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Michalis Pervolarakis: Melbourne is our home

The Greek Herald
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Michalis Pervolarakis: Melbourne is our home

By Bill Roumeliotis.

Twenty-four hours before the first game of the Greek tennis team against Australia, our Melbourne correspondent, Bill Roumeliotis, spoke with Michalis Pervolarakis, who said he is looking forward to playing against John Millman.

Our conversation started with the question of how he feels after the end of the 14-day quarantine period and how ready the Greek team is for the ATP Cup.

“In terms of readiness and training, I do not think we have a problem as we trained normally five hours a day. So our preparation went very well and we are all in good physical condition,” Pervolarakis told The Greek Herald.

“As for the personal part, I missed walking, I wanted to see the people. And indeed, on Friday afternoon, as soon as the quarantine ended and despite the rain, I took the umbrella and walked. I am very happy that I returned to normalcy in a city where there is currently no cases of coronavirus.”

Michalis Pervolarakis spoke to The Greek Herald.

Then we asked Pervolarakis if Australia is in a better position because its players were not locked in a quarantine hotel.

READ MORE: “We are here to achieve victory,” says Greek tennis player Michalis Pervolarakis.

“I do not think so… The World No. 1 of Australia, Alex De Minaur, was also in quarantine because he had traveled from abroad. So most tennis players had the same treatment,” Pervolarakis said, before telling The Greek Herald that the Greek team has the advantage of home.

“The positive thing for our team is that we will play at home… Melbourne is our home, because we always have hundreds of expatriates by our side who stimulate us with their voices, their worship and the support we have during the games gives us strength… On Wednesday, we will feel at home and not the Australians,” he says.

In the end we asked Pervolarakis about his personal goals for 2021.

“2020 was a difficult year, not only because of coronavirus, but also because of injuries. Last year, at around this time, I left Australia injured and had an injury for about four months,” Pervolarakis explained.

“Then because many tournaments were canceled, it was very difficult to recover… But now I am well, I moved from America to Cyprus and we are training with Marcos Baghdatis and I believe that the results will be seen very soon.

“As for my goals with Baghdatis, we have set a goal in the American Open tournament to be around No. 230 in the world, and to participate in the qualifying phase of the American Open. But this will depend on the events that will take place, because due to the coronavirus pandemic several events have been canceled… Although I am at 462 in the world rankings, I believe that I will succeed.”

This was our conversation with the always willing Michalis Pervolarakis.

READ MORE: Australian Open Greek players are dancing their way through quarantine.

Greek and Cypriot community leaders join politicians to mark start of Parliament

Andriana Simos
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Greek and Cypriot community leaders join politicians to mark start of Parliament

The start of the Parliamentary year was marked today with a traditional ‘ecumenical service’ at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Canberra at 7.30am.

In attendance was Archepiscopal Vicar of Canberra and Tasmania, Very Rev Archimandrite Prochoros Anastasiadis, High Commissioner of Cyprus, Her Excellency Mrs Martha Mavrommati, and the Very Reverend Protopresbyter Petros Kypouros, Parish Priest of the Church of St Nicholas in Canberra.

During the church service, Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, read an excerpt from the book of Jeremiah, while Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese also read a passage from the book of Romans.

A small sermon was also delivered by Pastor Gabor Szabo from the Canberra-Queanbeyan Lutheran Parish.

Father Prochoros had the opportunity to speak briefly with the Leader of the Opposition the Hon Anthony Albanese. Photo: Facebook.

At the conclusion of the service, Father Prochoros had the opportunity to speak briefly with the Roman Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn, His Grace Christopher Prowse, as well as the Leader of the Opposition the Hon Anthony Albanese, whom both welcomed Father to the Nation’s Capital.

“At the end of the service Father convened the love and paternal Blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios and wished Mr Albanese a fruitful year ahead,” the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia – Archdiocesan District of Canberra wrote on Facebook.

