“We are not exaggerating the problem, but we are not underestimating it at all,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said demandingly in a meeting with the country’s 13 regional leaders, who called on them to show solidarity with the islands of the refugee migrants.
“The current government is following another policy. We changed the law on asylum, made it stricter. We have a different policy on border guard. We are setting up closed pre-departure centres in order to control who comes in and who goes out,” Mitsotakis told regional officials, referring to the refugee crisis.
The prime minister emphasized that the government is not magnifying, nor underestimating the problem, and urging the regional authorities to show solidarity with the islands. “I cannot fight and demand solidarity from Europe when there is no solidarity between us.”
“Quantitatively, it’s not a big issue. Most of all we have to make sure that Greeks feel safe,” Citizens’ Defence Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis said. The Defence Minister also added that 400 border guards in Evros were hired, 500 new asylum officers in the islands and inland, and 800 to guard the islands’ borders and guard the centres.
During the meeting, the issue of better coordination between the central administration and the Regions was raised, proposals for faster absorption of the NSRF funds were presented, while the need for cooperation and constant contact and information was emphasized for the Migrant Refugee.
Two second-half goals by Petros Mantalos and Kostas Galanopoulos saw Greece come from behind and beat Finland 2-1 in Athens as it completed its failed campaign at the Euro 2020 qualifiers with three wins in a row.
Just like in the previous two matches against Bosnia in Athens and Armenia at Yerevan, Greece enjoyed more possession, created more chances and put more pressure on its opponent, though the Finns had little to play for given they had already qualified to the finals.
Even so the visitors went ahead on the 27th minute, as Norwich City striker Teemu Pukki caught defender Kostas Stafylidis in possession and put the ball past keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos to open the score against the run of play.
Manager John Van’t Schip, who fielded the same starting XI as at Yerevan three days earlier with Mantalos being the oldest player at 28 years, stuck to his plan and this paid off in the second half.
Barely two minutes after the interval Mantalos tapped the ball in after a heroic effort by Tasos Bakasetas who kept the ball alive right on the touchline.
The tide of the game showed there was no way back for the visitors, as Greece kept creating opportunities and pile on the pressure. Just as Finland tried only its third goal effort, Greece responded with a counter from the left with impressive left-back Yiannis Yiannoulis, the Finnish defence failed to clear the ball and Galanopoulos made no mistake from close range to score on the 73rd minute his maiden goal for Greece.
The national team missed more chances to score again, but the 2-1 result gave a bittersweet sense to the 5,000 fans at the Olympic Stadium of Athens, as Greece will miss another major tournament, next summer.
By the recent performances of this team though, this may well be the last one it misses out on.
On Thursday, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted a dinner to celebrate the Hon Arthur Sinodinos’ AO appointment as Australia’s Next Ambassador to the United States. The event was held in the grand ballroom of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney and was hosted by Paul Nicolaou, Director of the Business Leaders Council of the Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
There were many featured guests in attendance, including the Hon John Howard OM AC, as well as the Hon Amanda Vanstone, former Minister in the Howard Government and former Australian Ambassador to Italy, who both worked with Sinodinos during their time together in the Howard Government.
Arthur Sinodinos, John Howard and Amanda Vanstone discussing cooperation within the Howard Government
Of the almost 1000 guests in attendance, there were a variety of important guests with a business and political background that had either worked with or supported Sinodinos. Other guests included The Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP, Premier of NSW, and the United States Of America Ambassador to Australia, Arthur B. Culva-house Jr.
The senator was also joined by his family, including his wife Elizabeth, brother Peter and sister in law Sharon.
Arthur Sinodinos with his wife, Elizabeth
The event began with a speech by the Hon John Howard OM AC, 25th Prime Minister of Australia, who thanked Arthur for his remarkable contributions to public service and the Australian community. This was then followed by a ‘fireside chat’ with the former Prime Minister, Amanda Vanstone and Senator Sinodinos, who reflected on their accomplishments together and discussed future opportunities for the newly appointed ambassador.
