Fourteen-year-old motorcycle rider, Nikolas Lazos, is a multifaceted talent who has left everyone speechless with his performances both in the world of motorcycles and in the field of martial arts. Let’s travel with him and get to know the future rider of the big MotoGP tracks.
Nikolas was born on March 30, 2011, in the city of Williamstown, Victoria. His siblings are Xander (17), Markos (16), Leo (12), and Anastasia (9). His grandfather Peter and grandmother Anna hail from the beautiful Chalkida, Evia. This year, Nikolas will be attending Virtual Schools Victoria for remote learning.
Nikolas has also been selected to represent Australia in the famous Yamaha R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship 2025. This is a significant milestone in the young rider’s career as he prepares to face the best emerging talents from across the Asia-Pacific region in one of the most competitive junior road racing series in the world.
Nikolas, who has made a name for himself in the Australian Superbikes Championship (ASBK) and the FIM Mini GP, has continually proven his skills and determination on the track. His excellent performances, including pole positions at the 2024 MotoGP weekend at Phillip Island and several podium finishes, have earned him a coveted spot on the international stage.
“It is a great honour for me to race for Australia in the Yamaha R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship,” Nikolas told The Greek Herald. “It’s a dream come true to compete at this level, and I’m ready to give it my all.”
The Yamaha R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship is a critical step for young riders aiming to move up to the international stage, with previous participants progressing to MotoGP feeder series like the Moto3 World Championship. Competing on identical Yamaha R3 bikes, the series offers a level playing field where pure talent and racing strategy determine success.
With the 2025 season featuring famous racing venues across Asia and the Pacific, Nikolas will compete against elite riders from countries such as Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. His selection reflects not only his talent, but also the growing reputation of Australian riders in international motorsport.
Adding to his growing popularity, Nikolas’ proud Greek heritage has brought Greek fans back to the track, creating a passionate and vocal fanbase. Greek communities in Australia and beyond have supported the young rider, eager to see him succeed on the international stage. His connection to his roots has made him an iconic figure, not just for Australian motorsport but also for the pride of Greek Australians in international motorsport.
Nikolas’ success is no accident – his training program is intense and strictly disciplined. He trains at Fusion Martial Arts in Yarraville, a gym owned by his father, Konstantinos, a respected coach and fitness professional known for working with many international athletes. With experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Taekwondo, his physical conditioning and mental toughness give him a unique advantage in high-pressure racing environments.
Friends and supporters will eagerly watch as Nikolas embarks on this exciting new chapter. With his fearless riding style and relentless pursuit of victory, there is no doubt that the Australian #11 will be a force to be reckoned with in the 2025 Yamaha R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship.
Stay tuned for updates on Nikolas’ journey as he faces the best in the region and continues his quest to race on the international stage.
Former Adelaide fitness star Kayla Itsines has expressed concern over the increasing sexualisation of the fitness industry, calling out influencers who pose with their booty on display under the pretense of a glute workout, according to The Advertiser.
The SWEAT co-founder believes some content creators use specific camera angles to gain views, a trend she does not want her children exposed to.
“I probably wouldn’t care if I didn’t have kids—I’d be like, ‘you do you, boo’,” she said in a recent video. “However, I have a daughter, and I’m trying to be an example to women. No drinking, no drugs, no smoking, no highly sexualised content.”
Dr. Simon Wilksch, senior research fellow at Flinders University, echoed her concerns, warning about the potential impact on young audiences. He emphasized the importance of media literacy programs and better support for parents and schools to prevent mental health issues.
However, opinions among Adelaide locals were divided.
Janelle Flores, 28, and Bianca Bottin, 24, argued that parents should monitor their children’s social media use rather than blaming influencers.
“I don’t think people need to stop posting gym content just because of concerns about sexualised imagery,” Bottin said.
Others, like Belinda Cooper, 45, supported women expressing confidence. “If they’re old enough to make their own decisions, it’s fine,” she said.
