Greek authorities temporarily closed the Acropolis on Tuesday, July 8, due to soaring temperatures, as parts of the country continued to endure extreme heat and wildfire risk.
The Culture Ministry shut the ancient site from 1 pm to 5 pm to protect visitors from the heat, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) in several regions.
Photo: AP Photo / Petros Giannakouris.
Mandatory work breaks for outdoor labourers, introduced Monday, remain in effect across parts of central Greece and various islands. Businesses face fines of €2,000 per worker for non-compliance.
Officials also warned that the already “very high” wildfire risk across the eastern mainland is expected to worsen later in the week.
In the heart of Beverly Hills, a fresh sound is taking shape – and it’s being led by a young Greek Australian with a vision. Steven Koutzoumis is the founder of SoundCult, a new boutique recording studio that’s already making waves in Sydney’s creative scene.
At just 22, Steven has turned a lifelong passion for music and audio engineering into a sleek, fully equipped studio space designed to cater to musicians, podcasters, and content creators of all kinds. Nestled just off the main strip on Norfolk Avenue, SoundCult brings something rare and exciting to the area – a professional-grade studio with local heart.
A graduate of audio engineering and sound production at JMC Academy, Steven combines technical skill with a sharp ear for quality.
His studio is soundproofed, stylishly fit-out, and features industry-standard gear, including Pro Tools, Focusrite Clarett+ interfaces, and top-tier microphones like the Shure SM7dB and Lewitt LCT 441 Flex. Whether you’re tracking vocals, producing beats, recording a podcast, or mixing your next release – SoundCult is built for you.
Steven’s love for music began early, but it was during the COVID lockdowns that he discovered his passion for the production process.
“I got bored in lockdown and started watching these documentaries where Jon Bellion would showcase the entire process of putting his music together, and I was hooked,” he explains.
With its polished look, clean acoustics and creative atmosphere, SoundCult has already begun drawing attention from local artists and producers looking for a space that matches their ambition.
But beyond the gear and design, what makes SoundCult special is the person behind it. Steven brings a quiet determination, a deep love for the creative process, and a genuine desire to help others bring their ideas to life.
“My absolute priority beyond all the necessities — such as acoustic treatment, soundproofing etc. — was to make sure the vibes were right,” he shares.
“Make it a cool space to be in and somewhere you could comfortably hang out above anything else. I figure that an artist or creative of any kind does their best work when they’re relaxed and in a good mood, so the environment needs to promote that.”
Much of the studio’s design comes from his own personality and interests.
“A lot of my inspiration for the decoration just came from my own personality, like in the front room where it’s filled to the brim with all kinds of music, sports and wrestling memorabilia,” he says.
He also sees the studio as a way to contribute to the vibrant multicultural fabric of the community – by supporting emerging talent and making creative resources more accessible.
“I want SoundCult to be a place where people can come and put their creative energy into something shareable with the world,” he says.
“I feel like a lot of the big studios are either pretty far away from our area or too expensive for the average artist to work in often, so I want to be part of that journey for people within our community.”
Steven Koutzoumis outside his studio at Beverly Hills.
Launching the studio wasn’t without its challenges.
“I don’t consider myself to be a very social or outgoing person so putting myself out there has been kind of weird for me, but it’s a good new experience nonetheless,” he admits.
What’s kept him going is the drive to make a name for himself and follow through on his goals.
“The drive to achieve my goals within the industry and make a name for myself is what keeps me going through it, because I know you can’t achieve anything if you just do what comes easy to you,” he says.
Steven is part of a new generation of Australians making their mark – with creativity, courage, and community at heart.
“I think as Greeks we’re naturally full on and passionate about everything, so that’s definitely shined through here,” he says.
“The old school ‘do it 110% or not at all’. The second we had this idea I was already looking at specific gear/setups and exactly how I’d want to decorate and promote it, to make sure it was the best space I could put together.”
His ambition is simple but meaningful.
“My main ambition is making a safe space for people from all walks of life to come in, work with me, and put something cool together,” he explains.
