The inaugural Australian Championship is heating up, with South Melbourne and Heidelberg United securing commanding wins to advance to the Semi-Finals.
South Melbourne 2-0 NWS Spirit
South Melbourne earned a 2-0 home victory over NWS Spirit, with Oliver Lavale and Max Mikkola on the scoresheet.
Lavale opened the scoring in the 34th minute, nodding in a long throw from Mikkola, before Mikkola added a second in the 70th minute.
Despite a red card review early in the second half, South Melbourne held firm, with goalkeeper Javier Lopez making a crucial late save to secure the win.
Heidelberg United 6-1 MetroStars
Heidelberg United came from behind to thrash MetroStars 6-1 on Saturday.
Jay McGowan and Bul Juach quickly restored the lead, with further goals from Marcus Humbert, Juach (second), and Anthony Lesiotis completing a dominant performance.
Semi-final match schedule confirmed
The road to the first-ever Australian Championship title is now even clearer, with the Semi Final match schedule confirmed following a gripping weekend of elimination football action.
Four clubs remain in contention to be crowned the inaugural Australian Championship Winners, with the Semi Finals to be played as a blockbuster double-header on Saturday, 29 November, broadcasted live and free across the country on SBS and SBS On Demand.
The final four features Marconi Stallions who will take on Moreton City Excelsior FC at Marconi Stadium and South Melbourne FC and Heidelberg United FC who will meet in Victoria at Lakeside Stadium.
Marconi dramatically claimed their Semi Final berth by beating Wests APIA FC in a thrilling penalty shootout, which ended 8-7, to set up their clash with Moreton City Excelsior FC, who beat Avondale FC 3-1.
The second Semi Final sees two old rivals lock horns again, after Heidelberg’s 6-1 thumping of MetroStars saw them go on to face South Melbourne FC for a spot in the inaugural Australian Championship Grand Final.
The Semi Finals have been scheduled to maximise national reach and deliver the best possible experience for players, fans and broadcast audiences. They will be staged in two different cities reflecting the national competition.
Following the conclusion of this Saturday’s matches, the final two teams will be confirmed and the countdown to the inaugural Australian Championship Final will officially begin.
Scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 6, the timing and venue details will be made available as soon as possible following the completion of the Semi Finals.
Paul Nicolaou, executive director at Business Sydney, has welcomed expanded public transport services ahead of the delayed and over-budget Sydney Fish Market opening in January.
“The new Sydney Fish Market promises to be a great addition to our wonderful city and it is a smart move to make it as easy as possible for Sydneysiders and visitors to get there,” Nicolaou said.
“The expansion of light rail services shows flexibility and forward planning to ensure a key part of our public transport network can step up when there is likely to be the greatest demand.”
To support visitors, the NSW government has added 150 weekly trips on the Dulwich Hill L1 light rail line, with services every six minutes on weekends and public holidays.
Evening tram services will also run more frequently, and Wentworth Park light rail stop is undergoing a $40 million refurbishment with new lifts and upgraded platforms. A new $30 million ferry wharf at Blackwattle Bay will further improve access.
The $836 million facility, the largest fish market in the southern hemisphere with 40 retail stores, will offer live fish auctions and major food and dining attractions.
Initially due to open in 2024, the project faced delays and cost blowouts, with Multiplex launching a $250 million lawsuit against the NSW government over construction issues.
The Sydney Fish Market is now set to open on January 19, 2026.
Residents across the Northern Territory’s north have begun cleaning up after Tropical Cyclone Fina swept through the region with destructive winds and torrential rain, cutting power to nearly 19,500 homes and businesses across Darwin and the Tiwi Islands.
Fina arrived as a category 3 system before intensifying to category 4 on Sunday as it tracked south-west towards the northeast Kimberley coast.
With gusts reaching 195km/h, the strongest cyclone to approach Darwin since Tracy in 1974 toppled trees, damaged homes and brought down powerlines, including on Nitsa Kotis’s street, where “a 10m palm tree fell – away from homes – onto power lines, blocking the road and cutting power.”
“I haven’t even been out the back of my place yet to see the damage, I’ve been too busy socialising with the neighbours,” Kotis told TheGuardian, as residents spilled onto the street on Sunday morning, some charging devices from car batteries and others sharing stories of a noisy, sleepless night.
