Former finalist Maria Sakkari has secured a place in the quarter-finals of the Washington Open, defeating second seed Emma Navarro 7-5, 7-6 (7-1) in their round-of-16 match on Wednesday, July 23.
— Mubadala Citi DC Open (@mubadalacitidc) July 24, 2025
The Greek player, runner-up to Coco Gauff at last year’s tournament, delivered a strong performance to knock out the American and continue her campaign.
Elsewhere, unseeded Russian Anna Kalinskaya upset No. 8 seed Magda Linette 6-4, 6-0, and Danish fourth seed Clara Tauson advanced with a 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 win over American qualifier Caroline Dolehide.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis held a phone call with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Thursday, July 24, focusing on regional developments, particularly in Gaza and Libya.
The two leaders stressed the importance of continued cooperation and coordination between Greece and Egypt on maritime zones in the Eastern Mediterranean to promote regional security and stability.
Just a day after the Greek women’s team won gold in Singapore, the men’s team secured bronze at the World Water Polo Championships with a decisive 16-7 win over Olympic champions Serbia.
Greece dominated with an 8-0 run across the second and third quarters, showcasing sharp perimeter shooting and strong defensive play, especially while a man down.
Goalkeeper Panagiotis Tzortzatos delivered a standout performance as Greece avenged their narrow Olympic loss to Serbia.
The medal marks a historic milestone, with Greece becoming only the fourth nation ever to reach the podium in both men’s and women’s tournaments at the same World Championships.
Two people have died and dozens have been injured in massive wildfires sweeping through the Limassol district of Cyprus, authorities confirmed on Thursday, July 24.
The blaze, which broke out near the village of Malia on Wednesday, has burned through over 24,000 acres, destroying homes and forcing more than 100 residents to evacuate.
The victims were found inside a burnt vehicle, while many others were treated for respiratory issues.
President Nikos Christodoulides, who visited the operations centre in Limassol, said the situation was “unprecedented” and stressed that “protecting human life is our goal.”
President Christodoulides at the operations centre in Ypsonas, Limassol.
He pledged full compensation for property and business losses, and thanked all those making “superhuman efforts” to contain the fire.
The president also expressed gratitude to countries including Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, Sweden, Spain, and Greece for their swift assistance.
Cyprus has activated the EU’s RescEU mechanism, and at least 14 aircraft are battling the blaze.
With power outages affecting several communities and extreme heat continuing, authorities have warned residents to stay clear of fire zones. An investigation into the cause is underway, with early reports pointing to arson.
As Yannis Mallikourtis concludes his three-year term as Consul General of Greece in Sydney, he departs with vivid memories and a new understanding of what it means to be Greek in the modern world. It was his first appointment to a city with such a vast and dynamic diaspora – and it left a lasting impression.
“It has been a unique experience,” Mr Mallikourtis tells The Greek Herald. “Because it was the first time in my career that I was called upon to serve such a large Greek community. And I leave with many vivid memories that I will always treasure.”
One of the most striking things he noticed early on was the strength of connection Greek Australians have to their ancestral towns and villages.
“What surprised me most,” he reflects, “was the strong connection to their geographic place of origin – not the country as a whole, but the fact that they’re so attached to their village or their town. Maybe because I’m Athenian… we don’t have that. We’re all from somewhere in Athens, but we’re not so closely attached to our place of origin.”
Mr Mallikourtis noticed early on the strength of connection Greek Australians have to their ancestral towns and villages. Photo: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
In his time as Consul General, Mallikourtis attended hundreds of events, engaged with the full spectrum of Greek community organisations, and witnessed the diaspora in action. Those experiences, he says, helped broaden his view of Hellenism and its place in diplomatic life.
“When you see that, for example, in New South Wales, you’ve got dignitaries – parliamentarians of Greek origin, many Greek Australians in influential positions – you realise that Greece’s clout locally is very strong,” he explains.
“It’s different to read about it and different to live it every day. Greeks are everywhere – in the public sector, business, politics and civil service – and in influential positions.”
Mr Mallikourtis with some of the politicians with Hellenic heritage in NSW.
That immersion changed the way he now sees his own country.
“I feel Greece is broader now compared to when I came here,” he says. “The diaspora is a key component of Greekness, of Hellenism. I think I will see my own country differently from now on.”
One of the key pillars of his work in Sydney has been the preservation of the Greek language and engaging younger generations.
