Greece’s Education Ministry will remove over 285,000 inactive students from university records in December, Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki announced this week, according to tovima.com.
Under Law 5224/2025, so-called “perpetual students” – those who have exceeded both the standard study duration and the legally allowed extension – will be permanently deleted from university registers. The reform targets a long-standing issue in Greek higher education: tens of thousands of students who remain enrolled for decades without completing their degrees.
According to ministry data, 83,970 of these students are still listed at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece’s oldest university.
Since the law was introduced, about 30,000 students have submitted applications to finish their studies before the deadline. Those who fail to do so will be automatically deregistered by year’s end. Universities have already begun notifying those affected.
The legislation specifies that students admitted before 2016 will be removed two months after September 2025’s re-examination results are published. While the ministry allows for limited exceptions or extensions, these apply only to students who formally request them within the set timeframe.
At the Athens University of Economics and Business, records still include names of students who first enrolled in 1933 – a striking example of how long the problem has persisted.
Education Minister Zacharaki described the reform as “a clear commitment to the future of Greek universities and to the students who work hard to succeed.”
Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for a pavlova roll with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram @mygreekkitchen for more!
Ingredients:
6 large eggs (I use 800 gm size eggs)- egg white only
300 gm caster sugar – see note 1.
2 tsp vanilla paste
2 tsp cornflour
1 tsp cream of tartar
Filling:
500 ml thick cream – whipped
1 tbsp icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla paste – optional
Berries, passionfruit to decorate
Method:
You must preheat oven first – 200C fan force.
Make sure you bowl is clean and free of any oils. To make sure wipe it down with a kitchen paper towel with some vinegar on it.
Place your egg whites into the bowl from your standalone mixer. Whisk on high till whites start to froth. Start adding your sugar at a slow and steady pace. Keep whisking till stiff peaks form. This will take about 6-7 minutes. Check to see if the sugar is fully dissolved by rubbing a bit of the meringue between two fingers. If it feels grainy it means the sugar is not fully dissolved so keep whisking for another minute or so. Recheck once you’ve done that.
Now you can add your vanilla paste, cornflour and cream of tartar. Whisk on low for about a minute till they’re fully combined.
Spoon your meringue onto a lined baking tray of approximately 30×35 cm size. Spread the meringue as evenly possible and place it in the oven. Reduce your heat to 180C, and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes. It should still be a pale colour not brownish. Remove from the oven and allow to fully cool in baking tray. It will deflate – do not despair. If you are to use it the following day, cover it with a clean tea towel and set aside till then. See note 2.
When it is fully cooled, place a clean tea towel over the pav and quickly turn it upside down, so the top of the pavlova is now on the bottom and the bottom of the pav (the smooth side) is now on the top. Gently remove the baking paper and discard.
Whip your cream with icing sugar and vanilla paste if using, with a hand held mixer till stiff. Spread the cream (reserve some for the top), evenly over the pavlova and spread some of the fruit of your choice making sure they are cut into small pieces. Using the tea towel to help you, gently roll the pav forward on the long side, making sure the seam is at the bottom.
Use the remainder of the cream and fruit to decorate the top of the pav as you choose. I mainly use different berries, passion fruit and kiwi.
Note 1: In regards to how much sugar you use – I have found a lot of the pavlova recipes use too much sugar for my liking. Over the years I have tested various quantities of sugar depending on the size of the eggs I use. I have found the following works best and the pavlovas are never too sweet.
50gm of sugar per extra-large egg (800 gm ones)
45gm of sugar per large egg (700 gm ones)
40gm of sugar per small eggs(600 gm ones)
Note 2: Lining the baking tray. I have found when lining the tray with baking paper, it is easier when the paper exceeds a little over the tray size. This makes it easier when you remove the pav from the baking tray as it won’t stick to the sides.
LAMDA Development’s team recently visited Australia to promote residences in The Ellinikon, the major redevelopment project on the site of Athens’ former airport. The visit comes as Australians emerge among the top three groups of foreign buyers, newsmoney.gr, has reported.
Americans – many of them of Greek descent – lead with 21% of total foreign purchases, followed by Britons at 11%, and Australians in third place with 9%. Canadians and Germans round out the top five nationalities investing in the project.
According to data from the investment body overseeing the redevelopment in Athens’ southern suburbs, international interest remains strong, with potential buyers from 110 different countries expressing intent to invest.
In response, LAMDA has intensified global presentations of The Ellinikon in recent months, targeting even more distant markets.
The company aims for the first homeowners – likely those in the low-rise residences near the coastal front – to move into their properties between late 2026 and early 2027.
