Greece and Australia have both secured top spots in the latest Henley Passport Index, which ranks global passports by the number of destinations their holders can access without a visa.
Greece ranked sixth, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 186 destinations. It shares the position with Hungary, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden, just behind European leaders Germany, Italy, and Spain.
The ranking reflects Greece’s strong global mobility and openness in travel access.
Australia followed closely in seventh place, with its passport granting entry to 185 destinations either visa-free or through an electronic travel authority, visitor’s permit, or visa on arrival. It shares its position with Czechia, Malta, and Poland.
Since the index began in 2006, Australia’s lowest ranking has been ninth (in 2006, 2010, and 2019), while its highest was fifth in 2024.
The Henley Passport Index, compiled by British migration consultancy Henley & Partners, uses exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association to assess 199 passports across 227 destinations.
At the top of the 2025 rankings is Singapore, whose citizens enjoy access to 193 destinations, followed by South Korea and Japan.
Meanwhile, the United States dropped out of the top 10 for the first time in 20 years, now sitting 12th alongside Malaysia, with access to 180 destinations.
Greece is on track to maintain primary budget surpluses and continue reducing its public debt through the end of the decade, according to the International Monetary Fund’s Fiscal Monitor released Wednesday, October 15.
The IMF projects Greece’s primary surplus, which excludes interest payments, at 3.2% of GDP in 2025 and 2.3% in 2026. Including interest payments, the overall budget is expected to remain roughly balanced this year before posting a 0.8% deficit in 2026.
Public debt is forecast to fall from 154.8% of GDP in 2024 to 146.7% in 2025, and 141.9% in 2026, with a further drop to 130.2% by 2030, reflecting continued fiscal discipline and economic growth.
Public revenue is expected to rise slightly to 50% of GDP in 2026 before easing to 46.8% by 2030, while expenditure will peak at 50.8% in 2026 before declining to 48.2% by the decade’s end.
Globally, the IMF warns that public debt will surpass 100% of global GDP by 2029, its highest level since 1948, citing post-pandemic spending pressures and growing fiscal vulnerabilities.
The Red Cross has received the bodies of two additional hostages from Hamas, bringing the total number of remains returned to nine out of 28, as the militant group claims it has handed over all bodies it can currently reach.
In a statement, Hamas’s armed wing said it had “fulfilled its commitment” under the ceasefire deal by returning “all living Israeli prisoners” and the corpses accessible to them, adding that recovering the remaining bodies “requires extensive efforts and special equipment.”
The IDF confirmed the caskets would be transferred to troops inside Gaza for a brief ceremony led by a military rabbi before being taken for identification.
“Hamas is required to abide by the agreement and make the necessary efforts to return all the bodies,” the Israeli military said.
Tensions over the ceasefire intensified earlier this week after Hamas mistakenly returned the body of a Palestinian instead of an Israeli hostage.
Israeli spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian said the government “will not compromise” on the return of all fallen hostages, vowing to continue efforts “until our fallen hostages return, every last one of them.”
US President Donald Trump told CNN that while Hamas had so far returned only a fraction of the hostages’ bodies, “getting those 20 [living] hostages out was paramount,” adding that “Israel will return to those [Gaza] streets as soon as I say the word.”
Commenting on reports of Hamas executing alleged collaborators, Trump said the group was “clearing out violent gangs,” but added he was “doing research” on whether civilians were among those killed.
Meanwhile, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher urged Israel to open all crossings into Gaza to allow unrestricted delivery of aid.
“We rely on all the crossings to get our aid in … it should happen now,” he said, stressing that immediate access must be part of the ongoing peace agreement discussions.
Three sold-out cinemas, the sound of Cretan lyra music in the air, and an audience moved by the timeless call of “Eleftheria i Thanatos” – freedom or death. The 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney officially opened on Tuesday, October 14, with the Australian premiere of Kapetan Mihalis, a cinematic adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis’ classic novel, directed by Kostas Haralambous.
Held at Palace Cinemas Norton Street, Leichhardt, the opening night marked a major milestone in the Festival’s three-decade history, proudly presented by Benchmark Greek Law.
The 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney officially opened on Tuesday, October 14. All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.
Guests were treated to a night of Cretan dance, exquisite food by Georges Mediterranean Bar and Grill, fine wines from Raw Vine Estate, and boutique Greek beers from 7 Seals, courtesy of Mediterranean Gourmet – all before the highly anticipated screening of the sweeping historical epic set in 1889 Crete.
The evening began with live Cretan music and a vibrant performance by the Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW dancers, whose rhythmic steps and traditional costumes set the perfect tone for the film’s revolutionary spirit and Cretan backdrop. Their performance drew rousing applause, immersing guests in the rich heritage and energy of Crete even before the first frame lit the screen.
The Cretan Association of Sydney and NSW dancers.
