Young Greek Australian AFL talent Mitch Georgiades wrapped up his debut season in Australia’s top division with Port Adelaide’s semi-final loss to Richmond Tigers.
The premiers beat Port Adelaide by six points in a preliminary final slugfest to advance to a third AFL grand final in four seasons. The Tigers prevailed 6.10 (46) to 6.4 (40) in a rain-soaked clash at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.
Despite not playing in the semi-final, the Greek Australian young gun was capped three times for the South Australia side, scoring an incredible six goals.
Tom Lynch cheered up a young Port Adelaide fan crying in the stands after his interview. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/XvqNpcsvtX
Georgiades’ shining moment came in July against former league leaders Melbourne FC. Georgiades, playing power forward during the match, scored three goals, the most by any player in the night.
Speaking to The Advertiser after being drafted to play in the AFL, Georgiades has high hopes to secure a solid spot in squad.
“We did keep him pretty quiet but we tracked him in 2018 and thought he’d be a pretty good player and rocket up the boards in 2019, but he didn’t get to play,’’ national recruiting manager Geoff Parker said.
“We did a lot of background checking. Power assistant, Jarrad Schofield, has that Subiaco connection (as a past coach there) and Taj, Jarrad’s son, played with him. So we had a lot of intel on him and we’re excited he got to where he got to.
“We’re very, very comfortable with our decision to pick him.’’
Victorians have woken up Saturday morning to the incredible news published by the Victorian Health Department, which shows the state recorded only one new COVID-19 case in the last 24 hours, along with no deaths.
Over two months ago, on August 4, Victoria recorded it’s highest number of daily coronavirus cases at 687. Since then, the state has been on the road to recovery, after recording a total of 816 deaths.
Minor changes have been implemented to Victoria’s stage 4 restrictions since September, including an extension of curfew and a “singles bubble”.
According to the Victorian Health Department, the state’s metropolitan area will reach the ‘third step’ of restrictions easing when the daily average number of cases is less than 5 state-wide over the previous 14 days and there are less than 5 cases with an unknown source in the last 14 days (state-wide total).
The third step includes a major industries return, along with increased reopening for education, sport, recreation, ceremonies and special occasions.
There are currently 17 cases with an unknown source. The Victorian government had hoped to be under five mystery cases before October 19 for easing.
Sydney’s Olympic FC stars Jason Madonis and Will Angel were born and bred at the club.
They are the ‘pillars’ in the victories and the reform of the team. Players that every coach want to have in their team, full of passion and strength to win, support other players and are a great duo that covers both defence and attack.
Both are the backbone of the Sydney Olympic, an offensive and defensive force that gives confidence to the rest of the team. One leads the other and together the team reaches victory.
TGH: Jason, how did you get started?
Jason Madonis: At the age of 4 I enrolled with Lilly Pilly Berries. Later I played in the Sutherland and Marconi academies, at the ages of 11 and 13, and by 14 I went to Sydney Olympic and started learning the tricks and secrets of the ball. It’s been almost 13 years of being in Sydney Olympic colours and I keep that love both for the team and for our fans.
TGH: Will, how did you get started?
Will Angel: At the age of 5 I started in the Kingsgrove All Stars. Prior to Olympic I joined Bankstown City Lions FC and Newcastle Jets Youth team in 2009-2010. I returned to Bankstown Lions for a year with coach Peter Tsekenis, until eventually settling at Sydney Olympic from U11-18’s.
Will Angel. Photo: Supplied
Jason Madonis. Photo: Supplied
Coaches such as Peter Katholos, Tsekenis, Abbas Saad, Chris Kalantzis and Grant Lee were a great help in training and technically improved the team.
TGH: To add that you were a Ball Boy when you were Little?
Will Angel: Yes, indeed when I was little I was always looking for the ball, the field was your life.
TGH: How do you feel after so many years in the same room?
Jason Madonis: Almost all of our lives, we’ve played for Sydney Olympic. Many emotions fill you when you are on the podium, but when you play for this group that represents generations of Greek immigrants. “Come on Olympic” gives you strength and confidence on the pitch.
I believe in our team and we will fight.
Will Angel: From Ball Boy to being here for several years to wear the “Blue and White” shirt says a lot. The miles I have done are as innumerable as my love for this team that I grew up with. I agree with Jason about the losses, but the players who have come have tied the team a lot. We are also accompanied by misfortune sometimes, but it’s part of the program in football. I believe that we will succeed.
We both believe that he have the desire and the goals to bring success and to make all his Greek fans proud.
On Wednesday, September 30th 2020, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and its School of Philosophy organised the welcoming ceremony for 28 students of the first four-year undergraduate program taught in English.
