The public prosecutor has called for the conviction of 12 out of 21 defendants in the retrial of the 2018 Mati wildfire, which claimed 104 lives.
According to AMNA.gr, among those facing a guilty verdict are senior fire department officials and local government leaders, including former Attica governor Rena Dourou.
Prosecutor Stamatina Perimeni accused the then-fire chief Sotiris Terzoudis of critical omissions, such as diverting a firefighting helicopter from Mati and failing to mobilise additional forces.
Other officials, including the fire department’s second-in-command Vasilis Mattheopoulos and operations centre chief Ioannis Fostieris, were blamed for mismanagement that exacerbated the tragedy.
The public prosecutor has called for the conviction of 12 out of 21 defendants in the retrial of the 2018 Mati wildfire, which claimed 104 lives.
Perimeni also held responsible the former civil protection general secretary Ioannis Kapakis, Rafina-Pikermi mayor Evangelos Bournous, and Penteli resident Konstantinos Aggelopoulos, whose property was the fire’s point of origin.
She argued that “protection of the facility, of the infrastructure, prevailed over the protection of human life,” criticising the prioritisation of a fire near a refinery over the crisis in Mati.
The lack of evacuation coordination and failure to call for coast guard assistance were also cited as fatal errors.
Meanwhile, several officials, including former Marathon mayor Ilias Psinakis, his deputies, and several fire and police officers, were recommended for acquittal. The trial continues.
Greece has reaffirmed that the Great Sea Interconnector, an ambitious electricity cable linking the power grids of Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, remains on track despite setbacks.
The news comes after the Foreign Ministers of Greece, Cyprus and Israel met in Athens on Thursday, March 13.
After the meeting, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis stated, “The Great Sea Interconnector will be completed as planned. We are taking steps to ensure there are no obstacles to its progress.”
Δηλώσεις Υπουργού Εξωτερικών, Γιώργου Γεραπετρίτη, μετά το πέρας της Τριμερούς Συνάντησης των Υπουργών Εξωτερικών Ελλάδας, Κύπρου και Ισραήλ 🇬🇷🇨🇾🇮🇱
The €1.9 billion EU-backed project will connect the three Mediterranean nations through a submarine power cable spanning 1,210 kilometres (750 miles) and reaching depths of 3,000 metres (9,800 feet).
While the initiative is crucial for energy security and integrating renewable energy, it has faced financial challenges and complications from maritime disputes between Greece and Turkey.
Gerapetritis emphasised its broader importance, stating, “We recognise that interconnection projects are of critical importance for stability, energy security, and regional security. Not just for our region, but for Europe as a whole.”
Constantine Tassoulas was sworn in as Greece’s president on Thursday, March 13 for a five-year term after winning the election on February 12.
A member of the ruling New Democracy party, he succeeds Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Greece’s first female president.
Honoured to attend the swearing in of President Constantinos Tassoulas today. Congratulations@PresidencyGR pic.twitter.com/qKO3w9P5Vi
— Embassy of Luxembourg in Athens / Amb. E. Cardoso (@LUinAthens) March 13, 2025
During the handover ceremony at the presidential mansion, Tassoulas stated, “I will make every effort, as President of all Greeks, to uphold the Constitution, safeguard national integrity, and protect the interests of the Greek people.”
Born in 1959, Tassoulas has had a long political career, serving as Deputy Minister of National Defence in 2007, Minister of Culture and Sports in 2014, and as Speaker of the Greek Parliament three times since 2019. He resigned as speaker in January after being nominated for the presidency by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Elder Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, Anthimos, has passed away at the age of 91.
According to tovima.com, he served as the head of the Thessaloniki bishopric for 19 years after being elected by the Holy Synod of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece in 2004.
Anthimos resigned in August 2023, continuing as Elder (emeritus) Metropolitan. Prior to Thessaloniki, he led the Metropolis of Alexandroupolis.
Born Dionysios Roussas in 1934 in southwest Greece, he was ordained as a deacon in 1964. Anthimos was known for strongly advocating the Church of Greece’s positions and often took a conservative stance on national issues.
