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Sophie Cotsis MP signs the NSW Taxi Industry Pledge and calls for fair compensation

The Greek Herald
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Sophie Cotsis MP signs the NSW Taxi Industry Pledge and calls for fair compensation

Sophie Cotsis MP met with struggling taxi plate owners from the Canterbury electorate on Thursday to discuss the hardships they are facing and to sign the NSW Taxi Industry Pledge.

Taxi plate owners met with Ms Cotsis and the Deputy CEO of the NSW Taxi Council, Nick Abrahim, in Earlwood to share their concerns with the lack of Government support and compensation.

Many of these owners come from migrant and CALD backgrounds who purchased taxi plates when they trusted Government advertising that encouraged people to buy a safe Government regulated product.  

READ MORE: Greek community rallies against proposed taxi licence reforms in NSW.

However, since the introduction of the rideshare industry, value of taxi plates have significantly reduced. Many taxi plate owners have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“Speaking to these local taxi plate owners and hearing their struggles left me very emotional and in disbelief. In a Government regulated industry, the NSW Government has ignored the concerns of taxi plate owners and has left them in the dark with no financial viability,” Ms Cotsis said.

“For 6 years thousands of owners have been treated with disrespect by the NSW Government. The Government is offering them peanuts for plate that were once purchased for over $400,000.

READ MORE: Greek community continues to speak out against proposed taxi licence reforms in NSW.

“I will be writing representation to the Government on behalf of each taxi plate owner. NSW Labor will continue to support our Taxi plate owners have been overlooked and neglected for so many years by the NSW Government.”

On the day, Ms Cotsis also signed the NSW Taxi Council’s ‘NSW Taxi Industry Pledge,’ which supports fair and proper compensation for all taxi licence owners, the continuation of the Passenger Service Levy, and a viable, regulated and reliable taxi industry.

“I call on the Government to sign the NSW Taxi Industry Pledge,” she said.

“The upcoming by-elections are an opportunity to show the Government that their negligence will have consequences. I urge residents of Bega, Strathfield, Monaro and Willoughby to send a strong message.”

Ms Cotsis joins a number of other politicians from different parties who have also put their name to the pledge including, the NSW Shadow Minister for Small Business, Property and Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper; the Liberal Member for Castle Hill, Ray Williams; the Independent Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward; and Robert Borsak and Mark Banasiak from the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party.

READ MORE: Greek community supports NSW Taxi Industry Pledge for fair compensation.

Secretary General for Greeks Abroad congratulates Penelope Kari for judge distinction

The Greek Herald
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Secretary General for Greeks Abroad congratulates Penelope Kari for judge distinction

Greece’s Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy, John Chrysoulakis, has sent a letter of congratulations to Penelope Kari on her appointment as Honorable Justice to the Federal Circuit & Family Court of Australia.

Ms Kari is the first Australian of Greek descent to be appointed to the distinguished position.

READ MORE: Adelaide Judge Penelope Kari opens up on gender in law and her Greek upbringing.

In his letter, Mr Chrysoulakis stressed how Ms Kari is a classic example of how Greek migrants worked hard when they arrived in Australia so their children could achieve their dreams.

Penelope Kari.

“Your personal story, but also the story of your family as you have told it yourself, describing the ‘sacrifices’ and ‘sufferings’ of your Greek grandparents… gives the best picture of the average Greek family who was forced to leave their homeland in very difficult times, looking for a better tomorrow,” Mr Chrysoulakis said.

The Secretary General for Greeks Abroad then concluded his letter by sending his “warm wishes” to Ms Kari and his hopes that she will “enjoy even greater success in the future.”

“In your face we all see another successful compatriot of ours,” Mr Chrysoulakis stressed.

“A distinguished Greek woman from the diaspora, who is an honour for Hellenes abroad and whom the homeland watches from afar with a feeling of love and pride.”

