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Niki Louca shares her favourite homemade Bougatsa recipe

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for bougatsa (custard parcels) with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram @mygreekkitchen for more!

Ingredients:

  • 1 litre full cream milk
  • 1 slice peel from a lemon
  • 200g sugar
  • 120g fine semolina
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla paste
  • 50g cold butter
  • 1 packet filo pastry
  • approx.  extra 1/2 cup butter melted.
  • icing sugar and cinnamon to dust

Method:

  1. Heat milk and sugar together till sugar has dissolved.  Lightly whisk your egg yolks in a small bowl with a fork, and add to the milk/sugar mixture.  Slowly add the semolina and whisk continuously till mixture starts to thicken.  Do not walk away from it. 
  2. Remove from heat and add the vanilla paste, lemon zest and cold butter.  Mix till butter melts.
  3. Pour into a shallow dish/tray and allow it to cool down completely.  Cover it with glad wrap to stop skin forming.
  4. To make individual parcels, you will need 2 sheets of pastry one top of the other, brushing each generously with butter between each layer.
  5. Lay the 2 buttered sheets flat on top of each other, lengthwise, and spoon 2 tbsp. of the mixture on the middle of the sheets, end closest to you.  Fold each of the sides in towards the custard, as to create and envelope, and roll all the way to seal the parcel.
  6. Repeat process until all sheets are used. 
  7. Place little parcels into a baking dish brushed with butter and bake at 180C until golden brown.
  8. Dust with icing sugar and cinnamon – serve warm.

Niki Louca runs cooking classes in Melbourne. For more or to book classes visit My Greek Kitchen at www.mygreekkitchen.com.au or Instagram @mygreekkitchen. You can email Niki at: niki@mygreekkitchen.com.au.

Learn Modern Greek at the leading NSW School of Languages

Whether you have some knowledge of the Greek language you wish to study or are starting from the beginning the benefits of language learning for your education and personal development will be long-lasting. 

The NSW School of Languages is a distance education school run by the Department of Education that offers 12 languages (including Modern Greek) for study from Years 9 to 12. The courses are taught in a blended model that includes online coursework (completed at home school) and a weekly speaking lesson (delivered online). 

To find out more about the Greek language courses offered by the NSW School of Languages, The Greek Herald chatted with Ms Athina Papanikolaou, the Head Teacher for Modern Greek and Italian at the school. 

What do your Greek language classes offer students? 

At our school, students can start their Modern Greek studies in Year 9 and continue through to Year 12. We offer all HSC courses: Beginners, Continuers and Extension. Students can access the online course from their own school. They have weekly one-on-one speaking lessons with their teacher. Our highly experienced teachers support each student’s learning needs with individual feedback and instruction. 

In addition to weekly one-on-one speaking lessons, students have the opportunity to come to our school in Petersham and attend face-to-face lesson days. Once a term, students can meet their teachers and peers and participate in a range of educational activities. They can practise their speaking, listening, reading, writing and grammar skills and learn new vocabulary through creative and interactive methodologies and a range of vibrant cultural activities including cooking, music, dancing.  

What are the benefits of a public distance education for language?   

Flexibility is undoubtedly a great benefit of distance language learning. Distance education is good for independent learners. We cater for students from all education sectors who want to study a language that is not offered at their school.  

Learning is supported through a diverse program of online courses, speaking lessons, video conferencing and email. 

Why do you encourage people to enrol in classes for 2026? 

Greek has been classified as one of Australia’s twelve priority languages and is taught in all states and territories in a variety of systems and levels of education.  

Learn Greek the smart way with courses at NSW School of Languages. With the guidance of our experienced and passionate teachers the courses are structured to meet the needs of every student in a blended learning environment. Our teachers have experience in developing, marking and assessing external exams such as the HSC, and can pass on invaluable experience, knowledge and skills to their students to best prepare them for their HSC studies and beyond.

Anything you’d like to add? 

