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Steph Kyriacou named LET rookie of the year

The Greek Herald
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Steph Kyriacou named LET rookie of the year

The Ladies European Tour (LET) confirmed on Monday that the 20-year-old from Sydney had followed in the distinguished footsteps of major championship winners Annika Sorenstam, Suzann Pettersen and Anna Nordqvist by winning the title.

The accolade completes a superb debut year as a professional for Kyriacou, who won the title by 92 points from England’s Alice Hewson.

Kyriacou was left anxiously waiting to hear whether she had landed the prize while in quarantine back in Australia following her European trip.

READ MORE: Sydney teen Stephanie Kyriacou reaches new heights after winning Australian Ladies Classic

She had been forced to miss the last event of the season in Marbella because she couldn’t afford to turn down the rare chance of a flight home.

“It was one of my goals at the beginning of the year so I am glad that I could tick this one off the list,” said a delighted Kyriacou.

“There are some big names on the trophy and one of my friends has been updating me every week on my progress and as the season went on, I started to think I had a good chance.”

Kyriacou made an extraordinary breakthrough as a teenage amateur at the start of this year, winning the Australian Ladies Classic Bonville, before immediately turning professional and joining the Tour.

Despite the fact that the points she gained with her breakthrough win did not count towards the title race, it did not stop the youngster proving herself the best new talent on the LET.

On a four-month, five-country, eight-tournament trip to Europe and the Middle East, while accompanied by her dad Nick who acted as her caddie, she gained five top-10 and two runner-up finishes.

She becomes the third Australian to win the Rookie award following Rebecca Stevenson (2003) and Nikki Garrett (2006).

“When I was playing amateur events, I thought I was ready but then I was so nervous in the first few events as a professional. Once I had made a few mates on Tour though, I started to feel more comfortable,” Kyriacou said.

NSW amateur Stephanie Kyriacou in action during the final round of the Australian Ladies Classic at Bonville GC near Coffs Harbour. Picture: Tristan Jones/The Australian

“People think I look calm out there, but I am feeling the nerves just as much as anyone. I am so happy to win this title.”

Alexandra Armas, the Ladies European Tour’s CEO, said: “Stephanie has shown tremendous resilience in her first year as a professional.

“She has taken quickly to life on tour and kept us entertained with her exciting play on the course and easy-going attitude off it. She should be incredibly proud of her achievement.”

Next year, Kyriacou has the chance to make a unique piece of golfing history.

As there will be no 2020 LET Qualifying School and, for the first time, this year’s first-year professionals will again be considered as “rookies” in 2021, she has a chance to become the first-ever two-time Rookie of the Year.

– Ian Chadband, Australian Associated Press

Nikos Kourkoulos: Respected Greek theatrical actor and director

The Greek Herald
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Nikos Kourkoulos: Respected Greek theatrical actor and director

By Victoria Loutas

Nikos Kourkoulos was a highly respected Greek theatrical and film performer, who left an enduring impact on the Greek culture of performing arts. Kourkoulos had exceptional talent and his work in the theatrical industry is still recognised to this day. 

Early life

Nikos Kourkoulos was born on December 5th, 1934 in Athens and grew up in the district of Zografou. Growing up, Kourkoulos had a great passion for sports and became a Panathinaikos football player while in high school. Unexpectedly, he later turned his interest to the theatre, as he himself claimed that he took the plunge to become an actor after reading books on theatre.

Greek actor Manos Katrakis played a crucial role in this decision, as Kourkoulos looked to him as a role model. Katrakis guided Nikos to take exams at the Drama School of the National Theatre, from where he eventually graduated in 1958.

Screenshot taken from Amfivolies (1964.

Career

Nikos Kourkoulos made his official acting debut in the year he graduated from Drama School, performing in an Athens production of Alexandre Dumas, fils’ La dame aux camélias. 

Kourkoulos quickly became a national star, being cast in several leading roles in ancient Greek dramas and in major classical and contemporary works of American and European theatre. He delved into many challenging and unique roles, both in theatre and in cinema. 

