Home Blog Page 164

‘We are here to stay’: Vibrant Greek Festival transforms Darling Harbour in Sydney

Sydney’s 43rd Greek Festival transformed Darling Harbour into a vibrant celebration of Greek heritage over the weekend of February 22-23, attracting thousands of visitors to Tumbalong Park.

Now in its 21st year at this iconic location, the festival once again showcased the rich cultural traditions of Greece, from music and dance to authentic cuisine and artisanal crafts.

Sydney’s 43rd Greek Festival transformed Darling Harbour into a vibrant celebration of Greek heritage and culture. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

A feast for the senses

Greek cuisine took centre stage at this year’s event, with festival-goers lining up for a taste of traditional souvlaki, loukoumades, spanakopita and other delicacies.

The festival’s food stalls showcased authentic Greek flavours, offering visitors an opportunity to experience a variety of dishes deeply rooted in Greek culture.

greek festival darling harbour 2025
All smiles as the souvlakia are cooked.

Dancing, Art, and Cultural Showcases

Traditional Greek dance groups added to the immersive experience, performing regional dances in elaborate costumes, with enthusiastic crowds joining in for the well-known Zorba dance.

Traditional Greek dance groups added to the immersive experience.
Traditional Greek dance groups added to the immersive experience

The festival also featured interactive workshops, craft stalls, and exhibitions highlighting Greek art, history and literature.

Visitors had the chance to engage with artisans, learn about traditional crafts, and explore the influence of Greek Australian contributions to the local community.

A stage full of star power

The weekend’s entertainment was a standout feature, bringing together both international stars and local talent.

Saturday’s programme was headlined by the Xylourides siblings, known for their unique fusion of traditional Greek folk music and contemporary sounds.

greek festival darling harbour 2025
Everyone jumped up and had a dance.

Their performance set the tone for the evening, which culminated in a spectacular set by Nikos Zoidakis. The renowned Cretan musician enchanted the audience with his masterful lyra playing and dynamic vocals, evoking the spirit of Crete in the heart of Sydney.

Sunday’s highlight was the much-anticipated performance by Rena Morfi, one of Greece’s most beloved vocalists. With a mix of classic and modern Greek songs, she engaged the audience in an energetic and heartfelt performance that had the crowd singing and dancing throughout the evening.

Official Speeches and Community Acknowledgements

Following a traditional Welcome to Country and the singing of the National Anthems of Greece and Australia, there were a number of official speeches.

greek festival darling harbour 2025
Traditional Welcome to Country.

Emceed by Mr Tsilimos, the speeches highlighted the festival’s importance and its ongoing success as an initiative of the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW), supported by the Bank of Sydney.

Harry Danalis, President of the GOCNSW, opened the addresses by thanking the thousands who attended and emphasising the festival’s role in uniting the Greek and wider community. He expressed gratitude to the NSW Government, sponsors, and volunteers for their continuous support.

Thousands attended the festival.
greek festival darling harbour
The Greek Herald was a proud sponsor of the event.

Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis reflected on the journey of Greek migrants, acknowledging their resilience and contributions to Australian society. He praised their lasting impact and the Greek Australian community’s ongoing strength.

“When I was listening to our Greek national anthem being sung before, I thought about those who travelled 35 days from Greece on the Ellinis or the Patris 50 or 60 years ago. If you had told them then that decades later, in the most central part of Sydney, this whole square would be filled with blue and white and Greek music, they would probably think you were mad. So, a round of applause to those pioneers who built this today,” Mr Mallikourtis said.

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia spoke on the importance of unity, faith, and cultural preservation, urging the community to remain together in strength and pride. He emphasised that the Greek Festival is not just a momentary gathering, but a testament to the enduring spirit of Hellenism in Australia.

“We [the GOCNSW and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia] are together, not apart. And this gives me immense joy, and it is my paternal wish to see this collaboration and this form of unity remain and never sever again,” His Eminence said.

greek festival darling harbour
All the official speakers and dignitaries.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper, highlighted the NSW Government’s strong support and funding for the festival, recognising its role in fostering cultural pride and social harmony. Minister Kamper also took the opportunity to commend the contributions of the Greek Australian community, applauding their resilience and dedication to preserving their heritage.