St Basil’s Fawkner bosses appeal court orders forcing them to give evidence

The Greek Herald
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St Basil’s Fawkner bosses appeal court orders forcing them to give evidence

Two former managers of St Basil’s Fawkner have filed an appeal against orders forcing them to give evidence at an inquest into the deaths of 50 residents during a coronavirus outbreak at the aged care home in 2020, The Age reports.

Last year, the home’s former chairman, Kon Kontis, and nursing director, Vicky Kos, refused to give detailed evidence to investigators or to a coronial inquest on the grounds that it could “incriminate” them.

READ MORE: Managers of St Basil’s Fawkner refuse to give evidence during inquest.

But State Coroner John Cain directed them to give evidence as “they played important roles in preparing for a possible outbreak of COVID-19 at the facility…”

Now, Mr Kontis and Ms Kos are seeking to quash this order in an appeal filed with the Supreme Court.

Photo on left: ABC News / Kristian Silva. Photo on right: AAP / Con Chronis.

According to The Age, the appeal was filed on the grounds Judge Cain misapplied his statutory powers and erred, including when he found the risk of the plaintiffs being charged with criminal offences was “speculative.”

READ MORE: St Basil’s aged care managers ordered to give evidence at coronial inquest.

The appeal further alleges the decision was affected by bias.

John Karantzis, a partner at Carbone Lawyers, which is representing about 20 families who lost relatives at the home, said he would file submissions against the appeal and seek to have it heard expeditiously to avoid more delays.

Mr Kontis declined to comment when contacted by The Age on Thursday. Kartya Gracer, senior associate at Galbally & O’Bryan, acting for Mr Kontis and Ms Kos, did not respond.

Liberals try to force Alex Hawke MP to end impasse over election candidates

The Greek Herald
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Liberals try to force Alex Hawke MP to end impasse over election candidates

Liberal Party members are building pressure on Immigration Minister Alex Hawke to end his refusal to hold formal meetings to approve candidates in marginal seats, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Senior Liberal figures told The Australian, the refusal was an attempt by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister Hawke, who represents the PM in NSW preselection issues, to get their preferred candidates endorsed in key seats.

Liberals from all sides of the Party blamed Minister Hawke on Thursday for refusing to attend nomination review committees over the last six months to clear candidates so their names could be put to branch members for party preselection ballots.

Alex Hawke MP.

“At every roadblock there was Alex Hawke, like an Eastern bloc border guard,” one Liberal said.

In response, state executive members are now examining an option that would allow the committee to meet even if Minister Hawke declined to attend, giving him an ultimatum because decisions would be made without the Prime Minister being represented.

Minister Hawke told a state executive meeting last Friday that he would attend the nomination meetings soon.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald and The Australian.

Andrew Yiasemides sells petrol station at Brighton-Le-Sands after 46 years

The Greek Herald
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Andrew Yiasemides sells petrol station at Brighton-Le-Sands after 46 years

Cypriot businessman, Andrew Yiasemides, sells his iconic petrol station on Bay Street at Brighton-Le-Sands after 46 years at the helm, The Leader reports.

The petrol station will remain open and will continue to operate as a Budget Petrol Station.

“I’m a little upset and stressed after being here since 1976,” Mr Yiasemides told Eva Kolimar from the local newspaper.

“I will miss my customers, many have been with me through three generations.”

The petrol station in the late 1970s. Photo: The Leader.

Budget Petrol Brighton-Le-Sands is known as one of the last petrol stations in Australia to stop drive way service.

Mr Yiasemides said things have changed a lot at the petrol station since then, but he still has fond memories of his time there and of celebrity customers such as Guy Sebastian and Don Lane.

Over the years, he’s also had the honour of being able to work alongside his wife Maria, and his children, George, Eleni and Maria.

Now, he told The Leader, he looks forward to spending time with his grandchildren and travelling.

Source: The Leader.

*CORRECTION dated February 10, 2022

  • On February 4, 2022, the article read that “Budget Petrol Brighton-Le-Sands was being taken over by developers who bought the lot to build residential units.” This is incorrect. The business will continue to operate as a Budget Petrol Station.

