Two incredible young Greek Australians have been recognised for their contributions to the community, winning their local council’s respective ‘Young Citizen of the Year’ awards.
Deni Eleftheriadis, of South Australia’s Berri Barmera Council, and Aidan Dimitriadis, of Victoria’s Boroondara Council, were presented the awards during Australia Day ceremonies.
Speaking exclusively to The Greek Herald, Deni said it was an “honour and a privilege” to be recognised for something she enjoys doing.
“I feel like a lot of the time with volunteering you get back a lot more than what you put out and it’s really rewarding to be able to be recognised,” Deni said to The Greek Herald.
Deni Eleftheriadis accepting her award. Photo: Cathy LeMaistre, communications administration officer for Berri Barmera Council.
Deni works with primary schools where she mentors younger students to improve connection and a sense of positive wellbeing including transition into high school. She regularly updates her peers by addressing students at school assemblies with updates of the progress of the Our Town project and building on community awareness for mental health.
An active member of the community, she also works closely with her school and greater community in developing a long-term mental health plan. Deni said it’s incredible she’s been given the opportunity to “make a change”.
“It’s very touching and rewarding to know that I can do something to further progress in reducing the stigma around mental health,” Deni said.
“It’s something that I’ve always been passionate about since I was a very young age.”
Despite only being in Year 5, Aidan Dimitriadis has spent nearly half his life giving back to his community.
Photo: Boroondara Council
Aidan volunteers at Four Golden Hearts, a group that supports local families. His “Build Anything, Be Anything by Aidan” campaign has provided hundreds of packs of Lego to children in need.
In addition to his own campaign, Aidan helps sort and pack toiletries, clothing and toys for those in need and for charities such as St Kilda Mums and Backpacks 4 VIC Kids Melbourne. He is also involved in an annual “Coats of Kids” campaign, which he has run through his school to donate winter clothing for children in need.
Aidan was applauded for showing exceptional leadership and commitment towards improving the lives of others.
Multiple Greek yoghurt products have returned to Australian hands following Bega Cheese’s takeover of Japanese-owned Lion’s Dairy and Drinks division.
The $534 million deal means brands like Big M, Dare, Farmers Union, Pura, Dairy Farmers, Yoplait, Daily Juice, Berri and The Juice Brothers will now be all manufactured in Australia.
Speaking to News Corp Australia, Bega Cheese chairman Barry Irvin said the deal marks a new chapter for the business, which was traditionally focused on longer shelf-life products such as infant formula, milk powder and cream cheese.
“What we’re quite excited about is the yoghurt business, so the Yoplait and Farmers Union Greek Style brands we’ve acquired,” Mr Irvin said.
“We think there’s great opportunity to add additional varieties and convenient packs, and to offer products to different age ranges in a healthy way which we are already doing but will look to expand.”
“So our biggest thing is trying to deliver natural products … that are good for consumers in a form that they most desire,” he said.
The Farmers Union Greek Style yoghurts are some of the most yoghurt products in Australia. In 2018, the Farmers Union Greek Style All Natural Yogurt was named one of the best yoghurts on the market by the Australian consumer advocacy group CHOICE.
Mr Irvin said Bega Cheese would also look at expanding the international presence of it’s newly-acquired products in the future, but said there were challenges given their shorter shelf life.
The deal is said to bring more than 2000 workers to Bega Cheese’s workforce.
The Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation Limited will be holding an open forum on the 11th of February, at 7.pm, for Greek organisations and individuals to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Modern Greek Studies this year.
The Foundation’s President Theo Premetis said that due to the pandemic, universities have embarked on a policy of reduction in subjects offered as a cost cutting exercise.
“Macquarie University has made difficult and challenging decisions concerning the viability of some courses aiming to mitigate the impact on staff and students,” Premetis said in an open letter.
“The continuation and the security of learning and teaching Greek language at Macquarie University is of utmost importance.”
“Thus, in the 2021 academic year the course will be offered as a minor. However, students who are presently enrolled will be able to complete their studies if they had nominated Greek as a major, so that they are not adversely affected in the middle of their academic studies.”
Premetis called for Greek organisations and individuals to attend an open forum at the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW centre in Lakemba to discuss the challenges and opportunities and to give a clear guidance to the Foundation and lead it into the future.
