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Pan-Laconian Association of NSW raise $10,000 for Children’s Cancer Institute

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Pan-Laconian Association of NSW raise $10,000 for Children’s Cancer Institute

The Pan-Laconian Association of NSW “The Spartans” hosted its annual Fundraising Dinner for the Children’s Cancer Institute over the weekend, raising just over $10,000 to support vital research into childhood cancer.

Held at The Grand Roxy in Brighton-Le-Sands, the event drew a vibrant crowd of supporters from across Sydney, including families, friends, and long-time members of the community. 

The evening combined music, laughter and purpose, with guests uniting around a cause that touched hearts across all generations.

The venue came alive as guests mingled, exchanged stories and reconnected with familiar faces. Children danced alongside their parents and grandparents, creating a powerful image of unity. 

The atmosphere was one of warmth and pride, a testament to the enduring bonds that keep the Laconian community in Sydney strong.

A night of heart, heritage and unity

In her opening address, President Mary Skalkos welcomed guests, expressing her gratitude to everyone who attended and supported the Association’s mission. 

She acknowledged the presence of community leaders and presidents from other Greek organisations, the donors who provided raffle prizes, and those who contributed behind the scenes.

“It’s wonderful to see so many familiar faces – parents, grandparents and children – all coming together to share our proud Laconian legacy,” Mrs Skalkos said. 

“Tonight’s cause is one that is close to my heart, and I’m sure to many of yours, as we unite to help children who are suffering. The Children’s Cancer Institute does extraordinary work, and every contribution helps give these children a chance at life.”

Mrs Skalkos reflected on the success of the Association’s previous dinner dance, which raised funds for the Children’s Hospital Foundation, and thanked Bill Mougios and the team at The Grand Roxy for their ongoing hospitality. She also praised the committee’s dedication and the volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring the night together.

The evening’s Master of Ceremonies, Peter Kokinakos, guided the program with warmth, keeping guests engaged through speeches, music and dancing. 

A highlight of the night was the address by Dr Maria Tsoli from the Children’s Cancer Institute, whose presentation on advances in childhood cancer research left many inspired and hopeful.

As the night continued, excitement built during the raffle draws, which featured an array of generous prizes donated by local businesses and community supporters. Laughter, applause and good-natured anticipation filled the room as winners were announced – another reminder of the community’s generosity and spirit of giving.

When the final tickets were drawn, the lights dimmed and the dance floor once again filled with energy. DJ George kept the celebrations going well into the night, with traditional Greek dances bringing together young and old in joyful harmony. The sight of multiple generations dancing side by side perfectly captured the Association’s enduring purpose – preserving culture through connection.

The Pan-Laconian Association NSW continues to uphold its mission of preserving Laconian culture and values through fellowship, philanthropy, and the strength of multigenerational participation.

As Mrs Skalkos concluded, “Our lives are more beautiful when we share them with others.”

Israeli Ambassador visits offices of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Adelaide

The Greek Herald
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Israeli Ambassador visits offices of the Greek Orthodox Diocese of Adelaide

The Greek Orthodox Diocese of Adelaide welcomed the Ambassador of Israel to Australia, His Excellency Amir Maimon, on Monday, November 3, during an official visit to the Diocesan Offices.

The Ambassador was received by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, alongside John Kiosoglous, Archon Ekdikos of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and several clergy members.

Bishop Silouan expressed his gratitude for the visit, acknowledging the historical ties between Christian and Jewish traditions and outlining the ongoing mission of the Orthodox Church in South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Ambassador Maimon thanked the Diocese for the warm welcome and emphasised the importance of continued cooperation between the Greek Orthodox Church and the Israeli community in cultural, educational, and humanitarian initiatives.

The visit concluded with a tour of the Archiepiscopal Church of St Sophia, where Bishop Silouan shared the history of the former Anglican church and the Diocese’s pastoral work in the region.

Archbishop Makarios to receive Honorary Doctorate from University of Thessaly

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Archbishop Makarios to receive Honorary Doctorate from University of Thessaly

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia will be conferred the title of Honorary Doctor of the Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly.

The investiture will take place on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, at 7pm in the “Hippocrates” Amphitheatre at the University’s Viopolis campus in Larissa.

Proceedings will open with an address by Rector Professor Charalambos Billinis, followed by a laudation delivered by Professor Athanasios Giannoukas, Chair of Vascular Surgery.

The President of the Department, Professor Aristidis Zibis, will then read the Senate Resolution, proclaim the Honorary Doctorate, and present the Diploma and Insignia to the Archbishop.

Archbishop Makarios will deliver a keynote address titled “‘I Seek Man’ on the Highways of the Internet: Relationships and Dependencies in the Digital Age.”

This distinction strengthens the close relationship between His Eminence and the University of Thessaly, where he previously served as a Visiting Professor in the Department of Medicine.