The Honourable Matt Thistlethwaite, Federal Member for Kingsford Smith, underscored the immense contributions of Greek culture to the world. He also acknowledged the role of the Greek Australian community in enriching Australian society and applauded the dedication of festival organisers and volunteers.

“All of life’s great pleasures were given to us by the Greeks, and that is what the Greek Festival of Sydney is all about. It is a celebration of life’s great pleasures,” Mr Thistlethwaite said.

Several other dignitaries also shared their admiration for the festival’s success. This included the Honourable David Coleman, Federal Member for Banks; the NSW Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Coure MP; Zann Maxwell, Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney; Melos Sulicich, CEO at Bank of Sydney; and Nikolas Varelas, Deputy High Commissioner for the Republic of Cyprus in Australia.

greek festival darling harbour
(L-R) Consul General Ioannis Mallikourtis, GOCNSW President Harry Danalis and his wife, Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney Nia Karteris, and CEO at Bank of Sydney, Melos Sulicich.

In their speeches, they all underscored the significance of Greek culture in shaping modern Australia, acknowledging the hard work of organisers and volunteers in keeping the event thriving.

Nia Karteris, Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney, closed the speeches with a passionate message about the festival’s future, stressing the importance of youth engagement in preserving Greek culture.

Reflecting on the accessibility of the festival, she emphasised the importance of making cultural celebrations available to everyone, not just those who can afford them. She praised the support from sponsors like the Bank of Sydney and Multicultural NSW, acknowledging their commitment to keeping the festival thriving for years to come.

She declared: “As long as you, the public, the youth, want the Greek Festival at Darling Harbour, it is here to stay.”

greek festival darling harbour
Nia Karteris sent a strong message at the festival.

A celebration to remember

As the festival wrapped up on Sunday evening, attendees left with a renewed appreciation for Greek culture and its enduring presence in Australia.

Distinguished attendees included the NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis; Bayside City Councillor Fiona Douskou; Randwick City Councillor Alexandra Luxford; and Sutherland Shire Councillor Haris Strangas; among many others.

greek festival darling harbour
(L-R) Mark Coure MP, Councillor Haris Strangas, Councillor Fiona Douskou, GOCNSW President Harry Danalis, and GOCNSW Treasurer Chris Belerhas.

With another successful year behind it, the Greek Festival of Sydney continues to be a significant cultural event, bringing Greek heritage to the forefront of Sydney’s multicultural landscape.

The event remains a testament to the strong ties between Greece and Australia, celebrating a shared love of music, dance, food, and community. Until next year!

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos

13 years of celebrating Hellenism at Norwood Greek Festival

The Norwood Greek Festival, an annual tradition organised by the Greek Orthodox Community and Parish of Prophet Elias Norwood, once again filled the eastern suburbs of Adelaide, South Australia, with the vibrant colours, sounds and flavours of Greek culture.

As one of the largest Greek and multicultural festivals in the region, the event brought together families, friends, and community leaders to celebrate heritage through delicious food, lively music, traditional dances, and a shared sense of community.

Norwood Greek Festival is one of the largest Greek and multicultural festivals in the region. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.

In her remarks, the Hon. Cressida O’Hanlon, Member for Dunstan and representing the SA Premier Peter Malinauskas, expressed her delight at the scale of festivities.

“… It is no wonder that this annual festival has become such an anticipated event on our state’s multicultural calendar… This festival is not only a celebration of friendship and heritage, but also a testament to the strong ties that bind our Greek community,” Ms O’Hanlon said.

“Even when challenges such as unpredictable weather arise, your dedication shines through. Your tireless work—reflected in every delicious loukoumades, every note of vibrant music, and every traditional dance—brings us together as one family.”

Her remarks underscored the importance of community spirit and the support extended by the state, noting the special contribution of a $25,000 Multicultural Affairs “Celebrate Together” grant that made the event possible.

