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Niki Louca shares her much-loved recipe for Bergamot Glyko (Spoon Sweet)

The Greek Herald
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Niki Louca shares her much-loved recipe for Bergamot Glyko (Spoon Sweet)

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for Bergamot Glyko (Spoon Sweet) with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram @mygreekkitchen for more!

Ingredients:

  • 10 Bergamot
  • 1 kg granulated sugar
  • 1-2 cups water
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 20 toothpicks
  • 2 capfuls of rose water (optional)

Method:

  1. Wash the pergamot and dry.  Using the fine side of a grater, grate the zest from the pergamot (do not throw away, can be used for cakes, biscuits, risottos etc).
  2. Cut the top and bottoms of the bergamot and using a sharp knife score the peel into equal quarters.  Gently peel them away from the fruit and remove as much of the pith as possible (the white bit).
  3. Bring a large pot of hot water to a boil and throw in all the bergamot quartered peels.  Leave them in the pot for approximately 2-3 minutes so they soften and become more pliable to roll.  After 2-3 minutes remove from boiling water and drain them in a colander.  Discard the water.
  4. Once they’re cool enough to handle, roll each peel tightly and thread it through the toothpick.  Repeat with all the peels, putting 2 on each toothpick.
  5. In your pot you used before, refill with fresh water and bring to the boil again.  Add the threaded bergamot peels gently into the pot of boiling water and let them boil away for 5 minutes.  Once again, after the 5 minutes are over, remove them from the hot water and drain them.
  6. Repeat step 5 four more times, using fresh water each time.  We do this to get rid of the bitterness in the peel.  This will be a total of 5 times.  The last time you do this, leave bergamot to cook for 15 minutes, and then leave them in the pot of hot water till they completely cool down in the water.  Drain away the NEXT day.
  7. Now, using the same pot with no water in it, put the bergamot back in the pot (still with the toothpicks) and cover with the sugar.  Leave it till the sugar has diluted down with any residue water from the peel.  Now add 1 cup of water and gently stir the sugar making sure you don’t break any of the bergamot.  Add the cinnamon stick and rose water if using.  Bring it to boil on medium heat for about 25-30 minutes.  Leave it overnight in the pot with lid on.  Remove the toothpicks the next day.
  8. Next and last day, place them on the heat again, add some water if you see they are too dry and bring them to a boil on medium heat and simmer for a good hour.  Try some to see if the bitterness has gone – the fruit will naturally be a little bitter but pleasant to the palette.  If it’s still bitter keep cooking it for a further 20-30 minutes, also check that the syrup is ready.  Stir and skim occasionally.  Once done, cool completely and place in sterilised jars.

Niki Louca runs cooking classes in Melbourne. For more or to book classes visit My Greek Kitchen at www.mygreekkitchen.com.au or Instagram @mygreekkitchen. You can email Niki at: niki@mygreekkitchen.com.au.

George Stathakis: The Greek chef who challenged Niagara Falls

The Greek Herald
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George Stathakis: The Greek chef who challenged Niagara Falls

In 1930, George Stathakis, a Greek immigrant and chef living in Buffalo, New York, set out to achieve fame through a daring stunt—plunging over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

At 46, Stathakis had dreams beyond the kitchen. Hoping to gain recognition and fund a book on metaphysical experiences, he designed a custom barrel made of wood and steel, weighing nearly a ton. Against expert advice, he brought only one oxygen tank, confident it would be enough. He reportedly told others, “If I do not go out in three hours then there will be no reason to continue living anyway.”

According to en.famagusta.com, on July 5, 1930, in front of a crowd of onlookers and journalists, Stathakis entered the barrel along with his beloved pet turtle, Sonny—said to be 150 years old. After bidding farewell, he was sealed inside.

At 2:30 p.m., the barrel was released into the Niagara River and swept over the Horseshoe Falls. While Stathakis survived the fall itself, the barrel became lodged behind the cascade. Rescue efforts were delayed, and the air inside slowly ran out. After eight hours trapped, he suffocated.

