Search
Home Blog Page 168

GCM meets Hellenic Army Academy Chief to advance future youth and defence exchanges

The Greek Herald
-
0
GCM meets Hellenic Army Academy Chief to advance future youth and defence exchanges

This week, Bill Papastergiadis OAM (President, Greek Community of Melbourne), Simela Stamatopoulos (GCM Board), and Dimitra Georgantzoglou (Consul General of Greece in Melbourne) met with Major General Anastasios Polychronos, Superintendent of the Hellenic Army Academy, in regards to their recent visit to Australia.

The meeting involved discussions between the governments of Greece and Australia on strengthening cooperation and strengthening ties.  

During the meeting, both parties discussed the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will formalise future exchanges between Greece and Australia on matters relating to defence, training, and cultural engagement.  

The GCM also took the opportunity to express its sincere gratitude to the Hellenic Army for granting access to Agios Andreas, a facility that has supported the Community’s Greek Youth Camp in both 2024 and 2025. 

The GCM extended its appreciation to Major General Anastasios Polychronos for the ongoing support shown to Greek Australian youth and educational initiatives. 

Conversation also centred on opportunities to expand the Greek Youth Camp program in collaboration with the Prefecture of Attiki, under the leadership of Nikos Hardalias, with both parties expressing interest in further strengthening learning, leadership, and cultural exchange pathways for young Greek Australians. 

The meeting reflects the GCM’s ongoing commitment to building meaningful relationships with organisations in Greece, strengthening community connections, and supporting programs that enrich cultural understanding and engagement. 

Councillor Virginia Tachos elected Brimbank Mayor

The Greek Herald
-
0
Councillor Virginia Tachos elected Brimbank Mayor

Cr Virginia Tachos has been declared the Mayor of Brimbank for the next 12 months after being elected by her fellow Councillors at the Council Meeting on 25 November 2025, which was livestreamed to the public.

This is Cr Tachos’ first term as Mayor. She was first elected to Council in 2016 and is currently serving her third term as a Brimbank Councillor.

Cr Tachos said she was humbled and filled with gratitude to be elected Mayor and thanked residents, supporters and her fellow Councillors for their confidence in her.

“I’m truly honoured to serve as Mayor of Brimbank and to represent our vibrant, diverse and resilient community.”

Mayor Tachos acknowledged the work of outgoing Mayor Thuy Dang, and outgoing Deputy Mayor Victoria Borg, and reaffirmed her commitment to collaborative leadership.

“My fellow Councillors’ dedication has laid a strong foundation for our community, and I look forward to working collaboratively with Council, with CEO Fiona Blair and the Brimbank Executive Team to ensure Brimbank continues to thrive.

Reflecting on her personal story, Mayor Tachos spoke about the experiences that shaped her dedication to public service.

“Growing up in a working-class migrant family shaped who I am. My father, a staunch unionist who tragically lost his life to workplace-related cancer, inspired my lifelong commitment to standing up for people whose voices aren’t being heard.

“Every part of my journey — from raising a family in the west, to working across the corporate, not-for-profit and disability sectors — has strengthened my commitment to this community I love so deeply.

“Brimbank is entering an energising new chapter, and I’m committed to guiding Council to create a more liveable, inclusive and opportunity-ready city.

“I assure the Brimbank community that I will work tirelessly to represent, advocate for and fight for your needs. Together, we can achieve great things — our community deserves nothing less,” Mayor Tachos said.

Cr Maria Kerr was elected Deputy Mayor, this being her first term in the role.

Brimbank Council recently adopted the We Are Brimbank Council Plan 2025–2029, setting out a clear roadmap for a proud, thriving and connected city.

Key advocacy priorities include the full and urgent delivery of the Sunshine Station Masterplan, unlocking major residential and commercial opportunities. Council is strongly advocating for action on homelessness, calling for greater government investment and close collaboration with local services to support people in need. Another call is for Taylors Road to be declared a state-managed arterial road and duplicated west of Kings Road to improve safety, planning, traffic flow and connectivity.

Melbourne sets the stage for landmark World Greek Language Day celebration

Mary Sinanidis
-
0
Melbourne sets the stage for landmark World Greek Language Day celebration

Creative sparks flew at Alphington Grammar as Melbourne launched its preparations for World Greek Language Day, to be celebrated annually on February 9. The UNESCO-recognised date coincides with the birthday of Dionysios Solomos, poet of the Greek national anthem.

The first working-group meeting, called by Professor Anastasios Tamis, set an energetic, almost electric tone – one that made clear this wasn’t a committee starting from scratch. 

