Greek artist Spyridon Mouratidis, who is contributing to The Greek Herald, has received international recognition for his work, earning the prestigious “Excellence Award” at a watercolor exhibition in Nepal. This honor places him among the top ten artists worldwide to be celebrated at the event.
Earlier this year, Mouratidis was also awarded the “Nomination Award” in Singapore.
The award-winning piece is a watercolor painting of Little Bay, a suburb of Sydney, Australia, created in Corfu, Greece, and exhibited in Nepal. The artwork was inspired by a photograph taken by Kyriaki Orfanos, a Sydney resident.
Increased volcanic activity in Santorini’s caldera has prompted Greece’s Civil Protection Minister to call an emergency meeting with local and disaster response officials.
The Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ministry reported “mild seismic-volcanic activity” detected by monitoring sensors, similar to activity observed in 2011 that lasted 14 months without issues.
Scientists have noted a rise in activity along a central fault line in the northern part of the caldera but emphasised there is no immediate cause for concern.
Santorini, a top tourist destination known for its picturesque views, is an active volcanic site, with its last major eruption occurring in 1950. However, seismologist Efthymios Lekkas reassured the public, stating, “We have a very long time ahead of us before we face a big explosion.”
He emphasised that the volcano is a “living organism,” and while volcanic activity may cause small earthquakes, no major eruption is expected.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including the head of Greece’s fire department and the deputy minister for disaster recovery, to discuss the ongoing monitoring and response efforts.
The Greek Parliament will hold its second roll-call vote for the presidency on Friday, January 31, requiring candidates to secure a two-thirds majority, or 200 votes, for election.
In the first round on January 25, Constantinos Tasoulas, nominated by New Democracy, led with 160 votes, followed by Louka Katseli from SYRIZA with 40, Tasos Giannitsis from PASOK with 34, and a candidate from the ‘Niki’ party with 14 votes.
If no candidate achieves the necessary majority, a third round will be held with a minimum requirement of 180 votes.
Further rounds with progressively lower thresholds (151 votes in the fourth and a relative majority in the fifth) are planned if needed.
Hellenic Train released a statement on Thursday, January 30, detailing the cargo of the freight train involved in the deadly Tempe crash.
The 13-car train’s load included wide iron lamination products (sheet metal) in the first three derailed cars, followed by food preparations and foodstuffs in the 4th to 7th wagons. Beers were carried in the 8th and 9th wagons, iron wires in the 10th and 11th, and empty containers in the 12th and 13th wagons.
Photo: Vaggelis Kousioras / AP.
The company emphasised that the cargo was properly documented and in compliance with national and international regulations, with all records provided to authorities.
Hellenic Train reiterated its commitment to full cooperation in the ongoing investigation, noting that the cargo details had previously been clarified in a Greek Parliament inquiry.
A solemn funeral service was held on Thursday, 30 January at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Tirana for Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, a revered figure in the Orthodox Christian community. The Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew, presided over the ceremony, which was attended by dignitaries including Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Archbishop Anastasios, originally from Piraeus, Greece, passed away in Athens on 25 January at the age of 95. His legacy in Albania is profound, particularly for his role in restoring the country’s Orthodox Church after decades of repression under communist rule. Arriving in 1991, he oversaw the reconstruction of churches, established educational and charitable institutions, and trained a new generation of clergy.
The service was conducted in both Albanian and Greek, reflecting his commitment to fostering unity between the two nations. Prime Minister Rama acknowledged his transformative impact, while Prime Minister Mitsotakis described him as a bridge between communities.
Following the ceremony, mourners paid their final respects before the Archbishop was laid to rest in the cathedral’s crypt. The Albanian Orthodox Church is expected to select his successor in the near future.
At just 16 years old, Tahlia-Archontoula Kokkinis is making waves in the world of tennis. With remarkable talent, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to her sport, she has already demonstrated that she has the potential to become a formidable presence on the international stage.
However, like many young athletes, Tahlia faces significant challenges, particularly in securing the support necessary to compete at the highest levels.
Tahlia-Archontoula Kokkinis is currently studying Year 12 at Riverside Christian College through online education. She was born to Greek parents in Sydney and now resides in Brisbane, carrying a deep connection to her heritage, with roots in Sparta, Ioannina, and Mount Olympus of Karpathos.
Her grandparents migrated from Greece to Australia seeking better opportunities and instilled in her a strong sense of resilience and cultural pride. Notably, her great-grandmother Archontoula played a crucial role in establishing the first Greek school in her village on Mount Olympus.