There were many Greeks figures in attendance, including his Eminence Archbishop Makarios, The Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, the Greek Consul General Christos Karras, along with various Greek Community leaders such as Harry Danalis, Jack Passaris OAM and Michael Diamond AM MBE.
Arthur has had a great influence among the Greek community and is proudly supported by Greeks across the country for his new appointment.
Arthur Sinodinos with Greek Herald publishers Elaine Kintis and Dimitra Skalkos
As Eirini Alligiannis roamed around New York City as an awe-inspired tourist, snapping away at the beauty of the city, she stumbled across a warehouse in an artists suburb called Five Points. The next thing she knew, she was filming an independent documentary on the destruction of the soul of New York’s art scene.
Eirini spoke to The Greek Herald about her career in the art scene that has taken her from the suburbs of Sydney to an exhibition in New York, as well as the success of her documentary and what it was like pursuing an art career in a traditional Greek household.
Did you have a natural creative flare as a kid?
I must have, because I remember playing with my mums camera when I was little. It was a film camera, back in the day. So I used to take it and pretend to take photos all the time, but she’d hide it from me and somehow I’d find it. She didn’t want me to break her favourite camera. I think it started from then really. I think I’ve always had it in me. Then I found it later in high school more than anything.
Is there a particular passion or theme that you like to take photos of? People, or things etc.
I love walking around, especially when I’m overseas, and whatever captures the moment I guess. Usually buildings, architecture. I do like to take photos of people but people get really funny about doing that.
How did you go from photography to film?
I finished by diploma in Fine Arts, and then I started doing some volunteer work for The Salvation Army, on Crown Street, called Oasis. They had some volunteer work happening for photographers to teach. From then, they had a program with Foxtel and Oasis to teach underprivileged kids how to make films, and to tell their stories. So they picked six students and moved from there…They’d get taught how to do storyboarding, camera, editing, all that stuff. So that’s how I got into it. So at the end they had screenings, and they collaborated with Randwick TAFE, they had a film course. So basically, whoever wanted to do film at the end, they gave them a scholarship for six months to attend from Spot Randwick. Some students didn’t want to continue to do it, and so I got offered a scholarship at Randwick so that’s how it all began.
So what’s been the highlight of your photography career?
Exhibiting my work in New York. Group show in New York City, it was amazing. And my work shown in Times Square as well, for one night only. It was pretty cool!
And the highlight of your film career?
It’s still going, but my short documentary has been doing amazing. It’s called Louie Gasparro: Five Points. It’s based in New York City, about a graffiti artist, and Five Points is basically the building they decided to knock down. It was a basically a place for artists to go and paint and show their art, and then developers decided to knock it down. So I got to film before it actually was knocked down.
Did you find out about the story first and then decide to film it?
No, I happened to be there. Well not happened to, I was meant to be there. My roommate at the time said, ‘you’re a photographer. We have to go to Five Points before they knock it down’. I had no idea what Five Points was, I had never heard of it. So we decided to go one day and take photos. He’s a break dancer, and personal trainer, and DJ…everything. You have to be everything in New York City. To live. So I was taking photos of him and I literally fell in love with Five Points. It’s just huge, the artworks were incredible. But, it’s not there anymore.
I decided to go one day, another day. I was going to the Moma, and nothing was happening so I went for a walk to five points to see what’s going on. So I found Louie and someone else, doing their last piece on Five Points. So I thought, this is going to be a good story. So I got on a train, went back to my apartment, got my camera and tripod, went back and set up…I just started filming him doing his last piece on Five Points. He dedicated that piece to his brother who passed away. There was meaning all around.
Where is the film at now?
It was actually selected to be at a New York Film Festival, The Cutting Room International Short Film Festival.
At the start of the year, when I was in Queens at the start of the year. The guy that does the projector came up to me after the film and asked how I shot it. I said, with my Canon 5D. Most of it was hand-held as well. The sound? He said please don’t tell me it’s the camera sound. I said yep. All I had was the monopod and the camera.
So he goes up to me and said I have to put this film in The Cutting Room International Short Film Festival. So it got selected.
