A South Australian father accused of using an encrypted AN0M device to arrange large-scale drug deals has been granted home detention bail.
Artemis Triantafillou, 47, from Panorama, appeared in court charged with trafficking more than three kilograms of methamphetamine as part of the nationwide Operation Ironside sting, which saw 55 arrests in South Australia.
Prosecutors alleged Triantafillou used his AN0M device to “seek out substantial quantities” of cocaine and meth, claiming the evidence linking him to the phone was “very strong.”
Defence lawyer Elizabeth Porter said the allegations “came as a shock to him and his family” and that many of the drug trafficking charges were “primarily to be defended.”
Magistrate Lynette Duncan granted bail on strict home detention conditions. Triantafillou will return to court next year.
Private lender Gemi Investments has warned investors it faces losses of more than $5 million after loans to former pub baron Jon Adgemis soured.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the Sydney-based fund, which lent at least $390 million to Adgemis’ distressed hospitality empire, said it expects no recovery on five venues and has made a full 100-cent-in-the-dollar provision.
Gemi’s troubles deepened after receiver McGrathNicol began selling the seized pubs, including the South Bondi Hotel, which could fetch up to $80 million. However, sources said Gemi is unlikely to see any proceeds.
The firm also revealed that 91 per cent of its loan book is tied up in legal or recovery disputes, with no performing loans and withdrawals frozen.
Adding to the pressure, Gemi has failed to secure auditor approval for its accounts and may face further write-downs despite a $5 million buffer.
The lender was among several private credit funds examined by ASIC, which found widespread compliance and disclosure issues in the $200 billion sector.
North Bondi mortgage broker Jimmy Koufos, 53, has appeared in Gosford Local Court accused of defrauding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) of more than $700,000.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the 1975dismissal of Gough Whitlam as a “partisan political ambush”, as Labor marks 50 years since one of Australia’s most turbulent moments in history.
Speaking at Old Parliament House in Canberra on Monday, Albanese said the sacking of the then-Prime Minister by Governor-General Sir John Kerr had “no legitimate pretext” and failed to “respect the mandate” of Whitlam’s democratically elected government.
“Make no mistake: November 11th 1975 was not a ‘constitutional crisis’ – it was a partisan political ambush,” he said.
“The opposition orchestrated a parliamentary gridlock over the budget and then secretly prevailed upon the governor-general to break it, by sacking the prime minister.”
The Prime Minister also announced plans for a statue honouring Whitlam’s legacy and his landmark reforms, including Medibank, free university education, Indigenous land rights and the creation of the Family Court.
Fifty years ago tomorrow, Gough Whitlam’s Labor Government was dismissed.
Gough Whitlam delivered so much for Australians who felt overlooked for too long.
Whitlam’s Australia was more modern, more confident and more equal.
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek, a long-time friend of Gough and Margaret Whitlam, recalled the shock of the dismissal as one of her earliest political memories.
“I can’t imagine anybody thinking that it was the right course of action at the time … I firmly blame Kerr,” she said, describing the governor-general as “the villain of the piece.”
Ms Plibersek added that the event remains a reminder that “protecting our democratic institutions is more important than any person or any political party.”
Current Governor-General Sam Mostyn reflected that while such a move is “unlikely” to happen again, the episode continues to serve as a warning.
“The fact that we’re discussing it 50 years later… tells us that we will not be in this position where a governor-general will be sitting across from a sitting prime minister and effectively using the dismissal power,” she said.
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the spiritual head of the Greek Orthodox Church in the United States, has officially become a naturalised American citizen.
Photographs shared online show the Archbishop participating in a citizenship oath ceremony – the final step in the naturalisation process, during which applicants swear allegiance to the US Constitution and renounce prior national loyalties.
In a statement following the ceremony, Archbishop Elpidophoros expressed heartfelt appreciation for his adopted homeland.
“With gratitude and humility, I thank this great nation for welcoming me six years ago – and today, for granting me the honour of becoming an American citizen,” he said.
He described the occasion as one filled with “joy and renewed purpose,” pledging to “redouble” his service to both the Greek Orthodox faithful and the broader American community.
Quoting Scripture, he added: “As Scripture reminds us, ‘Every good and every perfect gift is from above’ (James 1:17) – and today, I receive this gift with thanksgiving and love.”
The Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW concluded its weekend of commemorations for the 159th anniversary of the Holocaust of the Arkadi Monastery with a solemn church service and wreath-laying ceremony on Sunday, November 9, at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, Redfern.
Honouring faith and freedom
The memorial service was presided over by Very Reverend Archimandrite Stephanos Tinikashvili, who led the congregation in prayer to honour the hundreds of men, women, and children who perished in the historic 1866 siege at the Arkadi Monastery in Crete.
A special message from His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia was read during the service, highlighting the heroism of the Cretans who chose death over surrender on the 8th and 9th of November 1866.
His Eminence praised the Cretan Association for continuing to honour the memory of those heroes and preserving their legacy of faith, courage, and freedom within the Australian Greek community.
