The examinations for the Certificate of Attainment in the Greek language in Sydney will take place at Macquarie University, the certified examination centre (61006) by the Centre for Greek Language (CGL).
Registration Period: 1st February 2025 – 20th March 2025
Registering steps:
Step 1: Check language levels and exam dates.
Step 2: Pay online the exam registration fee equivalent to the candidate’s exam language level: https://payments.mq.edu.au/onestopweb/GREEKEXAM
Step 3: Complete the online candidate application form, ensuring the name you enter matches the identity documents of the candidate: http://www.greek-language.gr/certification/application/index.html
The Certificate of Attainment in Greek is the only official state certification confirming the knowledge of Greek as a foreign/second language at six levels, corresponding to the Common European Framework (CEFR) levels. It is recognised by all European Union member states and NESA (New South Wales Education Standards Authority).
For more information, please email: greekcertificate.sydney@mq.edu.au
The Foundation for Hellenic Studies at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has announced that the Greek Studies summer subject on Greek mythology (officially known as ‘Gods, Heroines and Heroes in Greek Myth’) has smashed university records by attracting 320 students in the recently completed course.
The fantastic result is doubly pleasing as the students were overwhelmingly of non-Greek heritage.
Dr Vasilis Adrahtas, the Greek Studies Convenor, was delighted by the number and also confirmed that there were 21 students enrolled in the language course which will begin on February 17.
There is, however, more work ahead. As a result of the historically low interest rates and policies by the government and university, the Foundation’s Fund has been depleted.
Foundation Chairman Costa Vertzayias said: “…reluctantly, after 30 years, we now need the Community’s support again. The good news is that we have a good relationship with the University, as can be seen by our mythology subject being the top summer university course by far.”
Mr Vertzayias also thanked the following community organisations that have contributed, to date, to the Foundation’s appeal:
Pan Arcadian Association: $5,000
Greek Orthodox Community of NSW: $3,000
Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney: $2,000
Kalymnian Association: $1,500
St Nektarios Greek Orthodox Community of Burwood: $1,000
Athenian Association: $500
Pan Achaian Association: $500
Bi-Lingual Bookshop: $300
Castellorizian Association: $200
Found out how you can support the Foundation at unswgreek.com.
A new era for the National Premier Leagues (NPL) begins this week as the 2025 Men’s competition kicks off with a place in the inaugural National Second Tier (NST) competition up for grabs.
As previously announced by Football Australia, eight invitational clubs comprised of the Member Federation NPL State Premiers* from their respective 2025 domestic seasons, will join the eight NST foundation clubs in a ‘Champions League’ format, kicking off on 10 October 2025.
The NPL Premiers will secure their place in the national competition based on sporting merit, which will further elevate the NPL and provide added excitement amongst the local football community.
In line with the 2024/25 Domestic Match Calendar (DMC), the opening round will see Football VIC’s Melbourne Knights FC take on Heidelberg United FC at Tompsett Stadium on Thursday, 6 February (7:30pm AEDT) in the first NPL match of the new season.
The following day, Football NSW will commence its NPL Men’s season as Manly United FC host Central Coast Mariners FC at Cromer Park on Friday, 7 February (7:30pm AEDT).
Thursday, 13 February will see NNSW Football get underway, when Belmont Swansea United FC face Adamstown Rosebud FC at Blacksmiths Oval (7:45pm AEDT).
Friday, 21 February marks the commencement of the NPL Men’s Competitions for Football SA and Football QLD, with Campbelltown City SC facing MetroStars SC at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre (8.00pm AEDT), and Gold Coast Knights FC taking on Lions FC at Croatian Sports Centre (8:30pm AEDT)
Football TAS will commence their season with a double-header on Friday, 14 March (8.15pm AEDT) as Glenorchy Knights FC face Clarence Zebras FC at KGV Park and Launceston FC take on Launceston United FC at Prospect Park (8.15pm AEDT).
Football West will also start their league on Friday, March 14 when Bayswater City SC and Sorrento FC play at Frank Drago Reserve (10.15pm AEDT), while Capital Football kick-off on Saturday, 5 April with fixtures to be confirmed.