WA bushfire emergency: 80 per cent of properties lost east of Perth

Andriana Simos
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WA bushfire emergency: 80 per cent of properties lost east of Perth

Authorities say 56 homes have been lost to a massive bushfire that continues to burn out of control east of Perth.

DFES Commissioner Darren Klemm said that figure was likely to grow as teams completed their damage assessments.

The blaze has so far burnt through 7,300 hectares inside an 80-kilometre perimeter.

“DFES will be conducting enquiries in an attempt to establish whether there has been any loss of life,” Western Australia’s Premier, Mark McGowan, said during a press conference today.

An emergency warning is in place for parts of the shires of Mundaring, Chittering and Northam, and the City of Swan, forcing dozens of residents to flee amid confusion over the COVID lockdown.

The City of Swan mayor fears between 20 to 30 homes have been lost. CREDIT: DFES.

Mr McGowan said he had briefed the Prime Minister on the fire, as well as the COVID situation, earlier this morning.

“Right now WA is battling two different kinds of emergencies,” he said.

Two firefighters were also injured battling the blaze, but are recovering well. One was treated in hospital for smoke inhalation and the other working through the night after suffering minor burns to his ear.

Residents flee to evacuation centre and family’s homes:

The emergency fire alert applies to parts of The Vines, Bailup, Ellenbrook, Gidgegannup, Millendon, Walyunga National Park, Upper Swan, Aveley, the Avon Valley national park, Wundowie, Red Hill, Belhus, Baskerville, Herne Hill, Bullsbrook, Wooroloo and Brigadoon.

Dozens of families fled to the evacuation centre at the Brown Park Complex in Swan View while a second centre has been set up at Swan Active in Midland.

Some sections of Perth affected by the blaze are also in the COVID lockdown zone, leading to confusion over where people should evacuate to.

Western Australian Police Commissioner, Chris Dawson, confirmed this morning however, that while Perth was in lockdown, anyone who needs to leave their home to escape the fire should not hesitate to do so.

“The fire is still uncontrolled, if you are in lockdown, or in any form of isolation or quarantine for COVID-19, you must do whatever you need to do… to protect your life and those of your immediately family of course,” Mr Dawson said.

“Don’t stay in that property if you think you have to obey the COVID rules.”

This is a developing story. Please come back for updates.

Constantin Caratheodory: The greatest Greek mathematician

Andriana Simos
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Constantin Caratheodory: The greatest Greek mathematician

Constantin Caratheodory was the greatest Greek mathematician since antiquity and one of the most influential mathematicians of the 20th century. He made important contributions to the theory of real functions, to the calculus of variations and to the theory of point-set measure.

Early Life and Academic Success:

Constantin was born in Berlin in 1873 to a Greek noble family and studied engineering in Belgium.

After two years as an assistant engineer on the Aswan dam project in Egypt, Constantin decided to return to Berlin and study mathematics at the University of Berlin.

In 1905, he became an Associate Professor at the University of Gottingen in Germany, while in 1909 he became Professor at the University of Hanover. Finally in 1918, he became Chairman of the Department of Mathematics at the University of Berlin.

Caratheodory (left) pictured sitting with his father, brother in law and sister in Carlsbad, 1898.

Later, Constantin accepted a post at the University of Smyrna, which the Greeks were setting up in Anatolia. When the Turks razed Smyrna in 1922, Constantin managed to save the university library, which he moved to the University of Athens, where he taught until 1924.

In 1924, Constantin was appointed Professor of Mathematics in the University of Munich.

In 1930, Constantin was reinvited by then-Greek Prime Minister, Eleutherios Venizelos, to reorganise the administration of the University of Athens and the University of Thessaloniki. For 50 years, the two universities functioned successfully thanks to Constantin’s administrative system.

Two years later, he resigned from his position in the Greek universities and moved back to the University of Munich. He would remain in Munich for the rest of his life, where he made some of the most groundbreaking mathematical discoveries in the history of mankind.