The Ellinikon project, one of Europe’s largest urban regeneration initiatives, is transforming the former airport site into a modern coastal city featuring luxury residences, green spaces, and commercial areas, attracting international investors seeking both lifestyle and opportunity in Greece’s booming real estate market.
The Church of Greece has stepped into the era of artificial intelligence with the launch of LOGOS, an AI tool created by the Metropolis of Nea Ionia, Filadelfia, Iraklio, and Halkidona in partnership with the University of the Aegean, ekathimerini.com, has reported.
LOGOS serves as a digital “library,” compiling knowledge about the Christian faith and providing clear, practical answers to users’ questions. When asked if it could receive confession, the application responded that it could not but offered guidance and prayers for spiritual preparation.
Metropolitan Gabriel, the project’s initiator, explained that the tool is not meant to replace clergy but “acts as a guide bringing the believer to the next step, the Church.” He added that it is essential for the Church to engage with technology, stressing, “Technology should serve humanity, not the other way around.”
Aimed particularly at younger generations, LOGOS provides a safe and reliable source of information on Orthodox Christianity, helping users navigate a digital landscape often filled with misinformation or harmful content.
On Wednesday, October 29, AHEPA Sydney & NSW Inc proudly held a commemorative event in honour of OXI Day, marking Greece’s historic stand against fascism on October 28, 1940.
On the above date, 85 years ago, Greece issued a memorable “No” to fascism, defending their homes and their freedom, defeating the Italian attempt of invasion of their motherland.
The event paid tribute to the bravery and resilience of the Greek people and underscored the importance of passing the enduring values of freedom, justice, and liberty to future generations.
The ceremony welcomed distinguished guests including the Greek Consul General in Sydney, George Skemperis, who delivered a heartfelt address reflecting on Greece’s pivotal role in World War II and the enduring relevance of OXI Day in today’s world.
The President of AHEPA Sydney & NSW Inc, Jim Papanagiotou, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to preserving Hellenic heritage and fostering intergenerational dialogue.
Consul General. Jim Papanagiotou.
There were a plethora of representatives from Greek associations, including Michael Kyriakou, President of the Cypriot Community of NSW; Anastasia Karakominakis, President of the Pan-Macedonian Association of NSW; Cathy Valis, President of the Athenian Association of NSW; Christos Pazaridis, President of the Panthracicos Association ‘Dimokritos’; Linda Legas, President of the Laconian Federation NSW; Theofilos Premetis, President of the Macquarie Greek Studies Foundation; Paul Tsanis, Vice President of the Intercommunities Council of the Greek Archdiocese in Australia; Vivian Nikolareas, Secretary of the Feneos Association; Stamatis Belivanis, Secretary from the Cretan Youth Association; Dr Vasilis Adrachtas, Convenor of Greek Studies UNSW; Dimitris Kametopoulos, Principal of Bankstown Senior College; media representatives including The Greek Herald‘s George Tserdanis; and many more.
A highlight of the program was the participation of two young students, Katerina and Alexandros from St Gerasimos Greek Language School in Leichhardt, who recited poems that beautifully captured the spirit of OXI Day. The poems were thoughtfully arranged by Charoulla Themistokleous.
The national anthems were performed by Jim Tsolakis from the Australian Hellenic Choir, and the Ode by Peter Tsigounis, President of the Greek Returned Servicemen League.
The keynote address was delivered by Ioannis Theodoridis, whose insights into the historical and cultural significance of OXI Day resonated deeply with attendees. The program also featured evocative poetry recitations by Dr Vasilis Adrachtas, with Nia Gitsas serving as the master of ceremonies.
At the invitation of AHEPA Sydney & NSW Inc, the Kogarah School of Greek Dancing presented a special tribute to the heroic Hellenic Army’s VIII Division and the Women of the Pindus Mountains, who led the resistance to the fascist invasion of Hellas on 28 October 1940.
The talented dancers performed four dances from the Epiros region of north-west Hellas, where the heaviest fighting occurred between October 1940 and May 1941. They performed Kophtos (“to cut”)—named for the periodic interruptions in its rhythm; Sti Kentimeni sou Podia (“About your embroidered apron”); Zagorisios from the Zagori district of Epiros; and Nerantzia (“Bitter Orange”).
Formed only six months ago, the Kogarah School of Greek Dancing is an activity of the Orthodox Parish of the Resurrection of the Saviour, Kogarah, and welcomes everyone interested in learning about traditional Hellenic culture. Rehearsals are held Monday evenings in the Hermes Lounge.