“I’m sure a lot of people have the ideas in their head but haven’t got the means or aren’t entirely sure how to turn those into an end product. If I can do that as well as support and contribute to the amazing music scene we have both locally and nationwide, I’d consider myself a success.”
Whether you’re an artist ready to lay down your next single, a podcaster ready to launch your first season, or just someone with a story to tell – SoundCult is ready for you.
Getting Greek Australian youth to speak Greek is a difficult endeavour and it gets more difficult with every generation. But one family found a way to ensure their 4th generation child achieved this milestone.
Year 8 student Mariah Palaktsoglou speaks fluent Greek but it was due to the discipline her Australian-born parents imposed in her pre-school years and it involved dubbed cartoons and strict restrictions on the English language.
Year 8 student Mariah Palaktsoglou.
Mariah detailed this in her award winning essay, in the Hellenic Dreaming High School Short Story Competition held by the Greek Museum of Adelaide Inc. in conjunction with Dr Helen Vatsikopoulos with sponsorship from the Hellenic Studies Foundation.
Mariah’s first prize win was announced at the South Australian launch of the book Hellenic Dreaming: Greek Australian Storiesrecently held at the Cowandilla Community Room. Edited by the Walkley Award winning journalist and academic, Dr Vatsikopoulos, the book includes 37 well known Greek Australians telling their survival stories about growing up in the Greek Australian diaspora.
The competition opened earlier this year inviting third and fourth Greek Australian high school students to submit their own story on the topic: ‘What does it mean to you about being a Greek Australian today and the role Greek language plays in your Greek identity and culture?’
Mariah’s prize includes airline tickets for two to Melbourne to visit the Hellenic Museum plus accommodation, meals, travel and more. Three other prizes were also awarded.
Mariah’s evocative narrative caught the judges’ attention. She told her story of how she only spoke Greek in her early years. On entering kindergarten, she was suddenly exposed to a different world.
She said: “I remember struggling to understand the educators and the children speaking English… My parents felt slightly guilty at this point.”
Mariah is a great example of the issues faced by children and parents when choosing to immerse their children in the Greek language so that they grow up multilingual.
“You see we were only ever looked after by our grandparents up until school, and family and friends only interacted with us in Greek. Anything we watched on TV was in Greek… all the Disney movies… even Peppa Pig… The theme song was quite funny in Greek,” she said.
Her story stood out among many strong entries, reflecting both the richness of the Greek Australian experience and the importance of intergenerational connections. The competition challenged students to reflect on their identity, on the importance of knowing the Greek language and culture as a third or fourth generational Greek Australian.
During the award announcement, Dr Vatsikopoulos and two other South Australian contributors, Emerita Professor of Psychology Martha Augoustinos and filmmaker and director Kay Pavlou, shared their experiences growing up as first and second-generation Greek Australians to an audience of over 117 people including the Consul General of Greece in Adelaide Dr Alexandra Theodoropoulos.
The other winners were:
Equal second prize: Sophia Skoumbros and Frank Lambetis, both Year 8 students.
Third prize: Yannis Thanos, Year 9.
Special first/second generation category support by the Museum: Nikolaos Triantafyllou, a Year 11 student.
As Mariah said: “The ability to speak Greek with others can create a shared community and sense of belonging. When a language is lost, part of that culture is lost and this is why we want to keep our Greek culture alive because when language is preserved, the traditions and customs continue”.
The competition was made possible with a grant from the South Australian Hellenic Studies Foundation which supports Greek language programs including the popular Wiggles’ Learning Greek with Lucia.
Growing up in a bustling Greek Australian household in Sydney, footballer Nectarios Triantis was never far from a football – or chaos. One of ten siblings in a close-knit Orthodox family, his childhood was defined by faith, family, and flying footballs.
“It was never a dull moment!” he tells The Greek Herald. “I’m one of 10 – seven boys and three girls – and I’m the youngest boy and second youngest overall. Everyone played soccer growing up, kicking balls around the house, breaking vases.”
