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Sydney University researcher Emmanuel Stamatakis among world’s most influential

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Sydney University researcher Emmanuel Stamatakis among world’s most influential

The University of Sydney’s Professor Emmanuel (Manos) Stamatakis, a leading expert in physical activity and population health, has been named in the 2025 Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers List.

The list recognises the world’s most influential researchers whose papers rank in the top one percent of citations in their field.

Stamatakis, an NHMRC Leadership Fellow and Director of the Mackenzie Wearables Hub at the Charles Perkins Centre, leads the Physical Activity and Exercise Theme, investigating the health effects of physical activity and sleep across large international cohorts and wearable device data.

His research has informed global recommendations for adults leading sedentary lifestyles, highlighting ways to improve health through short bursts of ‘incidental’ exercise, including vigorous play, walking, and household activities.

Professor Julie Cairney, interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Sydney, praised the university’s research community, stating: “It’s their dedication to excellence and passion for tackling the world’s biggest challenges for the benefit of all that inspired our research mission.”

Stamatakis is among 25 University of Sydney academics honoured this year, representing a wide array of disciplines from health sciences to engineering, reflecting the institution’s global impact and commitment to real-world research.

Source: sydney.edu.au

Makris Group unveils $500m Marina Mirage redevelopment to create Australia’s own Riviera

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Makris Group unveils $500m Marina Mirage redevelopment to create Australia’s own Riviera

After 37 years as an iconic dining, shopping and marina precinct, Makris Group’s Marina Mirage officially closed its doors this week to begin a visionary $500 million transformation of the Gold Coast waterfront that will firmly position Australia as a global lifestyle destination ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. 

Inspired by the timeless allure of the world’s great Rivieras, the new Marina Mirage will create a new level of luxury living in Australia. 

The development will combine super-yacht marina culture with an exceptional hotel and limited-edition residences, seamlessly integrated with the pristine waterfront environment to create an unmatched lifestyle.

Representing the most significant investment to date along the Gold Coast, Southport Spit, Marina Mirage directly connects to the Broadwater providing beach access and kilometres of scenic extended boardwalks – forming the heartbeat of the Southport Spit. 

Currently the largest development of its kind in Australia, this project is truly unparalleled. 

Jason Makris, Chief Executive Officer, Makris Group, said: “We are establishing the benchmark in Australia for a destination that embodies the sophistication of a Riviera lifestyle yet feels unmistakably Australian.”

“Residents and visitors will move effortlessly from their yacht to their villa, to fine dining, curated retail, and world-class leisure and wellbeing experiences. This builds on the vision of my father, Con Makris, who recognised early the Gold Coast’s potential as a world-class coastal destination,” Mr Makris added.

The heart of the development will feature the 126-key Marina Mirage Gold Coast, a Luxury Collection Resort by Marriott International – the first of its kind on Australia’s mainland – bringing the world’s most distinguished hospitality to the Gold Coast. 

The low-rise, eco-aligned village will include 38 ultra-exclusive residences, seven chef-led dining destinations, and eight atelier boutiques that blend international luxury with artisanal craftsmanship. 

A 2,000-square-metre longevity and wellness precinct will redefine wellbeing, with clinical-grade recovery, biohacking, concierge fitness and integrated wellness programs, while 1,000 square metres of flexible event spaces will cater to functions, pavilions, rooftop events and co-working spaces.

Complementing the resort is the 78-berth superyacht marina, completed in late 2021, accommodating vessels from 12 to 85 metres, complete with helipad access for seamless yacht-to-villa connectivity. The marina has already received multiple awards for design and amenity and is currently fully occupied, and will remain operational and trading through construction.

As Marina Mirage bids farewell to current tenants, throughout this initial establishment period, selected waterfront restaurants will remain open until January 2026 with available site parking. 

Residences at Marina Mirage will be released privately by Makris Group’s preferred agents, who have been involved in the development and planning for over five years. 

Completion is scheduled for 2029.