His body lay in state at the metropolitan cathedral of Aghia Sofia on Thursday afternoon. His funeral will be followed by interment in the courtyard of St. Grigorios Palamas Cathedral.
The Greek Herald has been awarded ‘Multicultural Publication of the Year’ at the 2025 Premier’s Harmony Dinner, cementing its status as a pillar of the Hellenic Australian community.
This prestigious recognition highlights the newspaper’s nearly century-long dedication to informing, representing, and preserving Hellenic heritage in Australia.
The annual event, hosted by NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper on Wednesday, March 12, celebrated individuals and organisations that contribute to the state’s vibrant multicultural landscape. Among the distinguished winners, The Greek Herald was honoured for its ongoing commitment to community journalism and cultural storytelling.
Digital Editor at The Greek Herald, Andriana Simos (left) and Publisher Dimitra Skalkos were present at the Premier’s Harmony Dinner to accept the award.
Publisher Dimitra Skalkos expressed immense pride in receiving the award, acknowledging the hard work and passion that fuels the publication.
“It is an honour to receive this award on behalf of The Greek Herald team, whose dedication and hard work make this publication what it is. This recognition belongs to all the journalists, editors, designers, and the entire team who contribute every day,” Ms Skalkos said.
“Receiving this in the lead-up to our 100-year anniversary makes it even more special, reinforcing our commitment to serving our community for generations to come.”
Some of the members of The Greek Herald’s team. (Back row, left to right) Sports Editor Takis Triadafillou and Digital Editor Andriana Simos. (Front row, left to right) Publisher Dimitra Skalkos, Journalist Ikaros Kyriakou and Office Manager Vicky Drivas.
Founded in 1926, The Greek Herald has been a cornerstone of the Greek and Cypriot Australian communities for nearly a century. With a strong commitment to cultural representation, it has provided generations of readers with trusted news, social advocacy, and community engagement. Beyond reporting, the publication ensures that stories are told with accuracy and cultural sensitivity, covering topics that matter deeply to Greek and Cypriot Australians, including social justice issues and heritage preservation.
In recent years, The Greek Herald has undergone a significant digital transformation, expanding its reach through a strong online presence. By embracing digital platforms, social media, and bilingual content in both Greek and English, the publication continues to evolve while staying true to its mission of informing and connecting the community.
Digital Editor Andriana Simos highlighted the publication’s mission to provide a platform for stories that mainstream media often overlooks.
“The Greek Herald exists to inform and represent our community in a way that mainstream media often does not. Every story we publish is about giving a voice to Hellenic Australians, sharing our history, culture, and issues that matter to us,” Miss Simos said.
“This award is a recognition of the importance of community journalism and the dedicated team that works tirelessly to ensure our readers stay informed and connected.”
As The Greek Herald approaches its 100-year milestone, this recognition serves as a testament to its unwavering commitment to journalism, cultural representation, and the Hellenic Australian community.
The crowd participated in a sit-down meal as the Organisation’s president, Christine Manolakos, made a speech, setting the tone for the evening.
“The contribution of women is great, we should recognise their strength and their many roles… as mothers, wives and professionals. Not only on March 8, but every day of the year,” Ms Manolakos said.
“We honour the female personality that proves to us that leadership characteristics are not a male privilege… A shining example is the current Greek mother, for the vindication of the 57 souls in Tempi, Maria Karistinou, who stirred up all of Greece on February 28.”
The event also celebrated outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions in various professional fields, with a series of prestigious awards recognising their dedication.
The first award was presented to philanthropist Theodora Giakoumidis in recognition of her remarkable efforts and dedication to charitable causes. Alongside her philanthropic work, Giakoumidis has had a highly successful career in banking and finance, which has earned her widespread respect and admiration.
The next award went to artist and Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney member, Maritsa Micos Dragonas, in honour of her diverse career and multifaceted talents in promoting cultural and artistic expression.
Maritsa’s exceptional commitment to charitable causes, combined with her family’s legacy of philanthropy, has left a lasting impact across generations.
Another award was given to Effy Alexakis, a documentary researcher and photographer, for her invaluable contribution to the cultural aspects of the Greek community.