Boats sunk at the Darwin Esplanade during Cyclone Fina.
Authorities urged people to remain in homes or shelters through Sunday morning before easing restrictions in the afternoon.
Crews continued assessing damage as widespread power and communications outages affected Darwin, Palmerston and coastal areas, with 15 Optus mobile sites offline and Telstra reporting NBN, mobile and landline disruptions likely to last until Tuesday evening.
While emergency services managed the cleanup, long-time locals compared the storm to previous cyclones.
“It probably is the worst since Tracy,” said Kent Pedersen, who lived through the 1974 disaster.
Former Young Liberal turned neo-Nazi Stefan Eracleous has been charged with allegedly harassing Senator Lidia Thorpe, as authorities warn of a sharp rise in “hateful and menacing” material targeting federal politicians.
Federal police allege the 32-year-old sent Senator Thorpe “a raft of menacing emails” and made an abusive phone call.
Officers raided his Mernda home on Friday morning, arresting him and seizing electronic devices and “offensive material”.
He also allegedly defaced a flag at Senator Thorpe’s Collingwood electorate office.
Eracleous, who held strong ties to the neo-Nazi group The National Socialist Network (NSN) led by Thomas Sewell, has been charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, an offence carrying a maximum five-year jail term.
He is one of three men arrested this week by the AFP’s National Security Investigations team for allegedly targeting politicians.
The arrests included high-ranking NSN member Joel Davis, accused of urging supporters to “rhetorically rape” independent MP Allegra Spender, and a third man who allegedly made online threats against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“These three incidents are examples of the challenges we face in combating those who are seeking to damage our social cohesion,” AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Matthew Gale said.
“There are current and emerging individuals and groups who are eroding our country’s social fabric by advocating hatred, fear and humiliation, and the AFP … is putting them on notice.”
Referrals to the AFP for threats against politicians have risen 63 per cent in four years, with at least 951 recorded in 2024–25.
The surge follows public condemnation of recent neo-Nazi activity, including a rally outside NSW Parliament that Spender described as “appalling”, adding: “This group is seeking to spread vile hatred against Jewish people and undermine our great Australian multiculturalism. Their use of a Hitler Youth slogan is chilling.”
Eracleous will appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court next week.
More than 5 million Greek households will receive permanent income support from 2026 under measures totalling €3.2 billion annually in the new State Budget submitted to Parliament by Economy and Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis. The package prioritises housing, young people, and families.
The budget introduces €1.76 billion in new measures, mainly permanent tax cuts and income increases, effective January 1, 2026, while also recording €1.5 billion in actions already implemented since 2025, including the rent refund and the €250 support payment to pensioners.
Income tax reforms form the core of the package, with tax rates falling by two percentage points for middle incomes above €10,000.
A worker earning €20,000 will now pay 20% instead of 22%, gaining €200 annually.
Families will benefit further, with parents saving between €400 and €1,300, depending on the number of children. Large families with four or more children will be almost fully exempt from tax on incomes up to €20,000, gaining up to €3,100, or €4,000 if self-employed, with benefits doubling when both parents work.
Young people will also see substantial reductions: those under 25 will pay no tax on incomes up to €20,000, gaining up to €3,100 or €4,000 if self-employed, while people aged 26–30 will automatically gain €1,300.
Employees and pensioners will see the increases in their monthly pay, and self-employed workers will face lower advance tax obligations.
Housing incentives include full three-year tax exemptions for renting out vacant homes long-term, continued tax breaks for home upgrades, and a reduction in rental income tax from 35% to 25% for income between €12,000–24,000.
The ENFIA property tax will be reduced by 50% in small settlements in 2026, with full abolition in 2027. The budget also applies a 30% VAT reduction on 19 Aegean islands and removes the 10% subscription TV fee nationwide.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis confirmed that the additional €250 pensioner support will be paid earlier than planned.
“The new, permanent additional support of €250 will be deposited into their accounts earlier than planned, from tomorrow, Monday,” he said, announcing the new payment date of Monday, November 24.
He added that this marks the beginning of a series of income increases for pensioners.