Opposition Leader The Hon. Vincent Tarzia MP also shared his admiration for the festival and the broader community on the establishment of a language school and community hall, which he sees as vital for preserving Greek culture, language, and traditions. His remarks celebrated not only the cultural achievements but also the notable contributions of approximately 40,000 South Australians of Greek origin to the state.

norwood greek festival

Her Excellency Dr. Alexandra Theodoropoulou, the Consul General of Greece in South Australia, contributed her own warm greetings.

“Thank you for inviting me here and allowing me to experience another vibrant Greek part in the city—it is truly amazing,” Ms Theodoropoulou said.

“I also extend my gratitude to the city of Norwood for embracing its Greek heritage and for hosting the beautiful Prophet Elias church. With over 65 years of history and an interior that transports you to Greece, this church is a real treasure.”

Her words were complemented by President George Morias of the Community and Parish of Prophet Elias Norwood, who highlighted the festival’s community-driven nature.

“This festival marks our 13th celebration, and it would not be possible without the dedication of our many volunteers and the support of the wider community… Our aim is to celebrate our Greek traditions while embracing multiculturalism, and tonight you will experience delicious food, engaging activities, and the joy of communal dance as the band Kosmos entertains us,” Mr Morias said.

The Norwood Greek Festival not only showcased the rich traditions of the Greek community, but also highlighted the powerful bonds of friendship and cultural exchange that unify South Australia.

With vibrant performances from the Cretan Dance Association of SA, Messinian Dance School of SA, and the Kosmos band, the festival stood as a testament to the enduring spirit of Hellenic celebration. As the music, dance, and laughter filled the air, the event affirmed the Norwood Greek community spirit at the heart of the festival.

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos

Laconians bring Apokries to life in Sydney with dinner dance

The Pan-Laconian Association of New South Wales “The Spartans,” in collaboration with the Vatikioton Association of Australia, hosted a lively and successful fancy-dress dinner and dance to celebrate Apokries at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba on Saturday, February 22.

Nearly 300 attendees, including families and friends, gathered for an evening of dining, dancing and fun.

The event featured a warm welcome from the Presidents of both Associations, Mary Skalkos of the Pan-Laconian Association and Peter Tsigounis of the Vatikioton Association.

Ms Skalkos highlighted the importance of unity and preserving Greek culture, emphasising the role of young people in continuing the heritage.

laconian apokries

Guests enjoyed Brazilian dances and the excitement of children dressed in costumes, with many receiving lolly bags and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

The event featured an impressive energy with dancing continuing late into the night.

The best-dressed winners were: Fay Petrou as a clown, Christina Manolakos as Cleopatra, and Emanuel Kondogiannis and Bill Malcom as flamingos.

The night concluded with joy, laughter, and the strong message of unity within the Greek community.

Tsiknopempti celebration in Melbourne strengthens youth ties to tradition and faith

A vibrant Tsiknopempti celebration took place last week at the Archdiocesan Church of Our Lady “Axion Estin” in the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Chora, organised by the Central Youth.

The event, marked by joy and enthusiasm, fostered a sense of community and connection to Greek traditions through food, music and fellowship.

Children and youth from the Greek community actively participated, showcasing their strong ties to their heritage.

The event was honoured by the presence of His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora, who addressed the gathering with warm greetings from His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.

“You are the present and the future of our Church. With your vitality, participation, and interest in tradition and faith, you give us all hope and strength,” His Grace told the youth, emphasising their importance to the Church.

The celebration concluded with well wishes for a blessed Lent and the anticipation of future youth initiatives that will continue to strengthen both the spiritual life and cultural identity of the Greek community.

Dr Christos Papadimitriou grows human ‘brains’ in test tubes

Dr Christos Papadimitriou, CEO of Tessara Therapeutics, is leading an innovative approach to drug development by using micro tissue technology to mimic the human brain.

His team aims to provide a more accurate method of testing for neurodegenerative diseases, moving beyond traditional animal trials.

“We trick the cells to believe that they are inside the human brain,” said Papadimitriou.

This technology is being developed at the Jumar incubator in Melbourne, a collaboration between CSL, Melbourne University, and WEHI.

