The first day of competition for the 2025 Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia National Schools Event (GOAANSE) officially commenced in Perth, Western Australia on Thursday, May 8, as students from across the country competed in volleyball and futsal.
Volleyball competition heats up
Despite a slightly delayed start, the volleyball tournament quickly delivered high-intensity matchups. Schools including Oakleigh Grammar, St Euphemia College and All Saints Grammar made early progress, with several key afternoon games proving decisive.
In the boys’ division, St Euphemia remained undefeated after a close two-set win over Oakleigh Grammar, with powerful hitting and teamwork setting them apart.
In the girls’ division, a dramatic match between Oakleigh Grammar and St Euphemia came down to the final point of the third set. Oakleigh came from behind to secure the win with a late surge, marking one of the standout performances of the day.
St Andrew’s Grammar also impressed, with their girls’ team finishing in fourth place with three wins and three losses — an improvement on last year. The boys’ team opened with a win but couldn’t maintain momentum, finishing sixth.
Futsal showcases skill and determination
The futsal competition was just as competitive, with All Saints, St George College, and St Spyridon College standing out in the boys’ division. All Saints claimed the title following a draw with St Spyridon and a subsequent win, as their rivals suffered a crucial loss.
In the girls’ division, St Andrew’s delivered a dominant performance, winning all five of their matches and conceding just three goals throughout the day. Their success reflects the progress of the school’s Perth Glory football development program.
St Andrew’s girls finished with 37 goals for and only 3 against, including a 3-0 victory over St George in their final game.
The basketball competition is scheduled to take place today, with more results to follow.
On Friday, the 54-year-old was sentenced in the NSW District Court to one year and 10 months’ imprisonment to be served via an intensive correction order (ICO), allowing him to remain in the community under strict supervision.
According to news.com.au, the court heard MacGill introduced his cocaine dealer to Marino Sotiropoulos, the brother of his partner, in April 2021. That introduction led to the exchange of $330,000 for a kilogram of cocaine.
While MacGill denied knowing the scale of the deal, the judge found he played “an indispensable role” in facilitating the transaction.
One of the four men arrested for the alleged kidnapping of Stuart MacGill.
“Although his knowledge was limited… his conduct resulted in the supply of one kilogram of cocaine. He did so for no perceived benefit,” Judge Nicole Noman SC said in sentencing MacGill.
Days after the transaction, Sotiropoulos’ associates were allegedly defrauded in a follow-up deal, prompting threats against MacGill and culminating in his violent abduction. The former cricketer was kidnapped, assaulted, and later released in Sydney’s south-west.
The court acknowledged MacGill’s cooperation with police and his signs of rehabilitation, noting he had abstained from drug use since his 2023 arrest. His sentence includes 495 hours of community service, drug and alcohol testing, and psychological treatment.
Character references submitted ahead of sentencing, including one from former Test captain Steve Waugh, described MacGill as “responsible” and “resilient.”
He is reportedly considering an appeal against his conviction and sentence.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia has been conferred an Honorary Doctorate by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), in recognition of his contribution to the Church, theology, and public discourse.
The honour was jointly awarded by the NKUA’s Department of Theology and the Department of Social Theology and Religious Studies.
Rector Professor of Medicine Gerasimos Siassos welcomed Archbishop Makarios to the university, describing him as a figure who “embodies the combination of faith and knowledge, tradition and progress, humility and greatness.”
“We hope that the wisdom, virtue and dedication that characterise your journey will always constitute a shining example and a springboard of hope for the future of Orthodoxy and Hellenism,” he added.
Professor Emmanuel Karageorgoudis, Dean of the Theological School, praised the Archbishop’s ability to bridge theology with lived experience, saying: “In his person, academic Theology meets tangible liturgical mystagogy as the logical entity of science partakes of the apophatic language of experience.”
Following the presentation of official texts and the ceremonial investiture, Archbishop Makarios expressed gratitude for the distinction.
“I accept [it] as a special distinction that reflects towards the Apostolic and Ecumenical Throne of Constantinople, to which I belong, towards the highly respected person of our Patriarch and towards the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, which with the grace and mercy of God I shepherd,” he said.
The Archbishop then delivered a keynote address titled “Vox Populi (Voice of the People) on the Internet: The contemporary threat of the corruption of ecclesiastical and democratic thought.”