While some of us learn a language because of our background and desire to better communicate with relatives, maybe we should learn a language so we can embark on a journey of discovery. Why not begin your Odyssey now? 

Enrolments are now open for 2026 for the Modern Greek courses at the NSW School of Languages.

Find out more https://nswschoollang.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/enrolment.html 

Over 2.5 million new Greek ID cards issued since launch

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The rollout of Greece’s new ID cards, which officially began on September 25, 2023, has now seen over 2.5 million cards issued, out of an estimated 9 million that need replacement.

Each new ID is automatically recorded in the National Citizens Registry by the Police, updating all linked public services in real time.

Cardholders are advised to also update their personal details with relevant institutions and private entities to prevent issues with transactions or contracts.

Priority updates should be made with banks and digital banking platforms, employers, insurance providers, and mobile or internet service companies.

Utility providers should also be notified if the ID is tied to a standing payment or service agreement.

Greek kite surfer makes history with Hungary’s Gold Medal of Honour

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Greek kite surfer Anastasios Garipis has been awarded Hungary’s Gold Medal of Honour for rescuing a father and daughter from drowning off the coast of Epanomi, northern Greece, last summer.

At 21, Garipis became both the first Greek and the first foreign citizen to receive the distinction.

The dramatic rescue occurred when strong currents swept the Hungarian visitors out to sea.

Garipis, alongside Spanish wing-surfing champion Iset Segura, spotted the pair struggling and brought them safely back to shore. Segura was also recognised with the same honour.

The award ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace in Budapest, where Garipis received the medal from the President of Hungary. The event began with the Greek national anthem, highlighting the international significance of the occasion.

Garipis reflected on the recognition, saying, “I never imagined that a President of a Republic would honour me for something that, to me, was simply human nature, helping two people in need during a day of training.”

“Freedom is made of responsibility, the responsibility to make sure everyone reaches the shore. I accept this medal with gratitude, not just as a personal award, but as a tribute to the humanity that binds us all,” he added.

Garipis’ father, Stelios, shared his pride on social media, describing the ceremony as a “message of hope and solidarity for the Europe of the future.”

Attendees included the Greek Ambassador, Hungarian officials, Spanish representatives, Segura, and the rescued family, who expressed heartfelt gratitude.

Garipis’ courageous act now stands as a symbol of international solidarity and quiet heroism that transcends borders.

Albanese government moves forward with News Bargaining Incentive to boost local journalism

The Albanese government has moved forward with the News Bargaining Incentive (NBI), first announced in December 2024, issuing a consultation paper outlining its proposed implementation.

The measure aims to compel large digital platforms to strike deals with Australian news publishers under the News Media Bargaining Code (NMBC) or face a higher tax on local revenue.

Treasury’s paper proposes that platforms with $250 million or more in annual revenue from significant social media or search services pay around 1.5% of revenue to news publishers, or a 2.25% charge if they refuse.

The incentive is designed to prevent platforms from withdrawing news content to avoid obligations, a loophole highlighted when Meta threatened to end its deals in 2023.

“The incentive is not intended to raise any [government] revenue, and those entities already engaging in commercial deals should not face unduly complex compliance rules,” the paper states.

Stakeholder consultation is open until December 19, after which legislation will be drafted, with the code set to take effect from January 1.

Media bargaining is back on the agenda under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as the government seeks to ensure digital platforms contribute fairly to local journalism.

Source: Mumbrella.

Former Stonnington mayor Jami Klisaris sues Council Watch president for defamation

Former Stonnington mayor Jami Klisaris has launched defamation proceedings against Council Watch president Dean Hurlston, alleging he spread false sexual harassment claims that caused “serious harm” to her reputation.

A writ filed in the County Court accuses Hurlston of publishing an untrue allegation that Klisaris “relentlessly” sexually harassed his partner and her political opponent, former mayor Joe Gianfriddo, by “touching him repeatedly on the upper thigh.”

It alleges the posts appeared on Hurlston’s Council Watch Facebook page and X account.