Now 22, Triantis is one of Australia’s brightest defensive prospects, having made the jump from the A-League to English club Sunderland, followed by an 18-month loan spell at Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership. The transition, he admits, hasn’t always been easy.
“It’s been a rollercoaster,” he reflects. “Coming from Australia straight to England, then getting loaned to Scotland – it was a big adjustment. But I feel I’ve adjusted now to the UK style of football and lifestyle. I feel much more comfortable.”
For Triantis, culture has never been just background noise. It has formed the very core of who he is – both on and off the pitch.
“Growing up in a Greek Orthodox household, I think the values instilled in me have really helped me progress in my career and as a person too,” he explains. “Discipline is the biggest one that stands out. That, and the great work ethic.”
His strong sense of identity extends to the pitch, where he finds himself torn between two national teams. A regular in Australia’s youth ranks, he has yet to be capped at senior level – and is open to playing for either Greece or Australia.
“My heart’s not fully decided at the moment,” he says candidly. “There’s been interest from both nations… I’m open to both. There’s a place in my heart for Greece and Australia.”
“I’ve had discussions with Greece. They’re open to the possibility,” he confirms. “It’s not something I’ve fully committed to or shut down. Everything’s very open.”
As for what would tip the scales? “I think it’s wherever my heart takes me,” he says. “I’m giving it time to settle, to clear the dust. It’s really about where I feel most at home and comfortable.”
“That was during a time when I was still deciding my international future,” he shares. “That camp could’ve been a deciding factor… so I took that time away from the international window.”
Back in Australia for a short break before heading to pre-season with Sunderland, he’s refreshed and focused. “I feel good. I’ve had time to rest and recover. I’m ready to go again with Sunderland.”
While he’s firmly committed to performing at club level, the dream of representing a nation at a major tournament still burns brightly.
“I know the feeling from a youth level and it’s always an honour to represent a country. So whatever path I go down at an international level, it’s always a great honour,” he says.
Triantis credits his family – and their traditional values – for giving him the support he needed to pursue football overseas.
“They were very supportive. Being such a close-knit family, it was hard for my mum to let her child go overseas alone, but they never held me back,” he recalls. “They fully supported me.”
It hasn’t been without cost.
“You don’t see your family – you’re alone for 11 months of the year,” he admits. “It’s not just a one hour flight or car ride to go see your family. It’s an 11-hour time difference on a 24-hour flight. There’s a lot that you have to sacrifice. But if you want that for your career, you have to be willing to make those sacrifices.”
For young Greek Australian players dreaming of Europe, Triantis offers straightforward but powerful advice: “Whatever you choose to do, give it your maximum effort. It comes down to hard work and dedication.”
As he prepares for the next chapter of his career, whether under the Greek flag or the green and gold, one thing is certain – Triantis carries his heritage with pride and his purpose with clarity.
Greek-Victorian bar owner, Isabella (Bella) Spasis, hosted a remarkable event at her venue, ‘The Dog’s Bar’ early on Sunday morning, July 6.
Announced by the Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks, accompanied by the Member for Albert Park, Nina Taylor, Music Victoria CEO Fiona Brooks and Multicultural Arts CEO Lauren Mullings, a new boost package of more than $3 million has just been dedicated to supporting the struggling live music sector.
Building upon an earlier $8 million commitment (over $35 million all up, for every level of the music industry), these extra funds will actively support live music venues like ‘The Dog’s Bar’ via the ’10,000 Gigs’ program, fund existing and new music festivals, and help musical artists and performers build their stagecraft and touring skills so that they not only entertain Victorians but build their brand domestically and internationally.
For Bella and her business partner Luke, this is a very big deal: as Bella put it live to news cameras, “With ‘The Dog’s Bar’ having proudly supported live music for decades, we are facing the twin-fold and immense challenges of a winter slowdown and ever-rising costs. Almost every week, Luke and I hear of yet another live music venue being forced to close their doors… But we refuse to give up. Not on our dream, not on our musicians and not on our community.’
