The graffiti is on one of the 48 telecommunications primary cross-connection boxes in Palaio Faliro that had been ‘renovated’ by the “Pictures and Dreams” group.
The Milwaukee Bucks star has been a strong representative for the American “Black Lives Matter” movement. Giannis Antetokounmpo, his family and some of his Milwaukee Bucks teammates joined a protest rally in Milwaukee in the beginning of June, demanding justice in the aftermath of the George Floyd killing.
“We want change, we want justice, and that’s why we’re out here. That’s what we’re going to do today. That’s why I’m going to march with you,” Antetokounmpo said.
“I want my kid to grow up here in Milwaukee, and not to be scared to walk in the streets. I don’t want my kid to have hate in his heart.”
Australia and New Zealand, in a joint bid labelled “As One 2023”, have won the historic bid to host the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
The trans-Tasman nations beat out that of Colombia by 22 votes to 13 at the FIFA Council meeting in Zurich early this morning.
The tournament will be the first co-confederation-hosted FIFA World Cup (Australia, being part of the Asian football confederation and New Zealand a member of the Oceanic branch), as well as the first FIFA Women’s World Cup to be held in the Asia-Pacific region.
Scenes of players and FFA officials cheering with passion showered social media after the announcement was made in the early hours of this morning.
FIFA Council president Gianni Infantino proposed that the FIFA tournament will be the “best World Cup ever, in Australia and New Zealand.”
“It will be even more global and have much positive impact on the development of women’s football,” Mr Infantino said.
The announcement was marked by the sails of the Sydney Opera House, which lit up with fireworks and confetti behind the iconic image of Matildas captain Sam Kerr backflipping in celebration.(Twitter: The Matildas)
Football Federation Australia chairman Chris Nikou said the successful bid was an enormous opportunity to grow football in the region.
“FIFA today has made not one, but two countries very happy,” Mr Nikou said.
“Our pledge to the FIFA family is that no stone will be left unturned to produce the best World Cup and grow the women’s game globally and in the Asia-Pacific region.”
FIFA Council president Gianni Infantino and Secretary-General Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura present Australia and New Zealand the official hosting certificate. (FIFA)
The proposed Australian venues include the Sydney Football Stadium, ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide, HBF Park in Perth, AAMI Park in Melbourne, McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle and York Park in Launceston.
The New Zealand venues are Eden Park in Auckland, Wellington Regional Stadium, Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, Waikato Stadium and Christchurch Stadium.
ANZ Stadium is the proposed venue for the final while Eden Park in Auckland will likely host the opening ceremony and opening match.
Speaking after the vote, Infantino slammed speculation that the Women’s World Cup was held in a lower regard to the men’s tournament.
“It is not a development tournament, obviously it is not a development tournament,” he said. “It’s not just a Women’s World Cup, it’s a World Cup, we need to realise that. Women are fifty per cent of the population.”
Collectively, the Australian and New Zealand federal governments will contribute nearly $110 million towards operational costs.
The Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate has issued new guidelines on how priests at Greek Orthodox churches can safely dispense communion, with one method including the switch to disposable spoons for communion.
“The synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate has offered the liberty to the priests to address this emergency situation by temporarily distributing Holy Communion using multiple spoons that are dedicated for only that purpose and belonging to the local parish,” the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America said in an announcement on Thursday.
Holy Communion is usually dispensed with a shared spoon, yet due to the spike of infections in America and other countries, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has allowed the use of disposable spoons.
Ecumenical Patriarchate Acts on Mode of Distribution of Holy Communion https://t.co/Gn5Y9IDt4F
— The Orthodox Observer (@OrthoObserver) June 25, 2020
The synod’s decision, said the archdiocese, “is not only consistent with the wisdom of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, but it underscores what His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros has affirmed since the beginning of the crisis: ‘It is not the way we receive, it is the Communion itself that saves us and gives us eternal life’.”
In the opening weeks of the coronavirus pandemic, the Ecumenical Patriarchate strongly recommended that “all the faithful adhere to the official directives of the World Health Organization” and the laws of the country they live in.
Whilst the Patriarchate does encourage the faithful to comply with all the health guidelines provided by WHO, he also says that “Holy Communion is ‘the antidote to mortality’ and remains firm in its Orthodox teaching regarding the Holy Eucharist.”
The Hellenic Initiative Australia will be supporting more than 2100 homeless and rough sleepers in Athens and Piraeus, over the next 12 months through an AU$35,000 grant to Emfasis Foundation.
