The European Parliament voted on Wednesday, May 7, to maintain its position against restarting EU accession talks with Turkey, citing ongoing democratic backsliding under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
While recognising Turkey’s strategic importance and the pro-European aspirations of many of its citizens, MEPs adopted a report rejecting renewed negotiations, with 367 votes in favour, 74 against, and 188 abstentions.
Lawmakers also criticised Turkey’s continued violations of Greek and Cypriot sovereignty and called for renewed commitment to resolving the Cyprus issue.
Spanish MEP Nacho Sanchez Amor stated: “EU membership is about democracy… the more they advance a fully authoritarian model… the further they drift from EU membership.”
Greece and Egypt signed a “strategic partnership” agreement on Wednesday to strengthen political coordination and regional stability, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Gaza.
“Our bilateral cooperation is based on political, economic, and cultural ties… defined by our strong commitment to the values of peace and the full respect of international law,” Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said in a joint statement following the inaugural meeting of the Supreme Cooperation Council.
Με την κοινή Διακήρυξη για τη Στρατηγική Εταιρική Σχέση που υπογράψαμε, επιβεβαιώνουμε έμπρακτα την κοινή βούληση να αναβαθμίσουμε ακόμα περισσότερο τη στενή συνεργασία μας. pic.twitter.com/9m37JKezJH
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) May 7, 2025
Both leaders stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and increased humanitarian aid, with Mitsotakis backing an Arab-led reconstruction plan.
Migration was also a key focus, as rising arrivals in Greece from Egypt and Afghanistan follow growing economic hardship in Egypt, which the EU has responded to with a €7.4 billion aid package and strengthened ties.
Black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney in Vatican City, signalling that the first round of voting by Catholic cardinals failed to produce a new pope following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday at age 88.
More than 100,000 people gathered in St Peter’s Square to witness the moment, though confusion arose as some mistook the dark smoke for the election of a new pontiff.
Photo: AP Photo / Bernat Armangue.
The 133 voting cardinals, including Australia’s youngest Cardinal Mykola Bychok, are now sequestered inside the Vatican, voting in secrecy until a two-thirds majority is reached.
With four ballots and two smoke signals scheduled daily, Vatican watchers anticipate several rounds before consensus is reached—mirroring past conclaves, including those that elected John Paul II and Benedict XVI after multiple days of voting.
Two prominent Greek Australians — television presenter Costa Georgiadis and barrister Sue Chrysanthou SC — have been immortalised among the finalists for this year’s Archibald Prize, Australia’s most prestigious portraiture award.
Georgiadis, the exuberant host of ABC’s Gardening Australia, features in The Green Man by Sydney-based artist Evan Shipard. The work, which marks Shipard’s first time as an Archibald finalist, offers a more contemplative portrait of Georgiadis than viewers may be used to seeing on screen.
“Costa is a warm, inquisitive individual, who is passionate about his causes and very interested in the painting process,” Shipard said.
“He is an animated character on screen, but I aimed to capture a quieter, more pensive moment that hopefully offers a fresh insight into this popular man.”
The portrait was created during a live sitting at the Bowral & District Art Society in the Southern Highlands. Shipard later added a personal touch in his studio, surrounding Georgiadis with figs and a floral arrangement — a nod to his Greek heritage and his flamboyant appearance at the recent Logies.
‘Portrait of Sue Chrysanthou’ by Peter Wegner. Oil on panel. 59 x 48.9 cm.
Chrysanthou, a Sydney-based defamation barrister renowned for her tenacity in the courtroom, is the subject of Portrait of Sue Chrysanthou by Peter Wegner, who won the Archibald in 2021.
Wegner was struck by Chrysanthou’s commanding presence during a livestreamed court case and was moved to paint her.
“I was impressed by her energy and the complex ritual of her questioning,” he said.
Far from a typical glamour portrait, Wegner embraced Chrysanthou’s rejection of social conventions.
“I also warmed to the fact that she doesn’t wear make-up, never combs her hair, never wears jewellery (except for a bracelet given to her by her four children) and is not on social media. In a world dominated by social expectations, I found these qualities refreshing,” he said.
“The painting reflects a professional moment, but I hope that Sue’s sideways glance takes the portrait beyond a senior counsel. In that time capsule, there is also a parent, pet owner, beekeeper, wildlife carer and alleged amateur breakdancer, with a huge enthusiasm for life.”
Both portraits are among the 57 finalists selected from more than 900 entries in this year’s Archibald Prize, which opens at the Art Gallery of New South Wales on May 10.
The Hellenic Pontian Genocide Commemorative Committee NSW – a joint effort of Pontoxeniteas NSW, Panagia Soumela Sydney and Diogenes Wollongong – is inviting the community to attend two special events this month commemorating the Greek Genocide.
On Sunday, May 18, at 9.30 am, a Divine Liturgy and Wreath Laying Ceremony will be held at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos at 242 Cleveland St, Redfern, Sydney.
On Monday, May 19, at 7pm (doors open 6.30 pm), the Greek Genocide will be commemorated at NSW Parliament House.