Bella Spasis (with her two beloved dogs on the sofa), MP Nina Taylor and Minister Colin Brooks.
Bella stood in good company. Johnny Iodice, owner of the equally-iconic ‘The Vineyard’ was there to support her and heartily agreed with Bella’s belief that the ’10,000 Gigs’ grant was vital to their survival.
“[The grant] will allow us to continue offering live music every day that we’re open, keeping artists in work, audiences engaged and the spirit of St Kilda alive… It means so much to all of us to keep live music going,” Johnny said.
A fortunate recipient of two rounds of this funding, ‘The Vineyard’ owner went further: “I employ over twenty staff and many dozens of musicians and singers every month and with the cost-of-living crisis ‘The Vineyard’ might be a goner without this state government support. Not only is live music the very heart and soul of venues like mine and Bella’s, but can any of us imagine a world in which this art form is lost to us because no-one cared enough to help us during tough times?”
Rapper Tebir chatting with MP Nina Taylor; visible in the background is local musician (from the UK) Matt Lack (L) while Bella’s business and life partner Luke McDonald (R) is doing his best Billy Idol impersonation behind the bar.
‘The Dog’s Bar’ was filled with Victorian musical talent that morning, too, all of whom were delighted that their industry had been thrown such a lifeline.
While songwriter, rapper and dancer, Tebir, played live for the assembly – having gained his experience touring with artists like Chris Brown and Ice Cube – I chatted with three of these Victorian musical identities.
Rock ‘n roller, Envy Marshall, has just hit the number one chart spot in Ukraine, Germany and Luxembourg and told me that, “If I can do it, anyone can. Of course, they need a very strong work ethic, some real talent and lots of support to reach for the stars.”
Founder of RIPE hiphop and radio host of ‘KickinitwithKatija’ on KISS FM, Katija Burcul, agreed with Envy: “We’ve made our following and brand a part of ‘The Vineyard’ identity and if that venue somehow doesn’t survive, then a key slice of the 18 – 25 youth music market might just disappear.”
Jacqui Hamilton, lead singer of the ABBA tribute band, BABBA, and about to launch her Karen Carpenter and Olivia Newton John tribute show, spoke fondly of St Kilda venues like ‘The Dog’s Bar’ and ‘The Vineyard’: “Not only have I been endlessly entertained at these venues over the years, but I’ve been inspired by many of the acts which began there and went onto great success. It can be all too easily forgotten that the Arts are big business and these venues help create the Aussie superstars of the future.”
Yet more St Kilda-based musical identities: Jarrad Nicholas, Envy Marshall and Mark Edge.
MP Nina Taylor wrapped up the morning’s uplifting proceedings with her own summary, “Albert Park [her electorate] is a hub for live music, with iconic venues and festivals lighting up St Kilda and South Melbourne – and this investment will help keep that local energy alive, while supporting local artists and businesses.”
I’ve written it before, but I’ll state it again: as Plato once put it, “Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness, gaiety and life to everything. It is the essence of order and leads to all that is good and just and beautiful.’ Long may it be so within St Kilda, Victoria and beyond.
*Dr. John A. Martino is a disabled ADF veteran, holds a PhD in the Classics and is a committed advocate for the Arts. He is the author of ‘Olympia: The Birth of the Games’ and is now working to have his debut novel transformed into a feature film.
The Greek Orthodox Community Home for the Aged played host to the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis, and some of its major donors, allowing them to witness firsthand the great work they do in taking care of our elderly.
The Consul General and donors were given a guided tour of the facility on Saturday, July 5, meeting with its staff and residents.
The tour took the group past numerous parts of the Home, including various rooms that have been dedicated to donors and supporters.
Among the major donors and supporters recognised on the tour were:
Bill and Kathleen Drakopoulos
Danny and Peter Delimitrios of Pinnacle Cleaning
John and Katherine Assarapin
The Tsilimos family – In memory of Michael Tsilimos
Nia Karteris – In memory of Lambros Karteris
Also present at the event was Sophie Cotsis, NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, who is the local member for the facility.
Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) President Harry Danalis thanked everyone for their attendance and noted that “without the help of the community, it would be very difficult to run such a facility.”
(L-R) Consul General Ioannis Mallikourtis, Sophie Cotsis MP, and Harry Danalis.(L-R) Harry Danalis, Nia Karteris, and Consul General Ioannis Mallikourtis.
Mr Mallikourtis was left very impressed with how well-organised the facility is during his first visit of the inside area, having only visited once before for the Australia Day BBQ earlier this year.
“It is very clean and there is a flavour of Greece everywhere,” he said.
The Consul General stressed the significance of such a facility in taking care of our elderly (many of whom migrated to Australia), especially since the Greek community is an aging one. He particularly praised the generous support of the donors.
“This is what we have to see amongst the community, generous donations in all fields, whether it is for the preservation of the Greek language or for aged care facilities,” he said.
Consul General speaks.
Bill Drakopoulos, one of the donors present, expressed his joy in being among those to lend their support.
“It warms my heart that we, as a community, are able to assist in the twilight years of those that looked after us. I think that is the most beautiful thing and I think that separates civilisation from non-civilisation,” he said.
Mr Drakopoulos said the desire to help was instilled in him by his parents and something he and his wife aim to pass on to their now adult children.
Sophie Cotsis MP.Bill Drakopoulos.
Ms Cotsis, representing the NSW Government which has also lent its support to the facility through grants, commended the staff for its stellar work, highlighting specifically its recent recognition as first in Australia for food satisfaction among its residents.
“I want to acknowledge and recognise the donors who are here today and for their contribution, because they have seen the work of the staff and they have seen the great care they take and their professionalism,” Ms Cotsis said.
“Government will always support facilities like these ones. As the local member, I am even more proud of the work they do here.”
During the tour, the visitors first stopped by a room dedicated to Michael Tsilimos, a beloved figure of the GOCNSW who spent decades working for the betterment of the community as a whole until his death earlier this year.
Michael Tsilimos’ family.
Stavros Tsilimos, Michael’s son and one of the members of the family present at the visit, said it was a great feeling seeing the room dedicated to his father’s memory.
“To see Dad honoured in this way knowing how much effort he put into helping not just the aged care home but the whole Greek community, it is an absolute honour for me, Mum and our entire family,” he said.
He also emphasised the significance of the donors who lend financial support to the Home.
“A facility like this can’t just rely on the staff here. It can’t just rely on the members of the board or the members of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW. It needs the help from families, friends, anyone within the community who is willing to support,” Mr Tsilimos said.
“These people here have lived amazing lives and they need to make sure their final years are filled with comfort and having a great time as well. We need to give back to the people who gave us so much.”
With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Father Athanasios Giatsios has been appointed as the new Orthodox Chaplain at Macquarie University, marking a significant step forward in fostering spiritual life and Hellenic identity on campus.
In his new role, Fr Athanasios – who is also parish priest at the Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Kogarah – has already begun forging strong connections with the university community.
He recently met with key figures including Dr Patricia Koromvokis, Head of Modern Greek Studies, Paris Paranomos, President of the Macquarie University Greek Students Association (MUGA), and Alexander Justinek, a student and member of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship, SOFIA MQ.
The meeting focused on exciting collaborative efforts to grow and promote the Orthodox presence on campus, particularly through SOFIA MQ. A dedicated space for regular fellowship gatherings has already been secured, providing a spiritual home for Orthodox students to come together.
In a warm gesture of welcome, Fr Athanasios was gifted a MUGA hoodie by Ms Paranomos – a symbol of the growing unity between the Greek student community and the Orthodox chaplaincy.
Entrepreneur Spiro Pappas, Founder and CEO of Eureka-Tec, was honoured at the Emirates Business Awards 2025, held on July 4 at the Marriott Al Jaddaf in Dubai.
The award recognises his pioneering work in sustainable vehicle innovation and his leadership in advancing eco-friendly transportation solutions.