A journey fuelled by passion and perseverance
Tahlia was introduced to tennis at the age of four, learning alongside her father. “I was lucky to learn tennis alongside my father from the age of four, with a deep respect and connection to the sport,” she shares. From a young age, she demonstrated an extraordinary connection with the sport, quickly rising to become one of Australia’s top junior players. Her journey has taken her across the globe, training at elite tennis academies and competing in some of the most prestigious junior tournaments.
One of her proudest moments came last year when she led her team to the Junior Billie Jean Cup final in the 16-year-old category, representing Australia on the international stage. Despite this success, the road has not been easy. “The last two years have been quite challenging due to health issues and financial constraints in my family,” Tahlia admits.
Without a dedicated training base, full-time coach, or physiotherapist, Tahlia has had to rely on public courts and limited resources to refine her game. These constraints have further limited her opportunities to participate in Junior ITF Circuit events, yet she has continued to prove her abilities, achieving a remarkable 10th-place finish at the Australian Open Junior Championships and securing a notable victory over Kristyna Penikova in Traralgon.
Beyond tennis
Off the court, Tahlia is deeply spiritual and family-oriented, drawing strength from her Orthodox Christian faith. She has a profound love for animals and nature, finding solace in long walks through pine forests.
“One of my many dreams is to open a non-profit animal welfare centre,” she reveals, showcasing her commitment to social causes beyond sports.
Hopeful for the future
Tahlia continues to train and compete, determined to advance in professional tennis. While financial challenges remain, she remains focused on her development and future opportunities. Currently based in Melbourne, she is committed to her training and looks forward to the next phase of her career.
With the right support, she aims to make her mark on the global tennis stage. Unlike many athletes who receive substantial corporate sponsorships, Tahlia’s career has been solely funded by her family. The costs associated with travel, accommodation, coaching, and training have been immense but essential for her continued progress.
Tahlia has embraced the Greek Australian community, drawing inspiration from its culture and values.
“I am ready to take the next step, both on and off the court, and look forward to the opportunities and growth that will come,” she says confidently.
Her determination and spirit serve as an inspiration to young athletes striving to achieve their dreams despite the obstacles they face.
At this early stage in her promising career, Tahlia Kokkinis is making significant strides in professional tennis. With the right backing, she has the potential to compete at the highest levels, showcasing both her talent and her Greek Australian heritage on the world stage.
To find out how to support Tahlia, contact quantumsports8@gmail.com.
The campaign to preserve Sydney Olympic Park’s Stockroute Park and its iconic Discobolus sculpture has gained further momentum with the launch of a petition by Greek Australian community member, Costa Dantos.
A long-time supporter of Greek Australian heritage initiatives, Dantos has been actively involved in projects that celebrate and preserve Greek culture in Australia. The petition, hosted on Change.org, is calling for urgent action to protect the cultural landmark from demolition under the NSW Government’s Draft Masterplan 2050.
As previously reported by The Greek Herald, Stockroute Park was established as a tribute to the Greek contribution to the Olympic Games, featuring the renowned Discobolus sculpture by artist Robert Owen and mature olive trees donated by the Greek Australian community.
The park, funded entirely by Greek Australians with support from international Greek organisations and the Greek government, forms part of the “Hellenic Tribute Trilogy,” commemorating the Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, and Athens 2004 Games.
Costas Dantos started the petition to preserve Sydney Olympic Park’s Stockroute Park and its iconic Discobolus sculpture.
Dantos’ petition urges the NSW Government and relevant authorities to reconsider the Masterplan’s proposal to redevelop the site. “Stockroute Park is more than just a green space; it represents a unique cultural and historical link between Greece and Australia. We cannot allow this legacy to be erased,” the petition states.
Speaking to The Greek Herald, Dantos explained what motivated him to take action. “Last Sunday I was told about the park at a recent Greek event… I suggested they do an online petition too where they asked me to do it as they did not know how to. Not long after I did it as I felt sick putting it off.”
He emphasised the importance of gathering more signatures, stating, “I hope for significant numbers of people to sign the online petition and then send it to all relevant politicians and government bodies to ensure the park is protected in full.”
Community support for the petition has extended beyond the Greek-Australian community. “Everyone has been supportive, not just Greeks but non-Greeks too, for the protection of the open space as after all, parks are for everyone,” Dantos said. He urged more people to sign the petition despite the minor inconvenience of logging into Change.org.
“Without the actual signature, verbal or written support elsewhere does not achieve much at all for the park’s protection.”
