In a Friday Essay for The Conversation, historian Joy Damousi examined how the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) monitored Greek migrants during the Cold War, highlighting the tension between postwar immigration and state suspicion.
Damousi noted that more than 160,000 Greek migrants arrived in Australia after World War II, sought to bolster the economy, yet were viewed with distrust.
During the assimilation era (1945–1966), immigrants were expected to abandon their cultural and political ties, a process enforced under the lingering White Australia policy.
As historian John Rickard observed, “Australia wanted immigration, but not immigrants.”
ASIO’s surveillance focused not only on Greek communists but also on right-wing, pro-royalist groups, and even factions within the Greek Orthodox Church.
Clubs like the Atlas Club and organisations such as the Democritus League were monitored extensively, as they were seen as potential sources of political agitation.
Key figures, including George Zangalis and James Mitsopoulos, were tracked over decades for promoting left-wing politics and activism connected to the Greek Civil War.
Damousi highlighted how Greek migrants also engaged in local political activism, including protests against Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War, which drew ASIO’s attention.
She observed that efforts to politically assimilate the community, such as the formation of the Federation of Greek Associations in Australia, often reinforced internal divisions.
Her essay underscored that ASIO’s focus on Greek immigrants, regardless of political affiliation, was driven by concerns about protecting “white, British Australia.”
The surveillance created a detailed “social map of knowledge” about cultural groups, illustrating how secrecy and control shaped the immigrant experience.
Damousi concluded that while assimilation policies formally ended by the 1970s, the period left a lasting impact on the political and cultural life of Greek Australians, showing how state surveillance and ethnic identity intersected in Cold War Australia.
On Saturday, November 22, the NSW Federation of Community Languages Inc held its Annual Gala Dinner at the Bankstown Sports Club, where Soula Tsilimos was proudly recognised for 47 years of dedicated service as a Modern Greek language educator with the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) Afternoon and Saturday Schools.
At the gala, Mrs Tsilimos was presented with a medal of service by The Hon. Jihad Dib, MP. and the newly elected NSW State Opposition Leader, Kellie Sloane.
Mrs Tsilimos said warmly: “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.”
Michael Christodoulou, CEO of the NSW Federation of Community Languages Inc, said: “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.”
Harry Danalis, President of the GOCNSW, said: “Mrs Tsilimos is an exemplary teacher whose dedication and commitment have inspired countless students. We are incredibly proud to see her remarkable career recognised.”
Mrs Tsilimos began teaching in 1970 at Mascot Public School and went on to teach at Redfern, Erskineville, Rockdale, Enmore, Arncliffe, and Connells Point Public School, where she spent over 30 years inspiring students.
Known for her innovative approach combining language, culture, music, theatre, and play, she nurtured confidence, engagement, and pride in Greek heritage, while supporting outstanding academic outcomes.
Her classrooms were places of laughter, curiosity and cultural exploration, and her students eagerly attended both afternoon and Saturday programs out of a genuine love for learning
Widely admired for her warmth, care, and personal attention to students, Mrs Tsilimos also mentored younger teachers and actively contributed to community events.
Her decades-long dedication was celebrated with a special event at Connells Point Public School, recognising her lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the wider Greek community.
Mrs Tsilimos’s career exemplifies passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to preserving Greek language and culture in Australia – leaving a legacy that will inspire future generations of Greek Australian students and educators.
Oakleigh Grammar hosted its annual Arts and Design Exhibition, Techné 2025, celebrating the creativity, innovation, and talent of students from the Early Learning Centre to Senior School.
The exhibition transformed the School Library into a vibrant gallery, showcasing a diverse range of works including visual art, sculpture, digital design, media projects, and interdisciplinary creations.
Techné 2025 highlighted both technical skill and imaginative flair, reflecting the dedication and growth of Oakleigh Grammar students across all year levels.
Academic Leader of the Arts, Helena Scarlata, commented: “The Techné Art and Design Exhibition was a resounding success, showcasing an impressive breadth of creative, thoughtful, and refined student works that truly celebrated their growth and talent.”
“The overwhelmingly positive feedback from our community reflects the dedication of both students and staff in bringing this inspiring event to life,” Ms Scarlata said.
Adding to the immersive experience, Food Science students prepared a selection of canapés served throughout the exhibition, showcasing their culinary creativity. Live performances also enriched the evening: Year 9 student Grace sang while Chloe played guitar, and Year 7 and 8 students performed a piece from A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare.
These performances reflected the student-led, collaborative spirit of the School while celebrating the Round Square IDEALS of leadership, creativity, and service.
Techné 2025 also showcased the collective effort of Arts staff, whose guidance and support helped bring the exhibition to life. Their work, alongside that of the students, echoed Oakleigh Grammar’s School Values of humility, aspiration, respect, and kindness, creating an environment where students are encouraged to explore ideas and express themselves confidently.