“And it will be the first of a series of increases they will see in their incomes, as from January they will see a rise in their earnings both due to the reduction of tax rates and due to the annual increase in pensions. While starting from December (January pensions) there is also the 50% abolition of the personal difference for those pensions still affected by it,” he noted.
The advance payment is part of broader efforts to strengthen pensioners’ purchasing power and reduce disparities in pension payments.
The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) is heading toward its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, November 30 amid growing internal instability.
A wave of resignations, staff distress, workplace safety issues and a circulating letter from a concerned family member of a Community Care Services (CCS) client collectively point to an organisation perceived by some stakeholders and community members as facing governance challenges.
Since the leadership change in early 2025, reports of internal unease have gradually increased. What began as isolated reports has developed into a pattern of departures and concerns raised by some senior staff, frontline workers and members.
The executive committee is currently led by President Peter Ppiros, who was elected earlier this year.
Regulatory and governance alarms
In recent weeks, The Greek Herald confirmed that SafeWork SA attended GOCSA headquarters following issues raised with the regulator about psychological safety in the workplace. Sources say the regulator’s interest relates to allegations of unmanaged complaints, workplace stress and governance failures.
In a written response to questions from The Greek Herald, GOCSA President Mr Ppiros confirmed that SafeWork SA’s recent visit “is consistent with sector-wide initiatives aimed at ensuring workplace safety and compliance across South Australia.”
Mr Ppiros said “no significant breaches were identified,” and that the organisation used the opportunity to review procedures, conduct staff feedback sessions, reaffirm psychological safety policies, and engage external advisers to undertake risk assessments and recommend new training programs.
Mr Ppiros stated this forms part of its commitment to a safe and supportive environment for all staff.
Members have also expressed frustration that membership processing has become stagnant, with some applications reportedly awaiting review since before the recent election. This has prompted questions about whether procedures are being followed in line with the organisation’s constitution.
In response, Mr Ppiros stated that all membership applications undergo “rigorous review” under its Constitution. The Membership Committee holds absolute discretion to accept, reject or place applications in abeyance, in accordance with Article 4.
Several members also expressed their intention to seek clarification on the role and validity of the current Membership Committee at the AGM.
A surge of resignations and vacant roles
High staff turnover has marked much of 2025, particularly across senior and operational positions within GOCSA and Community Care Services. Departures have included the Media Communications Officer, Director of Nursing, Community Manager, Head of HR and others.
The General Manager and Chief Financial Officer are currently on stress leave, adding to concern about leadership continuity.
More recently, GOCSA’s Vice President, Stan Salagaras, resigned – the latest in a series of senior exits.
Several operational roles within Community Care Services, including the Clinical Nurse, Compliance Officer, Finance Officer and Roster Coordinator, also remain unfilled, which some staff say is increasing workload pressures.
In his response, Mr Ppiros acknowledged “some staff turnover this year” but stressed that continuity of service is a “key organisational objective.”
He said all departures are “treated respectfully,” and claimed exit interviews are conducted where possible, with all formal complaints “follow(ing) established procedures.” Mr Ppiros noted that recruitment for multiple roles is under way to ensure uninterrupted community support.
Workplace environment and conduct
Individuals familiar with the internal environment describe what they see as rising dysfunction and mistrust. According to accounts provided to The Greek Herald, some staff believe a small internal cohort has been exercising disproportionate influence over operations, creating uncertainty for staff and adding to wider organisational instability.
Staff also report that some complaints may be going unanswered and that communication issues are affecting day-to-day operations.
“The Executive Committee assures staff, members and the wider community that stability and effective governance are paramount,” Mr Ppiros said.
“Recent audits, governance updates, and policy reforms have strengthened accountability. These matters, as well as workplace culture, community care and membership processes, are scheduled as agenda items for open discussion at the AGM. All members are encouraged to attend and participate.”
Letter signals pressure on Community Care
Issues within the organisation now appear to be affecting client experiences as well, particularly among elderly community members relying on Community Care Services.
The Greek Herald has sighted a letter circulating among stakeholders, written by a woman who claims to be a family member of a CCS client. The correspondence highlights her concerns around oversight and consistency of service delivery.
The writer describes unanswered calls, uncertainty about who is managing care, and occasions where support workers attending Greek-speaking clients did not speak Greek. She also questioned the qualifications of some remaining staff.