Representing the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Anastasia Christofilopoulou, First Secretary for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate General, attended the service and joined in paying tribute on behalf of the Greek State. Her presence underscored the enduring connection between Greece and its diaspora, particularly in preserving the memory of historic acts of resistance such as Arkadi.
A ceremony of remembrance
Following the liturgy, guests and community members gathered outside the Cathedral for the wreath-laying ceremony, which was emceed by Freda Miyakis, who warmly welcomed attendees and reflected on the enduring importance of Arkadi as a symbol of freedom and sacrifice.
Wreaths were laid by Mrs Christofilopoulou; Terry Saviolakis, President of the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW; Emmanuel Mountakis, President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand; Panagiotis Tsigounis, President of the Greek Returned Services League of NSW; Ari Paraskakis, President of the Cretan Youth of Australia and New Zealand; and representatives of the Cretan Youth of Sydney and NSW.
Wreaths were laid by a number of people.
The ceremony also featured the recitation of the Ode by Mr Tsigounis, followed by a minute of silence observed in memory of the fallen, before attendees joined in singing the Australian and Greek national anthems, uniting both identities in shared reverence.
Preserving legacy across generations
As the final wreaths were laid and the hymns echoed through Redfern, the 159th Arkadi commemoration once again reaffirmed the Cretan Association’s commitment to preserving history, faith, and identity -ensuring that the spirit of Arkadi continues to live on in the hearts of future generations.
The Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW marked the 159th anniversary of the Holocaust of the Arkadi Monastery with a moving Arkadi Dinner Dance on Saturday, November 8.
Held at the Clairemont Reception Centre in Bankstown, the event drew a crowd of more than 200 guests for an evening that intertwined remembrance, music, and cultural pride.
Warm welcomes and heartfelt tributes
The event was emceed by Ari Paraskakis, who guided the evening with warmth and humour, welcoming dignitaries, community members, and friends of Crete.
Emcee Ari Paraskakis.
Among the guests were Very Reverend Archimandrite Father Eirinaios Trialonakis, representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, and Consul General of Greece in Sydney, George Skemperis, both attending a Cretan Association event for the first time.
Also present were Anastasia Christofilopoulou, First Secretary for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, and Emmanuel Mountakis, President of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand.
(L-R) Cretan Association President Terry Saviolakis, Consul General George Skemperis, and Father Eirinaios Trialonakis.
Father Eirinaios, who recently arrived from Crete, offered a heartfelt welcome and recited traditional mandinathes about the Holocaust of Arkadi – verses honouring the courage and sacrifice of the 964 Cretans who perished defending their freedom. His moving words drew warm applause from the audience, after which he was presented with a small gift by the Association in appreciation of his presence and spiritual message.
Consul General Skemperis delivered a reflective address highlighting Crete’s rich historical legacy, spanning from the Minoan civilisation and Erotokritos to the Arkadi tragedy, Eleftherios Venizelos, and the Battle of Crete. To mark the occasion, he was presented with a replica Minoan bas-relief from the Palace of Knossos, symbolising the island’s enduring contribution to Greek history and world heritage.
‘We don’t celebrate death – we celebrate freedom’
In his keynote speech, Cretan Association President Terry Saviolakis paid tribute to the fallen heroes of Arkadi while reflecting on what their sacrifice continues to mean to Cretans worldwide:
“We don’t celebrate the battle or the death,” he said. “We celebrate the freedom – the very freedom they fought and died for.”
Cretan Association President Terry Saviolakis.
He went on to highlight the ongoing role of the Association in keeping those traditions alive.
“Before us, the first and second generations of Cretan migrants formed a Brotherhood to preserve our customs here. Now, the first, second, third, and fourth generations continue to keep the Cretan customs alive. That love for our island is something worth rejoicing,” Mr Saviolakis said.
Dances, music and emotion
The night featured performances from all three dance groups of the Cretan Association – the junior, intermediate, and senior teams – led by teachers Irene Vitetzakis, Christopher Townsend, Vayia Spanoudakis, and Tina Parliaros.
The young dancers, dressed in traditional Cretan costume, captivated the audience with their rhythm and precision, embodying the intergenerational spirit of Crete.
This year’s event also marked the farewell of dance teacher Ms Spanoudakis, who concluded five years of service. She was honoured with a gift and extended applause for her dedication to the Association’s youth and her passion for passing on Cretan heritage.
Farewell of dance teacher Vayia Spanoudakis.
Live music by international artists from Crete – Vangelis Kimionis, Klearchos Manolioudis, and Michalis Lymakis – filled the hall with the unmistakable sounds of the lyra and laouto, transporting attendees straight to the mountains and villages of Crete.
Live music by international artists from Crete – Vangelis Kimionis, Klearchos Manolioudis, and Michalis Lymakis.