Photo: famagusta.news

When the barrel was finally opened, Sonny the turtle was miraculously alive. Stathakis, however, had died from lack of oxygen. One of the hatch screws had come loose, allowing water to seep in, but it was the prolonged wait that proved fatal.

Stathakis had hinted at his fate in a poetic message published beforehand: “Gods of Niagara, be prepared on July 5 to receive your faithful follower… Accept my sacrifice…”

His barrel, still bearing the scratches from his desperate final hours, is now displayed at the Niagara Daredevil Exhibit—a haunting reminder of a man who risked everything for a dream of immortality.

Source: en.famagusta.com

Amorgos enacts historic fishing ban after 90% stock decline

The Greek Herald
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Amorgos enacts historic fishing ban after 90% stock decline

Amorgos, a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, is introducing its first-ever fishing ban after local fishermen reported a staggering 90% drop in fish stocks over the past 20 years, ekathimerini.com, has reported.

According to an article by Lina Giannarou, pending government approval, the new rules will enforce full fishing bans in three key areas—Katapola, Nikouria, and Gramvousa—for a minimum of five years. In addition, all fishing within 1.5 miles of the island will be suspended during April and May, the peak spawning season.

“There is no other choice. There are no fish. Compared to 20 years ago, the decline is 90%,” said Captain Michalis Vekris, who operates a large fishing vessel out of Aigiali.

The effort, known as Amorgorama, began in 2019 when local fishers joined forces to protect their waters, overcoming early doubts. The island’s entire fishing community, including all 40 members of the Amorgos Fishermen’s Association and the owner of its only trawler, backed the plan.

Michalis Krosman, head of the association, said the sharp drop became evident around 2010. “For many years we thought fish would never run out,” he said.

During the spring closure, fishermen will take on coastal cleanup work and begin transitioning to more sustainable practices. This includes using larger nets and hooks to avoid catching juvenile fish and reduce ecological damage.

The ban marks a significant shift in local attitudes toward marine conservation and aims to restore marine life for future generations.

Source: ekathimerini.com

Greece imposes cruise tourist tax on popular islands

The Greek Herald
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Greece imposes cruise tourist tax on popular islands

Greece has introduced a new tourist tax on cruise passengers docking at popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos. Ships will now be charged 20 euros ($23.62) per passenger, while those visiting smaller islands will pay five euros each, according to france24.com.

“In accordance with the law, the tax will be applied in Santorini, Mykonos and other islands in lesser measures,” a finance ministry spokesman told AFP.

The tax applies during the peak season, from June 1 to September 30, and is expected to generate up to 50 million euros annually. The move follows similar actions in Europe to manage rising tourism. Venice recently began charging day visitors, while Spain is cracking down on illegal rentals and limiting tourist vehicles in places like Ibiza.

Greece says the revenue will help improve overwhelmed infrastructure, particularly ports that struggle with multiple ship arrivals. Cruise tourism in Greece is booming, with 7.9 million passengers in 2024—up 13.2% from the previous year.

Santorini and Mykonos each saw over 1.3 million visitors in 2024, despite daily caps on cruise arrivals. Santorini continues to battle overcrowding, traffic, water shortages, and pollution.

Some locals complain cruise passengers stay only briefly and spend little. Others, like the head of the local port authority, oppose the tax altogether.

Athanasios Kousathanas-Megas urged the government to delay the rollout, saying the tax creates “unfair competition” between islands.

The cruise industry argues it contributes significantly to Greece’s economy, with passengers generating about $2 billion annually.

Greece welcomed 40.7 million tourists in 2024, up 12.8% from the year before.

Source: france24.com

St Nectarios Parish raises safety and planning concerns over 39-storey Burwood tower

Andriana Simos
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St Nectarios Parish raises safety and planning concerns over 39-storey Burwood tower

A proposed 39-storey tower in Burwood, Sydney has drawn significant criticism from both the local council and the neighbouring Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Saint Nectarios, who argue the development poses unresolved safety, planning, and heritage issues.

