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Greek Orthodox Community of SA celebrates 204th year of Greek Independence

Peter Tantalos
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Greek Orthodox Community of SA celebrates 204th year of Greek Independence

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) commemorated Greek Independence Day with joyous festivities on Sunday, 30 March, bringing together over 150 community members, dignitaries, and guests to celebrate Greek heritage and culture.

The day commenced with reverence at the Cathedral of Archangels Michael & Gabriel on Franklin Street filled with the faithful attending a Liturgy and Doxology. Following, at 11:15 am, the Cathedral courtyard hosted a Memorial Service and wreath-laying ceremony honouring the sacrifices made by the heroes of Greek independence.

The Cathedral courtyard hosted a Memorial Service and wreath-laying ceremony.

Among the dignitaries laying wreaths were The Hon. Lucy Hood MP representing the Premier of SA The Hon Peter Malinauskas; The Hon. Josh Teague MP, representing the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Vincent Tarzia, Lord Mayor of the City of Adelaide, Dr Jane Lomax Smith, representatives from Federal and local government; and prominent community leaders.

Community organisations, including the Greek National Resistance, Cyprus Community of SA, Pan-Arcadian Association, Messinian Association, and the Kastellorizan Society of SA, amongst other significant community groups, also participated in this significant tribute.

gocsa greek independence day

Peter Ppiros, President of GOCSA, addressed attendees and emphasised the historic significance of the day.

“The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia, every year, in its almost 100 year history, commemorates the anniversary of the Greek Revolution of the 25th of March 1821, honouring the memory of the heroes and heroines that sacrificed their lives for the defeat and abolition of the oppressive Ottoman rule and establishment of the modern Greek state,” Mr Ppiros said.

gocsa greek independence day
gocsa greek independence day

Highlighting the profound impact of the revolution, Mr Ppiros further remarked: “The Revolution of 1821 bequeathed to popular consciousness renowned heroes and heroines, legendary figures who to this day serve as role models of pure patriotism, struggle, and self-sacrifice. It moved Philhellenes and revolutionaries from across Europe, to join in morally and on the battlefield.”

In concluding his speech, Mr Ppiros delivered a message of unity and pride, exclaiming: “Long live the Greek Revolution of 1821. Long live Greece. Long live Australia.”

gocsa greek independence day

Following the ceremony, commemorations continued at Olympic Hall, where attendees enjoyed a communal lunch paired with vibrant cultural performances. Talented students from GOCSA’s Greek Schools presented poetry, demonstrating their educational progress and patriotic spirit.

The day’s festivities culminated in a lively traditional dance performance by the GOCSA Dance Academy. Students from intermediate and advanced groups, adorned in historically inspired revolutionary costumes, captivated the audience with skilful dances, of which their forebears would have danced in the century of the revolution.

gocsa greek independence day
gocsa greek independence day

The Consul General of Greece in Adelaide, Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulou, attended the Olympic Hall celebrations and delivered closing remarks.

“It is my great joy to be here with you [especially] when I see all these children dressed in white and blue and being proud [of their Hellenic identity],” Dr Theodoropoulou said.

“Congratulations to you all, the teachers, children, and parents who send their children to Greek school. Because as our poet Andreas Kalvos said, during the period of the revolution, freedom requires areti kai tolmi (virtue and courage/boldness)… To achieve this virtue, we need education, Greek education, as this is how we will learn to be free. And today, we honour our flag, and it is inspiring to see the Greek flag [here in the hall] with the words ‘Eleftheria i Thanatos’ (Freedom or Death).”

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Peter Tantalos.

From alleyway to legacy: Coburg’s Kastoria Lane project gains momentum

Mary Sinanidis
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From alleyway to legacy: Coburg’s Kastoria Lane project gains momentum

Merri-bek City Council has greenlit public consultation for the naming of Kastoria Lane, a project set to transform a once-neglected alleyway into a vibrant community hub. This move, opening for public feedback in April or May this year, honours the Australian Association of Kastorians’ enduring legacy and their spirited drive to revitalise their cultural hub.