Alexakis was praised for her works, dedication, and enthusiasm in documenting the community’s rich history through photography and research.
The final award was presented to Dr Yvonne Belessis, a distinguished physician in paediatric medicine, in recognition of her extensive research and achievements in the field.
Dr Belessis was recognised for her contributions to Australian Paediatrics and is a member of the international Oesophageal Atresia Steering Committee. She has also co-authored the International Respiratory Care for Children.
Manolakos concluded the night with a warm expression of gratitude for the committee’s support. Namely Vice President Despina Kekatos, Treasurer Chrisanthi Petridis, Public Officer Christina Calligas, Secretary Evi Georgakakos, Public Relations Officer Dimitra Skalkos, Committee members Litsa Diakovasilis and Cathy Valis, and Acting Honorary Manager George Giakoumidis.
A champion for culturally diverse arts, a passionate advocate for women in refugee communities and a multicultural sports innovator are some of the people recognised at the Premier’s Harmony Dinner last night.
Hosted by the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper, the dinner was attended by more than 1,600 community members. As part of the event, Mr Kamper announced the winners of the 2025 Multicultural Community Medals and inductees into the NSW Multicultural Honour Roll.
Emmanuel Alfieris’ daughter collected the award on his behalf. Photo: Salty Dingo 2025
Five people were posthumously inducted into the Multicultural Honour Roll, for their lasting impact on fostering an inclusive, resilient and peaceful society. Among them were two Australians of Greek heritage who passed away in 2024:
Emmanuel Alfieris: Past President of the Kytherian Association of Australia, and
Jack Passaris OAM: Founding and Life Member of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW (ECCNSW).
Jack’s wife Irene Passaris (right) with Peter Doukas.
Meanwhile, the Multicultural Community Medals recognised 13 individuals and organisations for their role in strengthening NSW’s diverse and inclusive society. Amongst the winners were:
The Greek Herald, who won Multicultural Publication of the Year sponsored by Village Place
Sandra Morales, who founded Heartdancers, an organisation solely focused on artists from First Nations and culturally diverse backgrounds in the Central Coast and Hunter areas
Dr. Astrid Perry-Indermaur OAM who has dedicated over 40 years of her career and life to advancing human rights and social justice for women and children from migrant and refugee backgrounds
Syed Sibtain, founder of Sydney Cricket League, a competition with over 1,000 players from diverse backgrounds, and a community touchpoint for newly arrived migrants to NSW.
Digital Editor at The Greek Herald, Andriana Simos (left) and Publisher Dimitra Skalkos were present at the Premier’s Harmony Dinner to accept the award.
Minister Kamper said, “The Premier’s Harmony Dinner is an opportunity to say thanks to the people and organisations who give their time and energy to make NSW more inclusive and connected.”
“This is one of the largest multicultural celebrations in the state, bringing together people from different cultures to celebrate, find common ground and maintain a strong foundation for social cohesion in NSW,” Minister Kamper added.
Multicultural NSW Chief Executive Officer Joseph La Posta said, “The individuals and organisations we celebrate tonight are the heart and soul of multiculturalism in NSW.”
“Their unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion makes our state stronger, more vibrant, and more connected than ever before,” Mr La Posta added.
“In addition to celebrating the stellar contributions of these worthy winners, this event is a reminder of the rich contribution of migrants to the everyday lives of everyone in our great state.”
2025 Multicultural Community Medal winners
Medal
Winner
Bio
Arts and Culture Medal in honour of Carla Zampatti AC sponsored by Powerhouse
Sandra Morales
Sandra founded Heartdancers – the only organisation in the Central Coast, Hunter and Newcastle areas that solely focuses on collaborating with artists from First Nations and culturally diverse backgrounds.
Dr G.K. Harinath OAM Sports Medal sponsored by Sydney Thunder
Syed Sibtain
Syed founded Sydney Cricket League (SCL) in 2016. SCL has over 1000 players from diverse backgrounds and acts as a community touchpoint for people new to Australia.
