

“We have sent a request to the Guinness records committee and they have asked us to submit audiovisual material, which we are collecting at this year’s Aegean Rally, to document his active participation in such difficult races,” Alexis Bonas, Stelios Bonas’ son and teammate, told Kathimerini.

At the helm of his boat ‘Alter Ego’, Stelios leads his crew at an international and national level, competing in races such as the Aegean Rally and Andros International.

The 91-year-old is a former champion of rowing, triangle sailing and Olympian (1956). He has won gold and bronze medals from European championships.

TGH Exclusive: Multiculturalism Minister Geoff Lee thankful for Greek community’s response to restrictions

The Greek Herald
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TGH Exclusive: Multiculturalism Minister Geoff Lee thankful for Greek community’s response to restrictions

Greeks have played an active role in the diversification of Australia’s multicultural community, with 422,234 people in Australia being of Greek origin, according to the 2016 census.

The Multicultural Ministry in NSW have been the guiding force for communicating Australia’s response to COVID-19 to the various international communities.

Acting Minister for Multiculturalism Geoff Lee spoke exclusively with The Greek Herald, revealing how imperative the actions of NSW Multiculturalism have been for the Greek community in NSW.

“COVID-19 has been a time where we have worked very closely with the multicultural communities, especially the non-English speaking communities, to relay the importance of social distancing health orders, so we don’t see the spread of COVID-19 throughout our communities,” Geoff Lee says to The Greek Herald.

“I think multicultural NSW has done a really good job in terms of being able to translate information to get it out there to all of the communities, or as many as you can.”

Photo: Supplied

The Multiculturalism Minister was especially thankful for His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of the Greek Orthodox Church for being understanding during the COVID-19.  

He said that although it was a tough decision, the Greek community’s reaction was “fantastic”, saying they “understood the problem”.

“The biggest problem now, which I would reflect to the Archbishop and other religious leaders, is complacency,” Geoff Lee says.

“COVID-19 is still in our community and if we don’t remain cautious, we have the potential to happen here, what has happened in Melbourne. That’s the last thing you want.

READ MORE: Hon Dr Geoff Lee MP sends Easter message for Greek Orthodox Australians

“Our churches are open, our communities are back together, our sports are playing, but it can happen to us just as it happened in Melbourne.”

Minister Lee was appointed as the Minister for Sport, Multiculturalism, Seniors and Veterans on 17 September 2019. As the voice to all multicultural communities in NSW, Minister Lee is humbled at the immense progress that has been made in Australia’s history with accepting all communities.

“I think NSW is an example to the rest of the world of what a society can be, where we have so many people from around the world come to Australia, to call Australia home,” Minister Lee says.

READ MORE: NSW Government announces $6 million in funding to support migrants and temporary visa holders

“I think multiculturalism is unique in NSW and Australia because we’re an example to the rest of the world how we can all have different heritages but still come together as Australians.”

Being the first person of Chinese heritage to be elected in the Lower House in NSW, Minister Lee says it’s an honour to represent the greater community.

“When I was at school, I was only the second kid that was Chinese in my school at Castle Hill. Now 25% of the kids would be Chinese.

“So it’s becoming no longer an issue, it’s becoming an acceptance”.

As the acting Minister for Multiculturalism, Geoff Lee has provided the multicultural communities in NSW with essential funding boosts, namely for migrants and temporary visa holders.

On June 4, the NSW Government announced a COVID-19 Community Support Grant program, which provides multicultural community organisations with immediate assistance for basic necessities like food, transport and language support for vulnerable people.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and measures to control its spread have presented significant challenges to our multicultural communities,” Mr Lee upon the announcement of the grant.

“The NSW Government will provide urgent support to communities in crisis through this quick response grants program.”

The grant allocated $500,000 of the approved $6 million of funding given to the NSW Government to go directly to communities most affected by COVID-19. This includes the Greek Welfare Centre, Greek Orthodox Community of NSW and St Nectarios, Burwood.