“Let not the 200th anniversary of the rebirth of our nation be the year of demise of our valuable language. Let not internal divisions destroy what has been achieved in more than three decades of The Foundations Existence. Let unity prevail. Come along and Voice your opinion and take the opportunity in becoming a member of the Foundation.”
Greek scientist and co-founder of SciCo (Science Communication) Thodoris Anagnostopoulos has become a member of the large family of National Geographic explorers.
Reported by XPat Athens, Thodoris will be working with the SciCo team, British Council Greece, and STEM teachers from Xanthi, to initiate an environmental education program for students in Pomakochoria, Thrace.
The National Geographic Society will support the project, which is expected to begin in the fall of 2021. The aim of the project is to alleviate the social isolation of young Pomaks, as well as to raise awareness about climate change, the exploitation of renewable energy sources, and the preservation of the natural wealth of the area.
The extracurricular workshops STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) of environmental education will be aimed for students 10 to 16 years old.
Thodoris Anagnostopoulos notes: “Using science as a neutral “language” that bridges cultural differences, the project proposes STEM environmental education outside school, as a tool for creative collaboration between Pomak and non-Pomak students and alleviating the social isolation of the former.”
“The laboratories are adapted to the needs and special characteristics of the area and will focus on Renewable Energy Sources. Children will initially have the opportunity to study projects on a small scale and will gradually implement them in their schools and the local community to address real problems.
“This approach will create a safe and unrestricted space for education, enhancing the collaborative climate and students’ skills.”
Greek Australians Peter Hatzoglou and Marcus Stoinis have failed to reach the Big Bash League finals after their teams finished last and second-to-last respectively.
Peter Hatzoglou enjoyed an incredible debut season in the BBL, making a name for himself and even earning the respect of cricket legend Shane Warne. Hatzoglou played 13 matches and claimed 17 wickets in 12 innings, with two of those being in his first match for the Renegades.
Speaking to The Greek Herald last week, Hatzoglou said his positive start to the season “evoked a sense of relief.”
“You’re anticipating it for a week or so, and you’re training throughout the week and even prior to that, you’ve always got the ambition of playing at the next level,” Hatzoglou said.
Peter Hatzoglou breaks through Marcus Stoinis’ defences during the Melbourne Derby at the MCG.
“So I think to have to have done it and to have to started off well it was a really… I suppose it evoked a sense of relief for me.”
Peter currently holds a replacement contract with the Melbourne Renegades, and says he’ll be chasing a full-time contract once the season is completed. Asked if he would stay in his home-town of Melbourne, Peter said he wouldn’t be shy to branching out to other cities.
“Definitely no limitations on staying in Victoria,” Hatzoglou added.
“My ambition is to get on a full time contract with one of the clubs and put better performances together and consistent performances, and well that puts me in line for a contract next season.”
Photo: MICHAEL DODGE/AAP
Compared with Hatzoglou, Melbourne Stars player Marcus Stoinis is in the later stage of his career, yet showed no signs of slowing down after a solid performance this season.
Despite ending on a poor note, being knocked out for 12 by the Sydney Sixers, Stoinis claimed in 396 runs in the BBL 10. The Greek Australian hit a strike rate of 142, averaging 33 runs a match.
Last season Stoinis claimed the record for the most sixes in a single BBL season, a record that was broken this year by English star Alex Hales.
Nick Kyrgios has hit out at Novak Djokovic again, this time claiming the World No. 1 is setting a poor example for younger players and needs to be held accountable for his actions.
Speaking to CNN, Kyrgios said some of the things Djokovic was doing during the global pandemic “wasn‘t the right time”.
“He is one of our leaders of our sport. He’s technically our LeBron James in the way he has to be setting an example for all tennis players,” Kyrgios said of the 17-times Grand Slam champion in an interview with CNN.
“I think when he was doing some of the things he was doing during the global pandemic, it just wasn’t the right time. I know everyone makes mistakes, some of us go off track sometimes, and I think we have to hold each other accountable.
Djokovic is a tool. I don’t mind Bernie but his Mrs obviously has no perspective, ridiculous scenes 🤦🏽♂️ https://t.co/MMgeriH2GJ
“No one else was really holding him accountable. Everyone loses their way a little bit but I think he just needs to pull it back.”