Ambassador Spyrou meets with Ecumenical Patriarch and Archbishop Makarios in Constantinople

The Greek Herald
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Ambassador Spyrou meets with Ecumenical Patriarch and Archbishop Makarios in Constantinople

Australia’s Ambassador to Greece, Arthur Spyrou, has met with His All Holiness, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia at the Phanar in Constantinople.

In a tweet, Ambassador Spyrou said he was “honoured to meet” with the Ecumenical Patriarch, who is the “spiritual leader of Orthodox Christian Greek Australians.”

After meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Ambassador Spyrou attended a Divine Liturgy which was presided over by His All Holiness at the Patriarchal Church of St George.

Also in attendance at the Divine Liturgy was Archbishop Makarios, as well as Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopolis, Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia and Bishop Evmenios of Kerasountos.

Ambassador Spyrou’s visit to the Phanar came just days after he visited the Greek village of Thrylorio in Rodopi, Northern Greece, which has been named in honour of Ballarat-born Major George Devine Treloar.

READ MORE: Ambassador Spyrou visits historic village named after Australian Major George Treloar.

Archbishop Makarios and the newly ordained Bishops of Australia have also made a number of trips overseas and recently held a meeting with the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, where they discussed Hellenism in Australia.

READ MORE: Greek Prime Minister meets with Archbishop Makarios to discuss Hellenism in Australia.

Tributes flow after the death of former Greek President Christos Sartzetakis

The Greek Herald
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Tributes flow after the death of former Greek President Christos Sartzetakis

Former Greek President, Christos Sartzetakis, passed away early on Thursday morning in a hospital in Athens at the age of 92.

Sartzetakis had been hospitalised in the intensive care unit of Athens’ Laiko hospital and died in the early hours of Thursday of respiratory failure, the hospital said in a statement.

Who was Christos Sartzetakis?

Born in April 1929, Sartzetakis held the largely ceremonial post of president of Greece from 1985-1990, a politically tumultuous time in the country.

Sartzetakis was also an investigating judge in the 1963 murder of politician, Grigoris Lambrakis, by right-wing extremists, and was lauded for resisting intense political pressure during the case. Lambrakis’ killing triggered mass protests and a political crisis.

Christos Sartzetakis.

The former Greek President was fired from the judicial branch in 1968 during the military dictatorship, arrested, tortured and imprisoned without trial. He was eventually released in 1971 and was reinstated into the judiciary after the fall of the junta in 1974, rising to become a Supreme Court judge in 1982. 

He was nominated as president by the socialist PASOK party in 1985, and served in that position until May 1990.

Paying tribute to the former President:

In a message after hearing of Sartzetakis’ death, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Sartzetakis was known for “the denunciation of unconstitutional mechanisms in the Lambraki case. Those who, unfortunately, came to the fore with the seven-year dictatorship, leading to his own persecution.”

“During the 1989-90 period, in an atmosphere of intense political tension, his work on the formation of a government was impeccable,” the PM added.

President Katerina Sakellaropoulou spoke of a “principled servant of Justice who, in difficult times for the country and its democracy, handled as an investigator the case of the murder of Lambrakis with exemplary independence and judicial ethos, [and] paying…a heavy price in the years of the junta.”

“Later, as President of the Republic, he honoured the office with conscientiousness, dedication and a high sense of responsibility in the execution of his duties,” she said.

Movement for Change (KINAL) leader, Nikos Androulakis, also expressed his condolences to the late President’s family, noting that “he was a patriot who consistently served the public interest, Justice and Democracy.”

Former socialist Prime Minister, Costas Simitis, said Sartzetakis supported democracy “bravely and stubbornly,” in adverse conditions and expressed his condolences to his family.

Sartzetakis is survived by his wife and their daughter.

Source: AP News.

‘We’re thrilled’: Greeks celebrate success in the St George Local Business Awards

Andriana Simos
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‘We’re thrilled’: Greeks celebrate success in the St George Local Business Awards

Many Greek-owned businesses have won in their respective categories at the St George Local Business Awards this year.

