Derrimut 24:7 Gym founder and owner Nikolaos Solomos is under mounting pressure as at least 15 instructors remain unpaid for a month while the Australian Taxation Office seeks to wind up one of his companies over a $12.53 million debt.

A Federal Court wind-up hearing is scheduled for Friday, after an adjournment last month allowed more time for negotiations with the ATO.

In an email to Adelaide instructors owed thousands, the gym said it was “securing short term finance as part of a debt restructure” but could not confirm when wages would be paid. It promised to bring payments up to date within two to four weeks.

Solomos has publicly acknowledged the debt in an Instagram video while also addressing the abrupt closure of the Angle Vale branch, which was shut in July over $220,000 in unpaid rent. Other branches, including Munno Para and Shepparton, have also been forced to close.

Despite the financial turmoil, Derrimut 24:7 continues to promote cut-price memberships online. Court filings show the tax debt was reduced from $15 million in April, but major creditors including AGL, Return to Work SA, Melbourne United Basketball, and Fitness Equipment Pty Ltd are backing the ATO’s action.

Unpaid staff have expressed frustration at the lack of communication. One instructor said, “They’re still taking money from members but they’re not paying us – there’s been no clear communication. I’m pissed off. I’m really frustrated.”

Another added the situation was “just appalling” and “threatening the livelihood of people.”

Source: The Advertiser.

Surfing buddies of Mercury Psillakis reunited on Sydney’s northern beaches to catch waves in his memory, a week after the 57-year-old was killed in a shark attack at Dee Why.

Andy and Nathan, who were in the water with Mercury when the predator struck, joined friend Toby Martin to surf as their families watched. After riding several waves, the trio embraced onshore and paused at a floral tribute for Mercury.

“We went back today to confront the place where Mercury was taken – as part of our healing process,” Toby told The Daily Telegraph.

“The boys who were out with him have been doing it tough, but they are strong to come out today. The shark attack has driven the community out of the water and we need to accept the ocean again and return to life as normal.”

Toby added, “If you walk back into the storm it passes quicker than if you walk away from it… Our mate would want us to run at this life the way he did for 57 years, we’re not going to back away from it, it’s part of our healing.”

Over 40 locals, including children and adults, joined in surfing the rough afternoon surf, while others watched silently from the beach. Mercury’s sister, Eleni Psillakis, paid tribute alongside friends at the memorial, which continues to grow.

Lifeline volunteers have been stationed at the beach to provide ongoing support, and a community debriefing and BBQ were held at the Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club to aid those affected by the tragedy.

Source: The Daily Telegraph.

South Australia’s former Director of Public Prosecutions, Stephen Pallaras KC, is recovering after being placed in an induced coma following a mysterious incident near his Adelaide home.

The 74-year-old was found with multiple fractures to his jaw, eye sockets and nose, as well as extensive bruising, on a North Adelaide street on September 4.

He was discovered by two Cleanaway workers and members of the public before being rushed to hospital, where he was placed in intensive care.

His son and Real Change SA party secretary, Daniel Pallaras, said the cause of the injuries remained unclear. “None of us were present at the scene,” he said.

“There’s no evidence that anyone else was involved.” He confirmed doctors had ruled out a stroke or heart attack.

Daniel said while “nothing obvious” explained the accident, his father’s condition was improving daily.

“It was quite a shock to watch dad fighting for his life in ICU but he’s one of the strongest people I know and I can’t tell you just how happy I am to be able to say that he is now out of the ICU,” he said.

In a statement, Pallaras said he was determined to return to public life. “I’ll be back on my feet, back to work, and back with the community very soon,” he said.

Despite the health scare, Pallaras intends to continue campaigning as an independent for his Real Change SA party ahead of the 2026 state election.

Source: The Advertiser.