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Faith and community shine at St Dimitrios Feast Day and Salisbury’s Premier Greek Festival

The Greek Herald
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Faith and community shine at St Dimitrios Feast Day and Salisbury’s Premier Greek Festival

The northern suburbs of Adelaide were filled with colour, song, and community spirit as hundreds gathered at St Dimitrios Greek Orthodox Church in Salisbury to honour their patron saint, Saint Dimitrios the Myrrh-Streamer, and to celebrate Greek culture at Salisbury’s Premier Greek Festival. 

The day was marked by faith, fellowship, and the shared joy of a growing community united in both tradition and love.

The celebrations began on Saturday, October 25 with the Great Vespers and concluded on Sunday, October 26 with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide together with Orthodox clergy from Adelaide. 

His Grace conveyed the blessings and paternal love of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, expressing the unity of the Church and the spiritual care that bind Orthodox faithful across the nation. More than 600 worshippers filled the church to honour the Great Martyr.

At the conclusion of the service, the icon of Saint Dimitrios was carried in procession around the church as hymns of praise and thanksgiving filled the courtyard. 

Bishop Silouan reminded the faithful that the Saint remains an enduring model of courage and steadfast faith. He also offered heartfelt thanks to the clergy, the parish council, and the volunteers for their devotion and service.

After the Liturgy, the church courtyard became a vibrant centre of Hellenic culture, Orthodox faith, and community fellowship. 

The Panigiri, known as Salisbury’s Premier Greek Festival, welcomed around 1,600 people, making it one of the largest Greek community events held in the northern suburbs of Adelaide in recent years. 

Visitors enjoyed traditional food, live music, and dancing in the spring sunshine as generations gathered to celebrate both faith and heritage.

Parish Priest Fr Michael Psaromatis thanked parishioners, volunteers, sponsors, and civic partners for their support. He described the Panigiri as “not merely a cultural event, but a living expression of faith, service, and love within our community.” 

He also extended condolences on behalf of the parish to John Fulbrook MP, Member for Playford and a long-time friend of the community, on the recent passing of his beloved wife Briony.

Distinguished guests included Bishop Silouan, Hon. Tom Koutsantonis MP, Treasurer of South Australia and Minister for Energy and Mining, Denis Hood MLC, representing the Leader of the Opposition, Michael Brown MP for Florey, Tony Zappia MP for Makin, Chloe Kourakis of the South Australian Multicultural Commission, and Konnie Agalianos, President of the Pan-Macedonian Federation of South Australia.

During the official proceedings, Treasurer Mr Koutsantonis announced a new $20,000 grant to help cover the costs of the Panigiri Festival, in addition to the $5,000 Celebrate Together grant previously provided by Multicultural Affairs. He praised Bishop Silouan, Fr Michael, and the parish for their ongoing contribution to the spiritual and multicultural life of South Australia. 

The parish also expressed gratitude to the City of Salisbury Council for its $35,000 capital grant, which made possible the renovation of the front narthex entrance and the replacement of the old air-conditioning units, creating a brighter and more welcoming church for all.

The festival reflected a true spirit of community. Dozens of volunteers, both young and old, worked for weeks to prepare the grounds, food, and hospitality areas. 

Families gathered under the shade of olive trees while children enjoyed games, face painting, and a petting farm that brought delight to the youngest visitors.

Live music by Band Kosmos filled the air throughout the day, setting a joyful tone that brought everyone to their feet. The crowd was also treated to lively performances by the Pontian Dance Group, St George College Dance Group, Cypriot Dance Group, Cretan Dance Group, and the GOCSA Dance Academy, whose energy and enthusiasm captured the spirit of Greek tradition and unity.

This year’s Panigiri became a clear symbol of harmony and renewal, with young people leading the way. The strong presence of youth from across Adelaide reflected a spirit of togetherness and optimism. Those attending included members of Neolea SA, the Hellenic Collective, Greek Youth SA, Port Adelaide Youth, Norwood’s Ark, St Nectarios Croydon Park Youth, St Sophia Bowden Youth, and St Anthony Youth Prospect, along with many young representatives from other parishes, cultural organisations, and community groups.

For the first time, the GOCSA Dance Academy performed at an official event of the Diocese of Adelaide under the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. Their participation was warmly received, marking a moment of great joy and reconciliation after many decades of division within the Adelaide Greek community.

The festival also highlighted the charitable and missionary work of the St Dimitrios community. The parish continues to support the internal missions of the Diocese of Adelaide, with volunteers assisting rural parishes and diocesan outreach programs. 