Visitors were inspired by the diversity and quality of work on display, reflecting the growth and talent of students across all year levels.
Techné 2025 reinforced Oakleigh Grammar’s commitment to nurturing creative, confident, and expressive learners. The exhibition offered students the opportunity to explore ideas, refine their skills, and share their artistic, musical, and culinary talents with the wider community.
The Hellenic Art Theatre has returned to the stage with a burst of humour, heart and community spirit, presenting its latest comedy, Uncle Kostas and Parthena, to enthusiastic audiences in Marrickville.
Written by Greek Australian playwright Koula Teo and performed by the acclaimed community troupe led by Stavros Economidis, the production blends side-splitting comedy with deeper reflections on family, fortune and the migrant dream.
The story centres on Uncle Kostas, the Virgin (Parthena) and a colourful cast of characters entangled in fake affection, backstabbing and chaos – all sparked by a missing Lotto ticket that could be worth a fortune.
A talented Greek Australian cast
The performance features a strong ensemble of Sydney-based Greek Australian actors: Mimika Valaris, Hayden Tsavalas, Anna Giovanaki, Dimitris Daviskas (as Uncle Kostas), Evelyn Tsavalas and Foula Morfiadis (as Polyxeni and the Virgin).
The production showcases Economidis’ direction and set design, with production management by Ms Tsavalas, technical support by Thanasis Fotiadis, and lighting and sound coordinated by Lakis Morfiadis. English surtitles are curated by Mimika Valaris, making the performance accessible to wider audiences.
A comedy with meaning
While the play delivers generous laughter for all ages, it also touches on the hopes, dreams and challenges of Greek migrants who came to Australia searching for a better life. Audiences are invited to consider how money, ambition and family relationships intertwine – often with both hilarious and thought-provoking results.
Performance dates and details
Uncle Kostas and Parthena continues its November–December 2025 season at the historic Mantourideio Theatre, 36/142 Addison Road, Marrickville.
Remaining performances:
Friday 28 November – 7.30pm
Saturday 29 November – 7.30pm
Sunday 30 November – 5.00pm
Friday 5 December – 7.30pm
Saturday 6 December – 7.30pm
Sunday 7 December – 5.00pm (Final performance)
Ticket prices: $35 standard | $30 concession (pensioners, students) | $15 children under 12 Bookings & info: 0413 989 007
The Hellenic Art Theatre continues its decades-long commitment to preserving Greek culture and language on stage, proudly promoting works by both Greek Australian writers and authors from Greece and Cyprus.
This latest production is a testament to the vibrancy of Sydney’s Greek theatre community – and an evening of laughter well worth experiencing.
It’s not every day that senior leadership from the Hellenic Army Academy (Evelpidon), Greece’s premier military college and one of the world’s elite institutions, stands before the Australian Hellenic Memorial (AHM) of Melbourne.
But on Saturday, November 22, delegates from a strategic exchange mission did exactly that, pausing in the same place Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos stood three weeks earlier. Their presence marked a new phase of defence cooperation between Greece and Australia and reinforced Greece’s message that the diaspora is central to its modern strategic outlook.
AHM Foundation President Steve Kyritsis OAM with visiting army officials.Peter Antrinopoulos, Colonel Kyriakakos, Jim Grivas.Steve Kyritsis OAM explaining details about the AHM.
“We’ve had more officials visit from Greece this year than in any previous year,” he said, describing the memorial as “a mandatory stop for anyone representing Greece in Australia.”
This latest mission was led by Major General Anastasios Polychronos, Superintendent of the Hellenic Army Academy, who positioned the visit squarely within Evelpidon’s fast-expanding global engagement strategy.
Nikolaos Kydas welcomes the visitors.Peter Kalimnakis explaining the AHM’s design.Major General Anastasios Polychronos and Captain Athanasopoulos laid a wreath.
“In recent years, we have tried to collaborate with as many academic and military institutions as possible. We now cooperate with 38 institutions worldwide,” he said, citing recent agreements with South Korea and Egypt. “Now it is Australia’s turn.”
At the centre of the mission was finalising a reciprocal exchange agreement with the Royal Military College (RMC) in Canberra.
“We came with that goal – to see how military education is conducted here and ensure our systems align,” Polychronos said.
Captain Vasilios Athanasopoulos picks up a carnation.Dean Kaimakamis snaps a photograph behind the Eternal Flame.At the AHM.Greek Consul General Dimitra Georgantzoglou with AHM Foundation President Steve Kyritsis.
Delegates in Canberra, he noted, openly wondered why such a partnership had taken so long between two nations linked by shared wartime sacrifice and a steadily converging strategic outlook.