Court hears Yang Lanlan will contest allegations in crash that injured George Plassaras

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Court hears Yang Lanlan will contest allegations in crash that injured George Plassaras

Kyle Sandilands’ longtime driver, George Plassaras, is again in the spotlight as the woman accused of causing the head-on collision that left him critically injured formally fights the charges in court.

The crash occurred around 3.30 am on July 26, when 23-year-old Yang Lanlan allegedly drove her Rolls-Royce into Plassaras’ Mercedes in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

Plassaras was trapped for an hour before being freed and taken to hospital with multiple broken ribs, both femurs and hips fractured, a ruptured spleen and a broken spine, Sandilands has said.

Yang, who was uninjured, has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, not giving particulars to police, and refusing or failing to submit to breath analysis, along with a backup charge of negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.

Yang Lanlan was charged after the crash with Kyle Sandilands’ chauffeur George Plassaras. Photo: Nine.

She allegedly returned a positive roadside breath test before later refusing a full breath analysis at Waverley Police Station.

Yang was excused from appearing at Downing Centre Local Court, where her lawyer Michael Korn entered not guilty pleas to all charges.

“Obviously the matter is quite tough and it’s drawn a lot of attention, but she’s getting through it,” Korn told reporters outside court.

The case has drawn intense public interest, with onlookers filling the courtroom amid speculation about Yang’s family wealth and alleged ties to high-ranking Chinese officials.

The matter returns to court on January 30, with Yang again excused from attending.

Source: 9News.

Kyrgios-owned colt stakes early claim for $3m Magic Millions Classic

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Kyrgios-owned colt stakes early claim for $3m Magic Millions Classic

A colt part-owned by tennis star Nick Kyrgios has surged into contention for the $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic after a commanding debut win at Newcastle.

Seeiaye, trained by Peter Snowden, led throughout to take out the Max Lees Classic (900m) on Saturday, instantly repaying his modest $65,000 purchase price from the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

A return trip to the Gold Coast early next year is now firmly planned.

“He is a Magic Millions horse so that will certainly be in our mind with what we do from now on,” Snowden said, adding that the stable would decide “next week” whether to give the colt another run or a freshen-up.

Snowden said he had been cautious about Seeiaye’s coltish behaviour, but the two-year-old delivered a “really nice” and professional performance.

Jockey Josh Parr used the inside draw to perfection, controlling the race before Seeiaye kicked clear to win by 1¾ lengths.

“He made good use of barrier one,” Parr said. “He showed nice speed to lead… I let him loose and he got to a really good speed.”

Snowden praised Parr’s judgement, noting the colt’s natural pace carried him to the front despite a slow start.

The victory places Seeiaye firmly on the Magic Millions path and highlights Kyrgios’s growing footprint in racehorse ownership.

Source: Daily Telegraph.

Team Greece eliminated on penalties after 2–2 thriller in All Nations Cup

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Team Greece eliminated on penalties after 2–2 thriller in All Nations Cup

Team Greece fought valiantly in its All Nations Cup semi-final against South Sudan with a 2 – 2 draw at full time, but unfortunately failed to qualify for the final after losing the penalty shootout 4 – 3.

Trailing 2 – 0 at halftime, Team Greece looked in trouble after a dominant first half display by South Sudan. Coach George Katsakis addressed the boys at halftime and they came out a completely different side. 

They dominated the half and controlled the play, creating numerous opportunities to score and it wasn’t until the 75th min when Nathan Stamatelos scored to give Greece a glimmer of hope. 

Team Greece kept pressing and were rewarded a penalty in the 89th minute which unfortunately was missed. 

With seconds to go and virtually the last play of the game, Greece was rewarded a foul just outside the box, which Trent Skapetis struck and scored to level the scores at 2 – 2. The referee blew for full time and the teams took their penalties, resulting in a win for South Sudan.

Photo: The Sporting Wall.

Michael Karamitos, Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) Board Member, said, “What an amazing spectacle we have just witnessed.”

“After trailing 2 – 0 at halftime, our boys dug deep in the second half and gave themselves every opportunity to win the match. We at the community are so proud of their efforts and also a very big thank you to our coaches George Katsakis and Kon Tangalakis in leading our team,” Karamitos said.

