The Melbourne Rebetiko Ensemble returned from “hibernation” over the weekend, with an intimate online performance of Rebetiko music for viewers around the world.
More than 10,000 people tuned in to the Rebetiko concert, which was streamed live on Facebook, where they were treated to songs from the pre and post-war rebetika era.
Works by Vassilis Tsitsanis, Sotiria Bellou and Giorgos Mitsakis were performed, along with original music from the Ensemble’s upcoming CD, ‘To Monopati,’ which is available for digital purchase and download.
Taking part in the online performance were founding members of the Melbourne Rebetiko Ensemble including Stavrina Dimitriou (vocals), Achilles Yiangoulli (vocals/guitar), Dean Georgalas (bouzouki) and Con Kalamaras (baglama/vocals).
Kalamaras told The Greek Herald the concert was a way to remind the Greek community that music matters during this unprecedented time.
“Prior to lockdown, we were playing quite a bit around Melbourne, connecting with people who come to watch us play,” Kalamaras said.
“Music has been the constant thread that has kept us all sane during this unprecedented time. We want to remind our friends and the community that music matters.”
Millions of dollars raised by Celeste Barber’s bushfire campaign cannot be distributed to other charities or states but can be given to injured firefighters, a judge has ruled.
The comedian nominated the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) and Brigades Donation Fund for the $51.3 million raised through her record-breaking Facebook fundraiser in January.
But the deed governing that trust only allows money to be spent on purchasing and maintaining equipment, training and administrative costs.
“Some donors may have intended or hoped that the money they donated would be used for purposes beyond those which the court has advised are permissible,” NSW Supreme Court Justice Michael Slattery said.
“Despite the trustees’ wish to honour those intentions or hopes the law provides principles that ensure a degree of certainty in the application of trust funds including charitable trust funds.”
Justice Slattery ruled the money could be given to the families of fallen firefighters and used for trauma counselling.
However, the court’s decision excluded causes which many donors expected their money to go towards, including the Australian Red Cross and animal welfare group WIRES.
Barber launched the record-breaking appeal on Facebook in January after members of her family were affected by bushfires at Eden, on the NSW south coast.
Her initial goal was to raise $30,000.
Her Facebook fundraising page clearly stated the money was intended for the Trustee for the RFS and Brigades Donation Fund.
Earlier this year the RFS said it wanted to share the money.
“We take the issue of public donations very seriously — and know everyone wants to see the funds distributed quickly and to the right places,” a spokesperson said.
The Greek government is expecting a growth boost to the tune of 1.5-2% of gross domestic product for the next three years through the EU Recovery Fund, if it is approved.
The Fund is the biggest post-lockdown weapon aiding the return to growth, with Greece anticipating at least 8-10 billion euros, while the amount due could be far higher.
Sources say Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has already spoken with Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, ahead of the submission of the Commission’s proposal on Wednesday, formed on the basis of a French-German agreement for a €500 million fund.
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen (left) met with Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis (right), earlier this year.
The Greek government is particularly pleased by the fact the assistance, according to the proposal, will be given in the form of grants and not loans that would add an additional burden to Greece’s national debt. Of course this would need to be approved by Austria, which voiced its opposition from the start, but also by Sweden, Denmark, Finland and The Netherlands.
Another plus for Greece is a provision that the assistance will be allocated on the basis of the damage suffered by each country’s economy as a result of the coronavirus.
Given that Brussels said in its spring forecasts that Greece will experience the biggest GDP reduction in the European Union, it should also get the most support, in proportional terms.
There is a question as to whether the impact on national health systems will be factored in, which would be relatively small for Greece. However, Bloomberg reported recently that Greece would definitely be among the EU states to benefit most.
The fund’s resources will allow the government to finance growth-minded policies that have been pushed aside at this point, such as the reduction of social security contributions.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios held a special prayer service on May 24 at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, Sydney, to commemorate the victims of the Greek Pontian genocide.
In a short speech, which was read in Greek and English by Father Nikolaos Bozikis and Father Panagiotis Mavrommatis respectively, His Eminence spoke with emotion and pride about the culture that developed in the blessed land of Pontus, focusing in particular on the flourishing of spiritual and ecclesiastical life.
“We must pass on the cultural heritage of the Pontian Greeks to the younger generations as a legacy of all humanity, of the entire human race,” His Eminence said.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios held a small memorial and prayer service for the victims of the Greek Pontian genocide. Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
“Because, really, what existed in Pontus was something very unique… it was something wonderful.”
His Eminence then went on to note the historical monasteries and churches which dominated the area of Pontus, including the cradle of Pontic Hellenism, the monastery of Panagia Soumela, and the Temple of the God of Wisdom, in Trabzon.
He also recognised some of the great ecclesiastical figures who decorated the Pontic land, such as the last Metropolitan of Trabzon and later the Archbishop of Athens Chrysanthos, the Metropolitan of Cologne Gabriel and the Metropolitan of Rodopolis Ieronymos.
