Senior Labor figure Tom Koutsantonis has been appointed South Australia’s new Treasurer in a cabinet reshuffle triggered by the shock resignations of Deputy Premier Susan Close and Treasurer Stephen Mullighan.
Koutsantonis, who previously served as Treasurer from 2014 to 2018, has been Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, Energy and Mining since Labor’s 2022 election win. In the reshuffle, he has lost transport and infrastructure to Emily Bourke but retained energy and mining.
Sworn in at Government House this morning, Koutsantonis said he was excited by the challenge of returning to Treasury.
“We’ve got a once in a generation opportunity … South Australia is out of that transition now from post car industry and is now growing,” he said.
“My job is to make sure we can sustain that by giving business certainty, no surprises and making sure that the Premier’s election commitments are upheld.”
Premier Peter Malinauskas said Koutsantonis was well suited to the role.
“The Treasury role has its own demands and frankly, you’ve got to have someone in that role that has the capacity to be able to exercise discipline in the government and even on me as Premier,” Malinauskas said.
“Tom and I enjoy a relationship where we’re able to do that. He has no reservations in speaking truth to power … anyone will tell you that and that’s actually an important asset.”
Koutsantonis also stressed there would be no tax changes, in line with the government’s election pledge.
Adelaide Greek Australians remain the city’s most powerful office landlords, with developers Theo Samaras’ Kyren Group, the Andrianakos Property Group and the Kambitsis Group among the biggest private owners shaping the CBD.
Analysis by Knight Frank shows local families now hold 44 per cent of Adelaide’s office space, well ahead of institutional investors at 34 per cent and foreign investors at less than 10 per cent.
Samaras’ Kyren Group leads the way with a growing portfolio that includes major holdings on Wakefield and King William streets. Last year, Kyren paid $84.25m for the EY building and is close to completing a new office tower on Franklin St, next to its PwC building.
The Melbourne-based Andrianakos Property Group, founded by the late petrol magnate Nick Andrianakos, consolidated its Adelaide presence with the $175m acquisition of the People First Bank building in 2020 and a neighbouring Santos headquarters. Late last year, the group also bought a $170m half-stake in Elizabeth City Centre.
The Kambitsis Group has also expanded its CBD presence in recent years, adding to the trend of generational private investors adopting a “buy well, don’t sell” strategy that has long underpinned Adelaide’s commercial property market.
Knight Frank’s head of capital markets, Max Frohlich, said the ownership mix had “evolved significantly” since the removal of stamp duty on commercial property deals in 2018.
“This reform lowered transaction costs, boosted deal volumes and attracted institutional and offshore capital,” he said. “But domestic groups, particularly privates and wholesale syndicators, have since become more active.”
Despite a softer market since the pandemic, the city’s largest family developers remain confident in Adelaide’s long-term fundamentals.
The third time Iris Pavlidis was assaulted, she froze. This time it was by a friend of seven years after she dozed off one afternoon while they watched a movie. Afterwards came the feelings that so many survivors – more than there should be – know too well: shame, guilt, self-blame, and silence that suffocates.
But unlike most women, Iris had a talent. Painting. She harnessed it, transforming rape and rage into a body of work, Selves Laid Bare, now on display at the FiveNinetySix gallery in West Footscray from Saturday, September 20.
From that place of pain and survival, 22-year-old Iris created powerful art. She has transformed her suffering into canvases that don’t whisper; they rage, bleed, and demand to be seen.
She hangs them alone, purposefully, the air sharp with must, slight scent of superglue, and something heavier: fear, grief, anger. Each work screams, Enough!
“I had to confront what happened to me, and I had to share it,” she says. “Because it’s not my fault. It’s never been my fault. It’s not the woman’s fault. Rapists need to think of their actions, not victims of rape.”
But Iris does not want to be seen as a victim. “I don’t want to be pitied,” she says, and looking at her, eloquently advocating for a fairer society, the last thing you think is “victim”.
The works come from fury at a system that failed not only her, but many women. One of her assailants was freed after a few months. Another, a neighbour she had once helped with money during a public holiday, used her kindness to stalk her after a transfer through Pay ID revealed her details.