Dantos also addressed the NSW Government and decision-makers directly, calling for greater respect for the park’s significance. “The park was donated by the Greeks out of goodwill and thus should be respected much more than how it is being currently treated. I do have hopes that this was just an oversight and it will be decided for the park to be protected.” However, he warned that if the Masterplan proceeds as is, it would be “a big slap in the face to us.”
The petition follows growing calls from community leaders, including former Randwick City Mayor John Procopiades, who has appealed directly to NSW Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig MP. Minister Hoenig has since raised the issue with NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully MP, expressing concern over the lack of recognition given to the park’s heritage.
The NSW Government’s Draft Masterplan 2050 aims to transform Sydney Olympic Park into a mixed-use precinct, raising fears that heritage sites like Stockroute Park will be lost in the process. Community members had until November 25 to submit feedback on the plan, and with the decision-making process still ongoing, campaigners hope that the petition will reinforce public opposition to the proposed changes.
Supporters of the campaign are encouraged to sign the petition at Change.org and share it widely to ensure Stockroute Park remains a lasting tribute to Greek heritage in Australia.
As the fight to save the park continues, the Greek-Australian community remains determined to protect its cultural legacy, demonstrating the importance of community action in shaping the future of heritage preservation in Australia.
The Greek Herald recently spoke with Nikos Xylouris, one-third of the Cretan folk trio Xylourides, ahead of their upcoming Sydney performance.
The ensemble comprises siblings Adonis Xylouris, Nikos Xylouris, and Apollonia Xylouris, who are the grandchildren of renowned Cretan musician Psarandonis (Antonis Xylouris) and the children of Giorgos Xylouris, also known as Psarogiorgis.
For the Xylouris siblings, music was never a conscious choice—it was simply part of life.
“We were just born straight into it” Nikos reflects. “My dad’s a professional musician, my mum kind of plays a bit of music, so do many of our family friends—there was always a rehearsal going on.”
Growing up in an environment filled with music, it was only natural that they followed the path laid out by their father and Cretan musical legends before them. Yet, despite this deep-rooted connection, their rise to prominence wasn’t necessarily part of the plan.
“We have the Cretan band back home… It just kind of happened. We played here and there, and then when my brother and I were serving in the military back in Greece, we found this little venue in Patra… We thought, since we’re going to be here, may as well play a show every now and then,” Nikos shares.
What started as occasional performances quickly snowballed into something much bigger.
“It just got busier and busier… people started coming all the way from Athens to see us,” he explains. “That venue was packed with maybe 100 people every week, and now the shows are huge… two, three thousand people.”
Keeping Tradition Alive with a Modern Edge
At the heart of Xylourides’ sound is a dedication to Cretan musical purity—one that respects tradition while embracing the energy of the present.
“We’ve always had a more pure, raw way of playing,” Nikos explains. “We never started incorporating any electric instruments or drums or anything like that, we just used the instruments that were available… It’s a pretty full-on pagan sound, so we like that.”
But while their instrumentation remains true to tradition, they are not afraid to innovate. Their meticulous attention to sound quality and stage presence sets them apart.
“The most modern thing we’ve brought to the table is making sure it sounds really, really good,” Nikos says. “We’ve got our own sound guy with a great PA system. When you’re doing a 1,000 to 3,000-person gig, you have to give the sound the respect.”
This dedication has undoubtedly contributed to their rising popularity, particularly among young audiences, an often surprising outcome for a genre deeply rooted in tradition.
“When young people see other young people do something with joy and effort and love, they’re drawn towards it,” Nikos notes. “The youth here is always so supportive and shows all their love.”
Expanding Their Reach
With a strong following in Greece and Melbourne, Xylourides is eager to expand their reach to Sydney.
“I really hope to see a lot of people attend the show in Sydney,” Nikos says. “We haven’t played that much there in the past, so I don’t know how much they know us yet, apart from the Cretan community. But this time around, in Melbourne, we had a lot of non-Greeks come just out of interest to hear something new, and I love that. I love seeing a diverse crowd who enjoy it in their own way.”
As they prepare for their Sydney show, one thing is certain: Xylourides is bringing more than just music—they are bringing a feeling, a tradition, and a piece of Crete itself.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM; main act begins at 7:30 PM
The Mytilenian House in Canterbury has officially become a new hub for Eremea services, marking a significant milestone in aged care and community support for Greek Australians and local seniors.
The launch event, held on January 29, was a celebration of community, connection, and care, bringing together elderly members, leaders, and supporters to witness this important step in ensuring that seniors have access to culturally familiar, inclusive services.
The event began with a traditional blessing by Father Nectarios Joannou, who spoke about the significance of new beginnings and the importance of creating a supportive space for the elderly. His words set the tone for a day filled with warmth and unity.