As a leader of troupes and also of his own theatre, Kourkoulos experience was vast and diverse. During his tenure, Kourkoulos starred in over 20 theatre shows and over 40 films, making his career an undoubtedly successful one. He is best known for playing Angelos Kreouzis in ‘Oratotis miden’, a famous Greek melodrama with a social background. Kourkoulos also spent some time directing theatrical performances, where he was able to expand his repertoire. 

Further, he was also the president of the president of the Union of theatricals of the Greek Theatre (PEETH) for many years.

In 1994, he also took on the role of artistic director of the National Theatre. In this role, Kourkoulos made a substantial impact, as he introduced the Children’s Hangout, the Experimental Stage, the Empty Space, the Acting and Directing Workshop, the International Stage and the Summer Theatre Academy. Each of these new divisions immensely improved the national theatre, increasing its inclusivity and accessibility. 

Legacy

Nikos Kourkoulos had an extremely successful and remarkable career, which extended from acting, to directing and teaching. His work in the theatrical industry in Greece will forever be honoured and valued. 

His work was recognised twice at the Thessaloniki Film Festival, as he was awarded the Best Actor Prize for his performance in ‘Adistaktoi’ 1965, and again in 1970 for his work in ‘Astrapogiannos’.

Nikos Kourkoulos sadly passed away in 2007, aged 72 after a long battle with cancer.

Greece becomes latest European country to entice digital nomads with new tax law

The Greek Herald
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Greece becomes latest European country to entice digital nomads with new tax law

On Wednesday (2 December) Greece’s parliament passed a new law allowing digital nomads to half their income tax. This makes Greece the latest European country to try and woo the new work-from-home workforce, Forbes reports.

“If you can work from anywhere, why not work from Greece?” asks a promotional document seen by Greece’s parliament this week. Amid dreamy images of whitewashed farmhouses and deep-blue seascapes, it sets out a new law that allows newly settled foreigners to pay half their income tax over the next seven years.

From January 2021, the scheme will be open to both employed and self-employed workers as long as they have not previously been a tax resident of Greece, or replace an existing job in the country.

© Louisa Gouliamaki/AFP via Getty

Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s government hopes the tax break will attract the newly empowered ‘work-from-anywhere’ digital nomad, which Alex Patelis, chief economic advisor to the prime minister, describes as “the person who’s three months in Thailand, two months in Jamaica, and so on. We want them to be two months in Greece, and why not?”

A tender for rolling out 5G closes in Greece this month, and coverage is expected to be in major towns and cities in early 2021.

“This place is a paradise especially if you make good money,” says Taki Despo from his new home in Athens. He moved from New York after his firm, the design retailer Moro.com, allowed him to do his job as market relations director remotely.

“Covid didn’t really do much it just gave me a little courage to make this move.”

Kate Silcox, originally from the U.K. but now working as a photo editor for GQ Dubai from Athens, has spent a decade working remotely from various countries but thinks she will now stay in Greece if she can save on taxes. “It would encourage me to be fully committed and settle down there for longer in Greece.”

Greece is hoping that tax perks will make more expats like Kate stay.

Sourced By: Forbes

Greek FM: Turkey’s moves to ease tensions ‘unconvincing’

The Greek Herald
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Greek FM: Turkey’s moves to ease tensions ‘unconvincing’

Turkey’s recent moves to de-escalate a clash with Greece and Cyprus over east Mediterranean energy reserves are “unconvincing” and European Union leaders need to take action that will prompt Ankara to heed international law, Greece’s foreign minister said on Friday.

Nikos Dendias said Turkey opted not to seize an opportunity that European Union leaders offered it in October to ease tensions in the region so that the 27-member bloc could start reshaping its fraught relations with Ankara.

Turkey last week ordered the research vessel Oruc Reis back to port after completing what it said was seismic research in east Mediterranean waters. The warship-escorted vessel’s activities in waters where Greece asserts jurisdiction prompted a military build-up between the two neighbors and nominal NATO allies.

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias talks to the media during a press conference after a meeting with his Cyprus counterpart Nicos Christodoulides at the foreign ministry house in divided capital Nicosia, Cyprus, Dec. 4, 2020. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias, Pool)

Greece countered by also sending its warships, and both countries conducted military exercises to assert their claims. NATO stepped in to prevent a potential armed conflict.

