Renowned Cypriot traditional singer and chanter, Stephanos Pelekanis, visited the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Brisbane in Queensland for a private audience with His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane.
The Bishop, on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, warmly welcomed Pelekanis, who was accompanied by Stathi Zambas, President of the Cypriot Association of Queensland.
During the meeting, Pelekanis expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak with the Bishop and chant in Brisbane. He also shared his admiration for His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and his deep love for the Church.
Bishop Bartholomew thanked Pelekanis for promoting Byzantine music and traditional song, while also conveying the love and blessings of Archbishop Makarios.
He extended his appreciation to Zambas for his efforts to preserve Cypriot customs and traditions in Queensland.
As a token of appreciation, Bishop Bartholomew presented both Pelekanis and Zambas with limited edition medals from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, commemorating its centenary.
Pelekanis then chanted at the Church of Saint George on the first Sunday of the Triodion period.
Two NSW Health nurses have been stood down after a video surfaced showing them allegedly making antisemitic remarks and bragging about refusing to treat Israeli patients.
The video, shared by content creator Max Veifer, featured the male and female nurses from Bankstown Hospital making threatening comments about Israelis, including claims of sending them to “Jahannam” (hell in Islam).
NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed the identities of the individuals and said they had been stood down pending an investigation.
He emphasised the need for an “ironclad” inquiry and stressed that patients in NSW hospitals must be treated by highly trained professionals who care about their well-being.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park condemned the nurses’ behavior as “vile, shocking, and appalling,” stating that they would never work for NSW Health again.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with Jewish community leaders and politicians calling for strong action.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and local MP Tony Burke also condemned the video, with Burke noting that such hate has no place in Australia’s health system.
NSW Police are investigating the matter as part of a broader effort to tackle antisemitic incidents in the state. The video has raised concerns about possible broader issues of antisemitism at Bankstown Hospital, and an investigation is ongoing.
The 47th Patrino Karnavali Sydney is set to hit Brighton-Le-Sands onFriday, February 28, at The Grand Roxy from 7pm.
The Panachaian Philanthropical Association (PPA), founded in 1974, have been organising the Patrino Karnavali for 47 years, encouraging guests to step away from their ‘every day routine’ for a night of carefree fun and celebration.
The original Patrino Karnavali is held in Patras, Greece and has been running for the last 180 years. The carnival is the biggest in Greece and begins on January 17 until Clean Monday.
The PPA has bought the tradition alive annually in Sydney with a one-night only exclusive event.
Combining the Greek and Brazilian Karnavali traditions, guests of every culture come together for a fantastic night out with dress ups, food and drinks. This year will feature a fancy dress contest and a chocolate war.
The 47th Patrino Karnavali Sydney will be held at 7pm on Friday, February 28 at 128 The Grand Parade, Grand Roxy Reception Brighton-Le-Sands in Sydney, NSW.
Tickets are $120 (includes set menu and alcohol). Entry for kids aged 6-12 is $40 while those under 6 have free entry.
For more details contact Katerina on 0410 324 328, Mary on 8054 6633, or Nia on 0406 256 451.
Following the confirmation of the National Second Tier (NST) format in October, Football Australia has today announced the launch of the Australian Championship, the official name and brand for the long-anticipated competition.
This transformative initiative marks the next era for Australian football, providing a new national platform to showcase the talent, passion, and heritage that unite communities across the country.
Scheduled to kick off in October 2025, the Australian Championship will feature 16 teams in a dynamic and sustainable format, blending eight Foundation Clubs with eight Member Federation Invitational Clubs selected from the National Premier Leagues (NPL).
This innovative format bridges state-based competitions with the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s pathway, redefining Australian football’s domestic football ecosystem and creating new opportunities for players, clubs, and communities to shine.
Football Australia Chief Executive Officer James Johnson hailed the Australian Championship as a bold leap forward for the sport: “The Australian Championship is much more than a competition – it’s a national celebration of football; uniting proud historic clubs, emerging talent, and inter-generational community connection. It reflects the core values of Australian football: authenticity, opportunity, and ambition.”