A celebration of three decades of Greek cinema
Master of Ceremonies Dimitri Kallos welcomed the audience and paid tribute to the traditional custodians of the land, before acknowledging an impressive list of official guests and partners.
They included the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, George Skemperis; Trade Commissioner of Greece to Australia, Chryssa Prokopaki; First Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, Athanassios Lambrou; First Secretary for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate General of Greece in Sydney, Anastasia Christofilopoulou; and Councillor Alexandra Luxford, Inner West Council.
Also present were the President of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW), Harry Danalis; Chair of the Greek Festival and the Greek Film Festival of Sydney, Nia Karteris; National Coordinator of the Greek Film Festival Sydney, Chryssa Karagiannidou; Principal of Benchmark Legal Group, Anthony Liberiou; and Executive Director of Business Sydney, Paul Nicolaou, among many others.
There was an impressive list of official guests.
Kallos noted that the 30th anniversary edition of the Festival would unfold across three venues – Palace Norton Street, Palace Moore Park, and, for the first time, Riverside Theatres in Parramatta – marking a historic expansion into Western Sydney.
“This new collaboration with Riverside Theatres is an exciting opportunity to introduce Greek storytelling and culture to new audiences,” Kallos said, before outlining the festival’s four special retrospectives, 36 total titles, and two competitions – including the inaugural Greek Australian Youth Filmmaking Competition.
‘A milestone for our community’
Taking to the stage, Mr Danalis, President of GOCNSW, praised the Festival as one of the community’s greatest cultural achievements.
Harry Danalis, President of the GOCNSW.
“Thirty years in which the Greek community has managed to develop the Greek Film Festival into the event that it is today,” he said. “We strive to show and showcase and encourage the best that there is in Greek culture – both abroad and here in this local environment.
“We think it is important to show our heritage, to retain it, and to improve and develop it. In this endeavour, you play a major role, because you continue, in your tens of thousands, to attend our events throughout the year.”
He thanked the Festival’s “fabulous sponsors who spend their well-earned money supporting events like this… because without them, it wouldn’t be possible for us to continue to do what we strive to do.”
‘Freedom or death’: Consul General honours Kazantzakis
In a powerful and deeply reflective speech, Consul General Mr Skemperis, praised the Festival’s cultural legacy while highlighting the enduring message of Kapetan Mihalis.
Consul General George Skemperis.
“This work embodies our revolutionary motto – Eleftheria i Thanatos – freedom or death,” he said.
“Kazantzakis is probably the greatest intellectual and writer we have had in the last 200 years of modern Greece. He is the bravest of the Greek intellectuals – not bound by conventional thinking, and his main theme throughout his work is freedom: not only national freedom or political freedom, but also intellectual freedom – freedom from temptation, from our inner demons, from conventional morality.”
Skemperis described Kazantzakis as “profoundly human,” adding that his philosophy invites us “to become better persons ourselves, to help all the people around us, and to make the world a better place.”
He concluded warmly: “Let’s try to walk on his path.”
A major new partnership for the Festival
The evening also marked the debut of Benchmark Greek Law as the Festival’s presenting partner. Principal Mr Liberiou expressed his pride in supporting an event that connects law, culture, and community.
Benchmark Greek Law Principal Anthony Liberiou.
“It’s a blessing because we get to constructively contribute to a great and valuable festival,” he said. “For Benchmark Legal Group, this partnership is more than just a sponsorship – it’s a public statement about our values and our future.”
Mr Liberiou used the occasion to announce the firm’s expansion into Greece, with new partnerships in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion.
“This expansion is a direct result of listening to your needs and ensuring you have expert local representation wherever your legal journey takes you,” he said. “So let the films begin – we look forward to a fantastic week of storytelling, heritage, and community celebration.”
The magic of Cretan culture and cinema
As the lights dimmed and the film began across three sold-out theatres, the atmosphere was electric – a fusion of history, art, and diasporic pride.
Kapetan Mihalis tells the story of a Cretan patriot torn between sacred duty and forbidden love, brought to life by a cast led by Emilios Chilakis, Alekos Sissovitis, Loukia Michalopoulou, and Jenny Kazakou.
As the credits rolled, applause filled the theatre – not just for the film, but for the generations of volunteers, organisers, and sponsors who have kept Greek cinema alive in Sydney for 30 years.
The atmosphere was electric – a fusion of history, art, and diasporic pride.
A legacy that endures
The 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney continues until October 26, featuring 36 titles – from classics like Rebetiko and A Touch of Spice to new works like The Return starring Ralph Fiennes and Maria starring Angelina Jolie – ensuring there’s something for every lover of Greek storytelling.
In the words of Consul General Mr Skemperis: “This Festival brings the best that we have in Greece – and shows how Greece has evolved. It is Greek, but it is new.”
The Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney and NSW is inviting the community to come together for a night of pride, music, and island spirit as it celebrates the 113th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Island of Lesvos.
The event will be held on Saturday, 15 November 2025, at 7:30 pm at Mytilenian House, located at 225 Canterbury Road, Canterbury.
Guests can look forward to a vibrant evening filled with live Greek music, traditional dancing, and authentic island cuisine — a true Lesvian glendi that promises to capture the heart and soul of the Aegean.
The celebration will feature the talented Paradise Band, ensuring a night of energy and kefi from start to finish.
“Get ready for a night full of music, dancing, and island spirit as we come together to celebrate the Liberation of Lesvos!” Mytilenian Brotherhood committee member, Christine Gazepis Stavropoulos, said.
“Enjoy live Greek music, traditional dancing, and delicious food and drinks with friends, family, and our vibrant community. Bring your kefi and join us for a night of pride, joy, and celebration – a true Lesvian glendi you won’t forget!”
Tickets are $85 per person, which includes food (drinks sold separately). The event is catered by Messinia Catering Services.
The Greek Orthodox Diocese of Perth hosted a fundraising luncheon on Sunday, October 12, at the Archdiocese Conference Room in Dianella, raising $95,000 in support of the Holy Monastery of St John in Forrestfield. The event drew a capacity crowd of 300 attendees, with all tickets sold out.
Among those present were His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Perth, Very Reverend Archimandrite Makarios Souris, Abbot of the Monastery, clergy from across the Diocese, and several dignitaries, including Consul for Greece in Perth Eleni Georgopoulou, Michael and Michelle Sutherland, Kevin Kannis, and Katina Kakulas, widow of one of the original donors of the monastery’s land.
In a message shared with attendees, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia praised the monastery as “a spiritual haven” and urged the faithful “to support this sacred cause… so that it may shine as a radiant beacon of Orthodox faith and life.”
Fr Makarios expressed gratitude for the Archbishop’s “unwavering love, support, and spiritual guidance,” acknowledging his “paternal care and encouragement” as a source of strength for the monastic brotherhood.
A silent auction featuring a mosaic icon donated by Olympia Marble in Sydney raised $10,000, while an anonymous benefactor contributed $30,000.
Other donations and parish fundraising efforts, including $7,000 from cake stalls and $1,000 from the Central Philoptochos of St Tabitha, added to the total.
During the event, 17 long-time supporters of the monastery were honoured with Centenary Commemorative Coins from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. The celebration also included the recognition of three milestone birthdays at ages 87, 90, and 95.
Concluding the luncheon, Bishop Elpidios conveyed the Archbishop’s blessings and thanked all participants for their generosity and devotion.
The 30th Greek Film Festival, presented by the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), officially opened on Tuesday, October 14, at the historic Astor Theatre, marking a milestone celebration of three decades of Greek cinema in Australia.
The sold-out Opening Night Gala featured the powerful epic Kapetan Mihalis, setting the tone for an extraordinary anniversary program.
Based on the classic novel by legendary writer Nikos Kazantzakis, Kapetan Mihalis has been adapted for the big screen for the first time, making its inclusion as the festival’s opening film a truly special event.
The film captivated audiences with its sweeping portrayal of freedom, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of Crete, resonating deeply with the festival’s themes of identity and heritage.
Guests arrived at the historical Astor Theatre where they were welcomed by dancers from the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria performing to the sounds of the Cretan lyra, enjoying meals provided by Phlavour, drinks from Hellenic Wines + Spirits, and commemorative 30th-anniversary tote bags filled with sponsor gifts before taking their seats for the highly anticipated screening.
Before the film, guests were welcomed by Dr Jim Bossinakis, Chair of GCM’s Cultural Programs Committee, Dimitra Georgantzoglou, Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, and Bill Papastergiadis OAM, President of the GCM, who reflected on the festival’s 30-year legacy and the enduring importance of Greek cinema in Australia.
“As Chair of the Cultural Programs Committee, I am honoured to open the 30th Greek Film Festival and celebrate three decades of bringing Greek stories to Australian screens,” Dr Bossinakis said in his opening.
“This year’s program features over 100 screenings, including 16 new releases and classics like Little England, Brides, and A Touch of Spice. We also host the Australian premiere of Athens Midnight Radio and the world premiere of The Kink. The festival’s success is thanks to our dedicated team, partners, sponsors, and audiences who make this Australia’s largest Greek film festival.”
Ms Georgantzoglou said: “It was a great honour to attend the opening, with Kapetan Michalis a cinematic masterpiece. Celebrating 30 years, the festival has become a major cultural event for the Greek diaspora, showcasing Greek cinema from the 1990s to today, including works by Pantelis Voulgaris, Yorgos Lanthimos, and Yannis Charalabidis.”
