As International Women’s Day (IWD) approaches on March 8, The Greek Herald is once again set to honour exceptional women within Australia’s Hellenic community.
This year, the publication is expanding its recognition program with a brand-new category: the ‘Woman to Watch’ Award, celebrating young women under 25 who are emerging as leaders and changemakers.
The theme for IWD 2025, #MarchForward, underscores the power of progress and resilience, making it the perfect time to shine a spotlight on young women who are already making an impact.
Recognising the next generation of trailblazers:
The ‘Woman to Watch’ Award joins the prestigious Greek Herald Woman of the Year Award, which honours women over 25 for their leadership, innovation, and contributions to society. This new category specifically highlights rising stars who are making a difference in their communities.
Anais Menounos was named ‘The Greek Herald Woman of the Year’ 2024.
“We are especially proud to introduce the ‘Woman to Watch’ Award, which shines a spotlight on young women under 25 who are already making waves and showing great promise as future leaders,” Andriana Simos, Digital Editor at The Greek Herald, said.
“By recognising both established and emerging changemakers, we hope to inspire more women to #MarchForward and continue shaping a brighter future for all.”
How to nominate a ‘Woman to Watch’:
Do you know an inspiring young Greek Australian woman who deserves recognition?
Nominations are now open for both award categories.
Submissions must be received by 5pm, 27 February 2025.
In 200 words or less, share how your nominee is making an impact.
Winners will be revealed on 16 March 2025 at The Greek Herald’s International Women’s Day event with the Greek Festival of Sydney. There will also be an exclusive cover story in The Greek Herald.
With the addition of the ‘Woman to Watch’ category, The Greek Herald continues its mission to celebrate and uplift women of all ages who are making a lasting impact in the Greek Australian community.
Don’t miss the chance to nominate an unsung heroine today.
Football Australia has officially unveiled the Australian Championship, the rebranded National Second Tier (NST), set to launch in October 2025. The competition, featuring 16 teams – eight foundation clubs and eight invited clubs – has been designed to bridge the gap between the National Premier Leagues (NPL) and the A-League.
However, one of the most pressing questions from journalists during a media briefing with Football Australia officials on Wednesday, February 12, was about the long-term vision for promotion and relegation between the competitions – a concept that has been hotly debated in Australian football for years.
A-League promotion: No clear timeline
When asked about the future of promotion and relegation, Football Australia CEO James Johnson reiterated that the Australian Championship is already incorporating “sporting merit” by allowing eight teams from the NPL to qualify each season.
“There is a connection. There is access between the Australian Championship and the NPL. You’ve got eight guaranteed slots and eight that are opened and can be accessed through sporting merit, which is what, ultimately, promotion and relegation is,” Johnson said.
However, he stopped short of committing to a formal promotion-relegation system with the A-League, stating that the focus is on making the competition a success first.
“We want to ensure that we’re getting and helping the clubs get the fans at the stadiums. We want to create a buzz around this model… How it evolves over time will depend on the success of this season,” Johnson said.
The Football Australia CEO also confirmed that A-League clubs had been consulted and were supportive of the new competition.
The eight Foundation Clubs have already been announced and include both South Melbourne FC and Sydney Olympic FC.
Clarifying financial requirements:
Another key issue raised was the financial burden on clubs. The Greek Herald asked about the rationale behind the mandatory $500,000 bank guarantee, particularly given the competition’s shift away from a standalone home-and-away model. The Bank Guarantee was required by the eight Foundation Clubs and revealed by South Melbourne FC in an open letter.
Football Australia responded by reinforcing the importance of the bank guarantee.
“The Bank Guarantee remains a mandatory threshold for participation in a future standalone National Second Tier league. It also secures automatic access to this year’s Australian Championship and exemption from the third NST Request for Proposal process commencing April 2025,” the organisation said in a statement.
Broadcast deal: Positive signs for the future
One of the most encouraging developments for the Australian Championship is its broadcasting plans.
When asked about media coverage, Football Australia confirmed that a major broadcast announcement is expected in the coming months, with officials hinting at a groundbreaking deal.
This suggests Football Australia is confident in securing strong commercial backing, which could be a crucial factor in growing the competition.
Hope for the future: A step towards professionalisation
Despite concerns over promotion-relegation and financial sustainability, Football Australia remains optimistic about the long-term future of the Australian Championship.