ANZ challenges $100m claim from former trader Etienne Alexiou

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ANZ challenges $100m claim from former trader Etienne Alexiou

ANZ is contesting a claim by its former star trader Etienne Alexiou, who alleges he would have earned $100 million had he not been dismissed in 2015.

The bank argues he would have made far less if he had remained.

Alexiou, the bank’s former head of global balance sheet trading, says he was wrongfully terminated after blowing the whistle on misconduct involving the manipulation of the bank bill swap rate, a key benchmark affecting mortgage and credit card rates.

According to AFR, ANZ later admitted to unconscionable conduct and paid a $50 million settlement in 2017.

The bank maintains Alexiou was dismissed for breaching its code of conduct by sending offensive messages.

After dropping an earlier $30 million claim in 2016, Alexiou revived his case under whistleblower provisions and is now pursuing $100 million.

In the Federal Court, ANZ’s barrister Robert Pietriche challenged expert evidence from remuneration consultant Zoe Lockyer, who estimated Alexiou’s lost bonuses could have reached $3–5 million annually.

Pietriche argued those assumptions were inflated, noting ANZ’s 2019 remuneration changes reduced trader bonuses and that senior managers typically remain in such roles only five to six years.

Lockyer defended her assessment, saying Alexiou’s “performance ratings were consistently at the top level” and he had received a $3.6 million sign-on bonus, typical for “professionals with high talent.”

Earlier, former ANZ chief executive Shayne Elliott testified that while he had no direct insight into Alexiou’s performance, the “large amounts of equity” awarded to him indicated he “had certainly performed well in certain aspects.”

The high-profile trial, now in its fifth week, continues in the Federal Court.

Source: AFR.

Amanda Bardas appointed head of Val Morgan Digital

The Greek Herald
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Amanda Bardas appointed head of Val Morgan Digital

Amanda Bardas has been promoted to head of Val Morgan Digital, succeeding Brian Florido, who departed earlier this month.

Bardas joined the company in 2019 as executive editor before becoming publisher, a role in which she was recognised as Mumbrella Publish’s ‘Leader of the Year’ in 2024 for her work across titles including Buzzfeed, Popsugar, Ladbible, and Gamespot.

She brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as executive editor at Pedestrian Group and editor of lifestyle titles at Allure Media.

Hoyts CEO Damian Keogh praised Bardas as “integral in growing Val Morgan Digital to the publishing powerhouse it is today,” adding that “Amanda’s leadership and extensive expertise make her the ideal person to guide the business through its next phase of growth.”

Bardas said she was honoured to take on the position: “It’s a privilege to step into this role and lead our incredibly talented and passionate team. We’re perfectly positioned to propel the business forward and continue our expansion – deepening our connection with youth audiences across Australia.”

The appointment follows Val Morgan Digital’s recent closure of its local content site The Latch, which shut down on September 30 as the company refocuses on its global publishing brands, LADbible, BuzzFeed, Tasty, Fandom, and POPSUGAR.

Greece renews UNESCO appeal for return of Parthenon Marbles

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Greece renews UNESCO appeal for return of Parthenon Marbles

At the 43rd UNESCO General Conference, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni renewed Greece’s longstanding call for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Athens, urging member states to back what she called a “just and deeply symbolic cause.”

“The Parthenon is a unique monument, a global symbol of democracy and an unparalleled artistic achievement; a heritage that belongs not only to Greece but to all of humanity,” Mendoni said.

Reaffirming Greece’s “unwavering” stance on the reunification of the sculptures, she emphasised that the Parthenon must be restored to its full integrity as “an indivisible artistic whole” at the Acropolis Museum.

Mendoni also addressed the illicit trafficking of cultural goods, calling for stronger international collaboration and public awareness to safeguard cultural heritage.

She highlighted Greece’s continued global advocacy, referencing her participation at the Mondiacult 2025 Conference in Barcelona, where she underscored the need to protect heritage from both human and natural threats.

The minister noted Greece’s recent submission to UNESCO to include the Mount Olympus region on the World Heritage List, and the growing recognition of February 9 as World Greek Language Day.

The Parthenon Marbles, ripped off the Acropolis in the early 19th century by Lord Elgin and now housed in the British Museum, remain a central issue between Greece and the UK.

The dispute has been on UNESCO’s agenda for over 40 years, with mounting international support for their eventual return to Athens.

Source: tovima.com

Sydney travel agent admits $77,000 fraud after cancelling international trips

The Greek Herald
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Sydney travel agent admits $77,000 fraud after cancelling international trips

A Sydney travel agent has pleaded guilty to a fraudulent scheme that saw her pocket more than $77,000 by secretly cancelling clients’ international flights, including trips to Greece, Portugal, Lebanon and Iran.

