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South Melbourne FC shines at historic launch of OFC Pro League in Auckland

The Greek Herald
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South Melbourne FC shines at historic launch of OFC Pro League in Auckland

The heartbeat of Pacific football pulsed through Auckland’s Eden Park last night as the Oceania football community gathered to celebrate the official launch of the OFC Pro League – a groundbreaking competition that ushers in a new professional era for the region.

Hosted by Goran Paladin, the launch event brought together players, coaches, and officials from across Oceania, marking the moment the region’s football turned professional.

Eight founding clubs from seven Pacific nations will contest the inaugural season when the league kicks off on January 17, 2026.

In attendance was South Melbourne FC, confirmed as Australia’s sole representative and the only club competing outside of the Oceania confederation. The club’s participation reaffirms its historic ties to the region, having previously been crowned Oceania Club of the Century by FIFA.

OFC President Lambert Maltock captured the spirit of the night, declaring: “What begins here tonight at Eden Park will change the landscape of football in Oceania, forever.”

OFC

Among the competing clubs are Tahiti United, built on the foundations of AS Venus; Solomon Kings FC, partnering with Australia’s Wynnum Wolves; PNG Hekari FC, reviving the legacy of Hekari United; and Vanuatu United FC and Bula FC of Fiji, both eager to showcase the region’s rising talent.

Early rivalries are already brewing, with fans anticipating the North vs South Aotearoa derby between Auckland FC and South Island United.

For South Melbourne FC, the occasion represented both a return and a renewal. General Manager Strati Xynas said the club was honoured to once again fly the Australian flag on the international stage.

“This is a proud and historic moment for our club and supporters. The Oceania Professional League provides a platform to showcase the professionalism and passion that has always defined us,” Xynas said.

Head Coach Sinisa Cohadzic added that the new league would deliver lasting benefits for football across the Pacific.

“This competition is about more than football — it’s about creating pathways for players, coaches and staff to operate in a professional environment. It’s an opportunity to test ourselves, to learn, and to grow as part of an exciting new era for the game across Oceania,” Cohadzic said.

Co-President Bill Papastergiadis OAM said South Melbourne’s involvement connects deeply with the club’s legacy and multicultural ethos.

“Representing Australia and bringing together the very best of football from across the Oceania region is something we are immensely proud of. This competition connects deeply with our history and our identity. We are excited to contribute to a new professional landscape that will benefit clubs, players and administrators throughout the region,” Papastergiadis said.

Co-President Andrew Mesourouni echoed the excitement: “We deserve to be on the international stage and we are deeply excited by this new competition. Professionalism is at the core of our values and the club is now ready to compete at the highest levels.”

As part of the 2026 calendar, South Melbourne FC will host a league hub in Melbourne, welcoming competing clubs for a cultural festival of football that will celebrate Oceania’s diversity both on and off the pitch.

The OFC Pro League promises to create professional pathways for players, administrators, and coaches across the Pacific, building bridges between nations with deep cultural and sporting ties. With kickoff just over 11 weeks away, the countdown to a new chapter in Oceania’s football story has officially begun.

Darwin’s Greek community marks OXI Day with pride and unity

The Greek Herald
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Darwin’s Greek community marks OXI Day with pride and unity

The Greek Orthodox Community of North Australia (GOCNA) held a moving ceremony to commemorate the National Anniversary of 28th October 1940 (OXI Day), celebrating with national pride, unity, and reverence for Greece’s wartime heroes.

The event was attended by an esteemed line-up of guests, including Consul General of Greece in the Northern Territory, John Anictomatis AO, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, Minister for International Education, Migration and Population Robyn Cahill, Minister for Veterans Jinson Charles, Minister for Education and Training Jo Anne Hersey, and Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Manuel Brown MLA.

Representatives from Greek associations, clubs and community organisations, together with clergy, students, and members of the public, gathered to pay tribute to those who fought for Greece’s freedom during World War II.

Clergy from Darwin’s St Nicholas and St Savvas of Kalymnos parishes – Father John and Father Chris respectively – led the memorial service. This was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony, honouring the fallen.

The program, presented by Professor George Frazis, featured reflective speeches by Greek School teachers Kalliopi Kypreos and Kalotina Glynatsis, who highlighted the historical significance of the day.