Human Rights Medal sponsored by SSI Equality for Life
Sabrina Khan
Sabrina is an international human rights lawyer and an advocate of women and children’s rights. Herself a survivor of domestic violence, she worked with Afghan, Palestinian, and Iranian women refugees to foster respectful and meaningful cross-cultural dialogue through the arts.
Lifetime Community Service Medal sponsored by SBS
Dr. Astrid Perry-Indermaur OAM
Dr. Astrid Perry-Indermaur OAM is an Australian women’s rights activist and a passionate advocate for multicultural communities. She has dedicated over 40 years of her career and life to advancing human rights and social justice for women and their children, from migrant and refugee communities.
Multicultural Not for Profit Medal sponsored by NSW Department of Communities and Justice
Dubbo Nepalese Community Australia
Dubbo Nepalese Community Australia is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to cultural preservation and community unity in Dubbo. Established to serve as a cultural bridge, DNCA enhances social cohesion through various initiatives that celebrate Nepalese heritage while promoting multiculturalism. It organised the Nepali Language School, volunteer initiatives, support during crisis.
Multicultural Youth Support Medal sponsored by STARTTS
Ahmad Zarar
Ahmad is a coach and mentor at Melrose Park Football Club. He arrived in Australia from Afghanistan in 2022 on a humanitarian visa. He is now an inspiration to the young Afghan refugees he coaches.
Regional Unity Medal sponsored by My Guardian
Ashley Young
Ashley Young is a passionate leader in the delivery of equitable and accessible healthcare. He led statewide reforms in Aboriginal Health, Disability Funding, Emergency Department Access, and Immunisation Services.
Stepan Kerkyasharian AO Community Harmony Medal sponsored by Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Syed Shah Khan Amin Zada
Syed is an Afghan refugee who is a passionate advocate for social cohesion in New South Wales. He organised multicultural festivals, art exhibitions, and food fairs, and established mentorship programs that connect young people with community leaders and professionals.
Community Languages Teacher Medal sponsored by NSW Department of Education
Maida Kulic Vugdalic
Maida is principal and teacher at Bosnian Ethnic School. Under her guidance, the school has connected people with their Bosnian heritage. She has also led the strategies to heal intergenerational trauma from the war in Bosnia in the 1990s.
Interpreters and Translators Medal sponsored by NAATI
Neena Sinha
Neena started interpreting and translating in the 1980s. During her career she helped improve cultural awareness of issues relating to domestic violence. She was one of the founders of Indian Women’s Social Organisation which gave a social outlet to Indian women in Sydney.
Multicultural Marketing Campaign of the Year sponsored by Anti-Discrimination NSW
CulturalPulse
CulturalPulse’s Multicultural Fan Engagement Program for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup set a new standard for sports marketing. The campaign drove record match attendance, overcame language barriers, and reached communities previously unfamiliar with women’s sports.
Best Report in Multicultural Media
The Jewish Independent
‘Generation Change’ is a monthly column that elevated and represented the experiences of young Australian Jews. The report profiles community leaders under 40 who are creating a positive impact and addressing often taboo social issues.
Multicultural Publication of the Year sponsored by Village Place
The Greek Herald
The Greek Herald has been the voice of the Greek-Australian and Cypriot-Australian community since its establishment in 1926. It is the largest and only daily Greek newspaper in Australia, and has an international readership.
2025 Multicultural Honour Roll inductees
Inductee
Bio
Ms Nadia Lozzi Cuthbertson OAM
Nadia was the first head of the newly created Ethnic Affairs Commission serving as Executive Officer until 1985. She was considered the ‘right hand’ of Ethnic Affairs Commissioner Dr Paolo Totaro’s in the formative years of the agency and an influential figure in early ethnic affairs policy in NSW.
Mr Mohmad El Dana
Mr El Dana founded Al Amanah College in Bankstown and Al Amanah College in Liverpool in 2002 and supported the creation of sister schools—Salamah College and Glenroy Private in Melbourne. In 2008, Mr El Dana led the Building Identity and Resisting Radicalisation (BIRR) Initiative.