“Language is one of the means to maintain the culture,” he says. “It’s not the only one, but it is an important one. I don’t see language as an indicator of someone’s level of Greekness, but I see it as a good tool to maintain the connection.”
He points out that Greek can be found “everywhere – in music, in traditional dancing, even when you read a menu in a Greek restaurant,” adding, “language is overarching. That’s why I think it’s important to promote it.”
Youth programs in Greece, such as the recent Youth Forum in Athens which 14 Greek Australians from Sydney attended, are another area he views as a meaningful way to maintain cultural ties.
“When they came back, they saw things differently,” he says. “They were very enthusiastic about learning the language, about going back again. So this is a typical example of a tangible measure which can make a difference.”
Mr Mallikourtis has been amazed by Sydney’s Greek community. Photo: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
When asked what he sees as the defining strength of Sydney’s Greek community, Mr Mallikourtis doesn’t hesitate.
“It’s vibrant, it’s active in many different fields. It’s like a mosaic with different tiles. There’s everything – from dancing to music to restaurants, to different associations, to business networking organisations,” he says. “I would say omnipresent and very, very vibrant. And very strong in business and the service sector.”
On the flip side, he believes there is still work to be done when it comes to language retention.
“Language would be a field where we could perhaps do a bit more and get more organised,” he says plainly.
Looking to the future, Mallikourtis sees a community in transition – shaped by generational shifts and changing forms of engagement.
“It is going through gradual transformation,” he observes. “Those who arrived here – their numbers are obviously falling. One in five Greek Australians in New South Wales has been born in Greece. The other four have been born here. That will have an impact on how the community in Sydney sees itself.”
He foresees a move away from community organisations defined by geographic origin, and toward structures based on professional identity or broader Greek Australian interests.
“We’ll probably see Greek Australians moving from the local association to something broader,” he says. “You see that in the age composition of some of the associations… whereas in other organisations where the subject is different, you see stronger presence of the youth.”
The Consul General with the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos. Photo: The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Among his proudest achievements as Consul General, Mr Mallikourtis cites improvements in service delivery.
“We improved the service of the Consulate General in the sense that we increased the numbers of Greek citizenships granted,” he says. “Internal changes and more local staff during the end of my term… this has increased substantially the number of Greek citizenships granted since January.”
His successor, George Skemperis, will inherit a strengthened post. And while Mr Mallikourtis doesn’t offer specific advice, he does have a few words of wisdom.
“Every Consul General has his own stigma and wants to leave his own footprint,” he says. “So I don’t think I would give him some special advice. I would probably just say in the beginning to observe, and he will draw his own conclusions.”
As for his parting message to Sydney’s Greek community, it’s one rooted in hope and adaptability.
“They should continue to be inventive in the ways they connect to their homeland – to one of their homelands, because there are two homelands for them,” he says. “To improvise and find new channels of maintaining that connection. If 20-year-olds feel they can achieve that through music and Greek dancing, so be it. Whatever everyone feels. But at least make the effort. And modernise, if that’s what they want… adaptability, I would say.”
As he prepares to leave, it’s clear Mr Mallikourtis departs not only with professional accomplishments but with a deeper personal appreciation of Greece – as seen through the lens of its diaspora.
The Voluntary Administrators of the Cyprus Community of New South Wales are inviting members to attend an important information session on Tuesday, July 29, to receive updates on the proposed sale of the Club’s Stanmore property, interim relocation plans, and next steps in the administration process.
The Cyprus Club at Stanmore in Sydney’s Inner West.
Under the Registered Clubs Act 1976 (NSW), a vote of members is normally required before any “core property” can be sold. However, the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) gives administrators certain powers to sell company assets without needing member approval when a company is under external administration. The Administrators are asking the Court to decide which act prevails in this situation.
The matter was listed for directions on July 21, and the Court has advised that members who wish to be heard may do so by formally filing a notice of appearance. These will be heard at a later hearing in August.
“We deeply respect the Cyprus Club’s legacy and have prioritised its ongoing operations and community services,” Administrator and Partner at EY Australia, Mr Kelly said in a press release.
“We are committed to having regular and clear communication with members, employees, and stakeholders and we look forward to the next opportunity to do so.”
Morgan Kelly from EY at a past member’s meeting. Photo copyright The Greek Herald.
The administrators have indicated that a preferred buyer has been identified and a sale contract may be executed pending the outcome of the Court process. Sale proceeds would be used to meet outstanding liabilities and assist in securing new premises to support the Community’s future activities.