The NPL Women’s Competition will be led by Football QLD, as Sunshine Coast Wanderers FC take on Gold Coast United FC at Ballinger Park on Saturday, 8 February (6.00pm AEDT).
NNSW Football will kick off their NPL Women’s season on Saturday, 15 February, with New Lambton FC facing Charlestown Azzurri FC at Alder Park (6.00pm AEDT).
Football NSW will follow with a packed opening round of NPL Women’s on Sunday, 9 March, featuring seven fixtures across the state, with a 2024 Grand Final rematch between Macarthur Rams FC and APIA Leichhardt FC at Lynwood Park (5.00pm AEDT) the highlight.
Football SA get underway on Friday, 7 March with four matches featuring a clash between Adelaide University FC and Adelaide City FC (6.45pm AEDT) at Service FM Stadium before Football VIC commences on Friday, 14 March with two matches across the state including Bentleigh Greens SC v South Melbourne FC at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex (6.15pm AEDT).
Football West will begin their NPL Women’s competition on Saturday, 22 March with a match at Dorrien Gardens Trinca Field between Perth SC and Fremantle City FC (8.00pm AEDT), while Capital Football kick off on Saturday, 5 April with fixtures to be confirmed.
For all fixtures, results, and streaming information, please visit the respective Member Federation’s website.
NPL Men’s Start Dates:
NPL Men’s
Start Date
Opening Match(es) all times shown in AEDT
Football VIC
Thursday, 6 February 2025
Melbourne Knights FC v Heidelberg United FC at Tompsett Stadium (7.30pm)
Football NSW
Friday, 7 February 2025
Manly United FC v Central Coast Mariners FC at Cromer Park Field 1 (7.30pm)
NNSW Football
Thursday, 13 February 2025
Belmont Swansea United FC v Adamstown Rosebud FC at Blacksmiths Oval (7.45pm)
Football QLD
Friday, 21 February 2025
Gold Coast Knights FC v Lions FC at Croatian Sports Centre Field 1 (8.30pm)
Football SA
Friday, 21 February 2025
Campbelltown City SC v MetroStars SC at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre (8.00pm)
Football TAS
Friday, 14 March 2025
Glenorchy Knights FC v Clarence Zebras FC at KGV Park (8.15pm)
Friday, 14 March 2025
Launceston City FC v Launceston United FC at Prospect Park (8.15pm)
Football West
Friday, 14 March 2025
Perth SC v Balcatta Etna FC at Dorrien Gardens Trinca Field (10:00pm)
Friday, 14 March 2025
Bayswater City SC v Sorrento FC at Frank Drago Reserve (10.15pm)
Capital Football
Saturday, 5 April 2025
TBC
NPL Women’s Start Dates:
NPL Women’s
Start Date
Opening Match(es) all times shown in AEDT
Football QLD
Saturday, 8 February 2025
Sunshine Coast Wanderers FC v Gold Coast United FC at Ballinger Park Field 1 (6.00pm)
Saturday, 8 February 2025
Brisbane City FC v Gold Coast Knights FC at Imperial Corp Stadium Field 1 (6.00pm)
Saturday, 8 February 2025
FQ Academy QAS v Lions FC at Nudgee Recreation Reserve Field 1 (7.00pm)
Saturday, 8 February 2025
Mitchelton FC v North Lakes United FC at Teralba Park Field 1 (7.00pm)
Saturday, 8 February 2025
Eastern Suburbs FCv Souths United FC at Heath Park Field 1 (8.00pm)
NNSW Football
Saturday, 15 February 2025
New Lambton FC v Charlestown Azzurri FC at Alder Park (6.00pm)
Football SA
Friday, 7 March 2025
Adelaide University FC v Adelaide City FC at Service FM Stadium (6.45pm)
Friday, 7 March 2025
Campbelltown City SC v Metro United SC at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre (7.00pm)
Friday, 7 March 2025
Adelaide Comets FC v Flinders United FC at LJ Hooker-Mile End Sports Park (8.45pm)
Friday, 7 March 2025
Salisbury Inter FC v West Adelaide SC at Service FM Stadium (8.45pm)
Football NSW
Sunday, 9 March 2025
Macarthur Rams FC v APIA Leichhardt FC at Lynwood Park Field 1 (5.00pm)
Sunday, 9 March 2025
Western Sydney Wanderers FC v Manly United FC at Wanderers Football Park (5.00pm)
Sunday, 9 March 2025
Newcastle Jets FC v Northern Tigers FC at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility (5.00pm)
Sunday, 9 March 2025
Illawarra Stingrays FC v Sydney University FC at Macedonia Park, Berkeley Field 1 (5.00pm)
Sunday, 9 March 2025
UNSW FC v NWS Spirit FC at The Village Green Synthetic (5.00pm)
Sunday, 9 March 2025
Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC v Bulls FC Academy at Popondetta Park Field 1 (5.00pm)
