Farmers across Greece escalated nationwide protests on Thursday, January 8, launching coordinated 48-hour blockades of major highways, toll stations and border crossings after talks with the government failed to meet their demands over rising production costs and declining incomes.
From early morning, tractors and heavy vehicles were positioned on key transport routes linking Athens with northern and western Greece, severely disrupting domestic travel and cross-border trade.
One of the most significant closures occurred on the Athens–Lamia national highway near Kastro in Viotia, where traffic in both directions was halted and diverted onto secondary roads, causing lengthy delays.
Further blockades were reported in central Greece at the Vale of Tempe, in western Greece on the Antirrio–Ioannina highway at the Angelokastro toll station, and near Thessaloniki, including the Malgara tolls on the Athens–Thessaloniki highway. Routes towards Edessa and the Halkidiki peninsula were also affected.
Protests extended to northern Greece’s key border crossings. At Promachonas, farmers blocked freight trucks travelling between Greece and the Balkans, while similar restrictions were imposed at Exochi, Niki and Evzones, where trucks were barred and passenger vehicles allowed through only intermittently or in emergencies.
The government reiterated its willingness to engage in dialogue but insisted that negotiations could not take place while roads remained blocked.
Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister and government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis, speaking to Newsbomb, issued a renewed invitation to farmers.
“We are here for dialogue, we say it again. We are united in this effort, and we want to emphasise clearly that we wish for this situation to come to a resolution. I am making another invitation to the farmers for Tuesday, January 13, when the Prime Minister will be in his office, to meet under two clear conditions,” Marinakis said.
“First, the level of representation must be proportional; that is, all mobilisations must be represented, because in order to find a solution, everyone must have a voice. Second, the dialogue must take place with the roads open, as there can be no dialogue while blockades remain in place.”
Farmers argue that government concessions announced on Wednesday – including cheaper electricity rates and fuel tax rebates – fall short of addressing the scale of the crisis.
The protests, which began in November, were initially triggered by soaring production costs, delayed subsidy payments linked to a fraud scandal, and a sheep and goat pox outbreak.
Anger has also focused on the proposed EU–Mercosur agreement, which would create a vast free-trade zone between Europe and South American nations including Brazil and Argentina. Greek farmers fear the deal would flood the market with cheaper imports and threaten domestic agriculture.
Protest organiser Vangelis Roubis warned that the agreement could have devastating consequences.
Farmers have vowed to continue disrupting travel, supply chains and trade unless the government offers concrete concessions and rejects the trade deal, amid warnings from authorities that prolonged nationwide blockades will not be tolerated.
Former Greek finance minister and international author Yanis Varoufakis is among a growing list of prominent writers who have withdrawn from Adelaide Writers’ Week in protest over the cancellation of an event featuring Palestinian Australian author, lawyer and activist Randa Abdel-Fattah.
Varoufakis’ withdrawal adds international weight to the boycott, which now includes Miles Franklin winners Michelle de Kretser and Melissa Lucashenko, alongside journalists, academics and writers such as Peter Greste, Evelyn Araluen, Amy McQuire, Clare Wright, Chelsea Watego, Bernadette Brennan and Amy Remeikis.
The protest follows a decision by the Adelaide Festival Board to cancel Abdel-Fattah’s scheduled appearance, where she was to discuss her new novel Discipline, set during Ramadan and centred on the lives of two Muslim characters from different parts of the world.
In a statement, the Adelaide Festival Board said it would “not be culturally sensitive to continue to program [Abdel-Fattah] at this unprecedented time so soon after Bondi,” referring to the Bondi Beach shooting in December.
The board said it was reviewing festival operations in light of the “current national community context” and its role in “promoting community cohesion.”
“This suite of decisions has been taken with the genuine view that they provide the best opportunity for the success and support of the Adelaide Festival, for Adelaide Writers’ Week and the communities we seek to serve and engage,” the board said.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas confirmed his government supported the board’s decision.
Abdel-Fattah responded on Instagram, describing her removal as a “blatant and shameless act of anti-Palestinian racism and censorship.”