Zahra Rachid, the 54-year-old director of Travel World Arncliffe, admitted to eight counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception in 2023 and 2024.

According to court documents, Rachid booked flights for customers but cancelled them shortly after, keeping the refunds for herself.

Many victims only discovered the fraud when attempting to confirm travel details – or, in one case, while standing at Sydney International Airport ready to board a flight to Athens.

Photo: Nine.

That traveller had paid $2499 for an Etihad ticket to Greece in February 2024, unaware Rachid had cancelled the booking the same day.

Another customer lost more than $50,000 meant for business-class flights and accommodation for a family holiday to Lebanon and Portugal.

Court records show Rachid’s agency was in financial crisis at the time, with its bank account in negative balance on 837 occasions between January 2023 and June 2024.

Rachid originally faced 82 charges, but 72 were withdrawn. She will be sentenced in Downing Local Court in January.

Source: 9News.

Nick Kyrgios set for ‘Battle of the Sexes’ showdown with Aryna Sabalenka in Dubai

The Greek Herald
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Nick Kyrgios set for ‘Battle of the Sexes’ showdown with Aryna Sabalenka in Dubai

Greek Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios will return to the court on December 28 to face world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in a “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition match in Dubai, organisers confirmed on Tuesday, November 4.

The event evokes the historic 1973 clash between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, a defining moment in the fight for gender equality in sport.

“When the World No.1 challenges you, you answer the call,” said Kyrgios, 30, who has not played since March and is currently ranked 652nd.

“I’ve got massive respect for Aryna; she’s a powerhouse and a true champion. But I’ve never backed down from a challenge, and I’m not just here to play – I’m here to entertain. Dubai, get ready for a show.”

According to The Daily Telegraph, Sabalenka, competing this week at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, said she was honoured to follow in King’s footsteps.

“I have so much respect for Billie Jean King and what she has done for the women’s game,” the four-time Grand Slam champion said.

“I’m proud to represent women’s tennis and to be part of this modern take of the iconic Battle of the Sexes match.”

She added with confidence, “Make no mistake, I’m ready to bring my A-game.”

The fiery exhibition was first sparked when Kyrgios claimed during the US Open in September that he could easily defeat Sabalenka, setting up one of the most talked-about tennis showdowns of the year.

Source: Daily Telegraph.

Kimberly Guilfoyle presents credentials as new US Ambassador to Greece

The Greek Herald
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Kimberly Guilfoyle presents credentials as new US Ambassador to Greece

The new US Ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, officially presented her credentials to President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas on Tuesday, November 4, during a ceremony at the Presidential Mansion in Athens.

Escorted by Lieutenant Athanasios Noulas of the Presidential Guard and accompanied by members of the US diplomatic mission, Guilfoyle met privately with the president for more than half an hour following the formal presentation.

Beforehand, President Tasoulas lightheartedly remarked on the intense media interest in her arrival, telling her, “As you can see, there’s been great anticipation for your arrival–just look at the photographers.”

Guilfoyle, who called her return to Greece a “wonderful experience,” revealed her personal ties to the country, recalling that she covered the 2004 Athens Olympic Games for ABC and even spent her honeymoon in Greece.

When the president asked where, she replied, “Both,” naming Hydra, Corfu, Mykonos, and Santorini, prompting him to joke, “The honeymoon was wonderful.”

The ambassador also shared that she began studying ancient Greek history at age 18 under Professor Spyridakis.

Following the ceremony, Guilfoyle met with Foreign Minister Giorgios Gerapetritis, where both reaffirmed the strong US-Greece relationship and agreed to continue deepening bilateral and strategic cooperation.

She is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday, November 5.

Djokovic triumphs in first Greek appearance

The Greek Herald
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Djokovic triumphs in first Greek appearance

Novak Djokovic made a winning debut in Greece on Tuesday, November 4, defeating Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo 7-6(3), 6-1 at the Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship in Athens.

The top seed was tested early by his familiar rival before finding his rhythm to delight the local crowd and advance to his 225th tour-level quarter-final, marking appearances in 25 different countries.

“It feels really at home, playing in Athens,” said Djokovic, who recently relocated to the Greek capital.

“A few months ago when I came here with my family, I was very excited because I have always loved Greece. Serbians love Greece, for sure… Athens is in my heart, no question about it.”

Having lost to Tabilo on clay in Rome last year and Monte-Carlo earlier this season, Djokovic earned revenge in their first hard-court meeting, denying the Chilean a chance to join Roger Federer as the only men to open their series with three straight wins over him.

“Playing against Tabilo, who I had never won against… I really tried to draw the energy from the crowd,” Djokovic said, easing concerns about his late-season fitness and extending his 28-0 record this year after winning the first set.

Djokovic will face Portugal’s Nuno Borges or American qualifier Eliot Spizzirri in the quarter-finals.

Source: ATP Tour.

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