Representatives from the Pontian Greek community in Sydney attended the service. Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
In fact, the last two Hierarchs were known personally by His Eminence during his first few years at the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
“I praise God for this blessing and for the spiritual legacy I received from my acquaintance with these truly great figures, with Hierarchs representing a great tradition, Pontic,” he concluded.
The small prayer service was attended by only ten representatives from the Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia, the Pontian Brotherhood Wollongong “O Diogenis,” Pontoxeniteas NSW, and Panagia Soumela Sydney.
Greece’s Culture Minister, Lina Mendoni, has reiterated a long-standing request for the British Museum to return the Parthenon Marbles, ahead of the 11th anniversary of the Acropolis Museum which was purpose-built to house the antiquities.
“It is time for the British Museum to reconsider its stance ahead of the Acropolis Museum’s next birthday, which is on June 20,” Mendoni told private broadcaster Star TV on Saturday.
“Does it want to be a museum that meets and will continue to meet modern requirements and speak to the soul of the people, or will it remain a colonial museum which intends to hold treasures of world cultural heritage that do not belong to it?”
Greece’s Culture Minister, Lina Mendoni (left), visited the Acropolis when it reopened on May 18, 2020. Source: AFP.
The minister said that the reopening of archaeological sites last week was an opportunity for the international committees to reiterate their long-standing request, and that of the Greek government’s, for their return.
“The Parthenon Marbles are a product of theft and therefore, Greece will never recognise ownership and possession by the British Museum,” Mendoni said.
The ancient friezes, which include depictions of battles between mythical ancient Greeks and centaurs, were taken by British diplomat Lord Elgin in the early 19th century and are now on display at the British Museum in London.
Greece has been campaigning for three decades for their return, arguing that the Ottoman Empire was an occupying force and any permission granted to Lord Elgin during its time is not valid.
However, the British Museum continues to refuse to return the Parthenon Marbles.
Greek Australian, Despina Savva, stunned judges and viewers with her rendition of Billie Eilish’s hit song ‘idontwannabeyouanymore’ at the blind auditions for The Voice Australia 2020.
Despina turned the chair of all four judges, Boy George, Delta, Kelly Rowland and Guy, but ultimately chose Boy George as her coach for this season.
“Auditioning for The Voice Australia 2020 was the most amazing experience! It has always been my dream to be on The Voice and now that I’m actually on it, it doesn’t feel real,” Despina toldThe Greek Heraldover the weekend.
Despina Savva had her brother and parrot for support during her blind auditions for The Voice Australia 2020. Source: news.com.au.
“I had so much excitement and adrenaline in me and was nervous to see if I would even get a chair turn.”
Her singing success was only made more special by the appearance of her pet parrot, which she brought along backstage for support.
Despina will now move forward to the Battle Rounds to compete against the other contestants in Boy George’s team. Her growing fan base across Australia will be behind her every step of the way.
Two teenagers have been charged with murder after a 39-year-old Greek man was allegedly stabbed to death inside his own home in Sydney’s west this morning.
Kevin Kourtis died from multiple stab wounds after five men allegedly stormed into his home in Riverstone just after midnight.
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.
The 34-year-old woman was also taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries.
Police have established several crime scenes, which are being examined by specialist forensic police.
The Riot Squad, PolAir and the Dog Squad were called in to help police search the surrounding area. Within minutes, the two boys, aged 16 and 17, were found on nearby Regent Street and arrested.
They were taken to Riverstone Police Station, where they have since been charged with murder. Both teens have been refused bail and will face children’s court tomorrow.
Police are still looking for the other three people allegedly involved in the attack.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios visited the front-line workers and management of the Greek Welfare Centre in Newtown, Sydney on Thursday 21st May.
His Eminence spoke cordially with the Director, Mr. Steve Magdalopoulos, and with management and staff of the Centre, thanking everyone for their strong dedication they show in performing their God-pleasing work.
“To find people who truly believe in what they do and to do it with all their heart is not easy,” he said.
Ο Σεβασμιώτατος Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αυστραλίας κ.κ. Μακάριος, επισκεπτόμενος τα κεντρικά γραφεία του Ελληνικού Κέντρου…
Furthermore, he expressed his confidence in the people who are at the front-line of service of the holy Archdiocese’s organisation, characteristically stating that “I feel very blessed and fortunate to have you. And I also feel very secure because I know that the work that you do, you perform it correctly.”
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios assured the Centre’s management and staff that he is and will continue to be by their side during this crisis and beyond.
Over time, our favourite shops become so familiar that we imagine they have always been there. We drive past the shop and look towards it with the expectation that it is there. And this is why the longevity of any shop or business to a local area is so important to the community itself; such shops and businesses become part of a community’s growth and development, as well as its identity!
George’s Takeaway is just one of those shops whose longevity and success is an integral of Padstow’ history; since 1970, fifty one years in June, this second- generation business has been serving the local community and the locals just love the place.