Following the blessing, Peter Psomas, President of the Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney and NSW, delivered an emotional address, underscoring the importance of keeping elderly members engaged and socially active. He spoke candidly about the impact of isolation on seniors, sharing a personal reflection on his mother, who is in a nursing home and unable to participate in such gatherings.
“If you have elderly parents, tell them to register, get them out of the house,” he urged. “They go for a coffee for an hour, then they go home and sit on the couch watching Days of Our Lives—that needs to change. They need to be out, socialising, staying active.” His remarks struck a chord with many in attendance, highlighting the importance of programmes like Eremea’s in combating loneliness.
A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony followed, with attendees raising a toast with champagne to mark the occasion. Eremea Directors Meni Kritikos and Vicky Zalanas were present, with Meni Kritikos addressing the crowd, emphasising Eremea’s mission to provide services that support independence, well-being, and cultural connection.
A Growing Community Hub for Seniors
As Eremea officially begins operations at Mytilenian House, the organisation is already looking ahead to expanding its services. Speaking to The Greek Herald, Niki from Eremea shared insights into the rapid growth and success of their structured programmes, which run twice a week and have seen attendance grow from just 15 people to over 60 per session.
“At first, there was hesitation,” Niki said. “But over time, it became evident that they wanted it—and they wanted it more. Now, they actually wait for us to arrive.”
Previously based in Ashfield, the move to Mytilenian House provides a new level of support and collaboration, allowing Eremea to expand its offerings. “Now, having a partner that’s willing to support us, we’re hoping to open this up to anyone in the community, beyond just our structured programmes,” she explained.
While currently running on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Eremea’s goal is to expand to daily programmes to accommodate different schedules and reach more people. “We also want to open it up to people who aren’t necessarily part of our aged care programme but are simply looking for somewhere to come and connect,” Meni said.
For those considering attending, the sessions offer a welcoming space with activities like bingo, social gatherings, and opportunities to form new friendships. But more importantly, they create a sense of belonging. “If you want to feel like you belong somewhere, this is the place,” Niki said. “People often tell us they feel comfortable here, like it’s family. It’s a safe space where they can just be themselves.”
A Chance to Reconnect
The impact of the programme was felt immediately, with moments of unexpected joy and reconnection taking place throughout the event.
Among those in attendance were George Koutrakis from Hurlstone Park and Stratos Kouroulis from Dulwich Hill, who had not seen each other in nearly 50 years.
Stratos recalled how they first met through George’s wife, who introduced him to a job opportunity at a plastics factory where George worked long shifts. “George wanted to reduce his hours, and I stepped in to take over the ones he cut back. He was working 12-hour days, and I was happy to share the workload,” Stratos said.
George Koutrakis and Stratos Kouroulis.
Since then, their paths had drifted apart, apart from one brief encounter at a café. But today, as they spotted each other across the room, recognition set in, and they warmly embraced.
“It’s nice that we are able to reconnect here,” George said with a smile.
For Peter Psomas, moments like this are exactly why the partnership between Eremea and Mytilenian House is so important. “We need to get our elderly out there, get them thinking again, get them active,” he said. “Bringing people together, seeing old friends reunite—this is what it’s all about.”
A Long-Term Vision for Growth
Speaking further to The Greek Herald, Peter emphasised that this initiative is just the beginning of a long-term collaboration between the Mytilenian Brotherhood and Eremea.
“It’s only the beginning, and we can see bigger and better things,” he said. “In a couple of weeks, we’re going to have an open day and an information session so more people can reach out and understand what this programme is about.”
With plans to expand services across Sydney, Eremea’s presence at Mytilenian House marks the beginning of a new chapter—one where Greek Australians and other seniors can find companionship, support, and a renewed sense of community.
For more information or to get in touch with Eremea, visit their website
Business Sydney’s Paul Nicolaou has called on the NSW Government to quickly approve plans for the long-delayed Barangaroo commercial hub, warning that further delays could cost the economy up to $578 million.
Nicolaou stressed the importance of completing the site, which has remained vacant for over two decades, highlighting its potential to create thousands of jobs and inject $134 million annually into the economy.
Artists’ impressions of the Aqualand Central Barangaroo plans.
“Sydney has waited far too long for this final piece of the Barangaroo puzzle,” he said, urging the government to bypass red tape and move forward with the project.
The development, planned by Aqualand, includes 140 luxury apartments, retail outlets and a hotel, with more than 50% of the space dedicated to public open areas, including a 270m waterfront boardwalk and Harbour Park entertainment area.