The filing states Hurlston’s “vendetta” began in 2021 after Klisaris, then mayor, supported the development of a sports centre at Percy Treyvaud Memorial Park, a project Hurlston and Gianfriddo “were vocal opponents” of as residents living across the road.

It claims he subsequently used Council Watch to “persistently and unreasonably” criticise and vilify her and sponsored defamatory posts during the October 2024 council elections, when both Klisaris and Gianfriddo contested the Malvern Ward.

Klisaris, Stonnington’s youngest-ever mayor who served three terms and is also a practising solicitor, says she previously held an “outstanding and unblemished reputation” before the alleged publications.

The writ argues she has been “humiliated and embarrassed” and suffered damage to her professional standing. She is seeking aggravated damages.

Hurlston maintains the allegations are “substantially true,” telling the Herald Sun: “More will be said in the defence and it will not be good for many people involved with Stonnington council.”

His defence, signed by barrister Sue Chrysanthou, describes Council Watch as a watchdog holding councils “accountable” and says he made “two reasonable offers to make amends.”

He rejects claims of a longstanding vendetta, calling them “embarrassing and liable to be struck out.”

The dispute comes after Hurlston was earlier issued a two-year order barring him from stalking, harassing or making derogatory remarks about current Stonnington mayor Melina Sehr, a ruling he intends to appeal.

Source: Herald Sun.

‘Genocide to Regeneration’: Treloar’s legacy brought home to St Patrick’s College Ballarat

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St Patrick’s College Ballarat hosted the inaugural presentation of Genocide to Regeneration: The Photographs of George Devine Treloar by Assoc. Professor David Treloar and Dr Panayiotis Diamadis, on Monday evening, November 10. 

According to a statement by St Patrick’s College, the presentation was about “honouring the extraordinary life and humanitarian legacy of Old Collegian George Devine Treloar (SPC 1900).” 

“On the eve of Remembrance Day, Dr Diamadis shared incredible insights into Col Treloar’s life,” continued the College’s statement, “and generously donated a copy of the book to the College library, ensuring future generations of Paddy boys can learn from and be inspired by Col Treloar’s story.”

In Dr Diamadis’ words: “This evening was very special as Ballarat is where the story of Colonel Treloar began. To present his photographs, his writings and our research on his legacy at St Patrick’s, at the school which helped shape Colonel Treloar, to walk the grounds and halls he walked 125 years ago, was a humbling experience.” 

Student leaders escorted Dr Diamadis together with Nick Makridis and Kostas Antoniadis of the Australian Greek Ex-Servicemen’s Association to the olive tree and commemorative plaque that had been planted by then-College Headmaster John Crowley and Mr Antoniadis on 25 October 2015.

This living memorial was a gift to St Patrick’s College from Melbourne’s Greek Genocide Commemoration Committee. Mr Antoniadis was the then-Chairman of the Committee. 

Since 2016, the Greek Genocide Commemorative Committee has presented annually the George Devine Treloar Award for Community Service to a St Patrick’s student. 

St Patrick’s College concluded its statement: “We thank Dr Diamadis and Prof Treloar for their contribution in preserving and sharing Col Treloar’s remarkable story.” 

Treloar’s story – still largely unknown in mainstream Australian and Hellenic historical narratives – has been brought to life through rare, haunting, and poignant photographs, most published in this volume for the first time. 

These are photographs Treloar took during his work as the League of Nations’ Commissioner for Refugees in northern Hellas. Treloar organised initial efforts at re-settlement and reconstruction of lives and communities. 

In the words of Dr Vasilis Adrahtas, co-founder of Unity in Philia, the publishers of Genocide to Regeneration: The Photographs of George Devine Treloar: “The story of George Devine Treloar, showcased by his photographs, is as much an Australian as it is a Hellenic story, a network of the intertwining threads.” 