This is the third year that THI Australia is supporting the Mobile Support Units (MSU) – Mobilising Lives program, enabling Emfasis to provide critical outreach services at a time when there are increasing fears of a further rise in homelessness in Greece due to economic impact of COVID-19.
It follows a special AU$10,000 grant from THI Australia in May to support extra relief and emergency measures implemented by Emfasis in response to COVID-19.
Over the past 12 months, the number of people assisted by Emfasis increased by 35 percent. There was also a 60 percent increase in food items distributed, primarily due to spike in demand during the COVID-19 lockdown period, when the majority of social services were suspended.
The Hellenic Initiative Australia President, Nicholas Pappas AM, praised Emfasis for its ability to continuously respond and adapt to the changing needs of vulnerable populations.
“Through our partnership with Emfasis over the past three years, THI Australia has witnessed the MSU become a reliable, trusted and effective support for people experiencing multiple forms of homelessness, including many elderly people and destitute families,” Mr Pappas said.
“As well as providing relief items like food and survival kits, Emfasis’ follow-up care has been outstanding and has helped people find temporary housing and employment and receive essential medical care,” Mr Pappas said.
Emfasis co-founder Maria Karra says there has been an increase in the number of neighbourhoods where the two MSU teams operate regular shifts.
“As a result of THI Australia’s continued support, our consistent presence on the streets and neighbourhoods in the capital has been extended to cover 14 municipalities in the Attica prefecture, enabling us to support and empower more people,” she said.
“We aim to help people reintegrate into society and are particularly pleased that in the past year our streetworkers have assisted 23 people to find employment and another 25 with temporary accommodation while we continue to work on longer term solutions.”
According to 2019 data released this month by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), 30 percent of Greeks were last year at risk of poverty and social exclusion, despite disposable incomes posting a small increase. At the height of the economic crisis in 2014 the figure had reached 36 percent.
There is growing concern that the effects of the financial hardship caused by COVID-19 will emerge over the coming months, particularly for those dependent on the tourism industry.
Since 2018, THI Australia committed $123,000 to the Emfasis, with the number of people assisted annually increasing from 900 to 2000.
Ms Karra says that despite efforts to revive the tourist season, it will not be sufficient to sustain the seasonal jobs market, particularly for less skilled workers.
“Many financially and socially vulnerable people, who are reliant on summer work, will find themselves with either no income or severely reduced income for an extended period of time,” she says.
“We have already received 30 percent more calls from families in despair who are unable to pay for their rent and face the risk of being evicted.
“The support from THI Australia remains more vital than ever,” Ms Karra said.
Following the recent reports of a coordinated attack on Archbishop Makarios, due to his overwhelming popularity and the response from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia on June 18 2020, the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate has released a statement of support for His Eminence.
As Romfea.gr reports, in the same statement, issued after the end of the three day convention (June 23-25) that was conducted in the Orthodox Centre Of The Ecumenical Patriarchate in Geneva, the Holy Synod and Partriarche Bartholomew also confirmed the suspension of Father Damaskinos for 6 months and the condemnation of Bishop Nikandros for alleged trouble he is causing within the circles.
The statement, translated from Greek to English, can be found below:
a) It expresses its full support for the personality and the praiseworthy work of the new Pastor, Rev. Archbishop Makarios, Hierarch of education and dynamic pastoral care.
b) He expresses strong dissatisfaction with Rev. The Metropolitan of Erinoupolis, Mr. Nikandros, for his incompatibility with the affairs of the Throne, and…
c) With satisfaction, it is noted that by the Bishop of Agios Oros, Ecumenical Patriarch, imposes a sentence of six months imprisonment by all the Hieromonks of the Holy Mother of God, the Sacrament of the Blessed Virgin Mary (ἐκ τοῦ Κελλίου). The Koutloumousiou Monastery, for its completely illegal and scandalous action to the detriment of The Archbishop of Australia, instead of praying for him and his son-in-law.
Dean
Georgalas has been playing the bouzouki since the tender age of 9 but more
recently, the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to adapt his musical talent for the
online world.
Cue the second digital installment of The Melbourne Rebetiko Ensemble which is set to take place this Friday, June 26 at 7pm. The Ensemble will be streamed live on the Facebook pages of The Greek Herald and Rebetika in Melbourne, and Dean says he’s proud he gets to perform Rebetiko music from his favourite artists.
“I’ve been
playing the bouzouki for 38 years. I was inspired by some of the great artists
such as Georgios Zampetas and Manolis Hiotis. It’s that unique sound which resonates
and draws you in,” Dean tells The Greek Herald.