Kyrgios last week showed annoyance at Djokovic’s proposal for demands in hotel quarantine, labelling him as a “tool”.
Speaking in an interview with ESPN Argentina, Nadal also addressed Djokovic’s actions — although he didn’t mention the Serbian by name — and preparations ahead of the tournament.
“Some need to make public everything they do to help others,” he said. “Others do it in a more private way without having to publish or advertise everything we’re doing. The calls we make to help the most disadvantaged players, some of us don’t need to want to advertise on it.”
Nick Kyrgios and Rafael Nadal have had their say on Novak Djokovic’s behaviour ahead of the Australian Open. Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images
“Complaints are understandable and totally respectable. Where is the privilege line or not privileges? There it is already a little different and I have a different vision than other tennis players.
“Here in Adelaide, conditions have been better than most players in Melbourne. But there are players in Melbourne have larger rooms where they can develop physical activities, others have smaller rooms and can’t have contact with their coach and their physical trainer. Where’s the line? It’s an ethical issue and everyone has their own opinion and they are all respectable.”
“At the time of talking about fair play or equal conditions, people don’t tend to complain about the position of those who are worse off than them. In the end we all try to get the most out of our possibilities and help each other.”
The famous Greek royal palace of Tatoi, which once housed the Greek royal family, is set to be turned into a new luxury 5-star hotel and spa.
The Greek government took ownership of the property when the monarchy fell, leaving it abandoned for the last 50 years. The government now plans to redecorate the estate and open cafés, restaurants and a five-star hotel with a spa on the property. The government also wants to renovate the gardens, which house several royal tombs.
The Greek Republic’s Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, is heading the project. She told the Greek press: “The government want Tatoi to be a year-round attraction with environmentally friendly infrastructure.”
“It is a hugely ambitious project. The biggest challenge will not be completing the project, rather it will be sustaining the massive running costs that it will incur once operational.”
The project will reportedly have a budget of 130 million euros, yet the government hopes that private investors will come forward and contact the government.
King George I bought the Tatoi estate from Skarlatos Soutsos, a Greek from Istanbul, chief of court and government minister, in May 1872. Until the abolition of the monarchy in 1974, it was the official summer residence of the royal family, and witnessed many important events, such as the birth of George II in 1890 and Constantine I swearing in Eleftherios Venizelos’ government in 1915.
By Peter Oglos, Argyro Vourdoumpa and Andriana Simos.
At least six Greek Australians were recognised on the Australia Day Honours List this year, in a mark of respect for their service to the Australian way of life and community.
Following the announcement this morning, The Greek Herald had the privilege of speaking to some of these proud Greek Australians to get their thoughts on how it feels to be recognised. This is what they had to say.
*Please Note: The below recipients are those The Greek Herald could identify by their Greek name.
Order of Australia (General Division):
– Ms Theodora Ahilas OAM, Blakehurst, NSW:
Ms Ahilas was recognised for service to people affected by asbestos-related diseases and to the law. She has been a Principal Lawyer and Director at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers in Sydney since 2004. She is also currently the National Head of Asbestos and Occupational Diseases at the firm.
In the field of law, Ms Ahilas is currently an accredited mediator; she was a partner at Turner Freeman Lawyers from 1990 to 2004, and a member of the Law Society of New South Wales (since 1989), the Women’s Lawyer’s Association, Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand, The Baird Institute of New South Wales, and Cancer Council New South Wales.
Her work with asbestos-related diseases is tied to her co-authoring, ‘Understanding Mesothelioma,’ with the Cancer Council NSW, as well as organising several fundraising events including the inaugural Bernie Banton Dinner in 2010 and 2011.
Ms Ahilas tells The Greek Herald she feels “a range of emotions at receiving this award.”
“I feel extremely humbled, blessed and honoured to be acknowledged in such a way for a career that I have loved,” Ms Ahilas says.
“I come from a working class non-English speaking background. Greek was my first language. I experienced first hand the difficulty of accessing services to the law and medicine when there is a deficiency in language.
“I have acted for hundreds of clients where English was their second language and it has been the greatest honour of my life to give them a legal voice.”