“This competition will complement the A-League, NPL, and Hahn Australia Cup, providing a connected, meaningful pathway for players and fans alike. Today’s brand launch is a statement of our commitment to grow domestic football in Australia and unlock its full potential,” Johnson added.
James Johnson, CEO of Football Australia (right), speaking at a press conference. Photo copyright: The Greek Herald.
The competition format will include a group stage – four groups of four teams playing home and away matches – with the top 2 in each group crossing over to a high-stakes elimination Finals Series, culminating in the inaugural Australian Championship Final in early December 2025.
This innovative format prioritises competitive integrity, fan engagement, and commercial viability, creating a platform for players, clubs, and communities to thrive.
Designed to deliver competitive integrity, excitement, and commercial appeal, the Australian Championship will celebrate Australian football’s authenticity, ambition, and connection while engaging fans nationwide.
What the Australian Championship stands for
Authenticity: Celebrating local clubs, iconic grounds, and historic rivalries.
Discovery: Unveiling new talent and rising stars from across the country.
Connection: Bridging state competitions, professional pathways, and grassroots football.
Pride & Belonging: Uniting fans, players, and communities through football’s universal appeal.
Clubs and Pathways
The eight clubs confirmed as Australian Championship Foundation Clubs include APIA Leichhardt FC (NSW), Avondale FC (VIC), Marconi Stallions FC (NSW), Preston Lions FC (VIC), South Melbourne FC (VIC), Sydney Olympic FC (NSW), Sydney United 58 FC (NSW), and Wollongong Wolves FC (NSW).
South Melbourne FC and Sydney Olympic FC are among the eight Foundation Clubs. Photo copyright: The Greek Herald.
These clubs represent the heart of Australian football with rich histories, fierce rivalries, and strong community ties. They will be joined by eight Member Federation NPL Clubs, drawn from their respective NPL competitions across Capital Football, Football Queensland, Football NSW, Football South Australia, Football Tasmania, Football Victoria, Football West and Northern NSW Football.
This unique structure ensures the Australian Championship remains inclusive, aspirational, and representative of the national football landscape.
Football fans are encouraged to follow the NPL competitions and Hahn Australia Cup around the country throughout the 2025 season to get a glimpse of the talent and rivalries set to feature in the Australian Championship. From the local grounds to the national stage, these clubs will bring the raw energy and excitement that define Australian football.
Brand Identity: Bold, Vibrant, and Dynamic
The Australian Championship’s brand identity, anchored by the theme of “Breakthrough,” reflects the competition’s energy, ambition, and momentum. Its bold design features Championship Green and Deep Steel, symbolising growth, resilience, and unity while celebrating the raw talent and vibrant communities that make Australian football unique.
Stay Connected and Join the Journey
Fans can stay up to date with the Australian Championship by visiting the official website and following its social media channels. A dedicated fan registration page through Football Australia’s Football Account, offers exclusive access to news, ticketing information, competitions, and more as the countdown begins to October 2025.
Further announcements, including fixtures, participating NPL teams, broadcast details, and commercial partnerships, will be made in the lead-up to the competition’s historic debut in October 2025.
A volcanic eruption cannot be ruled out as seismic activity has continued to impact Santorini, Greece, since late January, according to Professor Kostas Synolakis, a natural disaster expert.
Speaking to Greek TV station MEGA, Synolakis acknowledged the ongoing earthquake swarm but reassured residents, stating, “If I lived there, I would return home – provided my house was well built and complied with modern building regulations.”
The seismic activity, which includes a 5.3-magnitude quake recorded on Monday, February 10, has triggered concerns.
Synolakis outlined three possible scenarios: a gradual fading of the activity, a major earthquake of unpredictable magnitude, or a small volcanic eruption at Nea Kameni or the Kolumbo submarine volcano.
Nea Kameni.
He emphasised that a volcanic eruption would not be a cause for fear, noting that Santorini has experienced small eruptions in the past without casualties.
The swarm of earthquakes, with several thousand recorded, has alarmed authorities. In response, a state of emergency has been declared, and rescue crews have been deployed to the island.