GCM President Bill Papastergiadis also commented following the semi-final.

“Our team played for the jumper today and as President of our Community, I’m so proud of what they have accomplished the last five weeks,” Mr Papastergiadis said.

“Unfortunately, the result didn’t go our way today, however we are so proud of Team Greece and I wish South Sudan and Cyprus all the best for the final next weekend. 

“A very big thank you also to Knox City FC for hosting the tournament and we look forward to coming back next year to compete once again.”

Teenager Aaron Papazoglu charged over crash that killed pregnant woman

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Teenager Aaron Papazoglu charged over crash that killed pregnant woman

Teenager Aaron Papazoglu faces multiple serious driving charges after a fatal crash in Hornsby that killed 33-year-old Samanvidha Dhareshwar, who was eight months pregnant, and her unborn baby.

Police allege the 19-year-old P-plater caused the collision on Friday night when his BMW struck the back of a Kia, forcing it forward into Dhareshwar as she walked toward Hornsby train station with her husband.

Police said paramedics fought to save the mother and baby, but both died shortly after. Assistant Commissioner David Driver described it as a “terrible, terrible story.”

The scene of a car crash in Hornsby on Friday night. Photo: TNV.

Papazoglu and the Kia driver were uninjured and taken for mandatory testing. After being released from hospital, he was arrested a few hours later following a Crash Investigation Unit probe.

At Hornsby Police Station, he was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, drive manner dangerous, negligent driving occasioning death, and cause loss of foetus – death of pregnant woman.

Police sources allege that while in custody, Papazoglu repeatedly asked officers about the condition of his BMW rather than the victims.

As locals laid flowers at the scene, Papazoglu appeared before Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday.

 Photo: NewsWire / Damian Shaw.

His lawyer, Patrick Schmidt, argued for release, citing no prior criminal or traffic history, university studies, work in after-school care, strong family support and the fact “it’s not uncommon for people to punch through an orange light.”

He stressed there were no allegations of alcohol, drugs or street racing.

Prosecutor Candice Chapman opposed bail, saying Papazoglu posed an “ongoing risk to community safety” and that “this wasn’t a momentary lapse of judgement.”

Magistrate Ray Plibersek refused bail, calling the circumstances “very serious” and “tragic,” adding: “My heart goes out to that family for their loss.”

As he was taken back into custody, Papazoglu said, “I just really want to see my family.”

Tributes continued to grow at the crash site, including a note from a witness that read, “Words can’t describe how sorry I am that this has happened to you… I pray for you and your little one, that you are held with love as you leave this world.”

Greece and Ukraine seal energy pact to boost gas security

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Greece and Ukraine seal energy pact to boost gas security

Greece and Ukraine have finalised an agreement to channel US liquefied natural gas to Ukraine through Greek infrastructure, a move officials say will reinforce regional energy security ahead of a challenging winter.

The deal, signed Sunday by DEPA Commerce and Naftogaz, provides for US LNG deliveries from December 2025 to March 2026 via the “Vertical Corridor,” with flows expected to start in January.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou and US Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle attended the ceremony.

Greek officials said the arrangement will help maintain steady gas supplies to Europe and offer “critical support” to Ukraine.

At a joint press briefing, Mitsotakis reaffirmed Greece’s backing of Kyiv, saying, “We stand with the Ukrainian people… the inviolability of borders is nonnegotiable,” and described Greece as a “steady ally.”

He also underlined the creation of “a new secure energy artery from south to north.”

Zelenskyy thanked Greece for its “continuous, substantive and multifaceted support,” noting persistent attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

He welcomed Greek and US involvement and urged continued pressure on Russia, stating, “Russia deserves further sanctions.”

The Ukrainian leader held earlier meetings in Athens with President Konstantinos Tasoulas and Mitsotakis, focusing on energy cooperation and ongoing Greek support.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Greece launches nationwide ‘smart bridges’ network to prevent collapses

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Greece launches nationwide ‘smart bridges’ network to prevent collapses

More than 250 bridges across Greece are being transformed into “smart” structures as part of a major national project that uses Internet of Things (IoT) technology to monitor their structural health in real time.