A picture taken the day Kastoria Club was saved from being sold. Effie says since then at least 10 members have passed away.

A Merri-bek council spokesperson confirmed this news to The Greek Herald.

“The proposal to name a small section of the right-of-way between 217 and 219 Elizabeth Street in North Coburg as Kastoria Lane is currently underway. This initiative aligns with Council’s broader commitment to recognising and celebrating the contributions of culturally significant communities, such as the Kastorian Association, to our city’s heritage,” the spokesperson said.

The proposal, initially tabled in September 2023, faced hurdles with Geographic Names Victoria (GNV).

“The name, Kastoria Lane, initially didn’t meet GNV’s naming principles,” the council revealed. “However, in July 2024, GNV provided in-principle support for its use, subject to the following conditions: the laneway must be named after the association, not the commercial bus company, and the association must provide its support.”

At the heart of this story is Effie Lalopoulos, an 80-year-old dynamo who, in 2019, spearheaded the campaign to save the Kastoria Club.

“We’ll absolutely secure the necessary support,” Lalopoulos asserted. “I urge Coburg’s Greek community, particularly those familiar with the club, to rally behind this during the consultation.”

Lalopoulos, a seasoned campaigner, recalls her tenacious battle to safeguard the building.

“We needed 80 signatures, and I gathered them, one by one, sometimes with koulourakia trays and soft drinks,” she recounted.

Effie and Nikolaos Lalopoulos hoist the Greek flag at the Kastoria Club’s entrance.

Since then, the club has flourished. Strategic tenancies and a recently paved pathway, deterring fly-tipping and enhancing accessibility, have ensured its sustainability. A 2023 refurbishment, featuring a revamped kitchen and bathroom, further elevated the space.

“We owe a great deal to Lambros Tapinos during his mayoral term,” Lalopoulos acknowledged.

Effie and Dimitra enjoy the renovated kitchen where Dimitra pumps out home-made dishes for members every Sunday.

John Pandazopoulos, a long-time advocate, also lent his government expertise.

“We’ve been instrumental in streamlining their operations, securing grants, and envisioning future partnerships,” Pandazopoulos told The Greek Herald, adding that for the naming he leaned on his experience with the naming of Kalamata Place.

“This two-storey building, vital for accessibility, is a testament to our collective effort.”

Dimitra and Effie enjoy a cosy cup of coffee in the Club’s courtyard that opens up onto the laneway.

For the 65-year-old club, a Coburg fixture since 1988, Kastoria Lane marks another milestone.

“We were a 28-year-old club when we found this old Coburg warehouse,” Lalopoulos reminisced, referencing historical articles from the club’s now defunct Kastoria News.

The club’s archives, brimming with letters from former Prime Minister Bob Hawke and records of countless community events, paint a vivid portrait of its rich history.

“I was a young mum then, and now I have three children, eight grandchildren, and a great-grandchild,” she shared, adding her excitement that the moment has come for the naming of the lane.

Plans for beautification are now underway to create a dynamic community space.

“I want to engage the youth in the transformation, provided they continue to remain involved after the rejuvenation! We’re planning another youth-filled cocktail party, and, of course, the elders must continue their Sunday lunches – it’s their lifeline,” she emphasised.

Dimitra Panagiotidis, another Club stalwart, highlighted Lalopoulos’ unwavering dedication.

Effie’s 13-year-old granddaughter, an aspiring architect, sends inspo for what the laneway could become.

“Effie wakes me up in the middle of the night with her big dreams! I tell her to go back to sleep and we will discuss in the morning,” she said.

Panagiotidis tends to the garden and prepares culinary delights: papoutsakia for council guests, traditional cod and skordalia for Greek Independence Day, and more.

“We’re even considering cooking classes in our refurbished kitchen,” she revealed.