I’ve always wanted to have an exhibition in New York City.
Do you like to get involved in Greek Film Festivals?
I like to go and watch the Greek Film Festivals. I should get more involved, but I haven’t yet.
Where in Greece at you from?
Mytiline! Plomari. Good ouzo.
What is your favourite thing about being Greek?
The culture. The food. The coffee. I don’t mind keeping the traditions sometimes.
What do you think is the biggest difference between traditional Greek culture and emerging Greek-Australian culture?
They still want you to learn the language and go to Greek dancing, but when you go to Greece, we’re more traditional here than when we go back to Greece.
They think we’re crazy over here!
Did you find your family were supportive of you getting into arts?
They were and they weren’t. They were at the start, but when they find out it’s not a 9-5 type of thing, they do get a bit worried. But they’re supportive and want me to be happy.
What is the biggest risk you’ve taken in life?
Not having a 9-5 job, and just following my dreams and passions. It’s a big risk. Not having fancy cars, or going to fancy restaurants, not going out every night and missing out on a few things here and there.
What’s your favourite movie?
I love my movie! It basically describes how something can be there, and just disappear in a second. And art is really not important to so many people in this world, but art is everywhere in this world. Kids used to go there and play, or show their creative side, and it’s sad for that not to be able to happen anymore.
Where can people watch your movie?
The trailer is on my website, and I’m working on a screening in Australia.
What is one thing that your grandparents have taught you?
I never met my grandparents…but older Greek figures taught me to have respect for people, and to treat people the way you want to be treated.
Louie (KR.ONE) Gasparro 5POINTZ was recently made a finalist at the Florence Film Festival.
Following the peaceful march of more than 20,000 people for the Polytechnic celebration, tensions ensued in Exarchia, with police making 28 arrests and 13 appeals.
Twenty of those were arrested following clashes after the march, 6 were in the afternoon at the Sp. Trikoupis building, where Molotovs and other objects were found on the terrace, both from the apartment building on Stournari Street. At the expense of those seized, a case file is being formed and will be referred to the prosecutor.
The police authorities have taken all appropriate measures to protect the event. In some cases groups of individuals attempted to commit unlawful acts and attacks on police forces, which resulted in arrests and prosecutions.
A total of 41 people were taken to Athens, out of which 28 were taken into custody:
Six (6) on the roof of a building on Sp. Trikoupi Street in Exarchia, where molotovs, antifouling masks, gloves, stones and other objects were found and seized.
Two (2) on Stournari Street and twenty (20) at Exarchia Square, for attacks on police forces.
In addition, two police officers were being treated for injuries from the violent protests.
There were 5,000 police officers on a “red alert” this year for the march, who were forced to take drastic measures to celebrate the three-day event. They were further supported by drones and a police helicopter that were flying in the air.
Police were accused by marchers of using excessive force against non-violent protestors, with journalist Marios Aravantinos being assaulted by police in an attempt to disperse the crowd. The journalist was hit in the left arm by a MAT officer with a bullet, while another police officer fell on him with his shield. It was also reported that the matatzides officers assaulted a woman, injuring her head.
In other cities a total of thirty one (31) people were attacked, in particular fourteen (14) in Thessaloniki, ten (10) in Patra and seven (7) in Heraklion, Crete.
On November 17, Doctors Without Borders reported through their official Twitter account that a 9 month old baby had died due to severe dehydration in the Moria refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos.
The organisation has blamed the “horrific living conditions and lack of adequate care” as the leading cause of child deaths such as these in refugee camps across Greece and Europe.
Expressing their sadness for the tragic loss of life, the non-profit organisation followed up on this report stating that there are estimated to be 15,000 people currently trapped in Moria, with 5,000 of those being minors.
Operating since 1971, the international humanitarian medical organisation brings medical assistance to people affected by armed conflict. In 2018, Doctors Without Borders conducted 26,500 outpatient consultations in Greece, as well as 7,440 individual mental health consultations.
Stefanos Tsitsipas came from a set down to beat Dominic Thiem on a thrilling final-set tie-break and become the youngest winner of the ATP Finals in 18 years.