Professor Tamis had already held preliminary discussions with award-winning Melbourne-born composer Nestor Taylor, electronic-classical visionary Apostolos Bogas, and Ioanna Nikoloulea of the Psaltries Choir of Melbourne, laying the artistic foundations long before the working group even stepped into the room. 

A vision with cultural weight

From the outset, Professor Tamis outlined an ambitious plan, one where half the audience would be non-Greeks, ensuring Greek language is celebrated as a global cultural asset. 

“I’ve already reached out to non-Greek academics and intellectuals, as well as linguists and experts from Greece,” he told the room, adding that 5 to 10 Philhellenes will also be honoured with awards during the evening.

He painted a vivid picture of the night. He envisioned orchestral works of composers Manolis Kalomiris and Nikos Skalkottas. Others chimed in with ideas for a joint children’s choir from Melbourne’s Greek schools singing Manos Hadjidakis and Mikis Theodorakis. A strong emphasis was placed on involving children and schools, with proposals for student choirs and classroom activities in the lead-up.

An actor is being sought for a dramatic reading inspired by Odysseas Elytis’ Nobel Banquet speech of 10 December 1979, a speech glowing with the poet’s pride in being Greek. Costas Mandylor, are you listening?

“You can’t celebrate Greek language without culture,” Professor Tamis reminded everyone, a sentiment echoed by academic Anna Hatzinikolaou, who declared: “Greek language is culture!”

Around the table, representatives from dozens of Greek organisations nodded, united in the understanding that this event could shape how Greek identity is presented in Australia for years to come.

Seeking a venue

The first major question was the venue. The Hellenic Museum has offered to host around 220 attendees, though renovations may affect availability. If it falls through, the National Gallery of Victoria is being considered as a spectacular alternative. 

“If you know a better venue, let us know,” Professor Tamis said. “This must be a sacred and ambitious event. We have a duty to Greek language.”

The date debate and diplomacy

Greek Consul General in Melbourne Dimitra Georgantzoglou was not present at the Alphington Grammar working group meeting but will host a celebration on February 20, noting schools wouldn’t be open on the 9th.

“But it is like saying we will celebrate Easter whenever we want,” Professor Tamis objected.

Fifis said: “We can have more events and celebrate whenever we want.”

Professor Tamis agreed, but insisted February 9, UNESCO’s designated date, should not be ignored. 

“This is a matter of principle, not convenience,” he stated firmly, but agreed that language should be celebrated the full year-round, reminding also that Speak Greek in March would keep the momentum alive. 

The meeting brought together an impressive cross-section of Melbourne’s Greek ecosystem: representatives of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Pharos, the Modern Greek Teachers Association of Melbourne and Victoria, Cypriot groups, AHEPA, school networks, cultural groups, philhellenic academics, and community leaders. Interstate groups sent messages of support, signalling national interest.

A temporary five-member committee will soon be formed to lock in the venue, with Greek Community of Melbourne President Bill Papastergiadis already expressing willingness to serve. People in the room volunteered Dr Maria Herodotou, academic and researcher, to preside, though the creation of the committee was then pushed forward to the next meeting in December. 

Subcommittees are already underway and are working on music options to fill the program, while others set to work creating communications material, including a dedicated webpage.

A shared spark

The mood in the room was unmistakable: high energy, clear purpose, and a sense of responsibility. This was not just another community event, but a declaration that Greek language, in all its historical depth and global resonance, deserves a celebration of equal magnitude.

And if the creative fire on display at Alphington Grammar is any indication, Melbourne is well on its way to delivering exactly that.

To find out more or express support, email nickp@mokafoods.com.au or anastasios.tamis@aims.edu.au

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.

Community language teachers praised by both side of politics in NSW

The Greek Herald
-
0
Community language teachers praised by both side of politics in NSW

Hundreds of community language teachers have celebrated their contribution to multiculturalism and bilingualism at the annual dinner of the NSW Federation of Community Language Schools in Sydney.

The Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib, said at the dinner: “As an educator prior to becoming an MP I know the contribution these teachers make and I have long been a supporter of the work they do to celebrate our diverse community.”

“I was proud to join with teachers, students, families and the leadership of the wonderful Federation of Community Language schools on this incredible night of celebration, recognition and joy,” Mr Dib added.

“I have always believed that learning a language is not just about the words, but the culture, spirit and identity we all have within us.”

The newly elected leader of the Opposition in the NSW Parliament, Kellie Sloane said: “I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my first day as NSW Liberal Leader than celebrating the multicultural communities that make our state great.”