Meanwhile, Martine Steig, 24, and Maleen Andersen, 23, highlighted the difference between attention-seeking posts and genuine progress updates, emphasizing that young people should learn to navigate media exposure themselves.
TripAdvisor, the world’s leading travel platform, has unveiled its list of the best beaches for 2025, with Elafonissi Beach in Crete securing the top spot, according to en.protothema.gr
The rankings, based on the Travellers’ Choice awards for the world’s top 25 beaches, place Elafonissi ahead of Banana Beach in Thailand, Eagle Beach in Aruba, Siesta Beach in Florida, and Praia da Falésia in Portugal.
Australia’s Manly Beach landed in 15th place, while in the United Kingdom, Weymouth Beach was the highest-ranked.
Elafonissi, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and pink sand, is part of the Natura protected areas due to its ecological significance. Each year, thousands of visitors flock to this breathtaking destination to experience its stunning blue waters.
A study by the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports has revealed a sharp increase in thefts at religious sites in Greece, in 2023, according to an article by Sofia Christou in ekthimerini.com.
Tracking incidents at places of worship across Greece since 2015, the study estimates that nearly 4,000 cases of theft, vandalism, or damage have occurred at Orthodox churches over the past nine years.
In 2023 alone, a record 591 incidents involving Orthodox churches were reported, surpassing the 564 cases recorded in 2022.
Crimes against religious sites of other faiths remain relatively uncommon. Jewish sites ranked second, with 65 incidents recorded over nine years, while the Catholic Church, overseeing 233 places of worship, has reported no cases of theft, vandalism, or damage since 2020.
A total of 608 incidents targeting religious sites of all denominations were documented in Greece in 2023. These offenses included vandalism, break-ins, theft, robbery, desecration of graves, sacrilege, and arson.
Regarding Orthodox churches, most cases involved burglaries targeting cash, religious artifacts, and valuables. However, some thefts appeared more systematic, with criminals stealing larger items such as copper baptismal fonts, air conditioners, wooden fittings, and bells.
Notably, 20 church bells were stolen in a single year, highlighting an organized effort. Among the stolen items were two 800-kilogram bells taken from Profitis Ilias Church in Acharnes (Menidi), northwest of Athens, and a 200-kilogram bell stolen from Agios Georgios Church in the Pieria region of northern Greece.
The Municipality of Trifylia in southern Greece has removed the historic “Tambakis Mulberry,” a 300-year-old tree linked to Greece’s War of Independence, despite strong local opposition, according to ekathimerini.com
Located in Filiatra’s Kapodistrias Square, the tree was a significant historical symbol and had been considered for inclusion in Greece’s List of Protected Natural Monuments.
Officials defended the decision by citing plans for additional parking spaces but did not explore alternatives such as transplantation.
Having withstood the destruction caused by Ibrahim Pasha’s forces in 1825, the tree’s removal two centuries later by municipal authorities has triggered widespread outrage. Many mourn the loss of a cultural landmark that could have been preserved as a historical tourism attraction.
The official program of events for the 43rd Greek Festival of Sydney has been released and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. The festival is an initiative of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW), proudly presented by the Bank of Sydney.
The program will run from February to May 2025 and will feature cultural exhibitions, book launches, music concerts, Greek festivals and more.
Full program of events:
Modern AθENS In The Backdrop Of Antiquity,Photographs by Petros Kaminiotis
An exhibition featuring the talented photographer Petros Kaminiotis, who will be here in person to present this collection of photographs focusing on contemporary Athens. It will spotlight the significant new developments in Greece’s capital, an area often overlooked by visitors. The exhibition aims to demonstrate how Athens is a continuously evolving major European capital, showcasing numerous examples of modernity alongside its exquisite antiquities
10am – 6pm, Tue 25 February – Sat 1 March 2025
10am-2pm, Sun 2 March 2025
Official opening event Tue 25 Feb @ 6.30pm
Luna Studio Art Gallery 465 King St Newtown, NSW 2042
English / Greek
FREE, No bookings required
Dionysios Solomos AwardsCeremony
This prestigious event is held to recognise the highest-ranking Greek language students in NSW in the presence of family, friends and distinguished guests. Awards will be presented to the top-ranking students in Modern and Classical Greek. This awards ceremony is proudly presented in partnership with the University of Sydney.