Winning the biggest title of his career on Sunday night Tsitsipas received a cheque of more than £2million ($2,656,000).
The Greek, 21, won 6-7 (6-8) 6-2 7-6 (7-4) to claim the biggest title of his fledgling career.
Thiem, 26, who edged a tight first set, fell away in the second and the start of the third before fighting back.
But Tsitsipas forced a tie-break, and then won it, at a raucous O2 Arena.
He collapsed to the floor after Thiem put a forehand return out on the first match point before the pair embraced at the end of a two-hour 35-minute battle, with the Greek kissing his beaten opponent on the shoulder.
“It’s been a roller-coaster. Holding this trophy is amazing,” the world number six said.
He had been the better player in the opening set only for Thiem to take it in on a tie-break but when the Austrian’s level dropped he was there to take advantage.
He did not panic and hit just one unforced error in the second set compared to eight from his opponent – going 4-0 ahead in 14 minutes and wrapping up the set soon after.
Tsitsipas’ entertaining game – full of powerful forehands, laser-like serving and a stunning single-handed backhand – improved further at the start of the third set and he looked set to power on to the title.
But Thiem, a two-time Grand Slam finalist, broke back and levelled as his crunching groundstrokes returned.
In the tie-break Tsitsipas saw a 4-1 lead become 4-4 before he held his nerve to take the match with three straight points.
Tsitsipas is the youngest winner of the season-ending championships since Australia’s Lleyton Hewitt in 2001 and the youngest debut champion at the eight-man event since a then 19-year-old John McEnroe won the title in 1978.
With the rise of vegan cafe culture forcing chia seeds, kale and quinoa down our throats (quite literally), it is fair to note that the foundations of the Mediterranean diet are almost solely dependent on fresh produce and seasonal vegetables, making Greek recipes the perfect vegan diet.
1. Cut green end off eggplant, slice thinly, sprinkle with salt and set aside for an hour.
2. Rinse in cold water and then drain the eggplant pieces in a colander.
3. Add olive oil to a deep skillet and set the heat on medium. Dip eggplant slices into flour and fry until the slices are golden brown.
4. Drain on absorbent paper and sprinkle with salt.
5. Lightly grill pita bread in the oven.
6. Top pita with onion, tomato, and some of the fried eggplant. Sprinkle some oregano over all the ingredients.
7. Roll the gyro sandwich and wrap it in aluminum foil so it can hold the shape.
Image and Recipe via GreekBoston.com
2. Greek-Style Stewed Potatoes (Patates Yahni)
Ingredients: 6 medium potatoes, peeled and soaked in cold water, 1/2 cup Greek olive oil, 1 medium onion, 3 garlic cloves, 3 large tomatoes, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 6 cups cold water, 1 cup parsley, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper
1. Cut each of the potatoes into eight roughly uniform pieces.
2. Add half the olive oil to a large pot and heat over medium.
3. Add the onions and saute until soft. This should take about five minutes.
4. Add the garlic and saute for another minute, stirring with a wooden spoon to incorporate the garlic.
5. Reduce the heat to medium low and add the tomatoes. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes. 6. Combine the tomato paste and one cup of the water in a small dish until stir until dissolved.
7. Add to the pot along with the parsley, salt, and pepper and stir until combined.
8. Add the potatoes and then the rest of the water. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed and cover.
9. Raise the head to medium-high and bring mixture to a boil. Once it boils, reduce it to low and simmer for about an hour, or until the potatoes are soft.
Image via The Greek Vegan. Recipe via GreekBoston.
3. Greek Style Boiled Greens (Horta Vrasta)
Ingredients: 3 pounds mixed greens (like endive, chicory, dandelion and spinach), 2 cups of water, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, Olive oil, Lemon juice, Salt
1. Clean the greens by trimming away any hard stems. Wash them under cold water. Shake dry and add to a large stockpot.
2. Pour 2 cups of cold water over the greens and sprinkle vinegar over the top if the greens are particularly bitter. If the greens are mild, as is the case with spinach, you don’t need to use the vinegar.