In his speech, His Eminence explored the challenges posed by digital discourse, particularly on the internet, arguing that the so-called “voice of the people” online can be misleading.
“We cannot accurately detect the ‘voice of the people’ on the internet, because there is more noise coming from the shouting minority than the truth that is not expressed by the silent majority,” he noted.
He encouraged engagement with the silent majority to combat online toxicity, misinformation, and hate speech: “The people tell us that evil rages when good people do nothing… The inaction of the silent majority is ultimately what allows the few on the internet to form an image of the Church and Democracy, which, however, is not true.”
A dinner was later held in the Archbishop’s honour at the Grande Bretagne Hotel in Athens.
In an official letter, Mitsotakis emphasised the strong and historic ties between Greece and Australia, highlighting a longstanding friendship forged through common struggles to defend freedom and democracy, as well as a shared commitment to peace, security, and international cooperation.
The Greek Prime Minister underscored both nations’ dedication to upholding a rules-based international order, always in accordance with the UN Charter and international law, including UNCLOS.
Anthony Albanese celebrates re-election as Prime Minister during a Labor victory event in Sydney on Saturday, May 3, following a decisive win in the 2025 federal election.
Mitsotakis also paid tribute to the Greek Australian community, noting: “I am proud to note that the vibrant Greek community in Australia has played and continues to play a vital role in further deepening this friendship.”
He concluded his message by expressing his readiness to work closely with Prime Minister Albanese to strengthen cooperation between Greece and Australia, both bilaterally and through multilateral institutions, “for the benefit of our peoples and for the advancement of our shared values.”
Ange Postecoglou has made football history, becoming the first male Greek Australian coach to lead a team to a major European final after guiding Tottenham Hotspur to a 2-0 victory over Bodø/Glimt in the Europa League semi-final.
Spurs cruised to a 5-1 aggregate win in Norway, with second-half goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro ensuring safe passage to the final, where they will face Manchester United in an all-English showdown in Bilbao on May 22 (AEST).
“Couldn’t be prouder of the lads,” Postecoglou said post-match. “We knew it was a difficult place to come. We’re aware of the record they have here, the pitch. I think the lads handled it well. Excited, we’re in a final.”
The achievement comes amid intense pressure on the Greek Australian manager following a troubled Premier League season for Spurs, who sit 16th on the table. But Europa League success could offer redemption and secure a Champions League spot.
Manchester United secured their spot in the final with a 4-1 second-leg win over Athletic Bilbao, progressing 7-1 on aggregate.
This marks the second all-English Europa League final in six years, following Chelsea’s 2019 win over Arsenal. Notably, Tottenham have beaten United three times this season.
Thousands of faithful packed into St Peter’s Square erupted into cheers on Thursday evening as white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signalling the election of the new pope.
Just over an hour later, the world was introduced to Pope Leo XIV — formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost — the first American in history to lead the Roman Catholic Church.
The 69-year-old Chicago-born cleric appeared on the Loggia of Blessings to deliver his first address as the 267th pontiff, greeting the jubilant crowd with: “Peace be with you all.”
In a brief yet powerful address delivered in Italian and Spanish, Pope Leo paid tribute to his predecessor, Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday.
“We still keep in our ears that weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis blessing Rome… God loves us. God loves you all and evil will not prevail,” he proclaimed.
Prevost, who holds dual American and Peruvian citizenship, is known as a moderate voice in the Church and spent decades as a missionary and later archbishop in Peru. He was appointed a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023 and held a key Vatican post overseeing bishop appointments globally — a role that positioned him as a likely successor despite historical resistance to an American pope.
The surprise announcement sparked emotional scenes across Rome.
“It’s surreal. It was apocalyptic. Everyone just started running as soon as the news came out. I’ve never seen anything like it,” Faith Gibson, an American living in Rome, said.
The election followed a two-day conclave involving 133 cardinals, with only those under the age of 80 eligible to vote. To be chosen, a candidate must secure a two-thirds majority plus one. Australia’s sole participating cardinal was Ukrainian-born Bishop Mykola Bychok of Melbourne.
Reaction to the historic announcement has been swift. United States President Donald Trump took to Truth Social, stating: “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope… What excitement, and what a Great Honour for our Country.” He also confirmed that contact had already been made regarding a potential meeting with the new pope.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also extended his congratulations, saying: “Your leadership comes at a time when the world faces profound challenges but also great opportunities for unity, compassion, and dialogue among peoples and faith.”