4:00pm, Sunday 9 March 2025
MacLaurin Hall, Manning Road, The University of Sydney
English / Greek
FREE, No bookings required
Opou Gis kai Patris 2 – Greek Theatre
Directly from Greece for five performances only! The much-anticipated sequel to the acclaimed Greek comedy production “Opou Gis kai Patris” is coming to the Greek Festival of Sydney in early March 2025! Brought to life by the brilliant Konstantinos Kalymnios, Elena Tsefala, Vasilis Giavris and Stamatis Tzelepis, this theatrical masterpiece will take you on an emotional journey that celebrates the ties of home, heritage, and identity.
The Greek-Australian Milk Bar: A Transnational History – Lecture by Effy Alexakis & Leonard Janiszewski
In 1932, Mick Adams (Joachim Tavlaridis) established the world’s first ‘modern’ milk bar – a refreshment retailing revolution that became one of the nation’s most popular cultural icons. The event has now finally been publicly recognised with the installation of a commemorative Green Plaque in Martin Place by the City of Sydney Council. This public lecture will discuss the concept’s elements, its expansion nationally and internationally, revealing migrant-settler entrepreneurship and how transnational, diasporic migrant experiences, particularly of modernity, can shape business retail innovation. Whilst milk bars have silently faded from our streetscapes, the ongoing power of their sociocultural symbolism remains.
6pm, Tuesday 11 March 2025
Dixson Room, State Library Of New South Wales 1 Shakespeare Pl, Sydney NSW 2000
With the Inner West Council’s naming part of the Marrickville Road shopping precinct “Little Greece”, this presentation examines the phases of the Greek experience in Marrickville from early Greek settlement in the pre-and post-World War II periods (1930-1959), through to the Greek Golden Era (1960-1985) and, more recently, a community in gradual demographic decline. It will highlight the significant contribution and impact of Marrickville’s Greek community to multicultural Australia, justifying the designation as “Little Greece”, and will discuss the future of the Greek presence in Marrickville.
The Greek Festival of Sydney is proud to bring you the best up-and-coming Greek-Aussie standup comedians to Canterbury Leagues Club on Saturday, 15 March, hosted by Anthony Locascio – fresh from his hugely successful ‘Pappou’ tour and headlined by the one and only Eloise Eftos!
The pair will be joined by the talented Charisa Bossinakis, Stella Kappos, Korinna Gouros & Chris Demos, so expect a night of side-splitting laughs, classic Greek banter with a side of tongue-in-cheek! Tickets are just $35 (+ booking fee).
Sat 15 March 6.30pm
$35 + BF
Hellenic Horizons: Greek Women Leading the Path to Progress
Taking place on Sunday, March 16, this event will feature a dynamic discussion panel under the theme “March Forward” with inspiring speakers, including:
Lieutenant Commander Pelagia Markogiannakis, Deputy Director Navy Infrastructure.
Mary Konstantopoulos: Women’s sport advocate & Founder of ‘Ladies Who League.’
Stefanie Costi: Anti-bullying lawyer.
Moderated by Andriana Simos, Digital Editor of The Greek Herald, our panellists will share their insights and success stories, inspiring others to march forward toward greater inclusion and a brighter future.
Renowned photographers Effy Alexakis and Yannis Dramitinos will also have an exhibition on display featuring inspiring photographs of Hellenic women in Australia.
3.30pm, Sunday 16 March
The Grand Roxy, Reef Room, 128 The Grand Parade, Brighton-Le-Sands
The 2025 Nicholas Aroney Democracy Lecture: Athenian Democracy – its evolution, values and modern relevance
The Hon Anthe Philippides, former judge of the Queensland Supreme Court will deliver the 2025 Aroney Democracy Lecture by examining ancient Athenian democracy and asking difficult questions of what and how we in the modern world may learn. Light refreshments will be served after the lecture.