“We do not know who to contact,” the letter states. “After several attempts there are no follow-ups… I am worried for my mother and for other clients.”
Mr Ppiros said the GOCSA “remains committed to quality organisational oversight marked by integrity,” supported by scheduled quality reviews aimed at improving service continuity and CCS operations.
Mr Ppiros said recent improvements have included strengthened reporting procedures and enhanced client engagement sessions. He stated that stakeholder feedback is welcomed, and that when concerns or allegations arise, management initiates formal internal reviews and may engage independent auditors where necessary.
“Families are always encouraged to contact GOCSA directly to ensure concerns are addressed professionally in a timely manner,” he added.
Members seek clarity ahead of AGM
In the lead-up to the AGM, members are seeking clear information on staff turnover, workplace complaints, SafeWork SA’s involvement and the status of membership processing under the constitution.
Families and community members have also voiced concerns about continuity of care, transparency and overall organisational direction.
The perception among many is that GOCSA is facing a period of significant uncertainty, prompting calls for clearer communication and stronger accountability.
How the Executive Committee addresses these issues will be central to restoring confidence and determining the organisation’s ability to move forward as a stable and functional community institution.
President Mr Ppiros said GOCSA acknowledges that “change can be challenging,” and expressed gratitude for the engagement of members, staff, clients and partners since the Board’s election in January 2025.
He said the Board welcomes constructive feedback “in a framework of respectful dialogue” and remains accessible through established communication channels.
He added that GOCSA will continue providing community updates “in a spirit of transparency and in the interests of progress and organisational improvement.”
When thousands descended on Brighton-Le-Sands for the 2025 Greek Fest @ Bay Street, much of the attention centred on the energy pulsing through the crowd – an unmistakable heartbeat shaped by one of the festival’s standout young performers: percussionist Damascus Economou.
Sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in the Greek Australian music scene, Damascus delivered a dynamic performance that blended tradition with contemporary flair, capturing the very essence of what the festival represents: heritage, community, and the evolving sound of Greek culture in Australia.
For the rising musician, the day marked not just another gig – but a milestone in his artistic journey.
A childhood immersed in music
For Damascus, rhythm isn’t something he learned – it’s something he grew up inside of.
“I have been surrounded by live music my whole life,” he tells The Greek Herald. “Growing up, I have been fortunate enough to watch the best of the best musicians in Sydney, who had and still have inspired me to become a constantly improving musician myself.”
Damascus has been surrounded by live music his whole life.
His passion for percussion began early, sparked by watching his now-mentor and teacher.
“At a young age, watching a freak drummer like George Constantinou (who would later be my drum teacher) absolutely mesmerised me,” he explains.
For Damascus, rhythm isn’t something he learned – it’s something he grew up inside of.
Other influential figures shaped his technique along the way – Foti Lambis, Savva Jordanou, Johnny Vavasis, Chris Lironis and Chris Theocharides – along with the countless musicians he has observed both in Australia and Greece.
Performing in local bars, clubs, beach venues and even traditional paniyiria abroad deepened his cultural connection and “broadened my love and respect for Greek music and culture furthering my motivation to be the best I possibly can be.”
A dream realised on Bay Street
For many young diaspora musicians, sharing the stage with Sydney’s Greek music icons is a long-term dream. For Damascus, the Greek Fest @ Bay Street made that dream a reality.
“Being given the opportunity to perform at the Greek Fest @ Bay Street was a true highlight of my career thus far. Being in the company of such amazing musicians was a dream come true,” he says.
“I’ve always looked up to them, dreaming to one day share the stage with them, and the Bay Street Festival gave me that opportunity.”
Playing at the Greek Fest was a dream come true for Damascus.
Performing alongside major figures such as Thanasi Pylarinos and Telly Benetatos – artists he describes as “integral” to the Greek music scene in Australia – was both surreal and motivating.
“It makes me motivated to hopefully inspire the younger generation just like those who inspired me,” he says.
Thanasi Pylarinos (left) and Damascus go a long way back.
Blending old and new: A unique sound
One of the hallmarks of Damascus’ musicianship is his ability to honour traditional Greek rhythms while infusing them with modern influence.