“What makes this so egregiously racist is that the Adelaide Writers Festival Board [sic] has stripped me of my humanity and agency, reducing me to an object onto which others can project their racist fears and smears,” she wrote.
She said the decision was a “despicable attempt to associate me with the Bondi massacre” and predicted further withdrawals, citing a similar mass boycott of the Bendigo Writers Festival last year.
The controversy has reignited debate about artistic freedom, censorship and the growing influence of risk management and commercial considerations on arts programming, as Adelaide Writers’ Week prepares to begin on February 27.
A severe heatwave is gripping much of Australia, with temperatures between 40 and 45 degrees Celsius forecast across large areas as a hot north-westerly airstream pushes inland heat from Western Australia through South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.
Strong winds, very low humidity and soaring temperatures are creating what meteorologists describe as the “perfect storm” for an intense heatwave.
Temperatures have exceeded forecasts in several locations, with some regions recording highs up to 19 degrees above the January average.
Victoria recorded a high of 46.5C at Walpeup, while South Australia reached 48.2C at Wudinna — just 0.2C below the town’s all-time record. In Western Australia, Onslow reached 49C, less than two degrees short of Australia’s national temperature record.
Melbourne recorded its hottest day in six years on Wednesday, while Adelaide’s coastal areas were spared the worst due to a westerly change, despite inland regions enduring consecutive days above 45C. Sydney is forecast to experience its hottest weather in up to six years on Saturday, with temperatures expected to reach 42–43C.
Today, a statewide Total Fire Ban has been declared.
No fires can be lit, or be allowed to remain alight, in the open air from 12:01 AM until 11:59 PM.
In Victoria, a total fire ban is in place statewide, with authorities warning that today’s conditions are the most dangerous since the Black Summer bushfires of 2019–20. The Northern Country, North Central, Wimmera and South West regions have been issued catastrophic fire risk ratings.
Emergency warnings remain in place for a major bushfire near Longwood in central Victoria, which has burned almost 30,000 hectares and caused confirmed property losses in the town of Ruffy. Ruffy CFA captain George Noye said the town had been “severely” impacted.
“The main street looks like a bomb’s gone off, we’ve lost a school… [the] CFA shed’s still standing, so that’s our hub at the moment,” Mr Noye told ABC News. “The school, it no longer operates, but it was a community hub for us… so it’s absolutely devastating to see it go.”
Authorities have also warned of the risk posed by dry lightning and strong winds, which could spark new fires across the state. Communities have been urged to remain vigilant, monitor emergency warnings and avoid travel in fire-affected areas.
A significant southerly change is expected to bring relief to Victoria and SA late Friday, with temperatures dropping by up to 20 degrees within 24 hours. However, heatwave conditions are forecast to persist across northern Australia into next week.
The Board of Hellenic Village Ltd has confirmed significant progress in the sale of its long-held land at Austral, revealing that more than $11.9 million in non-refundable funds has already been transferred, with a further $3 million due in January 2026, as the organisation edges closer to completing one of the largest property transactions in Australian Greek community history.
In a December 2025 update issued to member organisations of the Hellenic Village, advances across three key areas were outlined: the sale process itself, the resolution of outstanding land tax liabilities, and the ongoing work to establish a future charitable structure linked to the proceeds of the sale.
Speaking to The Greek Herald, Hellenic Village Director James Stevens confirmed that settlement is currently anticipated for late November or early December, subject to the terms of the agreement and any exercised extensions.
Under the sale terms, Castle Group has the option to extend settlement for up to 270 days, at a cost of $25,000 per day payable to Hellenic Village. If the full extension period were utilised, this would add $6.75 million to the purchase price, lifting the total consideration from $119.5 million to approximately $126.25 million, plus the agreed $200,000 donation to the Australian Hellenic Future Fund (AHFF).
Land tax liability explained
The December update also disclosed that Hellenic Village received a Revenue NSW land tax assessment totalling $441,467.42, covering the years 2020 to 2024.
According to Mr Stevens, the Board only became aware of the liability in October 2025, after correspondence had been sent for several years to an outdated address linked to a former office-holder. He said once the liability became known, the Board acted promptly.