The program entitled, ‘BA Program in the Archaeology, History, and Literature of Ancient Greece’, is addressed exclusively to foreign students.
Students from Albania, Canada, China, Egypt, El Salvador, Kenya, Morocco, Palestine, United Arab Emirates and United States of America joined the University’s international students’ community which already numbers 7,600 international students.
Earlier, the Minister of Education and Religious Affairs, Niki Kerameus, the Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Professor M.-A. Dimopoulos, and the Academic Director of the program, Professor Eleni Karamalengou, had the opportunity to welcome the students in section groups due to special pandemic protective measures.
Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Professor M.-A. Dimopoulos, saluted the students upon their arrival and pointed out that, “a University’s leading role shall be safeguarded by a constant engagement to innovation, creativity and excellence.”
“Therefore, it came as no surprise that this first English undergraduate program at a Greek University is offered by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens…”.
Minister of Education and Religious Affairs, Niki Kerameus, then stressed on the fact that, “The Greek Government, the Ministry of Education and I, personally, strongly support the value of fostering an educational system that is extroverted and internationally minded.”
“This is particularly true for institutions of higher education, whose structure and student population make them optimally positioned for international collaborations”.
The ceremony was streamed live for students who had not yet arrived in Athens, as well as for all students’ parents, relatives and friends.
Rector Dimopoulos revealed that the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens has been ranked 79th in the world by the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking for its “Quality in Education”.
“Internationalization has been a cornerstone goal of the ten-year strategic plan of our University and today internationalization is perhaps more important than ever,” he said.
“The challenges we face cannot be solved by one person or one nation alone, but we need to stand together. We are rewarded today, because you have selected to trust us in this new program.”
European Union leaders on Friday criticized Turkey for ratcheting up tensions with Cyprus and Greece after Ankara sent a ship back into the east Mediterranean Sea on a new energy exploration mission.
“We deplore the actions and unilateral provocations of Turkey,” European Council President Charles Michel told reporters after chairing a summit of the 27-nation bloc’s leaders in Brussels.
Turkey redeployed its search vessel, Oruc Reis, near the Greek island of Kastellorizo, reigniting tensions with Greece over sea boundaries and energy drilling rights and casting doubt over the future of fresh talks aimed at resolving the dispute. The last round of talks was held in 2016.
Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, center, speaks with French President Emmanuel Macron, right, during a round table meeting at an EU summit in Brussels, Friday, Oct. 16, 2020. (Kenzo Tribouillard, Pool via AP)
Turkey has also angered Cyprus with its decision to open the beachfront of the fenced-off suburb of Varosha in the divided island’s breakaway Turkish Cypriot north. At their summit in Brussels, leaders said the EU “underlines the importance of the status of Varosha and reiterates its full solidarity with Greece and Cyprus.”
In the latest exchange of barbs, Turkey, which is a candidate for EU membership, and Greece this week traded accusations about “provocations,” including plans to hold military drills in the Aegean Sea later this month to coincide with each other’s national public holiday.
“I think that is very regrettable but also unnecessary — we should work on the positive aspects of our agenda instead. We have an interest in being able to go down the road we had intended to with Turkey, because developing EU-Turkey relations further is in the interest of both sides,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel said.
Tensions between the two NATO allies, neighbors and historic rivals flared over the summer and raised fears that open conflict might break out.
Cyprus in particular has been pushing hard for the EU to impose sanctions on Turkey. But on Friday, the leaders said only that they would “remain seized of the matter” and assess developments at their next meeting on Dec. 10-11.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis noted that “Europe does not take decisions from one moment to the next. It is like an ocean liner which takes a slow turn. When it turns, it takes a course which is very stable in the new direction in which it has chosen.”
In this Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020 file photo, Turkey’s research vessel, Oruc Reis anchored off the coast of Antalya on the Mediterranean, Turkey. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici, File)
“Τhe point where we will have to make decisions will be December. I still hope that we will not have to do so. But no one should doubt that Europe has the determination to do so if Turkey continues these actions. And measures will be painful, not symbolic,” he said.
Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hami Aksoy accused the EU of being insincere and unconstructive instead of “encouraging a dialogue, reconciliation and an unconditional positive agenda.”
“It should be known that the language of threats will have no effect on Turkey,” Aksoy said. “Instead of threatening Turkey, we expect the EU to present concrete and unbiased proposals that serve our common interests.”
Greece recorded 508 new confirmed coronavirus infections on Friday, topping the 500 daily mark for the first time, health authorities said, as they urged compliance with mask wearing and social distancing.