Sunday, 9 March 2025
Gladesville Ravens FC v Sydney Olympic FC at Christie Park Field 1 (5.10pm)
Football VIC
Friday, 14 March 2025
Bentleigh Greens SC v South Melbourne FC at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex (6.15pm)
Friday, 14 March 2025
Spring Hills FC v Preston Lions FC at Springside Recreational Reserve (8.30pm)
Football West
Saturday, 22 March 2025
Perth SC v Fremantle City FC at Dorrien Gardens Trinca Field (8:00pm)
Capital Football
Saturday, 5 April 2025
TBC
*This does not include Football NT as they do not participate in an NPL Competition.
The Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Kogarah has received a major commitment from the Coalition, with $400,000 pledged for hall upgrades.
His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, alongside Parish President Nicholas Varvaris, recently welcomed David Coleman MP, the Federal Member for Banks and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, to the Kogarah church to announce the funding.
The investment would go toward much-needed improvements to the hall, which serves the local Greek Orthodox community.
In a statement, Mr Coleman highlighted the importance of the Greek Orthodox Parish to the local area, noting its role beyond religious services.
“The Greek Orthodox Parish is an extremely important part of our community,” Mr Coleman said.
“In addition to church services, the Parish supports many members of the community with its Greek Language Schools, Youth & Seniors Groups, Cultural programs and its food programs helping people in need.”
He added that the funding would assist in completing the much-needed upgrades to the hall, further supporting the various programs vital to the community’s welfare.
Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas has been ordered to apologise for breaching the Local Government Act by using his official mayoral Facebook page to promote his Liberal Party candidacy.
The Local Government Standards Panel found he violated regulations by referencing his mayoral status while campaigning for the Churchlands seat in the upcoming March election.
Zempilas, who received two complaints about the matter, argued it was a “genuine misunderstanding” and had not previously been flagged. The panel deemed the breach “minor” and instructed him to issue a public apology at a council meeting. Zempilas has 28 days to appeal the decision.
However, Zempilas raised concerns over a media leak of the decision, which he claims occurred before he had a chance to review it properly. He described the leak as suspicious and vowed to report it to the Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) for potential misconduct.
While on leave of absence from his mayoral duties during the election, Zempilas clarified that he is still officially the Lord Mayor but does not attend decision-making sessions or council meetings.
Kateryna Argyrou, co-chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, has strongly criticised the controversial documentary Russians at War, calling for its cancellation at the Antenna Documentary Film Festival.
The film, which chronicles the lives of Russian soldiers in Ukraine, is set to screen in Sydney on February 10 and 14.
Argyrou condemned the documentary for humanising Russian soldiers while failing to address Russian war crimes or criticise President Vladimir Putin’s regime.
She described the film as a “propaganda narrative” that absolves Russian soldiers of any responsibility for the atrocities committed during the invasion of Ukraine.
In her letter to the festival organisers, Argyrou warned that the film misrepresents the situation and risks misleading audiences by empathising with Russian troops, potentially minimising the systemic violence against Ukrainian civilians.
Her comments come amid backlash from Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia, who also called the film “deeply harmful” to the Ukrainian Australian community.
Despite the criticism, the festival’s organisers stand by their decision to screen the film, emphasising its role in critiquing the nature of war and shedding light on the internal contradictions within the Russian military.