AHEPA Sydney & NSW Inc extends its gratitude to all participants and attendees for making this event a memorable tribute to courage, freedom, and cultural pride.
Today marks 50 years since the passage of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (RDA) – the landmark legislation that made racial discrimination unlawful in Australia and laid the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable nation.
Introduced under the Whitlam Government, the Act transformed Australia’s moral and legal landscape, giving legislative force to the principle that equality must be both protected and lived.
For many, including Greek Australian lawyer Dean Kalymniou, the anniversary is deeply personal. A lifelong admirer of Gough Whitlam, Kalymniou views the Act not only as a cornerstone of modern Australian justice, but as an enduring reflection of Whitlam’s belief that multiculturalism is central to democracy.
Speaking to The Greek Herald, he reflects on his encounters with Whitlam, the influence of Hellenic thought on Whitlam’s vision, and the ongoing challenge of turning legal equality into lived reality.
You have spoken before about your admiration and personal connection to Gough Whitlam. How did that relationship shape your own understanding of justice, equality, and Australia’s multicultural identity?
My association with Gough Whitlam shaped my understanding of justice as a living discipline rather than an abstract ideal. Through his example I learned that equality demands participation, dialogue, and the courage to enlarge the moral boundaries of a nation. Whitlam dared to regard migrant Australians as partners in a shared enterprise, and in that recognition lay a quiet revolution.
For Greek Australians, his leadership was an affirmation of belonging. His government broadened access to education and welfare and created structures that treated cultural identity as an integral part of citizenship. Translation services, community language programs and migrant resource centres expressed a philosophy of inclusion. When the Racial Discrimination Act of 1975 became law, equality was no longer an aspiration but a right.
Whitlam’s bond with Hellenic civilisation deepened this vision. He had studied ancient Greek and retained a lifelong affection for its clarity and balance. When speaking at Greek community events, he often used phrases in our language and spoke with ease about our poets and philosophers. Those gestures affirmed that our heritage had entered the national story, that we were participants, not guests. Through him I came to see that justice depends on mutual recognition, and that a nation’s greatness is measured by the dignity it extends to all its citizens, not just a privileged few.
Gough Whitlam.
Can you share how your friendship or encounters with Gough Whitlam began? What impression did he leave on you personally and professionally?
I first met Gough Whitlam when I was 18, decades after his time as Prime Minister, at a Greek community function in Melbourne. Although he no longer held office, the admiration surrounding him remained palpable. People crowded around, eager to greet him, yet when I approached and told him that I considered him a great Australian, he took me aside at me and asked, with characteristic composure, “What do YOU think constitutes a GREAT Australian?”
That exchange began a friendship grounded in conversation and curiosity. What struck me was his attentiveness. Even amid noise and bustle, he listened as if that moment alone mattered. In later meetings he retained the same calm interest, asking questions that provoked deep reflection.
In our exchanges over the years, he taught me that public life is an ethical vocation for all, that policy and law are instruments of moral imagination. Personally, I was moved by his civility and his capacity to draw wisdom from anyone willing to engage in honest thought. His influence endured because it was founded on respect, the rare quality that makes leadership humane.
Is there a particular moment or conversation with Whitlam that has stayed with you — something that encapsulates his character or his vision for an inclusive Australia?
A moment that remains vivid is a conversation about the return of Gurindji land at Daguragu. As he recalled placing a handful of soil into Vincent Lingiari’s hand, his voice carried pride and solemnity. He described it as the reconciliation of law and conscience, a gesture that restored balance to the nation’s history. It was the embodiment of his conviction that justice must be anchored in the earth from which a people draws its life. I remember thinking that in that gesture there was something of the ancient rituals in which land and law were bound together. In that instant, Whitlam restored the moral grammar of a nation.
That account resonated deeply with me. The modern Greek story is one of dispossession and endurance, of lands lost and regained through faith and perseverance. As descendants of those who have known exile, we are instinctively attuned to those who work to heal injustice. In Whitlam’s act toward the Gurindji people, I recognised a truth that transcended politics: that moral restoration is the highest form of leadership.
Gough Whitlam had a long standing affection for Australia’s Greek community, recognising its contribution to multicultural Australia. How did he express that connection, and what did it mean to you personally as a proud Greek Australian?
Whitlam’s relationship with the Greek community was marked by warmth and genuine understanding. He saw Greek Australians as integral to the national story, a people whose experience enriched the moral fabric of the country. Having studied ancient Greek, he spoke of Hellenic culture with knowledge and admiration, and often addressed gatherings in Modern Greek. Such gestures carried quiet power. To hear the nation’s leader speak our language was to feel our identity affirmed.