Mr Emmanuel Alfieris
Emmanuel Alfieris was a passionate advocate for the Greek Australian community, known for his unwavering dedication, leadership, and generosity. His deep connection to his roots inspired his lifelong efforts to unite empower the Greek Australian community.
Mr Den Chen
After fleeing Cambodia, Mr Chen and his family settled in Australia, where he became an active volunteer with the Salvation and Cambodian Culture Association from 2000. He worked tirelessly to help refugees and migrants in similar situations. He was also an active fundraiser for Cambodian Buddhist organisations.
Mr Jack Passaris OAM
A Founding and Life Member of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW (ECCNSW), Mr. Passaris remained deeply involved with the organisation from its establishment in 1975 until his passing. His commitment never wavered, and his contributions were instrumental in shaping its success.
On Sunday, March 9, in Meredith, Victoria (an hour out of Melbourne), Adriana Lazaridis, dance-music DJ and former PBS community radio presenter, performed at Melbourne’s iconic Golden Plains festival.
This festival is held at the same site as Meredith [music festival] and is one of the most historical and diverse music festivals in the southern hemisphere bringing acts like Liam Gallagher (OASIS), Bon Iver, The National, Four Tet and Jamie xx over the years.
Attracting 15,000 people to the site where people camp and spend the long weekend away, the festival is always a sell out. Adriana’s set took place on the Sunday, between 5-6pm, which is typically reserved for the biggest names in dance music.
Opening and closing her maiden set (which consisted of house music, European dance music and the occasional Despina Vandi remix), were local Pontian dance troupe Akrites tou Pontou.
Performing the Kotsari and Seranitsa, their shoulder tremors, synchronised arm swings, jolts and precise steps entranced the diverse Australian audience in a culturally rich and energetic performance that the 30 year old festival never imagined it’d see.
Having worked together to activate nightclubs, raves and discos, this was not the first collaboration between Adriana and the Akrites, however this remains (perhaps forever) their most significant and applauded work.
Adriana’s family hails from Northern Greece and she dedicated the performance to her late father, who also shared a passion for his Greek culture and migrant community identity.
This collaboration has caused large reverberations amongst the global online music community and endless messages of thanks and intrigue have flooded her social media.
For a significant Australian festival to embrace these cultural displays show an appetite for cross cultural sharing and resonate with evolutions of multiculturalism.
This is also symbolic of the role played by third generation Greek Australians in the broader representation of their culture amongst peers and the industries they occupy.
Adriana returns to her ‘Spasta series’ of day party series in April, where audiences can see more.
Stefanie Costi is a 34-year-old lawyer, speaker, and writer, but above all, she is an advocate for workplace safety and inclusion. Having personally experienced bullying and harassment in the legal profession, Stefanie chose to speak out rather than stay silent, launching a movement that has since helped countless individuals navigate similar challenges.
Her advocacy has taken her to major conferences, universities, and legal summits, as well as Parliament, where her work was referenced in a 2024 speech by the NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Industrial Relations, Work Health and Safety, and Multiculturalism, Mark Buttigieg.
In April 2024, she launched Bona Fide Workplaces, a movement pushing for legislative change to address workplace bullying. You can sign the petition and share your story at www.bonafideworkplaces.com.
This International Women’s Day (IWD), Stefanie will be on the panel at The Greek Festival of Sydney’s ‘Hellenic Horizons’ event, supported by The Greek Herald. In this interview, she discusses her Greek-Cypriot roots, the impact of her activism, and how others can find the courage to speak out.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your heritage. How has your upbringing and heritage inspired your career path and life in general?
I grew up in a Greek-Cypriot family where family, hard work and doing the right thing were always at the core of everything we did. From a young age, I was taught to never back down when it came to standing up for what’s right, even when it wasn’t easy. That mindset has stuck with me and it is what drives me today as a lawyer.
Your journey from experiencing workplace bullying to becoming an advocate is inspiring. What personal turning point made you decide to step forward and fight for change?
The turning point for me came when I realised how common bullying and harassment was in the legal profession. After speaking to others, I found out many felt too scared to speak up because of their careers, money and job security. I could not ignore how many people in my profession and elsewhere were quietly suffering. That’s when I knew I had to speak out, not just for myself, but for everyone else going through the same thing.
