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Meraki TV set to impress with a new host and plenty of Greek Australian talent

Andriana Simos
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Meraki TV set to impress with a new host and plenty of Greek Australian talent

Meraki TV is set to grace our screens again from October 12th at 7pm on Foxtel’s Aurora Channel 173.

The new season has a fresh look with its new host Demitra Sealy, who is known for her blossoming acting career including a new Hollywood film.

“What an exciting time to be host of Meraki TV! I have been involved for several years but this is the first time that I will be the host. I love the cast, crew and everyone involved. We have become a wacky little family,” Demitra tells The Greek Herald.

“The show gave me a unique way to connect with a large part of my heritage and culture, my Greek Australian community… Living up to its name, the show has really allowed me to delve into my Meraki.”

Demitra Sealy is the new host of Meraki TV.

Meraki TV will offer a wide variety of entertainment including: interesting interviews, a kids corner, mini documentaries on Greek mythology, art and mindfulness with Noula, and news from the motherland.

There will also be a bigger and better cooking segment this year with three chefs not one. George Diakomichalis will cook with his apprentice Anna, while Helen Demetriou resurrects her Under 30 Minutes segment.

Season 6, will also see ‘The Kids Corner’ hosted by kids who will bring their own fun, magic and energy to the show. They will cover everything from arts and crafts to ancient Greek board games.

For music news, ARIA chart topper, DJ Krazy Kon, returns. Krazy Kon celebrates 25 years of his iconic Greece CD series this year, and shares his industry knowledge and talent for picking the best music and artists.

George Diakomichalis will cook with his apprentice Anna. Photo supplied.

And in an entirely new travel segment produced exclusively for Meraki TV, get ready to wander through the most beautiful travel spots in Greece.

“I’m so proud of Meraki TV. Of the contribution it makes to Greek Australia. We connect so many from all different corners of the continent,” Executive Producer of Meraki TV, Ana Sevo, tells The Greek Herald.

“Our team is so talented, energetic, passionate and devoted. I love that all members of the family sit and watch this together. From the kids to the grandparents. And that is a really important aspect of Greek culture.”

Other highly acclaimed team members include journalist, novelist and award winning documentary filmmaker, Billy Cotsis, and roaming reporter Maria Hohlastou.

Monday, October 12, can’t come soon enough!

If you want to rewatch any episodes of Meraki TV, you can do so via YouTube.

Professor Christodoulou on why healthy Australians can suffer severe coronavirus symptoms

The Greek Herald
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Professor Christodoulou on why healthy Australians can suffer severe coronavirus symptoms

New groundbreaking research has revealed that some healthy Australians who develop the most serious coronavirus symptoms are missing a crucial set of proteins which protects the body from viruses.

According to two new papers published in Science, patients who lack the type I interferon genetic mutation – a set of 13 proteins crucial for protecting cells from viruses – were more associated with severe infections.

Professor John Christodoulou, who is co-leading the Australian arm of the COVID Human Genetic Effort, told The New Daily that the two papers provide a potential explanation for severe infections seen in up to 15 percent of cases.

Professor John Christodoulou is co-leading the Australian arm of the COVID Human Genetic Effort. Photo: The University of Melbourne.

“The way SARS-CoV-2 affects people differently has been puzzling,” Professor Christodoulou said.

“The virus can cause a symptom-free infection and go away quietly or it can kill in a few days.”

In addition to the people who produce misguided antibodies which attack their own cells rather than the coronavirus, another 3.5 percent carry genetic mutations which will impair their immune response.

And the new research also helps explain why more men die than women.

“10 percent of individuals with severe COVID-19 infection had auto-antibodies to type I interferon, neutralising the early protective effect of innate immunity,” Professor Christodoulou said.

“Importantly, 95 percent of these individuals were men, which might explain at least some of the sex differences we see in COVID-19 infection, which tends to affect males more severely.”

Experts say the overall good news from this research is that doctors should now be able to address the missing interferon problem with existing medications and interventions.

Source: The New Daily.

On This Day in 1926: Greek poet, Nikos Karouzos, was born

Andriana Simos
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On This Day in 1926: Greek poet, Nikos Karouzos, was born

Nikos Karouzos is considered one of the foremost Greek poets of the twentieth century. To mark the occasion of his birth, we take a look back at his life and poetic achievements.

Early Life:

Nikos Karouzos was born on July 17, 1926, in Nafplio.

In 1944, he completed his high school studies in Nafplio and later joined EPON Nafplio (the United Panhellenic Organisation of Youth).

