The former Noah’s Backpackers site in Bondi Beach, once the flagship property of bankrupt pub baron Jon Adgemis, has officially been listed for sale.
Adgemis, a former KPMG dealmaker who reportedly owes $1.8 billion, purchased the high-profile Campbell Parade site for $68 million in 2022.
He rebranded it as the South Bondi Hotel and secured council approval for a major redevelopment featuring a rooftop bar overlooking Bondi Beach.
Now under receivership with McGrathNicol, the Bondi property has been listed alongside the Hotel Diplomat in Potts Point, which Adgemis’ Public Hospitality Group acquired for $16.5 million in 2022.
Both are being marketed by HTL Property and Colliers.
Colliers’ Matthew Meynell called the former backpackers “a truly iconic beachfront property located at Sydney’s most famous beach” and “a rare blank canvas” that could become “a landmark that defines coastal living.”
The 866-square-metre block includes plans for 53 accommodation rooms and multiple bar areas.
The Diplomat Hotel is also expected to attract investor attention for its prime inner-city location and “vibrant urban culture.”
The sale follows a series of asset seizures linked to Adgemis’ financial collapse, including his family’s Rose Bay home, which sold for $12 million, and several Sydney pubs, among them The Empire Hotel in Annandale, The Exchange in Balmain, and Claridge House in Darlinghurst, now under lender control.
Adgemis founded Public Hospitality in 2021, growing it to 22 venues before its downfall under mounting debt.
The UNESCO General Assembly has officially ratified a resolution recognising February 9 as International Greek Language Day, marking a significant milestone for Greece’s cultural diplomacy.
Speaking at the session in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni thanked member states for their support, calling the recognition “above all, a celebration of multilingualism.”
Australia was among the co-sponsors of the resolution, underscoring the strong cultural ties between the two nations.
With more than 500,000 Australians of Greek ancestry, the Greek language remains a vibrant part of Australia’s multicultural identity.
In a statement, Australia noted that Greek is the sixth most spoken language in the country and that it looks forward to “joining Greek communities across the nation in celebrating this day and honouring the cultural heritage that connects our nations.”
“The Parthenon is a unique monument, a global symbol of democracy and artistic achievement – a heritage that belongs not only to Greece but to all humanity,” she said.
“We firmly believe the Parthenon Sculptures must be reunited in their birthplace, at the Acropolis Museum.”
Mendoni further highlighted Greece’s recent cultural achievements within UNESCO, including the inscription of the Minoan Palatial Centres on the World Heritage List and the nomination of Mount Olympus as a candidate site.
She noted Greece’s continued commitment to protecting cultural heritage and combating the illicit trafficking of cultural goods, referencing the creation of the Greek Red List of Cultural Goods and UNESCO’s Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Goods.
Concluding her remarks, Mendoni thanked outgoing UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay for her leadership and congratulated Khaled El-Enany on his election as successor, expressing confidence in his vision to guide the organisation forward.
Young batter Sam Konstas has been dropped from Australia’s Test squad for the first Ashes Test against England, with Tasmania opener Jake Weatherald handed his first international call-up.
Chair of selectors George Bailey confirmed the 15-man squad on Wednesday, November 5, saying the selection gives Australia “a host of options” ahead of the Perth Test.
Bailey praised Weatherald’s consistent form, 1,391 runs at an average of 53.50 over the past 14 months, but also noted that Konstas had taken his omission “very well.”
“Every conversation with Sam is a joy,” Bailey said.
“He’s got a great outlook on life. He remains incredibly upbeat. The scrutiny on him is almost unprecedented on some levels. We just talked about how he’s feeling and what we can do to support him. As complicated as we try and make cricket, really it’s about runs.”
Konstas’ exclusion comes after a challenging start to the domestic season.
Question time erupted into chaos on Wednesday, November 5, after Liberal MP Alex Hawke launched an extraordinary verbal attack on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, calling him “a hopeless liar” during heated exchanges over climate targets, interest rates, and Coalition tensions.
The confrontation followed comments by Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who accused the Opposition of spreading “egregious lies” about government spending and interest rates.
Chalmers said Opposition Leader Sussan Ley had “completely untruthfully, dishonestly” claimed the Reserve Bank had criticised government spending, a remark that drew Hawke’s intervention under parliamentary rules prohibiting direct accusations of lying.
