A symbolic midnight flag raising at Federation Square has marked the beginning of Greece’s Independence Day commemorations in Melbourne, setting a powerful tone for celebrations across the city.
Just before midnight on Tuesday, members of the Victorian Council for Greek National Day, led by Chair Sophia Siachos and Manningham Mayor Jim Grivas, gathered for the ceremonial moment. Also present were Greek Community of Melbourne’s Vice President Leonidas Vlahakis and President of the Pan-Macedonian Association of Melbourne, Peter Stefanidis.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
Held at 11:45pm, the event carried both symbolic and emotional weight, as the Greek flag was raised to mark the transition into March 25 – a date deeply embedded in Hellenic history and identity.
The ceremony unfolded against the backdrop of the city centre and a screen projecting the Acropolis, offering an early focal point for the Greek Australian community ahead of broader commemorations throughout the day.
Manningham Mayor Jim Grivas. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
From sunset tonight, Wednesday, March 25, Melbourne’s tribute will extend further, with both Parliament House and Federation Square set to be illuminated in blue and white, in recognition of the community’s enduring cultural legacy.
The lighting had originally been part of broader discussions surrounding a planned visit by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and would have included the unveiling of Democracy Place. Although the visit has since been postponed, the decision was made by Victoria’s state government to proceed with the illuminations, ensuring the occasion would still be marked in a visible and meaningful way.
Victorian MP Lee Tarlamis welcomed the initiative, telling The Greek Herald: “I’m proud that this is another way in which we are honouring the Greek community, celebrating the enduring spirit of Hellenism.”
Not all landmarks will be joining the tribute. A source within the City of Melbourne confirmed to The Greek Herald that Melbourne Town Hall will not be lit for the occasion, as it has already been booked for lighting in support of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. A subcommittee of the Victorian Council for Greek National Day had pushed for its inclusion, but without success.
Even so, Melbourne’s skyline is expected to carry a distinctly Hellenic hue. In the absence of an official prime ministerial visit, the city’s Greek community — and the institutions that support it — are ensuring that the significance of Independence Day is not only remembered, but seen.
The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) proudly hosted the Dionysios Solomos Awards 2026, as part of the 44th Greek Festival of Sydney, recognising outstanding academic achievement in Modern and Classical Greek across New South Wales.
Held at The University of Sydney, the annual awards ceremony honoured top-performing students in the 2025 Higher School Certificate (HSC), alongside high-achieving students from the Community’s Afternoon and Saturday Greek Schools.
The initiative continues to promote excellence in Greek language studies, with the support of the NSW Education Standards Authority.
The event was held at the University of Sydney.
Named in honour of Greece’s national poet Dionysios Solomos, author of the Hymn to Freedom, the awards highlight the enduring significance of language as a cornerstone of cultural identity and heritage.
The ceremony was led by Master of Ceremonies Maria Kakali, with the national anthems of Greece and Australia performed by students of the GOCNSW Greek Afternoon and Saturday Schools.
Distinguished speakers included: George Skemperis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney; Con Apoifis, President of the GOCNSW; and Professor Vrasidas Karalis, Sir Nicholas Laurantus Chair in Modern Greek and Byzantine Studies at The University of Sydney.
Official guests.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Panayiota Varvaressos, who achieved 1st place in HSC Modern Greek Continuers.
Top achievers included:
Kristy Diakou – 1st in Modern Greek Beginners
Panagiota Varvaressos – 1st in Modern Greek Continuers
George Moisidis – 1st in Modern Greek Extension
William Chung – 1st in Classical Greek (Continuers & Extension)
Special awards were also presented to first-place achievers in each category, alongside the 2025 Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Modern Greek, recognising Highly Commended, Commended, and Merit recipients.
All the award winners. All photos supplied by Vasilis Vasilas.
The success of the Dionysios Solomos Awards is made possible through the generous support of sponsors and community organisations committed to Greek language education. Special recognition was given to Jim Ronis OAM, major sponsor of the Dionysios Solomos Awards, and Harry Mavrolefteros, sponsor of the awards.
In addition, awards were presented in collaboration with community organisations, including:
Hellenic Writers’ and Artists’ Association of Australia Inc., recognising primary school students for Conscientiousness and Diligence
Vorion Dimon Spartis “Orea Eleni” of NSW and the Zakynthian Association of Sydney & NSW, presenting special awards to top HSC achievers
A representative from the NSW Department of Education Community Schools Language Programs presented recipients of the 2025 Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Modern Greek with Dionysios Solomos Awards.
