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Adelaide and Athens officially sign landmark Sister City agreement

Peter Tantalos
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Adelaide and Athens officially sign landmark Sister City agreement

On the eve of the C40 World Mayors Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Lord Mayor of Adelaide Dr Jane Lomax-Smith officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Athens Mayor Dr Haris Doukas, formalising the Sister City relationship between the two capitals.

The landmark signing cements a growing partnership between Adelaide and Athens, strengthening collaboration in areas including culture, tourism, innovation, commerce, and environmental sustainability.

“Today, I joined Athens Mayor Haris Doukas in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Greek capital,” Lord Mayor Dr Jane Lomax-Smith said on social media.

“I was delighted that Mayor Haris Doukas of Athens wrote to me suggesting that we meet at the C40 World Mayors Summit in Rio De Janeiro, which kicks off tomorrow. This MOU, approved by Council this year, will deepen cooperation between Adelaide and Athens in culture, tourism, innovation and sustainable urban living.”

Speaking to The Greek Herald, Councillor Mary Couros of the Adelaide City Council — who has championed the initiative since the start of the Council’s term— reflected proudly on the signing.

“Adelaide’s Sister City relationship is a celebration of our multicultural identity and the strong global connections we continue to build. As a Greek Australian, I’m honoured to see the spirit of partnership and cultural exchange reflected in this important milestone,” Cr Couros said.

Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou, Consul General of Greece in Adelaide, also expressed her delight at the agreement’s signing. She described the MoU as “promising”, saying it will “make both cities better”, and shared that she was “looking forward to enhancing the partnership [of the two cities] through culture, education, innovation and diplomacy.”

The Consul General also observed that the meeting in-person between the two Mayors represented a “true sister city agreement”, their leadership being a charming personification of the bond between Adelaide and Athens.

Greek Australian entrepreneurs shine on the 2025 Young Rich List

The Greek Herald
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Greek Australian entrepreneurs shine on the 2025 Young Rich List

Greek Australian innovators are making their mark among the nation’s wealthiest young business figures, with White Fox Boutique founders Georgia and Daniel Contos, fitness mogul Kayla Itsines, and Babyboo siblings Argylica and William Conditsis all featuring prominently in the Financial Review Young Rich List 2025.

The list celebrates Australia’s most successful entrepreneurs aged 40 and under, showcasing the next generation of talent driving industries from fashion to fitness.

17. Georgia & Daniel Contos

Wealth: $330 million | Ages: 34 & 35

Siblings-in-law Georgia and Daniel Contos have built a fashion empire with White Fox Boutique, the online retailer behind the oversized hoodies and streetwear adored by Australian youth.

Launched on eBay, the brand skyrocketed through savvy social media marketing and influencer partnerships.

Beyond fashion, the couple have also become key players in Sydney’s property market, with holdings valued at around $150 million.

In 2025, White Fox purchased a five-storey office building for approximately $70 million to serve as its new headquarters.

Their wealth rose 65% from last year’s $200 million.

40. Kayla Itsines

Wealth: $176 million | Age: 34

Adelaide-born fitness entrepreneur Kayla Itsines co-founded the global fitness platform Sweat after first finding fame with her Bikini Body Guide e-books in 2013.

Her Instagram transformations inspired millions, leading to the 2015 launch of the Sweat with Kayla app alongside Tobi Pearce.

The business rapidly grew, with revenues nearing $100 million before being sold to iFit in 2021 for a reported $US150 million.

After the app faltered under new ownership, Itsines and Pearce bought it back in 2023. She continues as head trainer and the public face of the brand.

Her wealth increased 3% from last year’s $171 million.

68. Argylica & William Conditsis

Wealth: $90 million | Ages: 32 & 30

Argylica and William Conditsis have turned a teenage side hustle into a global fashion label. Their brand, Babyboo, evolved from Argylica’s early venture selling “bedazzled” heels online to a thriving women’s fashion e-commerce business known for its figure-hugging, sparkly designs.

With nearly 4 million Instagram followers and 1.4 million on TikTok, the Sydney-based label continues to grow rapidly. The siblings’ combined wealth climbed 29% from last year’s $70 million.

Source: AFR.

Heidelberg United and Preston Lions sanctioned after NPL Final clash

The Greek Herald
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Heidelberg United and Preston Lions sanctioned after NPL Final clash

Football Victoria (FV) has confirmed the sanctions issued by the independent Tribunal on Thursday, 30 October, in relation to the NPL Men’s Preliminary Final between Heidelberg United FC (HUFC) and Preston Lions FC (PLFC), held on Friday, 5 September.

A comprehensive investigation commenced immediately following the incidents. The matter was adjourned until October to provide both clubs with sufficient time to respond, noting their concurrent preparations for participation in the Australian Championship.

