At an emergency European Council meeting in Brussels on Monday, February 3, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasised the critical need for strong cooperation between Europe and the United States to tackle shared challenges.
Mitsotakis stressed that EU-US collaboration is in the best interest of the European Union and that Europe must communicate this message to the new US administration. He also called for a unified stance from the EU, while urging a pragmatic approach in its relations with the US.
Εκτός από την ανάγκη να έχουμε περισσότερη ευελιξία σε εθνικό επίπεδο, είναι ανάγκη να συγκροτήσουμε ένα κοινό ευρωπαϊκό ταμείο για αμυντικά έργα, που ουσιαστικά συνιστούν ευρωπαϊκές προτεραιότητες. Προτείνω τη σύσταση ενός ταμείου 100 δισ. ευρώ στα πρότυπα του Ταμείου Ανάκαμψης. pic.twitter.com/e1XBcTcR4E
Additionally, Mitsotakis underscored the importance of strengthening the EU’s global role and enhancing its defence capabilities.
The meeting, convened in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the economic impacts of US President Donald Trump’s policies, brought together European leaders to discuss these pressing issues.
The Cyprus Festival, held on February 1–2 this year along the banks of the River Torrens, marked a decade of cultural celebration. What began in 2015 as a modest annual event has grown into a vibrant showcase of Cypriot heritage, strengthening the bonds between Greek and South Australian communities.
Organised by the Cyprus Community of South Australia Inc., the festival brought together people from diverse backgrounds to experience the rich traditions of Hellenic and Cypriot culture, highlighting South Australia’s vibrant heritage.
Reflecting on this 10-year milestone, Dr Andreas Evdokiou, President of the Cyprus Community of SA, remarked, “Today, as we celebrate this incredible milestone, let us also reflect on the resilience of our people. While Cyprus remains occupied and divided, 50 years on since those tragic events of 1974, our collective spirit and our determination remain unbroken. While this festival serves as a reminder of our rich heritage, our ongoing commitment to justice, freedom, and the reunification of our homeland remains the air that we breathe.”
Honouring the legacy of the diaspora
The festival was not only a celebration of heritage but also a moment to honour the resilience of the Cypriot diaspora in South Australia. The Premier of South Australia, The Hon. Peter Malinauskas MP, reflected on the courage of those who left their homeland during times of hardship.
“This community, which arrived in Australia following the unjust invasion of Cyprus, demonstrated remarkable resilience. The courage and heroism required of those men and women who chose to leave their homeland and start anew in a foreign country, in a completely different hemisphere, on the other side of the world, is extraordinary. Because of their choice and bravery, generations of South Australians have been the beneficiaries of that wisdom,” said Mr Malinauskas.
Dr Evdokiou also acknowledged the Hon. Mike Rann, former Premier of South Australia, for his ongoing support of the Cypriot cause. “He is a dear ally and friend, being a former patron of the Justice for Cyprus community group and a constant advocate for a just resolution to the Cyprus problem,” said Dr Evdokiou, presenting Mr. Rann with an award for his unwavering support and advocacy.
The power of cultural performance
The 2025 festival featured a spectacular line-up of performances, with over 150 dancers representing various community groups. Attendees enjoyed traditional Cypriot dances, including the ‘Tatsia’ and ‘Drepani,’ performed by the Cyprus Community of SA. Other groups, including the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia Dance Group, the Messinian Dance School of SA, the Greek Lyceum of SA Dance Group, and the Cretan Association of SA Dance Group, also performed traditional Hellenic folk dances.
These captivating performances immersed festivalgoers in the rhythms and stories of Cypriot and Greek traditions. Each dance, steeped in history, provided a glimpse into the community’s deep-rooted pride and heritage.
Following the cultural displays, the evenings were brought to life with electrifying performances. Renowned Cypriot musician Christos Shikkis took centre stage, captivating the audience with his masterful renditions of traditional Cypriot folk music, rich in passion and authenticity.
Complementing his performance was the voice of Stephanos Pelekanis, who mesmerised festivalgoers on both nights with his powerful interpretations of traditional and Byzantine melodies, offering a profound connection to the roots of this unique folk music.