The ceremony also honoured students from the GOCNSW Afternoon Schools, celebrating not only academic excellence but also dedication, perseverance, and a strong connection to Hellenic heritage.
These recognitions highlight the Community’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of Greek language learners and strengthening cultural identity within Australia.
In his opening address, Mr Apoifis, President of the GOCNSW, welcomed the audience and award recipients.
“It is with great pride that we gather here today to celebrate excellence in our language and culture. The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW plays a vital role in preserving our heritage here in Australia – our language, our traditions, and the achievements of our people,” Mr Apoifis said.
“Initiatives like the Dionysios Solomos Awards are essential in ensuring that our heritage remains strong, relevant, and connected to future generations. Through our young people, we see the future of Hellenism in Australia continuing to thrive.”
Con Apoifis.Vrasidas Karalis.
Mr Skemperis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney echoed this sentiment in his address.
“Learning the Greek language is important for two key reasons. Firstly, when you learn a new language, your mind opens – it broadens your thinking, deepens your understanding, and strengthens your ability to connect with the world. Secondly, without knowledge of the language, it is very difficult to truly understand Greece – its traditions, its history, and even its political life. Language is not just a means of communication; it is a gateway to culture, identity, and understanding,” Mr Skemperis said.
Professor Vrasidas Karalis also reflected on the broader meaning of Hellenism, stating: “As Isocrates once said, we do not call Greeks those who share the same origin, but those who share our culture. Greek identity is not defined solely by ancestry, but by language, education, and cultural values. It is something that can be embraced, learned, and lived – and this is what makes our culture timeless and universal.”
The Dionysios Solomos Awards continue to stand as a cornerstone of the Greek Festival of Sydney, reinforcing the importance of education, cultural continuity, and the celebration of Hellenic heritage in multicultural Australia.
For the first time in 13 years, Victorian teachers marched for their rights in Melbourne’s city centre, demanding better working conditions and wages.
Among those striking were tens of thousands of public school teachers, principals and education support staff who made their voices heard at the rally despite Premier Jacinta Allan’s calls for the union to abandon industrial action.
Australian Education Union’s Victorian President Justin Mullaly confirmed to The Guardianthat up to 500 schools would either be closed or “significantly affected.”
On Tuesday morning the rally began at Victorian Trades Hall and concluded at state parliament with near 35,000 in attendance.
Photo: M. Piritidis / Supplied.
Greek Australian M. Piritidis, Teacher and Union Member, attended the rally and spoke to The Greek Herald about their passion for this issue and reason for striking.
“Strikes like these are for sending governments strong messages. If they continue to devalue the mountain of work teachers do, not only during working hours, but in our own time, what do they expect?,” they said.
“It’s time to acknowledge that teachers are the backbone of these communities by putting pressure on the Allan Government to follow through on their promises to fund schools better.”
Photo: M. Piritidis / Supplied.
After more than a year of negotiating, teachers last week rejected Allan government’s offer of a 17 per cent pay rise over four years and said the offer didn’t address or acknowledge the other challenges faced by teachers.
The union demands a 35 per cent rise over four years for its members, arguing that Victorian teachers are paid less than teachers in other states.
Speaking to the protest’s atmosphere, M. Piritidis said, “As expected, the teachers continue to demand respect with respect. The rally was peaceful and focused on delivering our key messages.”
AHEPA Unit 2 Athena, Daughters of Penelope, held its annual luncheon on Sunday, March 22 at the Manningham Hotel in Victoria. The event raised $26,000, surpassing its target of $20,000, for Head and Neck Cancer Australia – HANCA.
A capacity crowd of 280 women filled the venue to enjoy a lovely lunch, participate in some cozy and sometimes lively conversation, have the chance to win some great prizes, and of course contribute funds to HANCA.
HANCA is the only national charity dedicated to supporting people affected with head and neck cancer. This form of cancer is less common, but for the people that are affected, life can change profoundly.
Stella Salpigtidis, Senior Speech Pathologist with the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and Ron Bongetti, Director of HANCA since 2023 and survivor of head and neck cancer, took to the stage and presented a very informative and somewhat heartbreaking account of what people experience and how they deal with the situation once they are diagnosed with this type of cancer, and how they cope during the various stages of treatment.