Based on the evidence presented, charges were laid in relation to the use of flares, unsafe conduct and anti-social behaviour.

The Tribunal has directed the following sanctions:

  • 3 competition points to be deducted from HUFC, to be applied in the 2026 NPL Men’s season
  • 9 competition points to be deducted from PLFC, to be applied in the 2026 NPL Men’s season
  • A fine of $3,300 for each club (30 penalty units)
  • A fine of $1,650 (15 penalty units) and mandatory education for a PLFC Official.

In accordance with the Grievance, Discipline and Tribunal (GDT) process, both clubs retain the right to appeal the Tribunal’s determination and associated sanctions via the GDT regulations and appeal mechanism.

Nick Politis buys iconic Caxton Hotel in $50 million deal

The Greek Herald
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Nick Politis buys iconic Caxton Hotel in $50 million deal

Sydney Roosters chairman and billionaire businessman Nick Politis has added Queensland’s most famous pub, the Caxton Hotel, to his growing hospitality empire in a $50 million acquisition.

The deal, finalised in recent days, sees Politis purchase the landmark Brisbane venue from the Farquhar family, who owned it for 28 years. The sale was disclosed on a Queensland Government public register, with final approval pending.

Politis’ company, SEQ Hospitality Group, continues to expand its presence across southeast Queensland, now owning eight hotels and 20 bottle shops, including the QA Hotel in Fortitude Valley, The Plough Inn, and Ashmore Tavern.

The Caxton purchase places Politis in direct competition with the NRL, which owns The Beetson Hotel, formerly the Gambaro Hotel, just a few doors away.

The league is investing more than $1 million to build a new “rugby league IMAX experience” sports bar at the venue, set to open before the 2026 season.

A historic fixture since 1864, the Caxton Hotel remains one of Brisbane’s most profitable venues and is a central hub for rugby league fans during State of Origin and Magic Round, drawing thousands of supporters en route to nearby Suncorp Stadium.

Neither Politis nor former owner Ross Farquhar have commented on the deal due to confidentiality clauses.

Source: Daily Telegraph.

Michael Theoharis’ lawyer seeks Magistrate withdrawal over AN0M case

The Greek Herald
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Michael Theoharis’ lawyer seeks Magistrate withdrawal over AN0M case

Amid one of South Australia’s largest legal operations, top Adelaide defence lawyer David Edwardson KC requested that Magistrate John Clover step aside from hearing the AN0M matter of his client, Michael Theoharis, 29, of Paradise, who is seeking home detention bail.

Edwardson argued that Clover’s prior role as a senior Commonwealth prosecutor in AN0M-related cases made it inappropriate for him to oversee Theoharis’ bail application.

“Your Honour was the commonwealth DPP in a number of AN0M matters; and in those circumstances, having been the key senior prosecutor within the commonwealth, in my submission it would be inappropriate for Your Honour to deal with my matter,” Edwardson told the court.

He emphasised the sensitivity of AN0M prosecutions, noting, “We’re talking about you holding a senior position as a prosecutor, determining one way or another whether my client should or should not get bail. My client is entitled to make an application if he perceives – or I perceive – that there is a reasonable apprehension of bias in Your Honour determining or resolving that question.”

Magistrate Clover, who served 12 years with the Commonwealth DPP, questioned the claim, asking, “To cause a reasonable apprehension of bias in simply a bail application?” On Wednesday, he denied the request to step aside but ordered a home detention report.

Theoharis, charged with 21 counts of drug trafficking, including large commercial drug trafficking, remains in custody and is due back in court next week. He has not entered any pleas.

The hearing is part of the ongoing statewide AN0M sting, Operation Ironside, which has seen dozens of South Australians, including former SANFL players, business owners, and junior sports coaches, face charges after the encrypted app AN0M, created by the AFP and FBI, was used to monitor criminal activity.

Source: The Advertiser.

South Melbourne triumphs over Sydney Olympic in thrilling Greek derby at Jubilee Stadium

The Greek Herald
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South Melbourne triumphs over Sydney Olympic in thrilling Greek derby at Jubilee Stadium

Netstrata Jubilee Stadium was awash in blue and white on Saturday, November 1, as Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne – two of Australia’s most historic Hellenic-heritage clubs – faced off in a fierce Australian Championship derby that lived up to every expectation.

Before a passionate crowd, South Melbourne came from behind to secure a 2–1 victory, booking their place in the Quarter-Finals and maintaining their perfect record in the competition.

australian championship sydney olympic south melbourne
australian championship sydney olympic south melbourne
Fans gathered excitedly for the match. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Takis Triadafillou (unless specified otherwise)
australian championship sydney olympic south melbourne

A festival of football and Hellenic pride

The atmosphere before kick-off was electric, as George Karantonis performed the Greek and Australian national anthems and Marios Evripidou filled the stadium with live bouzouki music, igniting the crowd with rhythm and kefi.

australian championship sydney olympic south melbourne
australian championship sydney olympic south melbourne
australian championship sydney olympic south melbourne

Fans enjoyed a full celebration of Greek spirit – from traditional dancing and souvlaki stalls to ice-cream stands and children’s activities – as Jubilee Stadium transformed into a sea of blue and white flags.