Mathematical Discoveries and Einstein:

Constantin had over 60 scientific publications in his academic career.

Constantin had over 60 scientific publications in his academic career. His most significant contributions to mathematics were in the calculus of variations, in the theory of real functions, set theory, geometry, calculus, complex numbers and mathematical analysis.

He also created new theorems, most of which today bear his name and solved mathematical problems that troubled mathematicians such as Gauss and Euler for hundreds of years.

He also contributed to thermodynamics.

Constantin is known to have been the mentor and teacher of Nobel-prize winning physicist Albert Einstein, according to Einstein’s own statements.

Einstein first contacted Constantin in 1916, seeking his help to solve mathematical problems that for Constantin were “classical.” The latter answered in 10 days.

It was Constantin who also helped Einstein complete the theory of relativity, since Constantin had also been heavily involved with it himself.

In his final interview, Albert Einstein confessed: “You ask me to answer to all sorts of questions, but no one has ever wanted to know who was my teacher, who showed me the way to the higher mathematical science, thought and research. I simply say that my teacher was the unrivalled Greek Konstantinos Karatheodoris, to who we owe everything…”

Death and Legacy:

Constantin died at the age of 76 on February 2, 1950.

In 2002, in recognition of his achievements, the University of Munich named one of the largest lecture rooms in the mathematical institute the Constantin-Carathéodory Lecture Hall.

In the town of Nea Vyssa, where Constantin’s family came from, there is also a unique Constantin family museum. The museum is located in the central square of the town and there are many personal items of Constantin as well as letters that he had exchanged with Einstein.

Source: Greatest Greeks.

Inaugural vasilopita event for newly named Greek Returned Servicemen League of NSW

Andriana Simos
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Inaugural vasilopita event for newly named Greek Returned Servicemen League of NSW

The Greek Returned Servicemen League of NSW (GRSL), formerly the Greek Sub-Branch of RSL, have started the new year with their first official event – the vasilopita cutting.

Held on January 31 at C-Side Restaurant in Kyeemagh, the venue was filled with members of the GRSL and all their family and friends.

READ MORE: New name heralds a fresh start for the Greek Returned Servicemen League of NSW.

The venue was filled with members of the GRSL and all their family and friends. Photo supplied.

The Ode was recited by Peter Tsigounis in English and in Greek by Andrew Kitsos, while everyone sang the Greek and Australian national anthems together.

In a speech following the Ode, President of the GRSL, George Giakoumidis, welcomed attendees and stressed that the newly formed League will be very active and creative in the future.

The presence of former Egyptian President, Evangelos Koumakis, was also touching as he could be heard saying, “I am 94 years old and I will care for our League until my last breath.”

Former Egyptian President, Evangelos Koumakis (left) was given a commemorative plaque for his tireless work. Photos supplied.

Mr Koumakis, as well as Lambros Papadopoulos, who could not attend the event, were later given a commemorative plaque in recognition of their tireless work for the League.

In the end, the gold coin from the vasilopita was won by Sophia, the wife of the GRSL’s Treasurer, Bill Iliopoulos. This was followed by a lottery, where over 60 prizes were won.

Everyone left very happy and wished the League success in the future.

Lawyers in negotiation over possible guilty plea for alleged murderer, Kerry Kourpanidis

The Greek Herald
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Lawyers in negotiation over possible guilty plea for alleged murderer, Kerry Kourpanidis

Prosecutors and defence lawyers are in negotiations over whether alleged Kingston Hotel murderer, Kerry Kourpanidis, might admit to bashing drunken tradie Warren Hordpenko to death, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Mr Kourpanidis, 35, has pleaded not guilty to murder, and appeared briefly by phone in the ACT Magistrates Court from the Alexander Maconochie Centre on Monday.

READ MORE: Kerry Kourpanidis charged with murder of man at Canberra pub.