Looking through old issues of the Kastoria News, the Club’s old newspaper.

Nikos and Dimitra Panagiotidis with Effie and Nikolaos Lalopoulos.

She could also teach gardening, judging from her vibrant petunias and violets adorning the little garden at the back.

“It’s lovely now, but just wait until we have our Kastoria Lane,” Lalopoulos concluded.

Beyond the laneway’s naming, the club envisions a range of initiatives. Kastoria Lane symbolises more than just a name; it represents a community’s resilience and a commitment to a thriving future.

Burwood Council celebrates Greek National Day with local community

Madison McGuinness
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Burwood Council celebrates Greek National Day with local community

The Burwood Council hosted its annual Greek National Day celebrations on Wednesday, March 26, marking the start of Greece’s Revolution in 1821 that led to its independence.

The event was organised by Burwood Council with the support of Mayor Cr John Faker, and continues a beloved tradition that started in 2003 under former Mayor Chris Christogeorge.

The evening featured speeches from notable dignitaries, including Member of the Hellenic Parliament, Stavros Keletsis (New Democracy), the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, Mayor Faker, Tony Diakopanagiotis, Vice President of the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Burwood and District Saint Nectarios, and parish priest at Saint Nectarios Burwood, Father George Liangas. Mr Christogeorge gave the keynote address.

The program also included a poignant reading of The Ode for The Fallen by Peter Tsigounis, President of the Greek RSL Sub-Branch, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.

Entertainment was provided by local Greek School students, who presented hymns, poems, and performances about the Heroes of 1821, along with dance and music from the Greek Dance Rhythms group directed by Christina Efthymiades AM and Tassos Lambrou on the bouzouki.

The event also saw participation from other special guests such as His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth, Greek MP Stefanos Parastatidis, and Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney President Peter Psomas.

The night’s success was attributed to the enthusiastic support of the local Greek community and the event’s talented MC, Dimitrios Kametopoulos.

Canberra remembers Greece’s fight for freedom with wreath laying and cultural display

Evelyn Karatzas
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Canberra remembers Greece’s fight for freedom with wreath laying and cultural display

On Sunday, 30 March, Canberra’s Greek community came together to celebrate one of the biggest celebrations in Greek history, Independence Day.

The 25th of March commemorations commenced in the early morning with a liturgy at St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Kingston, and then following the service, several students of the Greek School of Canberra sung the Greek national anthem and recited poems that reflected Greece’s fight for freedom and independence in 1821.

Church service
Church service
All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Evelyn Karatzas.

All parishioners and guests were then invited to drive to the Australian Hellenic Memorial at around 12:30 pm for the annual wreath laying ceremony and a minute of silence.

His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, alongside Father Petros from St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and Father Iakovos from St Dimitrios Greek Orthodox Church in Queanbeyan, led the ceremony with prayer, and then formal speeches followed.

Many distinguished guests attended the church service and laid wreaths at the Greek memorial including Bishop Iakovos, Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, Federal Member for Canberra, Alicia Payne MP, Federal Member for Bean ACT, David Smith MP, President of the Greek Orthodox Community & Church of Canberra, John Loukadellis, multiple military personnel and leaders of local Greek associations.

Ceremony at the Australian Hellenic Memorial.

Following the wreath laying ceremony, a luncheon took place at the Hellenic Club of Canberra in Woden, where more than 100 people attended. The Olympus room was filled with vibrant blue and white décor, Greek flags, and many proud members of the Greek community to mark the significant event.

Secretary of the Hellenic RSL Melbourne, Major Terry Kanellos (RETD) OAM emceed the event, and formally welcomed everyone. Speeches were made by Mr Loukadellis and Ambassador Venizelos.

In his speech, Mr Loukadellis reflected on the significance of the 25th of the March.