Founded in 1828 by Ioannis Kapodistrias, Evelpidon stands alongsideWest Point, Sandhurst, and Saint-Cyr, its two-century ethos shaping generations of Greek officers and attracting cadets from around the world.
“Evelpidon is one of the best military academies in the world,” Polychronos said. “We want our collaboration with Australia to reflect that.”
AHM Foundation Committee member Nikolaos Kydas shares the pack given to the visitors.AHM Foundation Committee await the arrival of the delegation.Major General Polychronos with his wife Chrysa Psychogyiou.
Before arriving in Melbourne, the delegation toured Puckapunyal, one of Australia’s most significant military training bases.
Captain Vasilios Athanasopoulos, Aide-de-Camp, described it as “the highlight of my visit,” prompting a knowing laugh by Major Evangelos Zarkos, head of Evelpidon’s International Cooperation office, though neither elaborated on the joke.
Professor Georgios Kaimakamis, Dean of Evelpidon, confirmed that the agreement is already in its final stage.
“Within a month, we will have everything signed online. From July 2026, two students will come here for six-month placements,” he said. The exchanges will be funded through the EU’s Erasmus scheme, which allows up to 20% of placements outside Europe.
Steve Kyritsis, Dimitra Georgantzoglou, Anastasios Polychronos and Con Dimaras on the way to the Shrine.Steve Kyritsis welcomes the delegation.Major Evangelos Zarkos, head of Evelpidon’s International Cooperation Office, with Captain Vasilis Athanasopoulos.Major General Anastasios Polychronos with Greek Consul General Dimitra Georgantzoglou.
Polychronos also issued a direct invitation to Greek Australian youth: “We would like members of the diaspora to study at Evelpidon. The school is open; anyone can sit the exams, complete four years of study, and then serve in the Greek Army.”
Kaimakamis praised the warmth of the Australian reception. “The way you welcomed us made us feel as if you had been waiting for us for a very long time.”
AHM Foundation Committee Hellenic Army officials and Greek Consul General to Melbourne Dimitra Georgantzoglou.
The delegation also included Colonel Kyriakos Kyriakakos, Greece’s Defence Attaché in Canberra, and Chrysa Psychogyiou, spouse of Major General Polychronos.
They were greeted at the AHM by founding committee member Peter Kalimnakis OAM, along with AHM Vice President and co-founding committee member Antonis Tsourdalakis, AHM Secretary Peter Andrinopoulos, Manningham Mayor Jim Grivas, Nikolaos Kydas, Con Dimaras and Natasha Spanos, who also accompanied the delegation to schools in Melbourne. Greek Consul General Dimitra Georgantzoglou was also present.
The visitors were very interested in the Gallipoli campaign.Steve Kyritsis explained the symbolism of the sanctuary at the Shrine of Remembrance.
The wartime bond between Greece and Australia was central to the visit.
“Seventeen thousand Australians served in Greece during WWII, with 841 killed, and 7,000 New Zealanders with 1,050 fallen,” Kyritsis said. “Their names are engraved in the Shrine’s crypt.”
Kalimnakis explained that the AHM’s design draws on the geometry of the Temple of Apollo, with its most sacred element being the crypt housing stones from every region of Greece, including the stone symbolising democracy. The delegation were then taken to the Shrine of Remembrance before heading to a Bourke Street restaurant.
South Melbourne FC hosted a distinguished pre-game VIP dinner on Saturday night ahead of the club’s match against NWS Spirit, bringing together political leaders, major sponsors, Greek Australian community figures and representatives from across Melbourne’s football scene.
Held in the club’s VIP room, the event was attended by the full South Melbourne board, prominent financial supporters, officials from local Greek football clubs, former players, past administrators and members of the Greek Australian media.
Among the political guests honoured with the historic South Melbourne jersey were Labor state MP Nina Taylor, Mayor of Port Phillip Alex Makin, and Victorian Labor MP Anthony Cianfione, who chairs the Victorian Parliament’s Friends of Football committee. The club’s Main Sponsor, Steve Siolis, was also present.
Adding a touch of entertainment to the evening was well-known Australian comedian Dave Hughes, who brought laughter and received enthusiastic applause from attendees.
South Melbourne President Bill Papastergiadis welcomed guests with a brief address highlighting the club’s storied history, its lasting contribution to Australian football, recent achievements, and ambitious plans for the future – including its anticipated participation in the region’s first professional league, the upcoming Oceania Professional League in 2026.
South Melbourne claims 2–0 victory over NWS Spirit
Following the pre-match festivities, South Melbourne delivered a confident 2–0 home win over NWS Spirit.
Oliver Lavale opened the scoring in the 34th minute, heading in a long throw from Max Mikkola, who then doubled the lead in the 70th minute.
Despite a red card review early in the second half, South Melbourne maintained control, with goalkeeper Javier Lopez producing a crucial late save to secure the victory.