The incubator supports 24 biotech startups, including Papadimitriou’s, by providing laboratory space, shared equipment, and access to investors.

The goal is to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that promising research reaches the market and benefits patients.

Papadimitriou is hopeful that his work, along with a growing database of information, will be adopted globally within the next 25 years.

“We’ve cured anything in mice from cancer to neurodegenerative diseases, but the research does not translate,” he said.

His vision is for his technology to help accelerate drug development and improve the translation of research into treatments for patients worldwide.

Source: Herald Sun.

OASIS Coffee: Fresh blue look, same decaf kaimaki

This week, major sponsor of the Antipodes Festival OASIS coffee unveiled their newly packaged decaf.

“The 2025 Antipodes Festival was the perfect event to launch our refreshed decaf in a Cyclades inspired shade to the Greek community. In Australia, blue is the category convention so with a fresh blue look, same decaf kaimaki it’s the perfect go-to for those who enjoy a full-flavoured traditional briki brewed coffee all day,” Chris Togias, OASIS Coffee Director, says.

Chris adds that OASIS is truly a multicultural brand. 

“Australia’s Greek, Turkish and Arabic communities have long relied on OASIS to keep them in touch with the flavours and traditions of their families. For many, drinking a cup of OASIS pulverised coffee made in a copper briki is part of what it means to be Greek, Turkish or Arabic,” Chris says.

“As time has gone on, the range has broadened to include a caffeine-free option who are focusing on their health and wellbeing, evening coffee drinkers, those who experience caffeine sensitivity along with the pregnant and or elderly.”

Peter comments that, “OASIS’ recipe for success is that we roast seasonally harvested water decaffeinated green beans from the world’s finest farmers locally in ‘Sunny’ Mulgrave, by our family run, Griffiths Bros Coffee Roastery. Coffee beans are blended and pulverised through OASIS’ one-of-a-kind manufacturing process with specialised equipment to achieve a texture that is much finer than the grinding. It’s Australia’s finest decaf coffee, and it tastes so good, it’ll have you reaching for another cup.”

Product Details

Blend Origin: Multiple. Seasonally harvested.

  • Water process
  • Caffeine Free
  • Chemical Free

Cup Notes: Rich & Smooth

Medium Roasted

Strength ●●●○○

Medium body to deliver a traditional tasting caffeine free cup brimming with nutty, woody and earthy notes. OASIS Decaf is available online and select Continental Grocers, Foodstores and Delis.

RRP $8.00 200g

Basil Zempilas ramps up campaign ahead of WA state election

Basil Zempilas, the high-profile Liberal candidate for Churchlands, is facing off against sitting Labor MP Christine Tonkin and community independent Lisa Thornton in what has become one of Western Australia’s most competitive electoral contests.

Zempilas, a prominent media personality and current Perth Lord Mayor, is raising funds and engaging voters, claiming that his visibility is energising his campaign.

“I think I can win,” Zempilas said, stressing the importance of working hard until the election.

Elsewhere, Tonkin is confident her hard work and the electorate’s dissatisfaction with Zempilas’ past will help her expand her slim margin.

“The more signs Mr Zempilas puts up, the more volunteers I get saying they want to vote for me,” she remarked.

Zempilas has made efforts to meet voters, with his supporters praising his energy and ideas for improving the state.

Volunteer Vivien Porzig called him “honest and personable” while emphasising his focus on economic growth and healthcare.

Despite these efforts, Zempilas remains a polarising figure. His controversial comments about transgender people, made during his radio show, have created lasting tensions.

Photo: ABC News / Nic Perpitch.

Churchlands resident Libby Byers, for instance, stated, “If he’s not going to be accepting of all communities, then he shouldn’t be a leader.”

Meanwhile, independent candidate Thornton, who is campaigning on issues like climate change and integrity, is hoping to capture undecided voters by presenting an alternative to the major parties.

Thornton has the support of former independent MP Liz Constable, who believes Churchlands voters appreciate change and may opt for an independent candidate.

For his part, Zempilas has garnered support from the Australian Christian Lobby, which is campaigning heavily for his election. However, questions remain about his stance on transgender issues, and he has not responded to inquiries from media outlets, leaving his views unclear.