In the ‘Outstanding Bakery / Cake Business’ category, The Good Filo in Ramsgate came out on top of other finalists including Christopher’s Cake Shop in Kogarah and Piccola Cannoli Bar in South Hurstville.

The owners of The Good Filo, Nick and Martine Delaveris, tell The Greek Herald they’re “absolutely thrilled to have won” and to be recognised for their fresh handmade sweets, cakes and pastries which are made “using the finest local and imported Greek ingredients.”

READ MORE: The Good Filo unveils its new kitchen.

The Good Filo team. Photo supplied.

“It’s been an incredibly challenging year not only for us but for all small businesses. We are so proud of our FILO team and so grateful to our customers and the local community for their ongoing support,” the owners say.

“We encourage everyone to continue staying strong and support local businesses, who are all winners in our eyes.”

Elsewhere, in the ‘Outstanding Business Services’ category, Work It! With Kathy G in Ramsgate was also crowned the winner. Kathy Goussis, the owner of the beauty business, tells The Greek Herald she was overwhelmed with happiness after finding out she had won.

Kathy Goussis from Work It! With Kathy G.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation for everyone who supports my business. It makes the hard work truly worth it,” Kathy says.

“Providing eyelash extensions as a service is such a rewarding career and I thank God every day for guiding me on this journey.”

The iconic Gyradiko Bexley also won in its category of ‘Outstanding Fast Food / Takeaway’ over other finalists such as Chicken Licious in Rockdale and Nieos Grille Express in Ramsgate.

“We were established in 2014 and since then we’ve received support from all over Sydney. It’s been astounding and we thank our customers for making Gyradiko what it is,” Gyradiko Bexley owner, Kosta Giannakaros, tells The Greek Herald.

“We’re a family-run business and we use the finest ingredients, provide good customer service and quality food so it is nice to be recognised for that.”

In the ‘Restaurant – Fine Dining’ category, George and Pav Andreou from Lugarno Seafood were crowned winners. This was their third time in a row winning their category.

In the ‘Automotive Services’ category, Greek-owned business, JDC Automotive in Lugarno also beat out finalists such as Elite Pro Tuning in Riverwood.

The owners of JDC Automotive.

Vicky Zafiropoulos from Hairem Hairdressing also won in the ‘Hairdresser’ category of the awards, whilst siblings, Diana Valsamis and George Christodoulou, from The Kyle Bay on Georges River won the ‘Most Outstanding Specialised Business’ Award.

To top it all off, Stephenie Tziomakis from Meeting Morgan won ‘Outstanding Cafe,’ Denise and Chris Kouroupakis from Kogarah Town Centre Deli won ‘Oustanding Delicatessen/Gourmet Food,’ Raine & Horne Sans Souci won ‘Outstanding Real Estate Agency’ and Maria Fellas from Emoda Couture won ‘Specialised Retail Business.’

The St George Business Awards, which are hosted by Precedent Productions, acknowledge the drive and dedication required to succeed in business and recognises the best in local industry across over 25 categories.

*Please note: If you are a Greek-owned business who won in the Awards, please send us an email to info@foreignlanguage.com.au

Stephen Pallaras QC vows to improve women’s safety and treatment of the elderly 

Argyro Vourdoumpa
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Stephen Pallaras QC vows to improve women’s safety and treatment of the elderly 

A few months after announcing his intention to run as an independent candidate for the South Australian Legislative Council in the upcoming state election, Former Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Pallaras QC formally launched his political party, named Real Change SA, last weekend.

“I want to give the people of South Australia a seat at the table where decisions are made,” Mr Pallaras told The Greek Herald.

“It seems as if the concept of representative democracy in South Australia is fast disappearing and it’s about time that we had a government or system that represented the wishes of the people.

“I’m not happy with the standard of government and I think I can make an improvement.”

Stephen Pallaras at the formal launch of his political party. Photo Credit: Facebook/Real Change SA

Talking about his priorities if elected as an MP in March, Stephen Pallaras referred to women’s safety, the insecurity for the elderly and the improvement of the state’s health system.