GCM President Mr Papastergiadis OAM added: “I am proud to see the festival unite our community in celebrating Hellenic culture 17,000 kilometres from Greece. Events like this reflect our values of belonging, generosity, and community spirit, which remain at the heart of all we do, from festivals and theatre to education and charitable programs. Tonight’s screening, with Cretan music, captured that enduring spirit of connection and pride.”
Following the screening, guests were treated to rakomelo and traditional kalitsounia, enjoyed the sounds of the Cretan lyra, as a vibrant gathering brought together filmmakers, festival guests, and community members in spirited conversation – toasting both the film and the 30-year legacy of the Festival.
The 30th Greek Film Festival continues until 26 October, with screenings across Melbourne at Palace Cinema Como, Pentridge Cinema, and Palace Balwyn Cinema. The program features world premieres, documentaries, and in-person Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers.
Greece’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Greeks Abroad, Ioannis Loverdos, has continued his official visit to Australia with a series of high-level meetings in Canberra, following his arrival and welcome at the Embassy of Greece on Tuesday.
Warm welcome at the Embassy of Greece
On arrival in Canberra, Loverdos was warmly received at the Embassy by Ambassador Stavros Venizelos and members of the diplomatic mission. Joining the Deputy Minister were the Secretaries-General of the Ministry of the Interior, Athanasios Balermpas and Dimitrios Karnavos, and the Head of the Directorate-General for Citizenship, Katerina Ouli.
The event was also attended by Australian Federal MP Steve Georganas, former Australian Ambassador to Greece Arthur Spyrou, Honorary Consul of Greece in Darwin Ioannis Anictomatis, and Honorary Consul of Greece in Newcastle Zisis Antoniadis.
Ambassador Venizelos welcomed Loverdos to “Greece’s home in Australia,” noting that his visit underscores the close and enduring ties between Greece and the Hellenic diaspora.
Strengthening bilateral relations in Federal Parliament
Loverdos today met with Federal MPs Steve Georganas and David Smith at Parliament House, accompanied by Ambassador Venizelos.
Discussions took place in what was described as a warm and constructive atmosphere, focusing on issues of mutual interest and cooperation between Greece and Australia.
The meeting covered several key topics – including the proposed visit of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Australia in 2026, progress on a Double Taxation Agreement, and the development of a Health Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries.
The discussion also touched on the preservation of the Greek language in Australia, a matter of deep cultural and educational significance to both nations.
Georganas also briefed the Deputy Minister on the Athens–Adelaide Sister City Memorandum of Understanding and his role as Vice-President of the World Hellenic Inter-Parliamentary Association, representing Greek-origin parliamentarians worldwide.
Loverdos expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended to him and highlighted the extraordinary contribution of the Greek community to Australia’s political, social, and economic life.
Steve Georganas MP with Ioannis Loverdos.
Ongoing engagements
The Deputy Minister’s visit to Canberra forms part of a broader Australian tour, which includes meetings with community leaders, clergy, and consular officials across multiple states.
His program aims to strengthen Greece’s engagement with the diaspora and advance bilateral cooperation across key policy areas.
Sydney Olympic FC are set to host their first home game of the Australian Championship season this Sunday, October 19, at Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah, taking on Broadmeadow Magic FC in Round 2.
Kick-off is scheduled for 1pm, with a full day of entertainment and community celebration planned from 12pm.
But this Sunday’s fixture will offer much more than football. Jubilee Stadium will transform into a festival of sport and culture, with live Greek dancing, face painting for kids, an authentic Greek food truck, a local ice cream truck, and the debut of Sydney Olympic’s new club mascots.
“It’s our first home game of the season and we’re going big,” the club said in a statement. “Bring your family, bring your mates, and be part of a massive day of football and celebration.”
Fans are encouraged to arrive early to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the food, and connect with the Sydney Olympic community.
AIRAH’s Head of Conferences, Events and Business Development, Marie Karekla, has been recognised among the Top 20 Women in the Australian heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) industry by Climate Control News (CCN), highlighting her leadership and impact.
Originally from Adelaide, Karekla began her career in grassroots sport before moving into events and business development, where she discovered a passion for connecting people and driving community growth.
Since joining AIRAH, Karekla has expanded and elevated the organisation’s conferences and events portfolio, strengthening its relevance and reach within the HVAC&R industry.
Her strategic direction has opened new business pathways and fostered stronger collaboration across the sector.
“I’m incredibly honoured to be named in the top 20 list alongside so many inspiring women,” Karekla said.
“Recognition like this is a reminder of the power of collaboration and the importance of lifting women up in our industry.”
AIRAH CEO Sami Zheng praised the achievement, describing Karekla as “an inspiring leader” whose work and vision reflect “a deep commitment to excellence and industry advancement.”
“Marie leads with a strong sense of direction, empowering her team and the people around her to grow,” Zheng said.
“Her achievement is a reflection of her dedication and the bright future she’s helping to shape for our industry.”