Gough Whitlam was a proud supporter of Greek Australians. Pictured here with the late Theo Skalkos at the Greek Herald presses.
He also championed the study of Modern Greek at Australian universities, arguing that education should reflect the society it serves. Through his advocacy, Greek language programs gained institutional standing and respect. He believed that the intellectual life of the nation should mirror its diversity, that every citizen’s heritage contributes to the whole. His engagement, however, extended beyond language.
When I once told him about the Pontian Genocide, he listened with characteristic attentiveness, and later wrote to me having undertaken his own research. He told me how profoundly moved he had been to discover that Dr H. V. Evatt, the great Labor statesman and jurist, had played a decisive role in formulating the legal concept of genocide in international law through his work at the United Nations. Whitlam’s curiosity was always ethical in nature. He was drawn to moral questions of memory and justice, to the ways in which history can be redeemed through understanding and acknowledgment.
He also spoke of his visit to the Acropolis and of his conviction that the Parthenon Marbles should one day return to Greece, for he believed that heritage belongs to the conscience of its people. Through gestures such as these, he joined the moral with the cultural, recognising that justice and beauty arise from the same source.
It was evident to me that he recognised in Greek Australians a people who had preserved dignity through hardship and who understood the meaning of democracy because they had inherited its ancient vocabulary. His attentiveness reinforced in me the conviction that Australian identity is a dialogue, and that our voice within it carries equal authority.
Whitlam often spoke about democracy, philosophy and civic duty — values deeply rooted in Hellenic thought. Do you think his admiration for Greek culture influenced his political vision, and how has that shaped your own outlook as a member of the diaspora?
Whitlam’s political imagination drew upon a serious engagement with Greek thought. He saw in classical philosophy a mirror through which a society might examine its conscience. The Athenian experiment inspired his belief that democracy is a discipline of mind, sustained by reasoning citizens rather than passive subjects.
He often reflected that the worth of a state lies in the moral intelligence of its people, a view that echoes the Greek conviction that politics is an extension of ethics. This spirit gave his reform program its depth. His pursuit of educational access, cultural pluralism, and social justice flowed from the belief that a nation prospers when all its people are empowered to contribute. In this, he resembled the philosopher statesmen of the classical age: he wanted to govern through the persuasion of ideas rather than the manipulation of interests.
When we spoke about Greek history, his curiosity was boundless. I once told him of Eumenes’ reforms in Heliopolis, that remarkable Hellenistic experiment in civic equality, and he was fascinated by its attempt to reconcile idealism with administration. Years later, I described to him the revolt of the Zealots in Byzantine Thessaloniki and their vision of a society free from hierarchy. He listened with delight and wonder. Both episodes appealed to his sense of justice and his faith in human perfectibility. He recognised in those distant moments of Greek history the same moral energy that animated his own life, the conviction that governance must mirror ethical order. Accordingly, Whitlam invited us, the descendants of migrants, to see our heritage as contributing to a continuing conversation between justice and statecraft.
This year marks fifty years since the Racial Discrimination Act became law under Gough Whitlam’s government. As both a lawyer and someone with a personal connection to Whitlam, what does this milestone represent to you?
The 50th anniversary of the Racial Discrimination Act invites reflection on how far we have travelled in our pursuit of formal as well as substantive equality. Passed in June 1975 and coming into force that October, the Act gave legislative form to Whitlam’s conviction that equality must be protected by law if it is to flourish in society. It was an act of moral clarity and political courage.
As a lawyer, I regard the Act as one of the most lucid expressions of justice in our statute book. It translated moral principle into enforceable language, providing redress to those whose dignity had been denied. It required the nation to see discrimination as an affront to its conscience. The Act has endured because it was built on conviction rather than expedience. It stands as his testament, a reminder that equality must be renewed through vigilance and the quiet labour of justice.
From a legal perspective, how transformative has the Racial Discrimination Act been in shaping Australia’s human rights landscape? Are there any landmark cases or reforms that, in your view, best demonstrate its enduring importance?
The Racial Discrimination Act reshaped Australian law by giving equality a legal and moral foundation. It affirmed that the protection of human dignity is a duty of the state.
In Koowarta v Bjelke Petersen, the High Court upheld the Act against constitutional challenge, confirming that the Commonwealth could legislate for human rights under the external affairs power. This decision anchored fairness within the constitutional order and made the defence of equality a federal responsibility.