Thousands of residents and tourists have left, and schools on Santorini and nearby islands are closed for the week. Additional medical staff and disaster teams are on standby at Santorini’s hospital.
Since January 26, about 12,000 quakes have been recorded, with 109 on Monday alone.
Giorgos Roubanis, Greece’s oldest living Olympic medallist, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, at the age of 95.
Roubanis won a bronze medal in the pole vault at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, securing Greece’s first post-war Olympic medal and providing much-needed joy to a nation recovering from World War II and its civil war.
He achieved his bronze with a 4.50-metre leap, setting a national record.
Born to a gymnast father, Roubanis initially pursued boxing, basketball, and track and field before discovering his pole vaulting talent.
He served as Greece’s flag bearer in Melbourne and competed in the 1960 Rome Olympics before retiring in 1961.
After relocating to the US, Roubanis founded an advertising company and worked with Spyros Skouras, president of 20th Century-Fox. He later returned to Greece, where he established a film distribution company.
A passionate supporter of sports, Roubanis co-founded the Association of Greek Olympians in 1985. His funeral will be held on February 17 at Athens’ First Cemetery.
According to a President’s Update seen by The Greek Herald, the Board of Hellenic Village Ltd has now entered negotiations with a third-party buyer, with a new offer of $119.5 million, an increase from the previous agreement.
Background and Sale Developments
The Greek Herald first reported in October 2023 that the 21 Greek associations (Unit Holders) that form Hellenic Village Ltd unanimously agreed at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to sell the Austral property for $117.5 million. The decision came after lengthy discussions about the future of the land, which has been a key asset for the Greek Australian community for decades.
Following this agreement, the original purchaser entered a Due Diligence period and paid a non-refundable deposit. However, in December 2024, they terminated the contract, citing unresolved issues, including concerns about road access to the site.
The Board attempted to renegotiate, requesting a good faith payment and coverage of legal costs, but the purchaser declined. This led the Board to approach other interested parties in line with the resolutions adopted at the EGM in October 2023.
The Hellenic Village’s 105-acre property at Gurner Avenue in Austral, New South Wales.
New Buyer and Financial Improvements
With the original purchaser withdrawing, the Board engaged with the second and third preference buyers from the original Expression of Interest campaign.
The second preference party declined to make an offer, but the third preference buyer entered negotiations, initially offering $117.5 million (inclusive of GST) before increasing their bid to $119 million and later to $119.5 million. This new offer also includes a $200,000 donation to the Australian-Hellenic Future Fund (AHFF), a charitable structure intended to support future Greek Australian community initiatives.
As part of the agreement, the new buyer made a non-refundable good faith payment, followed by a non-refundable fee for the Due Diligence period.
The total funds received by Hellenic Village from both transactions has now enabled the Board to clear all outstanding debts with the Bank of Sydney, marking a significant financial milestone for the organisation.
The Due Diligence period for the new purchaser is scheduled to conclude in March 2025, at which point a 5% deposit will be made. A second 5% deposit will follow six months later, with settlement planned for February 2026.
The Hellenic Village property at Austral.
Future Plans and AGM Considerations
A key issue that remains unresolved is the distribution of the proceeds from the sale. During the October 2023 EGM, the Board proposed that 50% of the net proceeds be distributed to Unit Holders based on their shareholdings, while the other 50% would be donated to the AHFF. However, no consensus was reached, and this matter is expected to be discussed further at the next Annual General Meeting (AGM).
In his update, Hellenic Village President George Mpliokas said the AGM, which will also include elections for new Board positions, has been delayed due to the ongoing preparation by BT&A Consultants of the financial statements for the 2024 financial year.
Mr Mpliokas said the Board has considered holding the AGM without finalised financial statements but remains committed to completing this process before issuing an official notice.
Despite this, sources have told The Greek Herald that Unit Holders are increasingly frustrated, questioning the reasons for the delayed financials. With the AGM now eight months overdue, many are pushing for it to be held as soon as possible to address the distribution of sale proceeds.