Other awards and recognition given to Ms Ahilas include: President’s Medal, Law Society of NSW, 2018; Doyles Guide Leading Lawyer, 2018, 2017, 2016; Alumni Award for Excellence in Law, University of Technology Sydney, 2013; Justice Medal, Law and Justice Foundation NSW, 2012.
– Miss Eleni Andriana Glouftsis OAM, VIC:
Miss Glouftsis has been recognised on Australia Day this year for service to Australian rules football, particularly as an umpire. In fact, she’s been involved in Australian Football League since 2017, as well as an AFL Umpiring Growth and Development Coordinator – Schools and Female, since 2019.
Other areas Miss Glouftsis is involved in include: Victorian Football League, since 2015; South Australian National Football League, since 2013; North Eastern Metro Junior Football Association, since 2006; and she is also currently a Physical Education Teacher at St Bernard’s College in Melbourne.
“It’s exciting and very humbling… It’s been a pretty crazy journey and it started out because of my love for football and for umpiring,” Miss Glouftsis tells The Greek Herald about how she feels after being recognised.
“I’m very humbled to be in a position where I’m helping other younger girls see that if these things are possible then they probably think it’s possible as well.”
Other awards and recognition given to Miss Glouftsis include: South Australian Young Australian of the Year in 2019 and Prospect City Council Young Citizen of the Year in 2014.
– Mr Michael Panormitis Pakakis AM, VIC:
Mr Michael Panormitis Pakakis has been honoured for his significant service to STEM education in Victoria. Mr Pakakis is not only the founding Director of the Victorian Space Science Education Centre at Victoria’s Strathmore Secondary College since 2006, but he has also been Assistant Principal at the College since 2016.
Further to this, Mr Pakakis was Leading Teacher at the College from 2000 to 2015, and a teacher since 1993. Before that, Mr Pakakis was a teacher at Moreland High School from 1985-1991.
“Books were what sparked my interest in science and when the Americans landed on the moon in July 20, 1969, I told my dad I wanted to do something related to science,” Mr Pakakis tells The Greek Herald about why he become involved in STEM education.
He adds that his life motto is one that NASA instills in all astronauts.
“Failure is not an option. Perseverance is the only option. I think this says it all,” he says.
– The late Mrs Ismini (Pitsa) Parrett OAM, Formerly of Barton, ACT:
Mrs Ismini (Pitsa) Parrett passed away on February 26, 2020, but the amazing woman was still recognised on Australia Day this year for her service to community health through exercise therapy and aquatic rehabilitation.
Mrs Parrett was heavily involved as an Instructor of Aquatic Rehabilitation, Aerobics, Aqua-Aerobics and Pilates at the Australian Institute of Sport from 1995 to 2007. She was also an Exercise Therapist and Fitness Instructor from 1969 to 2007.
With regards to community work, Mrs Parrett was a past member of the Calvary Hospital Auxiliary, as well as a course contributor at the University of the Third Age in Canberra.
“She was unbelievable, that woman. She loved Greeks and her Greek heritage and the Greek way of life,” Mr Colliss Parrett, Mrs Parrett’s husband, tells The Greek Herald.
“I don’t know who was behind it but she finally got the recognition she deserved. Nobody on this planet deserved what she got as much as her. Pitsa was incredible.”
– Mrs Sotiria Liangis OAM AM, O’Malley, ACT:
Mrs Sotiria Liangis was honoured for her significant service to the community through philanthropic support initiatives. Mrs Liangis is a supporter of a range of charitable and not-for-profit organisations including: The National Portrait Gallery of Australia, The Canberra Hospital, The Starlight Foundation, Koomarri, St Nicholas Home for the Aged, St John the Baptist Church in Batemans Bay, and Canberra Centenary Hospital for Women, Youth and Children.
Mrs Liangis is also the Director, owner and property developer of Liangis Investments since 1967.
Awards and other recognition for Mrs Liangis include: She was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 1996; Two National Portrait Gallery spaces were named the Liangis Theatre and the A & S Liangis Gallery in her honour in 2008; she was awarded the Centenary Medal in 2001; and she was also named Telstra ACT Business Woman of the Year in 1995.