In Gerhardy v Brown, the Court deepened the meaning of equality, recognising that laws designed to assist disadvantaged communities may advance justice rather than compromise it. Later, in Jones v Scully and Toben v Jones, the courts extended the Act to the realm of public speech, condemning anti-Semitic vilification both in print and online. These cases established that the dignity of ethnic minorities is integral to civic peace and that free expression carries with it an ethical duty of respect.
Together, these judgments revealed the quiet strength of the Act. Through them, the law became a custodian of civility, binding the many strands of the nation into a single moral fabric. It endures because it reflects a truth at the heart of Australian life, that dignity shared among many does not divide a nation, it completes it.
Despite half a century of progress, systemic racism still exists in many parts of Australian society. Where do you see the biggest gaps between the Racial Discrimination Act’s intent and the reality people experience today?
Half a century on, the Racial Discrimination Act remains a guide to conscience, yet its vision is fulfilled only through constant effort. The law forbids discrimination, yet inequality still shadows education, employment, housing, and justice. These are the unseen domains where unfairness survives through habit and neglect.
Those most in need of protection often lack the means to claim it. Legal redress can seem remote or daunting, and justice must be made accessible before it can be effective. Equality is achieved when fairness becomes a habit of life, not merely a right of appeal.
We must commit to these laws with renewed resolve. The world around us shows how swiftly societies can fracture and how easily fear can turn neighbour against neighbour. Australia has known such moments, from the Cronulla riots to the recent wave of anti-Semitic violence, yet we have also shown resilience. The instinct for decency still outweighs the impulse to divide. We remain a country capable of strong disagreement conducted with respect.
The Racial Discrimination Act continues to remind us that unity is sustained through civility and that a nation’s worth lies in how it hears its most vulnerable voices. To live by that principle is to keep faith with Whitlam’s vision of a society where freedom and respect walk together.
Gough Whitlam once said, “The real test of any government is not how popular it is, but how it treats those in need.” In that spirit, how can today’s leaders and the legal community uphold and extend the vision that inspired the Racial Discrimination Act fifty years ago? What part can the Greek community play in this?
Whitlam’s words still define the measure of leadership. The test of government is compassion translated into policy, and the test of law is the protection it affords to those who stand at the margins. The Racial Discrimination Act was conceived in that spirit and remains a living covenant between the state and its citizens.
Leaders today must recover the moral courage that animated Whitlam’s reforms. The legal profession must continue to preserve the integrity of justice, ensuring that it remains accessible and relevant to new generations. True equality requires vigilance and the capacity to calm division before it becomes resentment.
Whitlam believed that language was the breath of identity, and through the establishment of multicultural broadcasting he ensured that the many voices of Australia could be heard in their own tongues. In doing so, he gave form to the principle that cultural recognition is inseparable from democratic freedom. We must preserve it.
The Greek community has a distinct part in this continuing work. Our history, both ancient and modern, has taught us the meaning of exile and renewal. As heirs to a civilisation that gave the world the language of democracy and as migrants who once stood at the periphery of Australian life, we understand both privilege and vulnerability. This dual inheritance enables us to foster dialogue and empathy in an age that sorely needs both. Our own journey, from the uncertainty of arrival to full participation, mirrors the nation’s passage from exclusion to recognition.
We honour Whitlam’s legacy when we champion education that celebrates diversity, build bridges across communities, and stand beside those who face exclusion. Our presence here played a large role in constructing Australia’s broader generosity at a time when it could have chosen to embrace insularity instead. It falls to us now to extend that generosity to others. In doing so, we sustain Whitlam’s faith that the greatness of a nation is seen in the breadth of its humanity and in the embrace it extends.
In a warm and celebratory meeting at NSW Parliament on Friday, October 31, Premier Chris Minns and Ministers Courtney Houssos and Sophie Cotsis welcomed Greek music sensation Konstantinos Argiros, marking the successful finale of his Australian tour.
The meeting began on a heartfelt note when Minister Houssos’ young son sang a few lines from one of the artist’s hit songs, setting a joyful tone for the occasion.
Minister Houssos’ young son performed in front of Konstantinos Argiros. All photos copyright The Greek Herald.
Economic and cultural impact recognised
Argiros’ sold-out concerts at the Sydney Opera House were organised by Evan and Sam Pambris of Encore Productions.
“The energy was electric,” Nicolaou said. “People came from everywhere – Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, even from the United States and New Zealand – just to experience Argiros live at our state’s most iconic venue. It was magnificent.”
Executive Director of Business Sydney, Paul Nicolaou (left), was present at the meeting.
Encore Productions confirmed bookings came from across Australia and abroad, highlighting the unique global draw of hosting Greek performers in Sydney.