3. Place the lid on the pot and set the heat to medium high. Bring the water to a boil and shut the heat off.
4. Leave the pot on the same burner for ten minutes before removing from the heat.
5. Transfer the greens to a serving bowl and drizzle olive oil, lemon juice, and salt over the post
Image via Lazy Cat Kitchen. Recipe via GreekBoston.com
4. Vegan Greek Style Stuffed Tomato (Yemista)
Ingredients: 6 large tomatoes, 6 large peppers, 4 large potatoes, 4 tsp tomato paste, 1&1/4 cup olive oil, 1 finely chopped onion, 1&1/2 cup rice, 2/3 cup parsley, Pepper, Salt
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Slice the top of the peppers off and clean out the seeds. Set the caps aside for later.
3. Slice a piece from the top of each tomato and remove the pulp with a teaspoon. Save the caps and the pulp and set aside.
4. Blend the pulp until thin and add the tomato paste, and stir to make a sauce.
5. In a skillet, heat up half of the olive oil and saute the onions on high heat until soft.
6. Add the tomato sauce mixture, salt and pepper to the skillet and boil it for 10 minutes.
7. Turn down the heat and remove 1/3 of the mixture and set aside.
8. Add the rice and parsley to the skillet and mix well.
9. Arrange tomatoes and peppers in a baking pan. Put a touch of olive oil inside and on the outsides of the tomatoes and peppers.
10. Add the rice mixture to each tomato and pepper about 3/4 the way up and cover them with the caps.
11. Spread the tomatoes and peppers throughout the pan and add the potatoes between them.
12. Pour the remaining tomato mixture over the potatoes, and then pour the olive oil on top of that.
13. Season the whole pan with salt and pepper and it’s ready to go in the oven.
14. Cook on 350 degrees for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Add water to pan occasionally if all the juices have been absorbed.
Image and Recipe via MyGreekDish.com
5. Greek-Style Lemon Chickpeas (Revithia)
Ingredients: 500g dry chickpeas, 1 large red onion, 1/2 a cup olive oil, 1 bay leaf, 2 tbsp dried oregano, salt, pepper, 2 lemons, 2 tbsp flour, vegetable stock (optional)
1. Wash the chickpeas and let them soak in plenty of cold water overnight.
2. Drain the chickpeas and discard the soaking water.
3. Place the chickpeas in a colander and rinse very well with plenty of water (4-5 times).
4. Place the chickpeas in a large pan with enough cold water to cover them (about 4cm over the chickpeas).
5. Turn the heat up and bring to the boil. Keep removing the froth from the top with a wooden spoon for about 15 minutes.
6. Drain the chickpeas and then put them back in the pan and add enough warm water to cover them again.
7. Bring to the boil and add the olive oil, chopped onion, oregano and bay leafs.
8. Turn the heat down to a simmer and place the lid on. Let them cook for 1-2 hours, depending on the chickpeas, until tender. Add more water if necessary in order not to dry.
9. If you prefer your soup to be thicker, during the end of cooking time add in a bowl the flour and lemon juice and pour gradually 1-2 ladles of the soup and whisk.
10. Add the mixture slowly in the pan with the chickpeas and season. Stir gently for 2-3 minutes until the soup thickens.
It was a night of glamour, elegance, joy and excellence at the magnificent Plaza Ballroom, as HACCI celebrated the best and brightest of the Hellenic-Australian community at its annual Gala Ball, on Friday 15 November.
Staying true to its reputation as the most glamorous annual event in the Greek – Australian community’s social calendar, the Gala featured top-class entertainment, a delectable dining experience and a brilliant MC, acclaimed comedian Mary Coustas.
HACCI Board and 2019 Winners
The guests included some of the most esteemed leaders of the Hellenic-Australian community, who gathered to raise their glasses in honour of the award winners, taste a delicious gourmet dinner, enjoy the tunes of the popular Melodia music group and dance the night away.
HACCI Excellence Awards Winners announced
The Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Excellence Awards acknowledge and reward organisations and individuals that have achieved excellence in seven distinct areas of endeavour.