The upcoming session will also provide updates on proposed governance reforms, including a new constitution “that complies with legal obligations and reflects best practices in governance,” as well as the possible establishment of a trust account “to manage the proceeds from the sale” – both “to be approved by members.” Members will also receive information on the planned timeline for a future board election.
“We look forward to engaging transparently with members as we work through these important matters,” Mr Kelly said.
The information session will be held at 6:00pm on Tuesday, 29 July 2025, at the Cyprus Community of NSW, 58 – 76 Stanmore Road, Sydney.
The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney hosted a heartfelt farewell dinner at China Doll Restaurant in Woolloomooloo to honour the outgoing Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yannis Mallikourtis, and his wife, Christiana Stavrou, for their dedicated service to the Hellenic Australian community over the past three years.
As a token of appreciation, the couple were presented with a commemorative album capturing moments from their time in Sydney, as well as a piece of Aboriginal artwork symbolising cultural connection and respect.
In her address, Lyceum President Liana Vertzayias expressed her deep gratitude to Mr Mallikourtis for his unwavering support of the organisation.
In his reply, Mr Mallikourtis praised the Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney as an institution of enduring value, officially recognised by the Greek Government.
He commended the group for its commitment to preserving Greek heritage through quality events, particularly one dedicated to the Greek heroines of WWII.
On Tuesday, July 22, a community forum was held focusing on the latest developments in the Cyprus Problem, drawing an engaged group of attendees eager to delve into this enduring geopolitical and national matter.
The event featured Antonis Sammoutis, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, and Andreas A. Gregoriou, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, and Head of the Presidency Administration of the Republic of Cyprus.
Mr Sammoutis opened the forum and acknowledged the enduring challenge of the Cyprus Problem: “Usually we say there is good news and bad news… I’ll start with the bad news. As we are here on the anniversary which comes each year, this is the worst period in the history of Cyprus in over the 3,000 years of its history. Even the invasion of Cyprus in 1570 didn’t change the demographics in Cyprus that much, [or effect] the Greek Cypriot majority. But the invasion of 1974 put an end to 3,000 years of Greek history in the north of Cyprus.”
Turning to current realities in the north, Sammoutis warned, “We all know what happened, but what is ongoing in the North, it’s also as bad as the invasion, because there is an ongoing change in demographics. There’s a new [Turkish] coalition forming, and Cypriots are marginalised. There’s Islamisation at the same time, and the expropriation of properties, destruction, and militarisation. So, all these on the ground are not good at all.”
Despite this sobering assessment, Sammoutis pointed to Cyprus’ EU membership as a continuing source of resilience and gives “us a new strength to fight against the recognition of another state in Cyprus.”
After these remarks, Mr Gregoriou received questions from Cypriot community members. The questions and discourse encompassed a broad spectrum of pressing issues, reflecting the community’s profound concern with the enduring challenges surrounding the Cyprus Problem, and the domestic affairs of the Republic of Cyprus more broadly.
Attendees voiced their anxieties over the long-standing psychological toll endured by Cypriots – referred to as κόπωση (koposi) – a term encapsulating the deep fatigue and disillusionment that has grown over decades of political deadlock.
The conversation also turned to the core question of Cyprus’ future: whether the island’s long-term aspiration should be reunification, a bi-zonal federation, or an internationally recognised division into independent states.
These debates revealed a community grappling not only with history, but with the need for a coherent, discernible and feasible political vision.
Another focal point of discussion was Cyprus’ emerging humanitarian role in broader regional conflicts. In particular, participants examined the island’s involvement in facilitating aid to Gaza and raised concerns about the implications of increased Israeli migration to Cyprus amidst ongoing instability. This regional role was juxtaposed with frustrations over the island’s silence on the world stage.
Many attendees criticised the lack of effective representation of Cyprus’ interests in both local media and international institutions, including the European Union. There were strong calls for more vigorous advocacy to articulate Cyprus’ goals and elevate its voice in global forums.
Cypriot officials made clear that the diaspora’s continued involvement, through remembrance, advocacy, and community forums, remains an indispensable part of the broader struggle for a just and unified Cyprus.
The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) commemorated the 51st anniversary of the 1974 Cyprus tragedy on Sunday, 20 July 2025, with a moving tribute to those who perished during the military coup and subsequent Turkish invasion.