“The police told me there wasn’t much they could do. To wait until he acted on his threats. But wouldn’t that be too late?” she says.
Art as defiance
Her 2025 series To Be a Woman is To Perform, is part of the collection currently on display. It was painted in less than a year, alongside working and studying Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne where she is pursuing her dream to be a doctor.
Unlike her empathetic and kind manner, her paintings don’t soothe; they erupt. “Every painting is a piece of me,” she says, adding that she photographs herself before working on each canvas.
Molly Malone Redefined recalls the Irish statue worn raw by strangers’ hands. “She started as a girl helping sell produce,” Iris says. “Over time, she became something for people to touch. That’s what it means to be a woman; people think you exist to perform.”
Flesh and Freedom charts grief in streaks of blood and vacant eyes. “Dissociation is the only way you cope,” she says. “You leave your body. The eyes go dead.”
Self-Critic borrows from her journals. A figure lies on a bed, stalked by the “blue feeling.” “It’s that voice that says: What else could I have done? Would that have changed the outcome?”
At the centre hangs Reclaiming Power. A young woman, wearing Iris’ earrings, clutches a bloody dagger, stepping out of shadow into light. “She’s walking forward, furious,” Iris says. “She’s me saying: I survived, and I’m not afraid to make you look at what you did.”
Rage, grief, liberation
Her journey with art began in childhood in Glyfada on the Athens Riviera, watching her mother sketch a mermaid, attempting to copy what she had created.
Drawing helped her escape into fantasy worlds because Athens is a place where kids grow up fast. She remembers fourth grade when a boy told her he would kill himself if she didn’t kiss him. “I was a ruthless little kid,” she laughs. “I told him, I don’t care.”
When Iris migrated to Melbourne with her mother, stepfather and sister in Year 6, art travelled with her. It became rebellion, refuge, resistance.
“After the third rape, art helped me feel angry,” she says. “I struggle to express myself in words, but here I can. I can make it visible.”
That anger now fuels her defiance. She reports, records, insists on accountability. “The system fails women,” she says. “That’s why men need to step up and hold each other accountable. We’ve been carrying this burden alone for centuries.”
Her courage resonates far beyond her own story. Women and a few men send her messages confessing secrets buried for decades. Some men of the gay community write to say their eyes have been opened about the experiences so many women face. “It breaks me, but it also reminds me why I’m doing this,” she says.
A reckoning
Through her art, trauma becomes testimony.
“I want women to walk in here and feel rage, grief, liberation,” Iris says. “To know they are not alone. I didn’t want to be blamed, asked why I froze, why I didn’t fight back. I wanted the focus to be on him, on what he did. That’s what needs to change.”
As she surveys the gallery, fragility and fury merge. Alone in this red-brick home, she claims her story loudly, defiantly.
It’s not #MeToo. It’s a reckoning.
Her message roars through her art: “Your story matters. Your body matters. Your anger matters. And your silence no longer has to be the price of survival.”
Iris Pavlidis’ works are on display at Gallery Five Ninety Six (596 Barkly Street, West Footscray) from 5pm Saturday, September 20 through to October 26. An opening night party will include a poetry reading from 5-10pm.
The Jenny Souris Foundation is preparing to host its annual Gala on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, at Le Montage in Lilyfield, Sydney promising an evening filled with inspiration, generosity and community spirit.
Over the years, the Gala has become a cornerstone event in Sydney’s philanthropic calendar, raising vital funds to support children and families facing life’s toughest battles. It has provided comfort, care and opportunities to countless families — and this year, the need remains as pressing as ever.
A story of courage
At the heart of the evening will be the story of Tristan, a 10-year-old boy bravely fighting Stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma – Translocation. His journey embodies the resilience and hope that the Foundation strives to nurture. Guests will hear more about his experience and how community support has offered strength to him and his family.
This year’s Gala promises more than just a fundraising dinner. Guests will be treated to live entertainment and a three-course meal, creating the perfect atmosphere for celebration and connection.
The night will also feature an exclusive auction, offering luxury getaways and one-of-a-kind experiences.
Most importantly, the evening will showcase heartfelt stories from families whose lives have been transformed through the generosity of the community and the work of the Jenny Souris Foundation.
