A special book launch celebrating the life and legacy of Demetris ‘Mimis’ Dervos will take place on Wednesday, December 18 at the AHEPA NSW hall in Rockdale.
The book, titled The Life and Times of Mimis Dervos and authored by his son Dr Herakles Dervos, will be launched at a joint event hosted by AHEPA NSW Inc, the Athenian Association of NSW, and the Department of Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies at The University of Sydney.
Mimis, who tragically passed away in 1987, was a beloved leader and pillar of the Hellenic community in Sydney.
A founding member of the Athenian Association of NSW and a prominent figure in AHEPA NSW and the Hellenic Club of Sydney, Mimis made lasting contributions in both his professional and personal life. His passion for culture and his love for poetry shaped his role as an influential figure in the community.
Dr Dervos, who resides in Switzerland, has created a heartfelt tribute to his father in this new book, shedding light on the many accomplishments and enduring impact of Mimis.
The event will feature a keynote address by Professor Vrasidas Karalis, a leading scholar in Modern Greek Studies, who will reflect on Dervos’ significance in the community and the broader Hellenic diaspora.
The launch promises to be a memorable occasion as it will be a celebration of one man’s extraordinary life, and also a reflection of the ongoing strength and unity of the Hellenic community in New South Wales.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about Dervos’ influence, connect with fellow community members, and celebrate a shared heritage that continues to thrive in Sydney.
Event Details:
What: Book launch of The Life and Times of Mimis Dervos
When: Wednesday, December 18
Where: AHEPA NSW hall (394 -396 Princess Hwy, Rockdale)
On Saturday, December 7, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yiannis Mallikourtis, delivered a speech at the 15th Biennial Modern Greek Studies Conference hosted by the Modern Greek Studies Association of Australia & New Zealand and the University of Sydney’s Department of Modern Greek & Byzantine Studies.
Titled “Greece’s Membership in the UN Security Council 2025-26,” the speech outlined Greece’s priorities following its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2025-2026 term, with overwhelming support from 182 states.
As Greece prepares for its third term on the Council, the Consul General emphasised the country’s commitment to key priorities including the peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for international law, climate security, women’s empowerment and maritime security.
“Our efforts will be guided by the three Ds: Dialogue, Diplomacy, and Democracy,” the Consul General stated, underlining Greece’s belief in diplomacy and international law as essential for achieving peace and security.
Screenshot from the Consul General’s presentation.
Greece aims to strengthen the UN’s role in conflict prevention and peace-building, advocating for dialogue and cooperation to address the root causes of disputes. As a firm proponent of international law, Greece will work to uphold the UN Charter’s principles, particularly the prohibition of the use of force, and will continue its efforts to promote the rule of law in global affairs.
The Consul General also highlighted Greece’s commitment to gender equality, particularly within peace processes.
“The equal representation of women in decision-making, including in peace processes, remains a decisive factor of progress,” he said, emphasising Greece’s support for the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.
Additionally, Greece will advocate for a stronger UN response to the security threats posed by climate change, citing its role in the Group of Friends on Climate and Security.
Greece’s focus will also extend to the protection of children in armed conflict, advocating for a child rights-based approach and ensuring accountability for violations against children in warzones.
The country will continue to promote the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and work towards stronger maritime security, particularly in addressing illegal activities such as piracy, human trafficking and unregulated fishing.
In conclusion, the Consul General reaffirmed Greece’s dedication to the core values of the UN Charter and its determination to engage all member states to strengthen multilateralism.
“Greece will continue to uphold the principles of peace, security, and human rights, ensuring a more prosperous and stable future for all,” he concluded.
A recent antisemitic attack in Sydney’s eastern suburb of Woollahra has sparked widespread outrage from political leaders and community members.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday morning, involved the vandalism of buildings and the graffiti of offensive antisemitic slogans. A vehicle at the scene was also set alight, with Fire and Rescue NSW extinguishing the blaze around 1 am.
Police are investigating the attack and believe the vehicle, which was torched, was stolen and not owned by a local resident.
NSW Premier Chris Minns condemned the attack as “a disgusting display of antisemitism,” emphasising that it was “specifically designed to, in my view, incite hate and intimidate the Jewish community in Sydney.”