A barrister, who previously represented him, has told the court that police should have charged him with manslaughter rather than murder, and his current lawyers have said prosecutors will struggle to make out the murder charge.

Mr Kourpanidis’ barrister Paul Mansfield, on Monday said he and Crown Prosecutor Patrick Dixon had been writing to each other recently and “that process has not yet ended.”

Mr Kourpanidis has been behind bars since his arrest in July last year, in the days following the death of Mr Hordpenko in the pool room at the popular pub.

FULL STORY: The Daily Telegraph.

Workers chase millions in unpaid entitlements after closure of Greek Australian steel company

Andriana Simos
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Workers chase millions in unpaid entitlements after closure of Greek Australian steel company

About 200 workers are chasing millions of dollars in unpaid entitlements and around 15 steel projects in South Australia are in doubt, after the closure of the state’s biggest steel fabricator.

According to The Advertiser, receivers have permanently shut down operations at Greek Australian-owned business, SA Structural, and appointed BRI Ferrier as administrators.

Three days after the administrators were appointed, creditor NAB engaged Deloitte to take control of the company’s affairs.

SA Structural sold its Edinburgh facility for $19.5 million in 2019. Photo: The Advetiser.

“The objective is always to trade through and preserve the business as a going concern wherever possible,” Deloitte receiver and manager, Glen Kanevsky, told The Advertiser.

“But having undertaken an urgent review and input from a range of key stakeholders, we have determined that in this case it was unfortunately not viable to recommence operations.”

NAB is understood to be owed around $12 million while close to 200 other creditors, including suppliers, have been left chasing around $3 million.

Meanwhile, staff are owed around $3.6 million in unpaid superannuation, according to administrator Andre Strazdins from BRI Ferrier. He also confirmed super hadn’t been paid for more than 12 months leading up to the company’s collapse.

More than $680,000 in other entitlements are also owed to staff, but are likely to be covered by the Federal Government’s Fair Entitlements Guarantee scheme.

SA Structural was established by Adelaide businessman Michael Mangos in 2003, providing structural steel for mining projects, infrastructure works, shopping centres, schools and hotels.

Source: The Advertiser.

The Australian Hellenic Choir appoints new Musical Director, Leon Vitogiannis

Andriana Simos
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The Australian Hellenic Choir appoints new Musical Director, Leon Vitogiannis

Leon Vitogiannis has been appointed the Australian Hellenic Choir Inc.’s new Musical Director and Conductor.

Mr Vitogiannis, who is an established classical vocalist and conductor based in Sydney, will be taking the Choir to several concerts planned for 2021 and beyond.

“Leon is an exciting appointment for the Choir as it works on its repertoire, and on several performances in 2021 and beyond,” Mr James Tsolakis, Founder and President of the Choir, said.

“He brings a whole new dimension and energy to the Choir, which has been working on attracting younger singers keen to perform. Now with over 50 members, the Choir has become a valuable resource for the entire Greek Community.”

Leon Vitogiannis has been appointed the Australian Hellenic Choir Inc.’s new Musical Director and Conductor.

Mr Vitogiannis has appeared with a number of orchestras and Choirs, and as an Adjunct artist with Pacific Opera in 2019. He recently graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, having studied conducting under the well-known Mr George Ellis and Mr John Lynch. He also has an excellent knowledge of Greek music.

READ MORE: Conductor George Ellis on the ‘musical energy’ he gets from his Greek heritage.

“The Australian Hellenic Choir is a multi-cultural and multi-lingual group formed to bring the best music of the world to Australian and Greek audiences,” Mr Tsolakis said.

“Our vision is to support performers and events and to perform in our own right and bring people together in song.”

The Choir is preparing for two new concerts for 2021. At the end of May, the Choir will perform a concert that celebrates the music of the late Yiannis Poulopoulos, with songs written by Theodorakis, Hadjidakis and Plessas.