Ron Bongetti, Presenter, Director of HANCA and survivor of head and neck cancer and Stella Salpigtidis Senior Speech Pathologist with the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
To honour the people who have lost their voice to this devastating disease, the audience was entertained by Marianthe Hargreaves, who led the women in an emotional rendition of “You’re the Voice” made famous by Australia’s much-loved performer, John Farhman.
John, who has faced his own battle with head and neck cancer, would not have known just how pertinent and powerful the message was in this song, when it was released more than 30 years ago.
Nina Garofallou, the President of the Chapter said, “On behalf of AHEPA, I would like to thank all our wonderful sponsors and supporters, the donors of gifts for the raffle and the silent auction, all the people that generously donated through the link available in the last few weeks, and of course all the lovely ladies who attended the lunch.”
“A special thanks goes to our corporate sponsors: Voula Stamatakis from Thalassea; Deane Tsotras from Nissi Collective; George Galanis from Galanis Brothers and Didi Muccio from MG Element. AHEPA acknowledges their very significant contribution to the day,” Ms Garofallou concluded.
Ron Bongetti speaking at the event. Ron Bongetti, Presenter, Director of HANCA and survivor of head and neck cancer with Nina Garofallou President AHEPA Unit 2 Athena Daughters of Penelope.
Nadia Rosin, CEO of Head and Neck Cancer Australia said, “On behalf of the Board and team at Head and Neck Cancer Australia, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the AHEPA Victorian Division for their extraordinary efforts in raising funds and awareness for Head and Neck Cancer at the annual Ladies Luncheon.”
“Hearing that several women have already committed to getting symptoms checked, following HANCA Board Director, Ron Bongetti’s speech at the lunch about his own cancer experience, is an important reminder that Head and Neck Cancer awareness and early detection truly saves lives,” Ms Rosin added.
“We also sincerely thank the organisers and supporters who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, particularly Stella Salpigtidis for ensuring the funds raised will support HANCA’s work. AHEPA’s ongoing leadership within the community has made a real and lasting impact for Greek Australians affected by Head and Neck Cancer.”
AHEPA, the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, is the world’s largest Hellenic Association encouraging community participation in cultural, charitable, educational and social activities for Australian-Hellenic citizens.
One of AHEPA’s objectives is “dedication to supporting community” and to raise funds for charitable works, organisation and welfare appeals, with an emphasis on medical research, the needy, the sick and disadvantaged of our society.
Congratulations went to Ms Garofallou and her two beautiful daughters Stella and Didi and the ladies from AHEPA Unit 2 Athena, Daughters of Penelope, for organising such an amazing event and raising some much-needed funds for this worthwhile charity.
The Pan-Thessalian Federation of NSW “Karaiskakis” successfully held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, March 22. The meeting had strong attendance from members and friends of the Federation.
During the AGM, a review of activities was presented and important matters concerning the Federation’s course and future were discussed. Proposals for new initiatives were also presented.
In a Facebook post from the President and Board of Directors, the Federation warmly thanked all those who attended the meeting and who continue to support the work and values of the Federation over time.
The Pan-Thessalian Federation of NSW “Karaiskakis” is an active community organisation representing people from the Greek region of Thessaly and their descendants who live in Greater Sydney and Regional NSW, Australia.
The Society of Kalamata 23 March in Melbourne held a successful dinner dance on Saturday, March 21 at Vogue Ballroom.
The dance was held to commemorate the 205th anniversary of the liberation of the first Greek city from Ottoman rule, Kalamata.
Over 350 people attended and enjoyed themselves until the early hours, with music curated by the renowned DJ Peter B. The dance also featured entertainment from Pegasus Dance Academy.
All photos by Fine Art Media.
The event’s success is owed to the tireless voluntary efforts of the Board members and their love for their place of origin.
They once again demonstrated that Kalamata unites Messinians in Melbourne and rightly holds a place in their hearts, symbolising the unity of the community.
The society has also maintained close ties for some time with Kalamata’s football team, with its president and owner, George Prassas, sending a message which was read out by the Association’s president, Sam Vlachos.
After Easter, the society is planning a major celebratory event to mark Kalamata FC’s promotion to Greece’s Super League 1. The location and date of this event will be announced shortly.
Students of St Spyridon College marked the 205th anniversary of Greek Independence Day with a moving presence at the Divine Liturgy and Doxology Service at the Greek Orthodox Parish of St Spyridon in Kingsford, Sydney.