The Kosmos Band then carried the momentum, blending traditional and modern Greek music to create an energetic atmosphere that had attendees dancing well into the night, bringing the festival to a spectacular close.
Sydney’s art scene came alive on Friday night as The Shop Gallery in Glebe played host to the highly anticipated launch of Art on the Wall, a solo exhibition and book launch by Greek Australian artist Eirini Alligiannis.
The event drew a packed crowd of art lovers, with attendees spilling onto the streets as they gathered to celebrate Alligiannis’ latest work. Among the distinguished guests was Alexandra Luxford, Randwick City Councillor, who attended to show her support for the arts and Eirini’s remarkable contributions to the creative community.
Eirini Alligiannis’ ‘Art on the Wall’ exhibition at The Shop Gallery, Glebe.
Inside the gallery, Eirini’s stunning works were prominently displayed, offering guests a visual journey through the essence of street art. Many attendees eagerly queued to purchase her newly released book and receive a personalised signed copy from the artist. Throughout the evening, a live DJ set the tone with vibrant music, while guests enjoyed refreshments and light snacks.
The highlight of the night came when Eirini delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing her deep appreciation for the unwavering support she has received throughout her career.
“Thank you all so much for being here tonight to celebrate this launch, the launch of my book. It truly means the world to me to share this special moment with you all,” she said.
She took a moment to acknowledge the key individuals who have played a significant role in her artistic journey, particularly her family.
“To my parents, my mum, who has always encouraged me to pursue my dreams… And to my dad, he’s not physically here, but I know he’s raising a glass of scotch.”
As she spoke about the inspiration behind Art on the Wall, Eirini reflected on the power of graffiti and street art in capturing culture and identity.
“I believe graffiti tells a unique story that captures the essence of culture, identity, and vibrant voices of those behind the art. During my travels in New York City, I collected these images to reflect these narratives, creating accomplishments, stories through the eyes,” she shared.
Following her speech, the celebration continued well into the night, with guests immersing themselves in Eirini’s artwork and engaging in discussions about the themes presented in her book. The exhibition launch not only showcased the artistic brilliance of Art on the Wall but also underscored the significance of street art in preserving cultural narratives.
The exhibition will remain open at The Shop Gallery until February 5, offering visitors a final chance to experience Eirini Alligiannis’ compelling visual storytelling firsthand.
The Greek community, led by Father Eleftherios Tatsis (Papa Lefteris), came together on Sunday, February 2, 2025, to celebrate the Presentation of Our Panagia Thalassini at Phillip Island.
The day began with a Liturgy from 8.30am to 11.00am, drawing crowds from across the region who gathered to honour this important occasion.
Following the liturgy, the celebrations continued with a vibrant Grape Festival Panigiri, bringing people of all ages together in a joyous display of Greek culture and tradition.
Attendees were treated to an afternoon of live music, dance, food, and entertainment, with a lineup that included a live band, the Manasis Dance Group, and DJ Chris providing lively performances that kept the energy high.
The festival atmosphere was enhanced by a selection of traditional Greek food and drinks, ensuring that guests could enjoy the full experience of a classic Panigiri celebration.
Families and friends danced to the rhythm of Greek music under the sunny skies, embracing the spirit of unity and heritage that defines such cultural events.
The Presentation of Our Panagia Thalassini and the Grape Festival Panigiri at Phillip Island demonstrated the strength and vibrancy of Greek culture in Australia, leaving everyone looking forward to next year’s festivities.
Greek spirit, music, and unparalleled flavours filled the streets of Hobart, Tasmania, over the weekend of February 1-2, as the ESTIA Greek Festival opened its doors and welcomed thousands of visitors.
For the first time, the festival expanded to a two-day event, featuring a Saturday night market followed by a full-scale festival on Sunday. The added day saw large crowds flock to try Greek food and immerse themselves in Greek culture.
Aromas of traditional food filled the air. Photo: Andrew McMasterVolunteers worked tirelessly to prepare an array of Greek delicacies. Photo: Andrew McMaster
Saturday evening had a relaxed, vibrant atmosphere, with live DJs creating the perfect backdrop for visitors to enjoy Greek food, drinks, and good company well into the night. On Sunday, the festival transformed into the large-scale Greek celebration the community knows and loves, bringing together people of all backgrounds to share in the festivities.