With both Zempilas and Tonkin working hard to sway voters, and Thornton aiming to tap into a growing independent movement, Churchlands is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched races in the upcoming election.

Recently, when Roger Cook and Libby Mettam took to the stage to launch their respective election campaigns, the appearance of Zempilas quickly became the main event.

Here, Zempilas alluded to previous Liberal leaders who he said delivered “magnificent and ambitious projects” while getting the basics right, unlike this Labor government.

“I think that our leader and deputy leader have run an outstanding campaign,” he said. “They know what they’re doing, their answer will be a good enough answer for me.”

Source: ABC News.

Gravanis brothers raise $37.4 million for Luna Park revamp

Bill Gravanis, the new owner of Sydney’s Luna Park through his family-run Oscars Group, has raised $37.4 million to fund the park’s revamp by selling The Village on Summer Street mall in Orange, NSW.

According to Sydney Morning Herald, the mall was co-sold by architect Paul Saunders, who had partnered with Oscars to acquire the centre for $22 million in April 2019.

The 21,090-square-metre property, which includes a 4947 sqm mall and 2573 sqm of developable land, was purchased by Centennial and its partner, Parkstone Funds Management.

Centennial’s executive director, Paul Ford, highlighted the centre’s stable income from its non-discretionary retail mix and positive growth outlook for the region.

“This deal positions us well as we continue to scale our retail portfolio,” Ford said.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald.

Metlen secures $3.5 billion deal with Rio Tinto in expansion

Metlen is unlocking assets worth approximately $3.5 billion through a strategic partnership with multinational giant Rio Tinto, securing a stable bauxite supply and “locked-in” sales for the next decade.

This agreement positions Metlen to expand its role in the international alumina market, particularly within Europe.

As part of this deal, Metlen is activating the extension of its “Alumínio” plant, which will process bauxite sourced from Rio Tinto’s CBG mine in Guinea.

The supply of 14.9 million metric tons of bauxite over 11 years (2027-2037) will support the production of 3.9 million metric tons of alumina, which will then be purchased by Rio Tinto.

This partnership addresses a critical shortage of bauxite, a major challenge in the global alumina market, and strengthens Metlen’s market position.

According to WoodMac estimates, by 2027, Metlen will represent over 25% of Europe’s total alumina production.

The deal also includes technological collaboration between Metlen and Rio Tinto, particularly to drive the transition towards low-carbon aluminium production.

Both companies share a vertically integrated business model and are active in renewable energy, further enhancing their synergy.

Rio Tinto, a leading global producer of bauxite, alumina, and aluminium, operates in key regions including Australia and Guinea.

The company is fully integrated in the aluminium industry, with a presence in 35 countries, employing 57,000 workers.

Supreme Court rejects appeal in Cypriot Australian Thanasis Nicolaou’s murder case

Cyprus’ Supreme Court Plenary has rejected an appeal by forensic pathologist Panikos Stavrianos regarding the death of Thanasis Nicolaou.

The court upheld its earlier ruling that Nicolaou’s death was a result of murder, stating that the Plenary could not overturn its own previous decision.

The case now moves forward with a report from criminal investigators, due by March 7, to determine the cause of death and any potential criminal responsibility for Nicolaou’s death and the handling of the investigation. The investigators will also address whether the case was properly handled.

Nicolaou, a 26-year-old architect from Australia, was found dead on September 29, 2005, under the Alassa Bridge in Cyprus.

thanasis nicolaou
Thanasis Nicolaou.

Initially ruled a suicide by Stavrianos, who conducted the autopsy, the case gained new attention when forensic pathologist Marios Matsakis re-examined the evidence in 2012 and concluded that foul play was likely involved.

In 2020, the European Court of Human Rights condemned Cyprus for its inadequate investigation and awarded the family €32,000 in compensation.

The family’s efforts, including the exhumation of Nicolaou’s body in 2020, led to new forensic findings in 2021 that confirmed the cause of death was strangulation, overturning the initial suicide ruling.

Source: K News.