HACCI EA 2019 Winners
HACCI honoured this year’s best and brightest of the Hellenic Australian community, presenting them with the 2019 HACCI Excellence Award, on the night.
HACCI EA 2019 Winners
Bank of Sydney Business Excellence Awards – Maria Mavrikos
When Turkey invaded her native Cyprus, she was only 40 days old. When her family left Cyprus for Australia, she was only two years old. When she started her first business, as an English tutor for children of migrant background, she was only 12. She has been pursuing her passion for business ever since.
Her first work experience came at the family fish and chips shops and cafes, where she enjoyed managing the till and preparing the account bookwork.
While studying for her Bachelor of Arts at Monash University, she started working for a steel fabricator, developing an interest in steel and construction. Within three years, with the encouragement of her employer, she was managing the business, quadrupling its turnover.
In 2000 she set up her own structural steel business. As Director of Structural Challenge Pty Ltd, she gained a reputation for successfully taking on the most difficult projects and offering superior project management.
In 2005 she received the City of Melbourne Crystal Vision Award for Advancing the Interests of Women in the Construction Industry.
She is a board member of the Australian Steel Institute and represents steel fabricators has sat on numerous sub-committees. She is also and committee member of the Steel Fabricators Association of Victoria and part of the charity organization The Steel Club.
She remains as passionate about Australian manufacturing as she was on her first day on the job.
HACCI Woman of Influence Award presented by Moore Stephens – Freda Miriklis
Internationally recognised as a global champion for women’s empowerment, she has worked with corporations, governments and NGOs and the United Nations to promote equality and ethical business practices on a global scale.
Born to a mother from Limnos and a father from Kastelorizo, she grew up in Fitzroy and attended St John’s Greek Orthodox Schools in Carlton and Preston, before pursuing a career in finance.
For more than two decades, she held private client and corporate advisory roles in wealth management and was a frequent financial market commentator in broadcast and print media. In the early ‘90s, she helped shape and develop ASX education courses for the public.
From 2011 to 2014 she served as President of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women, being the youngest elected President and CEO of the organisation and one of only four Australians to have held this office globally, since 1930. She was a driver of cultural change, policies and programmes to improve the status of women, serving as main representative to the United Nations forums on human rights and women’s rights.
In 2014 she co-founded the Commonwealth Businesswomen (CBW), the only accredited organization on women’s empowerment recognised by 53 governments.
As chairperson of the CBW, she has driven advocacy efforts on accelerating equality through gender mainstreaming at key ministerial meetings including the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM).
In 2016 she helped establish the TX Foundation, building schools in 50 developing countries across Africa, Asia and South America through public-private partnerships.
In 2018 the Women’s Empowerment Award was named after her to recognise her work and her instrumental role in developing and promoting the Women’s Empowerment Principles – a partnership initiative of UN Women and UN Global Compact (UNGC) – now considered the nexus for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
HACCI Professional Excellence Award presented by Salary Masters – Peter Konidaris
An experienced professional services partner, he has been advising clients and Government for more than 20 years in infrastructure, tax and reform initiatives.
He is the Market Managing Partner for PwC in Melbourne, responsible for the firm’s Victorian strategy and leading a staff of nearly 2,000.
He is also the Client Lead Partner for PwC’s Victorian Government practice.
He is the Markets leader for PwC’s Financial Advisory business and the Global Indirect Tax Technology Leader.
Specialising in GST and international trade, he has advised local and international clients on GST issues since its introduction. He is widely recognised for his expertise and insight in these fields.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of Melbourne and is admitted as a Solicitor and Barrister at Law in Victoria.
He is a Fellow of the Tax Institute of Australia and a member of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
He is also a board member of the Flack Trust and Council Member for the Victorian Police Blue Ribbon Foundation.
He is passionate about all things relating to Melbourne and has published many thought leadership articles relating to equality and economic prosperity.
HACCI Community Service Award presented by Pronia – Maria Strintzos
She is a humanitarian aid expert, with three decades of experience working with some of the poorest women, children, men and communities in Indonesia, Ethiopia, Sudan and Eritrea, as well with disadvantaged women in Australia.