“This year, we proudly commemorated the 204th anniversary of Greek Independence. A day of immense historical, religious, and cultural significance that embodies the courage, sacrifice, and overall spirit of the Hellenic people in their struggle and fight for freedom and their battle cry of ‘Ελευθερία η Θάνατος’ – freedom or death,” Mr Loukadellis said.

“’Ελευθερία η Θάνατος’ is a nine-syllable word. On the Greek flag, there are five blue stripes and four white stripes, which symbolise this freedom or death. So, the words ‘Ελευθερία η Θάνατος’ are engraved in Greeks, yesterday, today, and forevermore.”

In his speech, Ambassador Venizelos revealed what the celebration is all about.

“The anniversary of the 25th of march is a day of pride and a national milestone in our long history,” Mr Venizelos said. “The Greeks united their strength in the glorious struggle to defend their freedom and orthodoxy.”

The Ambassador concluded his speech by sending his wishes to the Canberra community.

“On the occasion of our National anniversary, the Feast of the Annunciation, I wholeheartedly wish all Greek men and women of Canberra and to our Australian friends, and to your families, health, progress, and prosperity. Χρόνια Πολλά, Ζήτω η 25 Μαρτίου!.”

Families, friends and guests were then treated to a two-course meal and a dance performance by the Canberra Hellenic Dancers, as well as live music by Canberra’s Kefi Band who wowed the crowd with their great selection of music and singing that got everyone on the dance floor.

Dimitri Bezos, a member of the Atalanti dance group, added how it felt to perform at such an important event.

“We’re always very excited to perform at national events. We feel a deep sense of pride and it’s great to perform all together as part of the community,” he said.

“I think it’s a significant day for everyone, and we fought hard, our ancestors fought hard for our freedom, and I think we need to value our independence always.”

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Evelyn Karatzas.

Speak Greek café movement hopes to save the Greek language, one conversation at a time

The Greek Herald
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Speak Greek café movement hopes to save the Greek language, one conversation at a time

The “Speak Greek in March” initiative aims to foster a vibrant community for Greek language learners and enthusiasts through both online and in-person conversation cafés.

This month featured a virtual meeting and an in-person gathering at Olympia in Oakleigh, providing valuable opportunities for connection and language practice. Building on this start, gatherings will continue in April and beyond, held on the last Wednesday of each month (online) and the last Saturday (in person).

Olympia provided the perfect backdrop for the conversation cafe (substitute coffee with cocktails).
Olympia provided the perfect backdrop for the conversation cafe (substitute coffee with cocktails).

For those who missed the recent events, it’s not too late to participate! Dorothy Hatzopoulou and The Greek Herald journalist Mary Sinanidis encourage anyone interested in joining the weekly 15-minute one-on-one rotational Greek chats and monthly virtual or face-to-face meetups to contact them at msinanidis@gmail.com in order to get an invitation to join a Google hub for conversation café participants.

These free initiatives offer a fantastic opportunity to “level up your Greek fast” and connect with a supportive community.

conversation cafe speak greek
Mary Sinanidis and Dorothy Hatzopoulou set up and wait for guests
Mary Sinanidis and Dorothy Hatzopoulou set up and wait for guests.

Virtual cafés

The lively online Greek café provides a convenient platform for individuals to engage in conversation from home. Participants of all ages are welcome and can join breakout rooms to discuss various themes.

“It was great to see so many non-Greek speakers of the language celebrating the language and attending the virtual café,” Mary said.

“This opportunity provides a safe space for people to speak Greek and connect with others—Greek or non-Greek—of all ages from across Australia and even beyond, who want to practice.”

The first online event featured professional yachtsman Kostas Papalexopoulos, who took Australian visitors on a virtual tour of his beloved Piraeus.