The glittering 144-metre residential and hotel complex, to be built at the corner of 2–4 Burleigh Street and 20–24 Railway Parade, is being fast-tracked as a state-significant development under new planning laws that allow for height and density incentives in exchange for affordable housing.

The $75 million project includes a hotel, commercial offices and 48 two-bedroom units, 18 of which will be affordable housing.

Saint Nectarios Parish calls for rethink

The Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Saint Nectarios – located directly opposite the proposed site – lodged a formal submission during the public exhibition period, raising four major concerns: building separation, overshadowing, traffic conflicts and pedestrian safety.

“While we acknowledge the importance of facilitating well-planned housing and community outcomes,” the submission states, “this proposal presents a series of significant and unresolved planning, design, and safety issues that directly impact our property, our parishioners, and the surrounding community.”

The Parish stressed that its community facilities at 5 Burleigh Street and its heritage-listed church at 26 Railway Parade are in constant use and serve vulnerable groups, including the elderly and children. These are “directly opposite the proposed development,” and the current plans, they argue, threaten the safety and amenity of those who visit.

An artist’s impression of the tower proposed for the site at Burwood.
The glittering 144-metre residential and hotel complex towers over the St Nectarios Parish at Burwood. Photo: PTI Architecture.

Planning and design failures

Chief among the Parish’s objections is the building’s western boundary setback. The current design includes a 6-metre setback, but under the Apartment Design Guide (ADG), a 12-metre separation is required for buildings over 25 metres high. The Parish argues that the shortfall would limit future development of their own property and compromise visual privacy standards.

“The proposed 6-metre setback from the western boundary is insufficient, and without adjustment, it would undermine the ability of our adjoining property to develop in a compliant and equitable manner,” the submission states.

Similar issues were flagged on the eastern side, where the tower borders a low-scale residential property. The Parish argues that the development may overshadow this home and lacks justification for its reduced setbacks.

Traffic and safety risks

The Parish is also concerned by traffic arrangements – particularly the placement of the porte-cochère vehicle exit, which connects directly to Burleigh Street at its junction with Railway Parade.

“This creates a high-risk traffic conflict zone,” the submission reads, “introducing serious operational and safety risks, both for motorists and pedestrians.”

With church services, feast days and community events attracting large numbers of people on foot, the Parish says there is “a clear safety risk to pedestrians, including members of our church community.”

The church is advocating for a formal pedestrian crossing at the junction, paid for by the developer, to protect worshippers and the public.

st-nectarios
The Parish is also concerned by traffic arrangements and the safety risk to parishioners.

Burwood Council and Community also object

The Parish’s submission aligns with the position of Burwood Council, which has also objected to the development. The council said the tower “treats the site in isolation,” lacks design excellence and fails to integrate with the surrounding streetscape.

“The development appears to have been designed in isolation, lacking a cohesive relationship with the character, scale and function of adjacent sites,” council said in its submission.

Local residents echoed those concerns, with some in nearby apartment towers worried about blocked views, reduced sunlight, property devaluation, and increased congestion. One submission described the plan as “overdevelopment, poor urban planning, and a blatant disregard for the established and growing community of Burwood.”

Others, however, welcomed the potential for more affordable housing. “Burwood is thriving because of new development,” said one supporter from Summer Hill, who noted that in-fill affordable housing is “essential to alleviate the housing crisis”.

Next steps

The NSW Department of Planning has asked the developer to respond to public submissions. A final decision will be made by Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully or his delegate.

Saint Nectarios Parish, while not opposing growth outright, has made its position clear: the current proposal must change.

“These issues are not minor or peripheral – they strike at the core of good planning practice and public domain safety,” their submission concludes. “We therefore urge the consent authority to refuse the application in its current form, and require that the proponent undertake substantial design modifications.”