Federal Street was transformed into a vibrant Greek hub, with aromas of traditional food filling the air and volunteers working tirelessly to prepare an array of Greek delicacies. The festival featured cooking demonstrations, live music, DJs, and performances by the Hellenic Dancers – Hobart.
Visitors indulged in Greek food classics such as gyros, souvlakia, loukoumades, BBQ octopus, and many more, making the event a true feast for the senses.
Performances from the Hellenic Dancers entertained attendees. Photo: Andrew McMasterPhoto: Andrew McMaster
Entertainment remained at the heart of the weekend, with energetic performances from the Hellenic Dancers – Hobart captivating audiences and live Greek music keeping the crowd on their feet.
Adding to the significance of the event, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia attended the festival on Sunday, bringing great joy to the local Greek community.
The festival’s strong cultural message was reinforced through speeches by key community figures. Greg Casimaty spoke about the importance of heritage and cultural connection, while Madeline Ogilvie MP highlighted the need to support and nurture culture.
Archbishop Makarios also addressed the crowd, delivering a message of community and togetherness, emphasising the unifying power of Greek traditions.
Archbishop Makarios of Australia attended the festival on Sunday. Photo: Andrew McMaster.
Reflecting on the success of the festival, Greek Community of Tasmania President, Manoli Kalimnios, praised the involvement of young people, describing it as one of the event’s highlights.
“One of the highlights of this year’s festival was the incredible involvement of young people. From performing traditional dances to helping behind the scenes, their passion and dedication give us confidence in the future,” he said.
General Manager of the Greek Community of Tasmania, Emanuel Roussos, echoed this sentiment, expressing his excitement for the future of the festival.
Mr Kalimnios also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support the festival received. “We are overwhelmed by the love and support shown for this year’s festival. It’s clear that Greek culture continues to inspire and unite people, no matter their background,” he said.
From the delicious flavours to the traditional dances and music, every moment of the festival reflected a deep connection to Greek heritage. With spirits high and community pride stronger than ever, organisers and attendees alike are already looking forward to next year’s event, eager to once again celebrate the magic of Greek culture in Hobart.
The Hellenic Club of Canberra has announced that it will appeal a decision by the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission, which imposed a $1.2 million fine following a four-year investigation.
The investigation examined the recording of problem gambling incidents in the gambling incident register maintained by the Commission, as well as compliance with regulations on EFTPOS withdrawal limits for club patrons.
Full co-operation and commitment to review
In response to the decision, the Hellenic Club issued a statement expressing disappointment with the outcome and confirming it had fully co-operated with the Commission throughout the investigation.
“The ACT Gambling and Racing Commission has handed down its decision in relation to an investigation that it commenced over four years ago,” the club said.
“The investigation concerned the recording of problem gambling incidents in the gambling incident register maintained by the Commission and compliance with regulations relating to limits on the amount of money that could be withdrawn by club patrons via EFTPOS.”
The club acknowledged the regulatory process but strongly disagrees with the Commission’s decision to impose disciplinary action, prompting an immediate appeal.
“The Hellenic Club has given its full co-operation to the Commission. The Hellenic Club is disappointed with the Commission’s decision to take disciplinary action against the Hellenic Club.”
As part of its response, the club has lodged an application for review with the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal, seeking to overturn or amend the ruling.
“The Hellenic Club has immediately commenced an application for a review of the decision in the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Given those ongoing proceedings, it would be inappropriate for the Hellenic Club to comment any further on the substance of the Commission’s decision.”
Commitment to members and the community
Despite the legal challenge, the Hellenic Club has reassured its members, guests, and the broader ACT community that its priority remains providing a welcoming and responsible entertainment venue.
“In the meantime, the Club will continue to serve its members, guests and the broader ACT community with commitment, fairness and integrity.”
As one of Canberra’s well-established community clubs, the Hellenic Club plays a significant role in supporting local events, cultural activities, and charitable initiatives. It has reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining high operational standards while it works through the appeal process.
The Greek Herald will continue to follow developments and provide updates as the review unfolds.