In 1945, he was admitted to the Law School of Athens. Just one year later, he escaped arrest and execution by Organisation X and was exiled for five months to Ikaria.

Nikos Karouzos was born on July 17, 1926, in Nafplio.

Poetry:

In 1949, Karouzos left his studies in Law to devote himself to poetry and began collaborating with various literary magazines publishing poems and other short texts, such as Athenian Letters, Art Review, Nea Estia, Responsibility, Border and Diagonal. 

Between 1954 and 1990, he published more than twenty poetry collections.

In 1961, he was awarded the 2nd State Poetry Prize and in 1962, the 1st Poetry Prize of the Group of Twelve.

Karouzos also wrote literary criticism and essays on the theatre and art.

His collected works were published between 1993 and 2002 by Ikaros in Athens: Poems I in 1993; Poems II in 1994; his Selected Prose in 1998; and Interviews with Nikos Karouzos in 2002.

Between 1954 and 1990, Karouzos published more than twenty poetry collections.

Death and Legacy:

Karouzos died in Athens on September 28, 1990.

In 1993, a major Symposium on Karouzos was held at Athens University, the proceedings of which were published by Ikaros in 1996.

In 2000, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of his death, a second Symposium, again organised by Ikaros, was held there.

He left an amazing legacy of poetry behind, which many still study and analyse today to try and decipher their true meaning.

Greek woman becomes first female Secretary General of the European Court of Human Rights

Andriana Simos
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Greek woman becomes first female Secretary General of the European Court of Human Rights

Marialena Tsirlis, a Greek native, is the first woman to be appointed Secretary-General of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

Marialena is a graduate of the Ursulines Greek-French School and the Athens Law School, before she continued her postgraduate and doctoral studies in Strasbourg.

In 1994, she began her career as a lawyer at the Secretariat of the European Commission of Human Rights.

After advancing to several executive positions, Marialena’s rich academic and professional career led her to be unanimously elected by the Plenary of forty-seven judges of the ECHR to the position of Secretary-General.

“The role of the Secretariat is ancillary. Our mission is to assist judges in the performance of their duties by preparing case files and providing any legal, administrative and technical assistance,” Marialena said in an interview with APE-MPE after her election. 

“My goal is to perform our duties in the best and most efficient way, utilising the potential and skills of each staff member and ensuring a healthy and enjoyable work environment, where everyone will be able to evolve and progress. 

“I am fortunate to lead an extremely talented, enthusiastic and dedicated team. We know that the Court is called upon to face significant challenges and it is our common ambition to contribute to its success.”

Marialena will serve a five-year term and will commence her duties on December 1st, 2020.

A little support makes a lot of difference for people with dementia

The Greek Herald
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A little support makes a lot of difference for people with dementia

Georgia Tzempetzi is no stranger to helping people with dementia. Since 2014, she is a registered nurse in Fronditha Care’s GALINI memory support unit in Clayton. A year ago, she became the Clinical Care Coordinator of the unit. With her warm smile and positive energy, Georgia tends to the medical needs of GALINI’s residents and monitors their mental health and behaviour.

“Every day I learn something new from the elders we care for that live with dementia. Their experience, perspective and resilience are invaluable, and the most rewarding part of my job,” Georgia says.

“In my unit, I have cared for elders that could still play music, sing, do art and craft activities and, most importantly, tell their life stories. Their hardships, happiness and struggles are all there, and I enjoy listening to them.”

This year, Dementia Australia’s Dementia Action Week (21-27 September) aims to raise awareness around dementia and shed light on the amazing things people with dementia can still do, such as contributing to the community, continuing to make their own choices and living a full and enriching life.

“There is a misconception that life ends when somebody is diagnosed with dementia. In reality, it’s a different stage of life,” says Georgia. “People with dementia need support, respect and dignity. Simple and little things that can make a lot of difference.”

The outside of Fronditha Care’s facility in Clayton. Photo: frondithacare.org.au.

Georgia was a young child when she first encountered people with dementia at her parents’ village in Greece. She didn’t understand why these people behaved differently, and knowledge about dementia in her social circle was limited.

“It was a strange thing to view as a child, and initially, I was scared of it,” she says.

Dementia is a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain and thought process, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Although most people with dementia are generally older, it can manifest in people as young as 40. It is the second leading cause of death in Australia, with almost half a million Australians having the diagnosis. This number is expected to double in the next twenty-five-years, unless there is a dramatic scientific discovery.