Congratulations to Pope Leo XIV. Your leadership comes at a time when the world faces profound challenges but also great opportunities for unity, compassion, and dialogue among peoples and faiths.
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) May 8, 2025
“This is a moment of joy and hope for Catholics all over the world. May God bless Pope Leo XIV and may his papacy advance the cause of peace and justice, in the service of all humanity,” Albanese wrote.
Prevost inherits a Church still undergoing transformation under Pope Francis’s legacy — one marked by emphasis on social justice, outreach to marginalised communities, and advocacy on global issues such as climate change and migration. Many now look to Pope Leo XIV to continue steering the Church toward openness and compassion, just as his predecessor intended.
As The Aegean prepares to hit cinemas across Australia on May 16 thanks to Radioactive Pictures, audiences can expect a stirring tale of grief, hope, and unexpected friendship set against the breathtaking backdrop of Kythira.
At the heart of this moving film is Costas Mandylor, the acclaimed Greek Australian actor known for his roles in Saw and Picket Fences, who returns to his ancestral homeland to take on the role of Hector — a widowed sailor struggling with loss and loneliness.
In this exclusive interview with The Greek Herald, Mandylor opens up about what drew him to the project, his experience filming in Greece, and the deeply personal process of embodying a character so raw and human.
With a standout cast including rap artist LIGHT and rising star Nicky Dune, The Aegean is not just a cinematic journey through the Aegean Sea — it’s a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
You’ve had a long and successful career in Hollywood — what drew you to return to Greece for this deeply emotional role in The Aegean?
I was fortunate enough to be called by Jacob, who is the director. We didn’t know each other before, and you never know what kind of conversation you’re going to have – but I’ve found that when you’re authentic, and people have like minded values of authenticity, things work out. We went and worked our asses off in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, and we made something special – and I have no regrets, just beautiful memories!
Hector is a man dealing with grief, loneliness, and the feeling of being forgotten. What was your process for connecting with such a vulnerable and layered character?
You’re drawing emotions oftentimes from your imagination, but where possible informed by your own experience. We’ve all had lonely times in life, and you go to your imagination and your experience of that, and build the character out from there. If you’ve lived a little bit of life, you have those experiences to bring to the table.
The film explores powerful themes of friendship and human connection. How did your dynamic with Nicky Dune (Theodore) help bring that relationship to life on screen?
When I met Nicky, I found that as a human being he has this beauty and innocence. You go off the person and the traits they project, and he had a wonderful quality about him; I followed his lead a little bit, followed his humanity, and threw my humanity in there also. There are qualities of people that shine on the screen, and we shine together in this film.
You filmed on the island of Kythira— do you have a personal connection to the island? Was there something about the landscape or being back in your ancestral homeland that shaped your performance?
Every day was amazing, we would wake up in the dark and Jacob and I would drive to set, and when the sun started to rise on set it was a wonder. If I could make every movie in my life in Greece after that experience I would, it was great. The island itself is magical, with so many thousands of years of history and such a fantastic community. I’ve said that for months and months after the movie finished. I had no connection to Kythira specifically prior to filming, but I got very attached to the place and the people while being there and will certainly be back!
The Aegean is visually stunning, but also emotionally raw. Was there a particular moment during filming that stayed with you, either as an actor or personally?
When there was confrontation between Theodore and Hector, it hit me. It happens between fathers and sons, nephews and nieces, husbands and wives, across all sorts of relationships. And then, of course, playing an older character on the island with my daughter also there with me (who is also in the film) – it just touched me. The spirit of Greece was present in everything we did. I remember waking up one morning in the town of Avlemonas and I saw the crew diving off the cliffs, enjoying their weekend, and it’s a memory that stays with me and brings me joy.
What do you hope Australian and international audiences take away from Hector’s journey — and from this film more broadly?
I hope they take away a desire for compassion. Loneliness is something that a lot of people go through, but ultimately as Anthony Quinn said in Zorba – if you lose hope, find it again and live. Live while you can. Don’t just exist, live.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
In many ways my first Hollywood father was Anthony Quinn, and I thought of him many many times when we were shooting this film. If anything, I was channeling him and I hope the audience responds to the characters in this film with some kind of touching, loving memory.