Carlton FC legend Anthony Koutoufides has confirmed he will not be running for the club’s presidency, despite growing speculation surrounding the position vacated by Luke Sayers.
Koutoufides joins broadcaster Tom Elliott and former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg in making clear he is not a contender ahead of the February 19 annual general meeting.
Sayers resigned amid his explicit photo scandal after claims his social media account was hacked and compromised with a lewd photo.
Carlton vice president Robert Priestley is considered the frontrunner to succeed Sayers, with strong board-room backing.
Koutoufides, while flattered by the support from Blues fans, including Elliott, explained that he is focused on his political career.
“It’s too difficult for me to do that too but it would be such a great time because the club is just starting to move forward.”
Former AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick and senior ANZ banker Mark Whelan are also being strongly linked to the role, with both receiving external support.
The Australian Ambassador to Greece, Alison Duncan, recently met with Professor Vrasidas Karalis and director Yannis Dramitinos to discuss an exciting new literary initiative aiming to strengthen cultural ties between Australia and Greece.
Titled Etudes Australes, the project is a literary series spearheaded by the Thessaloniki-based Petites-Maisons publishing house. Under Dramitinos’ direction, the series seeks to introduce Greek readers to a diverse range of Australian literature, spanning from historical essays to graphic novels.
The first two books in the series exemplify this cross-cultural exchange. Monster & Colossus by Cassi Plate explores the correspondence between acclaimed Greek writer Costas Taktsis and Australian artist Carl Plate, featuring an introduction by Professor Karalis. This was followed by The Glebe Point Road Blues, authored by Karalis himself, which was launched this January.
During their visit to Greece, Dramitinos and Karalis met with Ambassador Duncan, sharing their vision for the series and discussing upcoming translations set to further enrich the literary dialogue between the two nations. Their work highlights the growing appreciation of Australian literature among Greek readers, reflecting a cultural reciprocity long enjoyed by Greek literature in Australia.
Ambassador Duncan praised the initiative, noting its potential to deepen the literary and cultural connections between the two countries. The project’s success so far underscores the enduring bond between Greek and Australian communities and their shared love of storytelling.
Sarantis Parissos, who stole a police patrol car during a routine traffic stop in Adelaide over three years ago, has pleaded guilty in the District Court. The 41-year-old admitted to the theft of the vehicle on Copley Street in Broadview in December 2021.
Footage of the incident, which was released earlier this week, shows Parissos stealing the patrol car in front of officers.
The bodycam footage captures a female officer shouting instructions to a woman as she attempts to stop Parissos, who is seen running toward the patrol car and driving off with it.
“Get the f**k out of the car now,” the officer is heard yelling, while another officer can be heard instructing him to “get out of the car.”
Parissos, who was accompanied by a female passenger on his motorcycle, sped off in the stolen vehicle, prompting the female officer to urgently call for backup.
“35 urgent assistance, our vehicle has been taken… heading east towards Hampstead Road, lights and sirens on,” she said.
The stolen patrol car was later recovered, and both officers involved were unharmed. Parissos also pleaded guilty to a separate incident in 2022, where he ran down a female police officer with a stolen SUV at Fulham.
Parissos is scheduled to return to court in February for sentencing submissions on both charges.
The owner of Kazzi Beach Greek in Balmoral, Sydney, has spoken out after a thief brazenly stole a tip jar from his restaurant on the Australia Day long weekend, leaving staff shaken.
CCTV footage shows a man waiting for a waitress to walk out of sight before swiping the jar and walking away.
Peter Papas, the restaurant owner, said the thief first entered around 7.30 pm and asked about the price of chips before leaving briefly. He returned shortly after, and when the cashier’s back was turned, he snatched the tip jar.
“It was the Australia Day long weekend and our staff worked so hard over three days, no doubt looking forward to sharing their tips at the close of business,” Papas told Mosman Collective.
“This lowlife has waltzed in and scoped out the tip jar, then waited to strike in the split second the cashier’s back was turned.”
Papas, describing his staff as “family,” replaced the stolen tips and said many of the workers were local and upset by the theft.
“They were upset to think something like this happened right under their noses,” he added.