But Dendias said the ship’s return to port wasn’t enough.

“Turkey’s belated moves in recent days to supposedly de-escalate tensions are not convincing.” Dendias said after talks with his Cypriot counterpart, Nikos Christodoulides. “That’s why we have jointly asked all other European Union member states to live up to their responsibilities.”

“These decisions are significant not only as a clear message to Turkey, but also to prove the European Union’s credibility.”

Sourced By: AP News

Gathering for Macquarie University Greek Studies Program leaves community confused

The Greek Herald
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Gathering for Macquarie University Greek Studies Program leaves community confused

Following the recent issue with La Trobe University’s proposal to discontinue the Greek Studies Program and the outpour of support from the community to save it, a similar issue arose, this time with the Greek Studies Program at Sydney’s Macquarie University.

In 2016, Macquarie University became the only university outside Greece to offer a full-time Bachelor of Hellenic Studies.

Real problem or a war between organisations?

Recently, former president of Macquarie University Greek Association, George Mpliokas, using the name of the foundation, called the community to participate in an open gathering with regards to the “continuation of the program and the election of a New Board of Directors of the Foundation”.

However, the current Board of the Foundation, said in a statement that this gathering is “false and misleading” and called the organisers to cancel it immediately supporting that it can only cause “irreparable damage”.

“The Foundation guarantees the Greek community valid and timely information on any negotiations with the University Authorities given the general difficult situation that has occurred in Greek Studies in Australia,” reads the same statement, signed by the Foundation’s current President Mr Theofilus Premetis and Secretary Mr Ioannis Theodoridis.

Despite the reactions, the gathering went ahead on Thursday evening with approximately 30 attendees.

What came out of the gathering?

“Based on what constitution did you call this assembly?” Secretary of MGS Foundation, Mr Theodoridis asked Mr Mpliokas during the gathering.

According to Mpliokas, the degradation of the program from a Major, in 2020 to a Minor in 2021 and the lack of transparency from the members of the Foundation Committee are the reasons.

Asked by The Greek Herald what his perspective on the situation was, Honorary President Theophilus Premetis said: “There is no perspective, we have a constitution we followed”.

“We made an agreement for this year to continue with not as many subjects as we used to have. That’s for three years. Next year, the university needs to decide what they’re going to do with it.”

Theodoridis speaking at the meeting organised by George Mpliokas last night. Photo: The Greek Herald/Peter Oglos

History behind the Greek Studies Foundation

According to letters obtained by The Greek Herald, the Greek Studies Foundation structured a formal agreement in 1997 with Macquarie University, consisting of multiple rules for the management of the foundation. A clause in the agreement stated that if the number of enrolments in Modern Greek Studies falls below a viable level, averaged over 5 years, its future will be the subject of negotiation between the two parties.

Flash forward to 26 March 2020, a new constitution for the Greek Studies Foundation was brought into effect by Honorary President Theophilus Premetis and Secretary of the Foundation, John Theodoridis, subsequently erasing the clause listed above.

Three months after this constitution was declared, Premetis and Theodoridis wrote to George Mpliokas to advise him that his representative position as MUGA president had been completed. The two members of the Foundation invited him to a new company limited by guarantee, in which all former presidents of MUGA, graduates, graduands, former teachers, Greek-Australian organisations and corporate entities can participate to benefit the foundation.

Mpliokas rejected the invitation to the new company, calling for the entire Foundation Committee to stand down as a result of a lack of transparency from the foundation, with a new committee to be elected.

Editor’s note: As shouting matches commence in the Greek community halls, it raises the question; Is this really a time for divide? As the community watches La Trobe’s Greek language program head into possible closure, this should instead be the time for people to gather as one unit, and not be divided in two.

Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and John Mangos to discuss ‘Greece 2021’ plans at digital THI Australia event

The Greek Herald
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Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and John Mangos to discuss ‘Greece 2021’ plans at digital THI Australia event

Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, President, “Greece 2021” Committee, will be the special guest speaker at the second THI Australia Digital Conversation Series webinar, in conversation with John Mangos.

Next year, Greece will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the start of the War of Independence, which led to the creation of the modern Greek state.