Young professionals gather in Adelaide for networking night

The Greek Herald
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Young professionals gather in Adelaide for networking night

Over 70 young professionals and students gathered on Thursday, June 5, for the HACCI x HAL Youth Networking Night at HWL Ebsworth Lawyers (HWLE) in the Adelaide CBD.

The event, co-hosted by the Hellenic Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SA) and Hellenic Australian Lawyers (SA), brought together aspiring leaders from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, united by a common goal: to connect, share, and grow within Adelaide’s vibrant Hellenic-Australian community.

youth event south australia

Held in the elegant HWLE offices on Pirie Street, the evening provided the perfect setting for lively conversation and thoughtful reflection. Law students, early-career professionals, and mentors in fields including business, law, human resources, and public service exchanged ideas over drinks and mezethes.

Chaired by Alexandra Douvartzidis, Special Counsel at HWLE with assistance from the HACCI Events subcommittee and Ellie Vivlios on behalf of the SA Committee of Hellenic Australian Lawyers, the event reflected HACCI and HAL’s shared mission of creating space for the next generation to thrive, professionally and personally with a strong sense of cultural identity.

youth event south australia

A standout moment of the night was the guest speaker segment, which offered attendees meaningful insights into personal growth, professional strategy, and the Greek values that continue to inspire success.

Vas Marinos, Principal at Norman Waterhouse and HACCI SA Board Member, spoke passionately about filotimo describing it not simply as a virtue, but as a deeply rooted way of life that reflects integrity, honour, and community spirit.

Dr Sylvia Villios, Associate Dean at Adelaide Law School and Co-Chair of HACCI SA, spoke admirably about the importance of mentorship and opportunities for students and juniors.

Sofia Samson, a HR professional from HWLE, reminded attendees that “success isn’t linear,” offering practical advice on how to stay flexible and open to growth.

Thea Paleologos, a Senior Associate at Barry Nilsson, focused on the early years of a legal career urging attendees to remain curious, proactive, and unafraid to ask for help.

youth event south australia

Adrian Swale, a Partner at Commercial & Legal, shared insight on the importance of knowing your market, emphasising how understanding South Australia’s unique legal and business environment can open doors.

Christina Tsogas, a Special Counsel at T-Squared Legal who has worked across jurisdictions globally, encouraged young professionals to remain adaptable and embrace new experiences: “It’s okay to try something new, your path doesn’t have to be conventional.”

Each speaker brought a unique perspective, yet a common theme ran through the evening: the importance of authenticity, resilience, and connection.

youth event south australia

A vision for the future

With the success of this event and building on last year’s inaugural Youth Networking Night, HACCI SA and HAL are looking ahead to more opportunities to empower and support the next wave of Greek-Australian professionals.

Follow up initiatives, including one-on-one mentoring opportunities for members of HACCI and future youth related events, are already in the works.

As one attendee put it: “It’s more than just networking—it’s a reminder that you don’t have to do it alone.”

Top VCE honours for Hellenic heritage students across Victoria

The Greek Herald
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Top VCE honours for Hellenic heritage students across Victoria

Some of Victoria’s brightest Year 12 students have been recognised for their academic excellence at the Premier’s VCE Awards, held on Tuesday, July 2.

A total of 339 awards were presented to 315 students across a wide range of VCE studies, acknowledging not only their top academic results but also their determination, persistence and dedication to learning.

The prestigious ceremony was attended by Premier Jacinta Allan, Governor Margaret Gardner, education leaders, teachers and proud families.

Premier Allan praised the students for their hard work and resilience, particularly in the face of challenges that have marked recent school years.

“These awards celebrate not just academic success, but the effort and perseverance that define our young leaders of tomorrow,” she said.

Among this year’s honourees were at least 10 Australian students of Hellenic heritage, recognised across a diverse range of subjects including English, Physics, Philosophy, Community Services, and Greek language.