Tuesday, 18 March 2025, 6.00PM – 7.00PM
$20 + BF (including light refreshments)
Pavilion, Chau Chak Wing Museum University Place, Camperdown NSW 2050
A Tribute to Stelios Kazantzidis – By Thanasis Pylarinos and Ensemble
Thursday 20 Mar, 7pm
The Factory Theatre
$35 + BF
1974-2024:Fifty Years Of Democracy In The Birthplace Of Democracy – Lecture by the Consul-General of Greece Ioannis Mallikourtis and Professor Vrasidas Karalis
In July 1074, a momentous political shift took place in Greece, due to the Cyprus catastrophe, after the Turkish invasion. The Dictatorship collapsed and through certain ingenious political manoeuvres the third Hellenic Republic was announced after the return from Paris of the exiled former prime minister Constantine Karamanlis. Despite many problems, financial, social and political however the young republic gained strength and consolidated itself over the last fifty years, the most peaceful and stable decades in the history of the Greek nation-state.
The lecture explores precisely what happened during the last fifty years and why democracy was established after so many upheavals in the land where its was born. It also explores the central personalities that defined its trajectory, their policies and aspirations and finally attempts and interpretation of the factors that made the Greek nation state so unstable and volatile. It also attempts a prediction about its future within the geopolitical realities of Eastern Mediterranean and the rather pessimistic future of the European Union.
6.30pm, Thursday 27 March 2025
The Barnet Long Room, Customs House 31 Alfred Street, Sydney 2000
Greek Writing In Australia:An Evening With The Authors(Panel Talk)
Writing in the Greek language has a long history in Sydney and new works are continually being published. In this event, Greek-language writers will present their work and discuss it with the audience. Taking part will be Yannis Dramitinos, whose bilingual ‘Divertente and Other Poems’ appeared in 2022; George Michelakakis, whose new book ‘Η φαντασιακή ζωή στην ιστορία του πολιτισμού’ has particular relevance to Greek creativity in Australia, and Adrian Kazas, whose poems were published under the title ‘Εκεί που φυσούν οι άνεμοι.’
7.00pm, Thursday 3 April 2025
Greek Community Club, 206-210 Lakemba St Lakemba NSW 2195
Fri & Sat 7:30pm / Sun: 5pm (no performances on Easter long weekend)
The Greek Theatre at Addi Road – Mantouridion
Bldg 36 Addison Rd Community Centre (142 Addison Rd)
$35/$30. Book here: Hellenictheatre.com.au or call 0413 989 007
Greek Rock Tribute
IHO NYX Accompanied by Carly Yelayiotis
Sunday 6 April, 6.30pm
The Factory Theatre
$35 + BF
The Ionian Islands: History and heritage –Illustrated talk by Alfred Vincent, music by Makis Voutsinas and Thanasis Pylarinos
The Ionian islands of Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Ithaki, Kerkyra, Paxoi and Lefkada, together with Kythera, have a special profile in the modern history and culture of Greece, owing to their geographical position and the experience of Venetian and then British rule. Having researched intensively on Greece under the Venetians, Alfred Vincent will describe some effects of this distinct history on the islands’ music, poetry, art and traditional life, as well as reminding us of Ionian contributions to Italian culture. The talk will be in Greek, with a detailed English summary and illustrations on Powerpoint.
Greek Community Club, Lakemba (206-210 Lakemba Street, Lakemba)
Leonard Cohen’s life and music on Hydra:The legacy of a legend – Lecture by Professor Vrasidas Karalis
In 1959, Leonard Cohen, the young unknown then musician and poet from Canada, went for the first time to the Greek island of Hydra where his spent the next decade and where he wrote some of his most popular and emblematic songs.
The lecture explores his residence on the island, his contact with the local population and the special form of cultural cosmopolitanism his inaugurated that became a global movement in the next decades. After he moved out, Cohen visited Hydra almost till the end of his life and always stressed that “his education in the world” started on that small island. The lecture attempts a brief assessment of his legend and artistic legacy by discussing his life and interactions with the locals and his memories from the island.
SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM – Mythos, the myths of Ancient Greece (Workshop)
The Chau Chak Wing Museum and the Greek Festival of Sydney present a series of children’s workshops designed to explore the world ancient Greek gods, goddesses, heroes and heroines!
Explore the myths of Ancient Greece in this school holiday program with archaeologists and ancient historians from the Chau Chak Wing Museum as we take you on a journey through the collection of vases, statues and other works of art of Ancient Greece.
Throughout the workshops, you’ll be able to:
Handle ancient Greek artefacts and discover how archaeologists learn about the past
Hear ancient mythological stories of gods, goddess and heroes
Make your own ferocious monster
Help decorate an ancient Greek vase with your favourite mythological scene
Explore the museum for ancient heroes, goddesses and gods
These activities are perfect for children aged 6-12. Parents/guardians are required to stay with children throughout the session.
Monday 14 April 2025 – Thursday 24 April 2025, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Chau Chak Wing Museum, University Place, Camperdown NSW 2050
Tickets $20 +BF per child (adults and carers free). Bookings essential here
Nikos Kazantzakis and Sri Aurobindo: A spiritual co-vision Solo art exhibition by Ouresis Todorovich (Uros T. Todorovic)
Dr Vassilis Adrahtas, along with Associate Professor Ouresis Todorovich (University of Macau), present an exhibition of the latter’s art, which envisions a dialogue between the writer Nikos Kazantzakis and the Indian thinker Sri Aurobindo. This event is organised by the Sydney Branch of the International Society of Friends of Nikos Kazantzakis with the aim of visualising the message of both intellectuals as an ascending movement towards the ever-increasing Divinity in human and cosmic life. Ultimately, the exhibition becomes a contemplative intercultural space that draws connections between existing information but also appreciates afresh ideas and cultures.
Tuesday 22 April – Saturday 26 April 2025 10am – 6pm
Greece and India: A Dialogue between Nikos Kazantzakis and Sri Aurobindo – Panel discussion and artbook launch
Six artists, the Art of Life Collective, have connected with Sri Aurobindo’s spiritual message through their teacher’s personal quest.
Dr Vassilis Adrahtas invited them to ‘talk’ with the Indian philosopher and Nikos Kazantzakis, since both promoted the integration of nature and consciousness.
The artists co-present this binding through the artbook Consciousness’ Journey to the Transcendent: Turning the Finite to Infinity. It’s launching accompanies a discussion and Q&A organized by the International Society of Friends of Nikos Kazantzakis (Sydney branch), on Kazantzakis’ affinities with Aurobindo and other Indian thinkers. Coordinated by Themi Kallos, it features Dr Vasilis Adrahtas, Dr Alfred Vincent and specialists on Indian thought.
Greek cities in the Eastern Mediterranean:Local, Greek and Roman heritages in urban landscapes and the role of excavation history – Lecture by Professor Rubina Raja
The archaeological legacy of Greek urban design in the cities of the ancient Near East and eastern Mediterranean.
Explore the cultural layers of the urban centres of the eastern Mediterranean with one of the world’s leading urban archaeologists.
This lecture revisits some of these long-established centres of the Greek and Roman Near East, and the various ancient peoples who inhabited them. It traces, through the archaeology and historical sources, the transformation of these cities over centuries – also those before the Romans arrived – and asks in which ways we can begin to disentangle the various cultural impacts and legacies visible and invisibly embedded into the fabric of these urban centres.
Thursday 24 April 2025, 6.00pm
Chau Chak Wing Museum, University Place, Camperdown NSW 2050
Director: Dr. Helen Vatsikopoulos, Professional Fellow, UTS
Deputy director: Dr. Vasiliki Veros
The biggest Greek-Australian Writers’ Festival yet, with parallel sessions and the launching of two new books. Works presented will include contemporary storytelling, photography books, retellings of Greek mythology, memoirs, and a study in psychology.