What causes dementia is still largely undetermined but scientists and medical practitioners maintain that following a healthy lifestyle, keeping a healthy weight, exercising, both mentally and physically, and avoiding cigarettes and alcohol can reduce the risk of dementia.

The signs of dementia are quite visible for trained professionals like Georgia, who claim little changes in someone’s behaviour may be indicative of the first stages of dementia.

“The most obvious symptom is the behavioural change, especially the confusion of somebody performing simple everyday tasks like making a coffee or getting dressed. Some people start to feel apathetic and then, of course, there is gradual memory loss,” Georgia explains.

“We have to bear in mind that forgetting our keys in our car isn’t necessarily linked to dementia. As we grow older, other mental conditions have similar symptoms to dementia, such as depression. That is why we always have to consult with our GP to make the appropriate diagnosis.”

For people of diverse cultural backgrounds, there are additional challenges to receiving appropriate and specialised care in Australia. Thankfully, Fronditha Care has long established and followed a care model that caters for the physical, cultural and spiritual needs of the elderly people it cares for.

Language, food and culture play a significant role in the life of the elderly. People with dementia revert to their native language, so having carers that speak their language goes a long way in enabling them to communicate their needs. The smell and taste of familiar food, foster comfort and belonging. Little things make a big difference.

“We are like a family here. I have a lot of grandparents, and I am happy to contribute to their life journey in every way I can.”

* Fronditha Care is a not-for-profit aged care organisation that is the largest provider of residential and community services to Greek Australians in Melbourne. It has a suite of services available to support those that live with dementia at home and those requiring specialised residential care. For more information, visit frondithacare.org.au, call (03) 95524100 or email info@fronditha.org.

Greece urges Turkey to condemn flag incident on Kastellorizo

Andriana Simos
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Greece urges Turkey to condemn flag incident on Kastellorizo

Greece has called on Turkey to condemn and investigate what it said was an “insult” to its national flag on the Greek island of Kastellorizo.

Greek media reported that a Turkish drone dropped red paint on a Greek flag painted on a rocky hillside next to the Kastellorizo port on Saturday.

“We blatantly condemn yesterday’s insult of the Greek flag on Kastellorizo,” the Greek Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“We expect Turkish authorities to immediately condemn and investigate the incident, so that the culprits are brought before justice. Such unacceptable actions only seek to torpedo prospects for easing tensions between the two countries.”

READ MORE: Turkey, Greece agree to resume talks after four years.

There was no immediate comment from Turkey.

Greece and Turkey disagree over a range of issues, including where their continental shelves extend.

Tensions flared up last month after Turkey sent a seismic survey ship into disputed waters to map out sea territory for possible oil and gas drilling.

A Turkish and Greek warship collided during the standoff. Since then, Turkey has recalled the Oruc Reis and the two countries have agreed to restart exploratory talks.

READ MORE: Turkey withdraws Oruc Reis navy ship, sends Barbaros to Cypriot waters instead.

Greece calls on Armenia-Azerbaijan to stop military operations immediately

Andriana Simos
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Greece calls on Armenia-Azerbaijan to stop military operations immediately

At least 16 military personnel and several civilians have been killed and 100 injured after fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan broke out around the separatist region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

It’s been declared the biggest flare-up in violence between the two former Soviet republics since 2016, with both sides blaming each other for reigniting a three-decade-old territorial dispute over the separatist region.

Armenia accused Azerbaijan of launching an air and artillery attack on the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

In this image taken from a footage released by Armenian Defense Ministry on Sunday, September 27, 2020, Armenian army destroys Azerbaijani tanks at the contact line of the self-proclaimed Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan. Photo: Armenian Defense Ministry via AP.

In response, Armenia declared martial law and mobilised its male population. Troops shot down two military helicopters and destroyed three tanks, its defence ministry said.

It said the shelling from Azerbaijani forces had killed a woman and a child.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan said its forces were retaliating against Armenian shelling, which reportedly injured 19 civilians and claimed five members of one family.

According to authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh, which is inside Azerbaijan but run by ethnic Armenians, the fighting left 16 of its servicemen dead and more than 100 wounded.

In this image taken from a footage released by Armenian Defense Ministry on Sunday, September 27, 2020, Armenian forces destroy Azerbaijani tank at the contact line of the self-proclaimed Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan. Photo: Armenian Defense Ministry via AP.

With the violence still developing, Greece’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement last night urging Armenia and Azerbaijan to immediately cease military operations.