In-person cafés

On Saturday, the “Speak Greek in March” spirit came alive at Olympia in Oakleigh, where a bustling conversation café was held. Hosts Dorothy and Mary created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, attracting participants of all levels—from beginners taking their first steps in the language to advanced speakers eager to refine their fluency. The energy was palpable, with attendees enthusiastically sharing their knowledge and learning from one another.

conversation cafe speak greek
conversation cafe speak greek
conversation cafe speak greek

Participants engaged in Greek speed friending, played fun games, won prizes, and enjoyed themselves so much that they stayed long after the event’s scheduled end, savouring rounds of lentil soup and souvlaki wraps.

Dorothy, an experienced communications professional and event organiser, led team-building exercises.

“We were thrilled to host such a successful event that brought together Greeks we don’t normally see at community events. We were very pleased to see these new faces and the amazing collaboration between novice and native Greek speakers,” Dorothy said.

“We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Speak Greek in March—which will, of course, continue in April! We hope to visit a different area each month and grow our community.”

conversation cafe speak greek

10-year campaign

Mike Zafiropoulos, the campaign’s initiator, was visibly moved as participants sang “Happy Birthday” to a campaign that continues despite the challenges faced by the Greek language.

“My drive to create this campaign stemmed from witnessing the loss of Greek among distant generations in other countries. As I saw a family in its 6th, 7th and 8th generation in Peru lose touch with Greek, I was determined to prevent this from happening in Australia. Therefore, I wholeheartedly welcome initiatives like Mary and Dorothy’s, and I encourage individuals outside of established groups to take such action, because the ‘Speak Greek in March’ campaign belongs to everyone and everyone should have ownership,” Mr Zafiropoulos said.

Blowing out the candles on the 10-year anniversary of the Speak Greek in March campaign
.

In December, the finances and responsibility of the Speak Greek in March campaign were offered to Pharos who are currently considering future plans.

Meanwhile, the management of Olympia wine bar jumped at the opportunity to help in the promotion of Greek language, and opened their doors despite it being a busy Saturday in Oakleigh.

Speed friending - Greek style
Speed friending – Greek style.
Mike explains the thought process behind the Speak Greek in March campaign
Mike explains the thought process behind the Speak Greek in March campaign.

Organisers Mary and Dorothy shared, “We couldn’t have asked for a better venue for our inaugural event! Olympia provided the perfect backdrop, offering a welcoming space, friendly service, genuine Greek hospitality, and delicious sfinakia. It was like being in Greece!”

Dimitra Skalkos, Publisher of The Greek Herald, contributed by supplying stationery, cardboard, and newspapers for the engagement activities.

“At The Greek Herald, we believe in actively supporting initiatives that preserve and celebrate our language. When we heard about the conversation café, we immediately asked how we could help—because every contribution can make a big difference in keeping Greek alive in everyday life. We encourage others to join in and show their support too, in whatever way they can,” Ms Skalkos said.

conversation cafe speak greek

Moira Triantafillou, Acting Coordinator of Educational Affairs at the Greek Consulate of Melbourne, was also present to endorse the conversation café initiative.

Dorothy and Mary hope the Greek conversation café initiative will be embraced by the community and welcome proposals from people interested in hosting their own cafés.

“We would love others to infuse their own ideas and perspectives into the conversation cafes, and why not? We would love people to take charge of hosting duties,” Dorothy said.

The cafe brought together the group for team building activities
The cafe brought together the group for team building activities.
Speed friending offered fast-paced Greek chats among participants
Speed friending offered fast-paced Greek chats among participants.

“These conversation cafes don’t belong to us,” Mary emphasised. “Our goal is for them to thrive as open, inclusive, and balanced community spaces where Greek is celebrated.”

The hosts have also promised to provide a list of one-on-one 15-minute Greek chat pairings for those who wish to continue practicing in between café meetings.

Please email msinanidis@gmail.com for an invitation to join the conversation café Google Hub.

Liquidator struggles to find evidence for David Catsoulis’ gold mining project in PNG

The Greek Herald
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Liquidator struggles to find evidence for David Catsoulis’ gold mining project in PNG

David Catsoulis, a twice-bankrupt mining promoter, has been endorsing a multi-billion-dollar gold mining project in Papua New Guinea for seven years.