“Having been exposed to a vast variety of genres… 50’s rock and roll, 80’s funk, modern day house music… have allowed me to blend different styles in with the traditional and even modern Greek beats and rhythms,” he explains.
He credits artists like The Beatles, Luther Vandross and Santana for sparking curiosity that pushes him to experiment.
He constantly asks himself: How can I modernise without losing authenticity?
The answer lies in a sound that appeals equally to younger festival-goers and older generations – something he clearly achieved on Bay Street.
A brotherhood of musicians
Some of the most meaningful moments of the day came from performing alongside lifelong friends and collaborators, including Kosta Benetatos and Georgio Svolos.
Damascus and Kosta Benetatos are lifelong friends.
“Kosta and I have grown up playing music together… at various birthday parties, christenings, weddings and other private events,” he says.
“I have the same relationship with Georgio Svolos… Georgio has played an important role in my musical journey so far, playing the sort of ‘older brother’ role, constantly helping me improve my craft.”
The festival deepened those connections.
“I am honoured to call these two amazing musicians my friends and I pray that we are able to continue to make people smile by doing what we love,” he says.
A deeply Greek connection
For Damascus, playing Greek music is not just about performance – it’s about identity.
“Immersing myself in the Greek culture and community growing up has allowed me to gain the ability to connect with other members of the Greek community on a deeper level,” he says.
Speaking the language, understanding the history, and knowing the stories behind the lyrics all shape how he plays.
During the Bouzouki Entertainment set, that connection became electric.
“I was able to join the people on the dancefloor… while we were all singing and dancing with smiles from ear to ear. To me, this is what makes music and performing my true passion,” he says.
Damascus will never forget Greek Fest.
Standout moments
Of all the highlights, one stood above the rest.
“A special moment for me was performing alongside Johnny Vavasis,” he says. “In September 2012, I first saw Johnny play at a wedding and have since looked up to him. To be able to share the stage with him at the festival was such a special moment for me.”
But nothing compares to seeing the familiar faces in the crowd.
“Looking into the crowd and seeing my family and friends all with smiles, clapping, dancing and singing… Without the people around me constantly supporting me and pushing me to be better in all aspects of life, I doubt I would be where I am today,” he says.
Percussion as identity
Reflecting on his journey, Damascus sees drums and percussion not just as instruments – but as teachers.
“Drums and percussion have played such an important role in shaping who I am today. It has allowed me to express myself through music,” he says.
“Being a drummer forces you to be disciplined and structured, supporting the rest of the band… creating a symphony that the crowd can enjoy.”
It’s that sense of discipline, expression and shared joy that continues to drive him forward.
A rising star with deep roots
The Greek Fest @ Bay Street was a major moment for Damascus – but it’s clear it’s only the beginning.
Grounded in Greek heritage, shaped by musical mentors, uplifted by friends and family, and fuelled by a deep love for rhythm, Damascus is part of a new generation redefining Greek Australian music.
And if the Bay Street crowd was any indication – his beat is only getting stronger.
Sydney Olympic Football Club has entered a new era of leadership, announcing the appointment of Chris Charalambous as its new President, effective immediately.
Charalambous, a longstanding contributor to the Club with deep ties to coaches, players and the wider Sydney Olympic community, steps into the role at a significant moment of transition.
“It’s a great honour to be appointed as President of Sydney Olympic Football Club,” Charalambous said. “I am committed to advancing our football program, supporting our members, and fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity. Together, we will strive to achieve success and make our club a source of pride for our community.”
Charalambous paid tribute to Board members Matt Phelps and Rodolf Salem, saying he looked forward to working with them – as well as with all coaches, players, members and parents – to advance the Club’s strategic direction.
“As advised previously, the strategy of the club places youth development at its core,” the Board said in a statement. “Our aim is to build a sustainable pathway for young players, increase retention, and foster both technical and personal growth. This will set the foundations of a sustainable football club for the years to come.”
Sydney Olympic FC will release further updates in the coming days, including new appointments to the Board, coaching staff announcements and the introduction of club ambassadors.
Hanlin’s departure marks end of an influential tenure
The leadership shift follows the immediate resignation of outgoing President and Director Damon Hanlin, who announced his decision on Wednesday morning. Hanlin said the choice came after “careful consideration.”
