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Greeks of South Australia commemorate 60th anniversary of Cyprus’ independence

Argyro Vourdoumpa
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Greeks of South Australia commemorate 60th anniversary of Cyprus’ independence

In a special event, which took place on Sunday, October 11, in the hall of the Cyprus Community of South Australia in Welland, Cypriot expatriates celebrated the 60th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Cyprus.

A number of dignitaries and community leaders were present, including the High Commissioner of Cyprus to Australia, Martha Mavrommatis, the Consul General of Greece in Adelaide, George Psiachas, the State Minister for Innovation and Skills, David Pisoni, the expatriate Senator and Federal MP of the Labor Party, Steve Georganas, the President of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (EOKNA), Bill Gonis, and the youth committee of the Cyprus Community, as well as representatives of other local and expatriate organisations.

Thank you to the Cyprus community of SA for inviting me to speak and attend the 60th Celebration of the the independence…

Posted by Steve Georganas MP on Sunday, 11 October 2020

READ MORE: On This Day: Cyprus officially declares independence from the British.

“I am happy to be here to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Cyprus, but at the same time I am saddened that Turkey continues to violate the EEZ. What [the Turks] are doing is unacceptable. We want a solution to the Cyprus issue. We want a Cyprus, for all Cypriots,” said the High Commissioner of Cyprus to Australia, who, addressing Consul General Psiachas, thanked Greece for standing by Cyprus.

Mavrommatis also thanked the Australian government, which recently expressed its concern over the crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean and called on Turkey to negotiate under international law.

Steve Georganas MP (left) and High Commissioner of Cyprus to Australia, Martha Mavrommatis (second from right), were in attendance. Photo: Cyprus Community Youth of South Australia.

RELATED: Melbourne Greek Community welcomes Australian government’s response to east Med crisis.

“The struggle continues until we have a free and united Cyprus,” Ms Mavrommati concluded.

During the event, which was followed by a lunch, the President of the Cypriot Community of South Australia, Andreas Evdokiou and the High Commissioner, awarded members of the Community for their contribution and their social work.

Pavlos Melas: Hero of the Greek struggle for Macedonia

Andriana Simos
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Pavlos Melas: Hero of the Greek struggle for Macedonia

Pavlos Melas was a Greek army officer and one of the most important defenders of Macedonia’s struggle for freedom. We take a look back at his short but impactful life.

Early Life:

Pavlos Melas was born on March 29, 1870 in Marseilles. He was the son of Michael Melas, an elected MP for Attica and mayor of Athens.

In 1886, Melas decided to go to Athens to study and later joined the Hellenic Army, graduating from the Hellenic Army Academy as an artillery lieutenant at the age of 21.

In 1892, he married Natalia Dragoumi, the daughter of a famous politician from Macedonia’s city of Kastoria, Stephanos Dragoumis. They had two children.

Pavlos Melas married Natalia Dragoumi. They had two children.

Melas’ relationship with Dragoumis played a crucial role in his decision to start raising money for the financial support of Greece’s overt and secret efforts in the region of Macedonia.

The Greek Struggle for Macedonia:

At the beginning of the 20th century, Melas became concerned about the situation in Turkish-occupied Macedonia.

In February 1904, together with three other officers, Sergeants Alexandros Kontoulis and Anastasios Papoulas and Lieutenant Georgios Kolokotronis, Melas participated in a secret mission to Macedonia under the pseudonym Mikis Zezas.

The group of four officers, accompanied by Macedonian fighters, was active in western Macedonia, but its movements were noticed by the Turks, who asked the Greek government to withdraw them. So Melas, along with the three other officers, returned to Athens on March 29.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Melas became concerned about the situation in Turkish-occupied Macedonia.

In July, while serving at the Guards School, he asked for a 20-day leave and made a second trip to Macedonia. 

As soon as he arrived in Kozani, he met with the local Greek community and decided to not only form an armed corps by recruiting men from the surrounding areas, but to also take immediate action in western Macedonia. 

He returned to Athens on August 3 full of optimism for the outcome of the struggle. After 15 days, he asked for and received a four-month leave from the army to officially take over the leadership of the Macedonian Struggle in the area of ​​Kastoria.

Death and Legacy:

Pavlos Melas’ statue in Thessaloniki.