“It’s simply the sum total of four or five years of land tax that’s due, and we’ve duly paid the land tax out of the proceeds that we’ve received,” Mr Stevens said.
The Board has since engaged HQB Accountants Auditors Advisors following a market process, with the firm assisting in securing a payment arrangement with Revenue NSW. Two instalments of $90,364 were paid in November, with the remaining balance scheduled across December, January and March 2026.
Disclosures to Revenue NSW could potentially result in an adjusted land tax assessment, either upward or downward.
The Hellenic Village at Austral.
Financial reporting and transparency
Responding to questions about governance and transparency given the scale of the transaction, Mr Stevens said the Board recognised its duty to keep member organisations informed of all material developments.
“If something significant was to fall over, that would be something we would have to communicate immediately to our members,” he said. “At the same time, we don’t want to be burdening them with unnecessary information.”
He said directors remained accessible to member organisations seeking clarity.
The appointment of a new accounting firm and the preparation of FY25 financial statements are expected to pave the way for the issuing of a formal Notice of Annual General Meeting once completed.
The unresolved question: proceeds and the charitable structure
While the sale itself is progressing, the distribution of net proceeds remains unresolved — a point of ongoing discussion among the 21 Greek associations* that collectively make up Hellenic Village Ltd.
The Board has previously proposed that 50 per cent of net proceeds be distributed to unit holders according to their shareholdings, with the remaining 50 per cent directed to a new charitable vehicle, the AHFF. No formal consensus has yet been reached on this model.
Mr Stevens stressed that participation in any charitable structure would ultimately be a decision for individual organisations.
“Everybody can choose whether they want to contribute to the charitable trust or not,” he said. “That will depend on their respective situations and their tax positions.”
The Greek Herald has spoken to several unit holders involved in the matter, including the Hellenic Club of Sydney. While the Hellenic Club has confirmed its own approach to managing any proceeds, it remains committed to supporting the Greek community through its established programs. Notably, the Hellenic Club is one of the few organisations among the unit holders that was originally established to provide directly to the Hellenic community in Sydney.
We note that most unit holders continue to align with the original ethos of reinvesting funds back into the community, as intended from the outset.
Looking ahead
As settlement approaches, the Hellenic Village Board continues to work with legal advisers Clayton Utz on the structure, tax implications and compliance requirements of the proposed AHFF, ensuring it is fit for purpose before any substantial funds are directed to it.
For many within the Greek Australian community, the sale represents both an historic financial achievement and a defining moment that will shape how the legacy of Hellenic Village is carried forward.
As one of the largest community-owned land transactions in Australian Greek history nears completion, attention is now turning from the mechanics of the sale to the longer-term question of how its proceeds will best serve future generations.
*The 21 Greek associations who make up the Hellenic Village Ltd are:
Order of AHEPA NSW INC – 3 shares
AHEPA Heracles INC – 3 shares
Apollo Sports and Cultural Club – 1 share.
Cyprus Hellene Club Inc – 2 shares.
Diakofton Association – 3 shares.
Elassona Philanthropic Association – 3 shares
Greek Taxi Drivers’ Assoc. – 1 share
Hassion Philanthropic Assoc – 3 shares
Hellenic Club of Sydney – 3 shares
Helmos Philanthropic Association – 3 shares
Kalavryton Society (NSW) ‘Aghia Lavra’ Inc – 3 shares
Lefkadian Brotherhood of NSW LTD – 2 shares
Messolonghi Association – 3 PO
Meteora Association – 3 shares
Pan-Arcadian Association of NSW – 2 shares
Pan-Korinthian Association of NSW – 2 shares
Pan-Nafpaktian Association ‘Nafpaktos’ – 2 shares
Pan-Thessalian Federation – 2 shares
Pan-Thracian Association of NSW ‘Democritus’ – 2 shares
Association of Plataneon ‘O Platanos’ – 3 shares
Saint Barbara Philanthropic Association – 2 shares
The final event of the 44th Cretan Federation Convention was held on Monday, January 5, at the Mytilenian House in Canterbury, bringing together approximately 330 guests for a final evening before interstate and overseas delegates departed Sydney.