“We have been monitoring with great concern the escalating tension in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which has resulted in civilian casualties,” the statement reads.

“We call on all sides to exercise restraint, cease hostilities immediately and return to the negotiation table in the context of the Minsk Group.

“The peaceful resolution of disputes within the context of international law is the only path to regional security and stability.”

Greek community welcomes appointment of new Victorian Health Minister

Andriana Simos
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Greek community welcomes appointment of new Victorian Health Minister

Victorian Mental Health Minister, Martin Foley, is replacing Jenny Mikakos as Health Minister after she resigned from the position, following Premier Daniel Andrews’ testimony that she was “accountable” for the bungled hotel quarantine scheme. 

Mr Foley will move into the role effective immediately, and will also take on the portfolios of Minister for Ambulance Services and Minister for the Coordination of Health and Human Services COVID-19.

The appointment announcement came on Sunday during a press conference with Andrews, where he commended Foley for the ‘tremendous care’ he has demonstrated for vulnerable members in the community.

“Throughout his ministerial career, Martin has already overseen vital reforms in mental health, housing and disability,” Andrews said.

Luke Foley was appointed the new Health Minister at a press conference yesterday.

“He has always demonstrated great care and compassion for the most vulnerable members of our community and I know he will do an outstanding job leading our health response to the global pandemic.”

This message has been supported by members of the Greek community last night, with President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis, telling The Greek Herald he is ‘delighted’ by the new appointment.

“The Greek community of Melbourne and South Melbourne FC are delighted in the appointment of Martin Foley as the new Minister of Health. Martin has been a strong supporter of the Greek community of which I am president of,” Mr Papastergiadis says.

“He attends all of our festivals, particularly The Antipodes Lonsdale St event, and is present at various functions held at our afternoon Greek schools, particularly in Albert Park.

Martin Foley (second from left) is a supporter of South Melbourne FC.

“Importantly, Mr Foley is the No 1 ticket holder for South Melbourne FC. Mr Foley played an integral role in our bid for the A League. Mr Foley was present at numerous meetings we held with senior executives of the FFA such as Greg O’ Rourke.

“We thank the efforts of the previous Health Minister (Ms Mikakos) and we congratulate the appointment of Mr Foley.”

During a press conference, Mr Foley himself said he was looking forward to working with Victorians under “enormously difficult circumstances” to achieve a “COVID-normal reopening” in the state.

These statements came as just yesterday, the Greek community issued messages of thanks and support to former Health Minister Jenny Mikakos.

Member for Bentleigh, Nick Staikos, said he was “saddened” by the way Ms Mikakos’ career had ended.

“She is a person of integrity who has worked her guts out while carrying the extraordinary weight of an unprecedented health crisis on her shoulders,” Mr Staikos said.

Oakleigh MP, Steve Dimopoulos, added he was proud to call Mikakos a friend.

“Few people have worked as hard or have more passion for helping others. I’ve never seen a hint of personal ambition, just an ambition to do good. Proud to call you a friend, Jenny,” Mr Dimopoulos wrote on Twitter.

Victoria’s second wave resulted in more than 780 deaths and prompted weeks of strict lockdown measures for Melbourne. Jenny Mikakos is so far the only Victorian minister to resign as a result of the failed containment of the virus.

Further reshuffling of the Victorian Ministry is expected in the coming days.

‘Her inaction was the problem’: Mikakos holds the truth from millions, and pays the price for it

The Greek Herald
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‘Her inaction was the problem’: Mikakos holds the truth from millions, and pays the price for it

Yesterday morning, Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos revealed her decision to resign from cabinet and the Parliament.

Prior to her resignation, Mikakos faced severe accusations from Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, who claimed she was accountable for the botched hotel quarantine program.

“The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), as the designated control agency was primarily responsible for the program,” he wrote in his statement as part of the inquiry into the quarantine hotels system.

“I then regarded Minister Mikakos as accountable for the program.”

Mikakos resigned taking full responsibility of the actions of her department, yet still didn’t hesitate to place blame on her department members.

“With the benefit of hindsight, there are clearly matters that my department should have briefed me on,” Mikakos said in her resignation statement to Facebook.

“Whether they would have changed the course of events only the Board and history can determine.”

Her resignation prompted the response of various government leaders, communities, and the 6.7 million people in Victoria, which many of whom had their entire lives changed due to the governments failed control of the quarantine system.

The Greek Community of Melbourne thanked Mikakos for her contribution to public service and her “tireless pursuit of social justice” in Victoria.