Of the 508 new cases, 227 were recorded in the Athens metropolitan area and 63 in Thessaloniki, the country’s second largest city. There were eight deaths from the disease.
“For the first time we went over 500 daily diagnoses of coronavirus,” said epidemiologist Gikas Magiorkinis. “The drop in temperatures may tilt the balance, intensifying the epidemiological trend.”
Earlier, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told reporters after an EU leaders’ summit in Brussels that Greece was still among the countries faring better in Europe.
“But this may change at any moment if we do not comply with the recommended measures,” he said.
Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias said the country was still in a stable situation, but “this stability is especially fragile”.
“All that is happening in Europe shows that we should not be complacent,” he said.
Quite often we admire award-winning businesses and their achievements; what we only witness is the impressive appearances of these successful businesses whether it their beautiful decor or warm social etiquette. As admirers, we truly need to go beyond these facades to realise the strong work ethic, meticulous attention to detail and great efforts to overcome any arising challenges that goes into any successful business.
Hairem Hairdressing’s owner and managing director, Vicky Zafiropoulos, recently won as the St George Local Business Awards the prestigious Business Person of the Year award, recognising her expertise and entrepreneurism. Added to an already- full cabinet of trophies- winning Local Business Awards for the business respective category and even the Business of the Year award- you cannot help but admire what Vicky and her staff have achieved thus far. Yet, it is important to put all their efforts and hard work into perspective to understand why they have deservedly gained such public acknowledgment and recognition.
Vicky was only seven years old when her parents, Zois and Eleni Deves, and sisters, Poppy and Dimitra, journeyed to Australia on the ‘Queen Frederika’ in 1965. Settling in Marrickville, they bought a corner shop on Renwick Street; while Zois worked in excavations, Eleni ran the corner shop. Vicky fondly remembers how Poppy, Dimitra and she would bake cakes during school holidays to sell with lunch orders, ‘We may have only been children and this may have been such a childhood experience but this probably influenced us into developing an entrepreneurial streak in us… all three of us run our own businesses today!’
But Vicky pays tribute to the best role models in her life- her parents, Zois and Eleni- when considering formative influences in her life, ‘Our parents took the risk of coming to Australia with three young children, they could not speak the language and had nothing, yet they worked very hard and sacrificed so much that they achieved so much… is there any greater inspiration in our lives than our parents?’
Although she worked as a secretary for a short time, Vicky married barber, Peter Zafiropoulos, and subsequently made a quick career move to become a hairdresser. In their first barber/hairdressing salon in Greenacre, the barber and hairdressing areas were separate; their next business there, Totally Styled, was an open plan to include both the barber and hairdressing areas.
After many years in Greenacre, Peter and Vicky then bought a business on Kogarah Bay; as the owner then wanted to develop the site, Vicky began looking for new premises and was very fortunate the find at the current place on Princess Highway, Carlton. Vicky has been running Hairem Hairdressing for over twenty two years there!
Having now won every award in the St George Local Awards, Vicky humbly explains that a successful business must go beyond its expectations and requirements to cater for their customers’ contentment and satisfaction, ‘There are hundreds and thousands of hairdressing salons in such a competitive industry; at Hairem Hairdressing, it is so important to treat our customers as an extended family.
‘There are great hair stylists all over Sydney but it is how we treat our customers that connects us with them, and they keep coming back. Customers do not only desire a great hairstyle; they wish to be treated well and feel special. There is a saying, “People do not care about what you know but they want to know how much you care.” So, we focus a lot on our customer service.’
Vicky also acknowledges the significant social role hairdressing salons, such as Hairem, play, ‘So many of customers feel very comfortable at our salon that they express their joys and sorrows, so we often laugh and cry together. So many times, they just want someone to talk to, someone not in their family… they just want to be heard.
‘We share our life stories whether they are joys and heartaches. No matter what we are experiencing, we are there to lift each other.’
What makes Hairem Hairdressing extra special is Vicky’s two daughters, Cassandra and Elena, have been part of the business for many years. As a proud mother, she says, ‘The love and care between our customers and ourselves is definitely mutual. We are truly a family business. My customers have witnessed my family grow too, with my marrying and having children.
‘I am very proud working alongside Cassandra and Elena; we work so well together. While I can teach them about various aspects of business, they bring fresh ideas to the business. The same way my parents instilled in my sisters and me strong values and beliefs, I suppose I wish to do the same with my children.’
Asked about the prospect of slowing down and Vicky quickly responds, ‘I love what I do. So, I enjoy coming into work every day and being with my customers. It is very special to have a great family and enjoy your work too.’