She grew up in South Melbourne and studied at Melbourne University, where she completed her Bachelor and Masters degree in Education, being the first scholar to examine the issue of Class, Gender and Ethnicity and school outcomes among Greek girls in Melbourne.
After her graduation, she worked in a Housing Support Service for Women with Mental Health problems; in 1988, she was the first Greek Australian to join the Australian Volunteers Abroad program, spending two years in Suharto’s Indonesia, developing programs to assist vulnerable women.
Following that, she joined Community Aid Abroad, now Oxfam Australia, as the Horn of Africa Project Officer, looking after aid programs in Ethiopia, Sudan and Eritrea.
Seven years later, she joined the Relief Society of Tigray (REST); as the Head of Fundraising and Public Relations, she has worked for the wellbeing and food security of four million of the poorest and hungriest women, men and children in the world.
In 2005, she also established the Hawzien Orphan Project, which has assisted . hundreds of children, among them her adopted son Haftu, who became the Australian and Oceania U20 Cross Country Champion and the Australian 5km champion and is now a student-athlete at Villanova University in Pennsylvania.
After 18 years in Addis Ababa, she returned to Melbourne in 2011. She is still working with REST, still supporting orphans and being an advocate for the development of Ethiopia.
Every year, she raises more than $US 50 million for the people of Tigray.
She has also been involved in the Philanthropic Society of Kaloneri, Kozani for close to 20 years, serving as its Secretary and first ever female President.
HACCI Sporting Excellence Award presented by Heidelberg United FC- Elias Donoudis
Born in Veria, Greece, were he completed high school, he developed a love for sport and – in particular – football, at a very early age, the backstreets of the city being the stage for games and foundation for fond memories.
At the same time, he developed a profound love for language and the written word, instilled in him by his mother, who was a teacher at the local school.
While still in high-school, he created a hand-written newspaper, circulating it among his schoolmates, in what was a sign of what the future would hold for him.
When he finished school, he was one of the top students admitted to the course of Law and Economics at the University of Aristotle in Thessaloniki, but the academic world was not for him.
During his studies, he found his true vocation, working as a sports reporter at a local sporting newspaper, much to the dismay of his mother.
In 1970 he migrated to Australia; soon after, he started working for Neos Kosmos. Five decades later, his byline is one of the most respected in the whole of Greek media.
Apart from print media, he was also passionate about broadcasting; he was instrumental in founding SBS 3EA radio, as well as other radio stations and Greek programs in our community.
A passionate sports and culture reporter, he has interviewed every major Greek artist visiting Melbourne, and he has traveled to many countries around the globe, from Mexico to Greece and from Brazil to every part of Oceania.
Covering the most important international football events, he had the chance to interview football legends such as Pele, Ferenc Puskas and Franz Beckenbauer.
The Christos Saristavros Young Achievers Award – Jim Giamarelos
Born to a family of migrants from Limnos, who set up their home in the outer northern suburb of Lalor, from a very young age he learnt the value of hard work, instilled in him by his parents; his father George worked three jobs in construction, while his mother Sonia worked as retail assistant while raising a young family.
Having inherited his parents’ work ethic, he juggled two part-time jobs during senior school; on school holidays, he would work with his father on the construction site, at the family fish and chips shops, while at the same time he run soccer programs.
The older of three siblings, he was an active and competitive child, playing multiple sports including soccer, futsal, cricket and swimming. He was a house captain in school and an all-round excellent student, developing an interest in construction, design and architecture.
By the time he graduated from Melbourne Polytechnic, he was already working at an architecture firm, never forgetting his origins as the son of a bricklayer.
After completing studies in building design, he spent several years working across three different design practices, obtaining a range of experience in apartment building and high-end residential design, through to commercial design focusing on the hospitality industry.
He is a Victorian Building Authority registered building designer, a long-standing member of Design Matters formerly known as the Building Designer’s Association of Victoria, member of the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Property Council of Australia.