“We appreciate your efforts-they shall not be forgotten-and we wish you all the best in your future endeavours,” a statement by the Greek Community of Melbourne reads.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard went to immediately back the former Victorian Health Minister, placing full blame on Daniel Andrews.

The Oakleigh MP, Steve Dimopoulos, quickly followed suit saying Mikakos had been “an amazing servant for our community”.

“For 21 years in parliament but long before, Jenny has been an amazing servant for our community,” he wrote on Twitter.

While the listed Liberal and Labour MP’s have sought to back the seemingly valiant Jenny Mikakos for standing up against Andrews amid this national crisis, an opinion piece by The Age has put much of the support for Mikakos in question.

The Age reports that on June 11, two days before The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald ran the first story on hotel quarantine’s failings, DHHS’s “top spinner” rang to say we they were off track and that publishing would be a mistake. Mikakos even went so far as to get the head of Unified Security, Nigel Coppick, to say the same.

“Should taxpayers fund media advisors to obstruct truth? Why was time and effort dedicated to this instead of fixing the problem before the Stamford Hotel outbreak?,” The Age reports.

“Our first article was published on June 13. According to her resignation statement, she didn’t see there was a problem until June 30.”

“It was her inaction that was the problem.”

“People usually come to media after their complaints are ignored. This is what happened here.”

The opinion piece goes on to state that whether Mikakos knew about private security is “beside the point.” Mikakos is to blame for not doing anything sooner, and instead wasting time to remind staff that they weren’t permitted to speak to the media.

“Maybe if more effort was spent listening to staff on the ground instead of trying to save face, millions of Melburnians wouldn’t still be stuck in our homes and hundreds of people wouldn’t have died,” the opinion piece adds.

“Take responsibility. Own it. Drop the spin. It’s infuriating.”

Victoria’s second wave resulted in more than 780 deaths and prompted weeks of strict lockdown measures for Melbourne. Jenny Mikakos is so far the only Victorian minister to resign as a result of the failed containment of the virus.

World Tourism Day: Top tourist destinations in Australia

The Greek Herald
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World Tourism Day: Top tourist destinations in Australia

Australians missed out on their Summer holiday trips to Greece this year after the appearance of the COVID-19 pandemic meant everyone was to stay at home.

According to the United Nations, the 2020 edition of World Tourism Day is using the theme of “Tourism and Rural Development”. The United Nations are requesting for people to celebrate the unique role that tourism plays in providing opportunities outside of big cities and preserving cultural and natural heritage around the world.

For this reason, rather than dream about sitting on a beach in Greece, we’re going to highlight some of the best tourist destinations Australia has to offer.

Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

Photograph: Lucas Jackson/Reuters

Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, and is one of seven natural wonders which can seen from space. It is the most popular tourist attraction in Australia and icon of Queensland, attracting 2 million visitors every year.

The Great Barrier Reef gives people the chance to observe over 1500 species of fishes, 3000 species of molluscs, 6 species of sea turtles and thirty species of whales and dolphins. Glass bottom boats, cruises, submarines and helicopters also allow for a more relaxing scenic visit.

Great Ocean Road, Victoria

The Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell National Park, Victoria, Australia. Source: Getty

The Great Ocean Road stretches along the south eastern coast of Australia, having length of 243 kilometres. This surf coast highway was built by a team of retired soldiers, taking 13 years for completion, in memory of soldiers who lost their life in World War I.

The Great Ocean Road offers a view of most beautiful Australian beaches like torquay, jan juc, bells beach, anglesea, fairhaven, apollo bay and kennett river. People cam also witness the absolute splendour of the 12 large limestone rocks standing 45 meters high known as the 12 great Apostles.

Bondi Beach, Sydney

Photo: Sydney.com

A staple destination in Sydney, Bondi Beach has become a hub for tourists and for good reason. While Bondi Beach offers sun bathing, swimming and surfing, it is also the home of the most friendly personalities in Australia, making sure people leave with a smile.

Bondi Beach is also part of the infamous 3km Bondi to Bronte coastal walk where people can find smaller pockets of secluded beaches, allowing for a more privatised beach experience.

Uluru or the Ayers Rock

Also known as the Red centre of Australia, Uluru, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Australia, is a giant natural formation of sandstone rock standing 1143 feet high. Exhibiting many ancient paintings done by the ancient Anangu people, this monolith is a very sacred aboriginal cultural site.

Situated 335 km away from the closest large town, the site may be a bit remote but its natural beauty and cultural connotation makes it worthy of a visit.

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