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BREAKING: Up to 90 jobs saved as AAP Newswire to continue under new owners

The newswire division of Australian Associated Press is set to continue to operate with new owners.

AAP’s board on Friday confirmed that an agreement was in the final stages of negotiation with a consortium of investors and philanthropists led by Peter Tonagh.

The newswire, slated to close in late June, would now continue operating as AAP and provide breaking news, public interest journalism, sports coverage and news photography.

“I am pleased that, after months of discussions with various parties, it appears we have been able to secure a new home for AAP’s legacy of trusted news,” CEO Bruce Davidson said.

The sale involves only the news division of AAP, including text and photography, which currently provides reporting on general news, courts, politics, finance, racing and sport, plus images and video.

Other parts of the AAP Group will be retained by the current shareholders. This includes Medianet, Mediaverse, AAP Directories, Pagemasters and Racing operations and these businesses will continue to operate as usual. 

Read More: Melbourne Greek woman left ‘heartbroken’ as armed police interrupt father’s funeral

Greek Australian AAP Journalist Benita Kolovos said she was “so happy AAP will be saved”.

“Our reporters, photographers and editors are generally not household names but since 1935 they have delivered accurate, impartial news to all of Australia. It’s more important than ever that continues,” Benita said on Twitter.

The AAP Journalist added that while half of the news agency will lose their jobs, it is still a “win” for the journalism industry.

The new-look AAP will employ 85-90 staff, including around 70-75 editorial staff, and management, IT and support personnel. 

Mr Tonagh said his consortium is committed to independent journalism.

“We live in a time where trusted, unbiased news is more important than ever. AAP has always delivered on that and we are committed to seeing that continue into the future,” he said in a statement.

“I’m looking forward to working with the AAP team to continue its great work and to find new commercial opportunities to ensure its long-term survival.

“On behalf of the consortium that I lead, after consulting with staff, customers and other stakeholders, our consortium will provide more information about our future plan for AAP.”

AAP’s board announced on March 3 the entire operation would close on June 26, citing the financial impact of the increasing availability of free online content. It would have meant the loss of up to 500 jobs.

AAP is currently owned by Nine, News Corp Australia, The West Australian and Australian Community Media.

TGH Exclusive: Evy Poumpouras reveals life-changing experiences as former Secret Service agent in new book

By Ilias Karagiannis

A Special Agent for the United States Secret Service for over 12 years, Evy Poumpouras was on the Presidential Protective Division for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Also protecting presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George H.W. Bush, Evy has worked alongside some of the most powerful people in the world. Evy’s heroic efforts as a first responder during the 9/11 terror attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City also earned her the U.S. Secret Service Valor Award.

Now a multi-media journalist and adjunct professor for The City University of New York, Evy shed’s a light on national security and law enforcement issues.

Photo: Peter Hurley/Supplied

The Greek Herald spoke exclusively with Evy following the release of her new book, ‘Becoming Bulletproof’, on 21 April 2020. In it, she teaches readers how to protect themselves, strengthen their mental resilience and confidence, read people, influence situations and live fearlessly.

Your life seems like the one of an action hero in movies. A former Secret Service Agent, national TV contributor and now a writer with the book “Becoming Bulletproof”. Is this your biography and what you are hoping for the readers to gain from this book?

Becoming Bulletproof is designed and written as a life manual to building mental strength and resiliency. I share all the knowledge, training, and experience I gained over the 12 years as a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service and applied it in such a way for people to use in their daily lives. The book took over two years to write. Gathering the information and research. Deciding which personal stories to share and how they could benefit the reader. Going through the pre-publication review process with the Secret Service. Even reaching out to Former President Obama’s Office to make sure he was comfortable with the stories I shared about him and his wife, Michelle Obama. My hope is that it will help people evolve – to be the strongest, most powerful version of themselves. To not succumb to fear but to face it head on by using the skills and strategies in my book to enhance their mental resilience.

“Live fearlessly”. One of the things that you are going to gain if you are becoming Bulletproof. We are in the midst of the pandemic and most of the people in the world, in US as well, are living in constant fear for their lives. How can someone manage the fear of death and how are you coping in this extreme situation?

By accepting that death is inevitable to us all. There is no escaping it. We would like to think we have some influence over it – and to some degree we do – by eating healthy, making smart decisions, looking both ways before we cross the street – but only to a point. Some things are beyond us, beyond our scope of control and it is something to accept and be ok with. I’ve learned not to fear death, but accept it as a natural course of life along with the vulnerabilities that come with that. I think those who fear death the most – are those who haven’t lived their fullest lives. Those who have settled, not followed their dreams, or who don’t feel fulfilled. If you LIVE everyday – really live and give it your all – then when it is your time you can feel that you have given it your all. And within that we can find peace to let go and move on.