The exhibition and the related book explore urban culture through photography, graffiti and movement. The first chapter is inspired by Aligiannis’ award-winning short documentary Louie (KR. ONE)
Gasparro 5PointZ, featuring images of graffiti captured at the iconic 5Pointz, before the walls were whitewashed and the building demolished. The energy of this space is amplified by breakdancer Ze Motion, who echoes the artistry of the graffiti. The second chapter shifts to Brooklyn’s Bushwick Collective, where artists can still come to create. Through bold graffiti and the dynamic presence of Ze Motion, it highlights the energy and accessibility of New York’s street art.
Tue 29 April – Sun 1 May 2025, 10am – 6pm
Official opening event Tue 29 April @ 6.30pm
Sun 4 May 2025, 10am-4pm Luna Studio Art Gallery (465 King Street, Newtown, NSW 2042)
FREE
No bookings required
From Ancient to Modern Wines – Greek Wine Tasting Event
Red figure column krater with symposium scene on one side, Naples Painter, Athens, 450-425 BC.
In this evening of celebrating Greek wines hear a number of short talks from archaeologists and historians about the important role of wine in the ancient Greek world and how this manifest itself in the way Greeks engaged with the gift of Dionysos.
Then courtesy of the Greek Trade Commission join us for a wine tasting event, in which we sample a variety of wines from vineyards across Greece and celebrate the legacy of Hellenic wine from ancient to modern.
Thu 1 April 2025 | 6.00pm
Chau Chak Wing Museum, University Place, Camperdown NSW 2050
Book tickets $20 +BF
2nd Greek Youth Creative Arts Competition – Awards Ceremony
As an integral part of the 43rd Greek Festival of Sydney an exciting youth project has been announced; the 2nd Greek Youth Creative Arts Competition. The competition, an extraordinary platform for burgeoning talents to shine, will commence between December 2024 – March 2025 in Arts, Writing, Music and Performing with submissions in 3 different age categories (12-15, 16-18, 19-24 Y.O.). All Greek and Greek-at-heart Youth of NSW are urged to submit their artwork by 31st March 2025.
2:00pm Sunday 4 May 2025
Chau Chak Wing Museum, University Place Camperdown NSW 2050
As part of this year’s Brunswick Music Festival, this event, Journey to Rebetika, will celebrate the timeless and evocative sounds of Rebetika and Smyrneika, two musical traditions deeply rooted in Greek history and culture.
Thanks for your time, Con. Pleaseintroduce yourself.
Hi! My name is Con Kalamaras, I play bouzouki and Lavta in this glorious ensemble. I also manage the ensemble and book all the shows.
What inspired the formation of Estudiantina of Melbourne, and what is the significance of launching your debut album at the Brunswick Music Festival?
The genesis of this ensemble is uniquely a Melbourne one, I knew all the members, and had played with them in some capacity, but we originally came together for a show that I put on that focused on the music of Smyrne, this ensemble is a true representation of Melbourne and our multiculturism, we have Camille who is Labanese steeped in Arabic traditions and a master Kanun player, Jenny Dixson classically trained and has an impressive classical career that still blows me away, Vagellis Ginis a seasoned singer from Greece who now lives in Australia, Paul Karalis, Alex Petropoulos and Maria Antaras-Dalamagas who are great ambassadors of the next generation of Australian Greek musicians.
Rebetika and Smyrneika are deeply rooted in Greek history and culture. How do you balance preserving tradition while bringing a fresh perspective to these genres?
Our aim first and foremost is to present the music in a respectful manner. Given the backgrounds of the musicians, it’s inevitable that this influences the feel and flavour of the music. We often discuss this at our weekly rehearsals. Music is a living breathing organism, and changes and alterations are bound to happen, provided it’s within the style of the music and the tone suits the themes and message of the song.
Each of you brings a unique musical background to the ensemble. How do your diverse influences shape the overall sound of the group?
We’re quite lucky that this ensemble encourages an open encouraging environment for all to contribute to its sound and also support each other with ideas. There have been rehearsals where we end up at a different location than where we started – communication and respect is our mantra. This approach ensures all voices are heard and this safe creative space has brought out the best in us.