However, the liquidator of his company, Impact Gold, is struggling to find evidence supporting the project’s existence.

According to the liquidator, there is no documentation confirming the company has mining leases, plant, equipment, or gold inventory in PNG.

Despite Catsoulis‘ claims that the project is progressing well, the liquidator’s report states that there is no work in progress or verification of assets, including the five dredges Catsoulis claimed to own.

Catsoulis denied the report’s claims, asserting that the project had tenure through PNG Gold and its subsidiaries, but a search of the PNG mining portal shows a recent application for a mining lease.

Archbishop Makarios meets with Bishop Prodromos to discuss missionary work in Madagascar

The Greek Herald
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Archbishop Makarios meets with Bishop Prodromos to discuss missionary work in Madagascar

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia held a cordial meeting with His Grace Bishop Prodromos of Toliara and Southern Madagascar at the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA) in Sydney.

The two leaders discussed various issues, particularly focusing on the state of Orthodoxy and the missionary efforts in Madagascar.

Archbishop Makarios commended Bishop Prodromos for his self-sacrificial ministry in Madagascar, acknowledging the challenges faced in the region.

He expressed support for the Bishop’s continued work, wishing him health and strength to carry on his mission. The meeting concluded with warm Easter greetings and well wishes.

Postal voting and land registry: Key topics during Greek parliamentarians’ Sydney visit

The Greek Herald
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Postal voting and land registry: Key topics during Greek parliamentarians’ Sydney visit

By Ilias Karagiannis

A meeting with representatives of the Greek community media in Australia, including The Greek Herald, was held last week at the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney by four Greek MPs, as part of their recent visit to the city for Greek Independence Day celebrations.

The delegation from the Hellenic Parliament consisted of Stavros Keletsis (New Democracy), Athanasios Papathanasis (New Democracy), Stefanos Parastatidis (PASOK), and Miltiadis Zamparas (SYRIZA), who remained in Sydney for a week, making contact with community organisations.

At the centre of the discussion were the issues of insufficient information regarding the land registry deadlines, which caused significant anxiety among many Greeks in Australia, and the issue of postal voting for expatriates in national elections.

greek parlimentarians
Media representatives, including The Greek Herald’s Digital Editor Andriana Simos (third from right) were present at the meeting. Photo supplied.

Greece’s land registry:

On the matter of the land registry, The Greek Herald raised the need for better communication from the government towards community media, in the context of the goal to strengthen them, as is clearly outlined in the Strategic Plan for the Greek Diaspora of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two representatives of the ruling party, New Democracy, mentioned that there were problems even in Greece with the land registry deadlines, but it is a landmark project that will be completed in 2025.

Mr Keletsis specifically stated: “Certainly, cooperation between the Greek State and the community media is necessary and must be significantly improved. We will inform the press office about this lack of information regarding the Land Registry so that we can see how better organisation and communication with you can be achieved.”

Mr Papathanasis, for his part, emphasised that: “We need to look, along with the General Secretariat for Communication, at how communication with the community media can be improved, for better organisation and more effective information dissemination to the expatriates.”

Postal voting in national elections:

There was an extensive discussion on the government’s intention to reintroduce the relevant bill for postal voting in national elections, with Mr Keletsis noting that “the government’s will to extend postal voting to expatriates and in national elections is clearly expressed.”

He reminded that the amendment submitted by former Minister of the Interior, Niki Kerameus, did not gather the support of the other parties, adding that “the government will reintroduce it before the next national elections.”

From the side of PASOK, Mr Parastatidis recalled that his party secured the vote of expatriates in the Constitution, stressing, however, that “we did not vote for the specific bill because the government attempted, through an amendment, to change the electoral system.” He described the process as “problematic for democracy” and underlined the need “for a major, substantial discussion about changing the electoral system,” adding that the right to electronic voting should also be thoroughly examined.