On August 28, Captain Mikis Zezas (Melas) crossed the border, accompanied by several Macedonians, Laconians and Cretans.

On October 13, 1904, Melas and his men entered the town of Statista near Kastoria, to rest. Betrayed by the people he trusted, more than 150 Ottoman men surrounded Melas and killed him.

The exact conditions under which Melas died are still unknown.

What is sure is that his death sparked a wave of support throughout Greece for the Greeks in Macedonia who were fighting a dual fight, both against the Ottoman oppressors and the Bulgarian nationalists.

A national symbol of the Greek struggle for Macedonia, Melas is still a source of inspiration for many.

Crown Resorts director, Andrew Demetriou, denies dishonesty at casino inquiry

Andriana Simos
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Crown Resorts director, Andrew Demetriou, denies dishonesty at casino inquiry

Former AFL boss, Andrew Demetriou, has been criticised at the NSW government’s Crown Resorts inquiry after he compromised his evidence by referring to secret notes during his testimony.

Demetriou has admitted that he had written notes in front of him when giving evidence on Monday, and reading from the notes when he gave an answer about potential money laundering at Crown.

However, he denied other evidence was based on notes.

The notes included a definition of “culture” which Mr Demetriou said he got “off the net” but insisted he did not read from while being asked about cultural failings at the casino giant.

Crown resorts director Andrew Demetriou had been accused of being dishonest while giving evidence at an inquiry into the casino after reading from notes. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images.

“You wrote them down because you couldn’t remember them without being reminded,” counsel assisting the commission, Scott Aspinall, said to Demetriou on Tuesday.

“No, that’s not correct,” Demetriou responded.

“You weren’t acting with honesty and integrity, were you?” Aspinall said.

“Respectfully, I disagree, Mr Aspinall,” Demetriou said.

The inquiry then replayed the video recording of Mr Demetriou’s testimony from Monday, which showed him appearing to look downwards while delivering the near verbatim reproduction of his notes.

“You saw yourself look down there, did you not Mr Demetriou?,” Commissioner Bergin asked.

Mr Demetriou was also grilled about inaccuracies in the evidence he gave on his close relationship to James Packer (left).

“I did see myself look down, Madame Commissioner, but I suspect I would have looked down for a lot of the day.”

Commissioner Bergin responded that she was “not so sure about that.” Mr Demetriou insisted he only read from notes on Monday when he was explaining the role of independent directors at ASX-listed companies.

The inquiry then went on to re-examine Mr Demetriou’s evidence about Crown bank accounts that were repeatedly used for suspected money laundering, in which he said the company had identified about 100 suspicious transactions.

Mr Demetriou was also grilled about inaccuracies in the evidence he gave on his close relationship with Crown’s biggest shareholder, James Packer, including an email in which he told Packer he would look out for the company’s best interests but “most importantly” those of the casino magnate.

The NSW inquiry is considering whether Crown should keep the licence to its new Sydney casino and was launched in response to revelations by Nine Entertainment group about Crown’s dealings with “junket” tours operators linked to criminal syndicates and failures to prevent money laundering at its Melbourne and Sydney casinos.

The inquiry’s public hearing will continue on Tuesday afternoon with evidence from Crown director Antonia Korsanos.

Fiona Martin MP welcomes more mental health support ahead of National headspace Day

The Greek Herald
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Fiona Martin MP welcomes more mental health support ahead of National headspace Day

Dr Fiona Martin MP, Member for Reid, has said there is much to celebrate on National headspace Day tomorrow with increased funding and support for young Australians living in Reid.

Dr Martin was joined by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg at Reid’s local headspace centre in Ashfield to discuss how the 2020-21 Budget is boosting the headspace network.

“The Morrison Government has invested an unprecedented $5.7 billion in mental health support in 2020-21 alone,” Dr Martin said.

“We’re driving the largest expansion of the headspace network, from 124 services to 153 services nationally by 2022. Over the next four years, the Government will invest $630.4 million in this national network.

“We’re also doubling the number of Medicare-funded psychological services from 10 to 20 through the Better Access Initiative, which will be especially helpful to those who are being treated for complex conditions.”

Dr Fiona Martin MP, Member for Reid, following her recent visit with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg to Ashfield headspace in light of the 2020 Budget’s mental health funding boost.