I am sure that you have had a fascinating life so far. What was the most dangerous time that you‘ve experienced during your career as a secret agent? Did you face death in any circumstance?

Every time I put on my bulletproof vest I did so with the understanding that my life was in danger. In danger of being shot when I executed an arrest or search warrant of a felon or fugitive. Or in danger of jumping in front of a bullet to save the President’s life – or anyone else I was designated to protect. When you do this line of work – you do so with the understanding that you are exposing yourself to danger every single day – but eventually that becomes your normal daily life. It becomes a part of who you are – and so when things broke bad – you were mentally and physically prepared to handle them.

I am sure that our Greek readers in Australia will be very proud for your achievements in life and career. Could you tell us a little bit about how your Greek background shape your character and became bulletproof? 

I was educated from a young age on my Greek heritage. I learned about Greek heroes and philosophers. My parents sent me to Saint Demetrios, a Greek-American School, where I attended from my elementary years until high school. And I spent nearly every summer in Greece with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. So I was exposed a great deal to its legacy – especially from my father. He instilled in me the notion that I was strong, a fighter, and to never bow down to others. He made it a point to share stories of our Greek ancestors from the Ancient Philosopher Socrates to the war hero General Theodoros Kolokotronis. As a young girl I always saw myself as a descendant of these great heroes – and so I envisioned myself as one of them.

During the Athens Olympics in 2004 you were in Greece with Mr Bush. How was it to protect the President in the land of your ancestors and is there any story from back then to share with us?

I was in Athens helping prepare for the games and President Bush’s visit along with that of his family for a month. I worked closely with the Greek government, National Police Force, EKAM and Megaro Maximou. It was interesting to see the difference in training and skillset – watching and learning to see how my other “home” country operated. I worked hard during that assignment – mainly because all the divisions utilised me for my fluency in Greek. It was also iconic to see and experience the Olympic Games – although I was there to work.

What’s your next plans? Staying in TV and the Spy Games? Maybe a new book?

My career now is working in the entertainment and television industry. I work in front of the camera as a host or talking head. I also work behind the scenes creating and producing shows, and writing scripts. I have always loved the arts. I studied fine art in college and later graduated from a world renowned acting school in New York City. So this is not unfamiliar territory for me. 

What is your favourite experience from Greece that you can share with our readers?

Despite being born and raised in New York City – every time I go to Greece – I feel like I’m going home, like that is where I’m suppose to be. But perhaps, my most notable experience was when I brought my father back to Greece to be buried in his home village of Mesta, Chios. He was diagnosed with cancer and passed quickly. The support and love I felt from our village and community was unlike anything I have ever known. Everyone was there and I will never forget that.

Fast Facts

Favorite Greek island or city – There are so many places. It is hard to say. Some of my favourite places are Athens, Chios, and Crete.

Favorite Greek food – Souvlaki stin pita. Straight and simple.

Favorite expression in Greek – Oli agapane tin prodosia, alla kanenas then agapae to prodoti.

Sydney man reaches settlement with AMP after $20,000 deposit made in 1982 was ‘lost’

Manny Rosenthal, 94, reached a settlement with the AMP after seeking as much as $200,000 in the NSW District Court, after the funds management giant “lost” a deposit made in 1982.

AMP transferred the original deposit of $20,000 to its joint venture Chase AMP, which the US bank bought out three years later. However, Rosenthal claims that when he contacted AMP, they had no record of his investment.

Mr Rosenthal’s lawyer John Kambas of JFK Legal said that after proceedings commenced AMP conceded that in 1988 the money was transferred to its joint venture Chase AMP.

The investment certificate issued to Mr Rosenthal. Picture: Gaye Gerard
The investment certificate issued to Mr Rosenthal. Picture: Gaye Gerard

“This was done without Manny’s consent and knowledge,” Mr Kambas, who was once an in-house lawyer at AMP, said.

“The fact that AMP took 32 years to tell Manny that they transferred his money – and only after he pushed them for answers – shows the hypocrisy of AMP and why there has been such a public backlash against them.”

The court claim alleged AMP failed in its duty of care to provide statements to Mr Rosenthal or to keep proper records of his investment.

The payout size was kept confidential under the terms of the settlement, yet Mr Kambas said, “I can tell you Manny was happy with the result.”

John Kambas of JFK Legal. Photo: Supplied.

It was a “David and Goliath battle and in the end right was done,” Mr Kambas said.