With commemorative events taking place across Greece and around the world, this live
webinar will be an opportunity to hear about the “Greece 2021” Committee’s plans and Ms Angelopoulos’ insights into the importance of the bicentenary commemorations in celebrating Greece’s past and looking to the future.

Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki is an Ambassador-at-large of the Hellenic Republic. She has been involved in public service since 1986, initially elected as a City councillor for the Athens Municipal Council and later as a member of the Greek Parliament, where she was first elected as an MP in 1989 and re-elected in 1990.

In 2019, Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis appointed her as President of the “Greece 2021” Committee for the celebrations of the bicentennial anniversary of the commencement of the Greek Revolution in 1821.

John Mangos has had a 40-year career in journalism where he spent the past thirty-seven years working in television news. He is currently a contributor to the Nine Network’s Today show and a regular guest on ABC local radio.

Register prior to the webinar at https://bit.ly/THI_Webinar_Registration

Labor MPs prioritise support for migrant communities in inaugural ‘multicultural statement’

The Greek Herald
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Labor MPs prioritise support for migrant communities in inaugural ‘multicultural statement’

Labor released their inaugural multicultural statement yesterday, criticising the current government’s lack of support for migrant communities in the 2020 federal budget.

The statement draws up a series of alleged failures by the government to effectively respond to the concerns of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

“This statement recognises that while we are a proudly multicultural country … there is more to be done,” Labor’s multicultural affairs spokesperson Andrew Giles said.

AAP: Daniel Munoz

Referencing the 2020 federal budget, the Multicultural Statement says the government missed a chance to invest in and improve social and economic outcomes for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

“It shows us how under the Morrison government multicultural communities and new migrants are being left behind and too many Australians are being held back,” Mr Giles said.

“We have a real challenge here to make sure that everything we do builds a society that belongs and which everyone can fully participate and reach their potential.”

READ MORE: Migrants to Australia required to learn English to be granted a permanent visa

Receiving criticism earlier this year, the Statement also references the proposed English language test for partner visas.

Immigration Minister Alan Tudge said the change to the visa requirement comes after a rise in the number of people not being able to speak English well or at all in the past decade.

“From late 2021, new partner visa applicants and permanent resident sponsors will be required to have functional level English or to demonstrate that they have made reasonable efforts to learn English,” Mr Tudge said.

Alan Tudge says the new requirement is in part so migrants can enjoy a better life in Australia. Photo: ABC News/Tamara Penniket.

Labor accuses the new proposal of being a way of “singling out” people from non-English speaking backgrounds, risking “increasing feelings of isolation”.

“Australians and their partners, husbands, or wives, can’t put down roots, get jobs, buy homes or build communities in Australia because of the Morrison Government’s go-slow approach to partner visa processing,’ the Multicultural Statement says.

Greek PM inaugurates new disabled-friendly pathways and lifts for Acropolis Hill

The Greek Herald
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Greek PM inaugurates new disabled-friendly pathways and lifts for Acropolis Hill

Greece’s prime minister has inaugurated new facilities at the Acropolis in Athens designed to make the historic site fully accessible to disabled visitors.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis chose Thursday, designated International Day of People with Disabilities, to visit the ancient citadel. The World Heritage site is closed to the public due to pandemic restrictions, but it’s expected to reopen when a national lockdown lifts on Dec.14.

A new lift for people using wheelchairs has been built on the north face of the hill, while a badly eroded network of existing concrete walkways has been replaced with smooth artificial stone paths leading among the ruined 5th Century B.C. temples on the summit.

Louisa Gouliamaki | Credit: AP

Mitsotakis said the project, which was funded by the private Onassis Foundation, will “make the Acropolis accessible to everyone … without the difficulties associated with the classic route up to the Hill of Acropolis.”

Some in Greece had criticized the new 500-meter (yard) network of 4-meter wide (13-foot) pathways, saying they made excessive use of concrete. The Culture Ministry countered that the previous network, which dates from the 1960s and had been worn down by the shoes of millions of visitors, made heavier use of concrete and was in such bad shape it endangered visitors.