“The Opera House has always been a dream stage,” Argiros said, adding that performing there was “a true honour and something every artist aspires to.”
Argiros’ concert was great for NSW’s economy.
Premier’s acknowledgement and cultural ties
Premier Minns warmly congratulated Argiros for bringing “incredible energy and cultural pride” to NSW and told him, “We might have to get you back here every month.”
Minns noted that his Cabinet includes a number of Ministers of Hellenic heritage, reflecting the deep-rooted Greek presence in NSW.
“We’re lucky to have one of the largest Greek communities in Australia,” he said, “and I’m proud that our state continues to celebrate those connections through music, culture and family.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns warmly welcomed Konstantinos Argiros to NSW Parliament House.
Ministerial remarks on community connection
Minister Cotsis told Argiros that his performances had “lifted the community spirit” and created joy not just among Greek Australians but for “everyone who came to share the experience.”
Minister Houssos also extended a warm welcome, noting that many members of the Minns Cabinet share Hellenic heritage. She highlighted that hosting one of Greece’s most celebrated artists in Sydney was especially meaningful for a state with one of Australia’s largest Greek communities.
Ministers Cotsis and Houssos, as well as Sam and Evan Pambris, were present at the meeting.
A memorable farewell at Parliament House
As the meeting concluded, the atmosphere remained warm and collegial, with light conversation, photographs, and reflections on shared heritage and the strong cultural ties between Greece and NSW.
“It took our grandparents 32 days to reach Australia by boat,” Sam Pambris remarked with a smile. “Seventeen hours on a plane doesn’t seem so bad now.”
Argiros thanked his Australian fans and organisers for what he called an unforgettable experience. “The warmth and energy here were incredible,” he said. “I wish we could have stayed longer to feel more of this city’s spirit – I’ll definitely be back.”
Minister Houssos’ son is a huge fan.
Premier Minns farewelled the artist by extending an open invitation to return to NSW at any time. The occasion marked a fitting close to Argiros’ Australian tour, celebrating not only his musical success but also the enduring friendship between Greece and Australia.
A record-breaking tour
Argiros’ three Sydney performances at the Opera House drew more than 6,000 attendees and are estimated to have generated a $4.5 million economic benefit to the state through tourism, hospitality, and local business engagement.
The success underscores NSW’s growing reputation as a destination for major international cultural events, strengthening people-to-people ties between Greece and Australia.
It began in a small Greek city by the sea, in the years after war – a chance meeting between two young souls who had already known hardship but still believed in love.
Seventy years later, Chris and Nikolitsa Bakopoulos, both 88, sit side by side at Scalabrini Bexley, quietly celebrating a lifetime that has carried them from Patras to Sydney, from post-war Greece to the heart of Australia’s Greek community.
There are no grand gestures or rehearsed speeches – just the soft murmur of shared memories, the laughter of their daughters, and the gentle pride of a couple whose bond has never wavered.
From war-torn Greece to a new beginning
Chris was born in Kardamas, Elis, in 1937 – between Amaliada and Pyrgos – in a Greece scarred by war. His childhood was marked by displacement and resilience.
“We lived through the end of the Second World War,” he tells The Greek Herald. “Then came the civil wars in Greece. They were very difficult years.”
At the age of ten, he was taken by his aunt to Patras, where he learned the barber’s trade – a craft that would shape the rest of his life. It was there, amid the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in 1954, that he met Nikolitsa, a sweet-natured young woman from nearby Kallithea Patron.
“What began as a friendship turned into something more,” Chris smiles. “In July 1954 we got engaged, and on October 30 we married. We were just 18 years old.”
Their happiness was brief – just nine days after their wedding, Chris left for Australia to avoid military conscription.
“We married on October 30, and on November 8 I left for Australia,” he says quietly. “It was very hard to leave her.”
Chris and Nikolitsa Bakopoulos have been married for 70 years.
Separated by an ocean, reunited in Sydney
Chris arrived in Sydney on 11 December 1955, travelling by ship to Wollongong, where he shared small rooms with other Greek migrants. By day, he worked cutting hair; by night, he attended English classes.
“My first need was to learn the language,” he says. “With work, effort and the help of God, we did well.”
Separated for over 14 months, the couple stayed connected through weekly handwritten letters. Chris also took up work at the Port Kembla steelworks, saving every penny he could.
Then, on 21 February 1957, his young bride finally arrived – alone, travelling on a propeller plane. After falling ill in Singapore and spending a week recovering, she was joyfully reunited with Chris.
“From then on,” he says softly, “we have been together.”
A home built on love, sacrifice and faith
The early years in Australia were difficult but filled with determination.