Speaking with The Greek Herald, Mr Kambas said he initially thought the case was a joke, yet upon investigation he was “convinced that he was telling me the truth.”

“Manny had no choice but to fight and we started proceedings in the District Court. He wanted to tell his story,” Mr Kambas said to The Greek Herald.

Stefanos Tsitsipas the latest tennis player to join Mouratoglou’s Ultimate Tennis Showdown event

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Stefanos Tsitsipas is the latest professional tennis player, alongside Italian Matteo Berrettini, to join Patrick Mouratoglou’s Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) event.

Announced in April this year, the event was organised by Greek-French tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou to entertain tennis fans with matches while under coronavirus restrictions.

The event is an international tennis showdown series, organising real competitive matches between ten of the world’s best tennis professionals.

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Matteo Berrettini were the latest player’s to be announced for the event this morning.

The first five weekends of competitions will be taking place on-site at the Mouratoglou Academy in the South of France, with additional competition sites in other parts of the world to be announced soon.

10 matches will be streamed live every weekend for 5 weeks starting from June 13-14, accounting for a total of 50 matches through May and June.

Patrick Mouratoglou will be hosting the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS) event at his Academy in the South of France. Photo: Tennis 365

UTS match winners will receive 70 percent of the showdown prize pool, while losers still receive 30 percent of that pool.

“While it’s a win-win for both players in this sense, there’s still a lot of money and pride at stake,” UTS organisers write on the official event page.

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Patrick Mouratoglou also worked together this year to launch the “Beyond 100 Support” auction platform, supporting tennis players ranked outside the world’s top 100.

The funds raised through the platform contributed towards a broader approach by the ATP and WTA aimed at supporting lower ranked players during this challenging period.

Stefanos Tsitsipas, Apostolos Tsitsipas and Patrick Mouratoglou celebrate after Stefanos won the biggest title of his career at the Nitto ATP Finals. Photo: Peter Staples/ ATP Tour

Police seeking Travis Murdoch for questioning over alleged killing of Kevin Kourtis

The police are seeking 20-year-old Travis Murdoch for questioning in relation to the alleged murder of Greek national Kevin Kourtis last month.

Three teenagers aged 16, and two aged 17 have been charged with the murder of Kevin Kourtis, who was attacked when he opened his front door on Langton St, Riverstone, in the early hours of Sunday, May 24.

Read More: Greek man stabbed to death inside his Sydney home

The Greek man died from multiple stab wounds after five men allegedly stormed into his home. Two women, aged 34 and 43, were also at the Langton Street address when the alleged ambush occurred.

Paramedics were called to the home just after 12.30am, where they performed emergency treatment on the 39-year-old victim but he died a short time later.

Police at Kevin Kourtis’ home after the murder. Photo: David Swift/The Daily Telegraph

Police released an image of Travis Murdoch on Thursday and are appealing to the public to report his whereabouts.

He allegedly fled the home in a silver 2008 Subaru Forrester with two others and police have not yet been able to locate him.

Police are still investigating whether Kourtis knew the boys and if it was a targeted attack.

Travis Murdoch.
Travis Murdoch.

Murdoch is described as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, between 170-180cm tall with a large build, short cropped black hair and a moustache.

Murdoch is known to frequent areas such as St Marys, Mt Druitt and Quakers Hill.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

Migration flows reduced by 91 percent in May as arrivals in Greece hit steep decline

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The arrival of migrants dropped 91 percent in May compared with the same month last year, according to data released by the Migration Policy Ministry on Thursday.

In May, 6,264 first-degree asylum decisions were issued and 2,030 appeals were examined. There are still 99,936 asylum applications pending, down from 105,501 in April and 126,181 in January 2020.

Greece’s four islands that receive heavy migrant traffic, saw no arrivals last month; being Chios, Samos, Leros and Kos.

Regarding the transfers of asylum-seekers to the mainland, the ministry said that 13,728 were moved since the start of the year, while the number of residents in all the reception and identification centres on the islands has decreased by 16.1 pct. The total number of camp residents on the islands has fallen by 14.17 pct.

The EU-Turkey Statement on the readmission of migrants without a residence permit has been temporarily suspended “for reasons of public health,” the ministry said.

Read More: Thousands of refugees to be evicted from state facilities in Greece on Monday

The Migration Ministry confirmed last Friday that a total of 11,237 refugees will be moved out of state facilities and hotels.

It remained unclear, however, how many of the total are refugees who secured asylum and how many had their applications rejected and therefore, face deportation.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis unveils new campaign to ‘Restart Tourism’

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Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Thursday gave the opening speech at the unveiling of a new national campaign dubbed “Restart Tourism.”