The second Melbourne Rebetiko Ensemble is set to take place online this Friday, June 26 at 7pm.
“So when I
play I’m in my own world. Away from everything! I can express my feelings
through my music. It’s truly special. Rebetika allows you to feel the music and
connect like no other style.”
But how does Dean feel about sharing his music and “his own world” with thousands of viewers who will tune in to the digital concert on Friday? Because let’s not forget, the first concert reached more than 19,000 people.
“I’m
extremely excited. Initially, I was quite sceptical but after the feedback and
the difference we felt we had made, it has really made us appreciate our
audience and our fans so much more,” he says.
“We are always looking at different and better ways to perform. We are constantly updating and adding to our repertoire. We also have a great choice of songs for this second performance.”
The Melbourne Rebetiko Ensemble can be streamed live on the Facebook pages of The Greek Herald and Rebetika in Melbourne.
Works by Vassilis Tsitsanis, Sotiria Bellou and Giorgos Mitsakis are expected to be performed, along with original music from the Ensemble’s upcoming CD, ‘To Monopati,’ which is available for digital purchase and download.
Taking
part in the online performance will also be founding members of the Ensemble
including Stavrina Dimitriou (vocals), Achilles Yiangoulli (vocals/guitar) and
Con Kalamaras (baglama/vocals).
A
grouping which Dean calls a “diverse bunch” who are excited to see where the
future takes their magical music making.
“We
all have a strong passion for what we do. We are all so very dedicated and
every gig is an absolute buzz,” Dean exclaims. “So I think as long as we have
the people’s support, we might have a third ensemble. Why not! Third, fourth…”
It’s
clear there are some exciting times ahead.
The Melbourne Rebetiko Ensemble can be streamed live on the Facebook pages of The Greek Herald and Rebetika in Melbourne on Friday, June 26 at 7pm.
The disappearance of Adelaide man, Kerry Giakoumis, is being investigated by homicide detectives after he travelled to Victoria with two people believed to be Hells Angels members.
Mr Giakoumis, 29, travelled to Melbourne on June 5 with two associates believed to be members of the bikie gang, Victoria Police revealed today.
It remains unknown why Mr Giakoumis travelled to Victoria, but police said he had told family he planned to work in the state as a concreter.
Police said he regularly spoke with his family while in Melbourne and his mother had booked a flight for Wednesday, June 10, for him to return home.
He did not board the flight and contact with his family stopped, with the family then reporting him missing.
Police believe he was last seen when he attended the Hells Angels clubhouse on Lipton Drive, Thomastown, on June 10.
His bank accounts and phone have not revealed any activity after that date.
Police believe Mr Giakoumis had attended the Hells Angels headquarters in Thomastown. Photo: AAP / Julian Smith.
Police said they had executed search warrants at three properties, including the clubhouse at Thomastown, and properties in Richmond and Melbourne.
Homicide Squad Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Jason Poulton said police held “grave fears” for Mr Giakoumis’s welfare and his disappearance was “very much out of character”.
“We know he was at the Hells Angels clubhouse in the early hours of June 10, however what we don’t know is what has happened to Kerry and why,” he said.
“Investigators believe some kind of dispute has taken place and that may be connected to other members or associates of the Hells Angels OMCG [outlaw motorcycle gang].”
Family ‘desperate for answers’
Acting Senior Sergeant Poulton said police were calling for anyone who was at the clubhouse that night or knew what happened to contact police.
“There will be someone within the Hells Angels OMCG that knows … what happened to Kerry, and there is now an opportunity for that person to contact us directly or anonymously,” he said.
“Kerry’s family are desperate for answers and we’re hoping that someone will do the right thing and provide those.”
Photos of Mr Giakoumis have been released by police, including one taken at a convenience store.
They said the image shows him wearing a distinctive Chicago Bulls sweatshirt that he was known to wear while in Melbourne.
Anyone who has information about his whereabouts or what happened at the clubhouse is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Sydney Olympic Football Club are the latest team to announce their participation in the newly proposed NPL New South Wales Men’s and Women’s competitions.
Football NSW recently outlined an alternative format for the 2020 competition comprising 11 rounds and a two week semi final system, asking all NPL clubs to reaffirm their place in the competition.
Awaiting formal notice from Football NSW next week, Sydney Olympic CEO John Boulous said he is excited to participate in the revised season.
Sydney Olympic FC announced they will be competing in the newly proposed NPL season. Photo: Peter Oglos
“It has been a tough time for many in recent months due to COVID-19, but we are very lucky our Club Directors remain committed to ensuring our Senior Men and Women squads are able to enter the revised competitions,” Club CEO John Boulous said upon the announcement.