Young members of the parish are active participants in the GO Youth Fellowship of the Diocese, an initiative that brings together youth in faith, service, and missionary work under the guidance of Bishop Silouan.

The spirit of service extends beyond Australia’s shores. Earlier this year, parishioners joined a mission trip to Fiji, where more than 150 family packs of food, clothing, and essential items were distributed to families in need. The team also prepared meals for children at St Tabitha’s Orthodox Orphanage in Saweni. This missionary work is complemented by the parish’s Winter and Christmas Hamper Drives, which provide assistance to families across Adelaide. 

Through ongoing cooperation with Mr Fulbrook MP and Mr Alipate Carlile from the Pacific Islands Labour Mobility Scheme (PALMS), the parish will also support Fijian and South Pacific Islander families living in the northern suburbs, extending both practical help and spiritual care.

Looking ahead, the parish of St Dimitrios will host a South Pacific Mission Fundraising Lunch at 12pm on Sunday, 7 December 2025, held with the blessings of Archbishop Makarios and in the presence of Bishop Silouan. 

On that same day, His Eminence Metropolitan Myron of New Zealand, who oversees the Orthodox Mission in Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa, will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at St Dimitrios and attend the fundraising event in support of the growing missionary work in the South Pacific.

As evening settled over Salisbury and the bells of Saint Dimitrios the Myrrh-Streamer rang across the neighbourhood, the joyful sounds of music, laughter, and prayer reflected a community alive in both spirit and service. 

As Bishop Silouan reminded those gathered, “Saint Dimitrios teaches us that true courage lies in love and sacrifice.” The feast day and festival together stood as a living witness to that truth — a community where faith, culture, and unity continue to grow hand in hand.

Canterbury-Bankstown Council to raise Greek flag annually for OXI Day and Independence Day

The Greek Herald
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Canterbury-Bankstown Council to raise Greek flag annually for OXI Day and Independence Day

The Canterbury-Bankstown Council has voted to raise the Greek flag annually at sites in Earlwood, Campsie, and Bankstown to mark OXI Day (28 October) and Greek Independence Day (25 March), following a motion put forward by Councillor Barbara Coorey during last week’s Council meeting.

Clr Coorey’s motion paid tribute to Greece’s historic defiance of fascism in 1940 when Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas responded “No” (“ΟΧΙ”) to Mussolini’s demand to occupy Greece. 

“Today, we stand against totalitarianism; today, we stand for independence,” her background statement reads, noting the significance of the day to Canterbury-Bankstown’s large Hellenic community – particularly in Earlwood, where nearly a third of residents are of Greek or Cypriot heritage.

The motion was carried as a matter by exception, meaning it was approved without debate as part of a bloc of uncontested items. Council minutes confirm the resolution was moved by Clr Abu-Samen and seconded by Clr Cahill, passing unanimously.

Under the decision, the Greek flag will now be raised each year outside the Earlwood Senior Citizens Centre, as well as at Council’s service centres in Campsie and Bankstown, in recognition of the enduring contribution of the Greek Australian community and the shared values of freedom and democracy that OXI Day and Independence Day represent.

The Council’s CEO noted that any costs associated with the flag raising would be minimal and absorbed within the existing operational plan.

Christian Tsangas named in Pararoos squad for Asian-Oceania Cup

The Greek Herald
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Christian Tsangas named in Pararoos squad for Asian-Oceania Cup

CommBank Pararoos Head Coach Kai Lammert has confirmed his squad to compete at the IFCPF Asian-Oceania Cup in Indonesia.

The CommBank Pararoos will assemble at Valentine Sports Park, Sydney from 8–11 November for a pre-departure training camp before flying to Surakarta City, Indonesia, where the tournament will be held from 12–23 November across UNS Stadium and Sriwedari Stadium.

Following the draw on 31 October, Australia were placed in Group A alongside hosts Indonesia and Japan.

While Japan are a familiar opponent through previous Asian-Oceania Cups and World Cups, the clash with Indonesia will mark the Pararoos’ first-ever meeting against the host nation. Malaysia, Iran, Thailand and South Korea make up Group B on the other side of the draw.

The tournament marks the CommBank Pararoos’ return to international competition since last year’s IFCPF World Cup in Spain, where they finished 13th against the world’s best. Ranked 12th globally, and the second-highest ranked team in the Asian-Oceania Cup behind Iran (2nd), the Pararoos will be determined to continue their upward trajectory.

At the 2023 edition of the Asian-Oceania Cup held in Melbourne, the Pararoos produced a spirited campaign to reach the final, falling 2–0 to a professional Iranian outfit after a brave defensive performance.