“It was a pleasure to meet the hardworking, aspirational and inspiring volunteers, parents and students who keep our state’s community language schools thriving,” Ms Sloane added.

“The NSW Liberals and Nationals delivered record funding for community language schools when we were last in government because we recognised the vital role they play in keeping children connected to their family, culture and heritage.

“I was truly touched by the warm welcome, and I pledged to return every year if I can.”

During the dinner, the Federation honoured one of the Greek community’s most dedicated educators, Soula Tsilimos, for an extraordinary 47 years of service in Modern Greek language education.

Mrs Tsilimos was presented with a Medal of Service by Minister Dib and Opposition Leader Ms Sloane.

Speaking on the night, Mrs Tsilimos expressed her gratitude: “I am humbled and deeply honoured to receive this award. I wish my late husband, Michael Tsilimos, could be here to celebrate this achievement with me. I know he would be so proud.”

The CEO of the Federation, Michael Christodoulou congratulated Mrs Tsilimos whom he described as one of the Greek community’s most dedicated educators and thanked all who had participated in making the dinner a great success.

“Soula’s dedication, passion and warmth have shaped the lives of countless students. Her influence reaches far beyond the classroom – she has built bridges between language, culture and our diverse community in NSW,” Mr Christodoulou said.

“This Gala Dinner has become a major annual event for our schools, celebrating diversity and achievements. It is the biggest of our sector in Australia.”

The NSW Federation of Community Language Schools Inc. is the peak body for the after-hours community of schools, representing over 220 member schools, more than 29,000 students, 2,700 teachers, and dedicated volunteers teaching 72 languages across 460 locations in NSW. 

PAOK FC to join Football Victoria Pathway Project 

The Greek Herald
-
0
PAOK FC to join Football Victoria Pathway Project 

The Football Victoria (FV) Pathway Project, formally known as the International Coaching Experience, is a program that brings together coaches from around the globe to share their expertise and provide development opportunities for young players and coaches in Victoria. 

This four-day event, held on the 15th, 16th, 18th, and 19th of December at The Home of The Matildas, with sessions from 9 am-2 pm each day, allows boys and girls born between 2009 and 2017 to receive coaching from international experts from the Boys game, Girl’s game and Goalkeeper specialists.

We cannot wait share a list of coaches and clubs involved in the coming weeks.

What to expect at the FV Pathway Program

International Coaches

The program features coaches from various countries, bringing diverse perspectives and best practices to the Victorian football landscape.

Player Development

The experience aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of young players through high-quality coaching sessions.

Focus on Growth and Connection

The event is part of Football Victoria’s broader strategy to foster growth, connection, and development within the football community.

Clubs

Djurgårdens IF

We are excited to announce also that we have had our first international team, Djurgårdens IF confirm the attendance of their experienced coaching staff.

Based in central Stockholm, Djurgårdens IF is a powerhouse of Swedish football with over 130 years of tradition and a fiercely loyal supporter base. A multiple-time Allsvenskan champion, Djurgården is respected not just for its success at senior level, but also for its top-tier academy that emphasises tactical intelligence, high-tempo play, and player resilience – key traits in Scandinavian football. 

The club has produced elite talents who’ve gone on to represent Sweden internationally and secure transfers to major European leagues. Their involvement in The Pathway Project offers young Australian players insight into one of Northern Europe’s most respected development environments – where professionalism, community, and player-first values are deeply embedded.

Malmö FF

Our second international club confirms their commitment to Australian talent. Founded in 1910, Malmo FF is Sweden’s most successful football club – and still going strong. 

With more than 20 league titles and countless cup wins, the club has been a powerhouse in Swedish football for over a century.

For the fifth year in a row, Malmö FF’s youth academy has been named the best in the country.

Malmö FF’s youth academy blends elite-level football training with strong academic support, values-driven education, and community outreach.

Crewe Alexandra Football Club

Known across England as one of the country’s leading academies, Crewe has built a reputation for producing technically gifted players who go on to thrive in the professional game. The club’s player-first philosophy and long-standing commitment to youth development perfectly aligns with the goals of The Pathway Project.

Crewe Alexandra’s academy has historically received strong rankings, particularly for its ability to develop players who go on to make league appearances. In the 2020–2021 season, the academy was ranked the 11th highest of 82 academies in England and Wales, and the top-ranked Category Two Academy for player development. More recently, the club continues to highlight the success of its academy, as evidenced by a matchday squad in October 2024 featuring 12 academy graduates.