As the leader of dedicated, young Maison Co team of design professionals, he is instrumental in creating new pathways in construction. His teams’ work ethic, fresh ideas and questioning of the status quo and are redefining customer service in building design.
The Spiros Stamoulis Lifetime Achievement Award – George Pappas AO
Born in Rhodes on 11 June 1946, Greece, he migrated to Australia in 1952.
Sixteen years later, he graduated with First Class Honours from Monash University, having completed a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. In 1971 he completed an MBA with Distinction from Harvard Business School.
Right after his graduation, he joined the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), moving on to lead the international firm’s office in Tokyo.
Upon his return to Australia, in 1979, he co-founded Pappas Carter Evans and Koop (PCEK), which rose to become the leading Australian management consultancy firm, providing strategic advice to the top management of the nation’s largest companies.
When the Boston Consulting Group’s acquired PCEK in 1990, he became Managing Partner of BCG’s Australasian offices and a member of its worldwide executive committee.
Since then he has undertaken several assignments for State and Federal governments, including serving as the Under Secretary of the Victorian Premier’s Department from 2003 to 2005 and leading the Audit of the Federal Defence Budget in 2008.
In 2013 he retired from the Chair of the Committee for Melbourne, a position he had held from 2005. During his tenure, he led a group comprised of some of the city’s most influential companies and institutions and personally led the Committee’s effort to support new and innovative industry development, as well as the promotion of Melbourne’s Higher Education sector.
In 2010 he was appointed the fourth Chancellor of Victoria University, the first university Chancellor of Greek heritage to be appointed in Australia. He is stepping down on 31 December 2019 to be succeeded by former Victorian Premier Steve Bracks.
In 2015, he was named Kastellorizian of the Year, honoured by the Australian migrants coming from his mother’s birthplace.
In 2016, he received the Order of Australia (AO) in recognition for his contributions to business, higher education and medical research.
He has served on a variety of public and private governance bodies.
He has also been involved with local and professional sporting organisations.
He has continued to mentor younger people in business and government.
He is married to Jillian for 49 years, being a father of four daughters and a grandfather of twelve grandchildren.
With a life devoted to scholarship and to business, his legacy will live on for many years to come.
HACCI Board 2019
Source: Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Socceroos legend Stan Lazaridis has disclosed his tense relationship with former national team manager Guus Hiddink, claiming his manager “tried to break him” in a pre-tournament fitness camp.
Speaking on the Fox Football Podcast with Adam Peacock, the former Birmingham City and West Ham midfielder revealed his displeasure at being labelled as ‘The Greek’ when being described by his manager at the time.
“What I didn’t like was that he was saying ‘I’m going to break that Greek’”.
Offended by the comments, the puzzled Lazardis talked about his confusion being selected while at the same time being singled out for his Greek heritage.
“Well, I’m Australian. I’m not Greek. I’m Greek background but I’m representing the country, so why would you go and say that you’re going to break that Greek? And why is it a personal thing?”
“We didn’t really speak, I reckon he spoke about five words to me in the whole year.”
Speaking about his time during the 2006 World Cup Finals tournament in Germany, Lazaridis questioned a few of his managers’ decisions during the controversial Round of 16 match versus Italy, in which Australia was eliminated from the tournament.
“You know, 10 men (Italian defender Marco Materazzi being sent off in the 50th minute) and not making any changes. He can say he was waiting for extra time but I’m sorry you don’t wait for extra time — you make it happen then.”
“We were playing with eight midfielders and I was on the bench and we had injuries. Harry (Kewell) wasn’t fit, Brett Emerton wasn’t fit, and it was crying out for myself or Johnny (Aloisi) to come on. We might as well lose 3-0.”
Lazaridis concluded by stating that his frustration with the manager was separate to the effort placed by himself and the team during the 2006 World Cup.
“If we’re going back and asking whether I was personal, I was always about Australia — that was first and foremost. I was close with all the boys with Mark Bresciano and Vince Grella and I was really happy.”
“Look, just on a personal thing it was just something between Guus and I and that’s okay, it was just one of those moments.”