The competition is expected to increase club professionalism by providing a higher-level playing environment than the NPL.
Future changes – including the transition to a full home-and-away league – will be based on the success of the first edition.
“We think there is a market for this competition,” Johnson said. “When we talk about the Australian Championship, it’s one of our most engaging topics—almost at the level of the Socceroos. If we can harness that interest and emotion, we can grow the competition.”
While promotion to the A-League remains off the table for now, the establishment of the Australian Championship marks a historic step towards a more structured, national football pyramid. Its success in 2024-25 will be critical in determining how quickly the next evolution of the second tier takes place.
In an interview with The Greek Herald, the performer does not hide her impatience to be among the Greeks of Australia.
Are you looking forward to your performances in Melbourne and Sydney?
I can’t wait! It’s a great joy and honour to travel so far and meet the Greeks who live in Australia, to share music, emotions and memories. I’ve heard the best things about the warmth and passion of the people in Australia, so I’m looking forward to two nights full of love, dancing and singing!
What can the diaspora in Australia expect from you?
Two days full of rhythm, fun and emotion! We will travel together from the past to the present, from folk and retro music to more modern tunes, and of course, we will bring with out the Greek soul through our music. I promise that we will give our best to have an unforgettable time.
How important is it for an artist to know that some people who are so far from their homeland have the ability to connect with their country through music?
It’s moving. Music is a bridge that unites people, memories, cultures. For me, singing for Greeks who are thousands of kilometers away from Greece means that I bring a little of the sun, the sea and the sense of homeland to them. This is priceless.
Is there a song of yours that you would like to dedicate specifically to the Greek diaspora? If so, why?
I would dedicate ‘When I Dance’ to the diaspora because it is a song full of joy, freedom and positive energy. I want us to sing it out loud all together, dance to it and feel like we are one big group, united, even if we are separated by oceans.
Do you have a message you would like to send to the Greeks of Australia?
I can’t wait to see you in person, to sing together, to laugh, to dance and to feel Greece pulsating within us! You are the best ambassadors of our country and your love for the homeland inspires us. We are waiting for you for two magical evenings.
Event Details:
Melbourne – Antipodes Festival: Main Stage – Saturday, 22nd February
Sydney – Greek Festival of Sydney: Darling Harbour – Sunday, 23rd February
Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic and vibrant celebration of community and culture at the Melbourne Antipodes Festival and its Sydney counterpart, the Greek Fest @ Darling Harbour.
NSW Police have arrested seven people, including 55-year-old Fotis Antonios, in connection with an alleged billion-dollar scam where a crime syndicate coached individuals to file fraudulent sex abuse claims against the NSW government.
Antonios, from Girraween in Sydney’s west, is accused of being the leader of the syndicate that exploited former young offenders, inmates, and school students to submit fake claims.
Detective Superintendent Gordon Arbinja stated, “He’s made hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not a million dollars; he is the [alleged] syndicate head.”
Antonios and others allegedly coached complainants to pursue claims under the National Redress Scheme, the Sexual Assault Reporting Option, and civil litigation. Each fraudulent claim brought in at least $2,200, with Antonios reportedly having 100 claims pending.
The investigation has identified nearly 4,000 claims, many of which are “strikingly similar,” and several law firms are under investigation for their roles in the scam. Police suspect a significant portion of the $1.3 billion in claims were fraudulent.
Antonios faces 21 charges, including fraud and inciting others to commit fraud, and will appear in Parramatta Local Court.
Other arrests include a 53-year-old woman from Granville and individuals from Pendle Hill, Gladesville, and Horsley, all of whom are expected to face court next month.
Oakleigh Grammar Alumnus Arthur Demetriou, who graduated the school in 2023, recently celebrated the astonishing feat of becoming the first person with cerebral palsy to be accepted into Medicine at the University of Newcastle in New South Wales.
Arthur began his journey with Oakleigh Grammar in 2015, joining the School in Grade 4 after previously being in the public school system. Longing for a school environment where he could experience Greek culture alongside his education, Arthur seamlessly became part of the community and immediately felt comfortable at Oakleigh Grammar.
Given the obstacles Arthur faced with his condition, Arthur’s parents, Jim and Irene, were instrumental in building his belief that he was capable of anything. The remarkable level of care and love that Arthur received as a patient in hospital growing up instilled in him a desire to work in medicine, and so, from a young age Arthur mapped out a pathway of how he could achieve his goal.