Premier Minns said the government would respond with increased security efforts, highlighting the continuation of Operation Shelter, which will be fully resourced to ensure public safety amid heightened tensions.
Shocking images of this anti-semetic attack in Woollahra this morning.
This is not the Sydney we want. These racist attempts to divide our city won’t work.
I’ll be speaking to police this morning. They will be found and they will face the full force of the law.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb confirmed that police presence would be stepped up with “increased patrols” and more community engagement.
“We’re actually taking police and dedicating them to Operation Shelter,” Webb said. “Police will be out there.”
The President of Emanuel Synagogue in Woollahra, Grant McCorquodale, said the attack had left people “genuinely scared.”
WARNING FEE APPLIES – MUST CREDIT ONSCENE BONDI: Police are on scene after an Anti-Semitic fire attack in Woollahra in Sydney’s east. Picture: onScene Bondi
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his outrage, calling the attack “an outrage” and affirming that there is “no place for hatred or antisemitism in our community.”
The PM also pledged to be briefed by the newly-formed antisemitism task force, Operation Avalite, which will investigate threats and violence targeting the Jewish community.
NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper, also issued a joint statement on the attack, along with Chair of the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board, Nick Kaldas APM, and Multicultural NSW CEO Joseph La Posta. They said “the events which took place in Woollahra overnight are nothing short of abhorrent.”
“Our multicultural and multifaith society is one of our greatest achievements, but it can’t be taken for granted. It requires constant work to ensure harmony is maintained,” the statement added.
“We must continue to reject the importation of overseas conflict and instead aim to empathise, to listen and to respond to global issues as a unified community, as Australians.”
The Ethnic Communities Council of NSW (ECCNSW) also issued a statement today condemning “in the strongest possible terms” recent incidents of violence against the Jewish community both in Melbourne and in Sydney.
With tensions running high, community leaders and politicians are united in their condemnation of this act of hate, and authorities are working to ensure greater security in the affected areas.
More than 300 guests gathered last week to celebrate the SALIFE Awards, presented by Brand South Australia.
The ceremony began with a Welcome to Country from Harley Hall, a senior Ngarrindjeri and Kokatha man, before continuing with a cocktail party in The Piccadilly’s art deco foyer.
Among the night’s highlights, Elena Carapetis was honoured as South Australian Artist of the Year.
Elena in Look Both Ways (2005).
Known for her work as an associate artist, playwright, director, and actor with the State Theatre Company South Australia, Carapetis gained recognition for her sold-out play The Gods of Strangers in 2018.
Carapetis’ debut short film Blame the Rabbit recently won the Grand Jury Prize at the South Australian Screen Awards.
The Food for Thought Network (FFTN) concluded a remarkable year with its Annual General Meeting (AGM), drawing a significant global audience of financial members, supporters, and attendees from the widely acclaimed inaugural Global Women and Hellenism Conference held in Ioannina from September 2–6, 2024.
The AGM included comprehensive reports from FFTN Founder and Chair Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou AM and Treasurer Georgia Pernitzis, who reflected on the year’s milestones and achievements while expressing gratitude to fellow committee members, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and media partners.
The meeting began with a warm welcome from Maria Maikousis, followed by a heartfelt tribute from veteran educator Stella Kokolis from New York, who proposed that the Greek Government formally recognise FFTN’s Chair and Committee for their groundbreaking work in promoting Hellenism and women’s empowerment.
FFTN Chair Ms Athanasiou-Ioannou extended her thanks to her dedicated team for their support including Dr Maria Karidakis, Ms Maikousis, Maria Makris, Ms Pernitzis, Dorothy Hatzopoulou, Christina Roma, Maria Kampyli, and Patron Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos, highlighting their invaluable support.
Special recognition was given to Pericleia Veremis from the USA and Penny Sahinis, along with the four FFTN members who travelled to Greece – all of whom contributed as volunteers, even paying for their own registration and expenses.
The AGM attracted notable women from the USA, Canada and Australia, with reflections from Criminal Court Judges Peggy and Pamela Stratigakis, who were keynote speakers at the conference.