Following the extended Divine Liturgy, the official Doxology for March 25, 1821 was conducted by Father Stavros Ivanos, with Father Steven Scoutas delivering the sermon, reflecting on the spiritual and historical significance of the day.
The service was enriched by student participation, with a series of powerful poetry recitations that brought the history and sacrifice of the Greek Revolution to life.
From the Afternoon and Saturday Greek Language Schools, Year 6 student Emmanuel Tourgelis recited Aristotelis Valaoritis’ ‘25th March‘ in Greek, followed by Year 4 student Mersina Achillaras with the traditional poem ‘The Secret Underground School’.
St Spyridon College students also took part, with Year 6 students Magdalene Kokkinogoulis and Panayiotis Yiokas reciting Stelios Sperantzas’ ‘25th March,’ while Year 8 student Constantinos Dounis, Year 9 student Haralambos Paxinos and Year 7 student Alexandros Seik-Moralis presented ‘The Sacrifice of the Monk Samuel.’
The latter paid tribute to the historic explosion at Kougi in 1803, when the monk Samuel chose to blow up the Monastery of Saint Paraskevi in Souli rather than surrender to Ali Pasha – an enduring symbol of resistance and self-sacrifice.
Accompanied by Head of College Amelia Katsogiannis and Head of Students Gina Kokinelis, the students’ contributions added emotional depth to the commemoration, with the congregation visibly moved by the performances.
The service honoured the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom, reinforcing the enduring legacy of Greek Independence Day within the community.
Alphington Grammar School‘s whole school community came together for a moving and vibrant Greek National Day Assembly this week.
It was a celebration that highlighted the richness of Hellenic culture and the enduring spirit of perseverance that defines it.
Students shone on stage through theatrical performances, choral singing and traditional dancing, each one reflecting deep pride in shared heritage.
A particularly powerful moment was the performance commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Missolonghi, reminding attendees of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience that continue to inspire generations.
Alphington Grammar School thanked Maria Triantafyllou, Greek Education Officer representing the Greek Consulate, for attending the celebrations.
Following the assembly, families and friends joined the School for the official opening of the new Hellenic Heritage Center, a vibrant space showcasing the rich history of Greece and the story of Greek migration to Australia.
Families and friends at the official opening of Alphington Grammar School’s new Hellenic Heritage Centre.
Events like these offer students a meaningful opportunity to celebrate and reaffirm their Greek language learning.
It also reflects Alphington Grammar School’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the Greek language, history, and cultural identity.
The Hellenic Club of Canberra’s Greek wine bar and restaurant Kivotos will host a special Greek feast this Sunday, March 29, to mark Greek Independence Day.
The event will take place at the Woden venue from 12pm, inviting the local community to come together and celebrate Greek heritage through food, culture and connection.
Guests can expect a generous spread of traditional favourites, from savoury meats and fresh seafood to classic meze and desserts, in a warm and festive atmosphere.
Tickets are priced at $49 per person, $25 for children under 12, with free entry for children under five. To book a table, call 6281 1466.
Kivotos, founded by chef George Giannoulis, is known for its focus on storytelling through food, blending traditional Greek flavours with modern techniques inspired by his upbringing in Loutraki and training at Athens’ Le Monde Institute.
Event Details:
When: Sunday 29 March, 2026, 12pm
Where: Kivotos, Hellenic Club Woden
Price: $49pp | Child under 12: $25pp | Child under 5: Free
Fixtures have been confirmed for Round 5 of the OFC Pro League, kicking off on Saturday, April 11 in Fiji.
After another action-packed round in Honiara, Solomon Islands, focus now turns to Ba and Suva, with the final round of fixtures in the first phase of the inaugural competition set to determine who will qualify for the Leaders and Challengers Group respectively.
HFC Bank Stadium in Suva and Ba’s Four R Stadium, Govind Park will host 12 Round 5 matches, with the latter also hosting the two rescheduled matches from Round 3, with South Island United facing Auckland FC and South Melbourne FC taking on Tahiti United on April 21.
Vanuatu United FC and South Island United will open the round on Saturday April 11, followed by Tahiti United taking on Solomon Kings FC that evening.
The opening weekend continues with a top-two clash between Auckland FC and South Melbourne FC before hosts Bula FC face-off against PNG Hekari FC.
See below for the full match schedule for Round 5, including the rescheduled matches from Round 3.