“The NSW Government is determined to ensure we support our most vulnerable by providing funding for essentials like food and medicine,” Mr Lee said.

DJ Khaled and Drake plan to ‘fly you out to Greece’ with new hit song, ‘GREECE’

The Greek Herald
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DJ Khaled and Drake plan to ‘fly you out to Greece’ with new hit song, ‘GREECE’

Worldwide artist DJ Khaled has dropped a new single titled ‘GREECE’, featuring Canadian superstar Drake.

The two music icons reunited once again to produce and develop the song as part of the release of DJ Khaled’s 12th studio album, KHALED KHALED. DJ Khaled also collaborated with Drake to produce the new song ‘POPSTAR’.

The visualiser video shows a Greek owl flying through the buildings of Santorini using a unique animation style.

The song tells listeners to come fly with Drake as he “flies you out to Greece”, staking a ride on his speedboat to ‘Nikki Beach’.

The song was hinted at back in May where Drake teased these lyrics:

Come with me, leave all of your things, yeah
You can stop at Gucci, stop at Louis V, yeah
Come with me, fly you out to Greece

Stan Halkeas remembered for incredible contribution to Greek Australian community

The Greek Herald
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Stan Halkeas remembered for incredible contribution to Greek Australian community

On Sunday morning, July 12, the Greek Australian community lost Sotirios (Stan) Halkeas, who passed away aged 91.

Originally from the small island of Sikinos in Greece, he came as a migrant to Australia and founded Halkeas Printing, a highly successful printing store originally based in Taylor Square.  At its height, the company employed more than 50 staff members.

For many years, Halkeas did majority of the printing for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and for Greek Orthodox Churches in Sydney as a way to support Greeks in the community.

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,My uncle/theo Mr Sotirios (Stan) Halkeas, husband, father, grandfather and…

Posted by Orthodox Christianity in Australia on Tuesday, 14 July 2020

“Sotiris Halkeas was a beautiful soul that gave of his time generously for all people and helped many of our Greek Orthodox churches in ways that we are all indebted,” his nephew said in a post on Facebook.

Halkeas was highly respected by Greek community members, along with former Prime Ministers and State Premiers.

“He lived for the next idea, the next deal, the next fishing trip. Above all he was fiercely proud of his wife, daughters, son-in-law and granddaughters,” his nephew said.

NSW announces new restrictions on funerals and places of worship

The Greek Herald
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NSW announces new restrictions on funerals and places of worship

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced a further tightening of restrictions on funerals and places of worship next Friday, limiting gatherings to 100 people.

“This is to give us every opportunity to keep New South Wales as open as possible,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Every opportunity for New South Wales to keep moving forward, but we say this in the context that we have to be flexible, we have to appreciate once this disease gets into the community it moves very, very quickly and in ways in which we can‘t always predict.

“What we need to do in New South Wales is minimise the risk of those activities which we know super spread the virus, those activities indoors which we know act as a catalyst.”

COVID-19 Update – Friday 17th July

Posted by NSW Health on Thursday, 16 July 2020

Weddings and corporate events will also be limited to 150 people, and “high risk activities” such as choirs and dancing must not occur.

“All indoor hospitality venues” will become limited to bookings of no more than 10 per group. The four-square metre rule will still apply to venues, and the smaller number, whether it is by space or by limit, will apply to each venue.

Ms Berejiklian said there would be no changes today to the amount of people allowed in your home, but she flagged the state’s Chief Health Officer, Kerry Chant, was advising it be reduced to 10 shortly.

“If you have a smaller space, you might only be allowed to have 20 people in your space,” she said.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the changes would come into place on July 24, giving businesses a week to prepare.

Arthur Sinodinos becomes inaugural patron of The Fred Hollows Foundation in the United States

The Greek Herald
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Arthur Sinodinos becomes inaugural patron of The Fred Hollows Foundation in the United States

Australia’s Ambassador to the USA, His Excellency The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO, has become The Fred Hollows Foundation’s inaugural Patron in the United States.