Pamela remarked: “I’ve attended international women’s conferences across the US and the globe, but I dare say this was the best I’ve ever participated in. The experience was incredible – seeing Greek women from around the world who have accomplished so much while addressing shared issues, such as domestic violence, was truly inspiring. The conference offered unparalleled support and solidarity, and it’s an honour I will treasure forever.”
The meeting welcomed Shelley Papadopoulos from LA who introduced internationally acclaimed Greek Australian artist Vassy to the network. A multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and record producer, Vassy is also the first woman to win an Icon Award. Currently, she has submitted a song to represent Greece in Eurovision 2025. Vassy expressed her gratitude for being part of such a dynamic and empowering group, emphasising the importance of fostering global connections among Greek women.
Australian participants such as Dr Konstantina Dounis, Helen Karagiozakis, and Marilyn Tsolakis conveyed their deep appreciation for the conference. They shared their reflections and congratulated the organisers for creating such a profoundly stimulating and engaging event.
Ms Tsolakis proposed ideas for the next conference, while Dr Dounis suggested editing and publishing the conference papers to amplify its reach. The foundations have been laid, Ms Karagiozakis said, and all of us can contribute to have these amazing connections both personally and professionally. We are stronger together.
Ms Sahinis shared an exciting update: “The Secretary General for Greeks Abroad, Maira Myrogianni highlighted FFTN and its conference during the strategic plan announcement to Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The fact that the conference was acknowledged before the Prime Minister’s speech underscores its significance. This achievement reflects the conference’s tangible outcomes, which have sparked conversations in Melbourne, Greece, and beyond. We now have a valuable global channel of connection, and the challenge is to expand these efforts and reach even more people.”
FFTN patron, Professor Apostolopoulos suggested regular monthly Zoom meetings to maintain connections and continue sharing ideas.
Looking ahead
Excitement is building as FFTN prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026—a significant milestone for an organisation devoted to empowering women and promoting Hellenism. Planned initiatives include:
Sharing insights: Presentations from the Global Women and Hellenism Conference will be segmented and shared on YouTube, ensuring broader accessibility.
Ongoing engagement: Regular Zoom meetings and local events will sustain momentum and strengthen FFTN’s vibrant global community.
Celebrating legacy: FFTN will honour its 25-year history by documenting achievements and milestones, culminating in the next Global Women and Hellenism Conference in 2026.
FFTN’s unwavering commitment to fostering dialogue, empowering women, and celebrating Hellenism continues to inspire and connect communities worldwide. The journey to 2026 promises to be a celebration of legacy, unity, and innovation.
Stay tuned for updates as FFTN marks this extraordinary milestone. Find out more here: https://www.fftn.org.au/
A legal dispute has erupted within one of South Australia’s wealthiest families over the estate of property king Con Polites’ late wife Florence Gemenis Polites, who passed away in March.
According to The Advertiser, her grandson, Markas Salkanovic, is suing for a larger share of the $1.5 million estate before changes to inheritance laws take effect in January 2025.
Salkanovic won a court ruling on Tuesday, December 10, to appoint an independent administrator to investigate whether the 1999 will is “insolvent,” amid concerns that assets were moved to a family company to cover debts. The estate is reportedly over $2.8 million in the red, with debts related to Florence Polites’ living expenses.
Salkanovic, who has been distanced from the family due to his criminal history as a convicted drug importer, seeks to claim more from the estate, despite already receiving financial support.
The case has seen accusations of abuse, harassment, and family tensions, with George Polites, Florence’s son, denying Salkanovic’s claims and accusations of improper conduct.
Justice Tim Stanley appointed lawyer Sarah Hooper as independent administrator, rejecting any financial security for Salkanovic.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Cyprus on Tuesday, December 10, marked a historic moment, as it was the first trip by a British prime minister to the island in 53 years.
Welcomed by Cyprus’ President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace, the visit was hailed as an opportunity to turn a new page in the two countries’ relationship.
Starmer, calling the visit a “privilege,” expressed his delight at the chance to strengthen bilateral ties. Christodoulides echoed the sentiment, describing the visit as a “historic” step toward enhancing cooperation in areas such as defence, security, trade, education and migration.