This year’s squad features a blend of youth and experience, including 11 players who represented Australia at last year’s World Cup. Josh De Silva, Connor Bunce and Tomas Scotti have earned recalls to the national team, further reinforcing the depth and competitiveness within the squad.

CommBank Pararoos and Australian football veteran David Barber will continue his everlasting career with over a century of caps in the green and gold, extending his record as the most capped international men’s player in Australian football history since making his debut against the Netherlands on October 27, 1999.

With preparations well underway, the CommBank Pararoos will be aiming to go one better in Indonesia and bring home their first-ever IFCPF Asian-Oceania title.

CommBank Pararoos Head Coach Kai Lammert, said:

“We’re really excited to be back playing international football again. It’s been a year since the World Cup in Spain, and the players and staff have been counting down the days to get back on the pitch and represent Australia.

“This squad has a great balance to it, we’re young, but we’ve also got a core group of players who have been part of the program for several years and know what it takes at this level. To have 11 players from last year’s World Cup squad is fantastic, and bringing in players like Josh, Connor and Tomas adds even more energy and depth to what’s already a strong group.

“The quality of opposition we’ll face in Indonesia will be extremely high. Teams like Iran, Japan and Thailand continue to raise the bar in our region, and we know we’ll have to be at our best in every single match.

“We want to perform to our potential, play our brand of football, and compete for a place in the final. A spot in the final will guarantee qualification for next year’s World Cup, and that’s our main objective. If we stick to our strengths and bring the same belief we’ve had in past camps, we’ll give ourselves every chance to achieve that.”

CommBank Pararoos Squad | 2025 IFCPF Asian-Oceania Cup in Indonesia

First NameSurnameMember Federation
RaffertyBaconFootball West
DavidBarberFootball QLD
JeremyBoyceFootball NSW
ConnorBunceFootball West
JoshDe SilvaFootball West
GiacomoIzzoFootball West
AlessandroLa VerghettaFootball West
LucLaunderCapital Football
TajLynchFootball NSW
WilliamMcGrathFootball NSW
AugustineMurphyFootball NSW
TomasScottiFootball NSW
ChristianTsangasFootball Victoria
Kaylanvan HeerFootball Victoria

IFCPF Asian-Oceania Cup in Indonesia
When: November 12-23, 2025
Where: Surakarta, Indonesia

Former Noah’s Backpackers property once owned by Jon Adgemis hits the market

The Greek Herald
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Former Noah’s Backpackers property once owned by Jon Adgemis hits the market

The former Noah’s Backpackers site in Bondi Beach, once the flagship property of bankrupt pub baron Jon Adgemis, has officially been listed for sale.

Adgemis, a former KPMG dealmaker who reportedly owes $1.8 billion, purchased the high-profile Campbell Parade site for $68 million in 2022.

He rebranded it as the South Bondi Hotel and secured council approval for a major redevelopment featuring a rooftop bar overlooking Bondi Beach.

Now under receivership with McGrathNicol, the Bondi property has been listed alongside the Hotel Diplomat in Potts Point, which Adgemis’ Public Hospitality Group acquired for $16.5 million in 2022.

Both are being marketed by HTL Property and Colliers.

Colliers’ Matthew Meynell called the former backpackers “a truly iconic beachfront property located at Sydney’s most famous beach” and “a rare blank canvas” that could become “a landmark that defines coastal living.”

The 866-square-metre block includes plans for 53 accommodation rooms and multiple bar areas.

The Diplomat Hotel is also expected to attract investor attention for its prime inner-city location and “vibrant urban culture.”

The sale follows a series of asset seizures linked to Adgemis’ financial collapse, including his family’s Rose Bay home, which sold for $12 million, and several Sydney pubs, among them The Empire Hotel in Annandale, The Exchange in Balmain, and Claridge House in Darlinghurst, now under lender control.

Adgemis founded Public Hospitality in 2021, growing it to 22 venues before its downfall under mounting debt.

UNESCO ratifies International Greek Language Day resolution

The Greek Herald
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UNESCO ratifies International Greek Language Day resolution

The UNESCO General Assembly has officially ratified a resolution recognising February 9 as International Greek Language Day, marking a significant milestone for Greece’s cultural diplomacy.

Speaking at the session in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni thanked member states for their support, calling the recognition “above all, a celebration of multilingualism.”

Australia was among the co-sponsors of the resolution, underscoring the strong cultural ties between the two nations.

With more than 500,000 Australians of Greek ancestry, the Greek language remains a vibrant part of Australia’s multicultural identity.