The highly anticipated Greek Festival Darling Harbour is set to take over Darling Harbour this February 22-23, showcasing the rich heritage of Greece with a vibrant lineup of performances, entertainment, and cultural experiences.
One of Australia’s largest and most beloved cultural festivals, this two-day event promises an unforgettable celebration of Greek traditions, food, music, and more.
The festival will feature internationally acclaimed artists as part of its star-studded musical lineup. Nikos Zoidakis, known for his captivating blend of traditional Greek music and contemporary influences, will take the stage on Saturday, February 22, bringing a dynamic performance that is sure to captivate audiences. Also, on stage on Saturday, the festival welcomes the Xylourides ensemble, offering a unique performance that blends traditional Greek folk music with modern sounds.
On Sunday, February 24, Rena Morfi, one of Greece’s most beloved voices, will close the festival with an exhilarating set that will transport the audience to the heart of Greek culture.
The Greek Festival Darling Harbour is an essential event for those seeking to immerse themselves in Greek culture, and it’s a unique opportunity for the public to engage with the diverse and vibrant traditions of Greece. From live music performances and traditional Greek dance shows to authentic food stalls and family-friendly activities, this festival offers something for everyone.
Rena Morfi.
As one of Australia’s largest cultural festivals, Greek Festival Darling Harbour continues to attract thousands of visitors each year, celebrating the Greek community’s significant contribution to Australia’s multicultural landscape. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Greek culture or discovering it for the first time, this event is a must-attend for all.
The festivities will be held at the iconic Darling Harbour, a location that will undoubtedly provide a stunning backdrop for the exciting program of events.
Don’t miss out – mark your calendars for February 22-23 and enjoy an unforgettable weekend. Get ready to experience Greek culture at its finest, with exceptional performances, mouth-watering food, and an atmosphere of pure celebration.
Nick Karagiannis, who once gained attention as a so-called ‘Good Samaritan’ for many brave and philanthropic acts, has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment to be served in the community after pleading guilty to fraudulent car dealings.
Karagiannis, who is the founder of CrashClaim Accident Management, appeared before the Sydney District Court on Monday, February 3. He was sentenced to one year and ten months of imprisonment, to be served via an Intensive Correction Order (ICO) in the community.
Karagiannis had been charged with dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception, following an investigation into fraudulent transactions while he worked as general manager with former employer Suttons Motor Group in Homebush.
Nick Karagiannis surprises aspiring Olympian with generous gift. He is known for his ‘Good Samaritan’ acts. Photo: Supplied / A Current Affair.
The court heard Karagiannis “juggled” money and caused a financial disadvantage of $475,675 to the company between 2016 and 2019.
The “juggling” involved organising for customers to pay for cars through his personal bank account and reimbursing his employer from his own account. Karagiannis wasn’t able to catch up with those repayments and his debt grew.
When sentencing Karagiannis, Judge P. Hock took into consideration his philanthropy and public acts of goodwill since being fired by Suttons. He has also been awarded an Australian Bravery Decoration.
Karagiannis was given 250 hours of community service work.
The Brotherhood of Chalkidiki ‘Aristotelis’ of NSW celebrated a milestone event on Sunday, February 9, hosting its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and traditional Vasilopita cutting with record attendance – the highest in at least a decade.
The event was marked by strong support for the Association’s leadership, as this year was a vote of confidence rather than an election year. Members reaffirmed their trust in the current committee, with no issues raised and unanimous satisfaction expressed.
The committee for 2024–2025 consists of: President Costa Dantos, Vice President Jenny Kaporis, Treasurer John Tratselas, Secretary Alexandra Poulos, and General Committee members Vicky Stamatiou, Artemis Kelezis, Joanna Arnis, Evridiki Tsakirou, Bill Dandos, and Carol Stavropoulos.
Attendees enjoyed a morning tea filled with sweets and the cherished Greek New Year’s tradition of the Vasilopita cutting, symbolising good fortune for the year ahead.
Reflecting on the successful gathering, the Association expressed enthusiasm for the year ahead, with members excited for upcoming events and initiatives.