“The reason to play was a very simple one, we are a football club with a strong tradition of competing at the highest level and our Directors had no hesitation in making the call to participate as a strong commitment to both our supporters and players and for the good of the return of football in NSW and Australia.”
The Sydney Olympic CEO says that while an “easy option” could have been to not participate and commence re-building for next season, they are grateful to their players for recognising the financial impact from decreased funding and sponsorship on the Club due to COVID-19.
“Our playing groups have all been willing to accept revised terms in their agreements to ensure we put the Club at the forefront of all decisions and are able to participate in the proposed competitions,” Mr Boulous continued.
“We are very appreciative of the consideration shown by the players and staff and their commitment to the bigger picture and Club requirements”.
The Sydney Olympic FC Women’s squads commenced training two weeks ago and the Men’s squads will commence training from Monday 29 June.
The Sarantaporo.gr project began when a small group of young people, from the remote Thessaly mountains in central Greece, returned home to realise their village still had no internet access.
Telecom companies had no interest in investing to bring the necessary infrastructure there, so the group set out to create a wireless community network for almost 3,500 people in 12 isolated mountain villages.
The project works by collaborating with the local community of Thessaly to deploy the telecommunications infrastructure, provide digital literacy skills for local inhabitants and nurture and develop the community.
Since 2010, the project has provided 30 Mbps of symmetrical connectivity, with a 1 Gbps backhaul transferred wirelessly over the mountains from the University of Thessaly.
Run by volunteers and local champions, the project’s larger goals are to improve economic opportunities and quality of life for the area’s population, encouraging both the younger and older generations to stay.
The €156,000 project, which was nearly 60 percent funded by the EU, has been such a success that it also won a European Broadband Award in 2019.
When interviewed at the 2019 European Broadband Awards presentation ceremony, Vasileios Chrysos, Marketing Director of Sarantaporo.gr, said “the European Broadband Award is really significant for our community network.”
“It is a recognition that small organisations like ours really contribute in bridging the digital divide not only in our area, but also throughout Europe.”
Find out more about the Sarantaporo.gr project here.
Australians will have better access to
subsidised medicines and medication management services through community
pharmacy with the Morrison Government finalising a Seventh Community Pharmacy
Agreement (7CPA).
Under this landmark agreement, our
Government will continue to partner with community pharmacy to ensure
Australians have access to more than 200 million subsidised Pharmaceutical
Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescriptions each year through their community pharmacy
of choice.
Member for Reid, Dr Fiona Martin MP, said the 7CPA demonstrated the Morrison Government’s ongoing support for patients and community pharmacy.
Member for Reid, Dr Fiona Martin MP, is pleased with the new 7CPA agreement.
“This
agreement acknowledges the role Australia’s community pharmacies have played,
and continue to play, in our Government’s efforts to improve the health of all
Australians,” Dr
Martin said.
“Community pharmacies have played a
central role in supporting their community during the recent bushfires and have
kept their doors open to support patients during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr
Martin said. “Over the last year, I’ve spoken with many of our community
pharmacists and they’ve told me just how important this agreement is to support
the continuity of their services.”
Medicine safety will be a key focus of the 7CPA with the Government increasing its investment in medication management services and programs to $1.2 billion over five years, which is an additional $100 million investment compared to actual expenditure in the Sixth Community Pharmacy Agreement.
The Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, said elderly Australians, people with chronic conditions and Australians on concession cards would benefit from this increased investment through simplified and improved Community Pharmacy medication management and adherence programs, such as dose administration aids and medicine checks.
“There will also be greater support for
regional, rural and remote pharmacies to deliver community pharmacy services
with reforms to the Rural Pharmacy Maintenance Allowance to adopt the Modified
Monash Model for rural classification,” Minister Hunt said.
“Our Government will also implement
reforms to improve access to medicines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people by expanding the number of people eligible for the Closing the
Gap PBS Co-payment measure.”
This program provides free or lower cost medicines to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who have, or are at risk of, chronic disease.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said people across the Australian community will benefit from the 7CPA.
There will be greater transparency for
consumers on the cost of their medicines, and the Government will reduce the
level of discretionary fees that can to be charged on medicines priced below
the general patient co-payment.
Consumers will continue to have access to
cheaper medicines through the continuation of the optional $1 discount on the patient
co-payment.
The Government will also work to support the adoption of a nationally consistent approach to vaccinations available through community pharmacies.
The 7CPA signed by the Commonwealth, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and for the first time, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, will commence on 1 July 2020, and be in place until 30 June 2025.