“It has been a privilege to serve on the Board of one of Australia’s most historic and respected football clubs,” he said. “During my time as a Director, I have been proud to contribute to initiatives that strengthen the club’s future, support its players, and deepen its connection with the community.”
Hanlin said stepping down was difficult but necessary for the Club’s growth.
“This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right time for me to step aside and allow new voices and perspectives to help guide Sydney Olympic into its next chapter of growth and success,” he said.
Resignation follows expansive AGM discussion
Hanlin’s departure comes shortly after Sydney Olympic FC’s wide-ranging AGM on October 28, where he and the Board provided a comprehensive update on finances, governance, youth pathways and the Club’s long-term direction.
Members heard that Sydney Olympic remains solvent and financially stable, with senior men’s football to return to Belmore Oval in 2025.
Updates were also given on the NPL strategy, rising operational costs, community engagement challenges, the National Second Tier, and ongoing discussions with the Australian Olympic Committee over branding.
The AGM also introduced newly appointed director Rodolf Salem and outlined renewed commitments to transparency, unity and improved governance.
A pivotal moment for the Club
Hanlin expressed gratitude to fellow board members, club officials, players, members and supporters. “Sydney Olympic will always hold a special place in my heart, and I remain a strong supporter of its continued success on and off the field,” he said.
With Charalambous now stepping into the presidency, Sydney Olympic FC enters a new chapter defined by youth development, renewed direction and a strengthened focus on community.
The Club will continue to update members as key appointments are finalised.
The Hellenic Art Theatre is preparing to bring laughter, chaos and classic Greek family humour to the stage with its latest production, ‘Ο Μπάρμπα Κώστας και η Παρθένα’ – ‘Uncle Costa and Parthena’, written by Greek Australian playwright Koula Teo and directed by Stavros Economidis.
The new season will run from 21 November to 7 December 2025 at the Greek Theatre – Mandouridion, located at Addison Road Community Centre in Marrickville, Sydney.
The play will be performed in Greek with English surtitles, ensuring both Greek-speaking and non-Greek-speaking audiences can enjoy the performance.
This witty comedy follows Uncle Costa, an unpopular, garlic-loving bachelor who suddenly reappears from Greece and moves back into his brother’s home – a decision that horrifies his sister-in-law and his niece and nephew.
His only supporters are his brother and a spinster neighbour until an unexpected windfall turns Costa into everyone’s favourite relative. How he handles this sudden turn of fortune forms the heart of the show, promising plenty of twists, laughs and heartfelt moments.
The talented cast includes: Mimika Valaris, Hayden Tsavalas, Anna Giovanaki, Dimitris Daviskas, John Daviskas, Evelyn Tsavalas and Foula Morfiadis.
Event Details
Dates: 21 November – 7 December 2025
When: Fri & Sat at 7.30pm | Sun at 5pm
Where: Greek Theatre – Mandouridion, Building 36, Addison Road Community Centre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville
Cost: $35 adults | $30 concession | $15 children under 12. Discounts available for groups of 10 or more.
For tickets contact 0413 989 007 or visit this website
Audiences are encouraged to book early for this lively, heartwarming production celebrating Greek Australian storytelling at its funniest.
Greek judge Catherine (Aikaterini) Koutsopoulou, currently head of the Administrative First-Instance Court of Athens, has been elected by the UN General Assembly as a part-time judge of the United Nations Dispute Tribunal (UNDT).
Her non-renewable seven-year term begins on 1 July 2026.
She is only the second Greek judge ever appointed to the UN’s internal justice system, following Spyridon Flogaitis in 2000.
Koutsopoulou was selected from a record 391 applicants across 79 countries, progressing through written exams, interviews and integrity checks to become one of five part-time judges chosen.
With 15 years’ experience in administrative and disciplinary justice and expertise in asylum and migration law, she also serves as President of the European Region and global Vice-President of the International Association of Refugee and Migration Judges.
Her work with the ECJ, ECHR, Council of Europe and UNHCR, along with her PhD and post-doctoral research in EU and international law, has shaped her profile. In 2022, Greece’s Migration and Asylum Ministry honoured her with its Medal of Honour for outstanding judicial service.