Through a system of fibre-optic networks and sensors, each bridge will continuously transmit data, such as vibrations, strain, water levels, and movement, to scientists, allowing them to detect wear, stress, and potential safety risks before they escalate.

The initiative, which will be completed by June 2026, prioritises bridges with heavy traffic or aging infrastructure, many over 70 years old, across all 13 regions of Greece.

The first 36 to be upgraded are in Attica, including key bridges along Kifisos and Poseidonos Avenues and major interchanges like Syngrou, Kifisias, and Katechaki.

The system represents a major step forward in preventing structural failures, following a series of bridge collapses in recent years, including incidents in Thessaloniki, Rhodes, and Patras.

According to a study by the Association of Civil Engineers of Greece, many bridges in the country have exceeded their expected service life and lack adequate seismic design, particularly those built before 1993.

Heavy traffic, such as on Kifisos Avenue, where some lanes now carry up to 8,000 vehicles per hour, has further pushed infrastructure beyond its limits.

Each “smart” bridge station will be equipped with multiple sensors, including vibrographs, axial strain and temperature sensors, and water-level detectors. Data is analysed through algorithms and AI to identify early signs of structural degradation.

Engineers say the real-time monitoring network will enable targeted maintenance and prevent accidents, ensuring that Greece’s modern “master builders” no longer need to rely on endless manual inspections, but on technology that safeguards both infrastructure and lives.

Temple of Aphaia on Aegina restored with new lighting and accessibility upgrades

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Temple of Aphaia on Aegina restored with new lighting and accessibility upgrades

The ancient Temple of Aphaia on Aegina has undergone a €1.5 million restoration, breathing new life into one of Greece’s best-preserved monuments.

Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni inaugurated the project this week, part of the Culture Ministry’s broader effort to preserve and modernise key archaeological sites.

The works, carried out by the Directorate for the Restoration of Ancient Monuments, included sanctuary restoration, a new fire protection system, improved accessibility with a lift for visitors with disabilities, redesigned entrances, new walking paths and viewing points, updated fencing, and a new guardhouse.

A highlight of the project is the lighting design by Eleftheria Deko, known for illuminating the Acropolis and the Athens 2004 Olympic Games ceremonies.

Her design enhances the temple’s architectural beauty while emphasising energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

“The project reflects three core priorities of the ministry,” said Mendoni.

“Upgrading infrastructure at archaeological sites to enhance the visitor experience, ensuring accessibility for all, and protecting our cultural heritage from the impacts of climate change.”

Built around 500–490 BC and dedicated to the goddess Aphaia, the temple remains a striking example of Doric architecture.

Set on a pine-covered hill overlooking the Saronic Gulf, it continues to draw more than 100,000 visitors each year.

Thessaloniki’s White Tower recognised as a European film cultural treasure

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Thessaloniki’s White Tower recognised as a European film cultural treasure

Thessaloniki’s iconic White Tower has been officially added to the European Film Academy’s (EFA) prestigious list of Treasures of European Film Culture.

The announcement was marked by a ceremony on November 7 in White Tower Square during the 66th Thessaloniki International Film Festival.

Organised by the Festival in collaboration with the EFA and the National Centre of Audiovisual Media and Communication, and supported by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Thessaloniki City and the Museum of Byzantine Culture, the event highlighted the Tower’s cultural and cinematic significance.

EFA Board Chairman Mike Downey noted, “The White Tower is the first monument in Greece to join this growing network, which reflects the richness and magic of European cinema. It carries a long history as the symbol of Thessaloniki and has served as the backdrop for numerous films by Theo Angelopoulos, arguably the most important figure in Greek cinema.”

Since 2008, the White Tower has hosted a permanent exhibition on Thessaloniki’s history, from its founding in 316 BC to the 20th century, showcasing the city’s cultural heritage through multimedia displays and minimal archaeological artefacts.

Its inclusion in the EFA cinematic treasure map underscores both its historical legacy and Thessaloniki’s enduring connection to the art of film, reinforcing the Tower as a symbol of stories that unite Europe’s past and present.

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