Watford FC

We are excited to announce that Watford FC will be part of the 2025 Pathway Project. Known as “The Hornets,” Watford carry a proud tradition in English football, with a reputation for giving young players the chance to break through to the highest levels of the game.

Their academy is built on passion, intensity, and opportunity – values that align perfectly with what we are building here in Australia. For our players, this means direct exposure to Watford’s scouting network and the chance to impress a club that believes in developing homegrown talent and investing in potential.

Portland Thorns FC

When it comes to the women’s game, it does not get much bigger than this – Portland Thorns FC becomes the 5th club to join The FV Pathway Project, specialising in the women’s game. 

The Thorns, the current club of Matildas superstars Mackenzie Arnold and Kaitlyn Torpey are arguably the most supported women’s sports club on the planet. playing out of Providence Park in “Soccer City USA,” they consistently draw crowds that many men’s professional clubs would envy, regularly surpassing 20,000+ fans per match, setting multiple NWSL attendance records, and creating an atmosphere that feels closer to European football culture than anything historically seen in American women’s sports. 

On the pitch, they are serial winners: multiple NWSL Championships, multiple Shields, and a pathway that has featured some of the biggest names in the women’s game. But more importantly, their identity, culture, and support are the benchmark. They are proof that when you treat the women’s game seriously, professional environment, real infrastructure, genuine community connection, the game grows to match it. The Thorns are not just a team. They are the standard.

PAOK FC

PAOK FC easily has the best academy in Greece at this point. Great coaches, and a clear pathway from the youth teams to the first team. You can see the results in the players they’ve produced and sold in recent years.

Over the last five years, they’ve brought through and moved on some serious talent:

  • Stefanos Tzimas to Brighton for €25 million – a record for Greek football
  • Koulierakis for €11.7 million
  • Christos Tzolis for €11 million

PAOK’s academy doesn’t just produce good players – it produces value. Between the coaching, and sales, it’s the clear benchmark for youth development in Greece.

Eintracht Frankfurt

Massive news as Bundesliga powerhouse Eintracht Frankfurt is locked in as The Pathway Project’s 7th club.

Eintracht’s youth setup holds a 3-Star Certification from Double PASS (DFB & DFL), recognising excellence in talent development and has over 35 academy graduates currently playing professionally in Germany or abroad.

The Riederwald Academy focuses on holistic player growth, combining technical, tactical, and character development, which has produced players including Randal Kolo Muani (PSG), Jesper Lindstrøm (Napoli) and Willian Pacho (PSG) in recent years.

Melbourne Victory youth goalkeeper Luca Thomas was invited for a trial at Eintracht Frankfurt after being identified by a club representative during the 2023 edition of The Pathway Project – a powerful example of the international visibility and scouting reach our event provides.

The Pathway Project Eintracht Frankfurt’s story proves that a strong academy structure, clear pathway, and global scouting presence create genuine professional opportunities.

Pricing

Prices for the FV Pathways Project:

  • Outfield Player = $600 AUD
  • Goalkeeper = $800 AUD

If you would like to be a part of this exciting experience, please register via filling out the form below.

Register now

And for further details or queries please contact us at TPD@footballvictoria.com.au.

Source: Football Victoria.

Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria marks 51 years of championing multiculturalism

The Greek Herald
-
0
Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria marks 51 years of championing multiculturalism

By Aristidis Tsoulakos

The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at RMIT Storey Hall, bringing together community leaders, sector organisations and government representatives to reflect on a year of significant advocacy during a period marked by global instability and rising local pressures. 

The event was attended by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Iwan Walters MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs, showing the Victorian Government’s ongoing commitment to multicultural communities.

ECCV CEO Farah Farouque said the past year had highlighted both the resilience of migrant and refugee communities and the complex challenges they continue to face, including cost-of-living pressures, global conflicts, racism, and the increasing reach of misinformation. 

Ms Farouque emphasised that maintaining a cohesive and inclusive society requires sustained investment and strong partnerships across government and community. 

ECCV’s initiatives in community education, emergency preparedness, inclusion, and service reform have collectively strengthened safety and wellbeing while ensuring multicultural perspectives remain central to statewide policy discussions.

The AGM also marked the election of nine new Board members. The organisation will focus on strengthening social cohesion, countering racism and misinformation, and advocating to ensure reforms in aged care, mental health and disability genuinely reflect the needs and experiences of culturally diverse communities.

“I am honoured to help strengthen multicultural Victoria and represent international students at ECCV,” said Nicolas Ojeda Amador, the organisation’s first Board member of Latino heritage. “I aim to create space for emerging voices from all communities.”