Addresses were also delivered by Chief Minister Finocchiaro, Consul General Anictomatis, and GOCNA President Michael Koulianos, each praising the courage and resilience of the Greek people.

In a special moment of recognition, four former presidents of the GOCNA – Ioannis Vrontos, Lilian Gomatos, Ioannis Nikolakis, and Nicholas Poniris – were acknowledged for their long-standing service.

Following the ceremony, attendees gathered for light refreshments at the community venue, fostering fellowship and reflection.

The commemoration served as a reminder of the enduring values of freedom, unity, and patriotic pride, inspiring younger generations to honour and preserve the legacy of OXI Day.

Consul General of Greece in Sydney meets with NSW Governor

The Greek Herald
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Consul General of Greece in Sydney meets with NSW Governor

By Vasiliki Drivas

George Skemperis, the newly appointed Consul General of Greece in Sydney, was formally received by Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, on Wednesday, October 29. The meeting – part of Mr Skemperis’s early diplomatic engagements in Australia – served as a firm affirmation of the strong ties between Greece and the Greek Australian community across New South Wales.

The Governor used the occasion to publicly recognise and celebrate the enduring contributions of the Greek Australian community to the cultural, social and economic fabric of NSW. She emphasised how, over decades, Greeks in NSW have enriched society – not only preserving their heritage but also actively participating in business, the arts, education and civic life.

In response, Mr Skemperis expressed his deep gratitude for the warm reception and reiterated his commitment to strengthening bonds between the Consulate, the Greek homeland and the diaspora in Australia. He underscored the value of fostering close relationships with Greek Australians, saying the meeting set a positive tone for his tenure and signalled renewed focus on community engagement and diplomatic collaboration.

The gathering reflects ongoing efforts – by both the diplomatic mission and state leadership – to reinforce connections between Greece and its diaspora in Australia. It comes at a time of renewed momentum in Greek-Australian relations, with the Consulate already undertaking a range of outreach initiatives aimed at cultural, educational and economic exchange.

As Mr Skemperis begins his mandate, the meeting marks a key milestone, signalling closer cooperation and stronger representation of Greek interests in NSW.

Sydney’s Cretan community to honour Arkadi Monastery Holocaust anniversary

The Greek Herald
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Sydney’s Cretan community to honour Arkadi Monastery Holocaust anniversary

The Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW will mark the 159th anniversary of the Holocaust of the Arkadi Monastery with a series of commemorative and cultural events from 8 to 10 November 2025.

The program will begin with the annual Arkadi Dinner Dance on Saturday, 8 November, at the Clairemont Reception Centre in Bankstown. 

Guests will enjoy an evening of live entertainment featuring international musicians Vangelis Kimionis, Klearchos Manolioudis and Michalis Lymakis, alongside performances by the Cretan Association’s talented dancing groups.

Tickets are priced at $120 for adults and $60 for children, inclusive of beer, wine, and soft drinks. Bookings can be made via trybooking.com/DFAMN.

Commemorations will continue on Sunday, 9 November, with a church service, mnimosino and wreath-laying ceremony at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, Redfern, beginning at 9am. 

The solemn service will pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives during the 1866 siege of the Arkadi Monastery – a defining moment in Crete’s struggle for freedom.

Adding a creative touch to the commemorative weekend, the Association will also host an Arkadi Monastery Paint Night on Monday, 10 November, at That Art Place in Carlton. 

The evening, starting at 7pm, will be guided by artist Andronika Troulis, who will lead participants through a step-by-step painting session of the historic monastery. The event is open to ages 13 and above, with no prior experience required. Bookings can be made at trybooking.com/DGQIZ.

Reflecting on the significance of the anniversary, Cretan Association President Terry Saviolakis said: “The Holocaust at the Holy Monastery of Arkadi is not only a story of sacrifice, but of enduring faith, courage and love for freedom. It reminds us that even in the darkest hours, the Cretan spirit of resistance shines bright – a legacy we are proud to honour, celebrate and pass on to future generations.”

Historic first Divine Liturgy celebrated at Mount Gambier’s new Greek Orthodox church

Anjelica Smilovitis
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Historic first Divine Liturgy celebrated at Mount Gambier’s new Greek Orthodox church

The first-ever Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Sunday, October 19, at the newly established Church of Saint Haralambos in Mount Gambier – marking a historic moment for Orthodox Christians in the Limestone Coast region.