Mr Zamparas from SYRIZA moved along the same lines, pointing out that “as a matter of principle we are in favour of postal voting for expatriates and in national elections. We did not proceed with it because the submission of an amendment by the government seemed like manipulation.” He added that “after my trip to Australia and the meetings we had, my opinion has been reinforced that we should reconsider this particular issue.”

First postal vote for Greece deemed successful. Photo travellersworldwide.
The first postal vote for Greece was deemed successful. Photo: Travellersworldwide.

Delays at Consular services in Australia:

Among the issues raised by the diaspora journalists was that of consular services, with the MPs acknowledging the shortcomings and delays. Mr Keletsis noted that “the problem lies mainly in Melbourne regarding the functioning of the consulates. It is a major issue.” He recognised the impact of the financial crisis and stressed that “we are in a phase of restructuring… We will convey these issues to the Greek Parliament and see how we can resolve them.”

Mr Papathanasis, for his part, mentioned that “an effort is being made to strengthen the consulates with staff who will sign fixed-term contracts,” characterising the initiative as “a move in the right direction.”

Greek language:

In the field of education, special emphasis was placed on the need to maintain Greek studies at universities abroad, especially in Australia. Mr Parastatidis praised the contribution of Professors Vrasidas Karalis and Anthony Dracopoulos at the University of Sydney, saying that “the State must intervene to ensure the effort they have made is protected.”

Mr Keletsis, for his part, highlighted the peculiarities of each country in matters of education, stating that “we must have a different recipe for each country. We must bridge the contradictions that exist in each educational system in America, Germany, Australia and adapt our plan accordingly.”

Personal reflections on Greek diaspora in Australia:

The MPs also shared their personal impressions from their contact with the community.

greek independence day sydney opera house
The Greek MPs have been in Sydney for Greek Independence Day celebrations. Photo copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.

“A strong, vibrant community, one of the most vibrant in the world,” Mr Keletsis described it, speaking of “successful people who have been integrated in the best possible way into Australian society.”

Mr Papathanasis focused on the role of the community media and the “remarkable dynamism of the diaspora,” while emphasising that “a channel of continuous communication must be established… so that we can harness the dynamism of both sides.”

Mr Zamparas pointed out that “our homeland is not just a geographical space, but wherever Greeks live,” adding that “we are obliged to meet with our party leaders in the near future to prioritise the issues of the diaspora.” He placed emphasis on the Greek language and traditions, describing them as “the cornerstone” of preserving the identity of the Diaspora.

Mr Parastatidis mentioned that: “The visit to Australia was a tremendous experience,” and during the meeting, the PASOK MP smilingly referred to a sketch in his regular newsletter, which was showed to him by The Greek Herald‘s Digital Editor Andriana Simos and which shows him wearing a hat with the Australian flag.

“It’s an effort to attract younger readers and to lighten up some deeply ideological issues,” he commented with a laugh.

Small business owners and miners push for tax cuts ahead of 2025 election

The Greek Herald
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Small business owners and miners push for tax cuts ahead of 2025 election

Small business leaders across Australia, representing the country’s 2.6 million small business owners, have launched a targeted campaign urging Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to reduce company taxes.

The push focuses on a tax cut for businesses with annual turnovers of under $20 million, aiming to alleviate financial strain and prevent further closures.

The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) will roll out an extensive advertising campaign to address concerns over rising costs, labor shortages, red tape, and industrial relations rules.

COSBOA CEO Luke Achterstraat emphasised that small businesses, which make up 97.7% of Australian businesses and employ over 5 million people, are crucial to the economy but are struggling under the weight of increased costs.

Research commissioned by COSBOA found strong public support for tax cuts, with 69% of voters backing the move, and support climbing to 76% in key marginal seats.

Focus groups revealed that half of small businesses are concerned about their survival without urgent support.