After Theodore and Georgia (nee: Vasilangos), ran shops such as a fish and chips shop in Regent Park and in partnership at the Central Cafe, Sydney, an opportunity arose in Padstow, where they could buy a run-down shop- with residence. What attracted the Theodore and Georgia to buy this shop were the people, as Georgia remembers, “They were very down-to-earth and nice to us. Back then, Padstow had lots of young people around- lots of young families. We had a young family too.”
In a humorous development, Theodore and Georgia named the shop, “George’s Takeaway” instead of Theodore, and Georgia recalls how this happened, “When we opened the shop for trading, the locals found the name, Theo, too alien and began calling my husband, George, as it is such a Greek name- like Nikos, Chris and john. People would greet him as George, so we called the shop, George’s Hot Food Takeaway. Over the years, my husband responds to customers calling him, George.”
“George’s Takeaway” was opened on Friday, July 26, 1970, and Georgia remembers the takings for the day were a meagre $78! That did not dishearten them because they realised everything was long term and hoped to win over the local community. Whether it was the wholesome and tasty food they cooked or their understanding and good customer service, Theodore and Georgia were a dynamic that did win everyone over, “Our business grew and grew! The busier we got, the more we extended our times for trading; we went for a 9pm finish, to 10pm, then to 11pm, then to 12am… until we reached 2am. I did not mind the 2am finishes because our children were already asleep and we just kept on working. Saturdays were our busiest night! It was convenient that our residence was on the premises.”
Despite being so busy, only Theodore and Georgia ran the shop; they were certainly a dynamic duo, “At our peak, we were cooking 100 dozen meat patties for hamburgers a week and over 150 pieces of fish on a Friday. Theo and I made a good team; we had the same dreams and hopes… we were on the same page. We wanted to work hard and provide the best opportunity for our children.”
Asked the secret behind the success of their takeaway shop and she will emphasise the need for shopowners to put all their efforts to providing a great product and sincerely taking care of their customers.
Despite being tempted to sell the shop after their children, Angela and Nikos, grew up, took their career paths, and married, they decided to working their business, “We thought about retiring or doing something else. However, this shop was part of our lives; whatever happiness (in life) we achieved, it was through this shop. Today, my heart is still in this shop… “
These days, Georgia’s daughter, Angela, and her husband Meletis (Hatzis) run the shop and Georgia still helps around the shop; having practically grown up in “George’s Takeaway”, Angela has seen all the changes in the local area and people’s tastes, “With takeaway shops, you have to move with the times! People’s tastes change and customers are always looking for something different. For a small example, when our family first opened the shop, we only used tomato sauce; then barbeque sauce was popular and these days, we have all sorts of sauces, whether sweet chilli, tzatziki, peri peri and mayonnaise. For any successful business, you have to adjust according to a developing market.”
What makes the Greek-owned takeaway shops is the way they gradually introduced Greek foods to their menu, “My mother cooks up lots of Greek food and customers cannot get enough. One day, she cooked up pastitsio and our customers did not know what it was; I tried to explain what it was and they still could not understand so I just said it was Greek-style lasagne. They love our pastitsio! Our customers also love our ριζόγαλο (rice pudding) and moussaka. This shows just how far Australia has come in multiculturalism; Australians eat all sorts of foods from around the world!”
The takeaway shop of 1970 has definitely changed, but so has Australia; for Angela, Meleti and Georgia, they regard “George’s Takeaway” as a home away from home for so many customers and themselves.
“George’s Takeaway” was featured in Vasili’s book, “Beyond the Shop Windows and Counters”
Ioannis Kolokotronis was a warrior during the Greek war of Independence and served as a Greek politician and Prime Minister of Greece, passing away on May 23, 1868.
Ioannis Kolokotronis was born in 1805 in Zakynthos and was the second son of Theodoros Kolokotronis and Katerina Karousou. His nickname “Brave”, with which he is known, was given to him by his competitors, due to the bravery he showed on the battlefields during the Revolution.
Despite his young age, Kolokotronis took part in the siege of Tripoli and the following year in the siege of Patras. He then went to Western Greece, led by 400 men, to take part in the campaign of Alexander the Great in Epirus, but returned to the Peloponnese before the catastrophic battle of Peta (July 4, 1822).
Photo: Alexander Armenis
The brave warrior took part in many battles throughout his life, being promoted from captain to lieutenant general in 1841.
Kolokotronis famously wrote two of the most valuable sources for the history of the Revolution and the first period of the newly formed Greek state: the “Greek Memoirs, ie letter writer and various documents concerning the Greek Revolution” (1856) and the “Memoirs” (1955).
From 1828 he was married to Fotini Tzavela (1809-1890), who served as lady in honour of Queen Amalia, with the couple having six children.
Gennaios Kolokotronis died of an incurable disease on May 23, 1868.