What were some of the biggest personal or professional hurdles you faced after speaking out, and how did you navigate them?
After speaking out, one of the biggest hurdles I faced was the fear of what would come next. It was hard to know how others would perceive me, and there was a lot of uncertainty. Professionally, there was the challenge of potentially jeopardising my career but I knew I couldn’t put my integrity aside for the sake of comfort. Navigating those hurdles meant leaning on the people who believed in me, trusting my values and keeping my eye on the bigger picture: creating a positive change for myself and others.
What was the response from your family, friends and colleagues after you spoke out?
The response was overwhelmingly supportive. My family, friends and colleagues rallied around me and showed nothing but understanding and encouragement. Their support made a huge difference and I’ll always be grateful for it. It reminded me that, even when things feel tough, having a solid support system makes all the difference. The people who matter will always stand by you when you make the right choices.
What has been the most rewarding part of your advocacy journey so far, and how has it changed your perspective on resilience and leadership?
The most rewarding part of this journey has been seeing the impact on others. Knowing that my decision to speak out has helped others feel empowered to do the same is incredibly fulfilling.
What advice would you offer to women currently experiencing workplace bullying, particularly those who may feel apprehensive about speaking out due to potential career repercussions?
Going to work is a choice. Putting up with mistreatment is also a choice for money, validation, career progression or anything else. Work should add to your life not drain it. Your wellbeing and mental health should always come first.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘March Forward,’ emphasises progress and empowerment. How do you see this theme aligning with your work as an anti-bullying lawyer?
“March Forward” is a theme that really resonates with me because it’s all about taking action and not remaining trapped in a system that isn’t working. This is exactly the kind of change I’m committed to driving as an anti-bullying lawyer. My work is all about helping individuals break down barriers, stand up from themselves and move forward from toxic and harmful environments.
What can people expect from you at the upcoming IWD event by the Greek Festival of Sydney, supported by The Greek Herald?
At the IWD event, you can expect me to be raw and real. I’m not about sugarcoating things. I’ll talk about the hard truths of what it’s like to experience bullying, what it took to speak out and why we need to be brave enough to make noise. But most importantly, I’ll be sharing how we all have the power to create change, even when it feels like we’re up against the world.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of workplace culture, and how can we ensure lasting change in how bullying and harassment are addressed?
I envision a future where workplaces are a place of respect and empowerment, not fear. It’s going to take all of us – leaders, employees, HR departments – facing the uncomfortable truths, holding each other accountable and committing to building a culture where bullying is not tolerated. We need policies that do more than just check a box. We need real systems of support, education and action.
Cricketing legend Stuart MacGill has been found guilty of facilitating a cocaine deal between his partner’s brother, Marino Sotiropoulos, and a street-level drug dealer after a jury rejected his claim that he was merely an introducer.
The guilty verdict was returned after an eight-day trial in the NSW District Court, with MacGill convicted of the lesser charge of taking part in the supply of a prohibited drug.
He was acquitted of taking part in the supply of a large commercial quantity of the drug.
MacGill was accused of assisting in the setup and attending a meeting between Sotiropoulos and a drug dealer, known only as Person A, under his Neutral Bay restaurant in April 2021.
The Crown Prosecutor alleged that the two men agreed to exchange $330,000 for 1kg of cocaine, a transaction that MacGill helped facilitate by introducing them.
During the trial, MacGill denied any involvement in the deal, claiming he only introduced the two men to “palm off” Sotiropoulos.
He said he was unaware of any drug exchange and was only present for a brief introduction. However, the jury found his version of events unconvincing.
MacGill, who had a regular relationship with Person A, was also alleged to have complained about the quality of cocaine and suggested Sotiropoulos could provide better drugs.
Despite his defence, the jury found him guilty of facilitating the drug supply.
The case also involved two further alleged drug deals, including one where Person A fled with the drugs after handing over fake money, leading to MacGill being kidnapped.
MacGill will face sentencing proceedings later this year.