The result adds to the club’s momentum as it continues building toward its historic step into professional football in 2026. They will next face Heidelberg United FC in the Australian Championship semi-final.
Renowned Greek Australian painter Efrossini Chaniotis was honoured on Friday, November 21 in Salamina, Greece during an event that celebrated art, memory and the enduring ties between Greece and the Australian Greek diaspora.
Hosted by the Folklore House of Salamina in collaboration with the Ioannis Spiliopoulos Association, the event drew a full audience of art enthusiasts, local residents and community members eager to connect with the distinguished diaspora artist and her work.
Chaniotis, whose artistic journey flourished in Australia, presented a digital showcase of selected works, projected on a large screen and accompanied by detailed stories behind each piece.
She spoke about her early artistic explorations in Australia, the influence of her Greek heritage on her themes, and the techniques she follows from concept to completion.
Her reflections on family memories and personal history – often the starting point of her paintings – resonated deeply with the audience. A lively discussion followed, with attendees asking questions and engaging in meaningful dialogue about creativity, identity and the experience of diaspora artists.
The conversation focused on how artists of the Greek diaspora form a unique creative identity by drawing on ancient, Byzantine and modern Greek history without falling into stereotypes or surface-level symbolism.
Chaniotis emphasised that tradition is not merely a source of inspiration but a living, dynamic element that helps an artist remain connected to their roots while expressing themselves authentically.
The evening concluded in a festive atmosphere, with music and traditional treats offered by the organisers. Musicians Stamatis Papanikolaou, Panagiotis G. Kritsikis, Dimitris Filiagos and Tasos Bakothanasis performed, joined by singers Andreas Panou and Papanikolaou.
Painter Takis Varelas and former Coast Guard Chief Christos Delimichalis spontaneously joined on the bouzouki, while celebrated diaspora virtuoso Konstantinos Velanis was honoured for his artistic contributions.
Members of the Folklore House and dance teacher Kostas Kokliotis added to the celebration with traditional dances, showcasing how the cultural space can transform into a vibrant musical and artistic stage.
The night reaffirmed the strength of the Greek Australian community as a powerful force preserving and promoting Greek cultural identity far beyond the nation’s borders.
A large fire broke out at Golden Top Bakery on Barclay Street in Marrickville early Monday, November 24, sending thick smoke over surrounding suburbs.
Sixteen fire trucks and around 60 firefighters responded to the blaze shortly before 6.30am.
Golden Top Bakery is a Greek-owned business well known for producing authentic Greek-style pita and souvlaki bread which is distributed to yeeros shops across Australia.
Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said crews initially entered the building but had to switch to “defensive positions” outside due to the intensity of the flames.
Firefighters continue to tackle the blaze from both ground and aerial appliances.
The incident follows another major fire on Sunday, which destroyed a surfboard factory in Brookvale.
Victoria’s real estate agents will be mandated to disclose the reserve price of a property at least seven days before auction, under new laws announced by Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos.
The move aims to crack down on underquoting, which Staikos described as “dishonest, unethical, and cruel.”
“Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you are ever likely to make, and underquoting is dishonest, it is unethical, and it is cruel,” Staikos said.
“The main victims of underquoting are young, prospective first-home buyers who have been lured into a sales campaign where all along, they couldn’t afford that property in the first place. Meanwhile, in many cases, they have actually spent money on pest inspection reports, on building inspection reports, and sometimes on legal work.”
Under the new regime, agents must update all marketing materials to reflect the reserve price and cannot use previous advertising that omits it.
The legislation also prevents changing the reserve after the seven-day period before auction.
Victoria has issued more than 200 infringements totalling over $2.3 million since establishing an underquoting task force three years ago.
Staikos’ reforms follow nearly a decade of stricter laws aimed at transparency, with NSW announcing a similar model last week.
Staikos emphasised that the changes would protect buyers from misleading pricing tactics and make the market fairer.
The laws are expected to be introduced in mid-2026.
The Embassy of Greece in Australia, led by Ambassador Stavros Venizelos, recently hosted the Commander of the Hellenic Army Academy, Lieutenant General Anastasios Polychronos, reaffirming the growing cooperation between Greece and Australia.
Ambassador Venizelos presented the Commander with an honorary plaque.
Lieutenant General Polychronos is visiting Australia as part of the Academy’s official mission to strengthen ties and explore collaboration with the Royal Military College.
During their stay in Sydney and Canberra, members of the Greek delegation met with military officials, community organisations and representatives of the Greek diaspora.
Their final stop was Melbourne, where they visited Greek schools and laid wreaths at the Australian-Hellenic Memorial and the Shrine of Remembrance.
The mission includes senior Academy officials, with all meetings focused on enhancing educational links between the two countries and deepening ties with Australia’s Greek community.