Sydney Olympic President Damon Hanlin told The Greek Herald ahead of the match, “Whenever we face South Melbourne, there’s extra energy in the air. It’s a rivalry built on respect and history, but our focus is clear – to play strong, smart football and make Jubilee a fortress for our supporters.”

australian championship sydney olympic south melbourne
australian championship sydney olympic south melbourne
Traditional Greek dancing.
australian championship sydney olympic south melbourne
australian championship sydney olympic south melbourne
australian championship sydney olympic south melbourne

On-field drama: Olympic lead, but Souths fight back

The hosts took the lead just after the half-hour mark through Ali Auglah, who continued his sparkling run of form with another brilliant strike. Chasing down a through ball on the right wing, Auglah wriggled his way into the box and fired home emphatically to make it 1–0 to Olympic.

Olympic looked set to hold on, defending their lead deep into the final minutes. But in the 83rd minute, South Melbourne’s Jordan Lampard produced a moment of magic, unleashing a searing volley from the edge of the box that skimmed into the bottom left corner – his second goal of the tournament, both against Olympic.

The tension reached breaking point as Olympic’s Ryan Fuetz almost restored the lead moments later, only for South Melbourne goalkeeper Javi Lopez to pull off a crucial save.

Then, in the third minute of stoppage time, substitute Bilal Habib turned the game on its head – spinning on the edge of the box and driving a low shot inside the near post to give South Melbourne a dramatic 2–1 win.

The result cements South Melbourne’s position at the top of Group A and their qualification for the Quarter-Finals, the only side still boasting a perfect record in the competition.

Legends, unity and community

After the final whistle, the celebrations continued in the Captain’s Lounge, where Sydney Olympic honoured club legends including Peter Katholos, Chris Kalantzis, Jason Culina, Harry Michaels, Pablo Cardozo and Roger Sleeman.

The event brought together players, officials, and supporters from across generations, underscoring the enduring legacy of both clubs in Australian football.

A rivalry that endures

For decades, Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne have represented more than football – they’ve embodied the pride, identity and resilience of the Greek diaspora.

Saturday’s clash added yet another unforgettable chapter to that story, proving that the passion between the two sides remains as fierce – and as unifying – as ever.

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Takis Triadafillou (unless specified otherwise)

Jon Adgemis’ Rose Bay home sells for $12 million amid bankruptcy proceedings

The Greek Herald
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Jon Adgemis’ Rose Bay home sells for $12 million amid bankruptcy proceedings

The Rose Bay investment property of bankrupt hospitality entrepreneur Jon Adgemis has been sold for $12 million, after nearly two months on the market, according to a now-removed listing on the Cotality website.

The six-bedroom, five-bathroom home, purchased by Adgemis and his mother Rose in 2018 for $4.45 million, had been occupied by family members.

The 556 sqm corner property is zoned for apartment complexes up to six levels, with a neighbouring property having sold for $8 million in 2023.

Adgemis’ bankruptcy trustee, Andrew Yeo of Pitcher Partners, has advised that an update to creditors is expected in early November.

The windfall sale is unlikely to significantly reduce Adgemis’ debts, which currently exceed $1.8 billion.

The property had been listed as a mortgagee in possession sale, following a repossession notice posted in July.

Two registered mortgages and nine caveats remain on the title, mostly from hospitality trade creditors related to Adgemis’ half-interest.

One caveat, lodged in March last year, is from the NSW Chief Commissioner of State Revenue seeking unpaid land tax.

Adgemis, who rents at Bondi Beach, built a hospitality empire spanning roughly two dozen properties before the Federal Court declared him bankrupt.

Source: Daily Telegraph.

Greek elders at St Basil’s Lakemba honour OXI Day with faith, unity and joy

The Greek Herald
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Greek elders at St Basil’s Lakemba honour OXI Day with faith, unity and joy

St Basil’s Lakemba was alive with colour and culture last week as some of Australia’s oldest Greek Australians came together to celebrate OXI Day, a national day that holds deep significance for the Greek community.

Residents started the day with a special church service from His Grace Bishop lakovos of Miletoupolis followed by a souvlaki BBQ lunch.