Every ticket sold is more than a seat at a table — it is a lifeline. Funds raised will go directly towards medical programs, practical assistance and ongoing support, ensuring that children and families facing unimaginable challenges receive the care they need.
How to take part
With limited seating available, supporters are encouraged to secure their tickets early. For those unable to attend, donations can still be made online to help extend the Foundation’s impact.
The Jenny Souris Foundation Gala is a celebration of compassion, community and the power of collective giving. By joining, guests will not only enjoy an unforgettable evening but also help create a brighter future for children and families in need.
Angela Patisteas, who passed away in 2025, was a model of the Greek mother and wife within the global Greek diaspora.
Her life’s journey was marked by uprooting from her ancestral home, enduring the hardships of resettlement, and ultimately building a family alongside her beloved husband, the respected businessman and generous benefactor of the Greek Australian community, Petros Patisteas OAM. Together they raised their children in challenging times, and were later blessed to welcome grandchildren into their lives.
For many migrants, the early years in Australia were filled with difficulties. Angela, like so many devoted Greek mothers of her generation, combined unwavering commitment to her family with the resilience needed to create a nurturing home.
She supported her husband’s business ventures, sometimes quietly, sometimes actively, and was also present in the wider community – engaged in philanthropic, cultural and social activities through AHEPA and beyond. She did so without seeking recognition or reward, embodying instead the quiet strength and authenticity that defined her character.
Angela carried with her the trauma of a childhood overshadowed by war – its sounds, its grief, its mothers’ laments. Yet she emerged from those years with warmth, greeting others with a gentle voice and an open smile that made people feel welcome in her home and in community gatherings. She exemplified the Greek migrant woman who did not demand attention, but earned respect through her dignity, generosity and love of others.
Her life was a testament to endurance, patience and compassion. She will be remembered not only by her husband, children and grandchildren, but by all who encountered her as a woman of humility, strength and sincere love. May her example continue to inspire future generations of mothers raising their children with courage and respect for their fellow human beings.
Greece’s Minister of the Interior, Theodoros Livanios, met in Athens with The Greek Herald Publisher, Dimitra Skalkos, to discuss issues of critical importance to the Greek diaspora, particularly in Australia.
The conversation centred on two major themes: expanding digital access to government services through Gov.gr and the ongoing reforms aimed at diaspora voting rights.
Minister Livanios confirmed that the government is preparing to roll out a new system that will allow Greeks abroad to access all Gov.gr digital services following a one-time visit to any consulate. During this visit, citizens will obtain secure login credentials (a personal username and password), which will then allow them to conduct all future business online from abroad.
“We are working on digital governance in order to allow people to visit the consulates once, just to get the username and password, and then they will have full access to all Gov.gr services. By the end of the year, it should be ready,” the Minister said.
Ms Skalkos welcomed the initiative and highlighted the importance of a clear information campaign to ensure that Greek Australians understand how to access and benefit from the new system.
The discussion also turned to diaspora voting rights ahead of the 2027 national elections. At present, Greeks abroad must still be physically present at designated polling stations in order to cast their vote.
“Right now, as it stands at the law, it’s with physical presence,” the Minister explained.
He noted that further changes will require a parliamentary vote, with around 200 MPs needed to pass legislation that would introduce postal voting, making it possible for Greeks abroad to vote without returning to Greece or attending polling stations.
Ms Skalkos noted the importance of timely and accurate communication to the diaspora, stressing that confusion over past European election processes had left many Greek Australians unable to participate. She emphasised that with the 2027 national elections ahead, clear information will be even more critical.
Other topics raised in the meeting included the government’s broader tax reforms, which involve income tax reductions valued at around €1.6 billion, as well as targeted relief measures for residents in small islands and remote areas.
Minister Livanios also confirmed progress on the long-awaited tax treaty with Australia, which the Greek Government aims to finalise by February 2026. The Prime Minister’s proposed visit to Australia in March was also discussed, with Sydney and Melbourne mentioned as likely destinations.
Both sides emphasised the need for Greek media abroad to be involved in outreach campaigns so that information on reforms, services and voting rights reaches the diaspora community effectively.