Ashfield’s headspace centre acts as a one-stop-shop for young people who need help with mental health, physical health, alcohol and other drugs or work and study support.

The Treasurer said the increased funding for mental health support in the 2020-21 Budget will help young Australians through the challenges of the COVID-19 recession.

READ MORE: Fiona Martin MP: Federal Budget delivers for Reid households, businesses and industry.

“This is a year like no other, and the stresses and strains particularly on young people is immense because of COVID-19. headspace is doing a tonne of good work helping people through the challenges that they face,” Treasurer Frydenberg said.

“In coming weeks, we will release the Productivity Commission’s Mental Health final report and the interim report into suicide prevention commissioned by the Prime Minister. These reports will guide our future actions, working together with states and territories to save lives.”

Dr Martin encourages young people struggling with their mental health to use services available.

“headspace offers comprehensive clinical services as well as community engagement that helps break the stigma around mental health,” Dr Martin said.

“It’s important that young people build their resilience and take care of their mental health with the resources and services available, so they can overcome the uncertainty and challenges of this year.”

Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health.

If you are concerned about suicide, living with someone who is considering suicide, or bereaved by suicide, the Suicide Call Back Service is available  at 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.

READ MORE: Fiona Martin MP welcomes delivery of Morrison Government’s economic support payments.

Young entrepreneur, Lukas Tsimopoulos, makes six figures a month via online business

Andriana Simos
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Young entrepreneur, Lukas Tsimopoulos, makes six figures a month via online business

Greek Australian, Lukas Tsimopoulos, started his small-time eBay business at just 14 and now the 20-year-old from South Australia is making a staggering $100,000 a month by selling products online.

He told Australian media outlet, news.com.au, that he first started selling items on eBay as a teenager driven by “boredom” at school.

“When I first started my business ventures I was 13 or 14 and still at school. I started with eBay, selling random products on the side sourced from suppliers. I did it on and off to make enough money for a 14-year-old to get by,” Lukas told news.com.au.

The 20-year-old from Adelaide started selling things online at the age of 14.

At the same time, the Adelaide local was working in the family restaurant his parents ran until they sold the business. Lukas eventually decided to go out on his own, using his previous experience with selling on eBay to create a now lucrative online business.

Lukas’ business involves “dropshipping.” Acting as a middleman, dropshipping doesn’t require a business to keep products in stock. Instead, the store sells the product and passes on the sales order to a third-party supplier who then ships the order to the customer.

“I was just trying to make enough money to replace a normal income. I just wanted a decent income like $1500 a week,” he said. “I didn’t think it would turn into a $100k-a-month business.”

This success sees Lukas approached all the time by young entrepreneurs who want to do the same thing.

“Friends approach me and say they want to start dropshipping. But it takes time and work, it doesn’t just happen overnight,” he said.

Lukas offers a “blueprint” program to help get other entrepreneurs started with dropshipping, which involves detailed advice on how to create stores and validate products to be able to sell them online successfully.

“I’ve had a lot of people reach out. I offer a lot of free advice on my profile as well as open mentorship programs,” he said.

In terms of his future, Lukas plans “to continue to scale up and better myself.”

“I’ve earned money but that’s not my overall goal,” he said. “It’s to build brands and to continue to grow the business… I definitely want to grow the business beyond $100K a month.”

Greek President commemorates 76th anniversary of Athens’ liberation from Nazis

Andriana Simos
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Greek President commemorates 76th anniversary of Athens’ liberation from Nazis

On Monday, Greek President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, attended the ceremonial raising of the Greek flag on the Acropolis in honor of the 76th anniversary of the liberation of Athens from the Nazis on October 12, 1944.

RELATED: On This Day: The end of the German occupation in Athens.

President Sakellaropoulou also visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside of the Greek Parliament building.

President Sakellaropoulou laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier outside of the Greek Parliament building. Credit: President GR / Twitter.

In her speech, Sakellaropoulou made reference to the recent trials of the neo-Nazi party Golden Dawn, which ruled that the fascist group had indeed been a criminal organisation fronting as a political party.

READ MORE: ‘Democracy has won’: Golden Dawn guilty verdict celebrated across Greece.

She strongly denounced the criminal organisation and its ideology, while honoring those who fought for freedom so long ago.