Brunswick has a strong connection to Greek music and culture. How has Melbourne’s Greek community influenced your journey and this album’s creation?
Music and Melbourne go hand in hand. When we take a step back and look at our collective music journeys and how we ended up playing together, it’s as if Melbourne, the city itself, and Brunswick IS a member of the band. The music culture in Melbourne draws people in and this had influenced us in capturing this moment in time, this picture of us as a band. We’ve done so much in a year and I’m excited about what the future holds.
What can audiences expect from your performance at Brunswick Ballroom, and what message do you hope to share through your music?
This performance will present us as a ensemble who have grown closer. Our weekly rehearsals have enabled us to focus – this concert will celebrate the journey so far and we aim to honour the people who have paved the way for Greek musicians to grow and continue our culture at the opposite side of the world.
The 43rd Greek Festival of Sydney was officially launched in grand style at The Grand Roxy, Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney, on Thursday, February 20. The evening was a vibrant celebration of Greek culture, community, and the tireless work of those who make the festival possible.
A night of excitement and acknowledgment
Emcee Dimitri Kallos set the tone for the evening, welcoming distinguished guests and highlighting the incredible prizes available through the festival’s highly anticipated raffle.
“Only 1,500 tickets have been printed, and our lucky winner for 2025 will be announced at our final major event on May 11,” he said.
Attendees were thrilled to learn about the exciting prizes on offer, including travel packages to Greece courtesy of Dennis Travel and Sky Express, as well as prizes from Sydney Prestige Auto Body and Sydney Harbour Bespoke Events.
All photos copyright The Greek Herald.
Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) President Harry Danalis followed, underscoring the festival’s cultural significance and its role in preserving Greek heritage in Australia.
“It is a festival dedicated to everything Greek – music, food, exhibitions – but also to the Greek Australian experience,” he stated.
Mr Danalis praised the volunteers, sponsors, and artists, without whom, he noted, the festival could not succeed.
Harry Danalis, President of the GOCNSW, gave a speech.
Assistant Minister for Immigration, Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP, also addressed the crowd, acknowledging the festival’s enduring success.
“After 43 years, the Greek Festival is still going strong, getting better and better every year,” he said.
Mr Thistlethwaite emphasised the integral role of Greek Australians in shaping the nation, adding, “Australia would not be the wonderful country it is today without the contribution of Greek Australians.”
Assistant Minister for Immigration, Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP.
The launch event brought together an array of prominent figures from government, business and the arts, reinforcing the festival’s status as a major cultural event. Among those in attendance were Chrysa Prokopaki, Trade Commissioner of Greece in Sydney, representing Ioannis Mallikourtis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney; Anastasia Christofilopoulou, First Secretary for Public Diplomacy of Greece in Australia at the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney; Mr Thistlethwaite; Mr Danalis; and Nia Karteris, Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney.
Also in attendance were local government representatives, including Councillors Fiona Douskou and Vicky Poulos from Bayside Council, Councillor Paula Masselos from Waverley Council, Councillor Alexandra Luxford from Randwick City Council, and Councillor Harry Stavrinos from the City of Canterbury-Bankstown Council. Their presence highlighted the festival’s deep-rooted connection with the wider community.
Official guests enjoy their meals on the night. Chrysa Prokopaki, Trade Commissioner of Greece in Sydney.
Artists, performers, and representatives from numerous Greek Australian organisations were also present, showing their ongoing dedication to promoting Greek culture and heritage in Australia. The night served as a testament to the collective effort that makes the festival a success year after year.
Comedy and artistic expression take the stage
Comedian Anthony Locascio, representing the festival’s artists, shared his personal journey and the vital role the Greek Festival of Sydney played in his career.
“Without the festival’s support, I wouldn’t have been able to live my dream,” he said.
Comedian Anthony Locascio gave a speech.
He also announced his role as host of this Sunday’s Darling Harbour Greek Festival and the upcoming Greek Youth Comedy Gala on March 15, a showcase of emerging Greek Australian comedians.