  • Georgi Demosthenous, John Monash Science School – Algorithmics (HESS)
  • Lachlan Courmadias, Camberwell Grammar School – Applied Computing: Software Development
  • Joanna Kallis, Braybrook College – Community Services (VCE VET)
  • Samuel Kakoufas, Caulfield Grammar School – English and Global Politics
  • Joseph Valcanas, De La Salle College – Geography
  • Kayla Gourvelos, Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School – Health and Human Development
  • Angelique Psegiannakis, Frankston High School – Philosophy
  • Xavier Kouris, St Joseph’s College, Ferntree Gully – Physics

These achievements reflect not only the academic strength of Victoria’s multicultural communities, but also the diverse talents of young people from all walks of life.

The Premier’s VCE Awards are considered one of the highest academic honours for secondary school students in Victoria, celebrating those who have achieved study scores in the top echelon of the state.

Remembering Con Poulos: A man of strength, service and heart

Andriana Simos
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Remembering Con Poulos: A man of strength, service and heart

The Canberra community gathered this week to farewell a beloved figure, Con Poulos (born Konstantinos Georgakopoulos), who passed away peacefully on 23 June 2025 at the age of 89. A first-generation Greek Australian, Con was a proud migrant, community leader, businessman, and above all, a devoted father, grandfather and friend.

Con was born in Dara, Arcadia in Greece in 1936, the adored first-born son of Athanacia and Theodoros Georgakopoulos. As the eldest sibling to Alexandra, Mary, Dina, Vicki and Aleko, he carried the weight of responsibility with pride, even as he left his mountain village behind in 1955 to board the Cyrenia for Australia in search of a better future. He wouldn’t see his parents or some of his siblings again for 18 years.

After arriving, Con spent time at the Bonegilla migrant camp, later working in Crookwell, Goulburn, and eventually settling in the city he would grow to call the best in the world – Canberra.

Con Poulos
Con Poulos

A life built on work and love

In 1959, Con met Judith Johnston, the woman who would become his wife. The story goes that she won him over by impressing him with her Greek coffee-making skills. They married in 1964 and raised their three children – Tania, Theo and Emilie – first in Downer, then in Duffy, where they built a home and a life filled with warmth, laughter and the rich traditions of their blended Greek and Australian heritage.

Con’s work ethic was legendary. He began as a sales representative, worked in cafes and restaurants, and eventually co-founded The Brass Cage in the newly opened Belconnen Mall in 1978. He later ran Le Café and Sweet Affair, holding businesses in the mall for over 16 years. His cafés were not just places to eat, but social hubs that served coffee, conversation, and community.

A legacy of service

Con Poulos

Beyond his professional success, Con dedicated much of his life to service. He was a passionate supporter of community and cultural life, serving on committees and boards for the Greek Orthodox Community of Canberra, AHEPA, the Hellenic Club, the Pan-Arcadian Association, Capital Football, Canberra Olympic, and more. He was President of the St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Parish and Community at Queanbeyan for over 20 years.

Con was especially passionate about football. He coached his son’s team in Weston Creek in the 1980s and later became a life member of Capital Football.

He was equally proud of the Hellenic Club, where he served on the Board and could often be found enjoying a rare steak or snapper in the bistro, followed by cards in the kafenio. He believed no other steak compared to the Club’s.

Con Poulos
Con Poulos

Fierce, funny and always real

Con was not one to hide his opinions. With a mix of gruff humour, dry sarcasm and no-nonsense honesty, he could disarm or offend in equal measure – but he was always authentic. You always knew where you stood with Con. His daughters joked that many people didn’t realise he was joking – but he was all bark and very little bite.

Though occasionally stubborn, Con was also deeply loyal, forgiving, and loving. He taught his family the value of strength, independence, service, and humour – and most importantly, the importance of being present for one another.

He adored his sons-in-law Tom and Johnny, daughter-in-law Jenny, and was a deeply proud Pappou to Harrison, Kosta, Dimity, George, Ioulia, Olivia and Annabelle.