“On this day, 76 years ago, Athens was liberated from the Nazi yoke. It was a day of national exaltation, of collective joy and returning hope. A day that justified the struggle and the sacrifices of the Greek people during the years of the German Occupation,” the President said.

“We bow with respect to the memory of those who fought for freedom, with the hope that we will never see again in our homeland, in the country that gave birth to democracy, those who are nostalgic for ideologies that steeped the world in blood, or those who express the ideas of, and support, Nazism and fascism.”

Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp pledges extra $100,000 to Greek precinct on Lonsdale street

The Greek Herald
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Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp pledges extra $100,000 to Greek precinct on Lonsdale street

An additional $100,000 will be provided to the Greek precinct on Lonsdale Street over the next two years, according to Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp.

The Mayor of Melbourne has promised that if she is re-elected in the upcoming municipal elections, she will offer the additional financial assistance to promote the Greek precinct on Lonsdale Street and encourage Melburnians to return to the city center again.

The Lonsdale district is one of nine areas to receive financial support.

READ MORE: Meet eight of the Greek-Australian female candidates running in Victoria’s local council elections.

The Greek precinct on Lonsdale Street has been around since the 1940s.

“The unique and different areas are what really make our city,” Mayor Capp said in a media release.

“We can find pasta on Lygon Street or ‘yum cha’ in Chinatown, have a coffee and enjoy art in the downtown streets, enjoy a spinach pie on Lonsdale Street, dine on the waterfront in the Docklands or on the Yarra River in Southbank, stroll through the funky shops of Kensington or check out the latest deals from North Melbourne.

READ MORE: Antipodes festival a huge success as over 100,000 people descended onto Lonsdale Street.

“I want to ensure that these areas are revitalised as we prepare to reopen. A $50,000 boost this year and next year will be just what we need to get these areas back on track. We want more people to support local businesses, supporting local jobs and local providers of goods and services.

“With extra money for marketing, partner clubs will be able to communicate their unique stories and remind Melbourne residents of what we lacked during the COVID restrictions.

“Councilor Kevin Louey, who leads my advisory ballot, is also a big supporter of the special areas. If we are both re-elected, Kevin will work with District Representatives to give them a stronger voice and the support they deserve from the City of Melbourne.”

Councillor Louey added that it has “never been more important to be proactive in supporting local areas and businesses.”

“As Sally says, we want Melbourne to be a ‘Yes’ town… We have experienced an economic downturn and I know how difficult it can be for businesses to get back on track. My priority, if re-elected, will be to work closely with each of the regions to do what I can to support every business, every job and every local craftsman,” Mr Louey said in a statement.

The President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis, welcomed the statement of the Mayor.

Bill Papastergiadis with Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp. He was given an award by the Asian Executive Group before 1000 people at the Palladium for leadership in the property industry.

“For the last two years, the Community and I personally have worked closely with Mayor Sally Capp,” he said.

“She is always by our side, as a Community and as a Greek region. Her goal is to constantly help us in our projects. She attends our events and communication with her is always direct and effective.

“We thank her for the promise to keep the small piece left on Lonsdale Street, Greek. Because as we all know, the great migratory flow started from there in the 60s and 70s. We know that the Greek quarter around Lonsdale Street has shrunk, but we can never forget the history and the role that this Greek quarter played in our community and in the wider society in general.”

READ MORE: Bill Papastergiadis on COVID-19 and his Community’s plans for next year’s 1821 celebrations.

The Apollo restaurant in Potts Point fined for COVID breach

Andriana Simos
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The Apollo restaurant in Potts Point fined for COVID breach

The Apollo restaurant in Potts Point has been fined over a new coronavirus breach three months after being at the centre of one of Sydney’s biggest COVID-19 clusters.

During a routine business inspection on Saturday, Kings Cross police found the up-market restaurant in McLeay Street was in breach.

“It was established that the restaurant was using an outdated COVID Safety Plan and was not up to date with the current requirements under the Public Health Act,’’ NSW police said in a statement released today.

“Further, the manager was unable to locate a copy of the venue’s liquor licence, as required under Liquor Regulation 2018.”

The manager was issued with a $5000 fine.

In July, the restaurant was closed down for two weeks after a staff member tested positive to COVID-19. A further 22 cases, including diners, were linked to the restaurant.