In a statement, Australia noted that Greek is the sixth most spoken language in the country and that it looks forward to “joining Greek communities across the nation in celebrating this day and honouring the cultural heritage that connects our nations.”

During her address, Mendoni also reaffirmed Greece’s unwavering stance on the reunification of the Parthenon Marbles, urging all UNESCO members to support what she described as a “just and deeply symbolic cause.”

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

“We firmly believe the Parthenon Sculptures must be reunited in their birthplace, at the Acropolis Museum.”

Mendoni further highlighted Greece’s recent cultural achievements within UNESCO, including the inscription of the Minoan Palatial Centres on the World Heritage List and the nomination of Mount Olympus as a candidate site.

She noted Greece’s continued commitment to protecting cultural heritage and combating the illicit trafficking of cultural goods, referencing the creation of the Greek Red List of Cultural Goods and UNESCO’s Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Goods.

Concluding her remarks, Mendoni thanked outgoing UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay for her leadership and congratulated Khaled El-Enany on his election as successor, expressing confidence in his vision to guide the organisation forward.

Sam Konstas left out of Australia’s Ashes squad

The Greek Herald
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Sam Konstas left out of Australia’s Ashes squad

Young batter Sam Konstas has been dropped from Australia’s Test squad for the first Ashes Test against England, with Tasmania opener Jake Weatherald handed his first international call-up.

Chair of selectors George Bailey confirmed the 15-man squad on Wednesday, November 5, saying the selection gives Australia “a host of options” ahead of the Perth Test.

Bailey praised Weatherald’s consistent form, 1,391 runs at an average of 53.50 over the past 14 months, but also noted that Konstas had taken his omission “very well.”

“Every conversation with Sam is a joy,” Bailey said.

“He’s got a great outlook on life. He remains incredibly upbeat. The scrutiny on him is almost unprecedented on some levels. We just talked about how he’s feeling and what we can do to support him. As complicated as we try and make cricket, really it’s about runs.”

Konstas’ exclusion comes after a challenging start to the domestic season.

Alex Hawke MP clashes with PM Anthony Albanese in fiery question time exchange

The Greek Herald
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Alex Hawke MP clashes with PM Anthony Albanese in fiery question time exchange

Question time erupted into chaos on Wednesday, November 5, after Liberal MP Alex Hawke launched an extraordinary verbal attack on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, calling him “a hopeless liar” during heated exchanges over climate targets, interest rates, and Coalition tensions.

The confrontation followed comments by Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who accused the Opposition of spreading “egregious lies” about government spending and interest rates.

Chalmers said Opposition Leader Sussan Ley had “completely untruthfully, dishonestly” claimed the Reserve Bank had criticised government spending, a remark that drew Hawke’s intervention under parliamentary rules prohibiting direct accusations of lying.

As Hawke rose to challenge the Treasurer’s remarks, Albanese reportedly called him “hopeless,” prompting Hawke’s outburst.

“No, you are hopeless and a liar. Lying to the Australian people,” Hawke shouted, pointing at the Prime Minister.

“If lying is in order… This is a liar. That is what we are debating here and I am happy to debate it.”

Speaker Milton Dick swiftly ordered both men to withdraw their remarks, ruling the accusations unparliamentary.

The clash came amid broader political turmoil, with Labor frontbencher Chris Bowen mocking the Opposition’s internal divisions, saying, “The party of Harold Holt is now the party of Andrew Bolt.”

Meanwhile, Nationals MP Michael McCormack urged colleagues to unite behind Sussan Ley, condemning anonymous Coalition members who had labelled Nationals MPs “terrorists” and “parasites.”

Despite the Speaker’s intervention, the fiery exchange between Hawke and Albanese underscored the mounting tension dominating Parliament this week.

Source: News.com.au.

Mitsotakis and Netanyahu discuss Gaza ceasefire and humanitarian aid

The Greek Herald
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Mitsotakis and Netanyahu discuss Gaza ceasefire and humanitarian aid

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, November 5, on a phone call, according to a government statement.

The two leaders discussed progress in implementing the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal.

Mitsotakis stressed the importance of an immediate de-escalation, ensuring the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the release of all hostages, the statement said.

Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis meets new US Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle

The Greek Herald
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Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis meets new US Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with Kimberly Guilfoyle, the new US Ambassador to Greece, on Wednesday at the Maximos Mansion in Athens, emphasising the strong relationship between the two nations and opportunities for deeper cooperation.

“We are very happy to welcome you, and you are coming at a time when Greek-American relations are at a historic high, without this meaning that we cannot improve them further,” Mitsotakis said.