As Hawke rose to challenge the Treasurer’s remarks, Albanese reportedly called him “hopeless,” prompting Hawke’s outburst.
“No, you are hopeless and a liar. Lying to the Australian people,” Hawke shouted, pointing at the Prime Minister.
“If lying is in order… This is a liar. That is what we are debating here and I am happy to debate it.”
Speaker Milton Dick swiftly ordered both men to withdraw their remarks, ruling the accusations unparliamentary.
The clash came amid broader political turmoil, with Labor frontbencher Chris Bowen mocking the Opposition’s internal divisions, saying, “The party of Harold Holt is now the party of Andrew Bolt.”
Meanwhile, Nationals MP Michael McCormack urged colleagues to unite behind Sussan Ley, condemning anonymous Coalition members who had labelled Nationals MPs “terrorists” and “parasites.”
Despite the Speaker’s intervention, the fiery exchange between Hawke and Albanese underscored the mounting tension dominating Parliament this week.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, November 5, on a phone call, according to a government statement.
The two leaders discussed progress in implementing the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal.
Mitsotakis stressed the importance of an immediate de-escalation, ensuring the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the release of all hostages, the statement said.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with Kimberly Guilfoyle, the new US Ambassador to Greece, on Wednesday at the Maximos Mansion in Athens, emphasising the strong relationship between the two nations and opportunities for deeper cooperation.
“We are very happy to welcome you, and you are coming at a time when Greek-American relations are at a historic high, without this meaning that we cannot improve them further,” Mitsotakis said.
The prime minister highlighted Greece’s position as a “pillar of regional stability” and a key player in energy collaboration, particularly ahead of the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC) conference in Athens, jointly organised by the US Department of Energy, Greece’s Ministry of Environment and Energy, and the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Centre.
“Greece is the entry point for liquefied natural gas throughout the region. The Vertical Corridor is also a project of strategic importance for Greece and the US, and we look forward to developing it further,” Mitsotakis added.
He also noted the upcoming 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence as a reminder of shared democratic values.
Με μεγάλη χαρά υποδεχόμαστε τη νέα Πρέσβη των ΗΠΑ στην Ελλάδα, Kimberly Guilfoyle. Έρχεται σε μία περίοδο που οι ελληνοαμερικανικές σχέσεις βρίσκονται στο υψηλότερο επίπεδο όλων των εποχών. https://t.co/ACUu2RuW9Wpic.twitter.com/qL7bZRW8tx
Ambassador Guilfoyle, who officially took office this week as the first US female ambassador to Greece, described her appointment as “an honour.”
She outlined plans for historical initiatives to mark the anniversary and highlighted the “3+1” strategic framework between Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the United States as a model of regional cooperation.
She said there are ongoing efforts to position Greece as an energy hub in the Eastern Mediterranean, noting the forthcoming visit of the US Secretary of the Interior and the active participation of American officials as a sign of a strong political and economic partnership.
Guilfoyle, a former California prosecutor and television personality, was sworn in on September 29, 2025, in Washington and presented her credentials to Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas on Tuesday, November 4.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued a Court Attendance Notice to Cyprus Capital Ltd, a company linked to the ongoing administration of the Cyprus Community of NSW Ltd, for allegedly failing to lodge its annual financial reports for the 2023 and 2024 financial years.
The matter has been listed in the Downing Centre Local Court as a criminal proceeding under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). ASIC alleges the company breached its statutory obligations to file financial statements – an offence that can attract fines or compliance orders if proven.
The notice, dated 16 October 2025, directs the company to appear before the court in early December 2025. ASIC said that despite the notice, the company remains legally obliged to file the overdue reports, warning that continued non-compliance may result in the regulator seeking an order compelling compliance.
According to ASIC records, Cyprus Capital Ltd’s current directors are Dorothy Bassil, Con Costa, and John Stassi.
Shareholder raises concern
In correspondence seen by The Greek Herald, one shareholder has written to the company’s directors expressing concern that the 30 June 2025 financial accounts have still not been circulated to investors.