“I was saddened to realize that over the past months there has been cheap opposition rhetoric, even about this project,” Mitsotakis said. “This is a project for the whole world and, under normal circumstances, it should unite us all.”

First inhabited about 6,000 years ago, the Acropolis hill was fortified from Mycenaean times and in the 5th century B.C. was heavily rebuilt with marble temples, including the Parthenon and the Erechtheion, and the monumental Propylaea gates.

Sourced By: Associated Press

Fronditha release statement after Annual General Meeting

The Greek Herald
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Fronditha release statement after Annual General Meeting

On Thursday 26 November 2020, Fronditha Care held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) attended by its members, Board of Directors, Executive Managers and Auditors.

Presentations were given by the President, CEO and Treasurer regarding the results of the July 2019 to June 2020 financial year and plans for the future.

Motions put forward by members were voted on and questions by members were responded to by the Directors of the Board and CEO.

Elections were held to fill three voluntary board director vacancies. The following members were successful:

– Jill Taylor (Nikitakis), who has been on the board since May 2013 and is the current Secretary.

– Kostas Livadaras, who has been a community member of the board since December 2019, co-opted to the Board Finance, Risk and Audit Committee.

– Dr. Stella Laletas, who has been a community member of the board since December 2019, co-opted to the Board Education, Training and Advocacy Committee.

Prof. Eugenia (Genie) Pedagogos (Board President) and Aspasia Georgiou (Board Director) were not re-elected to the Fronditha Care Board.

The Board of Directors will hold a meeting in December to elect its office bearers for the roles of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary, and make a subsequent announcement in due course.

Fronditha Care is a not-for-profit aged care provider that has been supporting and advocating for the elderly since 1977 and is currently serving over 1200 elders each week across Victoria and NSW.

Australia’s ‘premier multicultural conference’ returns to Melbourne after 18 years

The Greek Herald
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Australia’s ‘premier multicultural conference’ returns to Melbourne after 18 years

The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Council of Australia (FECCA) and the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) announced on Friday that FECCA’s biennial conference, Australia’s premier multicultural conference, will be brought to Melbourne in November 2021.

Announced by Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs Josh Bull MP at ECCV’s Annual General Meeting, the Victorian Government’s support will see the conference return to Melbourne for the first time in 18 years.

“With Victoria being one of the most successful multicultural societies in the world, it’s only fitting that Australia’s premier multicultural conference will be here in Melbourne. This is a significant investment that celebrates the diversity of our state and on behalf of the Victorian Government, I look forward to the outcomes of this conference,” said Mr Bull.

FECCA Chairperson Mary Patetsos said the funding will allow community members and young people to come together from across the country to share their knowledge and lived experiences, particularly in the aftermath of COVID-19. 

“We are thrilled that we will be able to hold this national conference in Melbourne at a time when the challenges facing migrant and refugee communities remain significant. We thank the Victorian Government for its support,” Ms Patetsos said. 

“Issues such as immigration and the economy, rising racism, public health messaging to diverse communities, migrant workforce protections, and a humane and efficient migration system will be on the agenda.”

Mary Petsos. Photo: SBS News

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence said bringing the conference to Melbourne was a win-win for the state.

“The Victorian Government has always championed multiculturalism, acknowledging that with diversity comes strength,” Minister Spence said. 

“I am proud that this year’s State Budget offers unprecedented levels of support to our diverse communities, recognising their unique contribution and ensuring we can work together to rebuild and re-open on the path to COVID Normal.” 

ECCV Chairperson Eddie Micallef said he was looking forward to welcoming delegates to his hometown. 

Eddie Micallef. Photo: ECCV

“We are very proud to be hosting the next FECCA conference in Melbourne. It will give us an opportunity to not only showcase the diversity of our city, but the strength of multiculturalism across Victoria. ECCV has been an integral part of the multicultural legacy in Victoria, and being able to deliver such an important event with FECCA will do so much to lift all our communities after the year we’ve had,” Mr Micallef said. 

“COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted migrant and refugee Victorians and through the FECCA Conference we look forward to learning about how to manage future challenges better.”

Pandemic contingency plans will be put in place and the conference will be delivered in line with public health advice at the time. 

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