Eureka-Tec, under Pappas’ guidance, has been at the forefront of developing green technologies that aim to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental sustainability in the transportation sector. The company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability has positioned it as a leader in the field of eco-friendly vehicle solutions.
Beyond his role at Eureka-Tec, Pappas has an extensive background in the financial services and technology industries, having held senior positions at institutions such as the National Australia Bank (NAB), where he served as Executive General Manager of Global Institutional Banking, CEO of Asia, and Executive General Manager of International and Innovation. He has also worked with Deutsche Bank and ABN AMRO in various leadership capacities.
The Emirates Business Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across various industries, recognising individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to their fields.
Pappas’ recognition at this prestigious event underscores his commitment to driving positive change through sustainable business practices.
An Oakleigh man nearly fell off his chair when he spotted his lottery numbers played faithfully for 40 years, printed in the newspaper, revealing a $1 million Weekday Windfall win.
The Melburnian held the only division one winning entry in Weekday Windfall draw 4568, drawn Friday, 4 July 2025. He looks forward to a neat $1 million.
The devoted grandfather shared he had long dreamt of the day his favourite numbers, chosen when he was just 18, would finally be drawn.
“You beauty!” he laughed.
“It’s been so surreal. I’ve played these exact numbers since I was 18 years old and I’m now in my 60s.
“I remember sitting at a pub when I was 18, and across the pub was a newsagency. I went into the newsagency and the bloke behind the counter chose the numbers for me.
“I remember back in the day when you used to have to fill out your lottery numbers on a carbon copy every time, so it didn’t take long to remember each number one by one.
“It’s funny, I had actually found out the win by a fluke. I was sitting there reading the paper and I noticed the first two numbers in the lottery results section were my numbers.
“I just had this feeling that I had won something big. I kept reading, and they were all my numbers! I couldn’t believe it.
“I raced inside and grabbed my ticket. I went straight to the newsagency and saw Julie, who works at East Boundary Road Lotto.
“She took my ticket and fed it through the machine and that’s when the balloons started to come.
“She said to me, ‘You’ve won! You’re the winner!’ and I immediately said, ‘This is a joke!’. I think she was more excited than me because I just couldn’t comprehend the news.”
When asked how he planned to enjoy his new millionaire status, the long-time player revealed he was upgrading his family holiday to a first-class experience.
“We’ve already booked a family holiday, but we’re thinking of upgrading the flights to first class. The first thing my wife said when I told her about the win was, ‘I’m going to shout myself first-class!” he said.
“We’ve also booked an appointment with a financial advisor, and we will see him to discuss how we can best maximise the prize.
“I’ve told my children and they’re also super stoked.”
His winning marked 4-game entry was purchased at East Boundary Road Lotto, 1/251 East Boundary Road, Bentleigh East.
East Boundary Road Lotto owner Tran Julie said it was an honour to be part of the life-changing moment.
“I was absolutely thrilled. It’s always an incredible feeling to know that someone’s life has just changed forever, and that it happened right here in our store!” she said.
“We feel lucky and proud to have been part of such a special moment. Many customers have come in to congratulate us and buy a ticket, hoping to be the next big winner!
“We’ve sold four division one and 12 division two winning entries over the past three years. It’s a great achievement and we’re proud to be considered a “lucky store” by our community.
“A big congratulations to our lucky winner! We hope this prize brings happiness, security, and new opportunities.
“We also wish good luck to all our customers — hopefully, the next big winner will be one of you!”
The winning numbers in Weekday Windfall on 4 July 2025 were 33, 23, 14, 21, 3 and 7, while the supplementary numbers were 26 and 5.
Across Australia, there was one division one winning entry in Weekday Windfall in Victoria.
The Lott’s division one winning tally has now reached 226 so far in 2025, including 52 won by Tatts customers.
In 2024, Weekday Windfall (formerly Monday & Wednesday Lotto) created 102 millionaires across Australia.
During this time, there were 105 division one winning Weekday Windfall (formerly Monday & Wednesday Lotto) entries across Australia, which collectively won $105 million.