In his final years, as his health declined, Con’s independence waned but his spirit endured. His family was grateful for the time they had, and that they could be by his side when he passed peacefully.

Con Poulos

A final farewell

Con’s funeral was held at St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Kingston on Tuesday, July 1, followed by his burial at Gungahlin Cemetery. Father Petros Kipouros provided spiritual comfort in his final weeks, a gesture the family deeply appreciated.

The family also offered heartfelt thanks to Peter Danassis, a loyal friend who regularly visited Con in aged care, and to Lisa Andonaros of the Hellenic Club, and Bill from William Cole Funerals, for their care and compassion during a difficult time.

In the words of Thucydides, which appeared on Con’s funeral notice: “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”

To Con – a life well lived, a legacy well loved.

Oakleigh Grammar celebrates IB MYP Evaluation success

The Greek Herald
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Oakleigh Grammar celebrates IB MYP Evaluation success

Oakleigh Grammar has announced the successful completion of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) Evaluation, which affirmed the school’s strong implementation of the globally recognised programme and its ongoing commitment to educational excellence.

The extensive evaluation process, which was facilitated by the School’s IB MYP Coordinator, Guanghua Wu, and other staff from the Middle School, highlighted Oakleigh Grammar’s dedication to delivering a holistic and inclusive education, underpinned by its core values and cultural heritage.

Commendations were made for the school’s balanced curriculum, its student wellbeing focus, and the rich opportunities it provides for academic growth, leadership, and global citizenship.

Since becoming an IB World School for the MYP in 2015, Oakleigh Grammar has developed a thriving programme for Years 6 to 9. Over the past decade, it has become a cornerstone of the school’s educational offering — fostering inquiry-based learning, intercultural understanding, and student agency.

Principal Robertson with Guang Wu
Principal Robertson with Guanghua Wu.

The report also acknowledged the school’s strategic efforts to meet the diverse needs of learners through the implementation of the Oakleigh Grammar Teaching and Learning Model and a variety of innovative programs including the Arrowsmith Program, The Leader in Me, Service learning, and a vibrant co-curricular calendar.

“I am delighted with the release of the final evaluation report,” Principal Mark Robertson said. “It demonstrates significant progress of student outcomes for the IB Middle Years Programme.”

With a multicultural student body representing over 40 different cultures, the MYP also supports the development of intercultural awareness, ethical leadership, and reflective thinking — delivering students a global education with a local impact. 

Oakleigh Grammar delivers a values-aligned education that blends academic rigour with personal growth. The programme mirrors the school’s values — Humility, Aspiration, Respect, and Kindness (HARK) — and cultivates a lifelong “Zest for Life” in every learner.

Valante Socratous named on NSW Teenage Sport Advisory Committee

The Greek Herald
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Valante Socratous named on NSW Teenage Sport Advisory Committee

A young woman from Mosman is helping shape the future of sport for girls across New South Wales, following her appointment to the Minns Labor Government’s first-ever Teenage Advisory Committee, an initiative under the Play Her Way Strategy.

Valante Socratous, 19, is one of just eight young women selected state-wide to join the committee, which will advise the NSW Government on improving opportunities and retention for girls in sport.

“Given that the future of women’s sport in Australia lies in the hands of the young women that aspire to be great, I believe the Advisory Committee will give me a real avenue to help turn this vision into reality,” Socratous said.

The committee was established in response to a significant participation gap, with research showing a 23 per cent drop in sport participation among girls aged 15–17 compared to boys. It aims to bring the voices of teenage girls directly into the conversation, helping shape programs and policies that better reflect their needs and experiences.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper praised the initiative as a “fresh approach” to government strategy.

The committee members, aged 16 to 19 and from diverse locations and backgrounds, will work alongside government officials over the next four years as part of the broader Play Her Way plan to ensure every girl and woman in NSW can “play sport her way.”

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