“We hope to be able to welcome visitors safely, first and foremost, and that this, the summer of 2020, will be a memorable one,” said Mitsotakis.

“Greece is more than just sea and sun,” said Mitsotakis. “What we want to communicate is that Greek summer…is a state of mind.”

The prime minister said that if all goes will in the first phase of welcoming visitors from countries that have shown a good coronavirus containment records, Greece will be able to open up to more destinations as of July 1.

Visitors, he said, “will be coming to a Greece that’s the same yet also different.”

“Basic health protocols will have to be applied without exception. Safeguarding public health, the safety of visitors and tourism workers, are our top, non-negotiable priority,” Mitsotakis said.

The Tourism Ministry campaign was being presented at an event in Athens by the head of Rebranding Greece and the government’s chief creative officer, Steve Vranakis, ahead of the official reopening of the Greek tourism season on June 15.

Sourced By: Ekatherimini

Archbishop Elpidophoros of America joins Brooklyn protest

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Archbishop Elpidophoros of America joined the protests in honour of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ campaign, marching through the streets of Brooklyn on Wednesday. The Archbishop marched together with Borough president of Brooklyn, Eric Adams and state Senator Andrew Gounardes.

“We must speak and speak loudly against the injustice in our country. It is our moral duty and obligation to uphold the sanctity of every human being,” he posted on his social media accounts.

“I came here to Brooklyn today in order to stand in solidarity with my fellow sisters and brothers whose rights have been sorely abused. This was a peaceful protest, one without violence of any kind, and  thank all of those involved, because violence begets only more violence.”

I came here to Brooklyn today in order to stand in solidarity with my fellow sisters and brothers whose rights have been…

Posted by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America on Wednesday, 3 June 2020

The Brooklyn Borough President thanked Archbishop Elpidophoros for attending the rally saying,“It’s important to be in this together, united around the cause of change”.

Elpidophoros is not the first Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America who has expressed sincere solidarity with the black community in the USA.

Archbishop Iakovos (1911-2006) was one of the only Church leaders who walked hand in hand with Martin Luther King Jr. during the famous march in Selma, Alabama.

Archbishop Iakovos to the right of Martin Luther King Jr., captured on the cover of Life Magazine on March 26, 1965.

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

Help is on its way to the most vulnerable people affected by COVID-19, with the NSW Government providing over $6 million in funding for multicultural communities including migrants and temporary visa holders.

More than $500,000 of this funding will go towards a COVID-19 Community Support Grants program, which multicultural community organisations are encouraged to apply for.

Acting Minister for Multiculturalism Geoff Lee said these grants are vital as they will provide immediate assistance for basic necessities like food, transport and language support for vulnerable people.

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

“Temporary visa holders, including refugees and asylum seekers, have become increasingly vulnerable during COVID-19 and they don’t qualify for any of the support packages announced by the Commonwealth Government.”

The NSW Government will distribute urgent support to communities in crisis through this quick response grants program. NSW organisations that prioritise immediate community care support are being invited to apply.

“Strong communities support each other through challenges. This funding will enable dedicated and committed individuals to continue to help the most vulnerable,” Mr Lee said.

“Our multicultural community leaders and organisations, and specialist migrant and settlement NGOs have shown immense leadership during this time, and I thank them for the work they have been doing to support our communities.”

Applications are now open for the COVID-19 Community Support Grants and close 9am, 13 June 2020. For more information and to apply, click here.

Greece opens underwater archaeological sites to scuba divers

Greece is going all out to attract visitors this summer.

Once-stringent scuba diving regulations for Greek waters were recently lifted, eliminating diving depth limits and allowing diving at archaeological sites and sunken ships in the seas around Greece.

This latest loosening of restrictions follows the passing of a 2019 bill in Parliament easing scuba diving laws, and is part of larger group of incentives to encourage the return of international tourists to Greece following the worldwide coronavirus lockdown.

Prior to the passage of the bill, scuba divers could only enter archaeological sites when accompanied by qualified underwater divers, who are typically hard to come by.

Now, scuba divers are understandably expected to flock to Greece’s many sunken ships, as the 2019 bill allows for unescorted visits to shipwrecks that are older than 50 years.

In 2019, the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities, a department of Greece’s Ministry of Culture, along with the Ministry of Tourism, designated four ancient shipwrecks to become Greece’s first underwater museums in a bid to expand underwater-heritage marketing.

The first two Underwater Archaeological Parks in the nation are scheduled to open to visitors by this summer. The two parks are located on the islet of Sapientza, opposite Methoni town and in Navarino Bay in the Pylos area of southwestern Messinia.