The ceremonial hall of the Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece, nestled beneath the Sacred Rock of one of the world’s most significant cultural monuments, was transformed into a vibrant microcosm of the Greek Australian community on Monday evening, July 7.
This was the setting for the opening of the 1st Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers titled “Safeguarding Democracy, the Rule of Law, and Justice – Global Challenges and the Role of Artificial Intelligence.”
More than 600 legal professionals gathered at the birthplace of democracy with the shared goal of establishing a lasting institution that reflects the global unity of the Greek legal diaspora. The event was co-organised by the Plenary of the Greek Bar Associations, the Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association, the Cyprus Bar Association, and the Hellenic Lawyers Association of New York.
Greek legal bodies, diaspora communities, and Philhellenes from across the globe united to honour shared ideals, strengthen international legal ties, and promote Greek values through dialogue and cultural exchange.
(L-R) Hon. Chief Justice Chris Kourakis of the Supreme Court of SA, The Hon. Stephen Gageler AC, Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, His Excellency Constantine Tassoulas, President of the Hellenic Republic.
Opening the proceedings, President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas remarked that the conference was a “rare and valuable example of cross-border cooperation.”
He highlighted the symbolic power of hosting such an initiative “in the country where democracy was born,” adding that it aims to “promote cooperation among Greek heritage lawyers working in different countries.”
Tasoulas stressed the universality of Hellenic values and the enduring bonds of Hellenism across borders, saying this collective effort reflects the “responsibility to ensure that the pillars of Hellenism continue to flourish in every corner of the world.”
President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas (second from right) opened the event.
Deputy Foreign Minister for Greeks Abroad, Ioannis Loverdos, expressed his excitement about reconnecting with the diaspora in person. Confirming his upcoming trip to Australia in October, he shared his joy at being “among so many lawyers from New York and Australia” and remarked warmly that Greece is “very proud” of their work.
The importance of defending legal norms and human rights in uncertain times was highlighted by Australian Ambassador to Greece, Alison Duncan. She underlined that “now more than ever, it is crucial that legal professionals around the world safeguard the rule of law and ensure that fundamental rights and freedoms are protected.” She emphasised the need for unity, warning that these principles are “becoming blurred and undermined,” and called on the global legal community “to stand together to defend them.”
Australian Ambassador to Greece, Alison Duncan.President of the Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association, Joseph Tsalanidis.
For Greek Minister for Justice, George Floridis, the conference marked a significant contribution to public legal discourse. He said the global initiative by Hellenic lawyers to engage with urgent issues such as democracy, justice and the rule of law – especially in light of the rapid development of artificial intelligence – “should take root and evolve into a permanent institution for essential reflection on the future of democracy in our country.”
A particularly moving moment came from President of the Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association, Joseph Tsalanidis, who emotionally thanked the organisers for honouring both Greek and Philhellene legal professionals.
Recalling a past conference held in Rhodes in 2018, Tsalanidis shared that he had brought something symbolic from the island – a bottle filled with “air from Rhodes.” Holding up the small transparent vial, he announced to the audience that he was now “ready to release it and fill it again,” a gesture that drew applause from the audience.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas used the occasion to make pointed comments about the handling of the Tempi train disaster case, the status of Open Universities, and the ongoing surveillance scandal – issues currently dominating national debate.
Further insights into the evolving challenges posed by artificial intelligence were shared by Marios Hartsiotes, Minister of Justice and Public Order of the Republic of Cyprus, Dimitrios Vervesos, President of the Plenary of Greek Bar Associations, George Zapantis, Chairman of Hellenic Lawyers Association of New York, and Michael Vorkas, President of Cyprus Bar Association.
The 1st Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers is set to conclude on Thursday, July 10. Organisers hope the gathering will mark the beginning of a global institution that connects Hellenic legal professionals – from Australia to the farthest reaches of the diaspora – through a shared commitment to democracy, justice, and Hellenic ideals.
*All photos copyright Panagiotis Dalatariof / The Greek Herald