“It wasn’t easy, not only for me but for all the immigrants of that time,” Chris reflects. “But we had love, and we made it through.”
They began life in Wollongong before moving to Redfern, where Chris opened his first barbershop, followed by a second in Five Dock in 1962. His warm manner and skill quickly made him a local favourite.
In 1972, Chris and Nicky took on a new venture, opening a milk bar and takeaway in Drummoyne, where their dedication and hospitality continued to define them.
Five years later, they settled permanently in Bexley, where they lived for 48 years — a home that became both a family hub and symbol of all they had built together.
Chris continued working in barbering and later real estate, while Nikolitsa found fulfilment in hospital services. Their lives were guided by faith, hard work and love for family.
Nikolitsa’s quiet strength
When asked about her life in Australia, Nicky answers simply and sincerely: “Very nice, very nice. I love this country. I love all my people. I love my husband and my family.”
Chris’s admiration for her is unshakable.
“Unfortunately, Nikolitsa was illiterate. She didn’t go to school because of the wars,” he says tenderly. “But she was a good wife, a good mother, a good housewife — loved by all and always willing to help. You cannot help or respect anyone if you don’t have love.”
Though her health challenges meant she could not work for long, her warmth and care became the heart of the Bakopoulos family.
Family: The heart of everything
Together, they raised three daughters — Maria, Shirley (Fotoula) and Stella — each carrying forward their parents’ values of love, faith and endurance.
Their eldest, Maria, describes her parents with affection.
“Mum’s koulouria and galatopita were something else,” she laughs. “And Dad was a popular, respected barber. He was like a psychologist, politician and priest, all in one. He sang in church choirs since he was a boy.”
Their two grandsons, Nicholas and Raymond, continue to honour their grandparents’ story with pride and love.
“It’s so rare to see two people together after 70 years,” Maria says. “They had many difficulties, especially Mum with her health, but they made it through everything — always together.”
Chris and Nikolitsa’s early years in Australia were difficult but filled with determination.
The secret to 70 years
When asked about the secret to a seventy-year marriage, Chris doesn’t hesitate to answer.
“Love, care and respect,” he says simply. “That is the most important thing. You can do nothing if you have no love, care and respect for your partner and family. It’s very simple.”
Their later years at Scalabrini
Now residents of Toscana at Scalabrini Bexley, Chris and Nicky are relishing the peaceful lifestyle and community spirit of aged care.
“They’re one in a million,” says a staff member who has cared for the couple for years.
The staff organised a special afternoon tea on Thursday, October 30, to mark their platinum wedding anniversary – complete with music, flowers and family by their side.
Celebrating their 70th anniversary at Scalabrini Bexley.
“Scalabrini has become a wonderful new home for Mum and Dad,” Maria shares. “Dad wakes up every morning and he goes to my mum’s adjoining bedroom to say good morning and see if she’s okay.
“Scalabrini have always been devoted to each other and to our family. It’s comforting to know they’re in a place that values their dignity, heritage and wellbeing.”
Chris and Nicky were overjoyed by the celebration. “We thank the Scalabrini team very much,” Chris says. “They gave us this great opportunity to remember again the beautiful memories of our life.”
A love that endures
As the afternoon light fades across Bexley, Chris and Nicky sit side by side, grateful for the years behind them and the peace they share now.
“We remember the difficult moments,” Chris reflects, “but above all, we thank God that we can still sit together and celebrate.”
Theirs is a love that has outlasted war, distance and time itself — a partnership built on kindness, faith and endurance.
Accused Easey Street double murderer Perry Kouroumblis, 66, has told police he was with a friend on the night two women were brutally stabbed in Collingwood in 1977, as his original alibi and alternate suspects were revealed in court.
Kouroumblis, who was 17 at the time, is charged with the murders of Suzanne Armstrong, 27, and Susan Bartlett, 28, and the rape of Ms Armstrong. He has indicated he intends to plead not guilty to all charges.
During the committal hearing, the court heard that police stopped Kouroumblis near the scene on 14 January 1977, a day after the women’s bodies were found. A knife in a sheath was seized from his car, which he claimed to have found at Victoria Park train station.
Questioned the next day, Kouroumblis said he had been visiting a friend in Keele Street, Collingwood, and later returned to the station with that friend, who verified the alibi.
His defence barrister, Dermot Dann, suggested there were multiple alternate suspects, including crime reporter John Grant, a former employee of The Truth newspaper.
The women’s neighbour Ilona Miklosvary confirmed she had told police in the 1970s that she thought Grant was “capable of murdering Ms Armstrong and Ms Bartlett” after witnessing his drunken behaviour.