“It has now been three consecutive years – 2023, 2024 and 2025 – for which shareholders have not been furnished with the required financial statements,” the shareholder wrote, adding that the “ongoing non-compliance and habitual delay” is causing concern among shareholders and their auditors.
The Greek Herald also spoke to a concerned shareholder who said they had only received a 15 per cent uplift of the 30 per cent return they were promised by Cyprus Capital. The shareholder said they were perplexed by this shortfall given that $5.9 million was paid by EY to Cyprus Capital during the administration process, which was described as being towards bonus and interest payments.
Cyprus Capital Ltd was established by individuals connected to the Cyprus Community of NSW.
During a shareholder meeting, Addisons Lawyers’ Pavlos Stavropoulos, representing Cyprus Capital, reportedly told investors that the 30 per cent profit uplift was never guaranteed, and that half of shareholders’ profits (15 per cent) had been used to cover legal costs – which the shareholder alleges are related to injunctions and proceedings against the Cyprus Community of NSW, including those connected to AGM and EGM disputes previously reported by The Greek Herald.
The shareholder further stated that investors were not notified or consulted before those legal proceedings were initiated or before a portion of their expected returns was allocated to legal costs. They said many shareholders were now 15 per cent short of their committed return and were seeking clarification from the company’s directors about how and why those decisions were made.
Those costs remain outstanding and have not yet been paid.
Background
Cyprus Capital Ltd was established by individuals connected to the Cyprus Community of NSW during a period of financial uncertainty for the long-standing community club in Stanmore.
The company’s formation drew criticism from some members, who raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and a lack of transparency surrounding its intended role in the management or redevelopment of the Club’s assets.
In 2023, the Cyprus Community of NSW Ltd entered voluntary administration, with EY partners Morgan Kelly and David Hurst appointed as administrators. Since then, court filings, affidavits and member complaints have revealed deep divisions over governance, property ownership and accountability within the community organisation.
The Court Attendance Notice issued by ASIC marks the latest development in a series of compliance and governance challenges that have kept the Club and its related entities under public and regulatory scrutiny.
The Church of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Geraldton, Western Australia celebrated its 60th anniversary this past weekend, drawing over 300 attendees from Perth and surrounding areas.
The coastal church, 424 kilometres north of Perth, has been a spiritual beacon facing the Indian Ocean since its consecration by Archbishop Ezekiel Tsoukalas in May 1965.
The church’s origins trace back to 1953 when the Hellenic Society of Geraldton was formed to support Greek families affected by the Ionian earthquake.
By 1958, the Society purchased land at 13 Mark Street, and the foundation stone was laid on 8 November 1963.
The first Divine Liturgy was celebrated a year later, establishing a lasting spiritual legacy.
Presiding over the anniversary, His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth reflected on the community’s dedication.
“When we look back over these six decades, we cannot help but feel a deep sense of thanksgiving. This church stands as a living witness to the faith, the courage, and the vision of our forefathers – men and women who built not only with bricks and mortar, but with their hearts, their hands, and their tears and prayers,” His Grace said.
The two-day celebrations included Vespers, Matins, and a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, attended by Fr Terry Gerovasilis, Fr Emmanuel Lykopandis, the Honourable Consul of Greece in Perth, Eleni Georgopoulou, president of the Hellenic Society of Geraldton, Nicholas Geronimos, and various Greek community representatives.
Students from St Andrew’s Grammar Day School and the Greek Language and Culture Institute of Evangelismos also participated.
Following the Liturgy, a luncheon was held with Mayor Jerry Clune, during which Bishop Elpidios presented 15 recipients, including Hellenic Society members, with commemorative coins issued for the Centenary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
The event concluded with the cutting of a commemorative cake and a video tribute to past supporters of the church.
The anniversary was particularly celebrated by young families who return annually for the Feast of the Archangels, with Bishop Elpidios conveying the love and blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia to all attendees.
The Food For Thought Network (FFTN) will launch its 2026 theme, ‘The Evolution of Hellenism: Family and Identity in the Diaspora’, with a dynamic new program of intergenerational conversations.
The first event in the series, titled ‘From Yiayia to Gen Z,’ celebrates the power of connection across generations, from grandparents over 80 to Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, representing both metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
The discussion will explore how different generations have experienced and expressed Hellenism – from the early migrants who fought to preserve their traditions, to Gen Xers who grew up between two cultures, and younger voices redefining Greek identity in a globalised, digital world.