“I want to put women’s safety first. I will be looking to change laws relating to the trial of the offense of rape. Because rape, as I have known over the 45 years that I’ve practiced in criminal law, has the lowest – by a long way – success rate in terms of getting prosecutions, which means that every other offense, you’re more likely to get a conviction than you are for rape.”

READ MORE: Former Director of Public Prosecutions, Stephen Pallaras QC, launches political party.

Mr Pallaras also wants to help improve the current domestic violence statistics.

“We have a domestic violence rate, which is about the worst in the world, in the sense that one woman every week is murdered in a domestic violence situation. That is just unacceptable in a civilised community.”

“At the moment we have two epidemics. One is COVID and the other is domestic violence,” said the Former DPP also expressing his dissatisfaction with the way the state’s elderly citizens are treated. 

“Unfortunately, they are often treated as second-class citizens. They can’t generally afford to get into aged care homes and those who do, we found that they have been consistently assaulted.”

Stephen Pallaras with prominent SA developer Theo Maras

But the issues the founder of Real Change SA will endeavour to address do not end here.

“Our health system is another area of concern for me, it’s crumbling. It has suffered from inactivity from those who are running it.

“We have nurses and doctors who are collapsing with exhaustion. We have ambulances that are ramping for hours waiting to get patients into hospitals. Ambulance drivers are working double shifts. It’s simply not working.”

A proud Australian of Greek heritage whose family migrated to Port Pirie from the island of Kastellorizo in the 1890s, Mr Pallaras is also a strong advocate for multiculturalism. 

 “I’m a strong advocate for more diversity in all fields, particularly in the parliament, because we then get a view different to the traditional white, Anglo-Saxon one and an understanding of what affects people of different backgrounds.” 

“I think South Australia is a great state, but there are many things that need fixing,” he said.

Four Australians of Greek heritage named in ‘Sport’s Rich 100 List’

The Greek Herald
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Four Australians of Greek heritage named in ‘Sport’s Rich 100 List’

‘Sport’s Rich 100 List’ has been revealed by The Daily Telegraph today and among the names of Australia’s wealthiest athletes are four Australian’s of Greek heritage.

Who are they? Find out below.

17. George Kambosos Jr (Boxing) – $5 million:

The new unified lightweight champion of the world earned a career-high $2.4 million fighting Teofimo Lopez late last year and now owns all four title belts.

Kambosos Jr should get more for his first defence, while a host of new sponsors will come on board.

READ MORE: ‘I’m the emperor’: George Kambosos Jr crowned world unified lightweight champion.

23. Nick Kyrgios (Tennis) – $3.5 million:

Nick Kyrgios recently won the Australian Open doubles competition with his good friend, Thanasi Kokkinakis, and that’s put him on top of the world.

Kyrgios earnt just over $550,000 last year in prize money but has picked up a raft of sponsorship deals in the past two years since changing management and revamping his image, despite hardly playing during the pandemic.

READ MORE: Toni Nadal: Nick Kyrgios is one of the world’s greatest tennis stars after the Big 3.

39. Marcus Stoinis (Cricket) – $2.2 million:

Marcus Stoinis’ wages are heading skywards due to a $2 million deal with new IPL franchise Lucknow. Has a smaller deal with the Melbourne Stars.

Stoinis has played in Australia’s World Cup squad and twice got the team out of jail in the United Arab Emirates — in the World Cup opener against South Africa and then in an epic semi-final against Pakistan.

READ MORE: ‘I’ve failed in situations’: How Marcus Stoinis went from outcast to World Cup hero.

62. Adam Gotsis (American football) – $1.4 million:

Adam Gotsis was born in Melbourne, Australia to parents of Greek heritage. He grew up playing Australian rules football and supported the North Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League.

Now he is a defensive linesman who played a strong part in Jacksonville’s campaign this season. After playing out his one-year contract, he will be sweating on a decision for the 2022 season.

Source: The Daily Telegraph.

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