Anthony Karnasiotis, co-owner of Goodfields Eatery in Lindfield, echoed these concerns. He noted that rising costs across every aspect of his business, including wages, insurance, and utilities, were severely impacting operations.

“The impact of a tax cut would be instant and huge,” Karnasiotis told The Australian, adding it would allow them to hire more staff and absorb fluctuating costs.

Meanwhile, NSW miners are also increasing pressure on the government regarding planning approvals for projects, with some citing concerns over delays affecting key job-creating ventures.

Mining representatives have identified several key electoral seats where support from mining communities could influence the outcome of the 2025 election.

Source: The Australian.

Super-sub Nikos Vergos leads Melbourne Victory to breath-taking win

The Greek Herald
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Super-sub Nikos Vergos leads Melbourne Victory to breath-taking win

Melbourne Victory needed a match-winning hero. Step forward Nikos Vergos after the substitute scored two late goals off the bench to inspire a chaotic 5-3 win over Adelaide United in the Isuzu UTE A-League.

With the Original Rivalry showdown deadlocked at 3-3, Vergos came of the bench and scored in the 88th and 90th minutes to stun Adelaide at AAMI Park on Saturday night.

The Reds had led 3-2 in the 56th minute, having rallied from 2-1 down, before Victory produced a stirring comeback, fuelled by Subway Socceroos pair Nishan Velupillay and Daniel Arzani.

With Ryan Teague in the stands after his Socceroos exploits in China, Velupillay and Arzani scored to give Victory a 2-1 lead following Adelaide youngster Jonny Yull’s first A-Leagues goal.

Quick-fire goals from Archie Goodwin and Zach Clough to start the second half turned the match on its head before Arzani converted a controversial 71st-minute penalty to restore parity.

Vergos was thrown into the action during the closing stages and it was a masterstroke from Victory head coach Arthur Diles as the Greek import responded with a pair of game-winning strikes.

After prevailing in the eight-goal shoot-out, Victory climbed up to fourth ahead of Western Sydney Wanderers on 36 points – two points behind Western United, while Adelaide remain sixth and clinging onto their spot in the top six amid their seven-game drought.

Velupillay fired a warning shot to Adelaide when he flashed a header just wide of the post in just the third minute.

With a strong travelling contingent, Adelaide also caused problems at the other end and Stefan Mauk came within a whisker of breaking the deadlock five minutes later but a last-ditch block from Kasey Bos prevented a certain goal.

The Reds did get the go-ahead goal in the 12th minute through Yull, whose tremendous footwork created space to fire a powerful effort past Mitch Langerak.

Arzani levelled proceedings approaching the half-hour mark in a move started by Zinedine Machach, who beat two opponents in the centre of the field and the former ended the sequence with a brilliant curling effort into the back of the net.

Bruno Fornaroli almost curled a shot into the far post moment later, though it was team-mate Velupillay that put the home side ahead in the 39th minute. His touch took the ball away from Bart Vriends on the edge of the box and the Socceroo produced a composed finish to beat James Delianov.

It took Adelaide just two minutes of the second half to get back onto level terms. Ethan Alagich looped a ball into the six-yard box and Goodwin was on hand to routinely head the ball into the back of the net – his 10th goal of the season, just one shy of Golden Boot leader Noah Botic.

The topsy-turvy match continued after Machach was penalised for a handball inside the box nine minutes later and Clough dispatched the spot-kick expertly.

There was another penalty 19 minutes from the end and this time Victory benefited. Arzani went down inside the box under a challenge from Panagiotis Kikianis but no spot-kick was awarded as the Victory star appealed passionately. Following a VAR review, the decision was overturned and Arzani stepped up to score the penalty.

Victory finished strongly as substitute Alex Badolato forced a diving save from Delianov during the closing stages, while an unmarked Velupillay watched his header sail just over the bar.

Then, Vergos came off the bench to deal Adelaide the knockout blow with two goals in as many minutes.

Source: A-League.

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