1821, Civic Hotel and Kinselas are only a few of Sydney based hospitality group Universal Hotel’s popular entertainment venues, with owner Harris Kospetas providing another venue to spice up the Eastern Suburbs.
Opening doors last week, Harris, Steven and Jim Kospetas teamed up with TWT Property Group to transform Sydney’s former Mill Hill Hotel into The Mill – an upmarket yet family orientated local venue.
Speaking to The Greek Herald, Harris says this new venue will provide a more premium option for the area, while still maintaining a relaxed social setting.
“It was offering a more premium option in the area, because most of the pubs in the area are quite old, so we were basically looking to step it up and bring it more into a gastropub,” Harris says to The Greek Herald.
Photo: Supplied
“A lot of the area has become redeveloped with new apartments and young families and young professionals, and we thought there’s a big market for that here.”
Enlisting the talents of former Marvan Hotel Group chef Vaughan Chapman, the Kospetas family have crafted a sustainable and locally sourced modern Australian menu with both Asian and Italian influences.
Standout dishes include the ‘KFC’ a Korean fried cauliflower with yuzu pepper glaze and togarashi; a Huon seared salmon Fish Bowl with furikake, pickled red onion, edamame and tare; and a signature iron cast, slow braised duck ragu pie with thyme and porcini, creamy mash potato and jus.
While the Sydney hospitality industry has experienced major downturns in income, Harris says that local pubs and takeaways have continued to thrive. The Universal Hotels owner is looking to capitalise on the rise of local food establishments.
“People get to go out and be a bit more casual and have more of a social setting. And that’s kind of what we’re offering.”
“It’s order at the bar, so it’s not a luxury restaurant experience, but the food quality is still restaurant.”
The Kospetas family have kept in line with the history of the original venue which dates back to the early 1900s, with the team behind The Mill embarking on the challenge of, “salvaging and restoring the rich heritage of the original Mill Hill Hotel whilst implementing their refreshed and innovative vision for the future of the Bondi Junction community.”
According the a press release by Universal Hotel, the team have worked with a “carefully selected team of architects and interior designers.”
“Each cornice and every handle have been personally selected by the team to create the ultimate upmarket local venue.”
The new Bondi Junction venue has already been open for over a week, with Harris adding that they have had a good response and is proud of the new venue.
Bread is deeply embedded in almost every Greek meal, often used to soak up the oils and rich flavours of a Greek dish. Whether it’s tsoureki, koulouria or lagana, there is a type of bread for almost every occasion in Greece.
Bread has been an essential component of Greek culture and lifestyle from ancient times.
Ancient Greek grammarist Athenaeus names a long list of different types of breads in The Deiphnosophistae, known as the oldest surviving cookbook, that underlines the importance of bread in ancient Greek life. By 400 B.C, ancient Greeks had come up with 72 different types of bread created for special occasions.
Photo: Shuuterstock
Ancient Greek author, Lynceus of Samos once said in a letter that “The Athenians talk a great deal about their bread, which can be got in the market, but the Rhodians put loaves on the table which are not inferior to all of them”.
Thousands of years later and bread is still ingrained in Greek psyche. The famine that lasted from 1941 to 1944 in Greece due to the Nazi Occupation also marked a turning point for the popularity of bread in Greece. At this time, bread was the only accessible food source and thus became a means of staying alive. The impact of this had a long lasting effect on Greek culture and birthed some of famous Greek bread sayings, in particular the anti-Junta slogan of 1971, “psomi, pedia, eleftheria” (bread, education, freedom).
Today, bread in Greece serves as a link to the past and symbolises generosity and gestures. This World Bread Day, make your favourite loaf of Greek bread and share amongst your loved ones.
The speaker of Cyprus’ parliament resigned on Thursday in the wake of a cash-for-passports scandal which has embarrassed authorities in the EU member state.
Demetris Syllouris is the second highest-ranking state official of Cyprus, and was deputizing as acting president in the absence of President Nicos Anastasiades.
Syllouris, 67, was secretly filmed by the Al Jazeera network talking to an undercover reporter posing as a representative of a Chinese businessman with a criminal record. Syllouris is shown promising to facilitate the businessman’s passport application.
A lawmaker for 28 years and speaker since 2011, Syllouris has denied any wrongdoing, saying any comments were taken out of context.
“I firmly believe that in no way have I broken the law,” Syllouris said in a statement. In the documentary, he is filmed discussing with a fixer – the undercover reporter – ways and workarounds for the supposed Chinese investor to acquire a passport. The imaginary investor had a criminal record, which in itself should have disqualified an applicant.
The documentary was aired on October 12, triggering public outrage and forcing authorities to suspend a lucrative citizenship for investment program.