The Aegean is coming to cinemas around Australia from 16 May 2025, having already played successful screenings at the Brisbane International Film Festival and the Greek Film Festivals in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. The film has also recently been selected for the Greek International Film Festival Tour of Canada.
The impressive ‘Old Blokes Driving for a Cancer Cure’ have once again put the pedal to the metal, reminding us that life is too short to drive boring cars… especially when driving for a life-changing cause.
Fuelled by a commitment to raising funds for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF), 63-year-old Mario Nearchou and his band of Old Blokes including Harry Moustakas, Nick Harris, Michael Skyllas, John Assarapin and Vince Thompson, have hit the road again.
Back in December of 2023, Mario spoke to The Greek Herald about his endeavours, from the group’s initiation to raising over $100,000 through road trips, public meetups, a ground-breaking gala event and a lunch drive.
Now, the self-proclaimed “car enthusiasts” have taken their carpe diem approach through the roads of NSW’s South Coast region and North-East Victoriato showcase these cars are running on more than just fuel. Heart and determination is steering the support for those impacted by cancer.
‘Bigger and better‘
Mario told The Greek Herald that this time, his “calling” has led him to navigate a trip that’s already helped raise more than $10,000 alongside a growing total of $45,212 out of yet another $100,000 goal. “We’ve achieved so much already and reached so many people through our belief… but this trip is kicking everything off stronger,” Mario said.
“This time, it’s bigger and better.”
On Wednesday, April 30, the engine of a vintage 1966 beetle revved up in Gymea, Sydney despite the rain, leading the way for the latest road trip venture to begin.
As a man of faith, Mario even organised Father Constantine of Gymea’s St Stylianos Greek Orthodox Parish to bless the cars, as local friends, family, and even State Member for Miranda, Eleni Petinos MP attended for the community send-off.
‘It’s not a race’
Old Blokes could have been seen driving on their week-long journey past Nowra Hill’s HMAS Albatross, and the Wagga Wagga South Lions Club, who donated $500.
Other pit-stops included Narooma, Eden, Tumut’s local golf club – where a further $2,000 was raised at an art auction – Beechworth, Young, and Mittagong, before returning to Sydney.
“It’s not a race,” Mario said.
“Every donation counts, whether it be big or small or anything in between… it helps us get closer to finding a cure.”
Over this past week, Old Blokes have also featured on 7 News’ Brightside segment, announced their own wine, and secured new sponsors featured at the back of the revamped Old Blokes t-shirt.
Mario revealed the next event to watch out for is the group’s charity function on October 17 at Doltone House, Sylvania Waters, NSW, which aligns with the ACRF’s 40th anniversary. To attend contact Mario on 0416 207 723. Visit the ACRF website or email: oldblokesforcancer@gmail.com to donate.
The Cretan Association of Sydney and New South Wales invites the community to its Annual Ball commemorating the historic Battle of Crete, to be held on Saturday, May 17, at the Grand Vaudeville Reception Centre in Condell Park.
Guests will enjoy a vibrant evening featuring live music direct from Crete by Giorgos Alexantonakis (lyra) and Nikos Papadogiannis (lute), a four-course meal, unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks, along with dynamic performances by the Association’s dancing groups.
The event runs from 7.00 pm to 1.00 am, with tickets priced at $120 for adults and $60 for children.
The annual ball is one of the most anticipated events on the Cretan community calendar, bringing together families, friends, and supporters to honour the bravery of those who fought in the Battle of Crete and to celebrate Cretan culture through music, dance and tradition.
Bookings can be made here. Early booking is encouraged to avoid disappointment.
Event Details:
What: Annual Battle of Crete Ball
When: Saturday, May 17 from 7pm
Where: Grand Vaudeville Reception Centre, 178 Eldridge Road, Condell Park NSW 2200
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos has emerged as one of the key contenders to replace outgoing NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb, who is set to retire in September.
Pisanos, who oversees regional operations, has played a prominent role in addressing youth crime across the state.
Karen Webb. Photo: Dean Lewins / AAP.
While not as high-profile as some rivals, including Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson, Pisanos is considered a serious candidate alongside fellow deputies Peter Thurtell and Mal Lanyon.
All are expected to formally apply for the top job in coming months.
Pisanos’ experience in regional policing could be a key asset as the force grapples with ongoing law and order challenges in rural NSW.