Honouring community service and legacy
A highlight of the night was the presentation of the 13th annual “Megalonisos Award”, which recognises exceptional dedication to the Cretan Association and the broader community. This year’s award went to George Parliaros, a longstanding member and former committee member.
His family’s deep roots within the Association were noted with pride – his daughter Tina serves as head dance teacher, and his son Andrew Parliaros is a former president. The moment was especially emotional, as it marked George’s first time seeing his granddaughters perform, a sight many felt his late wife, Anna, was watching “from above.”
Farewell to a diplomat
The Association also farewelled Mrs Christofilopoulou, whose tenure as First Secretary for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney has been marked by invaluable service to the community.
Mrs Christofilopoulou played a key role in supporting the Cretan Association and the Consulate’s Battle of Crete delegations, strengthening ties between Greece and Australia through culture and commemoration.
She was presented with a special gift from the Association in appreciation of her contributions and dedication to the Hellenic diaspora.
Keeping the Arkadi spirit alive
With its blend of solemn remembrance and joyful celebration, this year’s Arkadi Dinner Dance once again captured the essence of the Cretan spirit — resilience, faith, and unbreakable community.
As Mr Saviolakis concluded: “The people of Arkadi gave their lives so that Crete could live free. The least we can do is honour them together.”
The Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney and NSW has officially commenced its commemorations for the 113th anniversary of the Liberation of Lesvos.
On Sunday, November 9, the Brotherhood held a heartfelt memorial service at St Raphael, Nicholas & Irene Greek Orthodox Church in Liverpool. The service was presided over by parish priest Father Asterios Zouriakas.
The service drew members of the Lesvian community and local Greek organisations, including Brotherhood President Peter Psomas and Vice President Joanna Tzanellis.
The congregation took part in a procession of the icon of Taxiarchis, paying tribute to Lesvos’ enduring faith, heritage, and resilience. This was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony to honour those who sacrificed their lives for the island’s freedom.
President Mr Psomas said the ceremony was deeply meaningful for all in attendance.
“The service was an emotional and heartfelt tribute honouring the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the island’s freedom. Long live Lesvos. Long live Freedom,” Mr Psomas said.
The commemorations will continue this weekend with the annual Liberation Ball on Saturday, 15 November, at Mytilenian House in Canterbury. The evening will feature live music by Paradise Band, traditional Greek dancing, and authentic island cuisine, promising a “true Lesvian glendi” celebrating pride, freedom, and community spirit.
Hosted by Paul Ioakimidis and sponsored by Steki Taverna, the event will bring to life one of the most iconic Greek live albums ever recorded, featuring the legendary Dimitris Mitropanos, Themis Adamantidis, and Dimitris Basis.
Tickets are $55 per person, which include a Greek antipasto platter on arrival, featuring taramasalata, tzatziki, dolmades, kefalograviera cheese, smoked ham, salami, Kalamata olives, Greek salad and bread. Doors open at 7:30pm, with the show starting at 8:30pm.
Originally released in 2005, “Iparhi Ke… To Zeibekiko” celebrates the raw emotion and musical depth of the zeibekiko, a traditional Greek dance and genre known for its expressive, improvisational character. The 31-track album showcases timeless hits such as Zeibekikos, Erotiko, and To Zeibekiko Tis Evdokias.
A talented lineup of local musicians, accompanied by a five-piece band, will recreate the album live, capturing the spirit and authenticity of the original performance.
The show promises to blend heartfelt vocals, soulful instrumentals, and the passionate rhythm of the zeibekiko – a dance that embodies strength, individuality, and emotion.
This will be a night where music, memory, and Greek pride intertwine – celebrating the timeless power of the zeibekiko and the enduring heartbeat of Hellenic culture in Canberra.
Round 5 of the Australian Championship delivered drama and intensity, with key clashes shaping the race for the Quarter-Finals.
Sydney Olympic were held to a thrilling draw, South Melbourne maintained their perfect record, and Heidelberg United secured progression after a hard-fought contest.
SydneyOlympic held in six-goal thriller
Sydney Olympic and Moreton City Excelsior shared the points in a dramatic 3-3 draw as tempers flared in Round 5 of the Australian Championship.
Cyrus Dehmie set up Glorie Amanda for the opener before Ali Auglah doubled Olympic’s lead.
Joe Scott pulled one back for Excelsior just before half-time, and despite Adam Parkhouse restoring Olympic’s two-goal cushion, Seita Murai’s penalty reignited the contest.
With seconds remaining, Luka Jankovic headed home a 93rd-minute equaliser to secure a vital point for Excelsior.
South Melbourne remain unbeaten
South Melbourne continued their flawless Championship campaign with a 2-0 win over Broadmeadow Magic, extending their perfect record to five matches.
The Wolves led twice through Alex Masciovecchio and Lachlan Scott, but Heidelberg hit back each time, with Marcus Humbert and Max Bisetto scoring the equalisers.
The result guarantees Heidelberg a spot in the final eight as the Australian Championship group stage nears its conclusion.