The prime minister highlighted Greece’s position as a “pillar of regional stability” and a key player in energy collaboration, particularly ahead of the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC) conference in Athens, jointly organised by the US Department of Energy, Greece’s Ministry of Environment and Energy, and the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Centre.

“Greece is the entry point for liquefied natural gas throughout the region. The Vertical Corridor is also a project of strategic importance for Greece and the US, and we look forward to developing it further,” Mitsotakis added.

He also noted the upcoming 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence as a reminder of shared democratic values.

Ambassador Guilfoyle, who officially took office this week as the first US female ambassador to Greece, described her appointment as “an honour.”

She outlined plans for historical initiatives to mark the anniversary and highlighted the “3+1” strategic framework between Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the United States as a model of regional cooperation.

She said there are ongoing efforts to position Greece as an energy hub in the Eastern Mediterranean, noting the forthcoming visit of the US Secretary of the Interior and the active participation of American officials as a sign of a strong political and economic partnership.

Guilfoyle, a former California prosecutor and television personality, was sworn in on September 29, 2025, in Washington and presented her credentials to Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas on Tuesday, November 4.

Cyprus Capital faces ASIC court action amid shareholder backlash

The Greek Herald
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Cyprus Capital faces ASIC court action amid shareholder backlash

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued a Court Attendance Notice to Cyprus Capital Ltd, a company linked to the ongoing administration of the Cyprus Community of NSW Ltd, for allegedly failing to lodge its annual financial reports for the 2023 and 2024 financial years.

The matter has been listed in the Downing Centre Local Court as a criminal proceeding under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). ASIC alleges the company breached its statutory obligations to file financial statements – an offence that can attract fines or compliance orders if proven.

The notice, dated 16 October 2025, directs the company to appear before the court in early December 2025. ASIC said that despite the notice, the company remains legally obliged to file the overdue reports, warning that continued non-compliance may result in the regulator seeking an order compelling compliance.

According to ASIC records, Cyprus Capital Ltd’s current directors are Dorothy Bassil, Con Costa, and John Stassi.

Shareholder raises concern

In correspondence seen by The Greek Herald, one shareholder has written to the company’s directors expressing concern that the 30 June 2025 financial accounts have still not been circulated to investors.

“It has now been three consecutive years – 2023, 2024 and 2025 – for which shareholders have not been furnished with the required financial statements,” the shareholder wrote, adding that the “ongoing non-compliance and habitual delay” is causing concern among shareholders and their auditors.

The Greek Herald also spoke to a concerned shareholder who said they had only received a 15 per cent uplift of the 30 per cent return they were promised by Cyprus Capital. The shareholder said they were perplexed by this shortfall given that $5.9 million was paid by EY to Cyprus Capital during the administration process, which was described as being towards bonus and interest payments.

Cyprus Capital faces ASIC court action amid shareholder backlash
Cyprus Capital Ltd was established by individuals connected to the Cyprus Community of NSW.

During a shareholder meeting, Addisons Lawyers’ Pavlos Stavropoulos, representing Cyprus Capital, reportedly told investors that the 30 per cent profit uplift was never guaranteed, and that half of shareholders’ profits (15 per cent) had been used to cover legal costs – which the shareholder alleges are related to injunctions and proceedings against the Cyprus Community of NSW, including those connected to AGM and EGM disputes previously reported by The Greek Herald.

The shareholder further stated that investors were not notified or consulted before those legal proceedings were initiated or before a portion of their expected returns was allocated to legal costs. They said many shareholders were now 15 per cent short of their committed return and were seeking clarification from the company’s directors about how and why those decisions were made.

Previous court order

In December 2024, the NSW Supreme Court ordered that Cyprus Capital Ltd and co-plaintiff Dr Con Costa pay the legal costs of the Cyprus Community of NSW Ltd and its administrators, Ernst & Young, after losing their challenge to the validity of the Club’s administration.

Those costs remain outstanding and have not yet been paid.

Background

Cyprus Capital Ltd was established by individuals connected to the Cyprus Community of NSW during a period of financial uncertainty for the long-standing community club in Stanmore.

The company’s formation drew criticism from some members, who raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and a lack of transparency surrounding its intended role in the management or redevelopment of the Club’s assets.

In 2023, the Cyprus Community of NSW Ltd entered voluntary administration, with EY partners Morgan Kelly and David Hurst appointed as administrators. Since then, court filings, affidavits and member complaints have revealed deep divisions over governance, property ownership and accountability within the community organisation.

The Court Attendance Notice issued by ASIC marks the latest development in a series of compliance and governance challenges that have kept the Club and its related entities under public and regulatory scrutiny.

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