Principal Robertson with Arthur and parents.
In his earlier years of schooling at Oakleigh Grammar, the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, taught as part of the Junior School curriculum, were pivotal to Arthur’s self-belief. They provided an extremely practical framework for Arthur to follow that helped him stay consistent and accountable to his own goals. Habit 2- Begin with the end in mind – was especially important for Arthur as his goal of working in medicine was kept at the forefront of everything he did.
In his later years of schooling in the Middle and Senior Schools, Oakleigh Grammar’s Learning Enhancement team also helped Arthur flourish.
Admiringly nicknamed ‘Arthur’s Angels’, these learning assistants aided him in classes with note taking, acting as scribes for assessments and other acts of support. Arthur appreciated that his learning assistants never babied him and always kept him accountable while providing a safe space at the school.
When his final year of schooling came around in 2023, Arthur yet again aimed high and achieved excellence, taking on the leadership role of School Vice Captain, while balancing participation in the School Representative Council along with his studies – which always came first. This resulted in an outstanding ATAR of 90.85 – the third highest mark among the Class of 2023.
Although this was not high enough to get into Medicine at Monash University, Arthur began undertaking a double degree at Monash before identifying a pathway for him to achieve his ultimate goal, through a program called Excellence Through Equity, which he was accepted into at the University of Newcastle after a rigorous process.
Invited back to speak to the current Oakleigh Grammar cohort at the Whole School Blessing in Term 1, Arthur was again welcomed with open arms. As he celebrated his excitement and success of achieving his goal, he thanked all members of the Oakleigh Grammar community, from the School Board to his teachers to the learning assistants who always pushed him to be his best.
Arthur addressing the School at Whole School Blessing.
He also gave words of encouragement to all students to pursue their dreams no matter what, reiterating the importance of the 7 Habits and their practical value to not just schooling, but everyday life.
Arthur was gifted a stethoscope by Oakleigh Grammar to celebrate his achievement in commencing the study of Medicine, with School Principal Mark Robertson celebrating Arthur’s accomplishment.
“Arthur’s journey is an inspiring testament to resilience and determination. Overcoming the challenges of cerebral palsy, he not only defied expectations but also became a beacon of hope for othersm” Mr Robertson said.
“His achievement stands as a powerful reminder that with perseverance and belief, anything is possible. Arthur is truly an inspiration to all who have been and who are currently in his presence.”
Oakleigh Grammar is extremely proud of the achievements of Arthur, and they serve as a powerful reminder of every person’s ability to achieve their goals if they are willing to put in the work and believe in themselves.
Vale to my friend Alan Harris. Over two decades, what we achieved together was unparalleled. We ventured to parts of the world and staged events where others wouldn’t dare to go. Together, we completed over 40 national tours across Australia—some lasting as long as six months—and performed on the world’s grandest stages for countless heads of state and spiritual leaders. I’ve lost track of the number of international opening and closing ceremonies we brought to life, blending artistry and music in ways that inspired so many. Your legacy lives on in the hearts of more than 2 million students whose lives you’ve touched—an impact that will echo for generations.
More than anything, we became family friends, saw our families grow up, and had some of the best laughs together.
I am going to miss you like a brother.
Through your ancient culture, you taught me early the true meaning of selflessness and showed me that life isn’t about chasing fleeting illusions and cheap tickets to immortality.
The world is going to miss YOU.
The story of Alan Harris, aka Big Al will never be repeated.
You were the greatest storyteller I knew.
You will be around us forever.
Until we meet again.
My condolences to your beautiful family Leonie, April, Tristan, Tristan Harris, Azlan Azza and the grandkids and spouses.
A Bondi doctor, John Andrew Balafas, 50, has been banned from entering popular eastern suburbs venue Coogee Bay Pavilion, following allegations he breached apprehended domestic violence orders (ADVOs).
Balafas was convicted in 2023 of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, intimidation, and contravening an ADVO after an incident where he threatened a victim with an axe, slammed it on a table, punched them, and smashed a glass on their legs.
He was sentenced to an 18-month community correction order.
In December 2022, the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal barred Balafas from practicing medicine for three years after finding he sexually exploited and invaded female patients during medical check-ups.
Balafas now faces two additional charges related to alleged ADVO breaches in Coogee on May 12 and September 7, 2023.