Born in Ballarat in 1884, Treloar served with the British forces on the Western Front and during the Russian Civil War. Colonel Treloar was based in Constantinople between 1920 and 1922, working with refugees from the Russian Civil War, meeting and later marrying the love of his life, Kathleen. 

The audience at the presentation included College staff led by Deputy Principal – Community John Richards, student leaders and alumni, visitors from Melbourne and members of the Ballarat Hellenic community.

Tasha Lazaridis outraged after teen’s charges dropped over attempted carjacking

Tasha and Chris Lazaridis were left shaken after a 13-year-old allegedly attempted to carjack their vehicle in Ashburton on August 31, while their two-year-old son was in the back seat.

CCTV footage captured two masked offenders trying to open the car doors before fleeing, with Mr Lazaridis seen reversing the car and ramming the alleged getaway vehicle.

Four teenagers were charged over the incident, including the 13-year-old, who faced seven serious charges: attempted carjacking, armed robbery, dangerous driving while pursued by police, reckless conduct, unlicensed driving, burglary, and theft of a motor vehicle.

However, a court this week dropped all charges, citing the legal principle of doli incapax, which presumes children aged 10–14 may lack the criminal intent to understand the moral wrong of their actions.

Ms Lazaridis told 3AW she was devastated by the outcome. “We basically were meant to testify today in court and we received a call from the detective on our case saying that because of doli incapax all charges were dropped, so that was that, there were no consequences yet again,” she said.

“I feel completely let down by our government. I think the government cares more about protecting and looking after the wellbeing of the offenders, and not the victims. They are going to keep offending because there are no consequences.”

She also criticised Premier Jacinta Allan’s claims about Victoria’s bail laws, calling them “a joke” and “untrue.”

Source: News.com.au.

Melbourne car wash attack allegedly linked to Andrew Triantafyllos

A 43-year-old employee was seriously injured in a machete attack at Elite Car Wash on Mount Alexander Rd in Essendon on Thursday morning.

The assailant, wearing a balaclava, ambushed the worker around 9am, striking him twice before fleeing in a car.

The business and victim are understood to have connections to luxury car swindler Andrew Triantafyllos, an alleged fraudster previously targeted in multiple attacks, including cars being torched, bullets fired into his home, and a ram-raid at his wife’s nail salon.

Triantafyllos denied any official affiliation with the car wash, though he has been seen there regularly since it took over the premises two months ago.

Local business owner Charlie Manago told 7News the attack as “very unnerving” for the community, saying, “It’s not very nice but what do you do? It’s unfortunately part of the culture at the moment.”

The injured employee was rushed to hospital, and police are investigating the incident.

Source: 7News.

Erdogan reaffirms support for two-state solution in Cyprus

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated that Ankara considers the establishment of two separate states on Cyprus as “the most realistic solution.”

On Thursday, November 13, Erdogan used a joint press conference in Ankara with newly elected Turkish-Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman to restate Turkey’s long-held position.

Congratulating Erhurman on his October 19 victory, Erdogan marked the 42nd anniversary of the declaration of the self-styled “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,” recognised only by Turkey.

He said Ankara and the Turkish-Cypriot leadership would continue “in full coordination” to pursue a “fair, sustainable, and realistic solution in line with the realities of the island.”

Erdogan blamed the “ongoing deadlock” on what he called the Greek Cypriot side’s refusal to accept “the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriots,” accusing Nicosia of attempting to “return the Turkish Cypriots to a minority status” under the “partnership structure of 1963.”

He also criticised the UN Security Council and the EU, particularly the bloc’s decision to admit Cyprus despite the failure of the 2004 Annan Plan.

He added that since UN-sponsored reunification talks collapsed in 2017 “when the Greek Cypriots walked away,” Turkey has been clear it will not enter negotiations “for show,” maintaining its stance “in complete agreement” with the Turkish-Cypriot side.

The 2017 talks fell apart over disputes on security guarantees, Turkish troop withdrawals and power-sharing, prompting Ankara to increasingly push for a two-state settlement.