The driving force behind the festival: Nia Karteris
The night’s most heartfelt moment came from Ms Karteris whose unwavering dedication has been the backbone of the festival’s success. She passionately acknowledged the hardworking team behind the scenes, the organising committee, and the GOCNSW board.
“Behind me, there’s a wonderful group of staff who work tirelessly to bring this festival to life,” Ms Karteris said.
She highlighted the crucial financial support from sponsors, particularly the Bank of Sydney, and emphasised the increasing costs of staging large cultural events.
“If it weren’t for our sponsors and the NSW Government’s support, we simply couldn’t deliver this incredible program,” she stated.
Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney, Nia Karteris.
Karteris also raised concerns about the sustainability of free public events, noting that venue hire and artist costs have become more corporate and expensive. However, she reassured attendees that the festival remains committed to providing high-quality, accessible cultural experiences for the community.
“Even during financial struggles, people still deserve to enjoy an artist they may not otherwise afford to see,” she affirmed.
Ms Karteris encouraged the community to support young Greek Australian artists through the second Greek Youth Creative Arts Competition, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of cultural talent.
As the night concluded with dinner, drinks, and honorary awards to sponsors and supporters, the atmosphere remained electric with excitement for the months ahead.
The Greek Festival of Sydney continues to be a beacon of culture, unity, and resilience – thanks to the tireless efforts of Ms Karteris, the festival committee, and the unwavering support of the Greek Australian community.
The festival’s full program is available online, with highlights including three international acts and a variety of cultural events showcasing the richness of Greek heritage in Australia.
On Tuesday, February 18, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia hosted ‘The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia 2024 HSC Awards Ceremony’ at the Great Hall of Saint Andrew’s Theological College in Sydney.
The event celebrated the academic achievements of students from St Spyridon College, St Euphemia College, and All Saints Grammar in the Higher School Certificate Examinations last year.
Students from St Spyridon College and official guests.
The ceremony was attended by His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, representing Archbishop Makarios, along with His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Malikourtis, clergy, school principals, board representatives, students, and their families.
Following an opening prayer by Bishop Iakovos, St Euphemia College’s Principal Penny Pachos and Deputy Principal Jasmin Mano welcomed guests.
Mr Malikourtis also spoke and emphasised the importance of education and preserving the Greek language to maintain Hellenic culture.
Later, students who excelled in the HSC exams received certificates personally signed by Archbishop Makarios.
Students from St Euphemia College and official guests.
Bishop Iakovos read a message from the Archbishop, who praised the students’ achievements and offered spiritual guidance, stating, “At this moment, as you stand on the threshold of adulthood, filled with aspirations and dreams, I offer you one fundamental piece of advice: never forget God… If we build our future without Him, we build upon sand.”
Archbishop Makarios also encouraged them to let Christ guide their choices, reminding them that “True success is found in a life lived with purpose, humility, and love.”
The ceremony concluded with photographs and a celebratory supper, marking a memorable occasion honouring academic excellence within the Greek Orthodox community.
Stephen Arvanitis, son of aged care mogul Peter Arvanitis, has discreetly listed his Toorak mansion for sale, just over a year after purchasing it for approximately $30 million.
At 27 years old, Stephen acquired the six-bedroom St Georges Road property from billionaire Smorgan family members Michael and Hayley in 2023.
According to realestate.com.au, the ivy-clad mansion sits among Melbourne’s most prestigious homes and is now being sold off-market through Forbes Global Properties Australia.
Real estate director Robert Fletcher stated that while no official price range has been set, the property is expected to fetch around $30 million.
He described it as a prime opportunity for renovation or redevelopment, spanning 2,100 square metres on the sought-after north side of St Georges Road.
CoreLogic data shows the Smorgan family originally purchased the estate for $4.25 million in 2001.
The sale follows Stephen’s parents listing their own Toorak home for $50m-$55m in October 2023, though it has since been withdrawn from the market.
Stephen’s dad Peter founded the aged care company Estia Health. The company was acquired privately by Bain Capital for $551.3 million in December 2023, after Peter resigned in 2016.