The meeting underscored the Greek Government’s commitment to reducing bureaucracy, modernising public services and ensuring that Greeks abroad are able to access their rights more effectively — whether through Gov.gr, taxation agreements, or participation in democratic processes.
Last weekend, St George Basketball held its Annual Juniors Presentation Day, a highlight on the club calendar where the achievements of players, coaches, and managers throughout Season 2025 were celebrated.
The event was hosted in a packed auditorium, filled with players, families, and supporters who came together to recognise the growth, dedication, and success of the St George Basketball junior program. The atmosphere was electric, with every seat taken and a strong sense of community pride on display.
We were honoured to welcome a number of VIP guests, including Mark Coure MP, who took the time to show his support for grassroots sport and congratulate young athletes. His presence, along with other community leaders and partners, highlighted the importance of junior sport in developing confidence, teamwork, and resilience in young people.
Throughout the day, awards were presented across all age groups, acknowledging not only individual excellence on the court but also the hard work of coaches, managers, and volunteers who make the program possible. Special recognition was given to those who demonstrated leadership, sportsmanship, and commitment — values that lie at the heart of St George Basketball.
The 2025 season was one of growth and achievement for the club, with teams excelling in competitions and players making great strides in their development. More importantly, the program has continued to build a strong foundation for the future by focusing on both athletic performance and personal character.
St George Basketball’s junior program continues to go from strength to strength, providing opportunities for young athletes. With strong community partnerships, dedicated coaches, and passionate families behind them, the future looks bright for the next generation of Saints.
As the season draws to a close, the Presentation Day was a fitting way to reflect on a successful year and to look ahead with excitement to 2026.
Mark Coure MP Sporting Achievement Awards:
2025 WJML U12 Boys: Jaoquin Diego
2025 WJML U12 Girls: Maia O’Rourke
2025 WJML U14 Boys Red: Ben Savann
2025 WJML U14 Boys White: Joshua Ngu
2025 WJML U14 Girls: Princess Detablan
2025 WJML U16 Boys Red: Brandon So
2025 WJML U16 Boys White: Lucas Zhao
2025 WJML U16 Boys Grey: Moshe Soto
2025 WJML U16 Girls: Amirah McCormick-Taylor
2025 WJML U18 Girls: Hannah Youssef
2025 WJML U18 Boys Red: Cooper Needle
2025 WJML U18 Boys White: Ridley Sawtell
TEAM AWARDS
U14 Girls Div 2 Team
Best Defensive- Joanna Li
Most Improved- Gabrielle Zhang
MVP- Louise Xu
U16 Boys White Div 4 Team
Players Player- Elijah Lusik
Best Defensive- Jacob Macri
MVP- Dexter Svoronos
U12 Girls Div 2 Team
Best Defensive- Mika Yamada
Most Improved- Reina Kato
MVP- Angelina Salem
U12 Boys Div 4 Team
Most Improved- Noah Zhang
Best Defensive- Jaemie Pambris
MVP- Tyler Tran
U14 Boys Div 4 Team
Players Player- Dylan Zhu
Most Improved- Leo Tarleton
MVP- William Zhang
U18 Boys Div 4
Best Defensive- Chase Quayle
Most Improved- Oscar Tarleton
MVP- Malik Juma
U18 Boys Div 2
Best Defensive- Dyon Kafarakis
Most Improved- Reece Pool
MVP- Nikola Kovacevic
U16 Boys Div 2 Team
Best Defensive- Marcelino Tjiputra
Most Improved – Riley MacKenzie
MVP- Thomas Kontogiorgis
U18 Girls Div 1 Team
Most Improved- Eliska Ucnova
Players Player – Alyssa Lorkin
MVP- Lena Kahle
U16 Girls Div 3 Team
Best Defensive- Kenya Price
Players Player- Marlo Bova
MVP- Kadence Riwai
U16 Boys Div 5 Grey
Best Defensive- Tifii Mhando
Players Player- Lewis Leong
MVP- Myles Dela Cruz
U14 Boys Div 2 Red Team
Best Defensive- Leo Chen
Players Player – Alex Shen
MVP- Aethan Manuel
REFEREES PRESENTATION: LOGAN BILBY Senior
Referee of the Year: Davina Kuang
Most Improved Referee: Daniel Russo
Junior Referee of the Year: Joshua Kingston
Ray Barbi Coach of The Year Award 2025
Junior – Anson Wen
Valerie Stoddart Association Player of the Year Award 2025
Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis has defended the club’s decision to hand Victor Radley the harshest penalty in its history, insisting the sanctions align with his “zero tolerance” stance on drugs.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Politis flew back from Canada on Thursday, September 18, to deal with the fallout after court documents revealed police allegations that former teammate Brandon Smith linked Radley to a drug dealer during a golf trip in June.