President of the Cretan Association of Sydney and New South Wales, Terry Saviolakis, reflected on the whirlwind nature of the convention, telling attendees: “What an amazing four days of dancing, music, stoles, mandinathes and lots of mingling… For those travelling, I wish you a safe journey back home.”
President of the Cretan Association of Sydney and New South Wales, Terry Saviolakis (left), reflected on the whirlwind nature of the convention.
Mr Saviolakis thanked convention sponsors and media partners, presenting a small gift to Andrew Parliaros and Tass Anastasiadis of Location Shots Media for their coverage of the events.
He acknowledged the Executive Committee of the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW, inviting members forward and presenting them with gifts in recognition of their tireless efforts in organising the convention.
The evening featured a tribute to Cretan youth musicians.
Federation President Emmanuel Mountakis also addressed the gathering, wishing attendees a happy New Year and expressing hope that everyone would reunite in Canberra for the 2027 Federation Convention. He paid tribute to Mr Saviolakis and his committee for their work, prompting a standing ovation from the crowd.
Federation President Emmanuel Mountakis.
The evening featured a tribute to Cretan youth musicians, with talented young performers from Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide entertaining guests, showcasing countless hours of practice and a deep connection to their cultural roots.
Guests shared a final meal, danced and mingled late into the night, closing the convention on a warm and celebratory note before beginning their journeys home.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a federal royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion following the December 14 Bondi terror attack, which killed 15 people at a Hanukkah event and is regarded as the deadliest attack of its kind in Australia’s history.
The inquiry will be led by former High Court justice Virginia Bell and will examine four key areas: the nature and prevalence of antisemitism in Australia; measures to assist law enforcement, immigration and security agencies in addressing antisemitism; the circumstances surrounding the Bondi attack; and ways to strengthen social cohesion while countering ideologically and religiously motivated extremism.
Mr Albanese said the decision followed extensive consultation with Jewish community leaders, victims’ families and survivors. It comes after sustained calls from victims’ families, Jewish community leaders, legal and business figures, and political voices across parties.
He said the commission would not be a prolonged process, with the government requesting that Ms Bell deliver her final report by December 14 this year, and stressed that the inquiry would not prejudice any future criminal proceedings.
The inquiry will be led by former High Court justice Virginia Bell.
Existing work by former senior public servant Dennis Richardson into the attack will be incorporated into the commission, with Mr Richardson to support the inquiry and provide an interim report by April.
The Prime Minister said Ms Bell’s experience would allow the commission to examine the real impact of antisemitism on the daily lives of Jewish Australians without providing a platform for hate.
He described the royal commission as the appropriate mechanism to address both national security and social cohesion concerns.
The announcement marks a shift from the government’s earlier position, which had prioritised a rapid intelligence review and cooperation with a NSW-led inquiry announced by Premier Chris Minns.
Mr Albanese said one federal royal commission was necessary, while noting that the NSW government would provide further detail on its own processes.
The 2026 Greek Community Cup Women’s Tournament is set to return this summer, with registrations now open for clubs ahead of the competition running from 30 January to 15 February 2026 at Northcote City FC.
Building on a successful inaugural tournament, the women’s competition returns to Northcote City FC following a standout debut in 2025.
The venue delivered a high-quality playing environment and a strong atmosphere, helping establish the tournament as a growing fixture in the women’s football calendar.
The 2025 final produced a thrilling contest between Box Hill and Keon Park, with Box Hill securing a 2–1 victory.
With strong interest from clubs and increased momentum, organisers expect the 2026 tournament to attract even more teams.
Tournament Organiser Michael Karamitos said the feedback from the inaugural competition highlighted the importance of continuing to invest in the women’s tournament.
“We’re committed to delivering a well-run, competitive tournament that supports clubs and showcases the talent across women’s teams,” Mr Karamitos said.