The celebrations continued into the afternoon with traditional Greek dancing and a performance by a choir from local Greek Orthodox school All Saints Grammar, creating a vibrant and emotional celebration of heritage and resilience.

st basil's lakemba

“OXI Day is a powerful reminder of courage, unity, and resilience – values that our Greek residents carry deeply in their hearts. Seeing them come together in song and dance reminds us that these traditions are not just about history, but about pride and identity that continue to inspire generations,” St Basil’s NSW/ACT CEO, Diana Horvatovic, said.

OXI Day which means ‘no’ in Greek is commemorated on October 28 remembering when the Greek Prime Minister rejected an ultimatum from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini during World War II.

“Watching our residents sing traditional songs and dance with such joy was truly moving. OXI Day isn’t just a commemoration; it’s a celebration of life, resilience, and community – qualities that remain at the heart of our home,” Mrs Horvatovic said.

St Basil’s 170 residents are all of Greek background including 100-year-old Hrisoula Mitsopoulos who was a teenager on that historic day and remembers it well.

st basil's lakemba
st basil's lakemba

“I remember the pride and unity of the Greek people. Even in the hardest times, we stood together and said “No” with courage and faith in our freedom,” she said.

“It reminds us that Greece has always fought for justice and independence. The younger generations must know what their grandparents went through so they can appreciate peace and freedom today.”

Ms Horvatovic added, “For our residents, especially those who lived through or grew up hearing stories of that era, OXI Day is a moment of reflection and gratitude. It’s a chance to honour the sacrifices made for freedom and to celebrate the strength of the human spirit – something we can all learn from.

“Events like this are about more than remembrance – they’re about dignity, connection, and joy. Our Greek residents show us that even in later life, celebrating who you are and where you come from is profoundly important.”

Heidelberg United held to a draw by Marconi Stallions

The Greek Herald
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Heidelberg United held to a draw by Marconi Stallions

Heidelberg United were forced to share the points with Marconi Stallions, settling for a 1-1 draw in a high-intensity clash at Marconi Stadium on Friday night, October 31, marking the first time United have dropped points in the Australian Championship this season.

After a brief pre-match lightning delay, Heidelberg quickly found their rhythm, with Bul Juach testing Marconi goalkeeper James Hilton with a first-time effort saved early on.

Despite strong chances for Marconi through Damian Tsekenis and Marko Jesic, the deadlock persisted until the 65th minute, when Harry van der Saag headed home after a rebound from Anton Mlinaric’s volley gave the Stallions the lead.

Heidelberg responded swiftly, with Marcus Humbert equalising just six minutes later, rifling a first-time finish into the left of the goal.

The visitors came close to taking all three points in the 79th minute when Anthony Lesiotis volleyed a free-kick that was brilliantly saved by Hilton, and deep into stoppage time, Raffie Akiel was denied by another crucial stop from the Marconi keeper.

The draw leaves Heidelberg United and Marconi Stallions occupying the top two positions in Group B, with United’s unbeaten streak halted for the first time this season.

Source: Australian Championship.

Alpha Dining in Sydney welcomes new Executive Chef Riccardo Pazzona

The Greek Herald
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Alpha Dining in Sydney welcomes new Executive Chef Riccardo Pazzona

Sydney’s modern Greek dining institution, Alpha Dining, has announced the appointment of Riccardo Pazzona as Executive Chef.

Operated by the Dedes Waterfront Group and located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, Alpha has long been at the forefront of contemporary Greek dining and is known for its bold flavours, seafood dishes, and generous share-style plates.

Most recently Head Chef at hatted restaurant The Apollo, Riccardo brings more than 15 years of international experience to Alpha Dining, having honed his craft in prestigious restaurants across Europe, London, and Sydney.

Known for his bold, ingredient-driven cuisine and notable leadership style, Riccardo is now guiding Alpha into its next chapter, strengthening its reputation as one of Australia’s most iconic Hellenic dining destinations.

Riccardo’s career highlights include his tenure as Head Chef at Hotel dei Pittori in Turin where he earned the La Stampa Best Menu Award and a ranking among Piedmont’s top restaurants. He later joined Michelin-recognised Tenuta La Cascinetta, and his formative years were spent training in some of the world’s most acclaimed kitchens, including the two-Michelin-starred The Ledbury in London.

“Cooking for me is about respect for the ingredients, respect for the traditions they come from, and for the people we cook for,” Riccardo said. “At Alpha, I want every dish to feel familiar yet surprising; and something that speaks to memory as well as sparking curiosity.”

Con Dedes, owner of Dedes Waterfront Group, said: “Riccardo’s appointment signals an exciting new chapter for Alpha. His passion for both tradition and innovation perfectly reflects Alpha’s vision.”

With Pazzona at the helm, Alpha Dining is set to evolve while staying true to its roots, strengthening its position as one of Sydney’s most iconic dining institutions.

For more information about Alpha Dining, visit https://alphadining.com.au/.

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