“This is a theme that touches all of us,” said FFTN founder Varvara Athanasiou-Ioannou AM. “Each of us carries a story shaped by heritage, lived experience, and the evolving journey of Hellenism in the diaspora – how we have kept it alive, adapting and enriching it across time and place.”
The discussion will be moderated by lawyer Eleni Karagiozaki.
Speakers: Katina Reraki, Tasos Kolokotronis, Kali Koulouri, Sotiris Hatzimanolis, Stella Grammenou-Dimadi, Dr. Melina Mallou, Jamie Gallos, and Dimitra (Demi) Bourdopoulou.
Artistic contributions: Song by Anthe Sidiropoulou, poetry by Maria Kampyli.
“Our speakers will spark conversations that continue well beyond the event – not just during the networking that follows, but in your homes and families. This will be more than just an event,” added FFTN Secretary, Vicky Alikakos.
Attendees will enjoy a vibrant and welcoming afternoon filled with meaningful dialogue and authentic moments, exploring how each generation shapes and redefines Greek identity through its own lived experience.
Event Highlights:
Voices from across generations.
Live, interactive storytelling.
Music, drinks, and light refreshments.
Relaxed networking in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
This gathering offers a unique opportunity for dialogue and exchange around how Hellenism thrives, adapts, and inspires in an ever-changing global world.
For more information and bookings, visit the FFTN website, www.fftn.org.au
The Pan-Laconian Association of NSW “The Spartans” hosted its annual Fundraising Dinner for the Children’s Cancer Institute over the weekend, raising just over $10,000 to support vital research into childhood cancer.
Held at The Grand Roxy in Brighton-Le-Sands, the event drew a vibrant crowd of supporters from across Sydney, including families, friends, and long-time members of the community.
The evening combined music, laughter and purpose, with guests uniting around a cause that touched hearts across all generations.
The venue came alive as guests mingled, exchanged stories and reconnected with familiar faces. Children danced alongside their parents and grandparents, creating a powerful image of unity.
The atmosphere was one of warmth and pride, a testament to the enduring bonds that keep the Laconian community in Sydney strong.
A night of heart, heritage and unity
In her opening address, President Mary Skalkos welcomed guests, expressing her gratitude to everyone who attended and supported the Association’s mission.
She acknowledged the presence of community leaders and presidents from other Greek organisations, the donors who provided raffle prizes, and those who contributed behind the scenes.
“It’s wonderful to see so many familiar faces – parents, grandparents and children – all coming together to share our proud Laconian legacy,” Mrs Skalkos said.
“Tonight’s cause is one that is close to my heart, and I’m sure to many of yours, as we unite to help children who are suffering. The Children’s Cancer Institute does extraordinary work, and every contribution helps give these children a chance at life.”
Mrs Skalkos reflected on the success of the Association’s previous dinner dance, which raised funds for the Children’s Hospital Foundation, and thanked Bill Mougios and the team at The Grand Roxy for their ongoing hospitality. She also praised the committee’s dedication and the volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring the night together.
The evening’s Master of Ceremonies, Peter Kokinakos, guided the program with warmth, keeping guests engaged through speeches, music and dancing.
A highlight of the night was the address by Dr Maria Tsoli from the Children’s Cancer Institute, whose presentation on advances in childhood cancer research left many inspired and hopeful.
As the night continued, excitement built during the raffle draws, which featured an array of generous prizes donated by local businesses and community supporters. Laughter, applause and good-natured anticipation filled the room as winners were announced – another reminder of the community’s generosity and spirit of giving.
When the final tickets were drawn, the lights dimmed and the dance floor once again filled with energy. DJ George kept the celebrations going well into the night, with traditional Greek dances bringing together young and old in joyful harmony. The sight of multiple generations dancing side by side perfectly captured the Association’s enduring purpose – preserving culture through connection.
The Pan-Laconian Association NSW continues to uphold its mission of preserving Laconian culture and values through fellowship, philanthropy, and the strength of multigenerational participation.
As Mrs Skalkos concluded, “Our lives are more beautiful when we share them with others.”