“The feedback from players and clubs in 2025 reinforced the value of continuing to expand the Greek Community Cup tournaments, and we’re excited to see the Women’s Tournament return in 2026 with even greater participation.”
Registrations are now open, with clubs encouraged to nominate teams and prepare for another competitive summer of women’s football.
The Greek Community Cup is presented by the Greek Community of Melbourne in association with Australian Football Skool and GCTV Incorporated. The tournament returns to Northcote City FC as host venue, with support from Nikos Cakes and the Victorian Multicultural Commission.
Sydney-born international auto racer Aaron Zerefos is set to return to the New Zealand racing scene this month, lining up at Hampton Downs Motor Sport Park from January 9–11 and January 16–18 as part of the Giltrap Group Taupō Historic Grand Prix, where he will compete in a New Zealand-prepared Porsche 911.
The Giltrap Group Taupō Historic GP is regarded as one of New Zealand’s premier historic motorsport events, bringing together classic touring cars, GT machinery and iconic marques such as Porsche across multiple competitive classes.
Held at the FIA-grade Hampton Downs Motor Sport Park, the event attracts competitors from across New Zealand and Australia and is known for its fast, technical layout that rewards both driver skill and precision car preparation.
Zerefos said he is looking forward to returning to the New Zealand circuit and reconnecting with its strong racing community.
“I’m excited to be racing in NZ again. Their summer racing series is a lot of fun. It’s competitive and the Porsche racing community in NZ is very strong,” Zerefos said.
He will compete in a New Zealand-prepared Porsche 911.
Zerefos has built a reputation competing across domestic and international endurance and circuit racing categories, balancing his on-track commitments with long-standing business interests off the circuit.
The New Zealand campaign forms part of a busy international schedule for the Sydney-based driver, who will also contest the Bathurst 12 Hour in February 2026 — an event he has competed in on 10 previous occasions.
“I’m due for some luck up there at the Mountain. The place can really knock you on canvas but we are always ready!” he said.
Off the track, Zerefos continues to balance motorsport with business. He has been selling C Coconut Water for the past 15 years and says the Porsche will carry a special C Coconut livery during the New Zealand rounds.
“The Porsche will look good in NZ with a C Coconut special livery! Hopefully leads to some more sales!” he said.
Through AZ Enterprises, Zerefos has overseen strong growth in recent years, particularly in the alternative milk sector, with Aaron’s Organics achieving eight-digit sales figures. Fiji remains the market leader for imported water, while innovative products such as Bobby’s and Add Water are also performing strongly within the drinks market.
Zerefos hits the track on Friday, January 9, as anticipation builds for his New Zealand return. He will be returning to Los Angeles after the Melbourne Grand Prix before heading to Indianapolis for the Indy 500.
The Mayor of Florina, Vasilis Giannakis, will visit Australia from 15 to 31 January 2026 on an official tour aimed at strengthening ties between the Greek diaspora and Greece.
During the visit, Mayor Giannakis and accompanying officials will travel to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Shepparton.
The delegation will take part in meetings with representatives of Greek Australian community organisations.
The visit is expected to reinforce cooperation across social, cultural and educational sectors, while supporting initiatives that foster closer connections between diaspora Greeks and their homeland.
A key focus of the tour will be Shepparton, which has been the twin city of Florina since 1977, highlighting the long-standing relationship between the regional Victorian city and northern Greece.
The Victorian Government has extended the appointments of municipal monitors at Kingston Council for six months, a move that could cost ratepayers more than $300,000.
Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos said the decision followed an interim report by monitors John Tanner and John Watson highlighting “ongoing concerns at the council” around governance.
The appointments, originally made after complaints from two Labor-aligned councillors, have drawn criticism from community members and the council.
Mayor Georgina Oxley said the report had not been shared with council leadership and questioned why ratepayers should cover the monitors’ fees, which can reach $1,540 per day plus expenses.
Despite reservations, Cr Oxley said council would continue to cooperate with the monitors, as the government maintains the appointments are intended to strengthen governance and accountability.
A Victorian Government spokesperson said a final report from the municipal monitors would be provided to the council and published on the Local Government Victoria website in due course.