The event will include the international book launch of Genocide to Regeneration: The Treloar Story, co-authored by Professor David W.G. Treloar and Dr Panayiotis Diamadis. The book focuses on the story of Colonel George Devine Treloar.
Colonel Treloar was the League of Nations’ Commissioner for Refugees in north-eastern Greece between 1922 and 1924, documenting with his camera the arrival of the Genocide survivors and their struggle to rebuild lives, families and communities.
The Committee’s aim is to raise awareness of the Genocides that were conducted by the Ottoman and Kemalist Turkish states in Pontos – the Black Sea coastal region of Anatolia (modern Turkey) – as well as the neighbouring regions of Thrace and Asia Minor between 1914 and 1924.
The commemorative events will also pay tribute to the Armenian and Assyrian peoples who endured the atrocities of the Genocide.
All are welcome to attend these events. For more information or to book your spot, click here or send an email to hcc.nsw1@gmail.com.
The Pallaconian Association of Canberra & Districts is inviting the community to a night of music, culture, and celebration at ΧΟΡΟΣ 2025 – Taste of Laconia, marking the Association’s 25th anniversary.
Join the festivities on Saturday, 24 May 2025 from 6pm in the Olympus Room at the Hellenic Club of Canberra in Woden.
Guests will enjoy a lively evening honouring Laconian heritage and hospitality — complete with a sit-down dinner and live Greek music performed by a 5-piece band from Sydney.
Tickets are $60 for adults and $25 for kids (12 and under) and are available now via this link.
Don’t miss this special milestone event — celebrate a quarter-century of community, tradition, and unforgettable Greek entertainment!
Event Details:
What:ΧΟΡΟΣ 2025 – Taste of Laconia
When: Saturday, 24 May 2025 from 6pm
Where: Olympus Room at the Hellenic Club of Canberra in Woden
Tickets: $60 for adults and $25 for kids (12 and under). Purchase here
John Pandazopoulos has concluded his term as Chair of Parks Victoria after 4.5 years, having extended his original appointment to support the organisation’s transition.
In a post on LinkedIn, Pandazopoulos reflected on his nearly eight years in total on the Board of Parks Victoria. He highlighted record government investment, 200 active capital works projects including St Kilda Pier, and the largest pier rebuilding program in 50 years.
During his tenure, Pandazopoulos said biodiversity funding and commercial income also doubled, leaving the organisation with a budget surplus and $300 million in cash.
Pandazopoulos thanked his colleagues for their support and welcomed incoming Chair Daniel Miller.
Alongside Mr Miller, there are also a number of other new appointments to the Parks Victoria Board including Professor Kate Auty, Graeme (Gus) Dear, Trent Nelson and Chris Newton. Lisa Marty and Gill Sparkes AM will remain as Board Members.
Lee Miezis was named as the new Chief Executive of Parks Victoria bringing new leadership and experience to the role as more Victorians are getting out to enjoy the great outdoors.
In a statement, Mr Miezis said, “I look forward to working with the team to ensure access to our beautiful, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the benefits of the great outdoors.”
Victoria’s Minister for the Environment Steve Dimopoulos also welcomed Mr Miezis’ appointment and said “his leadership and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to improve access and experiences to Victoria’s great outdoors.”
“I want to thank the outgoing CEO, board chair and members for their commitment and dedication in overseeing a range of improvements and key projects across Parks Victoria during their tenure, and I look forward to working with the new members to ensure Parks Victoria meets the needs of all Victorians,” Mr Dimopoulos added.
The new Board brings a raft of skills and experience aligned to the new vision for Parks Victoria, including across community engagement, strategic governance, Traditional Owner engagement and financial management.
Parks Victoria’s estate attracts more than 100 million visits every year and the agency is focused on providing accessible and enjoyable experiences while protecting environmental and cultural values.
Following the success from last year’s event, the Hellenic Medical Society of Australia (HMSA) and the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) held their second HMSA Careers Day on Saturday, May 3.
This event brought together 40 esteemed Greek Australian professionals representing a range of industries, 10 university (NUGAS) students and over 130 parents and students.
The day commenced with a panel discussion including:
A/Prof Marinis Pirpiris – Orthopaedic Surgeon, President of HMSA, Treasurer of GCM
Yianni Zaparas – Personal Injury Lawyer, Partner at Zaparas law firm
The Honourable Associate Justice Ierodiaconou – Principal Associate Judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria
Prof Vasso Apostolopoulos – Distinguished Professor, Professor of Immunology, Head of the Healthy Lifespan and Chronic Diseases Program, RMIT
Maria Mavrikos – Managing Director Structural Challenge, Founder & CEO of Steel Chicks
Helen Mantzis – Board Member of The Australian Ballet and the Hellenic Museum, Founder of KHGM Consulting & startup app Loopels.
The theme this year was wellbeing and the professionals shared examples of how they have worked on maintaining their wellbeing throughout their careers.
Dr Arthur Kokkinias, psychiatrist at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, also separated wellbeing into four distinct but linked components including spiritual, emotional, physical and social. Elysia McKinlay, developmental psychologist, took the students and parents through a breathing exercise as a way of re-grouping during stressful situations.