Court documents do not detail the alleged breaches, but his bail conditions, agreed upon in September last year, prohibit him from entering the Coogee Bay Pavilion.
The conditions also resulted in the forfeiture of a $30,000 surety, divided between Balafas and an unnamed acceptable person.
Balafas has pleaded not guilty to the breaches, with a hearing scheduled for March this year.
In a significant shift in US foreign policy, President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed during a 90-minute phone call to begin immediate negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
Trump described the conversation as “highly productive” and revealed that he and Putin are committed to working together to bring the conflict to an end.
“We each talked about the strengths of our respective nations, and the great benefit that we will someday have in working together,” Trump said in a social media post.
Photo: Mikhail Klimentyev / AFP via Getty Images.
Trump further emphasised that the two leaders agreed to meet in person, potentially in each other’s countries, with the main goal being to stop the ongoing fatalities in Ukraine.
“But first, as we both agreed, we want to stop the millions of deaths taking place in the war with Russia/Ukraine,” he said.
Following the call, Trump appointed key officials, including Senator Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, to lead the negotiations. White House officials, however, did not clarify if Ukraine would directly participate in the talks.
The phone call came after a prisoner swap between the two countries, with Russia releasing American schoolteacher Marc Fogel in exchange for Russian criminal Alexander Vinnik.
The call is seen as part of Trump’s broader effort to challenge current US policies on the Ukraine war, particularly those of former US President Joe Biden.
Trump’s call for an end to the conflict came as Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested that NATO membership for Ukraine was unrealistic and that a negotiated peace settlement should be prioritised.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed willingness to work with Trump, despite the shift in direction.
I had a long and detailed conversation with President Trump. I appreciate his genuine interest in our shared opportunities and how we can bring about real peace together.
We discussed many aspects—diplomatic, military, and economic—and President Trump informed me about what… pic.twitter.com/flmigxqtbl
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 12, 2025
“I am grateful to President Trump,” Zelensky posted on social media, highlighting discussions about potential peace opportunities.
Putin, in turn, invited Trump to visit Moscow and offered to host US officials for further talks on issues of mutual interest, including Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Trump continued to emphasise the urgency of bringing the war to a close and ensuring a peaceful settlement, supported by the release of Fogel and Vinnik.
Greece’s Interior Ministry has successfully completed a historic cleanup of the country’s electoral rolls, removing 441,042 names of voters who were deceased or living abroad without active tax records or valid Greek passports.
The initiative, which began in November 2023, aimed to improve the accuracy of electoral data, focusing on individuals aged 80 and older who met specific criteria, including being born before January 1, 1944, not filing tax returns, not receiving a pension, and lacking a valid passport.
The majority of the removals were individuals who had passed away, especially abroad, but whose names remained on the rolls due to a lack of official updates.
Regions with high historical emigration saw the largest removals, with Florina in the north leading the way, where 23.9% of its voter list was deleted.
The cleanup has also corrected the reported voter abstention rate from 46.26% in the 2023 elections to 43.7%, offering a more accurate reflection of voter participation.
This update is expected to benefit political analysts and pollsters, who will now work with more reliable data.
The effort was made possible by advancements in digital public registries and improved government database connectivity, spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior’s Digital Governance and Election Directorate under Theodoros Livanios.
While this marks the first large-scale voter roll cleanup in Greece’s history, officials stress the importance of continued updates to ensure electoral accuracy moving forward.
Authorities declared a state of emergency on Greece’s Amorgos island Wednesday, February 12, as a series of earthquakes continue to rattle the south-eastern Aegean Sea region.
This follows a similar emergency declaration for nearby Santorini on February 7, after thousands of unusual tremors were recorded in an undersea area near the islands of Santorini, Ios, and Anafi – all popular tourist destinations.
Despite initial hopes that the seismic activity might be easing, a new series of magnitude 5 earthquakes has raised concerns.
Amorgos.
Seismologists have noted that the epicentre of the earthquakes is shifting northward toward Amorgos. The state of emergency will allow for the swift deployment of resources and emergency services.
Authorities have already mobilised fire departments, police, coast guard, and armed forces, particularly on Santorini, where thousands of residents and seasonal workers have evacuated.
Since January 26, around 12,000 earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 1 have been recorded, according to the University of Athens’ crisis management committee.
While Greece is in a seismically active region, such a prolonged and intense series of earthquakes is highly unusual.