This milestone comes after The Greek Herald first reported the planning approval for the heritage-listed former Rosaville Methodist Church to be repurposed as a Greek Orthodox parish.

Presided over by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, the weekend’s services began with Vespers on Saturday evening and continued with Matins and the Divine Liturgy on Sunday.

Faithful from across South Australia and western Victoria gathered in large numbers to witness the service at the church – the first Orthodox parish in a city of 30,000 residents.

mount gambier greek orthodox church
Faithful from across South Australia and western Victoria gathered in large numbers to witness the service.

For more than five decades, local Greek Orthodox worshippers had been served by visiting priests from Adelaide, holding services only a few times a year in borrowed halls or Anglican churches. The new parish now offers a permanent spiritual home for the community.

In his sermon, Bishop Silouan emphasised that the church’s establishment was more than a milestone – it was “a living expression of the Gospel and the love of Christ,” made possible by the perseverance and faith of local believers.

Following the Liturgy, a traditional ceremony was held in which symbolic gold, silver, and bronze keys were offered.

The Bishop gifted the gold key to Theodosios Sarvanakis, President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Mount Gambier, honouring the community’s enduring spirit of Romiosyni. The silver key was given to Elisabeth Papanikolaou, and the bronze to brothers George and Kyriakos Kyriakou, who played a major role in the church’s renovation.

mount gambier greek orthodox church
Following the Liturgy, a traditional ceremony was held in which symbolic gold, silver, and bronze keys were offered.

The celebrations concluded with communal meals hosted by the Philoptochos Ladies of Adelaide, filled with emotion, joy, and hope for the continued growth of Orthodox faith in the region.

The faithful of Mount Gambier now look forward to regular services and a new era of spiritual life on the Limestone Coast.

The Archdiocese plans urgent restorations and upgrades at the church, including accessibility improvements, while retaining the building’s heritage and communal significance.

102-year-old ANZAC Leslie Cook receives letter of gratitude from Greece’s Prime Minister

The Greek Herald
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102-year-old ANZAC Leslie Cook receives letter of gratitude from Greece’s Prime Minister

102-year-old ANZAC veteran Leslie Cook, who lives in Canberra and is one of the few surviving soldiers of the Battle of Crete during WWII, has received a personal letter of gratitude from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The letter was personally delivered to Mr Cook by Greece’s Ambassador to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, on the occasion of OXI Day.

In his message, Prime Minister Mitsotakis expressed “the deepest gratitude of the Hellenic Republic and the Greek people” for Mr Cook’s “remarkable bravery and courage” alongside his fellow ANZAC soldiers during the 1941 battle.

“Your legacy – and that of your fallen comrades – forged indissoluble bonds between the ANZACs and the people of Greece, and laid the foundations of an enduring friendship between Greece and Australia,” the Prime Minister wrote.

Mitsotakis’ letter added that the courage shown on the battlefield “continues to inspire,” serving as a reminder that “peace must never be taken for granted. It demands vigilance, courage and sacrifice.”

Quoting Thucydides, Mitsotakis noted, “Happy are the free, and free are the brave,” and affirmed Greece’s enduring gratitude: “Your courage and devotion will always have a special place in our nation’s history… a lasting reminder of the price of freedom and the strength of solidarity between our peoples.”

The Embassy of Greece in Australia described the moment as one of “rare pride and heartfelt emotion,” thanking Mr Cook for his service.

Archbishop Makarios leads celebrations in Crete honouring the Four Holy New Martyrs

The Greek Herald
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Archbishop Makarios leads celebrations in Crete honouring the Four Holy New Martyrs

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia presided over a two-day celebration in Rethymno, Crete, honouring the Four Holy New Martyrs, Manuel, Angelos, George and Nicholas, on October 27 and 28.

At the invitation of His Eminence Metropolitan Prodromos of Rethymno and Avlopotamos, Archbishop Makarios officiated during the Great Solemn Vespers and addressed the large congregation.

He was accompanied from Australia by Their Graces Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne and Bishop Athenagoras of Canberra.

On the feast day, Archbishop Makarios led the Polyhierarchical Divine Liturgy, concelebrating with Metropolitans of New Zealand, Myra, Rethymno, and Avlopotamos, as well as Bishops Kyriakos, Athenagoras, and Paisios of Apamea.