In November 2021, the Choir, with over 80 singers on stage, will also perform a major concert in honour of 200 Years of Liberation, entitled ‘The Australian Hellenic Choir & Friends – Liberation 1821.’

For additional information about the Australian Hellenic Choir or its events, membership and auditions, friends of the choir please either email or call the contacts below:

For information about the Choir:
– Mr James Tsolakis, AHC President: M: 0416 060 700
– Ms Despina Lucas, AHC Vice President: M: 0438 289 699
– AHC Email contact: E: ah.choiraust@gmail.com

For Information about Joining the Choir:
– Ms Angela Kehagiadis, Membership M: 0401 382 382

For information about the Friends of the Choir:
– Mr Dimitris Emmanoulidis, Friends of the Choir Ambassador M: 0411 729 076
– Sponsorship or Benefactor Enquires: M: 0416 060 700

Firefighter dies trying to rescue young children as severe flooding hits Evros

The Greek Herald
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Firefighter dies trying to rescue young children as severe flooding hits Evros

A firefighter who was swept away by floodwater during a rescue operation in a village in the municipality of Alexandroupolis was found dead on Monday afternoon, according to Ekathimerini.

The 46-year-old man, along with other firemen, had been called to evacuate 21 children and two teachers from a kindergarten in the community of Apalou.

At the school, the small firefighting vehicle was trapped in a flooded storm drain. The front-seat passenger was able to exit the vehicle but the driver was swept away, according to the Deputy Regional Governor of the Evros region, Dimitris Petrovits.

The firefighter’s body was retrieved later in an area near Alexandroupolis’ Dimokritos Airport. 

The fire service said it will conduct an investigation into the death of the 46-year-old, who according to Greek public broadcaster, ERT, was a father of three underage children. 

The evacuees were safety relocated.

Later on Twitter, Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, expressed his sadness over the death of the firefighter during the rescue operation.

“We are saddened by the loss of the firefighter who lost his life trying to help students in danger. Everyone’s thoughts are with his family, which will be supported the State. I express my gratitude and my sincere condolences,” he wrote.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Newcastle Olympic pay tribute to driving force Jim Papas

The Greek Herald
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Newcastle Olympic pay tribute to driving force Jim Papas

Northern NSW NPL club, Newcastle Olympic, were in mourning on Monday after the death of long-time former president and “driving force” Jim Papas following a long battle with leukemia.

Papas served on the Olympic committee for more than 30 years, spending two decades as president, and was granted the club’s first life membership.

He was also groundsman at the club’s home, Darling Street Oval, for more than a decade, before illness forced him to step aside.

“Jim’s contribution and legacy in making Newcastle Olympic the Club it is, was immense. He was the driving force for close to 30 years in establishing the Club to where we are today,” the Club wrote on Facebook.

Jim Papas was the Olympic club’s president in 2012. Photo: Newcastle Herald.

“To Daphne, his children, grandchildren and all the Papas & Patsan families, our deepest condolences from the Club.”

Long-time Olympic secretary, Con Gounis, told the Newcastle Herald that Papas, a former player with the now defunct local club Pan-Hellenic in the 1960s and 70s, joined the new Greek club’s committee in the mid-1980s when they were in fourth division.

He became president in the early 1990s, around the time of the club’s rapid rise to the top division.

Mr Gounis said Papas was instrumental in helping the club build the required grandstand and lighting at Darling Street Oval for their elevation to the top league.

“We needed the grandstand and better lights and basically Jim was the project manager, the driving force, the boilermaker, along with a half-a-dozen guys,” Mr Gounis told the media outlet.

Mr Gounis said Papas was a fierce protector of his club and the ground he helped build and maintain.

“He had his opinions and he wasn’t scared to say them,” he said.

Papas’ grandson, Reece Papas, has played first-grade with the club in recent years.

Source: Newcastle Herald.

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