While Radley has not been charged and there is no evidence he used drugs, the Roosters imposed a 10-game suspension without pay, costing him around $140,000, and ordered a $30,000 donation to St Vincent’s Hospital.
“Option one was to sack him,” Politis said. “But while he has brought the club into disrepute, there is no proof that Victor snorted cocaine. He hasn’t been charged with anything. Zero tolerance means you punish a player more severely than we ever have before.”
Radley, who was told not to attend Thursday’s Jack Gibson Medal night, accepted the punishment and apologised to the club.
Politis revealed the North Queensland Cowboys had expressed interest in taking Radley on loan but said the idea was dismissed.
“It was a hard decision,” Politis said. “Ten games, no pay, and $30,000 to cancer research at St Vincent’s Hospital. He didn’t want to leave and he’s copped his penalty, which is the heaviest we’ve ever handed down.”
Mourners gathered at Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church in Crows Nest, where surfboards were held upright in a guard of honour.
His wife Maria, holding their daughter Freedom, was joined by Psillakis’ mother, who cried out “my son, my son” in Greek.
Psillakis was remembered as a hero for warning fellow surfers to leave the water after spotting the shark before he was fatally mauled on September 6.
At his funeral, the priest described him as a “shining example of love” for his sacrifice.
Mercury’s wife Maria, holding their daughter Freedom, was joined by Psillakis’ mother.
A surfboard adorned with flowers stood beside the pulpit, while his coffin was decorated with native blooms, reflecting his love of the ocean and plants.
A tribute on behalf of his family described Maria as his soulmate and Freedom as his “pride and joy.”
In closing, Freedom said: “I love you daddy, I’ll miss you forever.”
Psillakis, who ran Psillakis Surfboards in Brookvale with his twin brother Mike, was remembered as a beloved figure whose energy and joy touched everyone around him.
His family described him as a man of many passions, from surfing and travel to martial arts and cultivating rare palms – earning him the nickname “The Germinator.”
He is survived by Maria and Freedom. A second memorial event is planned to allow the wider community to pay their respects.
Panathinaikos claimed a 91-82 victory over Partizan in front of thousands of Greek fans at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena, opening the 7th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament, held for the first time in Australia.
Despite missing key players, including Osman, Shorts, Lesor and Grigonis, the “greens” were lifted by strong support from the Greek diaspora.
Also present were (L-R) Their Graces Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne and Bishop Evmenios of Chora, the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Dimitra Georgantzoglou, and President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis OAM.
Omer Yurtseven led with 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Kendrick Nunn added 21. Dwayne Washington (19 points), Jabari Parker (18) and Dylan Osetkovski (16) stood out for Partizan.
Greek singer Maria Maroulis, now based in Australia, stirred emotion with a moving rendition of the national anthem before tip-off.
At halftime, Greek and Serbian community dance groups united with live ensembles, celebrating the cultural ties between fans.
Photo: Evangelos Stolis / Panathinaikos.
The night also carried a moment of deep sentiment as Partizan coach Zeljko Obradovic embraced Despina Giannakopoulos, widow of the late Pavlos Giannakopoulos, for whom the tournament is named.
After trailing at halftime (37-44), Panathinaikos surged in the second half with improved defence and contributions from Nikos Rogkavopoulos, Panagiotis Toliopoulos and Juancho Hernangomez. A dominant final quarter secured the win.
Panathinaikos will next face the Adelaide 36ers at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday.