A solemn memorial service was held at the Cathedral of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel on Franklin Street, honouring the fallen and remembering those still missing – including Elias Papapavlou, one of the many heroes whose fate remains unknown.
The tribute formed part of the community’s enduring commitment to preserving the memory of the victims of 1974 and advocating for justice for Cyprus. The service brought together clergy, community leaders, and parishioners in a shared moment of reflection and remembrance.
Following the church service, representatives of the GOCSA joined the wreath-laying ceremony at the Cyprus Community memorial, further demonstrating solidarity and support for the Cypriot cause.
These commemorations serve as a reminder of the enduring pain of the Cypriot people and the importance of unity, remembrance, and continued advocacy for truth and reconciliation.
By Michael Kyriacou, President of the Cyprus Community of NSW
This Sunday, July 27, the Cypriot Greek communities in Sydney, New South Wales, will unite to commemorate the island’s darkest days of 1974. Even though half a century has passed, the events of that year continue to resonate globally and remain fresh in the minds of all Cypriots, surfacing at forums such as the United Nations and the European Union.
In 2025, the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean have a very different dynamic.
The rise of political Islam, authoritarian religious rule in Ankara, the Arab Spring revolution, the collapse of Syria, Iraq, and Libya, the emergence of Turkey as a regional superpower, the intervention of the EU in regional affairs, the role of the USA, the regional arms race, and the refugee crisis—these are just a few of the unique factors contributing to the region’s chaotic landscape.
Cyprus, however, stands as an exception.
With a stable government, peaceful transfer of power following elections, and a Western liberal democratic and pluralist system, it is the odd one out.
While the Gaza war and the Arab Spring continue to play out and complicate the region, Cyprus—like Israel, Lebanon, and Egypt—has discovered gas.
Suddenly, the EU is more than just aware of Cyprus; it is eager to reconnect with a long-overlooked partner—at last, a reliable, albeit small, and committed energy supplier.
The discovery of gas has become a game changer.
Turkey’s influence is being challenged by the EU, particularly France, while Israel engages in geopolitical and economic manoeuvring.
Although Turkey is a NATO member and aligned with the West, it also maintains ties with Russia and its allies—placing bets on all sides and collecting benefits from each.
Turkey has purchased arms from China and Russia and attempted to integrate them with NATO-supplied systems—much to the frustration of NATO and Western powers.
Turkey has established military bases throughout Africa and the Middle East. Its security services conduct clandestine operations across every continent. It funds television soap operas, music, online entertainment, and promotes a popular culture aimed at becoming the Middle East’s version of the K-pop phenomenon.
It boasts the third-largest network of diplomatic offices globally.
On nearly every metric, Turkey acts and perceives itself as a global power.
Its airline is the 8th largest in the world, based at the third-largest airport globally, and Turkey is a leading manufacturer of drones.
Turkey’s hunger for energy security is well known.
It frequently trespasses into Greek and Cypriot waters and, until recently, ventured into the territorial waters of Lebanon, Israel, and Libya.
Despite Turkey’s size and its ability to project both hard and soft power, Cyprus has not been deterred, quietly building a network of strategic alliances.
Another game changer is the rise of politically driven Islam, used as a cover to dominate neighbouring regions.
The Ankara regime, keen to profit from the rise of Islamic political ideology, pressured the north of Cyprus to allow headscarves in schools.
Ankara’s greatest weakness appears to be the growing divide between its vision and the aspirations of its educated youth.
The youth of the Middle East are seeking a lifestyle and freedom of movement that eludes the divided north of Cyprus.
Emerging trends among young people pose a threat to Turkey’s political goals.
Perhaps the most telling example of reactionary policy is the Turkish Cypriot regime’s decision not only to allow headscarves in secondary schools but to promote this as the societal “norm.”
It appears that Ankara’s only strategy to halt the tide of liberalism and liberty is to revert to old habits.
Today’s youth are choosing to align with the West, shedding tribal baggage and joining a globalised, tech-driven community. They seek passports, opportunities to travel, to learn, and to live free of inherited burdens. This is the battle Turkey faces daily. Despite re-education efforts and online troll campaigns, young people increasingly see a better future elsewhere.
The Cyprus question now stands at a crossroads. As a new generation rises, the old generation—with its baggage—is left behind. On the ground, a united island seems more possible than ever, while the elites obsessed with global influence appear increasingly uneasy.