Following the service, a Doxology for Greece’s national holiday was held, during which Archbishop Makarios delivered an address highlighting the day’s significance.

Outgoing education director Manousos Maragakis was awarded the Cross of the Holy Four Martyrs, the highest distinction of the Metropolis.

Greek Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni, MP Emmanouil Chnaris, and local civil and military authorities attended the celebrations.

A memorial service was held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by a parade of the military, schools, and cultural associations.

estivities concluded with an official luncheon and an evening Vespers service led by Metropolitan Gerasimos of Petra and Chersonissos, followed by a procession of the relics and icon of the Four Holy New Martyrs through Rethymno.

Stephen Pallaras KC to contest election after mystery accident

The Greek Herald
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Stephen Pallaras KC to contest election after mystery accident

Former state prosecutor Stephen Pallaras KC says he will still contest next year’s South Australian election despite suffering serious injuries in a mysterious accident two months ago.

The 74-year-old Real Change SA leader was found unconscious outside his North Adelaide home on September 4 with multiple facial fractures.

“I still wonder, ‘what the hell happened, and why it happened’—they’re not questions that I’ve got answers to yet,” he told 7NEWS.

Pallaras spent six days in an induced coma and is now recovering at home. His team believes he may have fallen while taking out the bins.

A veteran lawyer and former Director of Public Prosecutions (2005–2012), Pallaras remains determined to run on a platform to abolish the parole board and tighten sentencing laws.

Source: The Advertiser.

Michael Theoharis among 55 charged in SA-wide AN0M sting

The Greek Herald
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Michael Theoharis among 55 charged in SA-wide AN0M sting

Fifty-five people have been charged following coordinated dawn raids across South Australia as part of a major AN0M sting targeting alleged organised drug trafficking networks.

Among those arrested and charged was Michael Theoharis, 29, of Paradise, who faces 21 counts of drug trafficking, including large commercial drug trafficking.

The Adelaide Magistrates Court ordered a home detention report for Theoharis, and his bail application was adjourned until next week.

The arrests form part of a broader investigation into the encrypted messaging app AN0M, a platform secretly created by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and FBI to monitor criminal communications.

Since Operation Ironside began on June 7, 2021, hundreds of alleged drug traffickers, bikies, and organised crime figures have been charged across Australia after authorities intercepted millions of AN0M messages.

The latest statewide operation follows a High Court ruling earlier this month that upheld the legality of the AN0M surveillance, rejecting claims by Comanchero bikie members that the app’s use amounted to unlawful interception.

As of Wednesday evening, 28 of the 55 accused had faced court, with police confirming the investigation remains ongoing.

Source: The Advertiser.

Hurricane Melissa leaves dozens dead across the Caribbean

The Greek Herald
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Hurricane Melissa leaves dozens dead across the Caribbean

Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic storms on record, has left dozens dead and widespread devastation across Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba after making landfall as a category five hurricane with winds reaching 295 kilometres per hour.

In Haiti, at least 40 people have been confirmed dead, including 20 in Petit-Goâve, where another 10 remain missing, according to Steven Aristil of the Civil Protection Agency.

Flooding also struck shelters housing families displaced by gang violence in Port-au-Prince.

In Jamaica, 77 per cent of the island lost power, and more than 25,000 people were forced into shelters.

The storm tore off roofs, caused landslides, and destroyed infrastructure in southern parishes such as Saint Elizabeth, where four bodies were recovered and one infant was killed when a tree fell.

“Catastrophic is a mild term based on what we are observing,” said Mayor Richard Solomon of Black River, as rescue efforts intensified.

Photo: AP / Matias Delacroix.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness pledged that the government was “fully mobilised” and working to deliver relief and restore normalcy.

In Cuba, about 735,000 people remained in shelters after homes collapsed and roads were blocked, particularly in Santiago de Cuba.

President Miguel Díaz-Canel said recovery would begin “as soon as conditions allow,” while residents described losing everything to flooding and wind damage.

The United States has deployed rescue and response teams to assist recovery efforts across the Caribbean, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirming coordination with leaders in Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas.

As of Wednesday, Hurricane Melissa had weakened slightly while moving northeast toward the Bahamas, where officials remained on high alert for further damage and flooding.

Source: ABC.

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