The Greek Australian ambassador will collaborate with The Foundation’s United States office to raise awareness of and support for its goal to end avoidable blindness worldwide.

“I’m proud to be The Fred Hollows Foundation’s very first Patron in America and to support them in the United States as another sign of our strong bilateral ties,” Ambassador Sinodinos said.

“The Foundation is an iconic charity and wonderful example of Australian innovation, with a growing presence in the US. With a vision of a world where no one is needlessly blind or vision impaired, The Foundation is tackling the world’s largest unaddressed health issues – poor vision – with large-scale, transformative interventions designed to restore sight to millions.

READ MORE: TGH Exclusive: Sinodinos: Australia’s economy can do better and we need more migrants to do so

“By supporting effective humanitarian causes, like ending avoidable blindness, together we are building on the tradition of mateship that binds our two great nations.”

The Foundation’s CEO Ian Wishart said he was delighted to welcome Ambassador Sinodinos to the Hollows family.

“We are truly privileged to have Ambassador Sinodinos as The Fred Hollows Foundation’s inaugural Patron,” Mr Wishart said.

Photo: Fred Hollows Foundation

“There is powerful alignment between what we seek to do: forge bonds of altruism and hope, that Australia and the US can bring to the rest of the world.

“The commitment of the late Professor Fred Hollows to finding practical, cheap and scalable solutions for ending avoidable blindness has helped restore sight to more than 2.5 million people since The Foundation’s inception in 1992. We’re proud that Ambassador Sinodinos backs this vision.”

The Fred Hollows Foundation works to put an end to avoidable blindness. The Foundation trains doctors, nurses and healthcare workers, distributes antibiotics, raises money for much needed equipment and medical facilities to to carry out eye examinations, just as Fred Hollows did 30 years ago.

Head of North America Elena Pak said The Foundation has a strong and growing presence in the US.

“The Foundation has an impressive footprint globally, and yet it is a newcomer in the US,” Ms. Pak said.

“America has long been a global leader in philanthropy and social impact and together we aim to close an eye care gap for the world’s most marginalised communities, including women and girls.

“Ambassador Sinodinos’ endorsement as our Patron is a huge encouragement for our work and we are honoured to have his support.”

New seminar shines a light on the development of ‘The Greek Tragedy’

The Greek Herald
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New seminar shines a light on the development of ‘The Greek Tragedy’

A new lecture will be presented online by Dr Sebastiana Nervegna, titled Performing Greek Tragedy around the Mediterranean, as part of the Greek History and Culture Seminars offered by the Greek Community of Melbourne.

Born and fostered in Classical Athens, tragedy was a quintessential Athenian genre yet it soon spread around the Mediterranean, especially in the West.

This seminar reconstructs the theatrical reception of Greek tragedy from the fourth through to the first century BC by focusing on three main contexts: fourth-century Athens, fourth-century South Italy and Republican Rome.

READ MORE: Seminar series on Greek history and culture to resume online this week

The seminar hopes to inform people on how the plays kept attracting ancient audiences and how different cultural communities responded to them.

This lecture was originally scheduled for Monday 16 March, at the Greek Centre, yet was rescheduled to Thursday 23 July.

READ MORE: Public seminar series on Greek history and culture to resume online

Dr Sebastiana Nervegna works on Greek and Roman drama and, more generally, on the history of the ancient theatre and its reception in antiquity. She is currently an ARC Future Fellow at the Centre for Ancient Cultures at Monash.

She is the author of two books, Menander in Antiquity: The Contexts of Reception (Cambridge University Press, 2013) and The Reception of Greek Tragedy in the Ancient Theatre (forthcoming with Cambridge University Press), as well as several articles, book chapters and contributions to reference works. Her current project is a book on the reception of Greek drama in South Italy.

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