READ MORE: The Apollo restaurant in Potts Point closed due to COVID case.

Greece calls new Turkish survey mission a threat to region, issues counter-Navtex

Andriana Simos
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Greece calls new Turkish survey mission a threat to region, issues counter-Navtex

Greece accused neighbour Turkey of undermining efforts to ease a crisis over eastern Mediterranean drilling rights on Monday, after Ankara redeployed a survey vessel for new energy exploration near the island of Kastellorizo.

The Turkish search vessel, Oruc Reis, left the port of Antalya on Monday for a mission ending October 22.

RELATED: Turkey issues new Navtex in Eastern Mediterranean for Oruc Reis vessel.

Turkish Defense Minister, Hulusi Akar, said the vessel was continuing with its “planned and scheduled activities,” adding that the Turkish navy would provide “support and protection” if necessary.

Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, discussed the development on the phone with European Council President, Charles Michel, saying he would bring it up at the next council meeting on October 15-16.

Mitsotakis has discussed the developments with European Union President, Charles Michel. Credit: Greek Government

“This new unilateral act is a severe escalation on Turkey’s part,” a government statement quoted Mitsotakis as saying.

Turkey said Greek objections were “unacceptable,” insisting that the research vessel was operating within Turkey’s continental shelf — an area just 15 kilometers (nearly 10 miles) from the Turkish coast and 425 kilometers (about 265 miles) from mainland Greece.

READ MORE: Greek PM concerned as Turkey extends drill ship operations off Cyprus.

“It is unacceptable for there to be opposition against our country, which has the longest coastline to the Eastern Mediterranean, operating 15 kilometers from its mainland,” Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding Greece’s criticisms were “baseless accusations with no standing in international law.”

Greece’s Iraklio Navtex station on the island of Crete, issued a counter-Navtex on Monday.

In response, Greece’s Iraklio Navtex station on the island of Crete, issued a counter-Navtex on Monday.

According to the Greek notice, an unauthorised station has broadcast a Navtex inside a Greek Navtex service area for “unauthorised and illegal activity in an area that overlaps the Greek continental shelf.”

It added that the Iraklio Navtex station has the authority to broadcast Navtex messages in the area.

Turkey also faces the threat of sanctions from the European Union, to which both Greece and Cyprus — an island republic off which Turkey has sent drilling ships — belong.

READ MORE: EU sanction threat on Turkey still present even after it accepts talks with Greece.

Portrait of Greek Australian nurse, Helen Zahos, selected for the Brisbane Portrait prize

Andriana Simos
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Portrait of Greek Australian nurse, Helen Zahos, selected for the Brisbane Portrait prize

An exquisite portrait of Greek Australian nurse, Helen Zahos, will feature in a special art exhibition called the ‘Salon des Refusés’ from October 9 to November 1 this year.

The exhibition is held in conjunction with the Brisbane Portrait Prize and the Royal Queensland Art Society (RQAS).

Painted by renowned artist, Ben Fuog, the detail of Helen’s blue nurse uniform is a sharp contrast to the face mask she is wearing, reminding the viewer of the important yet dangerous role played by healthcare professionals during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Given the current circumstances, I couldn’t have had a more pertinent subject to paint. Helen is an impressive representation of so many who put others before themselves and an example of what humanity should aspire to be,” Ben Fuog tells The Greek Herald exclusively.

READ MORE: The Greek Australian essential workers helping the country amid COVID-19 crisis.

For her part, Helen Zahos says that although she thought the request was “unusual” at first, she was still “flattered that an artist of Ben’s calibre wanted me as his subject.”

“As the painting was being done and [I saw] what Ben was capturing, I realised the significance of this painting,” Helen tells The Greek Herald.

“History is being written. This global pandemic will be spoken about for years to come and there are frontline workers that have risked their lives to serve others, thousands of which lost their lives serving their community.

“2020 is also the Year of the Nurse and Midwife, and I think coupled with the historical moment captured in the painting, I feel really honoured and privileged to be the subject.”

If you would like to see Helen’s portrait, or even the work of other artists, you can do so by simply visiting the gallery between Tuesday – Sunday 10am-3.30pm. Exhibition attendance is free and tickets are not required.

READ MORE: Celebrating our exceptional nurses on International Nurses Day.

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