The leaders discussed the ongoing strategic dialogue between the UK and Cyprus and emphasised their shared commitment to fostering greater collaboration. Christodoulides noted that the visit reflects the strong will of both nations to benefit citizens and enhance mutual relations.
Είναι με μεγάλη χαρά που καλωσορίζω στην Κύπρο τον Πρωθυπουργό του Ηνωμένου Βασιλείου @Keir_Starmer. Είναι μια ιστορική επίσκεψη, 53 χρόνια μετά από την τελευταία επίσκεψη Πρωθυπουργού του Ηνωμένου Βασιλείου για διμερή συνάντηση.
— President of the Republic of Cyprus (@PresidentCYP) December 10, 2024
Addressing regional developments, Christodoulides highlighted the importance of creating “conditions of stability and security.” They also discussed the evolving EU-UK relationship, particularly in light of Cyprus’ upcoming presidency of the EU Council in 2026, as well as the long-standing Cyprus issue.
“The UK has a special role to play as a guarantor power and UN Security Council member in resuming talks for a Cyprus solution,” Christodoulides said. Starmer agreed, stressing the importance of further strengthening ties and tackling common challenges, including the post-Brexit EU reset.
Later, Christodoulides underlined Cyprus’ key role in the region, maintaining strong relations with neighbouring countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The visit, which included an official welcoming ceremony and a wreath-laying at the Makarios III monument, highlighted the commitment of both countries to deepen their historical and strategic partnership.
The Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney & NSW held its much-anticipated annual Cherry Picking Weekend from Saturday, December 7 to Sunday, December 8, bringing members together for a memorable weekend filled with tradition, community spirit, and delicious food.
The day began at 6am as attendees made their way to Young, New South Wales, to visit Allambie Orchard for cherry picking.
Members enjoyed the opportunity to harvest fresh cherries straight from the trees, sharing in a hands-on experience that celebrated both nature and community. The orchard visit was followed by a BBQ feast, freshly prepared on-site for all participants.
After a busy morning, the group travelled to Canberra, where they checked into their hotel for a well-earned rest.
Later in the evening, members took charge of dinner preparations, serving a mouth-watering spread of traditional Greek cuisine. The menu featured lamb and chicken souvlakia, sheftalies, fresh salads, and warm pita bread – all cooked to perfection. The meal fostered a strong sense of togetherness, as members gathered to enjoy good food and great company.
On Sunday morning, the group prepared breakfast for attendees before heading to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Canberra. There, they took part in a church service, followed by the annual Paniyiri, a traditional Greek festival filled with music, dancing, and celebration.
The Cherry Picking Weekend is a beloved annual tradition for the Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney & NSW, offering members a chance to reconnect with nature, their cultural roots, and one another. From fresh cherries to festive meals, the weekend embodied the Brotherhood’s enduring values of community, tradition, and hospitality.
The Holy Diocese of Brisbane hosted its first-ever “Christmas Carols by Candlelight” on Sunday, December 8, at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George, Brisbane.
The event marked the conclusion of the Queensland Youth Conference and was attended by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
The evening featured moving performances from the mixed choir of the Greek Orthodox Christian Society of Sydney, the “Ellinikes Fones” choir of the Greek Orthodox Parish-Community of Saint George, and Brisbane’s “Saint John of Damascus” choir.
The choirs performed a rich programme of contemporary Christmas hymns and traditional carols from various regions of Greece, delighting the large audience in attendance.
Prominent figures in the audience included Their Graces, Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane and Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, along with the Archon of the Holy and Great Church of Christ, Theo Bacalakis, the President of the Parish-Community of Saint George, Freda Valassakis, and other community leaders and faithful.
At the close of the event, Archbishop Makarios expressed heartfelt congratulations to the organisers and performers. He praised the Greek Orthodox community for fostering a spirit of love and unity as they approach the great celebration of Christmas.
Students with a passion for Greek language and culture are being encouraged to apply for the newly launched 1821 Scholarship at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
The scholarship gives applicants the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of one of the world’s most historically significant languages while receiving financial support for their studies.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to enrich your education while connecting with Greece’s rich cultural legacy.
Apply now and be part of the growing community of Modern Greek language learners at UNSW. Found out more at unswgreek.com.