Ms Farouque echoed Victoria’s multicultural success story “did not happen by chance” and reaffirmed ECCV’s commitment to protecting that legacy and ensuring every community has the opportunity to thrive. 

With the support of its members and partners, ECCV will continue to champion inclusion, equity and opportunity across Victoria.

Kayla Itsines slams ‘insane’ domestic airfare prices ahead of Christmas

The Greek Herald
-
0
Kayla Itsines slams ‘insane’ domestic airfare prices ahead of Christmas

Adelaide-born fitness entrepreneur Kayla Itsines has criticised domestic airlines for charging higher fares on interstate Christmas travel than on long-haul trips to the US.

The Sweat co-founder, now living in Queensland, shared screenshots with her 15.6 million Instagram followers showing Gold Coast–Adelaide fares between $824 and $1271 per person, similar to Brisbane, Los Angeles flights priced at $1175 and $1220.

“The fact that I can get to Los Angeles for the same price that I can get to Adelaide, which is a two-hour flight, is absolutely insane,” she said.

“I booked three and a half weeks in advance and it was still $620 per person… not ok for families over Christmas.”

Itsines said the issue was “about the bigger picture,” expressing concern for families facing costs of “3000–4000 dollars” for short-haul travel, adding: “They shouldn’t have to pay a thousand dollars per person… because it’s the school holidays or Christmas period.”

Current fares support her claims: a Gold Coast–Adelaide return trip for a family of four over Christmas costs $4040, while flights to Bali ($3852) or Auckland ($3548) are cheaper.

In a follow-up video, Itsines urged airlines to make domestic travel more affordable and said she would share any available discount codes with her community.

Source: The Advertiser.

Mark Bouris calls for universal 20% income tax

The Greek Herald
-
0
Mark Bouris calls for universal 20% income tax

Mark Bouris has called for a universal 20 per cent income tax rate, arguing Australians “deserve a better deal” and pay too much under the current system.

On his Mentored podcast, the Yellow Brick Road chairman said Australians should not be paying more than 25 per cent and that a flat rate would see the wealthy contribute more through GST because “they consume more and they consume more expensive stuff.”

Bouris urged Australians to “fight” for lower taxes rather than seek tax havens abroad.

Tax expert Belinda Raso supported broad reform, noting income tax makes up 52 per cent of federal revenue and bracket creep will push average rates higher.

While she said a flat 20 per cent tax would be “fantastic,” she viewed a rate below 23 per cent as more achievable.

Critics warn flat taxes can hit low-income earners harder, but Bouris’ proposal attracted strong viewer support.

Source: News.com.au.

Perry Kouroumblis to stand trial for 1977 Easey St murders as rape charge dismissed

The Greek Herald
-
0
Perry Kouroumblis to stand trial for 1977 Easey St murders as rape charge dismissed

Perry Kouroumblis has been ordered to stand trial in the Supreme Court on two counts of murder over the 1977 Easey Street killings, after a magistrate ruled there was sufficient evidence to put the case before a jury.

Kouroumblis, now 66, is accused of fatally stabbing Suzanne Armstrong, 28, and Susan Bartlett, 27, inside their Collingwood home on January 13, 1977. He pleaded not guilty to both charges during Wednesday’s hearing.

Magistrate Brett Sonnet struck out a separate charge of “carnal knowledge without consent,” the 1970s equivalent of rape, finding there was insufficient evidence to support a conviction.

Photo: ABC News / Anita Lester.

A homicide detective had testified that Ms Armstrong appeared to have been sexually assaulted after she was already dead, leading the magistrate to rule the charge could not be proven.

Kouroumblis, who was 17 at the time of the killings, will remain in custody and is due to return to the Supreme Court on December 17 for a directions hearing.

Source: ABC.

Greek military enters three-day mourning after soldier killed in training accident

The Greek Herald
-
0
Greek military enters three-day mourning after soldier killed in training accident

Greece’s Armed Forces have entered a three-day mourning period after a 19-year-old professional soldier was killed during a scheduled grenade-training exercise on Rhodes, Defence Minister Nikos Dendias announced on Wednesday, November 26.

The fatal incident occurred at the Afantou firing range, where a 39-year-old sergeant training alongside him sustained severe injuries, including the amputation of an upper limb.

Both men were taken to Rhodes General Hospital, where the soldier was pronounced dead.

The sergeant was intubated in critical condition but later stabilised and was transferred to the ICU of the 401 Military Hospital in Athens.

Source: Ekathimerini.

1...167168169...1,974Page 168 of 1,974

Stay connected:

Other

© 2024 The Greek Herald. All rights reserved.