Following the panel discussion, the students joined the professionals and NUGAS students in the breakout rooms that were divided into medicine/dentistry, law/politics/law enforcement, science/IT, allied health, business, education/arts/media/creative arts.
All photos by Costas Deves.
These breakout rooms offered opportunities for students to connect with professionals one-on-one and to seek personalised career advice.
HMSA extended thanks to to Adj Prof Paul Eleftheriou (Principal at the Nous Group), Dr Billy Stoupas (specialist General Practitioner), Dr James Dimou (Neurosurgeon at the Royal Melbourne Hospital), Dr Hector Georgiou (Fertility & IVF specialist at Melbourne IVF), Fotini Kypraios (Chair of the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce, Victoria), Dr Betty Exintaris (Associate Dean, Learning & Teaching, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Monash University) andKristian Raspa (Head of School (years 10-12) & Director of Hellenism at St John’s College) for their assistance throughout the panel and breakout room discussions.
As per A/Prof Marinis Pirpiris said: “Mentorship like this plays a pivotal role in shaping the trajectories of our secondary school students, particularly when guided by successful professionals. Mentorship changes a student’s perception by turning abstract career concepts into tangible possibilities. This type of support plays a crucial role in relieving the stress related to looming career decisions.”
Mr Raspa added: “Initiatives like these are vital — they connect generations, expand bridges of collaboration, and inspire young Greek Australians to pursue excellence across a range of fields while staying connected to their heritage.”
Dr Athina Pirpiris, who helped to organise the event, said “the HMSA Careers Day is designed to help students build networks at the secondary, tertiary and professional levels, but also to help them understand that they belong to a community with a wealth of career experience and success which is eager to support their personal and professional journeys, both collectively and individually.”
Parents reflected on the HMSA Careers Day as an event they wish they had available whilst at school.
Student feedback included things like: “I appreciated the opportunity to meet the professionals and university students more closely in the breakout rooms,” “I loved the fact there was ‘speed networking’ to get to talk to the professionals one-on-one,” and “I really enjoyed learning from the professionals about practical ways to maintain wellbeing.”
The HMSA and GCM would like to extend a sincere thank you to:
All the professionals for making themselves available to talk to and inspire the younger generations of Greek Australians.
All the NUGAS students who attended and helped with the running of the day in addition to the breakout rooms.
All the students and parents who attended.
The staff at the Greek Community of Melbourne for their facilitation of the event.
HMSA sponsors including: DBG Health, the Hellenic Museum, Greek Media Group, Mantzis Family Trust, Directed Electronics Australia, Zaparas Lawyers and Accountancy Group.
Following the success of the play Girls in the Shadow, the Creative Drama & Arts Centre of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) passionately returns to Melbourne’s cultural scene with the original comedy Girls in Crisis, directed by Jeremy Artis, for four unforgettable nights at Doncaster Playhouse on May 10, 11, 17, and 18.
Following a similar theme, Girls in Crisis explores aspects of the female identity, shaped through the roles and relationships that define a woman’s life. It is an original montage of scenes from well-known theatrical works, ranging from ancient Greek comedy to the theatre of the absurd and contemporary Greek playwriting.
Girls in crisis. Women who judge and are being judged – constantly and for everything. They flirt with madness, seek happiness, rebel and dream, fall in love, conspire, get anxious, and become resilient. They are victims at the same time as perpetrators in a society in crisis. An existential crisis, a crisis in relationships, roles, power, and a crisis of ideas and values.
You are invited to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of the adult group of the GCM’s Creative Drama & Arts Centre at the performance of “Girls in Crisis.”
After a nail-biting win against Goulburn Bears in round five, St George Saints Mens White hit the road again to take on Camden Valley Wildfire in round six of the Basketball NSW Waratah League.
The Saints had an excellent week of preparation leading up to last weekends clash and were confident they could come away with another road win.
Both teams started the game at a frantic pace looking to get out in front early and eager to set the tone for the rest of the game.
The Wildfire showcased their strong outside shooting early, hitting an incredible amount of 3’s.
The young Saints squad struggled to keep up with the Wildfire’s frantic pace as they continued to punish St George from behind the arc.
Camden finished the first quarter strong with the Saints trailing by 22 points at the end of the first quarter (42-20).
The Saints knew they would have to dig deep if they were ever going to cut into the insurmountable deficit.
Going into the second quarter the Saints regrouped and were on a mission to try and stop Camden’s momentum.
Unfortunately, the damage had already been done, and the Saints could not recover, unable to find an answer for the Wildfire’s rampaging offense going down by 24 points; 114-89.
St George superstar Jayden Tanevski continued his amazing scoring streak finishing with 41 points and Yianni Trikillis continued to impress contributing with 15 points also.
Saints head coach George Aliferis while disappointed with the result is confident his team can re-group and bounce back.
“I was devastated by the loss, our performance in the first quarter was simply not good enough,” he said.
“You can’t give a team a 22-point head start and then expect miracles to happen.
“We have a big week ahead in training with a difficult game this weekend, that we CAN win.”
The Saints hit the road once again this Saturday 10 May as that face off against Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Spiders.