The ruling, issued on Friday, 31 January, was based on charges that, as the club’s owner, he failed to pay employees of the professional football team their wages and legally mandated bonuses, including Christmas and Easter gifts and holiday allowances.
Under Greece’s new Penal Code, the court’s ruling is immediately enforceable, meaning Greek police are required to arrest and imprison Papas if they locate him within the country. There is no confirmation of his current whereabouts, and it remains uncertain whether he is still in Greece or has left the country.
Greek lawyer Alexandros Gialaoglou told The Greek Herald the case “is a vindication of the employees who are trying with their effort, their anguish and their own expenses to claim what they are entitled to, their due accruals from Xanthi FC and their previous major employer.”
“They offered their services to the team, rejecting proposals from other employers and unfortunately their good faith and patience have not been appreciated to this day, making them financial hostages at this time,” he added.
Lawyer Alexandros Gialaoglou.
This is not the first time Papas has been sentenced for unpaid wages at Xanthi FC. Last year, he was sentenced to nine months in prison on similar charges, but this time, the ruling carries a much heavier sentence with no possibility of suspension.
Beyond his troubles in Greece, Papas has been convicted in an Australian civil court for a massive fraud case involving hundreds of millions of dollars against Australian banks. However, this ruling remains at the civil level rather than criminal—though potential criminal proceedings could follow.
Due to the Australian case, the Greek Anti-Money Laundering Authority has frozen all of his assets in Greece for nearly three years, including his shares in the now-liquidated Xanthi FC.
While Papas is expected to file an appeal, Greek law dictates that any appeal will not suspend the execution of his sentence. This means that if found, he will be taken to prison immediately, regardless of the appeal process.
ABC managing director David Anderson testified in the Federal Court on Wednesday, February 5, regarding the unfair dismissal case of freelance journalist Antoinette Lattouf, who was fired after posting a Human Rights Watch image on Instagram.
In court, Anderson conceded that some high-profile ABC journalists, including Patricia Karvelas, had made public comments that could be seen as lacking impartiality. These included Karvelas’ criticisms of the “Murdoch press.”
ABC managing director David Anderson outside the Federal Court in Sydney. Photo: NewsWire / Nikki Short.
Despite acknowledging that some statements lacked impartiality, Anderson confirmed that none of these journalists had been removed from air, explaining, “They’re not removed from air if it’s not a problem.”
While Anderson defended ABC reporting overall, he clarified that each alleged breach was handled individually.
Greece’s entry for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, “Asteromata,” has stirred controversy in Turkey due to claims that it references the massacre of ethnic Greeks by Ottoman Turks during World War I and the Greco-Turkish War.
Turkey’s state-run broadcaster, TRT, announced plans to review the song after complaints surfaced suggesting it alludes to the Pontic Greek Genocide, which Greece officially recognised as genocide in 1994.
Turkey disputes this classification, arguing the events were a result of war and civil strife rather than systematic extermination.
Klavdia, the performer of “Asteromata” and of Pontic Greek descent, clarified after winning Greece’s national final that the song, which translates to “Starry-eyed,” is not about any specific historical event. She explained it is inspired by all those displaced by war and conflict.
If TRT determines that the song contains references to the genocide, it may file an official complaint with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck late Wednesday, February 5, between Santorini and Amorgos islands, marking the strongest tremor in the region in recent days.
This follows over 6,400 smaller tremors recorded in the past nine days, raising alarms for both scientists and residents, many of whom have fled the island.
The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) has classified the seismic events as an earthquake swarm, with no single quake large enough to be the main shock.
Two possible scenarios for the swarm’s development have been outlined: a gradual subsiding with smaller earthquakes over several months, or the risk of a larger quake followed by aftershocks.
Photo: ANA-MPA / Orestis Panagiotou.
Authorities are preparing for potential escalation, with coast guard and military vessels on standby for possible evacuation.
Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias emphasised the need for contingency planning: “We are obliged to draw up scenarios for better and for worse.”
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged calm, acknowledging the fear of residents but reassuring them that the situation is being monitored closely.
Authorities have banned access to coastal areas and clifftop tourist sites, and several schools have been shut. Increased ferry and flight services are also being added to accommodate those leaving the island.