Meritorious Award:
– Mr John Constantine Varnavides, AFSM (Australian Fire Service Medal), Western Australia Department of Fire & Emergency Services:
Mr John Varnavides joined the Western Australia Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service (VFRS) at the Pemberton Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1971. Since that time, he has attended over 900 incidents including bushfires, dangerous structure fires, storms and road crash rescues. He has held most of the leadership positions within the Brigade and is one of the longest serving operational firefighters in the region.
In addition to frontline volunteering duties, he has mentored and trained volunteers. Whilst attending and actively participating in all training sessions, he has promoted fitness and discipline among volunteers, as well as the enhancement of firefighting skills through training and competitions. He is consistently called upon to assist with training, station inspections, and a myriad of other tasks. He is best known as the Brigade’s Apparatus Officer, a role he held for more than 15 years.
His passion for improving Brigade services and facilities has, over the years, resulted in the establishment of the new brigade building, along with securing equipment, and subsequent extensions and interior renovations. The vastly improved facility is a testament to his commitment to the Brigade, and to the local community.
He is a dedicated volunteer firefighter who displays a high degree of personal drive and adaptability. He develops strong working relationships with community members, volunteers and across all levels of management.
Mr Varnavides has provided distinguished service to the Western Australian Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, and to the Pemberton and wider community, throughout his 50 year volunteer career.
Daniel Theophanou had a dream for Australia Day this year – to upcycle an Australian flag dress he had received as a gift from a friend and include a collar and hat in the colours of the Aboriginal flag.
Luckily Daniel, who is the son of a Cypriot migrant, had a few tricks up his sleeve to make that dream possible. All he had to do was tap into his creative side, which comes out whenever he becomes well-known drag queen Vin Tage.
As Vin Tage, Dan has travelled the world posing in the Australian flag dress. Photo supplied.
“I’ve been doing drag for probably about three years. I moved to Melbourne about ten years ago and just absolutely adored drag and got involved in it from there,” Daniel, who also identifies as gay, tells The Greek Herald.
“I love that drama, that creativity and that’s why I went down that alley.”
Since then, coronavirus struck and Daniel moved back down to Wollongong in New South Wales to live with his parents. He straight away started collaborating with his mum, who is a milliner, on the Australia Day dress. The main section of the dress was created for an old Miss Australia campaign.
Daniel working on the new ‘inclusive’ Australian flag dress. Photo supplied.
“It was sitting in a cupboard in a magazine place and they were like ‘let’s get rid of this.’ And my friend was like, ‘I know the perfect person.’ So that’s how I ended up with it,” Daniel explains.
But Daniel says he still wanted to make the dress more inclusive this year. He and his mum decided to use about 90 separate squares of red, yellow and black fabric, representing the Aboriginal flag, to make a collar and hat.
“I absolutely love it. It’s heavy and hot but… I wanted to do the dress justice and make sure it all worked cohesively and portrayed inclusiveness,” he concludes.
Greece and former Arsenal defender, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, has signed for Greek champion Olympiacos in a deal worth a reported 1.2 million euros ($1.46 million).
The contract the 32-year-old had at Arsenal was canceled by mutual consent last week after he made 69 appearances at the London club.
“One of the most enjoyable times in my career ended today. It has been an honour to wear the Arsenal shirt and I want to thank all the coaches, team-mates, staff and fans around the world for the love and respect they have given me,” Sokratis said on Twitter at the time.
Greece and former Arsenal defender, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, has signed for Greek champion Olympiacos. Photo: Twitter.
Today, Olympiacos confirmed that Sokratis has agreed to play at the club through the 2022-23 season.
“After almost 13 years in teams abroad, the time has come for me to return to the Greek stadiums with the jersey of Olympiacos,” Sokratis wrote on Twitter.
Μετά από σχεδόν 13 χρόνια σε ομάδες του εξωτερικού ήρθε η στιγμή που επιστρέφω στα ελληνικά γήπεδα με την φανέλα του Ολυμπιακού. pic.twitter.com/KvtyPo4TVg
Sokratis spent six years in Germany at Werder Bremen and Borussia Dortmund before moving to the UK.
He made his debut for Greece at age 19 in 2008, as then-coach Otto Rehhagel began rebuilding the team that won the European Championship four years earlier.
Considered one of Greece’s most reliable central defenders, he has made 90 appearances for his country.