The court also heard from witnesses who discovered the bloodied crime scene on 13 January 1977. Both women had been stabbed dozens of times, while Ms Armstrong’s 16-month-old son Gregory was found unharmed in another room.
Former officer Gary Looker, one of the first on scene, described the house as “deadly quiet” before finding Ms Bartlett’s body near the front door and Ms Armstrong’s in a bedroom. The committal hearing will continue in late November.
From 1 November 2025, a major reform known as Law 5221/2025 will come into effect, reshaping how inheritance, property and notarial matters are managed. For Greeks living abroad, including thousands of Greek Australians, the new law promises a faster, more transparent and increasingly digital way to handle affairs back home.
“This change will significantly speed up estate procedures and make it easier for Greeks abroad to manage their legal affairs in Greece digitally and securely — without the need for frequent travel,” Athens-based international lawyer Panagiotis Alexandros Rozakis told The Greek Herald.
A faster, digital system
The reform is part of Greece’s broader effort to streamline justice through digitalisation. From November, wills will be registered online through diathikes.gr, reducing delays and administrative costs. Lawyers will continue to play a safeguarding role by verifying documents and ensuring compliance – a crucial step for heirs based overseas.
Importantly, Law 5221/2025 expands the professional powers of Greek lawyers, allowing them to prepare and file certain procedural acts such as payment orders and lease-return orders electronically. At the same time, notaries will now handle most non-contentious legal procedures – including inheritance, property registration and some family-law matters – while courts will focus primarily on disputes.
These updates build upon earlier reforms, which first allowed lawyers to assist in handling inheritance certificates (klironomitirio), continuing Greece’s gradual digital transformation of its justice system.
“Efficiency must never come at the expense of legal certainty,” Mr Rozakis notes. “Greek lawyers remain the safeguard protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring transparency.”
He adds that empowering notaries and lawyers under a unified digital framework will “reduce bureaucracy, improve accountability, and make the Greek justice system more service-oriented for citizens at home and abroad.”
Greece’s Ministry of Justice. Photo: The Greek Herald.
Practical impact for the diaspora
For Australians of Greek heritage, the changes make it easier to manage property, inheritance and family-law matters remotely. Mr Rozakis recommends taking three key steps now:
Verify property titles and ensure registration with the Hellenic Cadastre.
Review or update wills and succession plans to align with the new law.
Renew powers of attorney to meet updated procedural standards.
“Proactive steps now can prevent complications once the reforms come into effect,” he says. “The combination of this procedural reform and the forthcoming overhaul of inheritance law will create a new, more predictable environment for estate management.”
For families with property or heirs across multiple countries, the reforms align Greece’s legal procedures with international standards, helping to reduce uncertainty in cross-border inheritance and estate planning.
Simplifying legal processes for Greeks abroad
The reforms also make it easier to authenticate and submit Australian civil documents, such as birth or marriage certificates, in Greece through faster verification processes.
“For Greeks abroad, these changes are more than just legal progress,” Mr Rozakis adds. “They reaffirm your connection to Greece and ensure that your property, family and legacy can be protected with clarity and transparency, no matter where you live.”
“We’re seeing Greece embrace a model that prioritises transparency, speed, and digital access – values that align with the needs of a global diaspora,” he added.
With offices in Athens and Toronto, and collaborations in Australia and the US, Mr Rozakis specialises in cross-border law, helping members of the Greek diaspora manage their legal affairs efficiently and confidently.
Adapting Greek law to a global community
As Greece prepares for its first comprehensive reform of inheritance law in more than 80 years, the country is modernising its justice system to reflect today’s family structures, international lifestyles, and digital realities.
The upcoming inheritance-law reform, expected to follow in 2026, will introduce clearer rules on succession rights, forced heirship, and digital wills, aligning Greece’s framework with European standards.
Mr Rozakis notes that the notarial and administrative provisions under Law 5221/2025 — particularly those related to inheritance — will take effect on 1 November 2025, while litigation and procedural reforms will follow on 1 January 2026.
“This timeline allows citizens and diaspora families to prepare, review documentation, and ensure their affairs comply with the new requirements,” he explains.
“For the Greek Australian community, this is a landmark moment,” Mr Rozakis concludes. “Greece is finally aligning its legal system with international standards while preserving the principles that connect us to our heritage. Preparation today will protect your legacy tomorrow.”
Need legal help in Greece?
Contact Panagiotis A. Rozakis | Attorney at Law p.rozakis@dvlf.gr | +30 698 092 8817 | +30 2103390080
